Europe Reopening For Tourism: Countries Officially Open in 2021

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Europe has officially started reopening for tourism in mid-2021, after months of lockdowns and restrictions.

The list below covers all of the countries in Europe that have officially opened for tourism, along with their testing and quarantine requirements, as well as any vaccination exemptions.

We will cover which countries are allowed to visit each destination and what entry requirements you need to know before booking. 

Please note: All visitors to Europe shoud first ensure they have proper travel insurance that also covers Covid-19

Countries In Europe Reopening For Tourism

Albania

Albania – Open For Tourism

Albania officially reopened its borders for tourism back on July 1, 2020, allowing tourists from all countries and nations to enter without restrictions. Throughout 2020 and 2021, Albania has stayed wide open with no entry requirements and remains one of the easiest countries to visit during the pandemic.

However, as of December 2021, Albania requires a vaccine certificate, proof of recovery, or a negative 72-hour COVID test upon arrival.

Masks are required in public transportation and spaces where a physical distance of 2 meters cannot be maintained.

All Countries Allowed with No Quarantines

See all the details on Albania Reopening

Austria

Austria – Open For Tourism With Restrictions
exceptions for vaccinated tourists

Austria's long lockdown ended May 19, 2021, with another round of restrictions due to end July 1, 2021.

Who can visit? Currently, entry is possible for travelers from all nations. However, the country will be in lockdown from November 22, 2021 to December 13, 2021. Tourism will reopen thereafter.

Entry Rules: Passengers can bring proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, proof of recent recovery, or proof of vaccination.

Vaccine passport in effect. Vaccine validity expires 9 months after the final shot, so a 3rd booster is needed for some visitors.

See all other countries entry requirements and health protocols for Austria

Belarus

Belarus – Open For Tourism With Restrictions

Travelers from all nations can visit Belarus.

Vaccinated tourists can enter without a PCR test or quarantine. Unvaccinated tourists are required to have a negative PCR test before arrival and a 7-day quarantine upon entry.

See all other countries entry requirements and health protocols for Belarus

Belgium

Belgium – open for tourism with restrictions

On June 15, 2020 Belgium officially reopened its borders to tourists, first allowing select countries to visit. Then on January 27, 2021 Belgium shut its borders again for non-essential travel.

As of late 2021, Belgium has once again reopened tourism to fully vaccinated travelers from select nations. A negative 72-hour PCR test is required. Those with a vaccination certificate but no test will be required to quarantine.

Who can visit? Currently, entry is only possible for EU+ and a list of select third-party nationals. 

Entry Rules: Passengers must be fully vaccinated and must bring proof of a negative 72- hour PCR test

See the map of countries and full reopening details for Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Bosnia – Open for tourism with light restrictions

On July 16, 2020, the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina lifted travel bans on several countries and started officially reopening the nation for tourism. Now as of 2021, all nations can visit if they bring a test.

Who can visit? All nations

Entry Rules: Fully vaccinated travelers can travel to BiH, without the need for a PCR test or quarantine. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers must have a negative 72-hour PCR test prior to arrival (Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia are exempt from the test)

See all other countries entry requirements and health protocols for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Bulgaria – Open For Tourism With Light Restrictions
exceptions for vaccinated tourists

As of May 2021, Bulgaria was one of the only EU nations accepting third-party travelers from places like the USA, Canada, Israel, Turkey, UAE, and more. They made entry easy for vaccinated travelers or those who've recently recovered, with no tests needed from these passengers.

Who can visit? EU and non-EU. 170+ countries can enter for tourism

Entry Rules: Passengers must bring proof of a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72-hours before arrival, proof of recovery, or proof of vaccination.

The requirements for unvaccinated travelers vary depending on which country they’re from. If they are from a green or orange country as per Bulgaria’s national classification, they have to go through a 10-day quarantine. If they are from a red country, they are not allowed to enter for tourism.

Read all of Bulgaria's entry requirements

Croatia

Croatia – Open For Tourism With Light Restrictions
exceptions for vaccinated tourists

Croatia was one of the first EU nations to make exceptions of vaccinated and recovered travelers and has been allowing non-EU tourists to visit for most of 2020 and 2021. Croatia has been one of the most popular travel destinations during the pandemic because of its welcoming attitude and easy ‘a la carte' entry rules.

Who can visit? All nations. EU+ don't need proof of accommodation, but third-party countries will need proof of accommodation.

Entry Rules: Passengers must bring proof of a negative PCR/Antigen test taken no longer than 48-hours before arrival, proof of recovery, or proof of vaccination to enter Croatia.

Unvaccinated travelers must take an additional PCR test upon arrival and self-quarantine until they get a negative result.

See all of Croatia's Entry Requirements For Tourism

Cyprus

Cyprus – open for tourism with restrictions

Cyprus originally started reopening its borders in June 2020 for tourism but saw a shrinking list of permitted countries as the year went on. Now, the updated entry requirements as of May 2021 and the introduction of a new 4-tier color-coded entry system, will allow visitors from more countries to enter.

Who can visit? A list of EU nations, plus a list of third-party nations.

Entry Rules: Different testing/quarantine rules are required based on risk level and if the country is classified as green, yellow, orange, or red.

See the color-coded country lists and all rules for visiting Cyprus

Czech Republic

Czech Republic – Open for tourism with restrictions

For most of 2020 and 2021, Czechia has been under lockdown and has heavily been restricting access for non-residents. As of mid-2021, the Czech Republic is still not allowing entry for the purposes of tourism, even for nations within the EU bloc.

As of December 2021, vaccinated travelers are allowed entry for tourism. There is no need for a PCR test or a quarantine. However, unvaccinated travelers can only enter if they are a citizen of EU+ or have essential reasons.

Here are the latest details for entering the Czech Republic

Denmark

Denmark – Open For Tourism With Restrictions
exceptions for vaccinated tourists

As of mid-2021 Denmark has reopened its borders for tourism, allowing in both EU nations and a few select countries outside of the EU to now visit. Starting in June, testing and quarantines have been dropped for EU visitors, plus those from the UK or USA.

Who can visit? Currently, entry is possible for all nations, with varying restrictions

Entry Rules: For unvaccinated, a 48-hour PCR or antigen test is required. Vaccinated tourists can enter with no tests or quarantines. (including USA/UK).

As of December 2021, all travelers from South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe are subject to additional testing and quarantine.

See all of Denmark's updated travel rules and restrictions

Estonia

Estonia – Open For Tourism With Restrictions

Estonia officially started opening to select countries within the EU and the few third-party countries suggested by the EU. Some EU nations, depending on current risk levels, can enter without testing or quarantines.

Who can visit? As of December 2021, entry is possible for all countries, with varying risk classifications

Entry Rules: High-risk EU+ nations will have a 10-day quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. Low risk EU+ and vaccinated visitors from third-party nations can enter restriction free.

See all other countries entry requirements and health protocols for Estonia

Finland

Finland – Had Reopened – now experiencing new restrictions

Finland first reopened for tourism to EU countries mid-2020, but due to second and third waves through Europe, has been closed for most of 2021.

As of December 2021, vaccinated tourists from all nations are allowed to enter Finland without tests or quarantine, with the exception of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated travellers are only allowed entry if they are from EU+.

Who can visit? Currently, entry is possible for all nations except Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Entry Rules: Proof of vaccination or proof of recent recovery

See all of Finland's entry rules and requirements

France

France – Open With Restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Lockdowns in France ended May 2021, which saw the reopening of restaurants, museums, cinemas, and extended curfew times to vaccinated visitors. As of December 2021, unvaccinated travelers are also allowed entry as long as they go through a 7-day quarantine and have a negative PCR test.

Who can visit for tourism? Vaccinated and un-vaccinated ‘Green' nations, plus vaccinated ‘Orange' nations, which includes most of the world.

Entry Rules: For green nations: vaccinated will only need to show proof of vaccination, un-vaccinated a 48-hour PCR or antigen test. For orange nations, proof of vaccination is required along with a 48-hour PCR or antigen test. Anyone over 65 must have a 3rd booster shot.

See all the tourism health protocols and reopening details for France

Germany

Germany – Open with restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Who can visit? Currently, entry is possible for EU+, a list of select third-party nations, and fully vaccinated visitors

Entry Rules: Low-risk = unrestricted entry. Tourists from higher-risk nations can avoid the 10-day quarantine if they can prove they are fully vaccinated, recently recovered, or have a negative 72-hour PCR test.

Read all of the information on Germany reopening for tourism

Greece

Greece – Open For Tourism With Light Restrictions
exceptions for vaccinated tourists

Greece, much like Croatia, is not only open for tourism in 2021 but is actively campaigning for visitors. They have made entry rules easier for third-party visitors and have now reopened to over 50+ countries.

Who can visit? EU+, as well as a list of third-party nations like the USA, Canada, UK, UAE and more.

Entry Rules: All tourists must show either a negative 72-hour PCR test, proof of recovery, or proof of being fully vaccinated.

Read all of the information on Greece reopening for tourism

Hungary

Hungary – Open For Tourism With Restrictions

On July 16, 2020, Hungary reopened for tourism but soon re-closed borders for tourism on September 1. 

As of August 2021, Hungary has allowed entry to tourists as long as they have proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative PCR test. Vaccinated travelers from the US need to have proof of vaccination and a negative 72-hour PCR test.

Iceland

Iceland –Open For Tourism With Restrictions
exceptions for vaccinated tourists

Iceland first started opening borders to tourists on June 15, 2020 but made further relaxations in 2021.

Iceland is allowing visitors from all countries to enter as of November 2021, as long as they have a negative PCR test 72 hours before entry and upon arrival.  Vaccinated tourists do not need to quarantine while unvaccinated tourists need to quarantine for 5 days, with one more PCR test thereafter.

Who can visit? Visitors from all nations, restrictions vary

Entry Rules: Vaccinated = proof of vaccination+ a negative PCR test before entry and upon arrival.
Unvaccinated = 5-day quarantine + PCR tests before entry, upon arrival, and after quarantine.

Read all the entry rules and requirements for visiting Iceland

Ireland

Ireland – Had Reopened –  but experiencing new restrictions/closures

Ireland first reopened borders on July 21, 2020, with lockdowns throughout late 2020 and early 2021. As of December 2021, they have reopened to tourists.

Who can visit? All nations

Entry Rules: Vaccinated = proof of vaccination + antigen test
Unvaccinated = negative PCR test

See more information on Ireland

Italy

Italy – open with restrictions

April 2021 brought the end of Italy’s lockdown and reopening tourism once again for summer 2021.

Who can visit? EU+, as well as a list of third-party nations that also includes the USA and Canada, with varying restrictions depending on risk

Entry Rules: All passengers will need to bring a negative 48-hour PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers will need to quarantine for 5 days, with one more swab test before release.

See the list countries permitted to travel to Italy and the current entry rules

Lithuania 

Lithuania – Open with restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Who can visit? Tourists from all nations

Entry Rules: 48-hour PCR test and 10-day isolation are required. Vaccinated EU+ passengers can skip this.
Unvaccinated travelers arriving from risk areas are required to quarantine for 10 days.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg – Open with restrictions

Who can visit? only EU+ nations, including a small list of approved third-party countries.

Entry Rules: Proof of a 72-hour negative antigen or PCR test

Read all of the details on Luxembourg reopening for tourism

Malta

Malta – open with restrictions

June 2021 is the official reopening date for Malta, now the nation has reached herd immunity with 70% of the population having received at least the first shot of the vaccine.

Who can visit? EU+ nations, as well as a long list of third-party countries, including Canada/UK.

Entry Rules: Unvaccinated = a negative PCR test and a 14-day quarantine. Vaccinated tourists from the approved nations can enter without restrictions.

See all the details on Malta reopening for tourism

Montenegro

Montenegro – Open for tourism with light restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Montenegro has now reopened to tourists and accepting international arrivals from all countries. For many people looking to still enjoy a European summer vacation, Montenegro might serve as the perfect country.

Who can visit? All nations

Entry Rules: Montenegro allows 3 ways to enter: a 48-hour PCR test, proof of recovery from the virus, or being fully vaccinated.

See the complete list of countries that can enter Montenegro 

Netherlands

Netherlands – Open with restrictions

The Netherlands lockdowns ended June 2021 with more restrictions and rules being lifted.

Who can visit? Travelers from all nations except Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Entry Rules: Only vaccinated tourists can enter the country. Unvaccinated travelers will only be allowed if they are on the EU's safe list or are from EU+, provided that they have a negative COVID test.

See all the details on the Netherlands reopening for tourism

North Macedonia

North Macedonia – open for tourism

The Republic of North Macedonia officially reopened for international tourism July 1, 2020 and has stayed wide open throughout 2021.

Who can visit? All Countries

Entry Rules: A negative 72-hour COVID test or proof of vaccination

See all the details on the North Macedonia reopening for tourism

Norway

Norway – Open with restrictions

As of mid-2021 – Norway restricted almost all non-essential travel to the country. As of December 2021, they have lifted restrictions on tourism.

Who can visit? All Countries, with varying risk categories

Entry Rules: Vaccinated = test upon entry
Unvaccinated from a green/orange country = a 24-hour pre-departure COVID test + a test upon arrival
Unvaccinated from a red/dark red country = a 24-hour pre-departure COVID test + a test upon arrival + a 10-day travel quarantine (can be ended after 3 days with one more negative test)

See the exceptions and all of the details on Norway reopening for tourism

Poland

Poland – Open for tourism with restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

May 4, 2021, Poland ended its 7-month lockdown and has reopened for tourism once again.

Who can visit? only EU+ nations, along with a longer than normal list of approved third-party countries, like Canada, the UK and as of June 21, the USA.

Flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are completely suspended.

Entry Rules: All travellers entering Poland will need to provide proof of a negative antigen or PCR test, taken within 48 hours before arrival. Fully vaccinated passengers can skip this.

See all of the details on Poland reopening for tourism

Portugal

Portugal – Open with restrictions

On May 17, 2021, Portugal reopened for leisure and non-essential travel and ended most lockdown measures.

Who can visit? only EU+ nations, including a small list of approved third-party countries. As of December 2021, this includes the US and Canada.

Entry Rules: All travelers will need to present a negative PCR test, performed no longer than 72 hours before arrival, or a 24-hour antigen test.

See all of the latest updates on Portugal reopening for tourism

Romania

Romania – Open for tourism with light restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Romania started to first relax border restrictions in June 2020, but mostly to neighbouring countries and a few low-risk EU nations. Then throughout the remainder of 2020 and early 2021, the nation was more restricted due to rising cases throughout all of Europe. Now as of spring/summer 2021, Romania is starting to reopen a 2nd time and is gradually removing restrictions.

Who can visit? all nations

Entry Rules: Green nations: No tests or quarantines
Yellow and red nations: 72-hour PCR test or proof of vaccination. Inability to produce either will result in a 14-day quarantine.

See all of the latest updates on Romania reopening for tourism

Serbia

Serbia – Open with restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Serbia first reopened in May 2020 and has stayed wide open throughout all of 2021. Currently, vaccination exemptions to testing only exist for certain nations.

Who can visit? all nations

Entry Rules: ALL arrivals into Serbia will need to present a 48-hour PCR test. Passengers who have been fully vaccinated by health authorities in: Greece, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, UAE, Czech Republic, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Cabo Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Morocco, Moldova, Netherland, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, UK, Ukraine do not have to provide a PCR test for entry.

See all of the latest updates on Serbia reopening for tourism

Slovenia

Slovenia – Open with restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Who can visit? All nations

Entry Rules: Proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative 72-hour COVID test

See all of the latest updates on Slovenia reopening for tourism

Spain

Spain – Open for tourism with restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Spain reopened borders again in May 2021 to fellow EU nations and reopened to most other nations on June 7, 2021, providing passengers are vaccinated.

Who can visit? All countries

Entry Rules: Proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative 72-hour COVID test.
All passengers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe must provide a negative pre-departure COVID result, regardless of vaccination status.

See all entry requirements for Spain's reopening

Sweden

Sweden – open with restrictions

Who can visit? EU+ nations, including a small list of approved third-party countries.

Entry Rules: Proof of a negative 72-hour PCR test or EU COVID Certificate

Read everything you need to know about Sweden Reopening for Tourism

Switzerland

Switzerland – Open with restrictions
Exemptions for vaccinated travelers

Who can visit? EU+ nations, including a list of approved third-party countries, with varying risk classifications

Entry Rules: Vaccinated from low-risk and high-risk countries = vaccination certificate of less than 12 months
Non-vaccinated from low-risk countries = test before arrival and between days 4-7 of travel

See all the information regarding Switzerland reopening for tourism

Ukraine

Ukraine – Open for tourism with restrictions

Ukraine first reopened its borders for tourism on June 15, 2020, but now in 2021, they’ve changed all entry rules and regulations for foreign arrivals, including discontinuing their ‘green’ and ‘red’ zone lists.

Who can visit? All nations

Entry Rules: negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival

Please see our full article on Ukraine reopening for tourism

United Kingdom

United Kingdom – Open for tourism with restrictions

May 2021, leisure travel has resumed in the UK.

Who can visit? All nations except South Africa, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini.

Entry Rules: Vaccinated = proof of vaccination + PCR test on day 2
Unvaccinated = negative 72-hour PCR test + PCR test on days 2 and 8 + 10-day quarantine, with the possibility to “test to release”

See all the information regarding the UK reopening for tourism

READ MORE:

The complete list of All countries reopening for tourism

Countries without travel restrictions

Countries reopening for American Tourists

Countries reopening for Canadian Tourists

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Disclaimer: Europe's reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.

Originally Published: July 22, 2020 with updates