Since the beginning of June, travel between the United States and Europe has returned to a bit of normality. Borders started to open and European countries were allowing US tourists in for the important Summer travel season. Where things got a bit murky was despite all intentions, the US has yet to lift it’s travel restrictions on all European Union members as well as many non-members despite saying has intentions, but no timeline has been given. (This since has adjusted with borders open to the EU on November, 8) With uptick of cases and what truly looks to be political chest puffing from our European friends, rumors of European Union banning US travelers from entering the continent started to bubble up. Come August, those rumors seemed to become reality as the United States was removed from the “Safe for non-essential travel” list and talk about votes to ban US travelers from entering. This caused a stir as people had trips planned for work or vacation and then our media really decided to kick a hornet’s nest throwing out headlines like:
- ”It’s Official: E.U. Recommends Travel Ban For American Tourists” – Forbes
- “How Europe’s Doors are Slamming Shut for Americans” – CNN
- “E.U. Set to Propose Travel Restrictions on US Visitors” – New York Times
Did Europe slam its doors and ban US travelers? No.
If you are planning a trip there are a few important pieces of information. The EU does not have authority to make decisions on member states tourist decisions. The decision was strictly an advisory vote. Another note is the recommendation that vaccinated travelers be allowed, even from non-approved countries like the United States. Despite the media stirring up a frenzy as they’re the experts at it, only two European countries have barred entry of US citizens: Sweden and Bulgaria.
What do we recommend? Travel if you feel comfortable.
Go and travel. Make your own choices and from a banning perspective there is nothing to be fearful of. These countries want tourists back, so if you feel safe to travel, go for it. That being said, before you book any travel, make sure you check with the State Department or the local US Embassy for the country or countries you’re looking to travel to. Each location has done a great job keeping you alert of travel. Use this web page specifically for updates on what is going on in each country. If you’re vaccinated, just make sure you follow any steps needed to enter your destination, typically its some sort of electronic entry form with proof of vaccination. Most countries have similarities, but each make their own decision so research prior to your trip.
For unvaccinated looking to travel, just be aware it’s a bit more difficult. Some countries have mandatory quarantine like France, UK, and Germany. Other countries like Switzerland are a bit more lenient and will allow entry if you have proof of recovering from Covid within 6 months of your travel date or subject yourself to double testing. Meaning you provide a negative test upon arrival and another negative test 4-7 days after arrival.
But what about unvaccinated children? Each country is making its own decisions, but a common decision is children under 16 who are unvaccinated that are accompanied by an adult who is vaccinated or meets the countries regulations are allowed in. Just know that upon return to the US, under current mandates, all individuals over the age of 2 must pass a Covid test (PCR or Rapid) 3 days prior to returning to the US. For those adults that haven’t been vaccinated, you must pass a test 1 day prior to your return flight. Children are equal to the adults they are accompanied by. Vaccinated adults means children are treated like vaccinated adults. Plan accordingly and our opinion is to get it done as soon as you can to get it out of the way and so you don’t wait to the last second to receive results.
Can you Summarize all this for us? Yes!
So to wrap this all up for you:
- Don’t read into the media scary headlines. If you want to travel to Europe, travel to Europe
- If you’re fully vaccinated, almost all European countries are welcoming you in besides Sweden and Bulgaria and this is subject to change.
- Research prior to travel day so you’re prepared with what you need to bring upon arrival.
- Unvaccinated children just know the local laws. Most have rules that allow children in if they’re under a certain age and are traveling with a vaccinated parent or guardian.
- Be aware of ever evolving entry rules. Some will allow vaccinated travelers in, but you may be subject to a PCR test or may be able to provide a negative PCR test upon arrival.
Tourism drives a lot of economies, especially summer months in Europe and winter months in the Alpine countries. We do not see them banning travel but adjust entry regulations as well as state/local laws. Just be prepared and researched for the individual country you’re going to. Again, if you feel safe to travel, go for it. Europe did not ban Americans.