While the delta variant of Coronavirus continues to severely affect European countries, the authorities are looking for effective measures to protect the lives of citizens and prevent another wave of the pandemic. Travel restrictions are among the most common measures taken by European governments to stop the spread of the virus.
However, some countries in the European Union have relaxed restrictions and allow vaccinated travelers to visit the country for non-essential purposes. Several EU countries have allowed even vaccinated travelers from third countries to enter even for non-essential purposes.
France
Vaccinated travelers who want to enter France can do so because the country has reopened its borders for tourists. However, since 9 August, France has also reopened its borders for travelers from third countries who are fully vaccinated. Currently, the country only accepts vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), such as: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) and AstraZeneca Covishield (India).
According to the French authorities, vaccination is considered valid after the second dose for two-dose vaccines, such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria and Covishield) or four weeks after Johnson & Johnson vaccination.
Finland
Despite the EU Council's recent recommendation to impose stricter travel restrictions on US arrivals due to high rates of COVID-19 infection, the US Embassy in Finland has stressed that it continues to allow Americans to enter, provided they are fully vaccinated.
The same source clarifies that Finland allows travelers from other countries to enter its territory if they have been fully vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine recognized as valid proof of immunity for travel, at least two weeks before their arrival in Finland.
Spania
Spain relaxed travel restrictions during its peak tourist season. Currently, travelers from certain EU and EEA countries can enter Spanish territory if they are fully vaccinated, if they show evidence of a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or a negative antigen test (not older than 48 hours). XNUMX hours) or if they can prove that they have recovered from the disease.
Vaccinated travelers arriving from third countries are only allowed to enter if they have been vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved in Spain as valid proof of immunity for travel. Also, travelers from low-risk third countries can enter Spain even without being vaccinated.
Portugal
Portugal has recorded a total of 1.190 cases of COVID-19 infection and 13 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO), which means that so far it has recorded 1.047.047 cases of infection. COVID-19 and 17.798 deaths in total.
Despite these figures, international travelers are allowed to enter the European country, provided they have completed the vaccination process.
Germany
German authorities have allowed entry for vaccinated travelers from third countries who were immunized against COVID-19 in June this year, including for travelers arriving in the country for non-essential purposes, such as tourism, regardless of the means of transport they choose. .
However, to enter Germany, travelers from third countries must be vaccinated with one of the EMA-approved vaccines, which are BioNTech / Pfizer, Janssen, Moderna, AstraZeneca or AstraZeneca Covishield (India).
Cipru
From 10 May, Cyprus shall allow access to international travelers holding a valid vaccination document showing that they have been vaccinated with any of the following vaccines:
- BioNTech / Pfizer (Comirnaty)
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- Modern (Spikevax)
- Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
- AstraZeneca - Serum Institute of India (Covishield)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac)
- Sinopharm BIBP
Croatia
Vaccinated travelers from other countries, including the United States, are allowed to enter Croatia without any restrictions. However, the Balkan country became the first territory which imposed a period of maximum validity of digital certificate documents. Therefore, travelers will face additional restrictions on entry if more than 210 days have elapsed since the vaccine was given.
Austria
Fully vaccinated travelers can also enter Austria without being subject to other restrictions. The country has also established a maximum validity period of 270 days for vaccination documents. Therefore, those who choose the country as a holiday destination should remain aware of the period of validity of their vaccinated traveler status.
Iceland
From June, Iceland will also welcome vaccinated passengers from other countries if they present a valid vaccination certificate or prove that they have recovered from the disease,
Denmark
The Scandinavian country allows international travelers to enter its territory if they prove that they have been vaccinated or if they have been previously infected. Entry restrictions applicable on arrival in Denmark depend entirely on the situation of COVID-19 in the passenger's country of departure.