After tightening entry rules in response to the rapid spread of Omicron, the Scandinavian nation of Denmark is once again rolling back measures as the epidemiological situation improves. Now, all American travelers can enter Denmark without presenting a negative Covid, although the unvaccinated still face post-arrival testing requirements.
With the updated guidelines, Denmark now joins an extensive list of European countries that have started welcoming vaccinated travelers without testing once more, while also opening up to other categories of visitors, albeit with varying degrees of requirements based on vaccination and recovery status.
All Categories Of Travelers Allowed To Enter (With Different Requirements)
As of March 1, 2022, Denmark facilitated entry rules for several nations worldwide, as a result of its Covid figures dropping dramatically and the more favorable scenario in Europe as a whole. From now on, travelers arriving from fellow European Union (EU) and Schengen Area countries will be permitted to visit Denmark restriction-free.
This means that, when boarding a flight to Denmark from other countries such as France, the Netherlands, Spain and many others, Americans will be allowed to enter irrespective of their vaccination status. Similarly, tourists arriving into Denmark from third countries will also be granted entry, with a slight difference when it comes to testing requirements.
Third countries are classed as those being outside the EU and Schengen Area, like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. When traveling to Denmark from these and any third countries, vaccinated or recovered Americans are no longer required to present negative pre-departure tests, and are also exempt from further testing on arrival.
On the other hand, those who are not yet vaccinated and are unable to provide proof of a recovery certificate must take a test within 24 hours of entry. The measure applies only to third country arrivals, such as those traveling directly from the United States. When visiting Denmark from neighboring European countries, unvaccinated Americans do not need to undergo testing in line with entry rules for EU-Schengen arrivals.
Regarding quarantine, there is no mention of any self-isolation measures that continue to apply to unvaccinated individuals landing in Denmark, as can be seen on the Danish government’s website. Conversely, the U.S. Embassy in Denmark still cites a quarantine requirement for unvaccinated Americans, though their webpage was last updated on February 23.
As the new regulations came into force on March 1 only, unvaccinated Americans are advised to seek information from official Danish sources concerning the need for quarantine on-arrival. There may also be different rules that apply to unvaccinated Americans visiting Greenland or the Faroe Islands, the two other countries that make up the Kingdom of Denmark.
What Is The Current Validity Of Covid Travel Documents?
Recently, the EU has set a binding 9-month validity period to original two-dose or one-dose vaccination certificates, meaning Americans who completed their vaccination course more than 270 days ago no longer qualify for smoother entry into Europe. Those who have had a booster shot have had their travel pass extended indefinitely.
When traveling to Denmark or any country in the European Union or Schengen, vaccinated Americans must make sure their vaccination cards are up to date in order to avoid facing further requirements on arrival. Those who have planned a cross-border itinerary around Europe are also strongly advised to have a booster in order to bypass country-specific hurdles.
While Denmark has lifted most of its internal Covid restrictions, including vaccine passes and mandatory face coverings, fellow EU nations like Austria still expect vaccinated Americans to show a booster certificate in order to enter cultural venues and attractions. For that reason, having an updated vaccination status is highly recommended.
As for those who seek entry into Austria on the basis of having recovered from Covid recently, they now must present a recovery letter or other official documentation proving an infection within the last 180 days, but not older. Those who are unvaccinated, and were infected more than six months ago will still be required to get a test within 24 hours of arriving.
Could Travel Rules Tighten Once Again for Americans?
As mentioned in the press release issued by the Danish Ministry of Health on February 25, “the new relaxed restrictions apply until March 29, 2022“, and are subject to change or tightening should the situation take a turn for the worse. At present, Covid infections and hospitalizations keep falling across Denmark.
In addition to Denmark, there are several other European countries that have dropped the testing requirement for Americans ahead of the busy summer season, including the tourist hotspots of Croatia, Turkey, and Malta. In Scandinavia specifically, both Sweden and Norway have also flung the doors open for most categories of foreign travelers.
Even though it seems likely, at this point, that Denmark’s relaxed border approach will be extended and continue to benefit American visitors, there are currently other concerns for travelers in Europe that are not health-related. As Russia invades Ukraine and threatens the stability of the continent, American travelers should beware of potential travel disruption.
When flying to Europe, we advise all U.S. and Canadian citizens to make sure they are insured for Covid and other eventualities in advance. Especially during these volatile times, when the pandemic is yet to be declared over and a new war between the East and West looming, taking out travel insurance can help protect travelers when faced with adverse events.
