Americans interested in adding stamps to their passport again are in luck. Countries update their entry requirements regularly and travel advisories change frequently. Although COVID-19 is still very real in the U.S., luckily airlines, hotels and destinations both domestic and international are adapting to rules and regulations. Remember how American Airlines’ recently introduced their Sherpa tool to help travelers with destination entry requirements? Thanks to that tool and Travel.State.Gov’s color-coded map, we compiled a list of European countries’ latest protocols to help plan safely for your next trip across the pond.
Albania – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
U.S. citizens can enter Albania, Greece’s neighboring slice of paradise in southeastern Europe, without a PCR test and no quarantine requirements. However, masks are mandatory for visitors 11 years and older, both indoors and outdoors. Travelers should expect socially distant health screening and sanitization from medical staff upon arrival at the airport which consists of a no-touch thermometer and monitoring COVID-19 symptoms. In November, the country implemented a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
*U.S. embassy website last updated 10/26/20
Belarus – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Americans can enter eastern Europe’s country of Belarus by following limited restrictions. Travelers are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival but will be subject to screenings and temperature checks at the airport. According to the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, there are no current travel restrictions following the outbreak. Additionally, they recommend booking flights through travel agencies to ensure your final flight destination is ticketed through to the U.S. correctly. Minsk National Airport offers connections back to the U.S. via these following cities:
- Amsterdam
- Belgrade
- Frankfurt
- Istanbul
- London
- Paris
*U.S. Embassy website last updated 9/28/20
Croatia – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Croatia initially welcomed non-EU tourists, including Americans, with proof of a hotel stay and negative test results, however, things changed. Now, visitors traveling to Croatia from an EU or EEA country (including Americans who have already been in Europe) and other specific countries like Australia and Japan, are approved to visit, per the Croatian Ministry of Interior. Those coming from a country on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s green list aren’t required to present a negative test, while those coming from countries not on the green list are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 48 hours. The EU recommended that U.S. travelers not be included in countries approved to resume non-essential travel, but individual countries are able to make their own decisions regarding entry approvals.
*U.S. Embassy website last updated 12/18/20
Ireland – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
While U.S. citizens have been approved to travel to Ireland without presenting prior test results, officials urge non-essential visitors to not travel here. U.S. visitors venturing across the pond must complete a health declaration form known as the public health Passenger Locator Form and self-quarantine for up to 14 days. If COVID-19 test results are negative, travelers can leave isolation earlier. While there are no curfews implemented in Ireland, health officials recommend masking up in public, populated places. There are still some restrictions in place to follow and more up-to-date information is available on the Ireland tourism board’s website.
*U.S. Embassy website last updated 8/6/20
North Macedonia – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
This southeastern European country is giving a warm welcome to U.S. visitors with indoor bars, restaurants and gyms open since June. According to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia, U.S. citizens can freely travel around the country without any COVID-19 restrictions or testing requirements. Although at Skopje International Airport, medical teams from the Institute of Public Health are available on-site 24/7 with thermal cameras temperature screening arriving and departing travelers. While there are no curfews to follow, there are restrictions on gathering in groups of more than four in public places (exemptions are listed here). Also note that visitors six years and older must practice social distancing while out and wear a protective face mask or covering in open and closed public places consisting but not limited to markets, shops, banks, post offices, health facilities and public transportation – which has significantly reduced passenger capacity to 50% in all public transportation and hubs.
*U.S. Embassy website last updated 12/07/20
Serbia – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Americans can explore the Balkan nation of Serbia after completing a self-assessment regarding their health immediately upon arrival. Test results determine if the traveler needs to visit a clinic to quarantine or not. When travelers test negative and are free to explore, they must take another self-assessment on day 10 of the trip. According to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia, U.S. citizens arriving to Serbia from North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria or Romania must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Face coverings are still in style in and outside public places – public gatherings are limited to no more than five in a group.
*U.S. Embassy website last updated 12/09/20
United Kingdom – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
U.S. visitors to the U.K. can test-out of the country’s previously 14-day quarantine after five days as per the latest strategy named the “Test to Release for International Travel.” This strategy aims to allow travelers to conquer their wanderlust and travel more freely in addition to supporting and rebuilding the travel industry post-pandemic. Visitors are required to book and pay for their COVID-19 test from an approved private provider prior to travel, as well as submit a passenger locator form whether they’re arriving via boat, plane or train. There are no curfews to follow or health screening requirements in airports or ports of entry. The U.K.’s COVID-19 protocols and responses vary across the countries within the kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
Updated 12/21/20 – A new variant of COVID-19 imposed a Tier 4 lockdown at midnight on Dec. 20 in London and southeastern England which tightened restrictions on travel to and from the U.K. in several other countries. While the U.S. hasn’t halted flights from the U.K. yet, New York’s Gov. Cuomo urges to do so following recent restrictions from Austria, Ireland, France, Bulgaria, Canada and more.
*U.S. Embassy website last updated 12/14/20
If we’re missing any European updates on Americans’ restrictions when it comes to traveling across the pond, kindly let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Get the latest travel restrictions, entry requirements and mask rules for the destination you’re traveling to before you go from the destination’s tourism board website or government website.
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