A Country-by-country Guide to Europe's Reopening

With different COVID-19 variants circulating around the globe much of Europe has shifted their entry restrictions and many countries now only allow vaccinated travelers to enter, a growing number of countries now require the booster as well. When planning a trip, it is important to check CDC travel recommendations for each country, as they can frequently change.

Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status — including entry requirements for foreign travelers.

Albania

Travelers aged 6 and older looking to enter Albania must satisfy one of the three requirements: submit a vaccine passport, have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours (or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours) or provide documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania.

There is a curfew in place — so movement is restricted from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. In the meantime, Albania has reopened restaurants with outdoor seating and allowed beaches, cultural centers, and shops to reopen with social distancing guidelines.

Andorra

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries.To enter hotels, bars, restaurants, sporting events or most indoor places Andorra requires a vaccination card. To see the full list, including COVID-19 ski regulations visit the Andorra tourism site.

However, beyond complying with France and Spain's restrictions, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra.

Austria

Austria is open to travel and there is no quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers. A negative COVID-19 test is required for entry along with a vaccination certificate approved by the Austrian government, a rapid antigen test is not accepted. Fully vaccinated travelers with the booster and those fully vaccinated who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days are exempt from testing rules.

Austria requires a vaccine card for entry into public indoor spaces for leisure activities such as going to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. On the mountain, a vaccine card is required to ride in a chairlift, or cable car.

Belgium

Vaccinated travelers from the U.S. are now allowed to enter Belgium. The United States is considered a "red zone" country and Americans will be required to show a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival or a PCR test taken 24 hours prior.

Indoor shops, restaurants and bars are open in Belgium, and vaccine cards are becoming increasingly required to enter indoor public spaces.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Only vaccinated Americans can travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and must also present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken no more than 48 before arrival.

Other foreign travelers can also visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the only people exempt from testing prior to entry are BiH citizens and citizens of Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Restaurants and most other businesses in the country are open with social distancing guidelines, and masks should be worn when social distancing is not possible, the embassy noted.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria will now allow travelers from a number of countries, including Americans, citizens of the EU, and travelers from a number of eastern European and Asian countries. The United States is considered a "red country", which forbids Americans to enter Bulgaria from the United States, they must enter through a "green" or orange" country.

Travelers must be able to show one of the following three things: "a vaccination certificate for a completed vaccination course against COVID-19," which is valid 14 days after the final vaccine dose; a PCR test that proves you have antibodies/immunity against COVID-19 from the last six months; or a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before entering the country.

Bulgaria has reopened restaurants, drinking establishments, and coffee shops. Mask wearing is mandatory indoors and when social distancing is not possible.

Croatia

Visitors looking to enter Croatia must provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, and proof of accommodations within the country. Visitors are also required to fill out an entry form online. Upon arrival, a travelers must take another COVID-19 test and quarantine until there are results.

As of now, there is a mask mandate in place, and capacity limits to promote social distancing.

Cyprus

Travelers from the United States are now allowed to enter Cyprus. All travelers to Cyrpus must obtain a "flight pass" 48 hours prior to arrival. Travelers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, upon arrival there will be a rapid antigen test where all travelers regardless of vaccination status will be required to isolate until results are processed.

In Cyprus, malls, airports, seaports, and indoor sections of restaurants have reopened, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus. Beaches have also been able to open.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic will allow all boosted traveler to forgo the need for a COVID-19 test upon entry. Vaccinated travelers without the booster, and travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 will need a negative test to enter, according to the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior. Travelers do not need a vaccination card to enter, however, hotels, restaurants, and most indoor public spaces do require proof of vaccination to enter.

As of Feb. 15, travelers will need a vaccine within 9 months to be considered fully vaccinated.

Denmark

Denmark has rolled back all of its COVID-19 internal restrictions, however the CDC still has Denmark marked as a "level 4" do to high rates of COVID-19.

Estonia

Vaccinated travelers are welcome to enter Estonia for any reason and unvaccinated travelers may enter only if they fall under one of the following: work, family, schooling reasons, or with a special permit according to the U.S. Embassy in Estonia.

Estonia requires all unvaccinated travelers to quarantine. No COVID-19 test is necessary for vaccinated travelers.

Finland

Vaccinated visitors may enter Finland with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours, The U.S. Embassy stated.

Non-vaccinated travelers from the U.S. are allowed to enter Finland for essential reasons only, and may need to take 2 tests upon arrival. Vaccinated travelers do not need to take a COVID-19 test. More information is available here.

France

France will now require all visitors from outside the European Union to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of their planned arrival in addition to proof they've been vaccinated against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated is 7 months from the latest vaccine.

However, the vaccine card from the CDC is not a proper vaccine card for France. Travelers from the U.S. may present their vaccine card in a pharmacy and pay a fee to obtain a proper vaccine pass for get into attractions within the country.

Germany

According to the German Mission in the U.S.- Americans may enter Germany without any prior electronic entry registration. Proof of full vaccination or proof over the age of 12 is required to enter Germany. Children under 12 years of age have to be accompanied by a fully vaccinated person.

Unvaccinated travelers may only enter Germany for essential reasons.

Greece

All travelers entering Greece, regardless of vaccination status must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. Visitors will need to present a vaccination card in order to enter public areas, masks are still worn indoors and outdoors.

All passengers have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form by 11:59 p.m. the day before they arrive in Greece.

Hungary

Visitors entering Hungary must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. In Hungary, restaurants, and cafes have reopened, as have museums, pools, and theaters, though only to those who can present vaccination records.

For larger events such as, sporting events, or music festivals an immunity certificate is required.

Iceland

Iceland is open to vaccinated travelers only, and all travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. Travelers must also complete a pre-registration form before entry.

Currently, Iceland has reopened several facilities, including swimming pools and bars, but many restrictions and capacity rules are in effect.

Ireland

A negative COVID-19 PCR test is no longer required to enter Ireland for vaccinated travelers. Americans must show proof of their vaccination status when entering the country. Unvaccinated tourists are also welcome, but they must arrive with a negative COVID-19 test and self-quarantine for five days after entry.

All passengers must fill out a passenger locator form prior to entry.

Italy

International travelers can enter Italy by simply showing they have been fully vaccinated within nine months or have received a booster shot. There is no need for a test for vaccinated travelers.

Kosovo

Travelers entering Kosovo must show proof of vaccination. Vaccinated and boosted travelers may enter without a negative PCR test, and vaccinated travelers who do not have the booster must provide, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo.

Latvia

Vaccinated Americans may enter the country, unvaccinated Americans may only enter for essential purposes and will need to quarantine upon arrival. Latvia is open to the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the U.K., according to the U.S. Embassy in Latvia. Those looking to get a COVID-19 test without symptoms (for travel purposes) will need to pay approximately $41 (37 euros).

Latvia is under a state of emergency until the end of February, and nonessential businesses now require proof of vaccination to enter. There is a curfew and mask mandate and only FPP2-FPP3 or KN95 masks are acceptable.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Its border with Switzerland is currently open. Switzerland handles all immigration for Liechtenstein.

The requirements to enter Liechtenstein are proof of vaccination, and a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recent recovery. Through the end of March there is a vaccine mandate for all leisure activities. Travelers must apply for the Swiss COVID-19 certificate.

Lithuania

Vaccinated Americans may enter Lithuania, and do not need to present a PCR test upon arrival. According to the U.S. embassy in Lithuania, since there are no direct flights from the United States, it is the travelers responsibility to comply to all local regulations during layovers.

All travelers must fill out the National Public Health Center questionnaire. There is a mask mandate in place and only medical or respirator masks are approved.

Luxembourg

Vaccinated Americans may enter Luxembourg, according to the U.S. embassy. However, the CDC issued vaccine card is not authorized to allow entry into restaurants, bars or most indoor settings, therefore Americans may enter the country, but will have a difficult time in indoor settings. Only a Covid Check/ QR certificate will be allowed.

Malta

Malta also became the first EU country to reach herd immunity. Malta is open to vaccinated Americans, for vaccinated travelers entering Malta, a vaccine card is required along with the VeriFly App.

Malta considers fully vaccinated to be within 3 months of the last dose of COVID-19, and most visitors will need to booster shot.

Moldova

Moldova is now admitting American travelers, among other foreigners, as long as they are able to provide a vaccine certificate or a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before entry, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova. There is currently a nationwide mask mandate.

Monaco

To get to Monaco, most visitors have to travel through France. Anyone who enters Monaco, regardless of nationality, must be able to show a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken 72 hours before entry.

Monaco no longer has a curfew.

Montenegro

Montenegro continually updates its list of countries from which visitors are allowed to enter, based on epidemiological data. American travelers are allowed to enter Montenegro at this time, with a negative PCR test, travelers must also be vaccinated to enter.

Netherlands

Americans planning on visiting the Netherlands must be fully vaccinated, or provide proof of a recent recovery, present a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival, and then undergo on-site testing if positive. The U.S. is considered a high-risk area, and therefore, all travelers must self-isolate for 5 days and then test again, if they test positive they must self-isolate for another 5 days, according to the U.S. embassy.

Travelers transferring at Schiphol Airport from high risk countries must present a negative COVID-19 test result and follow all transfer regulations available here.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers, who present a vaccination card and a negative COVID-19 test taken 48 hours prior to arrival, or a recent COVID-19 recovery certificate. Most indoor facilities must operate at a 50 percent capacity.

Norway

All U.S. travelers to Norway must complete entry registration and test upon arrival regardless of vaccination status. Travelers must also apply for an EU Digital COVID-19 certificate.

Poland

Poland is now allowing vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine in Poland. All travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry taken within 24 hours of entering the country. All travelers will also need to fill out the EU locator form.

Portugal

As of now, Americans and EU residents may enter Portugal for non-essential travel. Americans, regardless of vaccination status. must have prior authorization, a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours, or a rapid test taken within 48 hours and a passenger locator card. Travelers will need to present proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test to stay in hotels.

The Spain/Portugal land border is open, and there are no restrictions on inter-state travel within Portugal. Portugal is currently in a state of Calamity which allows the government to impose mandatory quarantine for individuals infected with COVID-19 and individuals deemed by health officials to require medical observation.

Romania

Americans will need to present proof of vaccination, a recent COVID-19 test and a passenger locator form to enter the country. Unvaccinated travelers will be subject to quarantine.

Most indoor attractions remain closed in Romania, but hotels and campsites have reopened. Dining indoors is not available in many areas of Romania (and whether the indoor restaurants open depend on coronavirus statistics in specific areas). Masks must be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces.

San Marino

San Marino is a landlocked country surrounded by Italy. Depending on where travelers in Italy came from, they may have to take a COVID-19 test or quarantine in order to enter San Marino.

Serbia

Foreign travelers are welcome in Serbia, provided they can produce a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia. Shops, restaurants, cafes, and parks have reopened in Serbia, and masks are required indoors (and outdoors when social distancing is not an option).

Slovakia

Americans may enter Slovakia if they are vaccinated or meets other criteria outlined by the Slovakian ministry of the interior. Fully vaccinated travelers do not need a negative test to enter the country.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia, "Slovakia's pandemic control measures vary regionally based on its Traffic Light System, which automatically updates restrictions weekly based on local disease indicators."

Slovenia

Travelers allowed into Slovenia must show a vaccination card or proof of recovery from COVID-19. Currently there is a nationwide mask mandate and only surgical or N95 masks are approved for wear, both visitors and residents must show proof of vaccination to enter attractions and venues.

Spain

Travelers heading to Spain will now be required to show proof of a COVID-19 booster dose. Vaccinated Americans can travel to Spain for nonessential travel, there are health screening procedures at places of entry. Passengers arriving to Spain from the U.S. will be required to create a health portal account and present a QR code upon arrival.

The most common restrictions in indoor settings are masks, limited capacity, and proof of vaccination to enter bars, restaurants or other indoor public venues.

Sweden

Sweden no longer requires visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Visitors must be vaccinated to enter, and they must show a digital certificate proving full vaccination.

Switzerland

Switzerland is open to vaccinated Americans. All tourists will have to test before coming to Switzerland, all entering Switzerland must also present a completed entry form.

Switzerland has rolled back on almost all internal COVID-19 protocols, and mask wearing will only be enforced on public transportation and in healthcare settings, the Swiss Government announced.

Turkey

Turkey is open to foreign travelers those who are vaccinated do not need to test prior to arrival. There is no longer a curfew in place, and supermarkets and other food-related shops open during normal operational hours.

Ukraine

Visitors to Ukraine must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19. according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. Unvaccinated travelers must test negative or quarantine for 10 days and in both cases download the Vdomamobile app. A CDC Vaccination card is an acceptable proof of vaccination.

Ukraine is under an adaptive quarantine under March, and there is a mask mandate in place.

United Kingdom

Vaccinated travelers heading to the United Kingdom will no longer need a test upon entry. All passengers will be required to fill out a passenger locator form.

Unvaccinated travelers will be monitored and need to test throughout their stay.

Vatican City

Vatican City is the world's smallest country and is encircled by the Italian city of Rome. It is open to travelers who are able to enter Italy.

The information in this article reflects that of the publishing time above. However, as statistics and information regarding coronavirus rapidly change, some figures may be different from when this story was originally posted. While we strive to keep our content as up to date as possible, we also recommend visiting sites like the CDC or websites of local health departments.