Tips for Traveling to Europe by Air From the US
It’s easy to travel to Europe by air from the US, thanks to the Schengen Area, which allows you to freely move within the member states of the European Union. If you’re worried about safety, ultra-low-cost airlines are widely available. You can get by on cheap flights from most European cities, thanks to multilingual locals. It’s also safe and healthy to travel in Europe. But if you’re not sure what to pack, here are some tips for planning your trip to Europe.
While most Western European countries have safe tap water, there are still some precautions to take before traveling to these countries. You must carry a valid passport and show proof of vaccination to enter many countries, including Bulgaria and Romania. Some countries have non-pasteurized milk, so be sure to check on this before you pack any milk. Pregnant women and those with other health concerns should seek medical advice before traveling to any European country. Some countries are closed to tourists and require vaccinations.
Although the United States has been taken off the safe travel list, travelers can still visit many European countries. It’s important to check on the entry requirements based on your country of origin and any countries you’ve visited within the past two weeks. The European Union maintains a handy map of its member countries. The map gives information on COVID testing requirements and quarantine requirements. For travelers who want to travel to Europe without the worry of getting sick, the continent’s climate can be pleasant during the summer.
While European travel has been booming over the past few years, recent events have changed the plans for travelers. The war in Ukraine has caused some major travel operators to re-adjust their European itineraries and cancel some excursions. The situation in Ukraine has made air travel in Europe a lot messier than before. For instance, Britain banned Russian Aeroflot flights to the U.K., while Russia banned British planes from its airspace.
The ETIAS visa waiver is the new rule for US citizens traveling to the European Union. This system works like the Electronic System for Travel Authorization in the US, but requires online applications for entry permits. The new system will allow citizens to apply for an entry permit online and will give EU authorities the information they need to keep their borders safe. However, US citizens will still have to limit their visits to Europe to 90 days in 180 days. There is no easy way around the rules.
When traveling to the EU, you must have the right travel insurance. There are various plans available, and you must check out the terms and conditions before buying one. In case of emergencies, make sure that you have adequate coverage for your trip. If your trip to Europe involves a long flight, make sure you buy your tickets in advance. You’ll be glad you did. The best way to avoid unexpected costs is to buy travel insurance before departure.
If you plan to visit countries with high risk of infection, be sure to check out the quarantine rules. In the case of the Ebola pandemic, you must show proof of a negative virus test 72 hours before departure and stay self-isolated for 10 days after arrival. Despite the precautions, you won’t be exempted from quarantine, but you can still avoid quarantine if you follow the rules. You may need to submit a COVID-19 test for travel to the EU.
Another important thing to do before traveling to Europe is to check the country’s health conditions. You can check the local news, contact the State Department, and talk to travel advisers before booking flights. You may also want to think about “what if” scenarios, such as an oil import ban that could lead to a full-blown energy crisis. And you never know when the coronavirus will strike, so be prepared. And check out the travel health notice page of the CDC.
US citizens don’t need a Schengen visa to visit most European countries. But if you plan to visit countries in the Schengen area for more than 90 days, you’ll need to present an appropriate passport. The US passport must be at least 10 years old and have three months’ validity after your planned exit date from the Schengen area. You also need to show a valid travel purpose and proof of financial means to support your trip.