Europe’s Travel Reopening Update

Europe could restore its free-travel zone by mid-June and start lifting travel restrictions for countries outside the European Union by 1 July. This transition is vital for travelers seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage of Europe.

In March, nearly all European countries imposed stringent border controls due to the pandemic. However, with a steady decline in coronavirus infection rates, these barriers are beginning to diminish. Although there is no unified approach, and each member state retains autonomy over its border measures, the EU aims to restore the freedom of movement within the bloc by 15 June, while progressively reopening its borders to non-EU nations starting from 1 July.

According to Josep Borrell, the vice president of the European Commission, the reopening process will consider “principles and criteria,” grounded in a coordinated approach among member states. This indicates a need for regular agreement and assessment of a list outlining non-EU countries granted entry.

Nevertheless, the timeline for permitting US citizens to travel to and across the EU remains ambiguous. Countries such as Denmark have indicated the extension of their travel ban for several weeks, even for nations within the EU. Additionally, regions such as Spain, severely impacted by the pandemic, plan to welcome visitors only from countries where the virus is considerably controlled.

Current Restrictions for US Travelers

However, Portugal has announced plans to welcome travelers from the US, Canada, and Brazil when it lifts its border restrictions on 22 June. Moreover, US travelers can also visit the UK and Ireland, albeit with a requirement to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Consequently, the ongoing fluidity of the situation, along with US government advisories against non-essential travel, suggests that a European summer holiday may not be feasible for many US travelers at this time.