How to Safely Travel to Europe
While traveling in Europe, it’s best to have plenty of cash available. You’ll find that many places only accept cash, so having euros on hand can make the entire experience much more comfortable and will save you money on foreign transaction fees. You can order foreign currency from your bank, or visit an airport ATM, but the rates there aren’t always the best.
Travelers from the United States can still fly into Europe, but entry requirements can vary based on your country of origin or any other countries you’ve visited in the past two weeks. Fortunately, the European Union maintains a handy map of member countries that lists entry requirements and other useful information. It’s especially helpful if you’re unsure of what requirements might be required in a given country.
While traveling in Europe can be dangerous, the vast majority of the continent is relatively safe. Violent crime, including gun violence, is very rare. In addition, the standard of living is incredibly high. As long as you follow safety precautions, you’ll be fine. The biggest threat to visitors is non-violent financial opportunity crimes.
Travel restrictions aren’t as severe as they were in the past. In fact, many countries in the EU have begun relaxing travel restrictions for those without a visa. This new system, called ETIAS, will make border management and security more efficient. For Americans, it will mean more freedom to visit Schengen Area nations, including the UK, the EU, Norway, and Iceland. It will also make it easier for travelers to stay in Europe for a short period of time.
The ETIAS card costs EUR7 and can be valid for three years. It allows US citizens to spend 90 days in European countries within a six-month or three-year period. Having a valid ETIAS card makes traveling to Europe much easier. The only downside is that some countries require COVID tests before entry.
Travel to Europe is risky for anyone, and there are numerous precautions you should take to avoid contracting a disease. Make sure you have the correct vaccines for your trip and stay away from people who have not had the necessary vaccinations. In addition to these precautionary measures, you should check the countries’ public health measures. Most European countries monitor pandemic-related factors, so it’s a good idea to do your research and make sure you’re prepared.
If you’re a US citizen, you may need a Schengen visa in advance of travel. It’s best to apply for an EU Schengen visa before traveling to Schengen area. This is important because you’ll need to present certain documents in order to enter Schengen countries.
When traveling to Europe, make sure you meet the appropriate vaccination requirements. Vaccinations are necessary for travelers from many countries and may be recommended depending on your destination. For instance, in Portugal, you may need to obtain a COVID-19 test if you plan to travel in this region. A rapid antigen test is not necessary for children under 12. You also need to fill out a passenger locator form to check the status of your vaccinations.
Travel to Europe can be risky for Americans without the proper vaccinations. However, American citizens can travel to the Schengen area visa-free until November 2023. For stays under 90 days, Americans will still need to get a visa waiver. Alternatively, they can opt for the ETIAS, which is an electronic travel authorisation that allows them to travel to all Schengen countries for three years.
While obtaining travel vaccinations is not difficult, you should be aware of the specific requirements of each country. In addition to vaccinations, some countries also require that U.S. citizens have a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Some countries may also require proof of medical discharge.