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

Over a year after we saw border closures around the world, followed of course by canceled trips and many months of lockdown, the European Union agreed to welcome fully vaccinated foreign travelers this summer.

While the EU has not confirmed how exactly they'll implement their plan to allow vaccinated travelers to re-enter, some countries, like Greece, have already started reopening. countries, within the union have already started reopening.

As we move into the summer months, more and more European countries are reopening restaurants, attractions, and bars — while welcoming foreign tourists for the first time in over a year. Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status — including their entry requirements for foreign travelers.

Albania allowed commercial flights to resume on June 15, 2020 and currently, U.S. travelers do not have to quarantine upon arrival, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania.

There is a curfew in place — so movement is restricted from 10 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.

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries.

However, beyond complying with France and Spain's restrictions, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra. Spain will welcome vaccinated American travelers on June 7 while France will follow on June 9.

Austria is currently allowing EU residents and other select nearby countries (Monaco, Switzerland, and the EEA, for example) to visit the country. Americans are not currently allowed into Austria.

Seventy-two hours prior to entering Austria, travelers must fill out entry forms to obtain pre-travel clearance

As of now, Belgium is closed to non-essential American travelers.

Currently, members of the EU and EEA can enter Belgium if their countries are considered "yellow" or "green" zones by Belgium. If their countries are in the "red" zone, they must take a PCR test 72 hours before departure, show a negative result, and then quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

Americans can travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, provided they have 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 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.

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 has reopened its borders to both EU and non-EU citizens for tourism, including U.S. citizens.

Having implemented a traffic light entry system, EU or Schengen area countries on the "green list" are now "allowed entry into the Republic of Croatia under the same conditions as before the onset of the COVID-19 disease," according to the Croatian Ministry of Interior.

All other foreign travelers must show either a completed vaccination course, proof that they've recovered from COVID-19 in the last 180 days, or a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken either 48 hours before arrival or taken immediately on arrival (with the understanding that they must quarantine until they get a negative result). 

Cyrpus started allowing travel from certain European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland last June, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus. Travelers from Israel, Poland, and Romania have to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Travel from the U.S. and the UK is not permitted.

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.

Cyprus announced it would cover all costs for travelers if they test positive for coronavirus while visiting.

The Czech Republic allows foreign travelers based on whether their countries are low, medium, or high risk — those countries are detailed by the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior. However, as of May 15, 2021, there are some notable exceptions — Czech Republic is allowing vaccinated travelers from Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia entry, even if they're traveling from countries with medium or high risk.

Denmark reopened to vaccinated foreign travelers as of June 5. The vaccinated travelers must be from certain approved countries, including the U.S. and the United Kingdom and will be exempt from pre-arrival testing and quarantining upon arrival. Denmark accepts only EMA-approved vaccines.

Children who are not vaccinated but traveling with a parent, and women who are unvaccinated because they are pregnant or breastfeeding, can still visit Denmark but must take a COVID-19 test prior to entry.

Estonia is welcoming travelers from the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the U.K., who don't show symptoms of COVID-19 and have been in one of the approved countries for 10 days, according to the U.S. Embassy in Estonia.

Estonia follows a "2 + 2 rule," allowing up to two people together in a public space, not including families, and specifying people keep a 2-meter distance, according to the Estonian government. The country has opened shopping centers and restaurants, the U.S. Embassy noted.

Finland is keeping restrictions on entry from most countries in place until June 15, 2021, however, there are a few notable exceptions. Travel is permitted between Iceland and Finland and between Finland and Norway border communities. Foreigners from Australia, Israel, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Rwanda are also allowed into Finland, provided they fly directly from their country of residence.

France opened to travelers from the U.S. on June 9. On the same day, the country's cafes and restaurants extended their curfew from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Those heading to France will have to show proof of a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours of entry.

The country has endured various levels of lockdown and internal travel limitations throughout the year resulting in many notable attractions having to close. The Louvre has reopened, Paris Disneyland reopened in June, and the Eiffel Tower will welcome visitors back in July.

Germany is welcoming American travelers who are fully vaccinated as of June 21. Travelers must have been vaccinated (with a EMA-accepted vaccine), must show that they've recovered from COVID-19 between 28 days and six months ago, or have to test negative for COVID-19 72 hours prior to travel.

Greece reopened to foreign travelers from 53 countries as of May 14, including those from the U.S., U.K., and the European Union. All travelers must be vaccinated, or able to show COVID-19 antibodies/immunity after recovering from the coronavirus or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival.

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

While airports are open in Hungary, generally all non-essential travel from foreign countries is prohibited. In Hungary, restaurants, and cafes have reopened, as have museums, pools, and theaters, though only to those who can present vaccination records.

Iceland reopened to vaccinated foreign travelers outside the Schengen area in April. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and can prove they have antibodies are also allowed into the country without having to quarantine or take a PCR test.

Currently, Iceland has reopened several facilities, including swimming pools and bars

Vaccinated travelers are welcome into Ireland and no longer have to quarantine upon entry. 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.

Italy is currently allowing travelers from the European Union and vaccinated travelers from low-risk countries (including the United States!) to enter the country without quarantining. Both Europeans and travelers from other continents — whether quarantine is required or not — must produce a negative PCR test for COVID-19 before entering the country.

American travelers who are unvaccinated can skip the quarantine if they take one of the direct, COVID-free flights from various U.S. hubs (New York, Atlanta, etc.). Right now, Delta Air Lines is operating flights like these, and United Airlines is rolling out similar flights in the coming weeks.

Foreign travelers are allowed to enter Kosovo but need a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken no more than 72 hours before entry, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo.

If travelers do not have a negative PCR to show upon entry, they will have to quarantine for seven days. Restaurants and bars in Kosovo are open until 10 p.m., and there's a curfew in place from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Kosovo's borders with Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia are open.

Latvia is open to the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the U.K.,according to the U.S. Embassy in Latvia— but only for essential travel. Americans are currently not allowed into the country for non-essential travel.

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Its border with Switzerland is currently open. However, Americans are not allowed to enter Switzerland, except in very specific cases.

Lithuania has a nationwide lockdown in place until May 31, according to the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania. Only travelers from select locations — like EEA country or Switzerland — can enter, but must provide a negative PCR test for COVID-19 and quarantine for 10 days on arrival, according to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, if your country of residence is allowed into Lithuania and you're vaccinated or have proof of COVID-19 antibodies from the last 180 days, you can skip the quarantine period.

Luxembourg, a landlocked country bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany, has blocked travel from non-EU citizens and residents, according to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg.

Citizens of select other countries — not including the U.S., but including Thailand, Singapore, and Australia — are allowed to enter the country as well. However, as part of the EU, Luxembourg may be opening to vaccinated foreign tourists this summer, though a timeline has not yet been set.

As of May 2021, restaurants, bars, non-essential retail stores, pools, gyms, and salons are open. Malta also became the first EU country to reach herd immunity. Malta is open to vaccinated Americans as of July 19. After August 1, Americans will have to upload their vaccination information to a certain app to prove they're fully vaccinated before entering Malta.

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

To get to Monaco, most visitors have to travel through France — and France will reopen to vaccinated travelers as of June 9. 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 currently has a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. 

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. Foreign travelers from countries allowed into Montenegro must show a negative PCR test taken 72 before arrival unless they are permanent or temporary residents of certain eastern European countries.

American travelers can enter the Netherlands directly, as well as transfer at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a major transportation hub in Europe. As of late June, the Netherlands eased restrictions on non-essential travelers coming from certain countries, including the U.S., Taiwan, Albania, and Serbia. They will not need to quarantine, or show a vaccination card or negative PCR test upon arrival.

North Macedonia is open to American travelers, and they are not required to present a negative PCR test for COVID-19. North Macedonia has a curfew of 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. and is operating with mask-wearing and social distancing policies firmly in place. Outdoor dining is open in North Macedonia until 11:30 p.m., but indoor dining is not yet an option.

Norway has recently opened its borders to European countries that are designated as "yellow" or "green" areas. Currently, travelers from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands can enter Norway without quarantining. According to Visit Norway, "Vaccinated persons will not be able to enter Norway before a Digital Green Certificate, or similar official vaccination certificate, are available."

Poland is now allowing travelers from specific countries who can show a negative test result for COVID-19 to skip their quarantine process. Countries from which travelers are allowed include European Union members, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia, and Australia.

As a member of the EU, Poland may welcome vaccinated travelers this summer, but there is no exact timeline. And currently, non-essential American travelers are not allowed to enter Poland.

As of now, Americans and EU residents may enter Portugal. Americans must show proof of a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours of their departure — or an antigen test taken 24 hours before their trip. Other destinations within Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira) may require additional testing.

The Spain/Portugal land border is open, and there are no restrictions on inter-state travel within Portugal. There are currently curfews in effect in Portugal. Stores can stay open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on weekends, and establishments can't serve alcohol after 8 p.m.

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. Curfew in Romania is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Currently, non-essential Americans are not allowed into the country, though as Romania is a member of the EU, that may be subject to change this summer.

Russia is currently not allowing Americans into the country on non-essential travel, and their land borders are closed. That being said, certain countries, including Turkey, Germany, U.K, Japan, UAE, Egypt, and Cuba, are allowed into the country — though only by plane.

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.

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)

As of now, Slovakia is closed to non-essential American travelers. However, the EU announced last week that it plans to allow vaccinated tourists this summer. Further, as of July 1, all citizens of the EU will be allowed to travel freely within the 27 countries of the European Union through their upcoming travel certificate program.

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."

Like a number of other European countries, Slovenia is using a color-coded system to determine who is currently allowed into the country. Those coming from "green" countries may enter with reduced restrictions. Travelers allowed into Slovenia must show a vaccination card, a negative PCR test, or COVID-19 antibodies that are less than six months old. Slovenia, as a member of the EU may look to welcome vaccinated travelers this summer.

Spain reopened to foreign travelers from outside the EU on June 7. While initially open to vaccinated travelers, Spain opted to waive the vaccine requirement for American travelers as of the end of June. Now, American travelers just need to fill out a health questionnaire prior to their arrival to Spain.

As of June 30, Sweden has reopened to American travelers (and travelers from certain other countries) but requires that they provide a negative test for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. These travelers will not be subject to quarantine upon arrival. Only travelers from Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland are exempt from testing prior to entry into the country, but all non-essential travelers from the EU and the U.S. must take a PCR test before traveling to Sweden.

Switzerland is open to American travelers as of June 28. Vaccinated tourists will not have to test before coming to Switzerland, nor will they have to quarantine. Unvaccinated Americans can enter Switzerland if they can prove they have recovered from COVID-19, or if they test negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before traveling.

As of April 19, 2021, Swiss restaurants and bars are open for outdoor seating, and cultural venues have reopened.

Turkey is open to foreign travelers, who must test negative for COVID-19 via a PCR test within 72 hours of their flight. Visitors are not required to quarantine and are exempt from restrictions and curfew currently in place within Turkey. Curfew on weekdays is 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and the country is in full lockdown on the weekends — with curfew extending Friday evening to early Monday morning. Many cultural attractions in Turkey, from bars to Hammams, are currently closed.

U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Ukraine, which lifted its ban on foreigners, as long as they show they have medical insurance to cover all potential expenses related to COVID-19, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

U.S. citizens may be required to self-quarantine if the Ministry of Health considers the U.S. a country with a high incidence of COVID-19, the embassy noted. Most regions in Ukraine have reopened hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and cultural institutions with certain restrictions, but it is mandatory to wear masks in public places.

In order to enter the U.K., all travelers coming from an Amber list country (must take a COVID-19 PCR test three days before arrival. However, as of July 19, 2021, vaccinated travelers no longer have to quarantine when entering the country. Also as of July 19, pubs and restaurants have fully reopened in the U.K.

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.