Your Essential Guide to Traveling in Europe This Summer

What can you expect when traveling to Europe this summer? Generally, a more relaxed experience compared to the previous two years with most restrictions scrapped or reduced significantly. However, there are some questions you need to ask yourself to ensure you’re prepared before heading to the airport.

Is Your Passport Valid?

First things first: check to make sure your passport is valid. It must be less than 10 years old (five years for children) and—this is where sometimes people get caught out—your passport must have at least three months left before it expires on the date you plan to leave your European destination and return home. Though the advice from the US Department of State is to have at least six months’ validity remaining on your passport whenever you travel abroad.

Over the past few years, processing times for passports have increased, with routine processing currently taking between eight and 11 weeks. That’s twice as long as it took in 2019. The US Department of State warns that processing times only begin the day they receive your passport, not the day you mail your application or apply in a processing center. Therefore, make sure to get your application in as soon as possible if your passport has expired or is about to.

Do You Need to Bring Your Vaccination Certificate?

Most countries in Europe have dropped pandemic entry restrictions, but not all. Countries such as Italy, France, Spain, and Germany still require some proof of vaccination or testing from Americans for entry. Therefore, check the embassy page of your chosen destination ahead of your flight to ensure you meet the latest requirements.

Can You Arrive at the Airport Early?

As Americans look to resume international travel, airports are experiencing delays at security lines and check-in desks. Consequently, it’s prudent to arrive at the terminal early and leave plenty of time for taxis and public transport.

The same advice applies for your return journey. However, you may need to be extra vigilant with your timing abroad, as many airports in Europe are experiencing significant delays brought about by staff shortages. Following the Easter travel period, airports in the UK, the Netherlands, and Ireland continue facing challenges as summer travel picks up. The forecast for the weeks ahead isn’t optimistic either. Europe’s trade body for airports, Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, confirmed that summer travel will likely suffer from ongoing disruptions due to staffing shortages.

Have You Packed a Face Mask?

On May 11, European Union officials agreed that face masks won’t be required on flights and in airports in the EU starting May 16. However, member states can still set their own rules, and some, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Germany, have decided to retain mask mandates. Airlines can also establish their own guidelines, so it’s advisable to check your carrier’s policy before flying.

While most countries have dropped indoor and outdoor mask mandates, you may still need one when boarding public transport in places like Greece, Italy, Spain, and France. Additionally, face masks are required in all healthcare settings throughout Europe. It’s a good idea to have one in your luggage before heading to the airport.

Have You Scheduled a COVID-19 Test for Your Return Flight?

The US still requires that all airline passengers over the age of two entering from a foreign country present a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight home. The test must be taken no more than one day before departure. You can opt for either a PCR or an antigen test, but it must be lab-administered at a pharmacy or clinic. Costs can vary depending on the country you are visiting, so it’s advisable to check ahead and factor this into your budget.

Additionally, you’ll be required to retain a paper or digital copy of your negative test result to present it to your airline before boarding your flight. If you’ve recovered from the virus within the last six months, you won’t need to get tested but must show your recovery certificate instead.