For a few weeks now we’ve been hearing about how the European Union intends to open to vaccinated travelers from around the world. This is now one step closer to becoming a reality, as European Union officials today agreed on a policy.
In this post:
European Union will formally open to travelers
European Union ambassadors met this morning to discuss a plan to open borders to travelers, and came to a consensus. Leaders are expected to formally approve this plan next week with a vote, but it’s said that there’s “no doubt” this will now happen.
While we know the timeline for this plan getting approved, it remains to be seen when exactly European Union borders will open, as this at least partly depends on individual countries setting up the systems they need to start welcoming visitors.
I’d say best case scenario we could see the European Union open before the end of May, though it could also take substantially longer than that. No one knows for sure just yet.
The EU will open to vaccinated travelers soon
European Union’s plans to ease travel restrictions
A couple of European Union countries (including Croatia and Greece) have already opened to visitors on a widespread basis, and other countries (including Italy) have opened with significant restrictions. However, most European Union countries continue to remain closed, regardless of a traveler’s vaccination status.
With this updated policy, the European Union will allow in vaccinated travelers, as well as those coming from countries with few coronavirus cases.
European Union to allow vaccinated travelers
Travelers from around the globe who are vaccinated will be allowed to enter the European Union for non-essential travel. As it’s described, this reflects the latest scientific advice showing that vaccination considerably helps break the transmission chain.
With this update, member states will allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter:
- You’re considered fully vaccinated when it has been two weeks since your last recommended dose of the vaccine
- The vaccine must have received marketing authorization in the European Union (which all vaccines in the United States have received)
- If a member state waives the requirements for a negative PCR test and/or a quarantine for residents, then these should also be waived for vaccinated visitors
- Member states should accept certificates from non-EU countries based on national law, taking into account the ability to verify authenticity, validity, and integrity of the certificate; eventually the EU plans to use a Digital Green Certificate system for this
- Children who are not able to get vaccinated should be able to travel with their vaccinated parents if they have a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Europe
I’m sure parents will be happy to see that unvaccinated children are expected to be allowed in the European Union with testing.
A summer vacation in Europe could be in the cards for many
European Union to allow unvaccinated travelers from more countries
Currently the European Union only allows unvaccinated visitors from seven other countries (like Australia and New Zealand), and that’s determined exclusively by countries having few coronavirus cases.
With this update, the European Union will expand this:
- Non-essential travel will be allowed regardless of vaccination status if someone is coming from a country with a 14-day cumulative COVID-19 case notification rate of 100 or less
- As a point of comparison, currently the restrictions are based on a notification rate of 25 or less
Based on current numbers, this would mean that all visitors from the United Kingdom would be allowed, while visitors from the United States wouldn’t be allowed. Again, this is exclusively for those who aren’t vaccinated, since vaccinated people from around the world will be allowed to visit the European Union.
This list will be reviewed every two weeks, so the countries that would be allowed could constantly change. The European Union will also have the ability to institute an “emergency brake” in situations where case rates significantly worsen in a country, especially if it’s due to a new variant.
Unvaccinated travelers from more countries will be allowed in the EU
Bottom line
European Union officials have today agreed to open borders to vaccinated travelers from around the globe, as well as those from countries with few coronavirus cases. It seems like this is more or less a done deal, as all ambassadors are in agreement on the policy, and a formal vote will take place next week.
Once this is made official next week (barring any unforeseen delays), it’s anyone’s guess when the policy will actually kick in. Hopefully sooner rather than later…
You forgot to mention that some countries require a PCR test to enter even if you are vaccinated. For example, French people have to show a PCR test to come back home wether they are vaccinated or not.
This has now apparently been dropped by France and Spain as per passenger reports at CDG and MAD. They now ask for the proof of vaccination. (6/4)
So I have two questions:
1. Does the term "vaccinated" mean that a traveler has to have had (in the case of Pfizer) both the initial shot and then the second follow-up shot? Does "fully vaccinated" mean anything different.
and ...
2. In all this discussion, does anyone have any solid info on where Switzerland stands?
So the EU will not accept vaccination with the Sputnik vaccine ?
Will they now deny Hungarian citizens ( many of them vaccinated with SV ) entry into the rest of the EU ?
And how could that practically work as Hungary is member of the EU ?
Does not make much sense ...
To date, only Greece, Iceland and Italy (covid tested flights) have reopened to American tourists. For the other countries, everything still needs to be clarified. In any case, with vaccinated European citizens who cannot see their family members, cannot work or look after their own affairs in America or take care of their property due to the obtuseness of the American authorities, it seems completely out of place to think of hosting americans who come...
To date, only Greece, Iceland and Italy (covid tested flights) have reopened to American tourists. For the other countries, everything still needs to be clarified. In any case, with vaccinated European citizens who cannot see their family members, cannot work or look after their own affairs in America or take care of their property due to the obtuseness of the American authorities, it seems completely out of place to think of hosting americans who come on vacation. For a large part of european public opinion, at present, american tourists are not welcome in Europe. Politicians know this and are slowing down the openings of non-European borders.
Everyone stop getting your panties in a wad. The US will open to European travelers post haste. All it takes is an executive order which can be accomplished at a moment's notice. You can be certain that it will occur contemporaneously with the EU announcing their actual policy (rather than just their intent to formulate and actual policy).
Important to note is that this "Council Recommendation" is not binding to EU Member States. So States will still decide individually if and under which conditions the would let travelers in.
Same applies to this list of countries which currently counts 7 countries but only a handful of the 27 EU Member States actually allow non-essential travel from these countries.
@ Al: Yep, that’s what they did before dying… they LOL-ed, and BAM!
So, I follow CNN and this has to be political because I pointed out the current facts in India and S’pore? It can’t be DW, Reuters, BBC Asia etc.? Gotcha!
Maybe get out of that “faux news” loophole, and see the real world sometimes? At least you will be able to breathe fresh.
@Grzegorz: let’s keep it civil, can we? Otherwise, don’t bother.
Working for one of the top three Pharma giants for decades, I know very well what is happening in Europe with their vaccination program. Why do you think Macron’s head is on the chopping block?
And that “per capita” math is cute, but it doesn’t work that way with the virus. Where were you when it hit last year? Didn’t hear anyone with their...
@Grzegorz: let’s keep it civil, can we? Otherwise, don’t bother.
Working for one of the top three Pharma giants for decades, I know very well what is happening in Europe with their vaccination program. Why do you think Macron’s head is on the chopping block?
And that “per capita” math is cute, but it doesn’t work that way with the virus. Where were you when it hit last year? Didn’t hear anyone with their “per capita” theory when people were dropping like flies. You have countries with population less than Chicago, so yeah per capita would of course look nice.
It’s a travel blog where reality based in science hurts for most of you guys, so for us it’s okay (but sad) to see you frustrated so easily.
@KK13 the EU is getting vaccinated. Fast. And with good vaccines too. We have more vaccinated people, per capita, than the US had at the same point (3 months after opening vaccines). So take your head out of your a**.
Grzegorz- Agree, Americans and Britons are not welcome in Europe without reciprocity at least between vaccinated people.
It's a disgrace that we're opening ourselves while Americans still don't allow us in, even the vaccinated ones.
@KK13: In India "there are reports 40-50 fully vaccinated people have been dying every day".
"at least two dangerous variants of the virus lurking around globally!"
"Kids are at huge risks!!"
"This is far from over!!!"
Long Live the Pandemic Paranoia Narrative!!!!!!!!!
Wow. Some people really need to step away from CNN and get out more. (With no mask preferably.) lol
It’s not worth* taking...
/ my bad
Agree with @Mayank.
Till the EU starts vaccinating I’m not going there. It’s not witty taking the risk, esp when there are at least two dangerous variants of the virus lurking around globally. The recent ones are ten times more fatal than last years.
Besides, most of EU us in mess with vaccination program. Not sure how that happened, but it can be risky to be there even if you’re vaccinated.
Case in...
Agree with @Mayank.
Till the EU starts vaccinating I’m not going there. It’s not witty taking the risk, esp when there are at least two dangerous variants of the virus lurking around globally. The recent ones are ten times more fatal than last years.
Besides, most of EU us in mess with vaccination program. Not sure how that happened, but it can be risky to be there even if you’re vaccinated.
Case in point, SE Asia: Even after being vaccinated (e.g. with Astra Zeneca in India) there are reports 40-50 fully vaccinated people have been dying every day. With new spike in S’pore that has put kids at huge risk, this is far from over to take travel risks.
We have property in France, but no, thanks! My EU trip can wait.
I’d rather be here and enjoy my month long vacation in Colorado, which is exactly what we will be doing.
As others, I do sincerely hope that the US will end the ban on (non-US) travellers from Schengen countries soon. I'm not even talking about holidays, but about work. After 15 months, we really need to visit our clients in the US and we cannot afford to position everyone for 14 days to the Dominican Republic or Mexico before he/she is allowed to enter the US ...
Like others have mentioned, I got a digital certificate through the outfit managing our county's vaccinations; it's on my phone with access to a green QR code giving dates and type of vaccine administered. The paper thing is in my wallet but I'm banking on the digital one when I (hope to) travel in Autumn.
I would have thought they would have least some sort of online process to upload your proof of vaccine first? Lots of countries require some sort of online locator form to be completed before arriving anyway.
Then every country provides different types of proof. Here in Qatar we have our vaccination card then we are able to download a certificate two weeks after the second shot. This is what I'll be using anyway to...
I would have thought they would have least some sort of online process to upload your proof of vaccine first? Lots of countries require some sort of online locator form to be completed before arriving anyway.
Then every country provides different types of proof. Here in Qatar we have our vaccination card then we are able to download a certificate two weeks after the second shot. This is what I'll be using anyway to spend 10 days in Europe this summer before being allowed back into the UK!
@Ksa63:The point is not whether other countries accept chinese vaccination or not.Some of them already did.The point is China won't let Chinese go to travel and back.After all the permissions tests and limited flights you still have to face 21 days quarantine.Yes 21 days.And this will not change for a long time.The only thing can change this is how badly the stupied emperor want his Olympics AKA a terrible political show.
At some point countries will want Chinese travellers ($$$). Will they then start accepting those who received a chinese developed vaccination?
I look fowared to the first cluster being caused by some vaxxed Yank and this all gets reversed at a stunning speed.
I give it about a month
I expected this. Europe is dependent on American business and travel $$$$.
YES
I received my vaccine through the NYS Department of Health. I've downloaded the NY Excelsior App and that shows my vaccine status and can be used in conjunction with my CDC card. But, we cancelled our scheduled trip to France and are now scheduled to travel to Greece at end of June. I fear that many of the EU countries (besides Croatia and Greece) won't get things up and running in time for early summer travel to work smoothly.
"Curious to see how they will justify accepting the CDC vaccination card, it’s hardly very official and extremely easy/likely to be forged/faked/tampered with." Well I'm sure some people will get caught doing this and will have a lovely stay in a foreign prison. Anyone who thinks a country with a population that is under vaccinated will go light on criminals who try to pass off a forged vaccination card deserve to spend time in prison....
"Curious to see how they will justify accepting the CDC vaccination card, it’s hardly very official and extremely easy/likely to be forged/faked/tampered with." Well I'm sure some people will get caught doing this and will have a lovely stay in a foreign prison. Anyone who thinks a country with a population that is under vaccinated will go light on criminals who try to pass off a forged vaccination card deserve to spend time in prison. It is also a federal crime. Gotta be a special kind of stupid to try nonsense like this.
@BookLvr- Stay updated, France will ask for reciprocity, i’ll bet. Macron and his Minister already said. French are very proud people and will keep their word.
I guess the EU doesn't want me there since I volunteered to be part of the control group.
Star Bellied Sneetches Only!
The best approach to managing Covid is to shut the borders until 2023 or 2024 like here in Koalastan (formerly known as Auscatraz).
The mental health and economic side effects is worth it for ZERO CASES.
@Peter--Thank you so much for the information and the additional sources to check out!
Flying La Premiere will be a 31st anniversary treat! (This would have been a 30th anniversary trip, but COVID had other ideas...so now we are celebrating a prime number anniversary, or at least trying to!) I was inspired by Ben's trip report of flying La Premiere with his dad and Ford, one of my all-time favorite posts on OMAAT.
I hope those of you who dream of a holiday in Europe this summer do realise that what the EU announced today is a mere recommendation that member countries may or may not follow. EU countries are independent states, and every state decides on its own what kind of border restrictions it will have. Thus, eg. Finland, my home country, doesn't even allow fellow EU countries' citizens to enter at this time. Not even business...
I hope those of you who dream of a holiday in Europe this summer do realise that what the EU announced today is a mere recommendation that member countries may or may not follow. EU countries are independent states, and every state decides on its own what kind of border restrictions it will have. Thus, eg. Finland, my home country, doesn't even allow fellow EU countries' citizens to enter at this time. Not even business travel, unless the reason is absolutely essential. No commuters, nothing. Today's announcement will change nothing.
Having said that, most land borders in continental Europe are open without any controls even if you might, in theory, require lots of red tape.
My suggestion would be to pick one country that specifically allows arrivals from the US, or wherever you are coming from, and not count on being able to country-hop in Europe this summer.
My vaccine was administered through a local health system, Presbyterian, and they have a record of my vaccine in my record that I can access on my phone at anytime I wish. That plus a CDC card should be good to go anywhere.
If you were vaccinated at CVS, CVS has a copy of your record stored electronically.
@Richard:
I would imagine that most people who have received a Covid vaccine in the US have received secondary confirmation of their vaccination status other than just the CDC card. For example, I live in New Mexico, and registered for my vaccine through the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH). When I got my vaccine doses the DOH updated my vaccine status on their website, which I can refer to in addition to my CDC...
@Richard:
I would imagine that most people who have received a Covid vaccine in the US have received secondary confirmation of their vaccination status other than just the CDC card. For example, I live in New Mexico, and registered for my vaccine through the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH). When I got my vaccine doses the DOH updated my vaccine status on their website, which I can refer to in addition to my CDC card. If the EU wants to cut down on American's fraudulently claiming they are vaccinated and forging CDC cards to enter the EU, they can demand secondary proof of vaccination as well from state and local authorities, or perhaps from private entities like Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and CVS who administer vaccines.
@S, they'll probably accept CDC card given the practicalities, but if their goal is to protect their citizens, accepting it does not do a very good job. A rather large percentage of the US isn't vaccinated and I'd bet many of those would travel to the EU with a forged card.
The typical vaccines for Africa are to protect the traveler (e.g., from yellow fever) rather than protecting the African citizens.
I booked Rome today for June 8th. RT from MIA in J for $1,900, can't beat that! And even if Rome isn't completely open yet, the lack of crowds and ability to just walk the city and see so many things makes it completely worth it.
I'm a dual-citizen, so entry isn't an issue. My hesitation to return to Italy has more been about me not wanting to have to quarantine upon arrival. I...
I booked Rome today for June 8th. RT from MIA in J for $1,900, can't beat that! And even if Rome isn't completely open yet, the lack of crowds and ability to just walk the city and see so many things makes it completely worth it.
I'm a dual-citizen, so entry isn't an issue. My hesitation to return to Italy has more been about me not wanting to have to quarantine upon arrival. I booked a "quarantine-free" flight, but the fact that I'm fully vaccinated makes the entire triple-testing process seem like overkill.
Hopefully this announcement is figured out soon!
@Michael - I doubt that will be an issue across the board. EU has had countries such as Australia and NZ in their green list from the beginning, despite zero reciprocity. Greece and Croatia opened up without such.
Though it's long past time to drop the Europe travel ban into the US.
Vaccinated americans admitted to EU and vaccinated europeans banned from US
Very classy...
They'll have to allow that card. There's nothing else anyone has really. I believe African countries have allowed it for certain vaccinations too for years so it's hardly something new to the world.
What will they want as proof of vaccination? Will the EU follow Greece and use the easily forged paper CDC card?
Great! (/s) Europe will be busy and young Europeans won't be able to leave as they still won't have access to vaccination. Currently, they are vaccinating +50-year-olds with not medical history.
@BrookLvr depending on where you're going, hotels can easily arrange this for you. If you're inquiring about flying La Premier, then I'm assuming paying for them is not an issue. If you don't want them to arrange it for you, just about any concierge can point you in the right direction.
Lots of airports have onsite testing that is super easy as well. It's a little nervewracking doing it right before your flight, but still...
@BrookLvr depending on where you're going, hotels can easily arrange this for you. If you're inquiring about flying La Premier, then I'm assuming paying for them is not an issue. If you don't want them to arrange it for you, just about any concierge can point you in the right direction.
Lots of airports have onsite testing that is super easy as well. It's a little nervewracking doing it right before your flight, but still very easy. I've done this a few times.
Walking around most European cities, you'll see plenty of medical centers and other locations with COVID testing advertised. You can also post in a FlyerTalk forum for your destination and you'll get lots of info. Looking at the Europe forum now, almost all of the most recent threads are about COVID testing or entry into various locations.
Lastly, check out BinaxNOW. It's an approved at-home test where you do not need to mail anything in. It's approved by the FDA and can be used for entry into the US. It comes in a pack of 6, so very good for families. Afar had a recent story on it.
This report is not entirely correct. The small print of the policy, still to be finally agreed, indicates that country-specific policies for quarantine-free, non-essential access for vaccinated travelers from non-EU countries will take into account reciprocal arrangements in the home country.
In other words, it is less likely that travellers from the US or UK, for example, will be permitted quarantine-free access, if the US or UK is not reciprocating by also allowing vaccinated EU...
This report is not entirely correct. The small print of the policy, still to be finally agreed, indicates that country-specific policies for quarantine-free, non-essential access for vaccinated travelers from non-EU countries will take into account reciprocal arrangements in the home country.
In other words, it is less likely that travellers from the US or UK, for example, will be permitted quarantine-free access, if the US or UK is not reciprocating by also allowing vaccinated EU travellers access to the US or UK for non-essential and quarantine-free trips.
Quite how this reciprocity consideration is applied, or whether it features in the final terms of the policy, remains to be seen...
that's "Taiwan has just slammed the door closed: non-Taiwanese nationals (all foreigners) can not enter..."
Press release from EVA here:
https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/5XjPsJ0tCzWc-fxv77tPkg?typeid=158
They're not open, people complain. They're open, people complain. Entitled much?
This is good news. Meanwhile, Taiwan has just slammed the door closed: non foreigners can not enter (even transit) effective immediately, through at least June 16, subject to (probably) extension. This is due to a major spike in COVID there (as is happening across SE Asia). Anyone who was planning to fly through Taipei needs to reconsider and/or come up with a Plan B.
@Lucky, worth a post on this as it will impact virtually ALL EVA Air flights.
Anti-vaxxers stay away from the EU! Along w/those pumping some theoretical vaccine in development that doesn't really have any trial of any amount of substance in process...head to Daytona or Galveston this summer instead.
@We're traveler - They can justify it by not having any other choice, since that's the only thing most Americans are going to have.
Won’t be crowded for sure, no Australians, Japanese, Canadians, and on and on. I would just be pissed if the city I go to gets a flare up ans closes… the EU is not vaccinated.
Curious to see how they will justify accepting the CDC vaccination card, it's hardly very official and extremely easy/likely to be forged/faked/tampered with. It's just a cardboard with hand written text ♂️
This policy makes sense. I'm glad to see that they are not allowing the US anti-vaxxers in, but will let in fully vaccinated people. We need to do away with the testing requirement for fully vaccinated people that aren't showing any kind of symptons though.
@Brandon Model You can blame developed countries for hogging all the vaccines. Other countries do want to open up, but how can they if they don't have access to the vaccines yet? You may consider them weak, but they are the ones that have managed this crises better than any Western country.
GREAT NEWS! I'm VERY excited by this news because we have a flight booked on Air France leaving in late July for a 2 week vacation! All three of us are vaccinated. We've got Paris, St. Malo, Mont St. Michel, Bayeux, D-Day Beaches, and Etretat on our tentative itinerary. And we are currently booked to fly out in Air France's La Premiere cabin, and home in Business!
@Peter, I would love to hear more...
GREAT NEWS! I'm VERY excited by this news because we have a flight booked on Air France leaving in late July for a 2 week vacation! All three of us are vaccinated. We've got Paris, St. Malo, Mont St. Michel, Bayeux, D-Day Beaches, and Etretat on our tentative itinerary. And we are currently booked to fly out in Air France's La Premiere cabin, and home in Business!
@Peter, I would love to hear more details about how it is easy to get a test abroad, because this is one of the logistical pieces I don't understand. How do I book such a test? (My dream scenario would be to get tested at the airport in the hours right before flying, but that's probably too much to hope for.)
Question about La Premiere: if the three of us are in La Premiere and we have a friend on the same flight in a different cabin, can he come up and visit with us during part of the flight?
@S This summer will likely be the only chance to see Europe before overtourism becomes a problem again as many people around the world still do not have access to the vaccine, or feel confident to travel.
booked a trip for late July last month when TAP was running a business class sale figuring this would happen soon. looking good so far. all t&e while on continent I'm making sure is cancelable should things change. Can't wait
@Peter, I'm less worried about the test availability and more worried about getting stranded and having to shell out money to stay in a hotel room by myself for two weeks with zero or very mild symptoms.
As the majority of the EU is still not vaccinated & their vaccination rates are starting to dip, not go up, I will not be traveling this summer. The tables have turned & I for one don’t think it’s worth the massive crowds, exorbitant prices & headaches when returning home post vacation.
@S while I agree with the sentiment and it's a ridiculous thing to require (for vaccinated passengers), it's incredibly easy to get a test abroad. Especially since it can be rapid/antigen.
EU and US opening up their economies and looking beyond. On the other, other backward nation remain closed forever hoping to reach ZERO infections without any vaccination plan (while being at risk of having a nation full of weaklings with poor immune systems)
And the ridiculous requirement for vaccinated Americans to need a negative test before entering back home will be another obstacle. I will not travel internationally mostly likely until that is gone.
It will be so crowded there this summer, prices will be high, and many attractions will likely still be closed or not at full openness. Not sure it'll be worth it.
Careful, with the JJ vaccine It’s 28 days after the shot not two weeks and with Pfizer it’s 7 days after the second dose. (according to EMA)
Great, but WTH is going on with the US border closure to EU? Just announce PCR test requirement and let us in!!