Travel to Europe During a Pandemic
If you are planning to travel to Europe this summer, be sure to check the health risks before you go. Travel to Europe during a pandemic is particularly risky, and you should follow the CDC’s recommendations. Travel to certain countries during a pandemic is still possible, but you may have to go through extra hoops. The CDC recommends that travelers take certain precautions to avoid contracting the flu or contracting other diseases. The recommendations apply to the Schengen Area, including non-E.U. countries. One example is Croatia, where daily cases of the disease have decreased. The World Health Organization has reported daily deaths in Croatia in the low single digits. Nearly 30 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
While the EU recommends that Americans only enter countries that require vaccinations, travelers should check the specific entry requirements for each country. The rules for entering these countries vary from country to country, so check the requirements based on your current citizenship and the last two countries you visited. The EU has a handy map of member countries and their entry requirements. Check out the requirements for COVID tests and quarantine requirements for the countries you plan to visit.
Although many countries have relaxed their entry requirements, you should still take extra precautions. For example, be wary of accepting free drinks from strangers. You may want to ask the club owner for a free drink before you go, but you should not accept such offers. In addition, you should avoid accepting “consolation prizes” unless they are offered to you in exchange for a photo. In addition, European situations may seem strange to you when you’re used to them. Friendships in Europe should be built on common acquaintanceships or by casual conversations in conventional locations.
The European Union has made it easier for Americans to visit its member countries. While there are rules and restrictions for American citizens, they’re generally easy to follow. The Schengen Area allows free movement between member states for ninety days every 180 days. There are ultra-low-cost airlines, which operate cheap flights. And European cities are known for their easy-to-navigate urban areas. In addition to these safety rules, Europe is a very safe and healthy travel destination.
When planning a trip to Europe, be sure to know the currency. Although most places accept Euros, some places only accept cash. Carrying cash with you can save you from foreign transaction fees. Not all EU countries use the Euro; instead, the Czech Republic uses the Koruna, Liechtenstein the Swiss Franc, and Poland the Zloty. You can also make friends in Europe. If you’re looking to save money, travel to Europe during off-seasons.
US citizens don’t need a visa for most countries in Europe. The Schengen zone consists of 26 member countries, and travelers can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. However, travelers to countries outside the Schengen zone must check their individual entry requirements and apply for visas before traveling. The ETIAS is not yet operational, but it’s still important to know your visa requirements. If you are planning to travel to Europe without a visa, it’s best to check the Schengen zone’s entry requirements and check the Schengen area’s entry and exit requirements.
In 2023, U.S. citizens and nationals of more than 60 countries will need an electronic travel authorization. This will replace the ESTA in the U.S. and require that travelers register with the European Travel Information and Authorization System. This travel authorization will last for three years, and travelers won’t have to apply for it every time they visit Europe. Until then, you’ll have to limit your visits to 90 days or less in 180 days to avoid the ESTA process.
If you’re planning to visit Europe during your vacation, you’ll want to purchase travel insurance that will cover you in the event of a medical emergency. This insurance will cover any medical expenses, including COVID-19 costs. However, you’ll need to read the fine print on your policy. You can find many policies online. Choose the one that suits your needs best, and pay online. You’ll receive a certificate of coverage via email.
Although COVID-19 travel restrictions are still in place in most countries of Europe, the European Union has lifted them for several countries. The EU has a green list that does not contain any countries named in the red list, but it still applies. You must also bring proof of vaccination and COVID-19 recovery if you plan to visit some countries on the red list. And if you’re pregnant or have any health concerns, you should consult your doctor before traveling to Europe.