Traveling to Europe? Here’s What You Need to Know
In the past, Americans have enjoyed many benefits of traveling to Europe, but today’s climate poses unique challenges. The E.U. welcomes Americans, but there are more restrictions and extra research to get through than ever before. For example, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends not traveling to many countries, including the United Kingdom. Since July last year, the UK has been placed on the CDC’s Level 4 list of countries that are unsafe for travel.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it’s important to know what currency is widely used. Not all countries in the European Union use the Euro, so you should carry local currency or Euro notes with you. For example, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein use the Koruna while Poland uses the Zloty. However, you should be aware that some places will only accept cash, so it’s wise to carry cash with you.
While it’s true that most Western European countries offer safe drinking water, you shouldn’t expect the same for Eastern or Southern European nations. While tap water in most of Europe is safe to drink, milk may not be pasteurized. For this reason, pregnant women or others with existing health conditions should consult their doctors before traveling. If you’re unsure, you can find a useful map on the EU’s website. Detailed information on each country’s requirements, including vaccination requirements, quarantine and COVID tests, is available here.
The CDC provides detailed recommendations for traveling to Europe during a pandemic. These guidelines apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. CDC recommends that travelers make sure they’re aware of the public health measures in the country they’re visiting. Since countries are closely monitoring any potential threats to their health, you should know that some businesses and services may be closed or limited in hours or capacity. COVID passes are also required to enter certain venues, such as the Paris Opera.
While Americans may face quarantine or travel bans based on their nationality, they are not banned from entering the European Union (EU). In June 2023, U.S. citizens and nationals of over 60 countries will need to register for an electronic travel authorization system, similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States. Moreover, their EU-issued travel authorization will be valid for unlimited entries within a three-year period, making it easier for frequent travelers to visit their destination without worrying about the visa requirements.
In addition to a full list of EU countries, there are also countries outside the EU that require you to undergo coronavirus (COVID) testing before entering. In the EU, however, a majority of countries still accept travelers from the United States who are fully vaccinated. These measures may sound restrictive, but they are necessary in order to protect the lives of foreigners. Therefore, travelers should consider the travel warnings when planning their trip to Europe.
In addition to the ETIAS, U.S. citizens must have valid passports. These documents must be at least 10 years old and be valid for three months beyond the date of exit from the Schengen area. The applicant must also present proof of sufficient financial means to support himself in Europe. In some cases, visa waivers may also be required to enter EU countries. If you are an American citizen, you can apply for a waiver if you are under 18 years old.
In addition to visa waivers, many travelers need to get a health certificate from their doctor before boarding a plane. This certification helps the government identify travelers with certain diseases. For instance, if you are an unvaccinated American, you must have a certificate of vaccination that demonstrates that you have been protected against the disease. This is necessary for the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and U.K., but you must be vaccinated to enter these countries.
Generally, US citizens can enter most countries in Europe without a visa. These countries belong to the Schengen zone, a group of 26 member countries that are governed by the European Union. A traveler can enter a Schengen country without a visa, but must obtain a negative molecular COVID test before they leave the country. A valid passport is also necessary to visit Schengen. If you are not sure whether you need a visa, visit a travel clinic.
While Portugal has a friendly attitude toward tourists from the U.S., there are many precautions to follow when traveling to the region. The Netherlands has a strict policy on vaccinations, and all travelers need to provide proof of their recovery. Also, you should get a COVID-19 test if you plan on traveling to Portugal or the U.K. The cost of a medical visit in Europe can range from free to thousands of dollars.