With the increase in the number of people vaccinated against coronavirus in the United States, Americans are beginning to explore their prospects for international travel this summer, a season in which Europe has traditionally been a major attraction.
Most of Europe has been off-limits to most American citizens for more than a year, and the continent is currently battling a third wave of coronavirus infections and an increase in new, more contagious variants, making it uncertain when its borders will be. reopened. But some European countries have begun to receive vaccinated travelers, including American tourists, and others are preparing to ease restrictions in time for the summer season.
Vaccines and health certificates that would help expedite travel are under development, which could facilitate the resumption of tourism. The 27 member countries of the European Union have endorsed the idea of a vaccine certificate. While each European country still sets its own rules, the initiative is expected to establish a coordinated approach across the continent.
“Finally, we have a tangible solution to coordinate and harmonize travel measures,” said Eduardo Santander, chief executive of the European Travel Commission, an association of national tourism organizations based in Brussels. “I think other countries like the US will also come up with their own technological solutions that will be compatible and, after a trial period this summer, a global standard will be established.”
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still do not recommend travel – even for those vaccinated – citing the risks of becoming infected and spreading the virus outside the home. Ultimately, the course of the virus will determine what a journey around the world will be like. But here’s what we know about how European countries are getting ready to restart tourism.
I want to go to Europe this summer. Who’s gonna let me in?
Last summer, when the United States reported more coronavirus infections and deaths than any other country, Americans were banned from entering the European bloc for vacation.
There were a few exceptions: Turkey has allowed US citizens to enter if they present evidence of a negative Covid-19 PCR test prior to departure, as well as Croatia and several countries that are not members of the European Union, including Albania and Armenia.
As the number of cases increased in Europe and vaccination was slow, several countries in the European Union returned to confinement. France, Belgium and Portugal have reintroduced strict measures that restrict non-essential travel, even from within the bloc and within what is known as the Schengen Zone, which includes non-member countries that allow free movement across their borders.
“Right now, in some European countries, it may feel like you’re in the middle of a storm, which is how we felt in the UK a few months ago,” said Gloria Guevara Manzo, chief executive and president of the World Travel & Tourism Council, a forum that works with governments to raise awareness of the travel industry.
“But I think that as soon as we accelerate the implementation of vaccination and, at the same time, apply strong protocols and safety tests, in the summer we will be in a situation where European countries will be able to open at about the same time,” he added Is it over there.
But it is likely to be for travel within Europe, and not between Europe and the United States.
“The current focus is on opening up domestic markets in the EU and the UK and, depending on reciprocity agreements, more third countries will be included,” said Eric Dresin, secretary general of the European Travel Agents and Tour Operators’ Association. “But at the moment, we are not talking about Americans visiting Europe.”
However, American travelers have a few options: having controlled the virus, Iceland is allowing all vaccinated travelers – including those from the United States – to enter without undergoing Covid-19 testing or quarantine measures.
Greece, one of the most popular European summer destinations for Americans, announced this month that it would reopen for all tourists in mid-May, provided they presented proof of vaccination, antibodies or a negative Covid-19 test result before traveling. All visitors will be subjected to random tests on arrival.
Turkey said it will not require international travelers to be vaccinated this summer and will reevaluate testing policies after April 15.
Other European countries, such as Slovenia and Estonia, are allowing vaccinated tourists to enter, but not those from the United States.
Spain, which relies heavily on tourism for its economy, said it will reopen to international visitors in the spring, as soon as between 30 and 40 percent of its adult population is vaccinated. Portugal also hopes to reopen its borders in May, but it is still unclear whether the Americans will be allowed to enter.
And Britain?
Americans were never barred from entering the United Kingdom, which left the European Union last year, during the pandemic and can visit it today, but face stringent testing and quarantine requirements. In England, where a 10-day quarantine is required, the time can be reduced if a person has a negative Covid-19 PCR test on the fifth day.
Violations can result in penalties of up to $ 13,860 and 10 years in prison.
Most of Britain is under strict control, and while the home order is expected to be suspended on March 29, most shops, restaurants and pubs will remain closed until at least mid-April. Scotland has begun to ease restrictions and will continue to do so in phases.
Domestic tourism and indoor dining should not be resumed until May 17th at least. Anticipating the lifting of restrictions, several cruise companies have announced “stay trips” around the British Isles starting in June.
Many Britons traveled last summer, when the virus appeared to have subsided, and a recent study found that they brought a significant number of infections back to the UK. The ban on British travel abroad for leisure was enacted on January 4 and is expected to expire in May, but the government introduced legislation this week that establishes the legal framework to extend restrictions until the end of June.
It is unclear when exactly the UK will lift its quarantine requirements for more tourism, but Visit Britain expects a slow recovery that will begin in late summer.
Will I need proof that I was vaccinated to enter Europe?
Earlier this month, the European Commission proposed a digital travel certificate that would prove that a person has been vaccinated, received a negative Covid-19 test result or recovered after contracting the virus.
To travel to the European Union, you will need to check one of the three boxes.
The document, known as the Green Digital Certificate, would allow European Union residents and their families to travel freely within the bloc’s member states. The commission is also working in coordination with the World Health Organization to ensure that the certificates are compatible with systems in countries outside Europe.
The documents would be free and available in digital or paper format and, if approved by the European Parliament, the bloc plans to implement them in three months.
Citizens outside the European Union will be able to apply for a Digital Green Certificate from the member country they plan to visit. The rules for proof of vaccination will be the same as for citizens of the European Union: the vaccines that the bloc has authorized will be accepted and individual member states will be able to decide whether to accept others.
“The Digital Green Certificate will not be a precondition for freedom of movement and will not discriminate in any way,” said Didier Reynders, the bloc’s chief justice officer. “A common EU approach will not only help us to gradually restore freedom of movement within the EU and prevent fragmentation. It is also a chance to influence global standards and lead by example based on our European values, such as data protection. “
If I go, what happens when I return to the United States?
Currently, all airline passengers age 2 and older traveling to the United States must have a negative Covid-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen test) done within three calendar days prior to travel. States have different quarantine requirements, so travelers should check what their state requires before booking their vacation abroad.
What kind of health and safety measures should I expect in Europe?
Each country sets its own rules, but most safety protocols are unlikely to change this summer, even for those who have been vaccinated.
Visitors should wear masks and keep a safe distance in public spaces. Hotels, restaurants and event spaces will have improved cleaning protocols and some may impose capacity restrictions.
“I think it is very important that governments strike a balance between easing restrictions this summer, while maintaining security protocols to control the disease,” said Santander, of the European Travel Commission. “We don’t really want to find ourselves in a situation in 2022 when we have to close the borders again and be confined for another year.”
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