Which European Countries Are Adding Restrictions for US Travelers?
The European Union removed the United States from its “safe” list of countries earlier this week. The guidance is non-binding for EU member states, but some have already added new restrictions for American tourists.
Italy became the first EU country to impose stricter entry requirements on American travelers. It now requires proof of vaccination and proof of a negative test to enter. Unvaccinated American will have to undergo a mandatory quarantine.
Bulgaria was next. It reclassified the United States as a ‘red zone’ country, making all Americans ineligible for entry unless they qualify for certain exceptions. “Under the Bulgarian Ministry of Health order, countries are classified as green, orange, or red zones based on their COVID-19 risk,” the embassy wrote. “That means persons arriving from the United States, regardless of their citizenship, are prohibited from entering Bulgaria.”
Today, Netherlands also classified the U.S. as a “very high-risk area,” requiring Americans to be fully vaccinated. They also have to self-quarantine, and show proof of a negative test within 48 hours to enter, or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure.
A day before Sweden announced a ban on nonessential travel from the U.S., based on “EU recommendations regarding travel into the EU from third countries.” The ban will also go into effect on Sept. 6, Travel & Leisure reports.
Germany already had the U.S. in its list of “high-risk” countries, even before the EU did so. It has been requiring that American tourists either be fully vaccinated or provide proof of their prior recovery from COVID-19 infection. Unvaccinated Americans need to quarantine for a full 10 days or reduce their isolation period by submitting a negative test result after the fifth day. This regulation is in place until September 30.
This list will likely keep evolving in the coming days. So always make sure to check requirements for your destination, whether in the EU or elsewhere.
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