Where Can You Travel as a Tourist in Europe Right Now?

The European Union has agreed to reopen its borders for vaccinated travelers later this summer, but confusingly, their guidance is not mandatory for member countries. As a result, some countries have already opened their borders, while others remain closed. To help you keep track, here’s a look at which countries are actually open to American tourists right now, and what they might require.

Where can American tourists travel in Europe?

While a majority of European countries are following EU guidelines and are closed to “non-essential” travel (i.e., tourism), the EU is expected to open up travel for fully vaccinated tourists later this summer (a plan is being formulated and is expected to be announced next week). The following tourist-dependent countries have already opened early for tourists, however:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina is open to American tourists, although a negative PCR test for COVID has to be taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. The country is advising tourists to follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks when social distancing is not possible.
• Croatia has reopened its borders to U.S. citizens, provided that they can prove they’ve either been fully vaccinated, or have had a negative PCR test 48 hours before arrival, or have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 180 days. Children under two are exempt from testing.
• Denmark is technically closed to American tourists but it does have a “Sweetheart Declaration,” which allows “sweethearts”, fiancees, and other close relations to travel there—although it should be a direct flight from the originating country.
• France is emerging from a long year of lockdowns, with many tourist destinations opening up in June (the Eiffel Tower will open July 16). The border will be open to U.S. tourists on June 9, provided that they show proof of a negative PCR test for COVID within 72 hours of arrival (or alternatively, proof of a negative antigen test 48 hours prior to arrival).
• Greece opened its borders back in April, and travelers who are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival do not need to quarantine. Travelers who are not vaccinated must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of arrival in Greece. Children ages five and under are exempt. All travelers may be subject to random but mandatory COVID tests, and you must fill out a Passenger Locator Form before you arrive, according to the travel website Afar.
• Iceland was the first country to welcome vaccinated tourists, provided that they can prove vaccination or that they’ve recently recovered from COVID. There’s also mandatory PCR testing and you are expected to quarantine for one day at your accommodation after arrival.
• Ireland will accept vaccinated Americans beginning July 19, with proof of vaccination needed in order to avoid a 14-day quarantine. Travelers will also need to complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival.
• Italy has a mandatory 10-day quarantine in place, but tourists can bypass that requirement by taking “Covid-tested flights” from the U.S. to Italy. As part of the program, travelers to Italy must take a COVID-19 test no more than 48 hours before boarding and again on arrival.
• Kosovo is still in semi-lockdown, with 10:30pm curfews in place, but they are accepting American tourists provided that they provide proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours before entering the country.
• Serbia welcomes travelers that can provide a negative PCR or rapid antigen test within 48 hours of arrival. There are no curfews, but social distancing remains in effect.
• Spain is accepting vaccinated tourists from outside the EU as of today. Accepted vaccines are limited to Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.
• Turkey is open to American travelers that have a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to their flight. There’s also a curfew in place at 10 p.m., but tourists are exempt from this restriction.
• The U.K. uses a color-coded system in which some countries face greater restrictions, and it includes the United States, which is on an “amber list.” Unfortunately that means Americans must fill out a passenger locator form, get a PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival, and commit to a 10-day quarantine—even if they’ve been vaccinated already. Many observers expect the restrictions to lift imminently, although it’s not yet clear exactly when that might be.