Traveling to Europe? Here’s What You Need to Know
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Europe or a seasoned traveler, there are certain precautions you should take before traveling. If you’re traveling within the European Union, you’ll need to have a valid passport or ID card. You’ll also need to get vaccinated against certain diseases. If you’re traveling outside of the EU, you don’t need a visa. However, you’ll need to get vaccinated against Coronavirus and have a valid quarantine period.
Valid passport or ID card
Whether you’re traveling to the EU or somewhere else, it’s a good idea to carry a valid passport or ID card. Many European countries require a passport or ID card for entry into their country. These documents are usually valid for several months.
While a passport is the standard travel document, many other forms of ID are accepted. These include a driving licence, bank ID card and an armed forces ID card.
Depending on the country you’re visiting, you may need to bring several identification documents. For example, in the Czech Republic you may be required to provide proof of medical insurance. You should also make sure you are in possession of a return ticket. Some airlines may prohibit you from flying with an expired passport.
Coronavirus test
Getting tested for coronavirus before travel to Europe is not required in every country, but there are some that do. Getting tested is a good way to protect your health and prevent the virus from spreading across borders.
Travellers with a positive test result may be required to self-isolate for at least five days. They also must present a letter from a medical practitioner clearing them for travel.
Some countries, such as France, Belgium, and Malta, require travelers to get tested before they leave. Others, such as Portugal and Estonia, don’t require it.
Travellers to Belgium must present a negative antigen test, while those going to Austria must present a negative PCR test. The time for a test is determined by the destination country.
Quarantine period
Depending on your vaccination status, you may not have to undergo a quarantine period for travel to Europe. You may not even have to test for the virus.
Travellers from countries in the red zone, which are countries where COVID is present, have to go through a quarantine period for travel to Europe. The length of the quarantine is determined by the country in question. For example, a person from a dark red zone country will have to go through a quarantine period of at least 10 days.
However, there are exceptions. Travellers from high risk areas, such as Afghanistan, are required to undergo a quarantine period of at least 10 consecutive days. Those from other high-risk areas are not required to go through a quarantine period for a certain amount of time.
Vaccinations required
Vaccinations required for travel to Europe vary depending on the country or destination. They also differ depending on the traveler’s age, immunization history, planned activities, and legal requirements for entry into the country.
Some countries require yellow fever vaccination for travellers who are planning to visit certain regions, while others do not. It is advisable to consult with your physician before you leave to find out the risk for you and your family. The vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting high-risk countries and endemic regions. It is also recommended for travellers who are likely to be in contact with blood or have sexual contact with people from these regions.
There are many vaccines currently used in travel medicine. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children traveling to areas with outbreaks. It should be given to children at least 6 months of age.
Non-EU countries do not require visas
Despite the fact that many non-EU countries do not require visas to travel to Europe, you should still be aware of how these policies work. Depending on the destination you’re traveling to, you may need to apply for a visa from the embassy or consulate of that country. Then, you’ll be required to follow certain rules.
For example, some countries require registration within three days of arrival. Other countries may require a round-trip ticket and an invitation letter before you can enter. Aside from these, other rules may apply.
To be eligible for a Schengen visa, you must be a national of one of the 26 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area. You may apply for a Schengen visa through the embassy of the country you plan to visit. You should also carry a valid passport.