Over the past couple of months, European countries have oscillated between locking down (some, for a third time) and announcing plans to reopen to international travelers—in cases like France’s, simultaneously. But even as countries battle second and third waves of COVID-19, vaccine rollouts continue to expand, making a return to normalcy—and for Americans, safe travel to Europe—visible on the horizon at long last.
As situations throughout Europe continue to evolve—Turkey recently entered its strictest lockdown, while Iceland just reopened for tourism with a three-step testing requirement. But one bit of news seems most promising: Just this week, the European Union released a plan for allowing vaccinated Americans to visit this summer, with suggestions on how all 27 member states could implement vaccine passport requirements (and, crucially, enact an “emergency brake” response for pausing travel, should they need to do so at any point).
While individual countries will have the autonomy to follow these guidelines to the letter, or to rewrite them completely, some countries have already made announcements in support of welcoming summer travelers from the U.S. France says it will open to vaccinated Americans by June 9, and Spain says it will be ready for travelers the same month. Italy’s prime minister recently said that the country will open “soon,” with a health pass to be created in mid-May (a full month before an E.U.-wide pass is set to be ready).
As is the story of the entire pandemic, situations vary greatly from one week to the next, and one country to another. Ireland and Germany remain under various levels of lockdown, with timelines for a return to normalcy months away at the earliest (the latter just announced that its Oktoberfest will be canceled this fall, for the second year in a row). Others like Greece and Turkey are prioritizing tourism dollars, welcoming travelers while hospitals remain overwhelmed, and locals face fines for leaving their homes, respectively.
Whichever destination you have your eye on—whether it’s for that first post-vaccination trip or to reunite with family—the most important thing to do is read up on the destination’s current COVID-19 situation and local travel restrictions, to ensure that any visit you plan is safe, considered, and respectful of those who call the country home. Read on for the current travel restrictions throughout Europe. (And remember to check back for updates.)
This story was last published in October 2020. It has been updated with new information.
Additional reporting by Julia Buckley.
The United Kingdom
On March 8, the U.K. government began lifting restrictions as the first phase in a four-step process to reopening the country. The country entered step two on April 12. Outdoor restaurants are now open, with table service only but no food requirement for the purchase of alcoholic drinks, as are outdoor attractions, including theme parks and drive-in movies and concerts. Small outdoor events are also authorized to take place, and there is no longer a curfew. Step three, which will likely open up indoor spaces and relax the rules on indoor gatherings, is scheduled to take effect May 17 at the earliest.
Though more than half the population has received at least one vaccine dose, travel restrictions remain stringent. Anyone traveling to England must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, in addition to taking two coronavirus tests after arrival (these must be booked in advance). Americans traveling from the U.S. can currently enter England by adhering to these guidelines, though nationals from a handful of countries including Brazil and South Africa are on a “red list,” and will be denied entry—in addition to travelers of any nationality who have passed through red list countries within the past 10 days. Before departing the U.K., all travelers must complete a passenger locator form, and provide proof of a negative coronavirus test.
