Europe is Open for Tourism!
The past 15 months have been so difficult for the travel industry and for those of us who have a passion for vacationing in Europe, exploring its magical cities, experiencing the food and wine of each country, and finding off the beaten path gems.
Well, the time has come… On June 18th, the United States was added to the European Union's list of countries approved for entry. This gives the EU countries (who had not yet opened to Americans), green light to lift restrictions on US travelers. However, each country in Europe has the final say on exactly what its requirements will be for travelers entering its borders.
Below I’m listing for you the current requirements for the 10 European countries most popular with our clients. For complete details on other countries please follow this link https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
Please note this information is provided for your convenience but it is subject to change. Please check the site above to confirm current requirements before making any reservations.
CROATIA
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, but only with evidence of accommodation paid in advance. In the case of a multi-destination visit, documentation showing paid accommodation for the first location is sufficient.
What are the entry requirements? A negative viral test result: PCR not older than 72 hours or rapid antigen test not older than 48 hours (counting from the time of taking the test to arriving at the border crossing point), OR a certificate of vaccination, OR proof of recovery from COVID-19: 1) a medical certificate or 2) a positive PCR or rapid antigen test performed in the last 12-180 days.
You must complete an entry form and upload required information and attachments ahead of arrival.
FRANCE
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? Fully vaccinated travelers can enter with proof of vaccination. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated require a negative PCR or antigen test performed within the 72 hours before entering France.
GREECE
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? You are required to present a negative PCR test for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before entry to Greece, or a negative antigen (rapid) test result performed up to 48 hours before entry to Greece OR fully vaccinated individuals who are residents of the U.S. may enter Greece without a PCR test if they present a vaccination certificate.
All travelers who are eligible to enter Greece must complete the Passenger Locator Form at least 48 hours before entering Greece.
ICELAND
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? Travelers need to have a certificate of full vaccination against COVID OR certificate of previous COVID infection. As of July 1, 2021, there is no longer a requirement for arrival testing for passengers vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it.
IRELAND
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, as of July 19th.
What are the entry requirements? Only vaccinated travelers will be allowed to enter the country.
ITALY
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? A negative Antigen or PCR test for COVID-19, performed up to 48 hours before arrival in Italy OR certificate of vaccination with the last vaccine at least 14 days before travel OR certificate of recovery from COVID dated no more than 6 months before arrival to Italy.
Passengers are required to complete the online digital Passenger Locator Form.
PORTUGAL
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to departure OR proof of recovery from the disease.
Travelers must complete a health questionnaire at least 72 hours before disembarking.
Please note additional measures are taken for traveling to The Azores and Madeira.
NETHERLANDS
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? As of June 24, 2021, US travelers are allowed to enter the Netherlands and are not required to show a negative test result nor have to go into self-quarantine.
SPAIN
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? Effective June 24, 2021, U.S. citizens can travel from the United States to Spain if they present a QR code generated through the Spain Health Travel portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the SpTH app in Google Play or App Store for each traveler. This code will be generated after completing the Health Control Form.
No requirement to be vaccinated or to have a negative COVID test.
SWITZERLAND
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
What are the entry requirements? You need to be fully vaccinated OR you need to present a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or a negative rapid antigen test (not older than 48 hours) before boarding.
You will need to complete an entry form before traveling.
As you can see each country has established its own requirements. I hope this list is helpful but please know that requirements change regularly so it is important to confirm before making reservations. It is also important to know that nonstop flights are key when traveling to Europe. If you plan on having a connecting flight you may need to abide by the first country’s requirements as well as your final destination.
Working with Distinct Vacations in reserving at any of our preferred properties, you may have access to flexible cancellation policies and special amenities (such as a spa credit, complimentary breakfast, and room upgrades).
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