Essential Travel Information for Non-EU Citizens

As travel coverage spreads out and new vaccines come out – not only in the U.S. But all over the globe – travel interest grows. And who among us has never fantasized at some point in time, in the past year, about traveling to Europe in summer or winter of next year? Whether it’s a leisure trip for an extended family, an eco-vegetarian vacation or a more adventurous trip with a group of friends, European travel is a great way to broaden your horizons and experience something unique and new.

While Europe continues to experience terror attacks, there are some areas of the continent that are relatively safe to travel to and many of the countries have very strict travel restrictions in place. For example, nonessential travel to certain countries can be a problem in some parts of the continent due to fears of terrorism and political instability. The most affected areas are France and Italy along with Belgium, which have borders with the rest of Europe and are often in conflict zones. In these regions, vaccination is mandatory as well as special travel restrictions enforced by the relevant government. These issues tend to affect mainly children and pregnant women and travelers can obtain a travel certificate from the relevant authorities for the region they are intending to visit.

With regard to travel restrictions, most of them are non-essential, e.g. those affecting tourists. Tourists are not banned from entering specific countries, but they are asked not to enter without obtaining written consent from the foreign embassy. Similarly, e.g. those tourists who are travelling to certain areas in Iraq should have a passport to leave and return.

When traveling outside of the EU, one should follow all of the rules of the destination country. For example, Americans do not have the right to drive on some roads in Europe, so one may need a driving license or an international driving permit to drive on some EU countries’ roads. It is also forbidden for Americans to drink alcoholic beverages, although it is not necessary for them to have a legal drinking age. This latest information is meant to help tourists keep themselves away from drinking and driving dangers. They may need a DUI or driving license if they are caught drinking and driving in most of the EU countries. The same goes for those who intend to rent cars.

There has been a great deal of publicity about the new semester break through of a number of terrorist attacks in several European countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and others. Despite the heightened security, citizens should still take care and remain alert, especially while traveling on major highways or near bridges that are close to train stations and airports. Tourists who were planning to travel to certain European countries may want to reconsider their plans until the situation is better understood by the general public.

Traveling between EU countries may also pose some danger due to the increase in dangerous land and sea voyages. Closer integration among various EU member states will increase the likelihood that a traveler’s belongings could be lost, stolen, or damaged somewhere along the way. This is why it is recommended that travelers consult with a traveling insurance provider before setting out. Some of the major travel insurers in the market offer travel insurance coverage for European borders.

There have been rumors that the United Kingdom could impose its own limitations on traveling between member countries. One rumor stated that non-eu citizens would not be able to board British Airways flights to Paris. Another rumor suggested that United Kingdom could deny entry to American tourists who are staying at hotels in the country. This latest news is an example of how essential travel information can be affected by non-eu citizen restrictions.

Non-EU citizens can stay in the UK for as long as three months, provided that they have proof of an onward trip plan. The latest information about travel restrictions specifically targeted at American citizens staying in Britain is that these plans will only apply to those traveling directly to Paris from the United Kingdom. No other restrictions have been issued. Therefore, it would still be wise for visitors to gather up vital information in advance.