The Risks of Travel to Europe
While you might have heard of the benefits of Travel to Europe, you should also know about the risks. The European Union recently removed the United States from its list of countries to visit and advised countries to limit travel from Americans other than those with essential medical conditions. That said, European nations are free to establish their own rules for visitors. While most European countries still allow Americans to travel without any precaution, they may restrict some travel to certain locations, including Iceland.
In many cases, American travelers do not need to have Covid-19 to travel to European countries. The requirements depend on where you’re traveling from, and whether you’ve been to that country in the past two weeks. The EU offers a handy map of member countries with information about entry requirements, including COVID tests and quarantine requirements. Regardless of vaccination status, it’s best to get the recommended vaccines before traveling to Europe.
Although the CDC recommends that non-EU citizens get vaccines in order to enter the European Union, there’s no guarantee that you won’t catch a disease. Vaccines are not necessary in other parts of the world, but it’s a good idea to get a booster before traveling abroad. And remember to avoid eating contaminated food and drinking from unsanitary tap water. Just like in the U.S., traveling to Europe requires proper precautions. You should use masks while traveling, practice good hand hygiene, stay away from other people, and take care to protect yourself against the risk of contracting a disease.
The EU recommends that American travelers enter the bloc if they are fully vaccinated against certain diseases. However, this recommendation does not bind the member states, as they can set their own rules. However, it’s likely that some European nations will follow the EU recommendations and start allowing American travelers to visit. If you’re unsure about what vaccine to get, it’s a good idea to contact your travel agent.
To enter the Schengen area, you must possess a valid US passport that’s at least 10 years old. It must also be valid for at least three months past the date of departure from the Schengen Area. You must also present proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself in Europe. The EU will require proof of this information before granting entry. The process is not too difficult. The Schengen Area is an extremely safe place to travel.
A visa is required to visit many countries in Europe. For American citizens, a visa waiver is necessary for trips that are less than 90 days long. For a longer stay, you’ll need a visa. However, you can get a visa-free travel permit before you leave the United States. The Schengen Area is composed of 14 European Union countries and four non-EU countries. By 2023, ETIAS will be required for all Americans travelling to Europe.