Summer travel season is in full swing, and thousands of American tourists are flocking to Europe for the first time since the coronavirus began.
The vast majority of European countries have dropped their requirements for entry relating to the virus, and last month, the Biden Administration dropped its coronavirus testing requirement for international air travel for people traveling to the U.S.
Combined with news that the exchange rate between the euro and the dollar is roughly the same for the first time in nearly two decades, it makes sense why travel demand in some European cities has already surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Depending on the destination, however, American travelers to Europe may still need to present either a negative COVID test, or proof of vaccination to enter several countries.
And with the virus currently surging in the U.S. And Europe thanks to two new immune-evading Omicron subvariants, it’s never a bad idea to get tested prior to travel.
With the return of summertime European travel this year, here’s the latest look at the European countries where coronavirus-related travel requirements are still in effect.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is the only country in Europe that still does not allow unvaccinated people from outside the European Union to enter.
As of July 12, there is an entry ban for all travelers from outside the EU/Schengen area, with the exception of those who are able to present a proof of vaccination or can prove that they have fully recovered from COVID-19 at least 11 days prior to arrival in the Netherlands, according to the country’s COVID travel response site.
Children who are under 18 may enter the country unvaccinated if they are accompanied by their fully vaccinated parents or legal guardians.
France
Americans hoping to travel to France this summer will either need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, or a negative antigen test within 48 hours of departure.
If traveling to Nice, the country’s fifth largest city, travelers will need to wear masks on public transport, as the city recently reinstated the mandate as a result of the most recent surge in cases there.
And while the national government hasn’t reinstated the mask mandate for the whole country, France’s Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon said at the end of June that she recommends all travelers to wear masks in public transit again, calling it a “civic duty” as cases continue to surge there.
Spain
Similar to France, Americans traveling to Spain this summer will either need to present proof of vaccination, proof of recent recovery from the virus, or a negative test result. This could either be a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure or a negative antigen test within 48 hours of departure.
Once arriving in Spain, travelers can expect to have to wear masks on all public transportation. This is also true in nearby Portugal, Italy, Greece and Germany.
Malta
Like France and Spain, Americans hoping to travel to the island nation of Malta will need to show proof of vaccination, proof of recent recovery or a negative COVID test. Eligible negative tests include a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival, or a negative rapid test within 24 hours. This does not apply to children under 12, who are exempt from having to present a proof of vaccination or negative test.
Starting July 25, however, Malta is joining the majority of European nations in eliminating the need for vaccination proof or a negative test result prior to arrival.
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