With COVID-19 travel restrictions easing up, many Americans are finally able to anticipate a long-awaited vacation in Europe. Croatia, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany are a handful of popular European travel destinations that are open to American travelers this summer.
58% of HomeExchangers surveyed said they plan to travel outside their own country this year, taking advantage of lessening travel restrictions in many parts of the world.
Hoping to visit Europe in the next few months? Here are the requirements you'll have to meet and what to do to prepare for your trip.
Updated on July 28
Traveling to Croatia
Croatia is now open to all vaccinated American travelers.
Vaccinated travelers to Croatia must have proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test within 72 hours or an antigen test within 48 hours, or proof of recovery from COVID-19.
Tourists are also required to pay in full for accommodations before arriving in the country and to show documentation to prove it. Travelers to Croatia should be aware that masks are still required indoors and on public transportation and that nightclubs are closed.
For more details on traveling to Croatia, click here.
Traveling to England
England is now open to fully vaccinated travelers from the US.
Vaccinated travelers no longer need to quarantine when visiting England from the United States. Travelers do still need to take tests before they arrive in England and on the second day after landing.
International cruises are also able to start leaving from England.
Traveling to France
France is now open to all American travelers, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated travelers are required to have a negative PCR test result less than 72 hours before travel or a negative antigen test less than 48 hours before travel.
Vaccinated travelers with a Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Janssen vaccine can enter France without taking any COVID-19 tests.
Travelers to France should expect the 11 p.m. curfew and to wear masks in all public venues. Indoor dining and other restrictions in France have been eased.
For more details on traveling to France, visit the Foreign Ministry website.
Traveling to Germany
Germany has lifted all travel restrictions for travelers from the United States.
All air travelers entering Germany must show they are fully vaccinated or have tested negative prior to their flight's departure.
Stay updated on German travel guidelines here.
Traveling to Italy
Italy is generally open to US tourists, though restrictions vary by region.
All travelers from the United States must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entering the country. A self-declaration form is required on entry.
Travelers to Italy should know there are curfews in place from midnight to 5 a.m. This curfew will be lifted on June 21 but curfews may vary by region. Masks are mandatory on public transportation. Check out this map to see the regulations in place in different regions of Italy.
Italy is also offering COVID-tested flights from the US on select routes.
Traveling to Spain
Spain opened to vaccinated travelers on June 7.
Unvaccinated travelers who are over the age of 18 cannot enter Spain for tourism. Unvaccinated children age 6-17 may enter the country if they present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Children 5 and younger are exempt.
Vaccinated travelers can enter Spain for tourism, provided they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. A prearrival form with a QR code is required.
Travelers to Spain should research the region they will be visiting, as COVID-19 restrictions vary throughout the country. Most venues and restaurants have capacity restrictions.
If you're traveling to Spain from a country other than the US, check out this handy resource. The map allows you to to check the applicable entry requirements for the country you are traveling from and the restrictions for your return home.
Vacation in Europe safely with HomeExchange
When traveling to Europe, cleanliness and safety is on everyone's minds. 45% of travelers include enhanced cleaning within their top three vacation decision-making factors, according to Forbes.
Hotels and other vacation rentals can be heavily trafficked and full of strangers and germs. Vacation with HomeExchange, so you can enjoy your trip to Europe with peace of mind!
With HomeExchange, you can enjoy the comfort of a house or apartment just for you and your loved ones. There are no common areas to share, and no risk of meeting a stranger as soon as you leave your room like in a hotel. You'll spend your vacations in real, authentic and warm homes with fewer guests per month than other accommodation options.
In the HomeExchange community, having a safe, secure, clean accommodation is part of our fundamental principles. 98% of exchanges are rated 4 stars or more for cleanliness.
With HomeExchange's robust COVID-19 guarantees, excellent cleaning practices, and 450,000+ homes around the world to choose from, it is an ideal way to vacation this year. Sign up for HomeExchange to join the community and travel affordably, authentically, and safely.
