Bienvenue: Eleven European countries Americans now can visit

The Eiffel Tower, Paris (Metro Newspaper Services)
The Eiffel Tower, Paris (Metro Newspaper Services)

With summer around the corner, travel options in Europe are growing. Just this week, France and Spain reopened to vaccinated Americans, and more countries are expected to open their borders soon.

The European Union agreed this past month to allow vaccinated Americans to visit. But each country still sets its own rules and timing, and not every country has reopened yet. Previously, the bloc was closed to nonessential travel from the United States

The reopening process will be accelerated by a new covid passport system that debuts July 1 that will reduce travel barriers for people who can prove to authorities they have been vaccinated.

Much of Europe has long been closed off to American travelers, or has been so complicated to enter because of coronavirus restrictions.

Before a broader reopening, several countries have said they will allow Americans to visit now, as long as they comply with covid entry requirements. That usually means proof of a negative test, recovery from infection or a vaccination.

With that in mind, here are 11 countries - either technically part of Europe, members of the E.U., or straddling Europe and Asia - that are welcoming Americans.

France

Vaccinated Americans can visit France as of June 9, but they will need to show more than just proof of vaccination status. Visitors also still need to show a negative result from a test taken within two or three days before departure for the country, depending on the type of test. Unvaccinated travelers are not allowed in the country "unless they show a qualifying compelling reason," according to the U.S. Embassy in France.

There is a curfew from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m., according to the French government. Cinemas, theaters, museums, shops and festivals are subject to capacity restrictions and social distancing measures. For public events with more than 1,000 people, attendees need a health pass to show they are vaccinated, recovered from covid or have tested negative in the past 48 hours, the government said.

Greece

As part of a gradual reopening, Americans were allowed to visit Greece as of April 19. A broader reopening is planned for mid-May. Visitors need either a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or proof of vaccination at least 14 days before getting to the country, and they may be subject to a random coronavirus test. Anyone visiting the country has to fill out a passenger location form before arriving.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Greece warns that the country is still under lockdown and movement is restricted. Those who violate rules about wearing a mask, social distancing and restricting movement are subject to fines.

Italy

As of May 16, tourists from the United States could visit Italy without quarantine if they arrived on covid-tested international flights. Delta, American and United are all offering such flights to Rome and Milan. While covid-tested flights to Italy were offered earlier, they were not open for leisure travelers.

The U.S. Embassy in Italy says a curfew remains in place from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m., though it is expected to be lifted in late June. Visitor can face fines if they don't comply with rules about social distancing, movement restrictions and face coverings.

Spain

U.S. citizens could visit Spain as of June 7 as long as they are fully vaccinated. They will need a vaccination certificate and a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal. Children 6 or older will need a negative covid test taken within 48 hours of arrival or a certificate showing that they have recovered from the virus, according to the U.S. Embassy in Spain.

Unvaccinated visitors from the U.S. are not allowed without meeting specific requirements or without special permission.

The embassy says coronavirus-related restrictions vary by region, but typically include limitations of gatherings and reduced capacity in shops, restaurants and bars. Everyone 6 and older has to wear a mask in public spaces and on public transportation, according to Spain's tourism site.

Iceland

U.S. citizens can visit Iceland if they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or can provide proof of prior infection. Even if vaccinated or recovered, visitors will need to undergo one coronavirus test when they arrive and wait for results - which are typically available between 6 and 24 hours - at the place where they're staying. Preregistration is required.

Croatia

Travelers from the United States can visit Croatia, but they must meet dual requirements: a negative coronavirus test no older than 48 hours or proof of full vaccination or recovery and proof of paid accommodation for a hotel, rental, camp or other place to stay. The U.S. Embassy in Croatia notes that a reservation alone is not sufficient; there has to be evidence of full payment.

Visitors can also pay for a test upon arrival, but they will have to self-isolate until they have a result.

Denmark

Fully vaccinated Americans could visit Denmark effective June 5, according to the U.S. Embassy. The border remains closed to those who are not vaccinated unless they qualify for an exemption from the government.

According to Visit Denmark, the country's "corona passport" system provides access to cultural sites, restaurants and other attractions based on whether a visitor is vaccinated, recovered from covid or has a recent negative test.

The U.S. Embassy says those who break local covid-related rules are subject to a fine of about $400 for a first offense.

Montenegro

Americans need a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination to visit Montenegro, which still has an overnight curfew in place. Bars and restaurants are open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., though the number of people at each table is limited. National parks are also open, while nightclubs are closed and mass gatherings are banned. The U.S. Embassy also says some inter-city travel restrictions are in place.

Serbia

U.S. citizens need a negative PCR or antigen test at least 48 hours before entering Serbia. Visitors are required to wear masks, even in open spaces, and keep a safe distance between people who aren't from the same household.

The U.S. Embassy says cafes, bars and restaurants with gardens or patios are only able to operate outdoors with limits on the number of people at each table. Cultural institutions can be open until 10 p.m.

Cyprus

The Mediterranean island west of Syria and south of Turkey is a member of the European Union. It reopened to visitors from the U.S. on April 1, as long as they have a negative coronavirus test. Visitors need to fill out a "Cyprus Flight Pass" in advance. The U.S. Embassy cautions that as of April 19, American travelers will need to get another coronavirus test upon arrival in Cyprus.

Georgia

Americans can visit the country between Turkey and Russia with proof of full vaccination. Those who are not vaccinated can only fly direct from certain countries and must have a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours, as well as a second test on the third day of their stay. The U.S. Embassy says that a curfew is in place, and there are fines for not wearing a mask.

The Washington Post's Michael Birnbaum and Chico Harlan contributed to this report.

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