What to Know About Travel to Europe Now

June Update

Big news for European travel! Most countries have lifted all travel restrictions related to Covid. Check before you book, though, to be sure.

Second-the U.S. has lifted the requirement that travelers to the U.S. must produce a negative-result Covid test. Travel to Europe is easier.

Russia’s Attack on Ukraine

Our hearts are broken by what we are seeing in Ukraine right now and we are all praying for a peaceful resolution soon. What does the Russian invasion of Ukraine mean for travelers planning to visit Europe? Given the recent events, we wanted to reach out and tell what you need to know about travel to Europe now. There are two main things to know about European travel: the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Covid.

what to know about europe travel now — London is far from the Russian Invasion

Current Effects of the War

The first thing to know about European travel is that travel companies are cancelling and replacing stops in Russia and Ukraine.

Obviously, it is unwise to visit either country right now.

However, the second thing to know about European travel right now is that it can be delightful as crowds are down.

Countries such as England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Portugual, Greece, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany are far from the fighting.

Similarly, northern European countries like Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are not near the fighting.

You should be able to travel to those countries without trouble.

Obviously, as your travel advisors we will keep a close eye on the situation and will advise you should things change.

Countries with borders along Ukraine—Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldovia, and are accepting the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees and we do not recommend travel to those areas right now simply because they are dealing with the refugee crisis.

Things to Know about European Travel: Covid

Of course, the Covid-related situation changes constantly, and we keep an eye on it so we can give you the best advice possible.

While Covid rates are falling dramatically in the U.S., some European countries still have high rates. However, these rates dropping quickly.

Recently, the European Union announced that are relaxing the rules.

No testing requirements for full vaccinated travelers across all European Union countries by the April Easter holidays.
Unvaccinated children aged 6 to 17 will also be allowed to enter any EU country with proof of a pre-departure PCR test.
Unvaccinated adults who can provide proof of a recent COVID infection within the past 180 days may enter, although they may be required to test before arrival.
Remember, EU countries sometimes deviate from the general EU rules, so be sure to check the situation for the specific countries you plan to visit.

We will advise you of the specific rules for your travel a week or two before your trip if you have a booking with us. Most countries now give advance notice of any changes in their requirements so the chance that you will arrive at the airport to find the rules have changed is very unlikely.

Return to the U.S.

For returning, remember that the U.S. currently requires that all travelers:

Masks covering nose and mouth are required in all airports and on all flights (except when actively eating or drinking)
All travelers flying into the US, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must provide proof of a negative medically supervised Covid test taken within 24 hours of the flight. This is quite easy to obtain as most travel companies have testing available. Also, major European airports have large testing sites. Testing sites are common throughout Europe, and many countries offer tests for free.

You can always review the latest U.S. rules here.

Travel to Europe Now: Travel Insurance

Before you travel to Europe now, please consider travel insurance. Most travelers are more aware of the need for coverage since the pandemic began. We can provide you with quotes from reputable insurers that will cover you if you contract Covid while traveling, test positive just before returning home, are quarantined, experience serious flight delays, or other problems.