Can Americans Travel to Europe?

The landscape of travel changed forever when COVID-19 entered the scene. Now, years later, we’re still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Along with travel restrictions and ever-evolving entry requirements, travelers have to plan for plenty of unexpected changes.

So, can Americans travel to Europe? Happily, yes, as all of Europe's countries have reopened to tourism.

What do Americans need to enter Europe?

U.S. citizens can generally enter most European countries for business or tourism without a visa. If traveling within the Schengen zone, which comprises 27 countries, Americans can stay for up to 90 days within any 180 day period.

For countries outside the Schengen zone, you’ll need to verify the individual entry requirements and apply for a visa, if needed.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, which will pre-screen travelers entering the EU, is not yet operational. When it is, travelers will need to complete a form and pay a fee prior to entry.

» Learn more: How to book future air travel amid coronavirus uncertainty

European countries with no COVID restrictions

Countries within Europe have completely dropped COVID entry requirements. Countries without any restrictions include but aren't limited to:

Austria.
Belgium.
Bulgaria.
Croatia.
Cyprus.
Czechia.
Denmark.
Estonia.
Finland.
Germany.
Greece.
Hungary.
Iceland.
Ireland.
Italy.
Latvia.
Liechtenstein.
Lithuania.
Luxembourg.
Norway.
Poland.
Portugal.
Romania.
Slovakia.
Slovenia.
Spain
Sweden.
Switzerland.

Americans can also travel without COVID restrictions to the United Kingdom.

Do you need to be vaccinated to enter Europe?

No. At the time of this writing, all European countries require no form of vaccination or COVID testing to gain entry.

Instead, these countries have reverted to pre-COVID entry measures, which primarily include having a valid passport with room for stamps.

» Learn more: Where can U.S. citizens travel right now?

Can unvaccinated people travel to Europe?

Most countries within Europe will currently allow unvaccinated travelers to enter, though it’s always a good idea to keep your eye on entry requirements as they can change on a dime.

Depending on where you’re going, you may need to provide a negative COVID test or proof of recovery in order to enter the country. What the proof looks like can vary, so you’ll need to consult the country’s requirements to ensure you meet the regulations.

If you need to show proof of a negative COVID test, there are two different kinds that are commonly accepted for travel into the EU. You’ll want to check the individual requirements of the country to see which you can use:

A valid negative molecular test. These types of tests are generally either called a PCR or NAAT test. They often take a few days for results to arrive because they’re processed in a laboratory.
A valid negative rapid test. Accepted by fewer countries — or accepted within a tighter window than a molecular test — these antigen or TRAg rapid tests can provide results within minutes.

» Learn more: What COVID test is required for travel?

Americans returning to the U.S. from Europe

Since June 12, 2022, those traveling by air no longer need to provide a negative COVID test in order to enter the United States.

» Learn more: How Global Entry works

Are you nervous about travel plans going awry?

Purchasing a standalone travel insurance policy can improve the likelihood of getting your money back on upfront travel expenses, such as for flights, hotels or activities, like tours.

Shop for options based on our most recent analysis, the Best Travel Insurance Companies Today.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance