Pandemic travel news: US borders open as more of Europe is rated very high risk

US extends vaccine requirement for non-US travelers until January 8

The U.S. is open to tourists from all countries without testing requirement but vaccination is still required for all non-US citizens/residents.

US Reopening Tourism – LATEST UPDATES

November 10: TSA extended the vaccine mandate for non-US visitors

On November 7, the U.S. extended vaccine mandate for travelers until January 8. All non-US visitors still need to show a proof of the full vaccination against Covid-19. (Source: precisionvaccinations.com)

How can unvaccinated travel to the U.S.?

The only way unvaccinated travelers can visit the U.S. is to meet one of the exceptions. You can find all the details about exceptions on the C.D.C website.

Exceptions:

• Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel
• Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
• Children under 18 years of age
• Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception
• Sea crew members traveling with to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa
• Persons with valid visas [excluding B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas] who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability (See list for updates effective June 28, 2022)
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age)
• Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)

U.S. Reopening FAQs

Yes, U.S. requires proof of a Covid vaccine for land border crossinngs until at least January 8.

No, the testing required to enter the U.S. was dropped in June 2022 for all travelers entering.

Yes, the U.S. is fully open for regular tourism but the Covid-19 vaccine is still required.

The United States is still requiring Covid vaccine from non-US travelers and TSA has recently extended the mandate until at least January 8.

Even tho Covid restrictions and requirements are slowly losing importance around the world, there are more than 100 countries that still require Covid vaccines or tests for travel, and the U.S. is one of them.

November 2: Puerto Rico Officials scrap COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Oct. 31

Puerto Rican officials just lifted the island’s COVID-19-related domestic regulations as of Oct. 31. Facemasks are no longer necessary for attendees at events with more than 1,000 participants. Additionally, event goers are no longer needed to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result upon admittance.

Travelers must continue to adhere to the federal regulations for travel from countries other than the United States and its territories. Nonresident foreign nationals aged 18 and up must be properly vaccinated before flying into Puerto Rico. Vaccination is not required for children under the age of 18, and it is not required for air travel from the mainland United States.

October – The United States, the last North American country requesting proof of vaccination

The United States is officially the last North American country to prevent unvaccinated travelers from entering the country.

As of today, visitors to the United States must present proof of a COVI-19 vaccination certificate to be allowed entry.

Over the past two years, the U.S. has banned travelers from the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil from entering the country at various times.

But while it was once supported by its best allies, notably Canada, it now stands alone in its quest for Covid security.

June – US Lifts Covid-19 Testing for International Travelers

Travelers to the United States are no longer required to submit a negative Covid 19 test taken within one day prior to departure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on Friday that this requirement would be removed beginning early Sunday morning. The health service stated that it will continue to monitor the pandemic’s progress and reevaluate the need for testing if the situation changes.

“This step is possible because of the progress we’ve made in our fight against COVID-19,” said the U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra.

How safe is it to travel to the States at the moment?

According to America’s COVID Warning System, the country is overcoming the 4th wave of coronavirus infections.

COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

As of October 5, the U.S. has recorded 98,308,956 cases and 1,085,366 the highest death toll in the world.

Some of the current carrier flying from Europe to the U.S.

• Lufthansa United
• Air Europa
• Royal Air Maroc
• Air France
• Alitalia, Delta Operated by Alitalia CityLiner
• Delta
• KLM, Delta Virgin Atlantic
• Lufthansa, Air Canada 0perated by Air Canada Express – Sky Regional
• Lufthansa, Air Canada operated by Air Canada Express – Jazz
• Lufthansa, United operated by Mesa Airlines DBA United Express
• Tap Air Portugal
• Turkish Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic

US reopening borders for tourism: Update Archives

September – US still requires Covid vaccine from non-US citizens

As of September 19, proof of Covid vaccination is still required for entry into the United States for all non-US citizens. There is no recent update from the government on when they are planning to drop this requirement.

February 18 – The CDC considers lifting indoor mask-wearing mandate across the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director may recommend the US to lift the need to wear face coverings in indoor settings, said CDC Head Dr. Rochelle Walensky during a White House briefing.

“We want to give people a break from things like mask wearing when these metrics are better, and then have the ability to reach for them again should things worsen.”

The CDC will review the number of severe cases and hospital capacity rather before making a final decision.
Also read: More US States Lifting Mask Mandates as COVID-19 Drops

January 15 – The US issues a “Do-not-travel” notice against Canada and Singapore

The CDC has issued the highest travel health advisory to Canada, Singapore and Curaçao due to the high incidence in COVID-19 cases in the previous week.

The CDC currently lists about 80 destinations throughout the world as Level Four.

Canadian health officials forecast the Omicron wave peak at 170,000 cases a day this month, with 2,000 hospitalizations also per day.

The CDC will revisit this travel advice on Monday.

December 22 – US considers lifting travel ban on Southern African countries

The US is reportedly considering lifting its ban on Southern African countries over the next few days.

According to the government, “we’re letting in people from other countries that have as much or more infection than the Southern African countries.”

“We likely are going to pull back on that pretty soon because we have enough infection in our own country,” said Dr. Fauci at the National Press Club.

In less than three weeks, the Omicron variant already accounts for over 73% of the new infections in the U.S. said the CDC on Monday.

December 4 – The US government tightens travel restrictions for all travelers

All international arrivals are now required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 1 day of departure.

“Our doctors believe tightening testing requirements for pre-departure will help catch more cases, potential cases of people who may be positive and inside the country,” a White House official said.

Also, domestic travelers using all types of public transportation such as trains, cruise ships or domestic flights will have to wear a face mask at all times or face fines of up to USD 3,000.

November 28 – The U.S. to ban all travel from South Africa and other 7 countries from Monday

The U.S. will ban travel from South Africa and other seven countries starting Monday as a new heavily mutated coronavirus variant emerges, announced White House officials on Friday.

Other countries included in the restriction are Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

National and residents are allowed to come back.

“As we move forward,” said the President in a statement, “we will continue to be guided by what the science and my medical team advises.”

November 21 – The U.S. makes booster shots available to all people 18 and above

With an increasing number of countries requiring passengers to provide proof of booster shots to give them access to a number of tourist venues, the U.S.’s move to make booster doses available for most citizens brings relief for international travelers.

“Based on the compelling evidence, all adults over 18 should now have equitable access to a COVID-19 booster dose,” says the CDC.

Despite the fact that more than 195 million Americans are fully vaccinated, Covid cases are on the rise in some locations as vaccine effectiveness declines over time.

The Pfizer booster dose was found to be 95 percent effective in a clinical trial involving 10,000 people aged 16 and up.

November 13 – Travelers experiencing long wait times at U.S. airports

Following the reopening on Nov. 8, large numbers of overseas travelers have begun to arrive in American airports.

Although this is wonderful news for families and the tourism sector, 21 months of closure did not seem to be enough time for American airports to prepare for such a large influx of passengers all at once.

Thousands of travelers have complained about having to wait over two hours to get through customs. Things are expected to worsen as the Christmas holidays approach.

“The expectation is that we could see wait times of up to eight hours,” said Sherry Stein, the leader (SITA).

November 5 – The U.S. to welcome EU travelers as soon as ports of entry open on Nov. 8

Beginning Monday, the United States will drop entrance restrictions for vaccinated EU and Asian travelers, putting an end to historic restrictions that have kept the country partially isolated from the rest of the world for almost 21 months.

According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. will reopen its air and land borders as soon as ports of entry start operations on Nov. 8

That means that border crossings that are open 24 hours a day will accept international travelers from midnight, while the rest will open during regular business hours.

October 15 – U.S. Government announces the reopening date for the European Union

White House has confirmed the reopening date for international tourism, current travel curbs will be lifted on November 8. Both land and air borders will reopen to fully vaccinated travelers.

Non-vaccinated air travelers will be also able to enter but they will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test.

The ban on non-vaccinated travelers will still remain in place on the Mexican and Canadian land borders.

October 20 – The U.S. is set to reopen land borders with Canada and Mexico in “early November”

The U.S. land borders, which have been shut down since March 2020, will reopen to Canadian and Mexican visitors at some point in November as long as they can prove they are fully vaccinated.

“We are pleased to be taking steps to resume regular travel in a safe and sustainable manner,” Homeland Security Secretary said in a statement.

Essential travelers such as truck commercial drivers, students, and other essential personnel will have until January to present their vaccine certificates.

October 10 – U.S. Reveals the vaccines it will accept for EU travelers

There was a lot of uncertainty over which brand of vaccines the US would accept as a valid entry requirement for EU travelers, once it open its borders.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed the country will accept the following:

• Moderna
• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• AstraZeneca, including Covishield
• Sinopharm (Beijing)
• Sinovac

The CDC also informed that more information will be released as soon as the travel protocols are completed.

The reopening date has not been announced yet.

October 2 – US, Canada, UK, and other G7 leaders met to discuss the future of international travel

Transport and health ministers of Canada, Germany, the U.K, the U.S, Japan, Italy, and France virtually met to discuss the future of international travel on Thursday.

Among other things, the U.S. committed to a number of principles “for a safe and sustainable reopening of travel.” These include trusting scientific evidence, accepting both digital and non-digital test and vaccine passports, protecting users’ private data, and supporting cleaner technologies for land, air, and maritime transport.

Sept. 24 – The U.S. lifts the ban on European Travel but reopening date remains unknown

This week, the U.S. announced that its long ban on European travel will end in “early November”. But so far, they haven’t provided an exact reopening date yet.

The head of the White House’s COVID-19 Response Team, Jeff Zients, said that all travelers must be fully vaccinated, no exceptions.

The CDC will order commercial airlines to collect information from U.S.-bound visitors including their phone number and email address to act as a “public health surveillance system.”

More information about the date and the requirements is expected to be revealed over the next few weeks.

September 16 – The U.S. works on a “new system for international travel” aiming to reopen borders

White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients said on Wednesday the country is working on a “new system for international travel” that will include contract tracing for international visitors when the country lifts its travel ban.

The government aims to replace the current restrictions with a “safer, stronger, and sustainable” system.

The official did not reveal when the new system will be put into motion or the metrics it will use.

September 21 – The U.S. to reopen for vaccinated EU and other travelers in November, says government

Jeff Zients, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, announced that the U.S. will reopen to visitors from the European Union in “early November.”

Additionally, fully vaccinated travelers from other 33 countries including China, India and Brazil will also be allowed to come back.

“We will move to this much stricter global system, so we will have a consistent approach across all countries,” Zients said.

Visitors will need to present proof of vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test.

September 10 – Nine EU countries have reimposed entry restrictions for American travelers in the last 10 days

On August 31, the European Council recommended removing the U.S. from the “save travel list.” Since then, 11 European countries have taken a stand on the U.S. situation.

As of today, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic and France have enforced additional entry restrictions for Americans.

Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic and France not only increased their restrictions but also completely barred the unvaccinated.

Sweden and Bulgaria have indefinitely closed their borders to all U.S. arrivals. Croatia, Portugal and Ireland will remain open.

August 31 – U.S. Updates Travel Advisory For Canada, Puerto Rico and Other Countries

Seven countries were moved up to Level 4 travel warning since they surpassed the limit of 500 new cases per 100,000 population over the last 28 days.

The affected countries this time were Switzerland, Saint Lucia, North Macedonia, Laos and Estonia due to their COVID-19 reports; and Oman and Azerbaijan because of raising concerns about terrorism.

Additionally, other 12 countries were moved up or down to the Level 3 travel advisory (high level of COVID).

Some of them because of their improvements in the fight against the pandemic, and some others like Canada and Germany because their efforts are not producing the expected results.

August 19 – U.S. officials and border mayors demand the White House to reopen international borders

A number of U.S. officials and border mayors are joining forces to request the White House to lift the travel restriction that has been in place for 18 months severely affecting their local economies.

A few weeks ago, Washington announced it will maintain restrictions on multiple countries and territories including the EU and China for the time being.

“The ultimate goal is to look for easing of restrictions on nonessential travel,” as well as the “specifics on what we can, need or must do to achieve that.” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

The government has not replied yet.

August 5 – the US works on a plan to request all international travelers to be fully vaccinated

The U.S. is reportedly putting in place a new system requiring all international arrivals to be fully vaccinated so they can be allowed to travel into the country, a White House official told Reuters.

“With limited exceptions (…) all foreign nationals traveling to the United States (from all countries) need to be fully vaccinated,” said the official.

He also added that “working groups” are getting ready for “when the time is right to transition to this new system.” However, the date when this plan will be set into motion was not released.

August 5 – the US works on a plan to request all international travelers to be fully vaccinated

The U.S. is reportedly putting in place a new system requiring all international arrivals to be fully vaccinated so they can be allowed to travel into the country, a White House official told Reuters.

“With limited exceptions (…) all foreign nationals traveling to the United States (from all countries) need to be fully vaccinated,” said the official.

He also added that “working groups” are getting ready for “when the time is right to transition to this new system.” However, the date when this plan will be set into motion was not released.

July 30 – Fully vaccinated Americans will be able to resume travel with the U.K. on August 2, but U.S. remains closed due to a delta variant and a surge in cases

While the U.S. continues to be closed for half of the world due to a surge in Covid cases, more countries have been adding it to the list of allowed visitors.

Effective August 2, double-vaccinated Americans and residents will be allowed to travel to the U.K. without quarantine.

There is a catch. Americans should’ve been vaccinated in the U.S. or in one EU country.

Although these travelers no longer need to quarantine, they will still be required to submit a negative PCR COVID-19 test before boarding and take another one on the second day of their stay in England.

This scheme does not apply to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for now.

July 16 – The U.S. borders will not reopen for EU or other travelers for the time being

“It defies logic. It defies science. It defies fact,” Democratic Representative of New York, Brian Higgins told CNN, regarding the lack of transparency about the U.S. international borders reopening.

Another White official said that European Union, United Kingdom, Canadian and Mexican task groups have met with their American counterparts to discuss the aspects that would allow them to safely reopen the country.

However, another White House official told Reuters that “the Biden Administration is not in a rush to lift travel restrictions soon.”

July 9 – The U.S. can’t put a date on the international borders reopening, says government

The U.S. is unable to put a date on international travel reopening according to a White House official who spoke to Reuters on July 7.

“There are further discussions to be had before we can announce any next steps on travel reopening with any country,” said the official.

This is the second time in less than 2 weeks that a Biden’s administration official speaks about the impossibility to determine when the country will reopen for tourism.

On June 25, the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken also told reporters they could not give an approximate date and that everything will “have to be guided by the science and by medical expertise.”

As of today, Schengen area residents who are not American citizens are only allowed if traveling under the National Interest Exception (NIE).

June 25 – U.S. to resume international tourism after September 6, said U.S. Commerce Secretary

The long-awaited reopening to EU tourists may be about to be over.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has stated the country is actively seeking to open travel bubbles with key partners so they can resume international travel soon.

Although not a specific date was announced, Raimondo mentioned Labor Day, which is celebrated on September 6, as the potential date for free foreign travel.

“I’m hopeful that post-Labor Day we will see a nice uptick in business travel and international travel” […] “I can promise that getting business travel and international travel going again is a top priority,” said Raimondo.

June 9 – U.S. to form task groups with Canada, Mexico, the EU and the U.K. to create a strategy to safely reopen borders soon

Multiple EU countries expected President Joe Biden’s announcement about the U.S. border reopening during his visit to the U.K. for the very first G7 summit of his administration.

But instead, the White house has issued a statement informing the country will not reopen just yet.

“While we are not reopening travel today, we hope that these expert working groups will help us use our collective expertise to chart a path forward, with a goal of reopening international travel with our key partners when it is determined that it is safe to do so,” reads the statement.

For now, the U.S. will form task groups with Canada, Mexico, the EU and the U.K to find the safest way to start international travel.

May 24 – The U.S. has not decided yet whether they will reopen to Europeans or not this summer

On May 19, all E.U. members agreed to welcome back Americans from June. E.U. countries can still enforce extra testing or quarantine requirements, but in principle, all vaccinated Americans will be allowed to visit Europe for tourism again.

Unfortunately, on the other side of the Atlantic things seem to be different. Biden administration has been reportedly holding meetings and contacting tourism industry leaders but reopening decisions have not been made yet.

Last week, White House spokesman Jen Psaki stated that no changes on current travel restrictions have been planned thus far when asked if the U.S. would allow vaccinated travelers to visit America Again. (Source: Reuters)

Pandemic travel news: US borders open as more of Europe is rated ‘very high’ risk

(CNN) — After nearly 20 months of closed borders, the US finally opened to vaccinated international visitors on Monday, November 8.

But transatlantic travel remains an ever changing landscape, with this week also seeing more European destinations added to the CDC’s highest risk travel category.

And as European Covid cases continue to climb, one central European country is considering a lockdown for its unvaccinated population.

1. The US opened to vaccinated international travelers

The United States opened its borders to vaccinated international travelers after nearly 20 months. CNN spent the day in three US airports talking to travelers and their families about what it’s like to be able to see one another again.

It’s been a long time coming. Almost 20 months since the US banned many international visitors back in March 2020, fully vaccinated travelers from all over the world are finally able to return to the US.

That includes travelers coming from previously banned countries including the UK, as well as EU destinations.

To mark the occasion, Monday morning saw British Airways and Virgin Atlantic join forces to coordinate a historic dual airplane take-off.

The rival transatlantic airlines scheduled two A350 aircraft to depart London Heathrow at the same time, with BA christening its flight BA001, a number usually reserved for the historic Concorde.

2. Thanksgiving travel is expected to rebound

Many families are coming together this holiday season for the first time in a long time. CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares these tips on how to protect your loved ones from getting Covid-19.

For many, the return of international travel to the US means long-awaited family reunions, and some travelers will be timing their trip with Thanksgiving on November 25.

While Thanksgiving 2020 involved hunkering down at home, the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts 2021 travel will rebound close to pre-pandemic levels. Some 53.4 million Americans are expected to travel for the holiday — a 13% increase from last year.

Kathleen Bangs, a former airline pilot and spokesperson for airplane tracker company Flight Aware, shared her tips for ensuring holiday travel goes smoothly, including booking flights that depart early in the day to avoid a cascading effect of delays and cancellations, and even booking a back-up flight for extra peace of mind.

3. The Netherlands has moved to the CDC’s highest-risk category

This week the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added two northwestern European countries to its list of “very high” risk travel destinations.

The Netherlands and Luxembourg were joined by two archipelagos in this week’s update to the CDC’s “Covid-19 Very High” Level 4 category. On Friday the Dutch government announced a three-week partial lockdown from Saturday, limiting access to shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Countries are designated Level 4 if they have had more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days. The CDC recommends people avoid traveling to Level 4 countries, and advises that anyone who must travel should be fully vaccinated first.

There’s been a surge of cases across Europe recently, which a WHO official said is “of grave concern.”

4. Austria considers implementing a lockdown for unvaccinated people

Austria is days away from ordering millions of unvaccinated people to stay at home, its chancellor has said, in a rare move that underscores the increasing exasperation of European leaders towards those who have not yet been inoculated against Covid-19. CNN’s Scott McLean reports.

Austria, another European country on the CDC’s Level 4 list of “very high” risk travel destinations, is considering a lockdown for its unvaccinated population.

Unvaccinated people in Austria are already banned from certain public places, including entertainment venues, restaurants and hairdressers.

According to Johns Hopkins data, 64.3% of Austria’s population is fully vaccinated. On Thursday November 11, the Austrian chancellor Alexander Schallenberg called the vaccination rate “shamefully low.”

“A lockdown for the unvaccinated means one cannot leave one’s home unless one is going to work, shopping for essentials, stretching one’s legs — namely exactly what we all had to suffer through in 2020,” he said.

5. Haunting image of coastal erosion wins Environmental Photographer of the Year 2021

This week, the winners of this year’s Environmental Photographer of the Year awards were announced at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow.

Taking the top spot was a haunting image by Spanish photographer Antonio Aragón Renuncio of a child sleeping in the ruins of a home eroded by rising sea levels on a beach in Togo, in West Africa.

“I’m very happy. It’s a huge honor to win such an important prize,” Aragón told CNN. “Especially one that’s related to the environment, which is a topic I’ve been working on for several years and which I’m very worried about.”

6. Myanmar plans to reopen to tourists, raising one big question

The Southeast Asian country of Myanmar plans to welcome back international tourists from early 2022, amid a complex domestic situation.

In addition to navigating the pandemic, Myanmar is also dealing with the aftereffects of a February 2021 coup in which a military junta overthrew the country’s democratically elected government.

“We are planning to reopen tourism for vaccinated tourists if plans are well-prepared for safe and convenient travel,” Zeyar Htun, deputy director of the Public Relations and Information Department at the military-run Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, confirmed to CNN Travel.

The US State Department currently has two Level Four “do not visit” alerts for Burma, as it refers to Myanmar: one for its high number of Covid cases, and one for the ongoing political situation.

7. Some travelers are turning their back on airplanes

And as discussions about tackling the climate crisis wrap up at COP26, some eco-conscious travelers are turning their backs on air travel.

Anna Hughes is the director of Flight Free UK, a campaign group that promotes alternative forms of travel beyond aviation.

As the group starts to encourage people to sign a pledge to remain flight free for 2022, there are “two distinct camps” of travelers, according to Hughes.

CNN’s Marnie Hunter, Joseph Ataman, Chris Liakos, Anna Cooban, Chris Isidore, Geneva Sands, Julia Buckley, Forrest Brown, Rob Picheta, Sharon Braithwaite, Tara John, Nadine Schmidt, Lilit Marcus and Jeevan Ravindran contributed reporting

A year of the world’s Best Beaches There’s a perfect beach for every week of the year. Join us on a 12-month journey to see them all

Travel to Europe: A Reopening Timeline, Country by Country

Jamie Ditaranto is a freelance journalist, photographer, and full-time traveler. Before writing for TripSavvy, Jamie was the Editor of Video and Content for SmarterTravel.com, where she sought to share unique travel experiences like barge cruising in France and sleeping in centuries-old Japanese inns.

Most European countries are allowing Americans to enter on the condition they can show proof of vaccination. Some will also still accept a negative test result from unvaccinated travelers. In many countries, you may be asked to show proof of vaccination to enter a restaurant or check in to your hotel.

After the emergence of the Omicron variant in late 2021, many places have banned or restricted travel from Southern African countries and tightened entry requirements. However, in most countries, U.S. citizens are still allowed to enter. Every European country is handling the crisis differently, so read on to learn the latest travel requirements and lockdown conditions in each.

Austria

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Austria as long as they can show proof of vaccination (within 360 days) or a certificate of recovery confirming that the traveler has recovered from COVID-19 in the past few months. Travelers will also be required to take a PCR test before entry unless they can show proof of a booster shot. Unvaccinated travelers are required to show a negative test result and quarantine for 10 days. Before boarding, all passengers must complete the Pre-Travel-Clearance Form.

The Baltics

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania if they are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated travelers may enter any of these three countries for non-essential reasons without needing to quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers may enter Estonia or Latvia if they qualify for an exception, but will need to show a negative test and self-isolate for 10 days.

Belgium

The U.S. is again considered a “red zone” area and U.S. citizens may only enter Belgium with proof of vaccination and a PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken within 36 hours. Unvaccinated travelers who qualify for an Essential Travel Certificate must quarantine for seven days. All travelers will be tested upon arrival and vaccinated travelers must self-isolate until a negative result is returned. A follow-up test on day seven is also required.

Bulgaria

The U.S. has been reclassified as a Red Zone country, which means travelers are only allowed to enter Bulgaria if they qualify for an exception. If so, they will be required to provide proof of vaccination, antibodies, or a negative PCR test. There is no requirement to quarantine.

Croatia

Tourists are allowed to enter Croatia, but they will need proof of vaccination (not older than 365 days), antibodies, or a negative PCR or antigen test. Any traveler who enters Croatia without these documents will be tested on arrival and must self-isolate until negative results come back. Travelers can upload their required documents before arrival on the Enter Croatia website.

Czech Republic

U.S. citizens must show a negative PCR test to enter the Czech Republic, regardless of vaccination status. Travelers who can show proof of receiving a booster shot will be exempt from the testing requirement. As of January 1, the government will consider a vaccination valid if the visitor is within nine months of their second dose. However, a booster shot extends the validity of vaccination indefinitely.

All travelers must also fill out a Personal Locator Form. Unvaccinated travelers will be tested on arrival and must self-isolate until negative results are returned.

Denmark

U.S. citizens will need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken within 48 hours to enter Denmark, regardless of vaccination status. Exceptions will be made for children under 15 years old. Unvaccinated travelers will be tested upon arrival and required to self-isolate for 10 days.

Finland

All travelers entering Finland must present a negative test taken within 48 hours, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated travelers, except for children, are not allowed to enter Finland for tourism.

France

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter France with proof of vaccination, a negative test taken 48 hours before arrival, and a sworn statement they do not have symptoms. Unvaccinated travelers may be allowed to enter if they qualify for an exception, but they must supply a negative test taken within 48 hours and will also be required to quarantine for seven days.

An indoor and outdoor mask mandate is in place and every person in France is required to obtain a health pass to board an airplane or enter cafes, restaurants, and other businesses. For a fee of up to 36 Euros, tourists can obtain a health pass, or Pass Sanitaire, from a French pharmacy or doctor by showing proof of vaccination or a negative test. If showing a negative test, the pass is only good for 72 hours. As of December 15, any person over the age of 65 will need to have received a booster shot (to be taken between three and seven months after their last dose) to keep their health pass active. This rule applies to everyone over 18 years old.

Germany

Vaccinated travelers arriving from the U.S. are allowed to enter Germany as long as they can show proof of vaccination and a negative test taken within 72 hours. Any unvaccinated traveler who qualifies for an exception or any traveler coming from a virus-variant area must quarantine for 14 days, even if they have been vaccinated.

Greece

Greece has opened its doors to U.S. citizens, who will be allowed to enter with proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours. All international travelers are subject to random testing upon arrival in Greece and must complete the Passenger Locator Form. If you are selected for random testing, you must self-quarantine at your destination for 24 hours or until you receive a negative test result. Proof of vaccination is required to enter shops and restaurants, including outdoor cafes.

Hungary

U.S. citizens can now enter Hungary with a negative test taken within 72 hours. There is no requirement to quarantine.

Iceland

Only travelers who can prove they have been fully vaccinated are allowed to enter Iceland. Everyone will also need to pre-register their trip and show a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure and will be tested again on arrival, at no extra charge. Unvaccinated travelers who may be allowed to enter Iceland under an exemption will need to provide two negative tests—before and after arrival—and quarantine for at least five days.

Ireland

Vaccinated travelers no longer have to show a negative test to enter Ireland, but unvaccinated travelers must provide a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Before departure, everyone must fill out the Passenger Locator Form. Unvaccinated passengers that arrive without a negative test must quarantine at home and take a PCR test within 36 hours of entering Ireland.

Italy

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Italy with proof of vaccination (or proof of recovery) and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours. This will give the traveler a “green pass,” which exempts them from the required 10-day self-isolation. Before traveling to Italy, all passengers must also complete the EU Digital Passport Locator Form.

There are two levels to the green pass. The “basic green pass,” obtained with a negative test, is enough to stay in hotels and use public transportation. However, the “super green pass,” obtained with proof of vaccination, is necessary to dine indoors and visit cultural venues like museums. Until March 31, the super green pass will be necessary to stay in hotels and use public transportation from airplanes to trains and buses.

The Netherlands

Only U.S. citizens who can present proof of vaccination will be allowed to enter. They will also need a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours. There is no quarantine requirement for those who can show proof of vaccination or a negative test result.

Norway

Norway is allowing some travelers to enter as long as they complete the proper registration and produce proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 24 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must get tested upon arrival. A 10-day quarantine is required for any traveler coming from red, dark red, and purple countries unless the individual can provide proof of vaccination. U.S. travelers are now allowed to enter Norway.

Poland

All U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Poland, but proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 24 hours will be required to enter. Unvaccinated travelers may enter, but in addition to providing a negative test result, they will also have to quarantine for 10 or 14 days depending on whether they are arriving from a Schengen Area country.

Portugal

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Portugal for tourism if they can show a negative test taken within 72 hours of boarding or proof of vaccination. As of January 10, masks are required indoors and a negative rapid test or proof of vaccination will be required to enter restaurants and check into a hotel. A negative rapid test or proof of receiving a booster shot will also be necessary to enter bars and large events.

Romania

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Romania, but all travelers will be required to present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. If no test is presented, fully vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 5 days and unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days. A green pass proving vaccination will be required to access most businesses in Romania.

Russia

U.S. citizens are now allowed to enter Russia. Everyone traveling to Russia will be required to present a negative PCR test taken within the previous three days of their arrival with no requirement to quarantine.

Serbia

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Serbia with a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours, regardless of vaccination status. However, there’s no need to quarantine.

Spain

U.S. and British citizens can only enter Spain if they can show proof of vaccination. All travelers coming from approved countries are asked to complete a health control form online, which will give them the QR code they will need to show upon entry in Spain in addition to undergoing a health check. No quarantine is required.

Sweden

U.S. citizens may enter Sweden, but they will need to show a negative test taken within 48 hours and proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Unvaccinated travelers must qualify for an exception to enter Sweden but there is no quarantine requirement.

Switzerland

U.S. citizens may enter Switzerland if they can show proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test. No quarantine is necessary, but everyone will need to complete a second antigen or PCR test between their fourth and seventh day in Switzerland.

All travelers must also complete the entry form before checking into their flight. Tourists in Switzerland will need to obtain and show a Swiss digital vaccine certificate to enter restaurants, museums, and other businesses.

Turkey

Turkey has reopened its borders to travelers from many countries, including the U.S. All passengers traveling to Turkey will undergo a health exam upon arrival and must provide proof of vaccination. Travelers under the age of 12 will need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Travelers from the UK will need to show a negative test regardless of vaccination status and anyone who has visited a high-risk country like Brazil or South Africa within 14 days before entering Turkey will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Ukraine

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Ukraine if they can show proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours, plus proof of health insurance. Only unvaccinated travelers who do not produce a negative test before entry will be required to quarantine for 10 days.

United Kingdom

All travelers must complete the Passenger Locator Form before departing for the UK. Fully vaccinated travelers may enter the UK without a test, but they will still be required to get tested on arrival by either booking a PCR or antigen test or purchasing an at-home test. They must self-isolate until the results come back negative.

Unvaccinated travelers may be eligible to enter the UK, but they must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure self-quarantine for 10 days. They will need to take follow-up tests on the second and eighth days of their quarantine period.

TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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U.S. Embassy in Norway. “COVID-19 Information.” December 13, 2021.

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U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Russia. “COVID-19 Information.” December 6, 2021.

U.S. Embassy in Serbia. “COVID-19 Information.” January 12, 2022.

U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Spain and Andorra. “COVID-19 Information.” December 23, 2021.

U.S. Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. “COVID-19 Information for Switzerland and Liechtenstein.” January 13, 2022.

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Turkey. “COVID-19 Information.” January 3, 2022.

U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. “COVID-19 Information.” January 4, 2022.

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Source https://www.travelinglifestyle.net/us-reopening-borders-to-tourism-who-can-enter/

Source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/pandemic-travel-news-us-reopens-europe-high-risk/index.html

Source https://www.tripsavvy.com/europe-travel-border-reopenings-4845817