Thinking of traveling this summer? Maybe even flying to Europe?
About a week ago, we took a look at when Americans might be able to travel to France. And now we’ve got an update when it comes to travel to the European Union as a whole.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, the European Union is “finalizing plans to allow tourists from the United States” to travel to the EU this summer. The European Commission has said it would make a recommendation to its member states to allow American travelers back.
When exactly will tourists be allowed back? The Commission hasn’t provided an exact date yet. But, one European Commission spokesperson has said that the EU’s executive body is “hoping to restore nonessential ‘trans-Atlantic travel as soon as it is safe to do so.'”
What will be needed to enter the EU — full vaccination or potentially just a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19? It’s not clear yet. One European Commission spokesperson said that is among the questions they’re still working to figure out.
Fox 35 News reports that the New York Times recently published an interview with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reporting that “fully vaccinated Americans would be able to visit EU countries this summer.” But, more details on exactly what rules will need to be followed to allow for this travel have not yet been shared.
Additionally, a European Commission spokesperson has said that the return of American tourists to the EU nations will be conditioned on the situation with COVID-19 in the U.S. and EU.
At the moment, Fox 35 Orlando reports that the EU is putting the “finishing touches” on a system that would allow EU residents to travel freely across the region this summer, but they’ll need to show proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or recovery from COVID-19. American tourists may be included in this program.
Right now, travel to the EU is extremely limited. Greece, however, has already lifted quarantine restrictions for US travelers and some others, provided those tourists can show a vaccination certificate or negative COVID-19 test.
Keep in mind that Disneyland Paris is still closed at the moment. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates on this situation and let you know what we find.
Lauren Roberts says
What about Europeans traveling into the US? 😫 we are meant to be flying out in October x I have everything crossed! 🤞🏻
Ray says
Different regulations for travelling to the UK.
Let’s hope the US border will be open at the same time.