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where can i travel in europe

Where Can I Travel in Europe Now? The List Keeps Growing…

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A year after most countries in Europe (and across the globe) shut down their borders to Americans, transatlantic travel is back on the menu.

One by one, a handful of countries across the continent have already restarted international travel with testing and/or vaccination requirements. There are popular tourist destinations along with off-the-beaten-path gems across Eastern Europe. And that list is only likely to grow, as the European Commission pushes countries throughout the European Union to accept international visitors, too, eventually accepting a “digital green certificate” to prove their vaccination status for entry.

So if you've caught yourself wondering “Where can I travel in Europe?” as summer approaches, we've got you covered with what's already open … along with some insight on what other countries might be coming soon.

Keep in mind: American travelers still currently need to provide a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight back to the U.S. … regardless of their vaccination status.

 

Croatia

Proof of vaccination accepted? Yes

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes, if not vaccinated.

More info on the U.S. embassy page.

Croatia was one of the first European countries to reopen to international travelers back in 2020. By the fall, the country locked back down until restarting travel in late March 2021.

All foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, can now enter Croatia for tourism. You can get into Croatia up to four different ways:

  • Provide negative results from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival.
  • Show a certificate of vaccination with a final dose administered at least 14 days prior to entry.
  • You can enter with a medical certificate showing a positive COVID-19 test and recovery 11 to 180 days prior to arrival.
  • Take a PCR or rapid antigen test upon arrival (at your own expense), and self-isolate until a negative result comes back.

Travelers must also show they have proof of prepaid accommodation in Croatia for entry.

 

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Other restrictions in Croatia: Masks are required in all indoor spaces throughout Croatia, as well as outdoor spaces where you can't keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters (about 5 feet). All events must stop by 10 p.m., as does serving alcohol. Most restaurants are doing outdoor service only.

 

Cyprus

Proof of vaccination accepted? No.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes.

More info on the Cyrpus U.S. embassy page.

This tiny Mediterranean island off the coast of Turkey has a big reputation for travel – especially among Europeans. And it's back open to travelers from across the globe.

U.S. citizens can currently enter Cyprus and skip self-isolation if they have uploaded proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding a flight to Cyprus. They must also complete another test upon arrival at their own expense, for about $30. All travelers also have to fill out a “Cyprus Flight Pass” form.

Other restrictions in Cyprus: A nationwide curfew is still in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Face masks are required both indoors and outdoors for anyone 12 and older. Restaurants across Cyprus are still only serving takeout.

 

Georgia

Proof of vaccination accepted? Yes.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes, if not vaccinated.

More info on the Georgia U.S. embassy site.

This rugged eastern European gem has been welcoming travelers from the U.S. for several months.

Travelers who have completed all required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be required to show negative tests or quarantine on arrival in Georgia.

Otherwise, travelers can show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers without proof of vaccination will be required to take a second PCR test at their own expense on their third day in the country.

Other restrictions in Georgia: There's a nationwide curfew in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Face masks are required in all indoor spaces.

 

Greece

Proof of vaccination accepted? Yes.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes, if not vaccinated.

More info on the Greek government’s travel page.

Greece was prepared to open to travelers sometime in May 2021. Then it jumped the gun and opened even earlier.

As of April 19, Greece allows fully vaccinated travelers from a handful of countries (including the U.S., United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and others) to enter the country. All the vaccines approved for usage in the U.S. are allowed, but you must have received your final vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to arrival. You must arrive through one of nine major Greek airports, including Athens (ATH), Mykonos (JMK), or Santorini (JTR).

Otherwise, Greece will also allow travelers entry who provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. All travelers are required to fill out a Passenger Location Form the day before arrival, and some arrivals will be randomly screened with a rapid antigen test.

Other restrictions in Greece: Greece is cautiously emerging from a nationwide lockdown, which could make a trip to Greece in the near future somewhat troublesome even if you can get in. Restaurants and bars finally started to reopen as of May 3 – with only outdoor seating. A travel ban between different regions of Greece will be in place through at least May 10.

A curfew remains in place from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Masks are mandatory both indoors and outdoors.

 

Iceland

Proof of vaccination accepted? Yes.

COVID-19 test for entry? Also required upon arrival.

More info on the Iceland U.S. Embassy website.

Iceland became the first country in Western Europe to reopen to American travelers way back in mid-March.

Iceland’s borders are now open to all travelers who have been fully vaccinated, with no quarantine requirements. No matter your vaccination status, you'll also need to take a free PCR test upon arrival.

Tourists who can provide proof of previous COVID-19 infection and recovery are also welcome. But a negative COVID-19 test alone is not enough to get into Iceland.

 

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Other restrictions in Iceland: Face masks are required across the island. There is no curfew in place, but restaurants have tight capacity limits and must close by 10 p.m.

 

Moldova

Proof of vaccination? No.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes.

More info on the Moldova U.S. Embassy page.

Travelers are permitted to enter Moldova but must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Children under 5 are exempt.

Other restrictions in Moldova: Masks are required throughout the country, with heavy fines even for failing to wear a mask properly.

 

Montenegro

Proof of vaccination? Yes.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes.

More info on the Montenegro U.S. Embassy page.

Tourists are allowed to enter Montenegro with proof of vaccination at least seven days prior to arrival. Travelers can also enter with a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel.

Other restrictions in Montenegro: A nationwide curfew is in place from 12 a.m. until 5 a.m. daily. Masks must be worn indoors and outdoors except while eating.

 

North Macedonia

Proof of vaccination? No.

COVID-19 test for entry? No.

More info on the North Macedonia U.S. embassy page.

American travelers are welcome in North Macedonia. There are no requirements for a COVID-19 test or a quarantine – unless if you're arriving from certain countries in Africa, India, or Brazil, in which case a 14-day quarantine is required.

Other restrictions in North Macedonia: Social distancing measures are in place across the country, and face masks are required in both indoor and outdoor public spaces.

 

Serbia

Proof of vaccination? No.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes.

More info on the Serbia U.S. embassy site.

This Balkan country opened to U.S. travelers back in December 2020 with some stringent testing requirements.

Foreigner travelers seeking to enter Serbia will need to provide a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. Children under 12 accompanying an adult with a negative test are exempt.

Other restrictions: Face masks are still required and social distancing measures are in place. Restaurants throughout Serbia are open only for takeout or outdoor dining.

 

Turkey

Proof of vaccination? No.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes.

More info at the Turkey U.S. Embassy site.

Is it Europe? Is it the Middle East? Is it Asia? It's a bit of all three. But Turkey has been open to tourists throughout nearly all the pandemic, including Americans.

But after months with no testing requirements, all travelers must now present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Children 6 and under are exempt.

 

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Other restrictions in Turkey: Turkey imposed a nationwide lockdown that is currently set to last through at least May 17 in a bid to curb a COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

 

Ukraine

Proof of vaccination? No.

COVID-19 test for entry? Yes.

More info at the Ukraine U.S. Embassy site.

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Ukraine if they provide negative COVID-19 test results taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Children under 12 are exempt. All visitors must also have medical insurance covering all expenses related to COVID-19 treatment while on the territory of Ukraine.

Other restrictions in Ukraine: Ukraine is in the midst of an “adaptive quarantine” with restrictions that vary by region. Across the country, masks are required in all public indoor spaces.

 

Coming Soon

The list of European countries welcoming Americans just keeps growing. And with several popular destinations making plans to reopen to international travel, that's unlikely to change.

Keep in mind that these timelines could change, so be sure to double- and triple-check before planning any travel.

 

France

Just this week, French President Emmanuel Macron laid out a tentative plan to allow foreign travelers – including Americans – back into France starting June 9, 2021. The current plans would require either proof of vaccination or a recent negative PCR test result.

Read more on France’s plan to reopen to Americans

 

Italy

While the rest of Europe plots its reopening plan, Italy is getting ahead.

Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced this week that Italy will open to foreign visitors sometime in mid-May. While Draghi mentioned an “Italy Pass” that would allow travelers to prove their vaccination status, the details on what will be required for entry are not year clear.

Read more on Italy's aim to restart travel this month!

Spain

Spanish tourism officials have also said they hope to resume international travel sometime in June after a pilot project in May. However, Spanish Tourism Minister Fernando Valdés told BBC News its plan hinges on the European Union’s broader efforts to reopen with a digital vaccine passport program.

 

United Kingdom

London is calling, and many travelers are getting ready to answer.

Talks of a possible travel corridor between the U.S. and U.K. have been swirling for months. The Gulf Times reports the U.K. is preparing to resume international travel, but it's currently unclear exactly where Americans will fall in that new travel regime.

 

Bottom Line

Slowly but surely, countries across Europe are reopening their borders to American travelers, making a potential trip across the pond possible even in 2021.

With ongoing travel and safety restrictions in place and fewer flights to get there, it may not be easy. But day by day, a return to Europe is becoming more and more realistic.

 

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

3 Responses

  • I am wondering how does these reopening plans work when the USA still has travel bans on tourists arriving from European countries due to covid

    • That does not apply to U.S. citizens. Though keep in mind that U.S. citizens do still need to get a negative COVID test in order to board their flight home.

  • I’m a US citizen and plan to travel to Spain at the end of June. I’m wondering if I can go thru Zürich as my one stop.

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