With recent global events, jet fuel shortages, and travel requirements and advisories, many travelers are concerned about how safe it is to travel to Europe, especially as the summer season approaches.
In short, Europe remains generally safe for international visitors to travel to. With any trip, it is advised to be aware of your surroundings, research safe travel practices, and learn how to best protect yourself and your trip against unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- Why Europe remains a generally safe destination for international travelers
- How travel insurance can mitigate risks associated with medical emergencies, theft, and unexpected trip cancellations
- Details on “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage and how it provides the ultimate flexibility for uncertain travelers
What Countries are Safe to Travel to in Europe?
Many countries in Europe are safe to travel to this summer. As of April 2026, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for the following European destinations:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- Georgia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
The U.S. Department of State identifies many popular travel destinations in Europe with a Level 2 travel advisory. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be traveling to these destination spots at all. While going to a European country with a Level 2 travel advisory, it is recommended to monitor local media, secure your belongings, and to be aware of your surroundings.
What Are The Safest Flights To Take to Europe?
Recent concerns regarding jet fuel shortages have led travelers to worry about potential flight cancellations. Because short-haul routes and flights connecting through Middle Eastern hubs are particularly susceptible to this type of disruption, travel insurance is highly recommended. If you’re concerned about which airlines are best for travel to Europe this summer, consider the following airlines:
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- EasyJet
- British Airways
- Air France
Can Travel Insurance Protect My Summer Trip to Europe?
With recent warnings of a potential jet fuel shortage in Europe, travelers are wondering how likely they are to be covered under a travel insurance plan. In general, airlines typically provide refunds or will put travelers on a different flight if their flight is cancelled. The airline’s refund policy is a good layer to add with a travel insurance plan, which could cover unexpected delays or missed connections to offer support during an unforeseen disruption to a traveler’s plans.
While in Europe, travel insurance could still offer vital protection for those looking to cover potential medical expenses or for their overall trip investment. This can include coverage for your personal belongings, passport theft, trip interruptions, medical evacuation, and unexpected medical expenses abroad, ensuring you get the coverage you need to have a peaceful trip to Europe.
However, if you do feel worried about traveling to Europe and feel like you need to cancel your trip, your most flexible options will be a plan with Cancel for Any Reason coverage. This upgrade allows you to cancel your trip for literally any reason that isn’t typically covered by standard travel insurance, such as concerns over jet fuel shortages and safety, while recouping about 50% to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
Is Traveling to Europe Still Worth It in 2026?
Europe remains a safe and beautiful destination for travelers this summer. While enjoying Europe’s many sights, visitors should, as always, remain vigilant and prepared for any unexpected situations.
We understand that traveling during an uncertain time can feel overwhelming. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your trip, our licensed travel insurance experts are always available to help.
- Despite global uncertainties, Europe remains a generally safe destination for 2026 travelers
- Numerous countries hold a Level 1 status, but even Level 2 destinations are viable if you stay informed and secure your belongings
- If you are hesitant about traveling, a “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade offers the most flexibility for recouping prepaid costs
- A solid travel insurance plan should cover not just trip interruptions, but also medical emergencies, evacuations, and theft
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Europe in 2026
Do I need travel insurance to enter Europe?
Travel insurance is a requirement for travelers who need a Schengen Visa, which includes countries like India, China, and the Philippines. Travelers who do not need a Schengen Visa for stays less than 90 days, including visitors from the U.S., UK, and Canada, do not necessarily need travel insurance for Europe. However, it is still highly recommended for all travelers to Europe in case of a medical emergency or trip disruption.
What documents do I need for a Europe trip in 2026?
For U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers, all you would need is a valid passport, and you must complete the new EES biometric registration upon arrival if traveling within a Schengen country. In late 2026, travelers will also need an approved ETIAS authorization before traveling to a country in the Schengen Area.
Does travel insurance cover war or civil unrest?
Travel insurance will more often than not, exclude coverage of war if it is known or announced before flying. However, if you did have travel insurance and were traveling prior to the act of war breaking out, you can be eligible for coverage.
Does travel insurance cover flight cancellations due to possible fuel shortages?
Typically no, travel insurance does not cover cancellations related to possible jet fuel shortages. While travel insurance could cover airline strikes and mechanical issues, a fuel shortage is often not covered in an insurance policy’s description of coverage. However, it is important to double-check your policy’s covered reasons section or contact our travel insurance experts, who can help guide you.
Does insurance cover nonrefundable hotels if flights are canceled?
Yes, travel insurance can reimburse the cost of nonrefundable hotels under the trip cancellation or interruption benefit if the flight cancellation was due to a covered reason like severe weather, strike, or illness.
If I am not comfortable traveling and want to cancel my trip, will I be covered?
If you are not comfortable traveling to Europe anymore and want to cancel, you would need a plan that includes Cancel For Any Reason coverage before your trip, which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason that isn’t covered by standard travel insurance with some reimbursement.
What is typically excluded from travel insurance?
Many travel insurance plans will have a different list of exclusions compared to other travel insurance policies. But in general, you will commonly see the following exclusions:
- Forseeable events, like a storm that was already announced
- Change of mind
- Routine care, such as checkups or vaccinations
- Incidents involving alcohol or drugs
- Illegal or reckless behavior
- High-risk adventure activities, unless it is specifically covered
- Negligence with personal belongings, such as leaving valuables unattended
How do I compare travel insurance plans for Europe?
It is easy to buy and compare travel insurance plans online using VisitorsCoverage’s travel insurance comparison tool. In less than 5 minutes, you can compare insurance plans side-by-side based on your specific travel needs, such as age, trip cost, and travel destination. VisitorsCoverage’s tool ensures you can make an informed travel insurance decision with full transparency and understanding.
