Europe is now opening to the world without strict travel restrictions for the first time since the pandemic started. What a relief!
Although some countries still have travel restrictions in Europe, the European Union has recommended that all member states remove testing and quarantine for fully vaccinated and recovered tourists, including some of Europe’s most popular destinations.
Here’s a round-up of the most popular options:
1. Germany
Germany removed the United States from its high-risk category last week; therefore, U.S travelers can now enter Germany without testing or quarantine, if they can prove they’re fully vaccinated.
Furthermore, as of today, Germany has removed all high-risk countries from its list. So all tourists—as long as they’re fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery—can enter Germany without testing or quarantine. Now’s the perfect time for a trip to Berlin!
2. Italy
If you fancy an Italian vacation this summer, now’s the perfect time to go. Following the European Union’s decision to advise all nations to drop testing and quarantine for vaccinated travelers, Italy followed suit.
Italy recently announced it would allow travelers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to enter without testing. And now, they’ve ended their non-essential travel ban. The new rules, which came into effect on 1 March, mean it’s easier for travelers from outside the EU to enter Italy with proof of vaccination.
Italy has also announced they would now accept a Covid-19 recovery certificate or a negative Covid test from visitors. However, there’s no longer a requirement for unvaccinated individuals to undergo quarantine on arrival; they can enter by showing a negative test result.
3. Spain
Spain is another nation that’s dropped testing for fully vaccinated travelers. And since February 26, visitors from the United States and Canada can enter Spain by showing proof they’ve recovered from COVID-19.
However, the certificate must show that travelers have had the virus in the last 6 months. But it’s important to note that unvaccinated travelers from outside the EU or Schengen Zone aren’t allowed to enter Spain without proof of recovery; testing isn’t enough.
4. Denmark
Scandinavia has been quick to remove COVID-19 restrictions for vaccinated travelers. However, Denmark is the latest nation to relax testing requirements. Travelers can enter Denmark without testing if they’re fully vaccinated.
Furthermore, unvaccinated travelers must take a test within 24 hours of entry or provide proof of recovery from COVID-19. The Danish government doesn’t require unvaccinated travelers to self-isolate until they have a negative COVID-19 test result, unlike many other nations.
5. Sweden
Sweden became one of the first European nations to completely scrap testing for fully vaccinated tourists in late January. If you’ve received your last dose of a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency 14 days prior to travel, you can enter Sweden without restrictions.
However, Sweden is yet to allow unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated travelers to enter the nation for tourism. You’ll need to show proof of exemption upon arrival, and you’ll need to show a negative PCR test or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
6. Switzerland
Switzerland dropped all testing requirements for fully vaccinated tourists last month. As a result, millions of fully vaccinated tourists can enter Switzerland with no hassle at all.
However, travelers must ensure their last vaccine dose is within 270 days of entry. Travelers will require a booster shot if not. Unvaccinated children under 18 can enter Switzerland with a fully vaccinated adult caregiver.
Other EU Nations Without Testing For Fully Vaccinated Tourists
- Norway
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- The U.K (European but not EU)
- France
- Greece
- Portugal
- Finland
- Iceland
