What Europe’s Travel Ban Means for US Travelers

Earlier this month, the EU recommended that its member countries tighten restrictions for U.S. travelers. This includes mandatory quarantine for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 and a total ban on unvaccinated Americans. What does Europe’s Travel ban against the U.S. mean for fully vaccinated Americans looking to travel to Europe?

Buy International Travel Insurance for Europe

Americans Can Still Travel to Europe

On September 1, the European Council implemented tougher restrictions on American travelers, but the Council left it up to the discretion of each country to decide what restrictions to put into practice. 

The result is that some countries will allow Americans to enter without mandatory quarantine, regardless of whether or not they’re vaccinated. Other countries are banning unvaccinated travelers from entry but allowing vaccinated travelers in, with restrictions. Still others are banning all Americans no matter what their vaccination status is.  For instance, Norway and Bulgaria issued a near-total ban on U.S. travelers regardless of vaccination status. On the other hand, Iceland and Greece allow all American travelers to enter without mandatory quarantine.

How to Show Proof of Vaccine in Europe

With more EU countries now requiring proof of Covid vaccination for entry, many vaccinated American travelers are now wondering what exactly that means. Within the EU, travelers can show an EU Covid Certificate, which is a digital pass with one’s official vaccination status and details. This pass hasn’t yet been extended to most non-EU countries. For now, U.S. travelers to the EU can present their CDC-issued paper certificate.

When Will the EU Travel Ban Be Lifted?

The EU travel ban against the U.S. has been effective since September 1, 2021 and will last at least until October 25, 2021. At that time, the European Council will review the Covid situation in America and determine if it can be added back to the region’s safe list. Between now and then, however, the Council may adjust its recommendations for the U.S. if it sees fit to do so.

Country-by-Country Guide to Europe’s Travel Restrictions

Here’s a closer look at the new travel restrictions for some of Europe’s top countries, as of September 15, 2021.

Italy

All unvaccinated Americans are banned from entering the country for leisure. 

Vaccinated Americans can enter the country but will need to produce proof of vaccination AND a negative Covid test result taken no later than 72 hours prior to entering the country.

Stay up to date on the latest Italy travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.

France

Unvaccinated American travelers are not permitted into the country unless they have an urgent reason for entry. Whether a traveler’s need for entry rises to that level is at the discretion of France authorities. 

Vaccinated travelers from the United States can visit France. The only new restrictiction is that all vaccinated U.S. travelers need to fill out a  health declaration form before traveling. 

Stay up to date on the latest France travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.

Germany

U.S. travelers who are vaccinated are allowed into the country with a negative Covid test result taken within 72 hours before entering. Unvaccinated U.S. travelers are allowed to enter with a negative Covid test result that is no more than 72 hours old and will be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine. 

Stay up to date on the latest Germany travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.

Sweden

The country is not allowing any non-essential travelers from the United States into the country, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated or not. Travelers such as Swedish citizens and essential workers will be allowed in, but need to produce a negative Covid test result once they arrive.  

Stay up to date on the latest Sweden travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.

Spain

Effective September 6, 2021, unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. aren’t permitted to enter the country. U.S. travelers who have been fully vaccinated can enter, but they must produce proof of Covid vaccination. Upon arrival in Spain, U.S. travelers must show a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal. 

Stay up to date on the latest Spain travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.

Buy Travel Insurance for Europe