Official: EU Adds Travel Restrictions For Americans, Bans Unvaccinated Travelers

Official: EU Adds Travel Restrictions For Americans, Bans Unvaccinated Travelers

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In mid-June the European Union ended its travel ban against Americans. That has now been reversed, as the European Union has removed the United States from the “safe travel” list, which allows non-essential travel with few restrictions.

US removed from EU safe travel list

In March 2020 the European Union (or more accurately, the Schengen zone) closed its borders to people from most parts of the globe. Restrictions were lifted based on the epidemiological situation in each country, which meant that Americans were banned for well over a year.

That finally changed in mid-June 2021. At that point the United States was added to the European Union’s safe travel list. This was based on (at the time) the United States recording fewer than 75 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants over the past 14 days, which is the threshold set by the European Union.

Unfortunately coronavirus cases have skyrocketed in the United States in the past couple of months, and we’re now at over 500 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants in the past 14 days, and the numbers keep increasing.

European Union officials stated all along that the safe travel list could change based on how the situation evolves in each country, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing now. The European Union has taken the United States off its safe travel list, which (at a minimum) means that unvaccinated Americans will be banned from entering most European countries.

Ultimately this is justified — Americans had unrestricted access to the European Union due to how few cases there were in the country, and that’s no longer the case.

The US has been removed from the EU’s safe travel list

This doesn’t mean all Americans are banned

While the United States has been removed from the European Union’s safe travel list, that doesn’t necessarily mean Americans are suddenly banned from all European Union countries:

  • The European Union can only make recommendations when it comes to entry restrictions, and individual countries can choose to keep their own policies in place; for example, Greece opened to Americans before the European Union recommended it
  • Even with the European Union having removed the United States from the safe travel list, several European Union countries allow vaccinated travelers from non-safe countries to enter, so I suspect that will continue to be the case
  • For that matter, even before this announcement we’ve seen individual European Union countries add restrictions against the United States due to rising case numbers; for example, Germany recently banned unvaccinated Americans
Americans can still potentially visit parts of Europe

Is there an element of reciprocity here?

While the European Union’s travel restrictions have largely been based on the number of cases in a country, there has also been an element of reciprocity to the policy. For example, last year the European Union added China to its safe travel list, but only subject to reciprocity (which didn’t happen).

On some level I imagine there’s reciprocity at play here. The European Union lifted its travel restrictions against Americans, while the United States hasn’t lifted its travel restrictions against the European Union. The Biden administration has stated that it won’t lift travel bans for now, and it’s rumored that when restrictions are lifted, vaccination could be required for visitors. I’m all for only allowing in vaccinated visitors, but this should be implemented ASAP.

There’s no doubt that the lack of reciprocity has contributed to the policy change as well. And frankly it’s well deserved, because I’m not sure what part of the US policy is “following the science,” exactly:

  • Getting vaccinated is the key to living with coronavirus, yet no travel restrictions have been created around vaccination status
  • The United States’ travel bans don’t in any way reflect where coronavirus is bad right now; for example, Germans are banned from the United States, while others from countries with much higher case numbers aren’t banned
  • A vast majority of the coronavirus cases in the United States are already from the delta variant, and we’re not going for a zero tolerance approach to coronavirus, so I’m not sure what exactly we’re trying to keep out
  • So yeah, let’s let unvaccinated Americans party in Florida with no restrictions, while vaccinated people from the European Union can’t even enter the United States

I’ve been disappointed by the Biden administration’s complete lack of movement on these absurd policies. There seems to be such a bias towards baselessly maintaining the status quo, just because.

There’s not much logic to the United States’ travel restrictions at this point

Bottom line

In mid-June the European Union put the United States on its safe travel list, allowing unrestricted travel to the European Union. This was based on the low coronavirus case numbers in the United States. With cases now increasing significantly, the European Union has removed the United States from its safe travel list.

Ultimately it’s up to individual countries to decide on their policies, and on top of that this ban is primarily against unvaccinated travelers. So while we’ll see how individual countries change their policies over the coming days, I’d expect that vaccinated Americans will continue to be welcome in most of Europe.

What do you make of the European Union removing the United States from the safe travel list?

Conversations (79)
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  1. John Guest

    not sure why vaccincation matters on travel since vaccinated people are unmasked via cdc so it is the unmasked people who are spreading it regardless of their status. This is segregation esp since there are people who should not get it for medical reasons. It's ridiculous how vaccinated people think they are invincible and can't spread it so they do whatever they want too.

  2. simplieme Guest

    To my knowledge, as of 2 hrs ago, the only vaccinated people who "should" be getting boosters are people with weak immune systems. It's not supposed to be available to the rest of vaccinated people until at least Sept. 20 and only after FDA and CDC approval.

  3. Kelly Clements Guest

    What about those who've recovered from coronavirus who have antibodies, negative tests and fully recovered from Covid-19? Apparently those recovered have as good or better developed immune response as those vaccinated.

    As I understand it, the mRNA injection, as with standard influenza vaccines, have no impact on lowering transmission. Anyone can transmit the viruses.

    It seems it has become so political no one is considering or discussing publicly all of the science...

    What about those who've recovered from coronavirus who have antibodies, negative tests and fully recovered from Covid-19? Apparently those recovered have as good or better developed immune response as those vaccinated.

    As I understand it, the mRNA injection, as with standard influenza vaccines, have no impact on lowering transmission. Anyone can transmit the viruses.

    It seems it has become so political no one is considering or discussing publicly all of the science to include the recovered (>98% is my understanding), singling out all unvaccinated as the enemy.
    Look up Dr. Christina Parks testimony at the Michigan House of Representatives as a starting point. The science is fascinating.

    Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this matter.

  4. Shutterbug Member

    Long overdue. The US is the country with an extraordinarily high percentage of unvaccinated people, some for genuine medical reasons, some simply because of ignorance but the vast majority for ideological reasons serving as proof they belong to a certain political tribe.

    And in this latter group you find a lot of affluent people who spend money on travel. Unfortunately they don't just go to Florida, the Ozarks or Cancun but also to Europe....

    Long overdue. The US is the country with an extraordinarily high percentage of unvaccinated people, some for genuine medical reasons, some simply because of ignorance but the vast majority for ideological reasons serving as proof they belong to a certain political tribe.

    And in this latter group you find a lot of affluent people who spend money on travel. Unfortunately they don't just go to Florida, the Ozarks or Cancun but also to Europe. Good to know that Americans now have to be vaccinated.

    Next stop is the proof, of course. The Biden administration didn't dare to issue official vaccination cards being afraid of the wrath of the anti-vaxxers had they done so. Fake card are already in circulation and undoubtedly will be used by people who see a vaccination as an infringement of their rights.

    I just hope European authorities will come down hard on those who will be caught.

  5. Victoria Guest

    The Italians DID check our Covid cards, as did the hotels…..
    We did a Rapid test to fly back to the States….and signed an online “attestation” form for the CDC….Never asked to see proof when we landed…nada….

  6. D3kingg Guest

    As of today August 31 it is still possible for an American to enter Germany without a vaccination. You would need a proof of a negative Covid test result before leaving the US and show at your hotel. They didn’t ask for anything at customs and immigration

    1. Florian Guest

      That's because Immigration "outsourced" it to the airlines, much like in the US.

  7. Mark Guest

    Hey everyone,

    I have an Emirates redemption from JNB to MUC, and a seperate ticket same day on to KRK. I am vaccinated, my wife is waiting for 14 day period to be complete. Will Germany allow us to transit through to Poland?

  8. ckaught78 Guest

    for Italy

    In accordance with Prime Ministerial Decree of March 2, 2021, Order of July 29, 2021 and Order of August 28, 2021 of the Minister of Health, people who have stayed in or transited Countries in List D in the 14 days prior to entering Italy must:

    fill out a digital Passenger Locator Form (only in case of lack of necessary tools to fill out the dPLF, you can use a paper-based self-declaration) and...

    for Italy

    In accordance with Prime Ministerial Decree of March 2, 2021, Order of July 29, 2021 and Order of August 28, 2021 of the Minister of Health, people who have stayed in or transited Countries in List D in the 14 days prior to entering Italy must:

    fill out a digital Passenger Locator Form (only in case of lack of necessary tools to fill out the dPLF, you can use a paper-based self-declaration) and present it to the carrier or any other authorised person, either printed or on one's mobile device.
    present to the carrier, or any other authorised person, a certificate of vaccination stating that the cycle of vaccination has been completed with an EMA-athorised vaccine, or a EU Green Pass proving the same;
    take a molecular or antigenic test, carried out by means of a swab and with negative result, in the 72 hours before they arrive.
    In case of lack of the certifications under points 2 and 3 (which are not alternative), travellers may still enter Italy but they must:

    self-isolate for five (5) days, activating local health surveillance procedures by informing Local Health Authorities.
    get tested again, upon completing the prescribed self-isolation.

  9. Brian Guest

    Leave Sunday for Paris. Fully vaccinated. Already received French QR Code recognizing vaccine status. Fingers crossed.

    1. Mitch Cumstein Guest

      How long did it take to receive the QR code after sending the e-mail? Just curious what processing time is like. It also says online that they are only processing for people who are in France or will arrive by tomorrow (Aug 31), so how did you get it so early?

    2. UA-NYC Guest

      Am 2 weeks past applying to mine - no update either

    3. Mitch Cumstein Guest

      When do you arrive in France? Maybe it generally comes last minute...?

  10. Margie O. Guest

    It would be fantastic for americans to stay in the the business enterprise masquerading as a country until they start acting like a real country instead of their horrendous 400yrs+ track record of war mongering, imperialism, and slaughter. They cannot even wear a mask or take a vaccine without turning into political theatre?

    1. ExSoviet Guest

      @ Margie - and what are you doing on AMERICAN blog? Oh, I know...TROLLING

    2. Ray Guest

      At what point did this become an American blog? It is a travel blog. Welcome to the 21st Century and internet.

    3. Nick Guest

      I know our 245-year-old country can hardly compare to the action-packed 2000+ years of European history, but every country has problems and morons. It'd be great if you didn't stereotype the whole country based on the actions of the morons.

  11. Henry Guest

    The over arching issue is the tens of thousands visa holders in the USA who have no right or reentry if they travel to the UK or EU to see their family.

    I have a mortgage, run a business, pay my taxes yet i can not leave and return to see my parents and its been 614 days since i last saw them.

    So the USA needs to lift the travel ban which is no longer based on science. I am not clear what its based on anymore.

  12. Sudah Yehuda shaheb Guest

    Last week did EWR BRU .checked my vaccine status and QR for Belgium. No check at the Thalys train but at Gare du Nord, a full contingent of Police and Army checking Vaccine status and or Pass SAnitaire. In Paris, Pass Sanitaire checked everywhere there are people: Museums, Restaurants, hotels. Even at Cafe Flores, the waiter wanted to see my Pass Sanitaire.. The prevalence of the Covid coming down since France instituted Pass Sanitaire. At...

    Last week did EWR BRU .checked my vaccine status and QR for Belgium. No check at the Thalys train but at Gare du Nord, a full contingent of Police and Army checking Vaccine status and or Pass SAnitaire. In Paris, Pass Sanitaire checked everywhere there are people: Museums, Restaurants, hotels. Even at Cafe Flores, the waiter wanted to see my Pass Sanitaire.. The prevalence of the Covid coming down since France instituted Pass Sanitaire. At Orly, three checks of Pass Sanitaire and in Madrid, check of Spanish Qr and also Covid Test to get back to Miami.

  13. Melissa Morawiecki Guest

    Do we know if they are allowing travel or Poland....?

  14. Raymond Guest

    I’m a vaccinated, how does it work once I’m inside the Schengen zone? As of right now I believe Spain only requires proof of vaccination but Portugal requires Covid test. Do they check for covid test result at train station? My understanding is that there is no passport control between Schengen countries.

    1. Chris in BZN Guest

      We just got back from Portugal. I don't know whether they are checking for tests at the Spain/Portugal border, but restaurants were checking for your negative test result from Friday 7pm through Sunday night to sit inside. Time Out Market in Lisbon was checking all days and times.

  15. travel4b Guest

    The EU is clear that there are no recommendations to restrict visitors that are vaccinated. There is way too much misinformation about this. Here is the link to the official EU website:

    https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/covid19-travel-restrictions-third-countries/

  16. Jim Guest

    Your article was fine until you brought in that stupid Biden comment.

  17. Steve Guest

    You are blaming Biden? His predecessor created the environment that has led to the anti-vax movement and only 52% of Americans being fully vaccinated. That is why COVID continues to be such an issue in the US.

  18. Ed Guest

    My prediction: as long as Biden is in charge, nothing will change with respect to the deranged US policies regarding COVID and travel.
    You want it to change? Call you Congress representative and demand the 25th Amendment to be invoked.

  19. UA-NYC Guest

    Anti-vaxxers, go enjoy Daytona, Galveston, or even Branson if you will. Have fun!

  20. Greg Guest

    With high Covid numbers in Florida for example. I agree there should be travel bans especially for the unvaccnated but HOW? It would be tough to block all roads into Florida.

    I think that the worry here is with such high rates the likelihood of worse variants is certainly real. If only everyone would get vaccinated and wear a mask. It's a small request like wearing seat belts are. Anyhow don't plan too much travel right now until we see the rates drop drastically.

    1. Miamiorbust Guest

      Greg, 30% of new cases in LA county are in vaccinated folks. Vaccination rate in Florida are on par with most states in the northeast. Splitting hairs to find a difference. In ain’t all about vaccination and wearing masks. Let’s reconnect in a few months. Good luck out there.

    2. UA-NYC Guest

      CA hospital beds aren't over-flowing like FL ones are at the moment.

      And Florida vax rate is ~22/50 states...10-15 points lower than those of us in the NE.

      Take your false "facts" elsewhere.

  21. Andy Guest

    I really don't understand why Europe and the US cannot agree on some reciprocal measures. The US still much more restrictive, not even letting vaccinated Europeans (non-US travellers originating in Europe) in.

  22. Sue Guest

    How do you know that the list is valid until 9/5? Where does it say that or is that true for all EU policies? Thanks in advance.

    1. ckaught78 Guest

      Go to https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm and expand "Risk Countries / Areas". If you google travel restrictions for the country you are interested in you will typically find their health info sites which have this info along with dates when they update them

  23. Donna Diamond

    I’m all in for closing borders to unvaccinated travelers. Why should vaccinated, patriotic Americans continue to be punished by the actions of the anti-vaxxers? Let them stay home. As for the US policy of not allowing vaccinated EU travelers in, it should be reversed. It’s basically sending the message that vaccinated people from foreign countries present a higher threat than they actually do and it undermines the larger message that vaccines work. But frankly, and...

    I’m all in for closing borders to unvaccinated travelers. Why should vaccinated, patriotic Americans continue to be punished by the actions of the anti-vaxxers? Let them stay home. As for the US policy of not allowing vaccinated EU travelers in, it should be reversed. It’s basically sending the message that vaccinated people from foreign countries present a higher threat than they actually do and it undermines the larger message that vaccines work. But frankly, and you brought up Florida, I can’t imagine that flocks EU tourists would want to visit there with their out of control infection rate, especially with their young children who cannot yet be vaccinated!!! And I can’t imagine why the voters of Florida continue to support their Governor, who is singlehandedly fueling the fire, especially in a state that relies so heavily on tourism. Don’t lay the Florida shitstorm at the feet of Biden.

    1. Steve Diamond

      You "cant imagine EU wanting to visit florida" you clearly have never been to miami it might be the most desired city to visit in the US for young europeans with means to travel.

    2. Donna Diamond

      I lived in Florida for five years back in the ‘90s. And I know plenty of young affluent Europeans and Miami is not even on their radar screen for desirable destinations, especially those with young children and especially now.

    3. Steve Diamond

      Well this isnt the 1990s. We are in the world of social media and trends right now the cool thing to do is Miami and Tulum. Granted the people who care about trendy instagram destination are not older nor do they have kids. But for people who are into social media there is no one place on the earth that is hotter than miami. This is why i avoid miami but im not the target...

      Well this isnt the 1990s. We are in the world of social media and trends right now the cool thing to do is Miami and Tulum. Granted the people who care about trendy instagram destination are not older nor do they have kids. But for people who are into social media there is no one place on the earth that is hotter than miami. This is why i avoid miami but im not the target demo. I think if you randomly selected 30 top EU and UK social media influencers, 27 of the 30 would have posted in Miami over the past 2 years.

    4. Miamiorbust Guest

      Lol, tell me you didn’t live on Sarasota? If you did, you get a pass on the prior comment. Ben can be tiebreaker on this one. See many European families in Miami prior to Covid?

    5. Ray Guest

      I personally know many Spaniards and their families that have traveled to Miami and love it. I also know many Germans that travel with family to Orlando every few years.

    6. Matt Guest

      Why you dissing Sarasota?! Siesta Keyon MTV has put it on the map for the young influencers!!!

    7. Giovanna Guest

      Obvious that Donna ment "can't imagine EU wanting to visit Florida now".

  24. khatl Guest

    Some countries are not implementing this immediately and it will likely take a week or two to filter through if the member country is going to take action. For example, Spain's current list currently allows US visitors... and this list is valid thru 9/5. So if you hurry...

    1. Sue Guest

      How do you know that the list is valid until 9/5? Where does it say that or is that true for all EU policies? Thanks in advance.

    2. Daniel Guest

      Spain's list of countries considered safe gets updated weekly so the current one is valid until 11:59pm Sunday Night (9/5)

      It should be noted Spain the 'safe' list (i.e. what the US is seemingly being removed from) means you can enter no questions asked. Other countries you can still enter if you prove you're vaccinated.

  25. Mike Guest

    Do we know what the rules are for those who can’t get vaccinated? Is the EU blocking toddlers (with vaxxed parents) from traveling, for example?

  26. John Guest

    I leave for Rome tomorrow. This makes the trip a bit more interesting.

    1. UA-NYC Guest

      I'm in Italy right now (and was checked for vax/negative test pre-immigration, very different from the poster above) - if you are vaccinated, you will be just fine.

      Anti-vaxxers are rightly a second class citizen here, and I couldn't be happier. Glad they will be banned shortly.

    2. Never In Doubt Guest

      UA-NYC, did you fly direct from the US to Italy? If so, makes sense. Vaccine is an Italy requirement (and others, but not Portugal).

      I don’t think the EU can gear up to check all intra-Schengen flights, so uneven rules will mean only entry country rules apply.

  27. AlanD Guest

    The official statements have been clearer than this. The EU is recommending a pause on all non-essential US residents entering the bloc, regardless of vaccination status. How many countries will adhere to this is hard to know. I also hope that a recommended implementation date is mentioned soon and individual countries announce their plans. As a vaccinated person traveling to the EU on Saturday night, I'm hoping to face no new restrictions.

    1. Daniel Guest

      Same, traveling Sunday night to Spain. From what I read on Spains end I would think this puts US in the same group as all non "Safe" countries, where you can enter if you prove your vaccinated.

    2. Sue Guest

      Agree, when do countries implement the policy - that is an important fact. I am flying to Austria through Frankfurt. So I need to be sure of Germany and Austria policies, correct? (Even though I am not technically going to Germany). I am concerned about quarantine or just being banned even if you are fully vaccinated.

  28. Sean M. Guest

    What about those flying out of a Florida airport directly to the EU? How can airlines check if they are vaccinated given the ban on verifying vaccination status in that state?

    1. khatl Guest

      Interesting Q given that, in some countries, there's a mandatory imposed requirement by the destination country government for the airlines to check vaccination status, and the airlines are fined if they allow an unvaccinated traveler to travel

    2. Miamiorbust Guest

      This is silly. On other side of TSA, you are under federal jurisdiction. FL can pound sand. The only practical implication is to limit access to extended family responding to medical emergency and many EU countries were previously pretty flexible. Otherwise, hard to see how this trips up too many travelers. Go to CVS for JNJ vaccine and travel 15 days later. Those that object to vaccination on ethical or religious grounds generally understand the...

      This is silly. On other side of TSA, you are under federal jurisdiction. FL can pound sand. The only practical implication is to limit access to extended family responding to medical emergency and many EU countries were previously pretty flexible. Otherwise, hard to see how this trips up too many travelers. Go to CVS for JNJ vaccine and travel 15 days later. Those that object to vaccination on ethical or religious grounds generally understand the trade offs. Hard to imagine facing EU travel restrictions is going change their views. Good for EU. Glad they are finally adhering to the own prior guidance and recommending restrictions. Absolutely zero chance this influences US policy. In hierarchy of problems for the current administration, revising foreign access restrictions is only slightly above drafting accountable achievement standards for students in public schools.

  29. Jan Guest

    As @Steve has surmised I also think a vast majority of those who want to go to Europe would have been vaccinated already, and those who aren't yet vaccinated its content to go to Florida or the Guld Coast for their getaway. I do wonder if they'll let unvaccinated with a Delta-variant recovery enter, as I would also guess that it may just be more effective than actual vaccine shots.

    1. Biz Traveler Guest

      According to what? Your preconceived classist biases?

    2. Steve Diamond

      It is called data and common sense. What do you not understand about the simple fact that we can look up every county's vaccination % and their annual income averages. There is no bias. You really think an average person from Mississippi (low vaccine %) who makes the state average of $25k a year can afford a vacation to Europe haha.

    3. Ray Guest

      Actually they do. I see them here. You think a holiday in Europe is that much more than going to Florida? There are many inexpensive locations and airfare isn’t expensive now.

    4. Wesley Guest

      Interesting. I found this Vox article that have listed their source and one can write to them to get more in depth information if needed.

      https://www.vox.com/22587443/covid-19-vaccine-refusal-hesitancy-variant-delta-cases-rate

      It clearly shows the strong correlation on income to vaccine rate.

  30. Slumbdog Broke Guest

    I have a family vacation planned to visit the French Alps in January. My wife and I are both vaccinated, however, our children (6 and 4) are not. I wonder, considering kids can't get the vaccine, if they will be allowed entry with a negative PCR test.

    1. Anonymous Guest

      This depends on the country in which you enter the EU first. For example, France, Switzerland and Spain (maybe others as well) allow unvaccinated kids to travel with vaccinated parents. Once you're in the EU, however, I suppose you should be free to go to any country with a -ve test for your kids.

    2. Never In Doubt Guest

      My experience a week ago.

      Flew SFO-Lisbon-Rome

      Negative COVID test (required for Portugal transit) checked at SFO check in and at Portugal immigration.

      Two “passenger locator forms” filled out online for Portugal & Italy. QR code’s printed out. Neither checked.

      No checks at all entering Italy. No checks of vaccine status (my card was ready!) at all.

      I’m guessing that checks on intra-Schengen flights will continue to be non-existent, but YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.

    3. ckaught78 Guest

      that was a week ago and these new recommendations were put into place today. It will probably take a few days/weeks for EU countries to make changes, if any, and update their sites.

    4. Ray Guest

      American living in Spain here: you are correct that inconsistencies are in place. I just got home from 9 days in Italy. I was checked (driving) at the border crossing into France. I was checked at 1/2 of my hotels and museums. No check crossing into Austria. It has been the same for months as I move about Europe.

      I don’t blame the EU for blocking the unvaccinated. Who wants to pay for the...

      American living in Spain here: you are correct that inconsistencies are in place. I just got home from 9 days in Italy. I was checked (driving) at the border crossing into France. I was checked at 1/2 of my hotels and museums. No check crossing into Austria. It has been the same for months as I move about Europe.

      I don’t blame the EU for blocking the unvaccinated. Who wants to pay for the medical expenses or give up hospital space due to a rednecks perspective on freedom. I see comments about income vs vaccination rates but the domestic flights in the US are filled with these idiots and international airfare is as cheap as it has been so many can fly with the extra money the government gave them. Americans barely act right when traveling out of the country so why increase the percentage of ugly ones by allowing them to enter? Many vaccinated still aren’t comfortable flying yet.

    5. Adam Simmons Guest

      It's very hit and miss in Europe, granted.

      I recently flew on an inter-island flight from Lanzarote to Las Palmas. Passengers on my flight sailed through to the baggage haul (inter-island travel is without restriction) but pax arriving from other EU Member States were all being checked, judging by the long queue of people on the ramp waiting to get into the baggage hall.

  31. Steve Diamond

    This doesnt seem like it will matter. Everyone who can afford a european vacation has had the vaccine, despite what the media is telling us. Its the low income who dont travel who have no shots so this new restriction wont accomplish anything for the EU.

    1. Luke Guest

      What about the kids who cant be vaccinated? Hard to find information about such policies that keep changing and varies between countries.

      And your correlating unvaccinated with low income only?

    2. NYGuy24 Diamond

      "So yeah, let’s let unvaccinated Americans party in Florida with no restrictions, while vaccinated people from the European Union can’t even enter the United States" Really? You complain about the Biden administration and then you bring up Florida? Like Biden has anything to do with that freak show? How about looking at your state government for answers about that? Certain states have single handily driven the US back into the pandemic with Florida leading the...

      "So yeah, let’s let unvaccinated Americans party in Florida with no restrictions, while vaccinated people from the European Union can’t even enter the United States" Really? You complain about the Biden administration and then you bring up Florida? Like Biden has anything to do with that freak show? How about looking at your state government for answers about that? Certain states have single handily driven the US back into the pandemic with Florida leading the charge. Not everything is "reciprocity" The european policy of only allowing vaccinated tourists makes sense. Why would they want to import unvaccinated americans into their countries? Reciprocity has nothing to do with it. More countries should close their borders to unvaccinated americans.

    3. Michael Guest

      You don't seem to be following the context of the comment. What he is saying is that it doesn't make sense that the U.S. COVID spread is out of control, yet we are trying to keep out other countries (who want to spend money here, I might add) from entering the U.S. Of course the federal government has no say in what happens in Florida. That's not the point. Although it certainly could ban unvaccinated...

      You don't seem to be following the context of the comment. What he is saying is that it doesn't make sense that the U.S. COVID spread is out of control, yet we are trying to keep out other countries (who want to spend money here, I might add) from entering the U.S. Of course the federal government has no say in what happens in Florida. That's not the point. Although it certainly could ban unvaccinated air travel. They certainly can via FAA. But again, that's not what Ben is saying here.

    4. GLCTraveler Guest

      Let the Unvaccinated Morons in FL, TX, and any other state party together so they get sick faster so they can finally realize how stupid they are and beg for the vaccine on their death beds in an ICU room!! Just as long as they stay in their own state with the rest of their moron friends, I'm fine with that ;-) ............. I mean Donkeys! Hahahaha

    5. Steve Diamond

      Yes it is correlated. It has been statistically proved. We know the average income for every county in the US, we also know the vaccination % of every county is the US. There is direct positive correlation between these two. You can not argue against what i said, but i do understand the media and half the country has a tremendous ability to not allow facts to get in the way of a narrative.

    6. Biz Traveler Guest

      So provide a link with the data. Something. Anything. No? I have to trust the word of someone posting comments on a travel blog. Cool.

      And before you ackchyually me I don’t necessarily think your wrong, but I won’t jUsT tRuSt YoU cuz you say so.

    7. Steve Diamond

      Google "income and vaccination rates" the are plenty of stories. There is also a strong correlation between taking a vacation to europe and having income. Thats why this new ban does nothing, the people going already have their vaccines, also if you havent had your vaccine and also happen to have $ and the desire to travel to Europe than you have been exposed to covid over the past 2 years already and already recovered...

      Google "income and vaccination rates" the are plenty of stories. There is also a strong correlation between taking a vacation to europe and having income. Thats why this new ban does nothing, the people going already have their vaccines, also if you havent had your vaccine and also happen to have $ and the desire to travel to Europe than you have been exposed to covid over the past 2 years already and already recovered which while that is another topic, it seems to provide better protection than the vaccines. In summary this will do nothing to stop covid in the EU because everyone from the USA traveling to europe has already got the shots or had covid already.

    8. reddargon Diamond

      Of course there is a strong correlation, but that doesn’t mean 100% of higher income people are vaccinated in the US and there are still some people visiting without vaccines. Here in France I have seen a number of stories quoting American tourists bitching about the new restrictions (required to show vaccination card or negative test within 3 days to enter museums, restaurants, etc.) because they are unvaccinated and don’t want to have to get...

      Of course there is a strong correlation, but that doesn’t mean 100% of higher income people are vaccinated in the US and there are still some people visiting without vaccines. Here in France I have seen a number of stories quoting American tourists bitching about the new restrictions (required to show vaccination card or negative test within 3 days to enter museums, restaurants, etc.) because they are unvaccinated and don’t want to have to get tests every 3 days.

      Also, re: having previous covid cases, I believe the protection wanes 6 months or so after exposure. At least, that’s how it’s treated in France where a certificate of recovery from covid must be dated within 6 months to hold the same weight as a vaccine.

    9. Giovanna Guest

      Just Google it! You'll find more than enough info.

    10. Emily Guest

      Why would you trust anything on a blog to begin with? It's a blog - information and comments are to be taken as a grain of salt. Hardly Pulitzer prize winning anything on this blog is. I am not disparaging the blog, but merely reminding that nothing on this blog can be considered journalism nor new.

  32. Alonzo Diamond

    Go get your booster shots you donkeys.

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Steve Diamond

This doesnt seem like it will matter. Everyone who can afford a european vacation has had the vaccine, despite what the media is telling us. Its the low income who dont travel who have no shots so this new restriction wont accomplish anything for the EU.

3
Never In Doubt Guest

My experience a week ago. Flew SFO-Lisbon-Rome Negative COVID test (required for Portugal transit) checked at SFO check in and at Portugal immigration. Two “passenger locator forms” filled out online for Portugal & Italy. QR code’s printed out. Neither checked. No checks at all entering Italy. No checks of vaccine status (my card was ready!) at all. I’m guessing that checks on intra-Schengen flights will continue to be non-existent, but YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.

2
Alonzo Diamond

Go get your booster shots you donkeys.

2
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