COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for US Visitors to Europe
France joins European countries such as Spain and Denmark in tightening restrictions on US citizens, effectively banning unvaccinated Americans from entering as of September 12. This change follows the US being removed from the European Union’s “white list” of countries from which non-essential travel is permitted.
The white list includes countries from outside the EU that have low COVID-19 infection rates, thus deemed safe. Residents from these white list countries can enjoy quarantine-free travel to and within the EU, avoiding additional restrictions such as testing.
Previously, the US was added to the list on June 18 after reporting a decreasing trend in COVID-19 cases. Consequently, Americans could travel around several European countries with relative ease this summer, resembling the experience of EU residents. However, this situation changed last week when the US, along with five other regions – Israel, Lebanon, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia – were removed from the white list.
This decision correlates with the US surpassing the white list limit of 75 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over a 14-day period, alongside increasing hospitalizations across the nation. As a result, the EU may direct its 27 member states to reimpose a travel ban on US visitors, making it difficult for American tourists to travel to certain countries without restrictions.
How Does This Impact Your Trip to Europe?
The proposed restrictions are not binding, leaving it to individual countries to determine whether to implement them. However, it is likely that some nations may choose to allow tourists from the US who are able to prove vaccination status. Others may require additional testing or quarantine. Countries such as France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and Italy have updated their protocols for US visitors following the recent decisions.
Current Rules for US Tourists Visiting EU Countries
Austia
US citizens may travel to Austria with proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours, or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19.
Belgium
US citizens are permitted to travel to Belgium if they are fully vaccinated.
Bulgaria
The US is classified as a high-risk “red zone” in Bulgaria, which currently prohibits travel from the US.
Croatia
US citizens can enter Croatia with proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19.
Cyprus
Fully vaccinated US citizens may travel to Cyprus without restrictions, while unvaccinated tourists must provide a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before travel and complete a second rapid antigen test upon arrival.
Czech Republic
Travel to the Czech Republic is allowed for US citizens for non-essential reasons if they are fully vaccinated.
Denmark
Entry to Denmark requires US citizens to show proof of vaccination.
Estonia
US citizens may visit Estonia without any restrictions.
Finland
Travel to Finland for US citizens requires either proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19.
France
Vaccinated US travelers are welcome in France, but unvaccinated travelers face restrictions and can only enter under “essential travel” criteria, necessitating a negative COVID-19 test and a seven-day quarantine upon arrival.
Germany
Vaccinated US citizens can enter Germany without restrictions, while unvaccinated individuals must self-quarantine for 10 days, which may be reduced to five days with a negative COVID-19 test.
Greece
Travelers from the US must present proof of full vaccination, recovery from the virus, or a negative COVID-19 test to enter Greece.
Hungary
US citizens are not allowed to enter Hungary for non-essential travel.
Ireland
Arrivals from the US need to provide proof of full vaccination, recovery from the virus, or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Ireland.
Italy
Vaccinated US visitors must show proof of vaccination along with a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of their departure. Unvaccinated travelers are subject to a five-day quarantine followed by a negative test before leaving quarantine.
Latvia
US citizens cannot enter Latvia for non-essential travel.
Lithuania
Fully vaccinated US citizens can enter Lithuania without restrictions.
Luxembourg
Arrivals from the US must show proof of full vaccination, recovery from the virus, or a negative COVID-19 test result.
Malta
Fully vaccinated US citizens can travel to Malta without restrictions.
Netherlands
US travelers must self-quarantine for 10 days and present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. All travelers are subject to this requirement, regardless of vaccination status.
Poland
Fully vaccinated US citizens may enter Poland without restrictions.
Portugal
Vaccinated US citizens are allowed entry into Portugal with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.
Romania
Travelers from the US must present proof of vaccination, recovery from the virus, or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Romania.
Slovakia
Fully vaccinated US citizens may enter Slovakia without restrictions.
Slovenia
Fully vaccinated US citizens can enter Slovenia without any restrictions.
Spain
US travelers must provide proof of full vaccination for non-essential travel to Spain.
Sweden
As of September 6, US residents are not permitted to enter Sweden for non-essential travel, regardless of vaccination status, until at least October 31.
It is crucial to remember that the above entry regulations typically apply when departing from the US. If US citizens have transited or spent time in designated high-risk or virus-variant areas, additional restrictions may apply based on the destination.
In light of the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, ensure you stay updated with the latest information relevant to your travel plans. Each US embassy provides dedicated resources on COVID-19, including information on testing, vaccination, and quarantine rules, along with entry and exit requirements for Americans.
