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European Nations Tighten Entry Requirements

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The Delta variant has caused various EU countries to tighten their entry restrictions following rising cases of the new variant. 

Europe has opened up this summer, with France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece opening up to U.S travelers after over a year of closure to North America. Unfortunately, because of rising cases of the Delta Variant across Europe, some countries are tightening restrictions. 

According to scientists, the Delta Variant is 60% more transmissible than previous COVID-19 strains. That is leading to increased cases in Europe, with cases skyrocketing in the United Kingdom. That has prompted EU nations to contemplate enforcing a mandatory quarantine on British arrivals.

The New Restrictions 

Although some countries, such as the United Kingdom are easing restrictions despite the prevalence of the Delta Variant. The Delta Variant is worrying many EU nations, including Lithuania, who announced increased restrictions for overseas travelers from July 5th. 

These restrictions include quarantine and testing for arrivals from risk countries. The nation will place countries into green, yellow, and red categories. Travelers coming from countries on the green list will have to undergo mandatory PCR testing and travelers or rapid antigen test within the previous 48 hours.

lithuania opens borders

If travelers come from countries on the yellow list, the Lithuanian government states travelers must undergo a double testing requirement. Travelers will need a negative test result before arrival and a second test within three to five days.

However, if travelers come from a red list country, they will need to undergo a ten-day mandatory quarantine. If travelers test negative for COVID-19 after arrival, they will shorten their mandatory quarantine to only seven days. 

one day in bratislava itinerary

Furthermore, Slovakia has decided to bring in new preventative measures on the border. That includes border closures at certain parts of the country, and the country will implement restrictions on incoming trains.

In addition, all travelers entering Slovakia from July 9th will have to register online and self-isolate for 14-days if they aren't fully vaccinated. Unfortunately, travelers can’t end the self-isolation period early if they get a negative test during self-isolation, unlike many other countries. 

Portugal has also implemented curfews on restaurants and nightlife, and anyone coming to Portugal via land, sea, or air must show proof of full vaccination. Portugal is the first European country to announce that the Delta variant is the dominant strain. 

Officials in France, Spain, and Germany are closely monitoring the rise in cases. Last week Germany began introducing restrictions on travelers entering from Russia and Portugal. In addition, Germany contemplated forcing a mandatory quarantine on British arrivals. But the country has decided against enforcing a mandatory quarantine. 

barcelona reopens

Spain has introduced restrictions on British travelers, including evidence of full vaccination and evidence of a negative PCR test. However, Spain has refused to introduce a quarantine on British arrivals, despite calls from various EU countries. 

The European Countries That Are Open To U.S Travelers

Despite the worrying news that various countries are reintroducing restrictions on travelers, various EU countries are opening and remain open to U.S travelers. These countries include:

  • Albania 
  • Austria 
  • Croatia 
  • Denmark 
  • Czech Republic 
  • Denmark 
  • Finland 
  • France
  • Germany 
  • Greece
  • Iceland 
  • Ireland 
  • Italy 
  • Malta 
  • Portugal 
  • Spain 
  • Sweden 
  • Switzerland 
  • The U.K. 

These countries remain open for U.S. travelers if they have evidence of full vaccination from COVID-19. Furthermore, some of these countries don’t require evidence of vaccination, including Ireland, France, and Denmark.

Best Beaches In Europe Where Americans Can Visit This Summer

The new wave in cases from the Delta variant will worry some travelers looking to book vacations into Europe. Travelers with evidence of vaccination will probably be able to travel to Europe regardless of the Delta Variant situation. However, that could change in the coming weeks.

Travel to Europe remains open to U.S travelers with few restrictions, but monitoring the situation in the next month is the best thing to do. 

READ MORE:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

Italy Drops All Restrictions For Vaccinated US and Canadian Travelers

EU Calls On United States To Ease Travel Restrictions

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.


D

Saturday 10th of July 2021

It appears Slovakia has now opened for all vaccinated tourists effective 7/9, regardless of country. Which is good, because it’s a Schengen member.

jay

Thursday 8th of July 2021

Unless I missed it, The Netherlands is not listed one way or the other. Is there an update on Dutch requirements for travellers coming from the US?

Ashley

Thursday 8th of July 2021

Didn’t we learn that shutting down the world, doesn’t work, for this scamdemic? Why are people allowing this to happen, again? 🤦🏾‍♀️

Tricia

Thursday 8th of July 2021

London news

Gustavo Cruz

Thursday 8th of July 2021

Keep me updated, please