Travel in Europe is once again possible, but tourists shouldn’t expect things to be back to normal just yet.
While COVID and entry restrictions are easing, travelers can still expect to see plenty of masks, closed venues and social distancing requirements across the continent.
Rules vary across regions and are constantly in flux. Kyle Potter, editor-in-chief of the Thrifty Traveler,has seen plenty of changes since he arrived in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday – his second time in the city, and his first post-pandemic trip to the country.
Some of the popular markets in the area, like Platea Madrid, remain closed. Group sizes are limited both indoors and outdoors, and social distancing rules are still in place. Potter found crowds sparse but masks abundant, even though Spain had dropped its outdoor mask mandate last month.
And while Potter had an easy time getting through the airport in Madrid, travel trade groups warn that travelers in European Union member countries could face long wait times at airports as the EU rolls out its Digital COVID Certificate.
Potter added that it was hard not to be reminded of the highly contagious delta variant, which makes up as much as 10% of COVID cases in some parts of Spain, according to a June 28 release from the country’s Ministry of Health.
“Many of the things I loved most about Spain haven’t changed,” Potter said. “But the stress of navigating the realities of transatlantic travel right now may not be worth it for everyone. … It can certainly be done. But anyone planning a trip to Europe soon should pack a lot of extra patience and flexibility.”
For those who are planning a trip to Europe this summer, here are some of the COVID restrictions currently in place at some of the top destinations.
Restrictions are up-to-date as of July 1.
Travel tips:European Union digital COVID certificate rollout could lead to long airport wait times, trade groups warn
Germany COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: As of June 20, U.S. citizens can enter Germany. Travelers must show proof of a negative COVID test. Quarantine requirements are up to each federal state in Germany, but generally those who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID in the last 6 months do not need to quarantine. In most states, quarantine can be cut short with a negative COVID test.
- Mask mandates: Face coverings are required on public transport, in stores and busy outdoor places where social distancing is not possible.
- Social distancing: People should keep at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) apart.
- Additional restrictions vary by region.
- CDC travel advisory: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled Germany as a “Level 3: COVID-19 High” destination. The agency says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering the country and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the region.
France COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers can enter with proof of vaccination.
- Mask mandates: Masks are required in all venues unless eating or drinking.
- Dining: Bars, pubs and restaurants can allow full capacity outdoors and up to 50% capacity inside. There must be no more than six people per table, and customers cannot eat or drink while standing or at the bar.
- Entertainment: Those 11 and over at public events with more than 1,000 people will need to present a health pass. Cinemas, theaters and shows can be filled to 65% capacity, or to a maximum of 6,000 people per room. Museums can allow one visitor for every 4 square meters. Seated open-air festivals can be filled to 65% capacity or a maximum of 6,000 people. Indoor and outdoor sport venues allow up to 6,000 people or 65% capacity. Outdoor zoos can allow up to 65% capacity. Casinos can allow 50% capacity.
- Shopping: Shops and indoor markets enforce social distancing, with one client for every 4 square meters.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled France as a “Level 3: COVID-19 High” destination. The agency says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering the country and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the region.
Netherlands COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: As of June 24, U.S. travelers can enter. They must fill in a health declaration but do not need to show a negative COVID test results and are not required to self-quarantine upon arrival.
- Social distancing:The government asks people to keep at least 1.5 meters from others and avoid crowds.
- Mask mandates: Most places no longer require a face mask. A face mask is mandatory in places where social distancing isn’t possible and for those 13 and older.
- Lodging: People from a single household or a maximum of four people from different households can book a vacation stay. Hotels are open, and offer bars, spa facilities and room service.
- Dining: Cafes and restaurants can open, and seats must be spaced 1.5 meters apart. Registration and a health check are required.
- Entertainment: Campgrounds and parks are open, but operate under COVID restrictions. Cinemas, theme parks and zoos are open, but tickets must be booked in advance. Concerts and festivals are not allowed.
- Shopping: Shops are open, although occupancy may be limited.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled the Netherlands as a “Level 4: COVID-19 Very High” destination. The agency says all travelers should avoid travel, regardless of vaccination status. Those who do decide to enter the country should make sure they are fully vaccinated before their arrival.
Spain COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: Travelers must present a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal. There is currently no requirement to bring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
Restrictions vary by region, but some of the most common include:
- Social distancing: Public or private gatherings are limited to six people.
- Mask mandates: Face coverings are mandatory on public transportation, in public closed spaces and outdoors if social distancing is not possible.
- Dining: There is limited capacity within restaurants and bars.
- Shopping: There is limited capacity within shops.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled Spain as a “Level 3: COVID-19 High” destination. The agency says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering the country and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the region.
Italy COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: U.S. citizens may enter Italy so long as they submit a digital passenger locator form and present agreen pass, which shows the traveler has completed their COVID vaccinations, recovered from COVID or tested negative for COVID 48 hours prior to entry. A quarantine period is required for those who do not.
- Social distancing: People are advised to stay 1 meter (about 3 feet) apart. Public transportation can operate at 50% capacity.
- Mask mandates: Masks are required in public indoor spaces such as bars, restaurants, museums and while on public transportation. It is not mandatory to wear masks outdoors, but they should be carried at all times and be worn when physical distancing is not possible. Children under 6 do not need to wear a mask.
- Dining: Bars, pubs, restaurants, ice cream parlors and pastry shops are open, and must have a sign showing the maximum people allowed inside. No more than six people from different households may sit at an indoor table, but there is no limit at outdoor tables or two families who dine together.
- Shopping: Shops are open, and must have a sign showing the maximum number of people allowed inside.
- Entertainment: Swimming pools, sporting events, trade fairs, conferences, fitness and spa centers, theme and amusement parks, private parties, gaming halls, betting shops, bingo halls and casinos are open. Museums are open on weekends. Cinemas, theaters, concert halls and similar venues can operate at a maximum 50% occupancy, with seats spaced at least 1 meter apart.
- Beaches: Free beaches are open, but people must keep 1 meter (about 3 feet) apart. Beach resorts may request reservations for beach access, and beach umbrellas, deck chairs and lounge chair must be physically distanced.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled Italy as a “Level 3: COVID-19 High” destination. The agency says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering the country and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the region.
Switzerland COIVD restrictions
- Entry requirements: As of June 26, U.S. citizens can enter if they are fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID testor recovery from COVID. All travelers arriving by plane must fill in the entry form.
- Mask mandates: Masks must be worn in many indoor public spaces, including shops, restaurants, and public transportation vehicles. Masks should be worn when social distancing of 1.5 meters is unattainable.
- Dining: Restaurants and bars are open. If eating indoors, masks can only be removed once seated at the table, and at least one person per table must provide their contact information. Tables are spaced 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) apart or separated by a barrier.
- Entertainment: Dance venues and discos are now open, but limited to those with a COVID certificate.
- Cultural, sports and leisure facilities can open. At indoor events, masks must be worn unless the establishment limits access to those with a COVID certificate, and guests must share contact information unless they all have COVID certificates.
- Large-scale events of more than 1,000 can only allow guests with a valid COVID certificate.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled Switzerland as a “Level 3: COVID-19 High” destination. The agency says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering the country and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the region.
Denmark COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: As of June 19, U.S. citizens may visit. Unvaccinated travelers must take a COVID test prior to and after entry. Many places require a valid corona passport based on COVID test results for entry.
- Those who cannot show proof of vaccination or previous infection must present a negative test to access restaurants, cafes, cultural activities and attractions.
- Dining: Restaurants, cafes and more are serving both indoors and outdoors. A corona passport must be presented for indoor dining.
- Entertainment: Theaters, cinemas, museums, art venues, amusement parts, zoological gardens and more are open for those with a corona passport. Soccer matches in certain leagues are allowed, although attendees must keep at least 1 meter (3 feet) of distance while seated and present a corona passport. Night life and clubs remain closed.
- Shopping: Stores, shopping centers and bazaars are open for those with a corona passport.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled Denmark as a “Level 3: COVID-19 High” destination. The agency says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering the country and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the region.
Belgium COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: U.S. residents may enter Belgium for tourism purposes.
- Social distancing:Most areas enforce 1.5 meters (5 feet) of social distancing.
- Mask mandates: Those unable to keep 1.5 meters apart are asked to wear a face mask.
- Lodging: All forms of lodging accommodations – including hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites – are open.
- Dining: Restaurants are open, with tables distanced. Tables can fit up to 8, not including children 12 and under. Masks are required unless seated. Hours are limited from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Entertainment: Establishments that fall under the cultural, festive, sports, recreational and event sectors can reopen. Swimming pools are open. Night clubs and dance halls remain closed.
- Shopping: Capacity at shopping centers is limited, and shoppers are asked to keep 1.5 meters apart. Those 13 and older must wear a face mask in shopping streets, shops and shopping centers.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled Belgium as a “Level 4: COVID-19 Very High” destination. The agency says all travelers should avoid travel, regardless of vaccination status. Those who do decide to enter the country should make sure they are fully vaccinated before their arrival.
Greece COVID restrictions
- Entry requirements: Visitors are subject to random testing upon arrival, and must submit a passenger locator form one day before entry. Upon arrival, U.S. travelers will have to show proof of vaccination status or recovery or a negative COVID test. The country also accepts Digital COVID Certificates.
- Mask mandates: Masks are required in open-air spaces, inside buildings and at public transportation facilities.
- Dining: Restaurants, cafes and bars are open and allow outdoor seating only, with up to 10 per table. Those waiting for a table must wear a mask.
- Entertainment: Groups of up to 20 visitors can enter archaeological sites and groups of up to eight can visit museums and indoor monuments. Both require masks and distancing. Open-air cinemas can fit up to 75% capacity, and indoor cinemas can fit up to 50% capacity. Live events in open-air venues require masks and can reach up to 75% capacity. Beaches are open, but distancing is required. Each umbrella can be used by two people, although families are exempt from this rule.
- CDC travel advisory: The CDC has labeled Greece as a “Level 3: COVID-19 High” destination. The agency says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering the country and unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the region.
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