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COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

  • As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
  • As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

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Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel

Worldwide Visa Operations: Update

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The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is revoked .

Please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/01/the-biden-administration-will-end-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-federal-employees-contractors-international-travelers-head-start-educators-and-cms-certified-facilities/

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travel europe to usa covid

COVID-19 Travel Advisory Updates

Office of the Spokesperson

April 14, 2022

The Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.  We are committed to providing U.S. citizens with up-to-date and timely information, so they are informed as they make international travel plans and when they are abroad.

Given the increases in international travel, the availability of effective COVID-19 mitigation measures, and recently announced changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Travel Health Notice (THN) process, we have reassessed how COVID-19 considerations factor into our Travel Advisory levels for U.S. citizens.

Starting next week, the State Department Travel Advisory levels will no longer automatically correlate with the CDC COVID-19 THN level.  However, if the CDC raises a country’s COVID-19 THN to a Level 4, the State Department’s Travel Advisory for that country will also be raised to a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to COVID-19.

This update will leave approximately 10% of all Travel Advisories at Level 4: Do Not Travel.  This 10% includes Level 4 Travel Advisories for all risk indicators, not just COVID-19.  We believe the updated framework will help U.S. citizens make better informed decisions about the safety of international travel.

Although conditions have recently improved, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over.  We continue to advise travelers to consider COVID-19 conditions and restrictions at their destinations when considering international travel.  Our embassies and consulates around the world will continue to provide the latest country-specific COVID-19-related information on their   websites .  To see the latest State Department Travel Advisories for any country in the world, visit   travel.state.gov .  We encourage U.S. citizens who are considering international travel this summer to check their passport expiration date and act now to renew or apply for the first time.  Keep in mind many countries require passports to have at least six months’ remaining validity for entry.  Routine passport processing can take eight to eleven weeks. For information on U.S. passports, please visit   travel.state.gov/content/travel/en /passports.html.

For press inquiries, please contact   [email protected] .

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The lessons of 1989: freedom and our future.

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The novel coronavirus, first detected at the end of 2019, has caused a global pandemic.

Coronavirus Updates

The u.s. lifts the pandemic travel ban and opens the doors to international visitors.

The Associated Press

travel europe to usa covid

Passengers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport, Oct. 27, 2020. More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the U.K. and much of Europe, restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status. Rick Bowmer/AP hide caption

Passengers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport, Oct. 27, 2020. More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the U.K. and much of Europe, restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status.

The U.S. lifted restrictions Monday on travel from a long list of countries including Mexico, Canada and most of Europe, allowing tourists to make long-delayed trips and family members to reconnect with loved ones after more than a year and a half apart because of the pandemic.

Starting Monday, the U.S. is accepting fully vaccinated travelers at airports and land borders, doing away with a COVID-19 restriction that dates back to the Trump administration. The new rules allow air travel from previously restricted countries as long as the traveler has proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test. Land travel from Mexico and Canada will require proof of vaccination but no test.

Airlines are expecting more travelers from Europe and elsewhere. Data from travel and analytics firm Cirium showed airlines are increasing flights between the United Kingdom and the U.S. by 21% this month over last month.

The change will have a profound effect on the borders with Mexico and Canada, where traveling back and forth was a way of life until the pandemic hit and the U.S. shut down nonessential travel.

Malls, restaurants and Main Street shops in U.S. border towns have been devastated by the lack of visitors from Mexico. On the boundary with Canada, cross-border hockey rivalries were community traditions until being upended by the pandemic. Churches that had members on both sides of the border are hoping to welcome parishioners they haven't seen during COVID-19 shutdown.

Loved ones have missed holidays, birthdays and funerals while nonessential air travel was barred, and they are now eager to reconnect.

River Robinson's American partner wasn't able to be in Canada for the birth of their baby boy 17 months ago because of pandemic-related border closures. She was thrilled to hear the U.S. is reopening its land crossings to vaccinated travelers.

"I'm planning to take my baby down for the American Thanksgiving," said Robinson, who lives in St. Thomas, Ontario. "If all goes smoothly at the border I'll plan on taking him down as much as I can. Is crazy to think he has a whole other side of the family he hasn't even met yet."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. will accept travelers who have been fully vaccinated with any of the vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization, not just those in use in the U.S. That means that the AstraZeneca vaccine, widely used in Canada, will be accepted.

For air travelers, the airlines are required to verify vaccine records and match them against ID, and if they don't, they could face fines of up to nearly $35,000 per violation. Airlines will also collect information about passengers for contact tracing efforts. There will be CDC workers spot-checking travelers for compliance in the U.S. At land borders, Customs and Border Protection agents will check vaccine proof.

The moves come as the U.S. has seen its COVID-19 outlook improve dramatically in recent weeks since the summer delta surge that pushed hospitals to the brink in many locations.

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Omicron is prompting new rules for international travel to the U.S. Here's what you need to know

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  • New requirements for all inbound U.S. travelers to show negative Covid test results the day before departure take effect Monday.
  • The measure applies to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, as well as visitors and immigrants.
  • Airlines are waiving some change fees for certain destinations that aren't accepting visitors from abroad.

United Airlines CEO says omicron will affect near-term bookings but impact should be smaller than delta

The rules of international travel are changing — again.

The emergence of the omicron variant of Covid in southern Africa and its detection around the world has sparked a host of new travel requirements and, in some cases, outright bans — further complicating international trips that were just starting to pick up.

Three weeks after lifting a blanket pandemic travel ban on more than 30 countries, the Biden administration on Nov. 29 banned visitors from South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Starting Monday, the U.S. is implementing stricter testing requirements for inbound travelers, including U.S. citizens, forcing travelers to make time and to budget for Covid tests closer to their departure date.

Rules have changed quickly. Here is what U.S.-bound air travelers need to know:

What is changing?

Starting Monday, air travelers flying to the U.S. from abroad will need to show airlines proof of a negative Covid test result that was taken within one day of departure before being allowed to board. That includes U.S. citizens and vaccinated travelers.

Previously, vaccinated visitors, permanent residents and citizens had to show a test within three days of departure for the U.S.

When do travelers have to take their test?

The Centers for Disease Control says specimens must have been collected one calendar day before departure.

What types of Covid tests are accepted?

Both antigen and nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAAT, including PCR, results will be accepted.

Do I need to take a test when I land in the U.S.

No. The United States does not require that travelers test upon landing and entering the U.S.

However, the CDC has expanded a program to offer free, voluntary tests to travelers upon arrival to help detect variants, most recently the omicron variant.

They're offered by XpresSpa Group , which has expanded from airport massages and other spa services into airport Covid testing since the pandemic started, and Ginkgo Bioworks . The program is available at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Both at-home tests can be collected or PCR tests done on arrival.

XpresSpa's XpresCheck subsidiary also offers rapid testing at various U.S. airports with prices ranging from $75 for a PCR test to $250 for a rapid PCR test.

Do the new rules apply to land crossing into the U.S.?

No. The new rules are solely for air travel.

Can I cancel my flight?

Airline policies vary and travelers should check early and often with their carrier for both changing rules and ticket policies.

Major U.S. airlines have eliminated change fees for both international and domestic main cabin and above tickets that were purchased at least in the United States and in certain other countries, but travelers could still be responsible for differences in fare if they elect to travel on a different day. Basic economy tickets are generally less flexible and harder to change, however.

Delta Air Lines is waiving fare differences for Japan and Israel, which have temporarily banned foreign visitors, and for South Africa, if passengers fly on or before Dec. 12. American Airlines says that with tickets purchased for travel to and from Australia, Europe, the U.K., Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021, and travel would have taken place through the end of this year, the value of the ticket can be used for trips through Dec. 31, 2022.

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Why is the US still restricting travel from Europe?

Still closed.

Europe is officially open.

The European Union  has advised its members to lift travel restrictions that have barred travelers from the US, and individual nations are expected to begin dropping quarantine requirements and other limitations soon.

But the US isn’t returning the favor. Travelers from Europe —as well as the UK, China, Iran, India, and Brazil—are prohibited from entering the US within 14 days of leaving those destinations.

The measure had been in place since the beginning of the pandemic, and has yet to be revised, even as rates of transmission dropped in the EU and large parts of the population received at least the first dose of vaccine. So as things stand now, the rationale behind maintaining the restrictions is rather unclear.

Months of forced separation

Those traveling from restricted countries who hold a green card, or are American citizens, are allowed to enter the US with a negative Covid-19 test taken within two days of traveling. They still have to quarantine for up to 10 days, depending on the country they left from, the port of arrival, and their Covid-19 test after landing. Everyone else, however, is barred from entry. This includes visa holders who live, work, and pay taxes in the US.

Tragic tales of forced separations—people who were unable to see dying loved ones, or have had no way to see their partners and children for more than a year—have been accumulating in the past 15 months. With the hashtags #loveisnottourism and #liftthetravelban , the affected community has been sharing their stories, hoping to get the US government to consider exceptions at least for holders of visas that allow extended stays in the US.

Arbitrary rules

The shape of the Covid-19 pandemic has changed a lot since travel restrictions were put in place in its early days, to the point that the selection of banned countries looks arbitrary.

The number of cases in EU countries has been steadily declining  in the past few months, and the vaccination drive has finally picked up speed. Close to half the population in European countries has received at least one dose, and over 20% of the population is fully vaccinated.

Yet—other than in a few exceptional cases—US visa holders from the EU still aren’t able to travel to the US directly. They could, however, spend two weeks in, say, the Dominican Republic (or another country not on the restricted list), and be allowed to enter the US that way. This despite the fact that covid cases in the Dominican Republic are currently high, and vaccination rates low.

The corporate push

Individuals aren’t alone in asking for a revision of travel rules. Airlines, for one, have seen their operations dramatically curtailed in the past 15 months, and have been demanding action to allow safe travel. “The time to plan for and chart a defined roadmap to reopen international travel is now,” several travel industry groups wrote to the White House in March. At the time, the group asked for a roadmap for reopening be put into place by May 1.

It didn’t happen, though the administration said in May that it was considering revising the restriction . Earlier this month, national security advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that there is no timeline yet for reopening. Changes could happen overnight, as it was for the mask mandate, or take months—all of which is leaving millions in limbo.

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A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe

Everything you need to know for a safe and healthy trip to Europe.

travel europe to usa covid

When the COVID-19 pandemic first spread around the world, many countries shut their borders. In the years since, countries have opened, welcoming tourists with different vaccination or testing rules in place. 

But many countries in Europe have since dropped travel-related restrictions, reverting back to pre-pandemic times and making it easier than ever to plan a trip. 

Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status, including entry any requirements foreign travelers need to know.

Albania does not require U.S. travelers to show any COVID-19-related documents or tests, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries. Beyond that, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra, according to the Andorra tourism site .

Austria is open to travel and there are no vaccination or testing requirements in place, according to the country’s official tourism site . In Vienna, masks must be worn on public transportation. 

Belgium welcomes travelers from the U.S. and does not require them to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium . 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Bulgaria welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria . 

Croatia welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board .

Cyprus has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism . Masks remain mandatory on public transportation. 

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .

Denmark eliminated all of its COVID-19 entry and internal restrictions, according to the government’s COVID-19 website .

Estonia has eliminated all COVID-19-related rules, according to the government .

Finland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Finnish government .

France has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to the French government .

There are no longer any COVID-19-related entry rules for travel to Germany, according to the German Missions in the United States .

Greece has lifted all pandemic-era travel rules, according to the government . Greece has an optional Passenger Locator Form travelers can choose to fill out.

Hungary has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Hungarian Police .

Iceland welcomes travelers without any pandemic-era entry rules in place, according to Iceland’s COVID-19 website .

Ireland has removed all COVID-19-related entry rules for travel, according to the government .

Italy has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the country's National Tourist Board .

Travelers entering Kosovo are not required to show proof of vaccination, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , but the embassy recommends travelers bring such proof. The country also doesn’t require pre-arrival testing, but the embassy said some airlines may.

Access to public institutions, malls, and indoor dining inside does require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for customers over 16.

Latvia has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the Latvian tourism board .

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Switzerland handles all immigration for Liechtenstein. COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted in Liechtenstein, according to the European Union .

Lithuania no longer requires any pre-arrival testing or proof of vaccination to visit, according to the national tourism development agency .

Luxembourg welcomes travelers from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg . Travelers do not need any pre-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Malta has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions, according to the Malta Tourism Authority .

Moldova does not have any COVID-19-related entry restrictions in place for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova .

To get to Monaco, most visitors must travel through France. Monaco does not have any pandemic-related travel restrictions in place, according to the government .

Montenegro does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro . Face masks are required on public transportation, according to the country’s government .

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers who are not required to undergo any COVID-related entry requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

Norway has discontinued all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including pre-arrival testing, according to the government . 

Poland has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, including for vaccination and testing, according to the government . 

Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, according to Visit Portugal .

Romania has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, according to the government . 

San Marino is a landlocked country surrounded by Italy. The country doesn’t have any specific COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the International Air Transport Association .

Serbia has removed all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia .

Slovakia has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to Slovakia Travel . Travelers no longer have to show any proof of vaccination or tests to enter hotels, restaurants, or other venues.

Slovenia has eliminated pandemic-era travel restrictions, according to the government .

Spain has dropped all COVID-19-related health controls at entry points, according to the government , becoming one of the last European countries to do so. However, the country still asks that travelers from outside the European Union travel with either proof of vaccination administered within 270 days, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within 180 days.

Sweden no longer has any COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden .

Switzerland

Switzerland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Federal Office of Public Health .

Turkey is open to foreign travelers and does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey .

Visitors to Ukraine must show proof of either vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine . Travelers must also have a health insurance policy to cover the potential costs of COVID-19 treatment.

The U.S. Department of State has currently issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning against visiting Ukraine due to the ongoing war and Russian invasion.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has dropped all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

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.

travel europe to usa covid

travel europe to usa covid

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

An agency of the European Union

  • Infectious disease topics
  • Questions and answers
  • Q & A: COVID-19 and travel

Questions and answers on COVID-19: Travelling

1. what precautions should i take if i need to travel.

Travellers should consult the national policies of their destination country, as well as policies set by their transport provider prior to travel. 

Standard prevention measures to control the spread of COVID-19 that may be recommended during travel include:

  • do not travel if exhibiting symptoms compatible with COVID-19
  • practice physical distancing (a distance of one to two metres from others)
  • follow respiratory etiquette (coughing and sneezing into a tissue or elbow) and good hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water regularly or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers)
  • use a face mask (preferably a medical face mask or FFP2 respirator) in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Travellers who develop any symptoms compatible with COVID-19 during or after travel should self-isolate and seek medical advice and test for SARS-CoV-2 to exclude a diagnosis of COVID-19.

2. What is the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 when travelling?

There may be a risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 while travelling, so standard prevention measures should be followed.

ECDC, in collaboration with other relevant EU agencies, has developed joint guidance for the  aviation ,  cruise  ship and  railway  sectors for use during the pandemic, including advice on non-pharmaceutical interventions while travelling, the cleaning and disinfection of premises and managing a COVID-19 case on board.

Travel during the coronavirus pandemic (European Commission)

Scientific and technical publications

Guidance for COVID-19 quarantine and testing of travellers

Covid-19: eu guidance for cruise ship operations, covid-19 rail protocol: recommendations for safe resumption of railway services in europe.

Can Americans visit Europe this fall after EU decision? It's complicated. What travelers need to know.

travel europe to usa covid

Travel to Europe has been complicated this summer due to a hodgepodge of COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements . Some countries are only allowing vaccinated visitors, others are open to all with a negative COVID-19 test or and/or proof of recovery and still others are throwing quarantines into the mix.

The European Union's decision Monday to remove the United States from its list of safe countries due to a spike in COVID cases, essentially recommending a ban of nonessential travel such as vacations, adds more confusion to the mix for travelers with plane tickets or plans in the works to visit Europe this fall.

The EU's announcement is only a recommendation to the 27 countries in the bloc and Monday's announcement said those countries are free to make exceptions for fully vaccinated people.

►EU takes US off safe country list: Recommends Europe travel restrictions tighten for Americans

Travel experts expect most countries to still welcome vaccinated visitors, perhaps adding another requirement for visitors such as a negative COVID test, but confusion is likely to remain until individual countries announce their plans.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

"The headlines are frightening,'' said Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights, a subscription service for airfare deals. "You see, 'EU bans tourists.' I've got a trip to the EU next week, what am I supposed to do?''

Similarly, Steve Perillo, CEO of Perillo Tours, a New Jersey-based operator of tours to Italy since 1945, said the widely publicized announcement might prompt some vacationers to put off booking new trips until individual countries reaffirm or adjust their entry requirements in the coming days and weeks.

"(Travelers) might say, alright, let me just wait another six months. It's going to be too complicated,'' he said.

Here's what travelers need to know about the EU's decision on COVID travel:

►Europe residents still banned from US :  US keeps travel restrictions in place

Can US citizens still visit Europe?

Yes, at least until — and if — individual countries change their entry requirements. And then the changes might only be the addition of a COVID-19 test or other additional measures.

Travel would only technically be banned for vacations and other leisure trips if the country changes its policy and doesn't allow any nonessential travel, even with a quarantine. 

The European Union's governing body removed the United States from its list of safe countries based on COVID-19 case rates. The U.S. was added to the list in June, opening Europe travel this summer to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Previously, travel was generally only open to vaccinated travelers under EU recommendations announced a month earlier, in May.

►Europe reopening this summer : What American travelers need to know

Keyes of Scott's Cheap Flights said unvaccinated travelers are likely to face the most changes under any new travel restrictions.

"I would imagine most countries will continue to allow in vaccinated Americans,'' he said, noting that many countries rushed to reopen to vaccinated visitors before the EU gave the green light. "If you're unvaccinated you may not be able to travel to as many places in Europe next work or in two weeks as you are able to today.''

Travelers flocked to popular European destinations this summer including Greece, Italy, and France.

Even before the EU's policy change, some European countries and travel companies had already increased restrictions due to the Delta variant.

Earlier this month, Germany reimposed restrictions on unvaccinated Americans. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to show proof of recovery will need to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. The quarantine period can end on the fifth day with proof of a negative coronavirus test. 

Previously, unvaccinated travelers had to show a negative coronavirus test to enter Germany. 

Given ever-shifting travel restrictions, Perillo Tours , which just restarted tours to Italy, changed its policy a few weeks ago to require all passengers to be vaccinated. Most already were, Perillo said, with just 3% of passengers having to cancel.

Can vaccinated Americans travel to Europe?

Travelers will have to keep tabs on the entry requirements in individual countries this week and into September. 

Check the websites of the country's tourism board, U.S. embassies in the country, and airline and travel company websites for the latest restrictions if you don't have a travel agent.

►Want to see the Eiffel Tower and other attractions in France : Bring vaccination proof

Can Americans still visit England, other UK countries?

The United Kingdom left the EU in early 2020 so it has its own policies. In early August , England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales lifted quarantine restrictions for vaccinated Americans. Testing is still required to bypass a 10-day quarantine.

Will airlines refund my tickets if I don't want to travel to Europe?

Probably not, unless your airline ticket is refundable or the airline cancels your flight. Travelers who voluntarily cancel trips are likely to receive credit for a future flight, depending on the terms of their ticket.

During the height of the pandemic last year, airlines issued a variety of travel waivers so keep an eye out for any that might make travel changes more flexible. The good news: Even without new pandemic waivers, most major airlines have permanently eliminated those pesky change fees on most tickets.

What is essential travel to Europe?

The EU's list of essential travel allowed during the pandemic includes travel by health care professionals, students, certain workers and government officials, and others.

What are the 27 EU countries?

There are 27 countries in the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyrpus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Contributing: Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY

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How to Travel to Europe from the U.S. Right Now

European countries have again adjusted their policies after the united states was removed from the eu safe travel list—and the result is a wide variety of entry protocols, ranging from outright bans to no changes at all..

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How to Travel to Europe from the U.S. Right Now

As of September 9, only vaccinated Americans can still travel to France for leisure purposes.

Photo by Shutterstock

On August 30, the United States was removed from the European Union’s approved list of countries for entry—only a little more than two months after it had finally been added to the list following a seemingly endless 458-day ban on travel from the U.S. to Europe.

The move left many travelers wondering if and how the decision would affect their upcoming travel plans. The answers depend on how individual countries in the 27-nation European Union respond to the recommendation, which is just that, a recommendation.

America’s spot on the European Council’s approved travel list meant that EU countries could relax restrictions for U.S. leisure travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated—and that’s exactly what the vast majority did. Now that the United States has been removed, European countries have responded with a wide range of policy adjustments—from outright bans on travel from the U.S. (such as in Sweden and Bulgaria), to restricting unvaccinated travelers from entering while still allowing vaccinated visitors to come (Italy, Germany, France and Spain have taken this path). And some have changed nothing at all about their policies toward U.S. travelers—at least not yet.

The council’s recommendations state that only vaccinated travelers, those traveling for essential reasons, and those traveling for nonessential reasons from the list of approved countries should be allowed to enter Europe.

But each country in Europe ultimately has the final say on what its requirements are—and will be—for travelers entering its borders. After more than a year and a half of travelers having to chase down constant changes to entry restrictions around the world, the latest round of updates in Europe has proven to be no exception to what has been a never-ending patchwork of new rules and regulations to navigate.

Are Americans banned from traveling to Europe now?

No, Americans are not banned from traveling to all of Europe.

At press time, two European countries—Sweden and Bulgaria—had reintroduced outright bans on U.S. travel. But the majority of European countries remain open to U.S. travelers, particularly those who are vaccinated. Some countries have introduced new regulations barring nonessential travel for unvaccinated U.S. travelers, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—meaning no vaccination, no leisure travel.

But Portugal has said it will continue to allow U.S. travelers to enter, regardless of vaccination status, as long as they provide a negative COVID test result upon arrival, and some countries, such as Greece, have not yet instituted changes that cut off access to U.S. travelers.

Once countries reach certain epidemiological benchmarks (no more than 75 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, for instance), they can be considered for the European Council’s approved countries list, which allows for the lifting of restrictions on nonessential travel regardless of vaccination status.

Unfortunately, during the current Delta variant–spurred wave , the United States has surpassed some of those benchmarks and thus has been removed from the list. For instance, one of the requirements is that cases should be stable or decreasing, but the United States has seen a steady uptick in cases in recent weeks.

Of course, there could be additional changes and updates in the coming days and weeks, especially as countries keep a close watch on factors such as the Delta variant and the evolution of the pandemic in general. European Union leaders have agreed on an “emergency brake mechanism” that takes into account the possible risks posed by new variants and allows new restrictions to be imposed quickly if need be.

It is worth noting that the United States still has a ban in place on travel from the European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, with the exception of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

What kind of proof of vaccination must Americans have to enter Europe?

The European Union is facilitating travel within Europe with the EU Digital COVID Certificate, a digital pass for EU residents who have been vaccinated for COVID-19, tested negative for the virus, or have recovered from it. While the digital document has not yet been made widely available to U.S. travelers, most European countries asking U.S. travelers for proof of vaccination status as one of the requirements for entry have indicated that the CDC-issued paper certificate will suffice.

How can U.S. travelers stay up to date on EU travel restrictions?

One excellent resource is the U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories , which are typically updated regularly. We often cross-check these references with entry requirements that are published by each individual country’s foreign or public health affairs office (many of which are linked below). Countries’ official tourism marketing organizations often provide up to date information for travelers as well.

U.S. travelers should be aware that all international passengers age two and older flying into the U.S. (including returning U.S. citizens and permanent residents) must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test procured within three days before boarding their flight to the United States.

In addition, the CDC has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Travelers should also verify all the public health measures and openings and closures that are in place throughout Europe. European countries are all closely monitoring pandemic factors such as the Delta variant . Some businesses and services may have limited operating hours or capacity restrictions, curfews could be in place, and there could be additional regulations on the ground, including COVID passes that are required for entry into certain venues such as in France and Italy . These restrictions can change frequently so it’s important to stay current.

A country-by-country guide to travel restrictions for Americans in Europe

Here’s a brief summary of how some European countries are approaching travel for Americans as of September 8, 2021. This is far from an exhaustive list, but it serves as an example of how different all the rules and regulations continue to be within Europe. It remains vital that travelers heading into Europe and crossing borders within Europe are up to date on the latest travel restrictions related to COVID-19 because they are constantly changing.

Quarantine-free travel from the United States to Austria is allowed as long as travelers present a CDC-issued vaccination certificate indicating they received their second vaccine dose no more than 360 days prior to travel or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days. Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. can still enter Austria but must pre-register , present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival (a PCR from within 72 hours of travel, or an antigen from within 48 hours of travel), and they must quarantine for 10 days, according to the Austrian government .

Nonessential travel from the U.S. to Belgium is permitted provided travelers have a valid vaccine certificate, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium . Those who are not vaccinated are not permitted to enter Belgium for nonessential travel purposes. Travelers entering Belgium need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form no more than 48 hours before arrival.

On September 1, Bulgaria classified the United States as a “red zone” country, meaning that all travelers arriving from the U.S., regardless of vaccination status, can only enter if they have a valid exception—in short, nonessential travel is out. “The fact that you are vaccinated or have a negative COVID test result is not considered an exception,” reports the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria . Interestingly, though, Bulgaria’s requirements are based on where you are traveling from, not citizenship, so U.S. travelers arriving from “green” or “orange” zone countries may enter Bulgaria.

Leisure travelers can enter Croatia if they present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate (the final dose must have been administered at least 14 days and no more than 270 days prior to arrival); can present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival in Croatia; or were diagnosed with and recovered from COVID-19 (there are several very specific requirements for this, so confirm the latest with the Croatian government ). Children under 12 are exempt.

The U.S. Embassy in Croatia reminds travelers that they must fill out an arrival form at Enter Croatia before reaching the border.

Cyprus is following a color-coded system for COVID travel requirements. At press time, the United States was classified as red, meaning that travelers from the U.S. to Cyprus must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test procured within 72 hours of departure and complete an online Cyprus Flight Pass form . They will also need to pay 15–19 euros (US$18–$22) for a PCR test that they will take upon arrival in Cyprus; the result will be available within three hours online . Children under 12 are exempt from the testing.

Czech Republic (Czechia)

The Czech Republic now considers the United States a country with very high risk, and as such U.S. travelers must present proof of vaccination or proof of having recovered from COVID-19 within the last 180 days. Those who are unvaccinated will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of travel or a negative antigen test from within 48 hours of travel to the Czech Republic. They will then be required to take another PCR test five days after arrival and will have to quarantine until a negative result is procured, according to the Czech government .

Vaccinated U.S. travelers are still welcome to enter Denmark , but those who have recovered from COVID-19 now need a “worthy purpose” to enter—such as for work, studies, family, legal, or real estate matters—and unvaccinated U.S. travelers must quarantine after arrival in addition to providing a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of boarding and then getting tested again upon arrival. (They didn’t have to quarantine before.)

Estonia is only welcoming vaccinated U.S. travelers or unvaccinated travelers who are traveling for an essential work, study, or family reason. Travelers arrriving in Estonia must complete an online health declaration , according to the U.S. Embassy in Estonia .

Finland has reopened its borders to leisure travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including Americans, with the last dose having been administered at least 14 days prior to arrival.

Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers must present their CDC-issued vaccination certificate upon arrival in Finland, after which there will be no mandatory COVID-19 testing or quarantine.

Unvaccinated travelers from the United States are allowed to enter Finland for essential reasons only, according to the U.S. Embassy in Finland . They must also provide a negative COVID-19 test result, furnish proof of recent recovery from COVID-19, or take two COVID-19 tests upon arrival, the embassy advises.

Unvaccinated minors under 18 can enter with vaccinated parents or guardians.

On September 9, France moved the United States from its “green list” to its “orange list” of countries (or “amber list” depending on which section of the French government’s website you are looking at), meaning that unvaccinated U.S. travelers are no longer allowed to travel to France unless they have a pressing or compelling reason, such as being an EU citizen or resident, for an essential work purpose, or for studies.

Vaccinated travelers from the United States can continue to enter France with no additional requirements other than submitting a health declaration form . Americans who have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months can present a certificate of recovery to enter France.

Unvaccinated minors traveling from the U.S. are allowed to enter France, but those age 12 and older will have to show a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 or 48 hours, respectively, before their flight.

As of July 21, visitors now need a special COVID pass to ride up the Eiffel Tower or visit French museums or movie theaters. To get the COVID pass, people must show they are either fully vaccinated, have a negative virus test, or provide proof they recently recovered from an infection.

Germany is no longer allowing unvaccinated Americans to enter for leisure travel after removing the United States from its list of unrestricted countries. Those arriving from countries that are not on the list must either be vaccinated or be traveling for an essential reason (such as an approved work purpose). For proof of vaccination, it must have been at least 14 days since the last vaccine dose was administered, and travelers must have a physical copy of their vaccine certificate. (A digital photo of a card will not be accepted.)

Travelers from the United States are allowed to enter Greece without having to quarantine if they meet certain conditions, according to the Greek government .

Those who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to arrival do not need to quarantine and are also not required to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Those who are not vaccinated will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test that was conducted no more than 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test conducted no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Greece. Children under 12 are exempt.

Every traveler must fill out a passenger locator form no more than 24 hours prior to arriving in Greece.

All international arrivals will be subject to random and mandatory health checks in Greece, which can include a rapid COVID-19 antigen test. Those who test positive for COVID will be transported to a quarantine hotel, paid for by the Greek government, where they will take a COVID-19 PCR test to confirm the results. For travelers who test positive again, they will remain in quarantine for at least 10 days, after which they will undergo a new round of testing to determine if they are COVID-free.

Visit Hungary notes that those who have been vaccinated, who have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months, or who present a negative molecular COVID test from within 72 hours of travel are not subject to travel restrictions in Hungary.

Iceland welcomes vaccinated travelers and those who have recovered from COVID-19 into the country. They will still have to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result from within 72 hours ahead of arrival. A second test after arrival is recommended but not required. Those who are not vaccinated may travel to Iceland as well, but they will have to submit to a COVID-19 test upon arriving in Iceland, quarantine for five days, and then undergo a second test after the five-day quarantine. Everyone needs to preregister before visiting the country.

Travelers must provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated (so two doses if two doses are required) at least 14 days prior to arrival.

Read more: Iceland Travel Restrictions Continue to Change—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Travelers from all non-European countries, including the U.K. and the U.S., are allowed to enter Ireland as of July 19 as long as the country is not on the European Union’s “emergency brake” list—countries that have new or renewed restrictions applied to them due to a worsening epidemiological situation.

Travelers arriving from the U.S. must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to bypass otherwise mandatory COVID-19 testing and quarantine. Those without proof of vaccination will need to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival. They will then need to quarantine after arrival and take a second postarrival test.

In Italy , the latest changes have resulted in a new testing requirement for the vaccinated and no access for unvaccinated leisure travelers. Prior to August 31, Americans could enter Italy as long as they were vaccinated, had recovered from COVID, or presented a negative COVID test result. As of August 31, only those who are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID can enter (which means that unvaccinated leisure travelers won’t be allowed to enter), and they will also need to have a negative molecular or antigen COVID test result from within 72 hours of travel.

As of August 6, Italy requires people to have COVID passes to enter gyms, museums, and movie theaters, sit inside restaurants, and access other venues. To be eligible for a pass, individuals must prove they have received at least one vaccine dose in the last nine months, recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, or tested negative in the previous 48 hours.

The Netherlands

After the Netherlands introduced a new 10-day quarantine requirement for vaccinated U.S. travelers on September 4, the government doubled back on its decision and is dropping the mandatory quarantine for vaccinated U.S. travelers effective September 22, 2021. Vaccinated travelers will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test performed within 24 hours before departure for the Netherlands. Children under 12 are exempt. Unvaccinated travelers are currently prohibited from entering for nonessential or leisure travel purposes.

Fully vaccinated travelers (meaning it has been at least 14 days since their second dose if two doses were required) entering Poland , including those from the U.S., are exempt from an otherwise mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Following the European Council’s decision to remove the U.S. from its safe travel list, Portugal announced that it will remain open to travelers from the United States. U.S. travelers must present a vaccine certificate or a negative PCR or antigen COVID test procured within 72 hours of boarding their flight to enter Portugal. Children under 12 are exempt.

The U.S. Embassy in Portugal reminds travelers that they must complete a Passenger Locator Card within 48 hours of traveling to Portugal and that proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result is now required upon checking in at hotels, resorts, and vacation rental accommodations.

U.S. travelers who want to visit the Portuguese islands of the Azores or Madeira should be aware that they both have their own rules for entry.

International travelers arriving in Romania, including Americans, can skip a 14-day quarantine requirement if they provide proof of vaccination (completed at least 10 days prior to arrival) or proof of recovery from COVID-19, according to the U.S. Embassy in Romania . Children 3 and younger are exempt. Children age 3 to 16 must provide a negative COVID PCR test from within 72 hours of travel.

Spain is no longer allowing unvaccinated Americans to enter for leisure travel after it removed the United States from its list of countries with unrestricted access. Those arriving from countries that are not on the list must either be vaccinated or be traveling for an essential reason (such as an approved work purpose). Travelers to Spain from the U.S. must also fill out an online Health Control Form and present the resulting QR code upon arrival.

After lifting its ban on travel from the United States on June 30, Sweden has reinstated its U.S. travel ban, effective September 6. From June 30 to September 6, U.S. travelers who presented proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within 48 hours prior to arrival could enter Sweden, regardless of vaccination status. Now, only those Americans who are traveling to Sweden for an exempted purpose, such as residents of Sweden or essential workers, will be allowed to enter; they will still need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. Leisure travelers will be turned away at the border.

Switzerland

As of June 28, fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can enter Switzerland and will not need to quarantine or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. They will just need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated travelers will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of travel or a negative COVID rapid antigen test result from within 48 hours of travel.

Travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will need to fill out an online form before entering Switzerland.

United Kingdom

Vaccinated Americans can enter the United Kingdom without a mandatory quarantine, the British government announced on July 28.

Fully vaccinated Americans arriving into the U.K. are required to submit a predeparture negative COVID-19 test taken prior to arrival and will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test on day 2 after arrival. Those vaccinated in the U.S. will also need to provide proof of U.S. residency.

Children age 11 and younger are exempt from the U.K.’s testing requirements for international arrivals.

Everyone entering the United Kingdom from abroad must fill out a passenger locator form before arrival, on which they will provide U.K. border control with their contact details, including their phone number and the address of their U.K. accommodation.

Unvaccinated Americans arriving in the U.K. are required to quarantine for 10 days and take three COVID tests—one within 3 days prior to departure to the U.K. and two (reserved in advance) after arrival, on day 2 and day 8 of the 10-day quarantine.

This article was originally published on May 6, 2020. It has been updated frequently, most recently on September 17, 2021, to include current information.

>> Next: Everything You Need to Know About Vaccinated Travel

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Super Tuesday primaries 2024: Trump, Biden dominate, Haley ekes out win in Vermont

New requirements for americans traveling to europe postponed until 2025.

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

PHOTO: Tourists with umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun at Colosseo area (Colosseum), during the ongoing heat wave with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, on July 19, 2023, in Rome.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a tourist visa is stamped on a passport.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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ABC News Live

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Budget live: Tax cut to be announced in budget – but Labour says surprise is on cards

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will announce a further cut in national insurance in his budget today, Sky News understands. Politics Hub is the place for live, comprehensive coverage of the budget throughout today - with the announcement itself starting at around 12.30pm.

Wednesday 6 March 2024 08:45, UK

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  • Budget 2024:  Watch chancellor's statement live on Sky News from around 12.30pm
  • Cut in national insurance expected  |  Fuel duty cut to be extended
  • In full: What we're expecting Hunt to announce
  • Labour says chancellor is underplaying how much he has - and income tax cut also possible
  • Ed Conway : The forecasts these budgets are based on have been very inaccurate
  • Target Towns:  Key constituencies shaping election battle
  • Live reporting by Faith Ridler  and Katie Williams

The Conservative Party is "not only blowing up the doors on the house" but "burning it down on the way out" to make it as difficult as possible if Labour wins the election this year, MP Darren Jones has said.

The shadow chief secretary to the Treasury told Sky News' Kay Burley that he was also prepared to be "disappointed" by Jeremy Hunt's budget later.

"There are two big questions for people at home. The first - is the tax burden going up or down? And the second is, will people be better off? 

"Let's see what the chancellor sets out today. But I suspect the answers to both those questions will be the wrong ones."

Mr Jones said the Tories were failing to tackle the "big structural issues" and were responsible for the highest tax burden since the Second World War.

"This will be the 22nd fiscal event from the Conservatives since they came into office in 2010. 

"Every single time they've said they're going to get the economy growing and where are we right now? We're in the middle of Rishi's recession," he said.

Echoing comments made by shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves this morning, Mr Jones added: "The Conservatives are not only blowing up the doors on the house, they're burning it down on the way out to try and make it as difficult as possible for us if we do win the election this year."

With the spring budget and Prime Minister's Questions on the horizon today, there's a great deal to keep up with in Westminster.

To help you along the way, here's a round-up of today's key timings:

8.30am - Rishi Sunak's cabinet meets in Downing Street

Later this morning - Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will appear with his Red Box outside Number 11

12pm - Prime Minister's Questions will take place in the Commons

Around 12.30pm - directly after PMQs, Mr Hunt will deliver his spring financial statement

Later this afternoon - the Office for Budget Responsibility will publish its latest economic and fiscal outlook

We also expect to hear from the chancellor after his budget.

A queue is already forming outside the House of Commons chamber, with MPs eager to watch the spring budget and Prime Minister's Questions waiting hours for a seat.

Tory MP Jonathan Gullis is one of those holding court by the chamber doors, as is former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.

Some have even pulled up chairs in a bid to be the first inside...

It is too "risky" to touch the rules surrounding tax rules for those with non-domiciled statuses, a former Conservative Treasury minister says.

Instead, Jeremy Hunt should focus on setting the "long-term direction" of the economy, Angela Knight has told Sky News.

So-called "non-doms" are people who live in the UK but claim tax on their permanent place of residence abroad, meaning they do not have to pay UK tax rates on foreign income.

Scrapping the tax break to raise money for the Treasury has long been one of Labour's main policy pledges.

After rumours that Mr Hunt could poach it, the Conservatives have faced criticism that they have few original ideas.

Ms Knight said it was important the chancellor set out a plan to boost the economy and bring taxes down, rather than just tinkering.

"I suspect there will be a few twiddles where there's a little bit on this, a little bit on that."

As has been predicted by many in the run-up to the budget, Ms Knight said she expects a drop in national insurance.

She called it a tax reduction that would target those in work, rather than the retired population.

The government in Scotland would also have to adopt the changes as national insurance does not come under its devolved powers. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been spotted up bright and early today, out for a run with his dog Poppy near Downing Street in London.

In just a few hours, Mr Hunt will stand up in the Commons to give his spring budget, which is expected to include further tax cuts.

One term likely to come up a lot today as we discuss the budget is fiscal headroom .

But what exactly is this - and how does it impact spending?

Fiscal headroom is the amount by which the government can increase spending or cut taxes without breaking its own fiscal rules - in this case, to have national debt falling as a percentage of national debt within five years.

This government's fiscal headroom is judged to be very low.

Ultimately, this means there is not much manoeuvrability for Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak to make sweeping tax changes or announce a bout of heavy spending.

In fact, it is understood the Office for Budget Responsibility has shown Mr Hunt forecasts detailing headroom of around £13bn before any tax and spending decisions.

However, Labour sources have told Sky News today that the government might have more to play with than it is letting on.

This could be a headroom of up to £30bn, they believe.

If this is the case, it would give Mr Hunt much more scope for tax cuts today.

A 2p cut to national insurance is likely to be announced by the chancellor at the budget this afternoon.

That means you'll pay 2p less for every £1 of national insurance you currently pay.

Analysis by AJ Bell, first published in our Money blog , shows cutting the national insurance rate from 10% to 8% would be worth almost £250 to someone earning £25,000 a year and almost £750 for those earning £50,000...

Rumours about what Chancellor Jeremy Hunt could announce in his spring budget later today are plentiful, with tax cuts and mortgage schemes rumoured to be on the horizon.

We'll learn what the Treasury has planned when Mr Hunt stands up in the Commons at 12.30pm - directly after Prime Minister's Questions.

But until then, here's a closer look at the rumours:

National insurance cut

Sky News understands there will be a 2p cut to national insurance - a repeat of what we saw in January. 

This would impact 27 million British workers, and be worth an average of £450 per person annually.

Changes to income tax

There have also been rumours that there could be further tax relief in the form of a cut to income tax.

The general thought is that either national insurance or income tax will be slashed, but Labour sources have told Sky News that the chancellor may have more fiscal headroom than we thought.

This could allow for both.

First-time buyer mortgage help

Another widely reported rumour is that the government could be gearing up to help those hoping to enter the housing ladder.

This could be with a first-time buyer assistance programme.

Freeze on fuel duty

Sky News understands this is as good as done.

We also understand the 5p "temporary" cut to fuel duty will be renewed again.

Increase on high income child benefit threshold

The high income child benefit charge (HICBC) allows for child benefit to be clawed back when the highest earner in a family has an income above £50,000.

The tax charge is equal to 1% of the total child benefit received for every £100 earned over £50,000. 

Once you get to £60,000, the charge equals all of the benefit you'd receive.

This has been criticised - as it means a single person earning £60,000 gets nothing, but a couple each earning £50,000 get the full amount.

There have been rumours that the threshold for this could rise.

New levy on vaping products

Mr Hunt is also considering a "vaping products levy" which would be paid on imports and by manufacturers of vapes in an attempt to make the habit unaffordable for children.

The tax will be specifically on the liquid in vapes, with higher duties for products with more nicotine.

Two-year extension to recovery loan scheme

And Mr Hunt will extend a key government lending programme for another two years following pleas from Britain's army of small businesses.

Sky News has learnt that the chancellor will announce that the recovery loan scheme, which was reintroduced in the summer of 2022, is to be extended until 2026.

Before we get on to the budget itself - with all its rumoured tax cuts, economic policies and pre-election politicking - let me start with a question.

Every six months, at each budget and autumn statement, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) produces a set of forecasts for how it thinks the economy will do in the coming years.

Among those forecasts are numbers on where it thinks the national debt - the total amount the state owes to investors - will be five years hence.

So here's the question: how accurate would you say those forecasts have been in recent years? A few billion pounds out, maybe? A few percentage points here or there?

The answer is: very, very inaccurate. And the answer matters, because rather a lot depends on these very forecasts.

Read more below...

When is the budget?

The spring budget will be delivered today.

The budget is accompanied by economic and fiscal outlooks from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the independent public finances forecaster.

What time is the announcement?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will deliver the budget statement in the House of Commons.

The announcement usually starts at 12.30pm - directly after Prime Minister's Questions - and lasts about an hour.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will give his response as soon as the speech is over.

Before the announcement, the chancellor poses for the press with the red ministerial box containing the budget papers.

How can I watch and follow the announcements?

You can follow all the key announcements in the Politics Hub here.

You can also watch the event live on Sky News on Sky channel 501, Virgin 602, and Freeview 233.

If you want to watch on YouTube, watch the Sky News live channel here .

What is included in the budget?

The budget lays out the government's plans for raising and lowering taxes.

The chancellor will also speak on government plans for public spending, including on schools, health and defence.

The statement tends to start with a review of the nation's finances and its economic situation, moving on to the proposals for taxation.

You can read more about the details in the budget here...

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clever Journey

Is It Safe to Travel to Europe Now? Unraveling the Latest Insights

Y earning to wander the cobbled streets of Rome, gaze upon the Eiffel Tower, or indulge in Spanish tapas? But there's a nagging question: Is it safe to travel to Europe now? Let's dive into the concerns, address the uncertainties, and arm you with insights.

  • European travel saw a 70% dip in 2020 due to COVID-19.
  • Most European countries welcomed vaccinated travelers by October 2021.
  • Rapidly changing travel advisories due to COVID-19 variants.
  • Always stay informed and flexible.
  • Europe is actively promoting safe tourism practices.

Unpacking the Current European Travel Landscape

2020 threw a wrench in many travel plans. According to the European Travel Commission , there was a 70% plunge in international arrivals to Europe in that year. But Europe, resilient and ever-charming, has since been on a mission to safely welcome back travelers.

Vaccination: The Golden Ticket?

By October 2021, a gleam of hope shone through: most European nations reopened their borders to those vaccinated against COVID-19. But remember, while the jab might be your passport into Europe, the landscape is fluid . Travel advisories and entry requirements can switch in the blink of an eye, especially with new virus strains emerging.

The Importance of Staying Informed

The evolution of travel safety in europe.

In the tapestry of global travel, Europe has always held a golden thread. From its historic landmarks to its bustling modern cities, it's been a bucket-list favorite for many. However, the past couple of years have been tumultuous, leading many to question the safety of trotting the continent. So, how has European travel safety evolved?

A Time of Uncertainty

COVID-19 not only halted travel but made us rethink the very essence of exploring foreign lands. Cities that once echoed with the laughter of tourists fell silent. Iconic sites like the Colosseum in Rome and the Louvre in Paris were eerily vacant. This period saw governments , health organizations, and local communities grapple with the pandemic, formulating guidelines and safety protocols.

Restoration and Resurgence

As countries began to understand the virus better, strategies were put into place. Testing centers cropped up at major airports, quarantine facilities were established, and travel bubbles or corridors between countries that managed the virus well were introduced. All these efforts aimed at striking a balance between economic recovery and health safety.

Digital Health Passports: The New Norm?

The introduction of digital health passports, which carry a traveler's health details, vaccination status, and recent test results, became a game-changer. While not universally accepted or used, many European countries are encouraging travelers to adopt these to streamline entry processes and safeguard local populations. Flora Goodwin notes, “Digital health passports might soon be as common as our physical ones. They are a testament to the world's adaptability and commitment to safe travel.”

Traveler's Role in Safety

While Europe is arming itself with measures to welcome tourists safely, travelers themselves play a pivotal role. Respecting local guidelines, staying informed about destination-specific advisories, and adopting personal health measures are not just essential but a moral responsibility in today's travel narrative.

Insider Tips for a Safe European Adventure

Flora Goodwin has always vouched for the importance of immersing oneself in local culture – safely. Her top tips include opting for less frequented tourist spots during off-peak hours and always having a digital copy of health documents. Additionally, consider travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related disruptions.

Concluding Thoughts

Europe beckons with its rich history, diverse culture, and unparalleled beauty. While safety concerns are valid, being informed, prepared, and flexible can ensure your European dreams aren't shelved. As always, let wanderlust guide you but let safety anchor you.

How frequently do travel advisories change?

They can change weekly or even daily, especially concerning health and safety. Regularly check official websites for updates.

Are all European attractions open to tourists?

Most are, but some might have restrictions or limited hours. Always check ahead.

Is travel insurance necessary?

Highly recommended. Ensure it covers COVID-19 related issues.

Are masks mandatory across Europe?

It varies by country and region. Carry masks and follow local guidelines.

What's the general sentiment towards tourists?

Europe is keen on reviving tourism but expects travelers to respect local health measures.

European Travel Commission's 2020 report

Country-specific travel advisories

Interviews and insights from Flora Goodwin

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Be careful with this sneaky fee overseas that appears harmless.

Eur-on your own if you fall for this overseas money grab.

A savvy travel expert is warning Americans visiting Europe to watch for a credit card currency exchange “scam” that’s marking up purchases across the pond.

Brian Kelly, the founder of The Points Guy travel site, said Monday that the con known as “dynamic currency conversion,” or DCC for short, “could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.”

DCC is when credit card readers overseas offer customers the opportunity to pay in US dollars or the traveler’s native currency as opposed to the local one, commonly Euros.

The catch is that these merchants and vendors almost always include a sneaky fee rather than an equal exchange that is not made entirely clear to travelers making the snap-second decision.

Experts are warning of a conversion rate scam targeting foreigners in Europe.

“Everywhere I went, they gave me the option of paying US dollars,” Kelly said of a recent trip to Europe.

Using the example of a 384 Euro charge he had incurred, Kelly said he was offered the chance to pay $437.

“Instead, I paid on my US credit card, which only charged me $416. … If I would have clicked that ‘yes’ button, I would have lost $20,” explained Kelly, who recommends using XE.com for quick and accurate exchange rates.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brian Kelly (@briankelly)

“I know so many people who travel who get confused by this,” he added.

Kelly noted that ATMs are also set up to do this with persistence and will even show the American amount in green and the European rate in red.

“They really want to take your money. So be smart, charge in the local currency, and let your bank do the transaction,” he advised.

Kelly isn’t the only one sounding the alarm on this cheap trick, which dates back to the 1990s.

“Fundamentally, it is a scam. The consumer is almost always paying more just to see the price in their home currency,” warns the European Consumer Organisation .

Customers in Europe can often be prompted to pay in American dollars for a sneaky fee.

“Worse, there is no realistic way for the consumer to make an informed decision when presented with the DCC option,” the group continued.

When paying in local currency, the cardholder’s bank will navigate the conversion rate automatically, according to the ECO.

However, when opting for DCC, the merchant’s service provider creates the conversion — likely with the subtle fee included.

Visa also has a warning about DCC ploys for customers abroad.

“If you don’t see the required details or feel pressure to choose one currency over the other, Visa recommends that you decline the currency conversion offer and report the incident to your card issuer,” the company stated.

“Opting to accept or decline DCC will not impact your ability to make purchases or withdraw cash internationally,” Visa shared.

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A cruise ship at the end of the square at San Marco in Venice which is crowded with tourists between the old buildings

Entrance fees, visitor zones and taxes: how Europe’s biggest cities are tackling overtourism

From Seville to Venice to Amsterdam, Europe is learning to improve locals’ lives by curbing tourists’ enthusiasm

O riginally built for the grand Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, Seville’s ­flamboyant neo-Moorish Plaza de España has for nearly a ­century been one of the city’s major ­attractions, an ornate ­showcase for Spanish architecture and ­decorative tiling.

But the several thousand visitors from around the world who throng the plaza every day, on foot or in horse-drawn carriages, may soon have to pay for the privilege, with proceeds from a planned entry fee going towards its upkeep.

“We are planning to close the Plaza de España and charge ­tourists to finance its conservation and ensure its safety,” Seville’s mayor, José Luis Sanz, announced on X last week, posting a video showing missing tiles and damaged facades.

Sanz made clear local ­residents and visitors from Andalucía ­province would not have to cough up to visit the plaza, which served as a backdrop in a Star Wars film, and is used regularly for concerts, fashion shows and theatrical performances.

Many residents objected to the scheme nonetheless – but their ­criticism was mostly that it would be complicated to administer and not very effective. Far better, many locals said, would be a hefty tourism tax on all visitors to Seville.

“Mass tourism,” said one, “is destroying our city.”

It’s a refrain heard in historic ­cities across Europe , from Prague to Barcelona, Athens to Amsterdam. Mass tourism, promoted by cash-hungry councils since the 2008 crash and fuelled by cheap flights and online room rentals, has become a monster.

After plummeting during Covid, tourism numbers are soaring again and set to exceed pre-pandemic ­levels this summer. The number of low-cost airline seats in Europe, which rose 10% annually from 2010 and hit 500m in 2019, could pass 800m in 2024.

A sticker saying “Tourism kills the city” with a skull and crossbones image on a post in Barcelona

Before lockdown, Airbnb, the ­biggest but far from only ­platform for short lets, saw triple-digit growth in some European ­cities. The net result is that the most ­popular city break destinations now annually host 20 or more visitors for each local.

What to do about it, though, is no easy question. Delicate ­balances need to be struck between the much-needed revenues and jobs generated by tourism, and the ­quality of life of residents; between managing tourism and ­discouraging it.

One strategy that Seville – 3 million tourists a year for 700,000 inhabitants – may adopt is to charge for the big attractions. Since January, foreign visitors to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, which gets about 3.5m ­visits a year, have been paying €25 for the privilege.

Venice is so overrun by visitors it has introduced what amounts to an entrance fee for the entire city, ranging from €3 to €10. Paris has almost trebled its tourist tax rates, from – depending on area and accommodation type – €0.25-€5 to €0.65-€14.95.

A dense crowd of tourists in sunglasses, some in baseball hats, others in vests, stand with the Acropolis in Athens in the background

Other cities are relying on better management – Athens, for example, last summer introduced a time-slot system for visits to the Acropolis, while summer access to Marseille’s Calanques is now regulated through a free reservation scheme.

Some places are launching ­information campaigns aiming to reshape tourist flows. France, where 80% of visits are concentrated in 20% of the country, will this spring roll out a €1m campaign urging domestic and foreign tourists to head more off the beaten track .

From Mont Saint-Michel and the ­seaside resort of Étretat in Normandy to the Atlantic beaches of the south-west and the Riviera, ­peak-season influxes now threaten the environment, locals’ quality of life and the visitor experience, authorities say.

They are also setting up a tourism observatory to accurately measure flows and identify possible overloads. “France is the world’s biggest tourist destination, but we have a serious lack of data to help manage the crowds,” the government said.

Some anti-tourism ­measures, however, turn out to be just rumours. Last summer, the walled Croatian town of Dubrovnik, said to be the most over-visited ­destination in Europe, with 36 ­visitors per resident, was widely reported to have banned wheelie suitcases.

In fact, as part of a Respect the City campaign urging visitors to dress appropriately in the historic centre and avoid climbing on monuments , the town hall had just asked them to carry their bags over cobblestones to reduce the noise level for locals.

The Netherlands

In the capital of the country that coined the term overtoerisme , ­tourist might be a dirty word – but Amsterdam is also increasingly ­desperate for visitors’ cash.

A plan last March to dissuade partying young British men with “stay away” videos warning of fines, hospital and criminal records made headlines worldwide. It’s unclear what effect it had, though, as Amsterdam’s overnight tourist numbers last year hit almost pre-pandemic levels at 9 million – 21% more than in 2022.

A soft-soap Renew your View campaign highlighting positive aspects off the beaten track (rather than sex and drugs) launched in November. Meanwhile the city is expected to expand its stay-away campaign to dissuade nuisance tourists from Germany, France, Spain and Italy after the summer.

A crowd of young people and lots of bicycles outside a cannabis/coffee shop

Since last spring there has been a ban on smoking cannabis in ­public space in the red light district, while bar closures at 2am instead of 4am have reduced street numbers by between 30% and 60%. However, after complaints about safety, sex-worker brothel windows are open until 6am again rather than 3am.

Amsterdam is reducing the number of licensed B&B premises by 30%, has voted to close a city centre cruise terminal and is trialling tougher licensing measures to remove “rogue” tourist businesses such as candy shops suspected of being criminal fronts.

The council says it is monitoring tourist numbers to try to maintain a balance. But multimillion budget shortfalls and a bill of billions to repair crumbling canalsides mean tourism is essential for Amsterdam: this year, the tourist tax rose from 7% to 12.5%, the highest in Europe , with a day tax of €14 a head for visiting cruise ships. Senay Boztas

Spain received 85 million ­tourists in 2023, nearly 2% up on pre-­pandemic 2019 – and in a country where ­tourism generates 13% of GDP, after the economic ­devastation of the Covid years, voices ­calling for curbs on numbers have been ­virtually silenced.

The hospitality business, however, continues to chant the mantra of quality over quantity – nowhere more so than in the Balearic Islands, where a new law is being drafted to crack down on drunk tourists.

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Last year about 15 ­million ­people visited the Balearics (­population 2 million), more than half British and German, with a ­significant percentage coming for what the regional government calls “tourism of excess”: a week-long drinking binge.

The new law to crack down on booze tourism is expected to be in force when the season kicks off at Easter. Under a 2020 law, areas such as Magaluf in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza were named as ­trouble spots.

Heavy fines were imposed for “balconing” (leaping into a pool from a balcony), shops were banned from selling alcohol after 9.30pm, and organised pub crawls, beach parties, party boats and two-for-one happy hours outlawed, Local businesses faced fines of up to €600,000.

But after areas such as Magaluf complained of being stigmatised, the new law will focus more on ­individuals. Among the planned measures are deportation for antisocial behaviour and a blacklist of people banned from visiting the islands.

Lawyers warn that this would infringe the EU’s principle of ­freedom of movement, although as the UK is no longer a member, rowdy Brits – who are among the worst offenders – could soon find themselves personae non gratae . Stephen Burgen

After years of talk, Venice is the first major tourist hotspot in Italy to introduce an entrance fee for day trippers. The measure kicks off at the start of peak season on 25 April, and in a first experimental phase will apply only on certain days until 14 July.

The €5 tickets have been bookable online since mid-January. Time will tell whether the controversial initiative works, but with visitor numbers back to pre-pandemic levels – an average of 40,000 day trippers on peak days – and the perennial threat of the fragile lagoon city losing its Unesco heritage status, authorities were forced to act. The city is also poised to limit tourist groups to 25 people from June and to ban the use of loudspeakers because they “generate confusion and disturbances”, Venice council said in late December.

Florence has long suffered from similar overtourism woes and an exodus of residents from its historic centre, prompting the council in October last year to ban new short-term lets in the historic centre from Airbnb and similar platforms.

The city’s mayor, Dario Nardella, said that while the initiative was not a “panacea”, it was a “concrete step” for tackling the issue in a city with a population of about 720,000 that records, on average, more than 16 miilion overnight visitor stays a year.

Elsewhere in Italy, drivers along the Amalfi coast will again be hit by a measure aimed at ­preventing a perpetual jam along the ­winding 35km coastal road described as “a nightmare” by locals. Cars with number plates ending in an odd number are allowed to use the road one day, and those ending in an even number the next.

In Cinque Terre, another Unesco site, local authorities are also pondering how to manage overtourism. “We don’t want fewer tourists, but we want to be able to manage [tourism] in a sustainable way,” Donatella Bianchi, president of Cinque Terre national park, said last month. Angela Giuffrida

In Greece, one of the most ­visited places in the world, soaring ­tourist numbers are not only ­straining infrastructure on island idylls but increasingly stretching ­capacity in Athens, where residents, as ­elsewhere, are up in arms.

Once a stopover for travellers en route to isles, the Greek ­metropolis is now a “must-see” destination in its own right, drawing more than 7 million tourists – an all-time record – in 2023, with Americans and Britons topping arrivals.

To cope with an influx that is only expected to grow when the Asian market rebounds, Greek authorities have announced that crowd control policies – implemented in pilot form at the Acropolis in September – will be expanded to other archaeological sites next month.

A cruise ship docks at Mykonos.

Last year, at the height of the ­season, more than 20,000 ­tourists a day climbed the hill to see the fifth-century BC site. “We got to the point of as many as 23,000 a day,” the Greek culture ­minister, Lina Mendoni, said. “Tourism is ­obviously desirable for the country, for all of us, but we have to ensure overtourism doesn’t harm the monument.”

The visitor zone scheme, in ­operation from 8am to 8pm, aims to ease congestion, with authorities introducing a time-slot system, ­electronic ticketing and fast-lane entry points for organised groups. “It will help ensure the safety of the monument and those who work there, and improve the experience of visitors,” Mendoni said.

Museums will also cap visitor numbers from April.

The spectre of the country enjoying another bumper year of tourism has been met with mounting fears among environmentalists on islands where communities have increasingly struggled with waste management, water scarcity, insufficient public services and illegal construction.

In the face of local disgruntlement the government has been forced to step in. On Santorini, where complaints of ­oversaturation have grown steadily over the years, a berth-allocation system for cruise ships was introduced, with the number of disembarkations in any 24-hour period being limited to 8,000 passengers.

On Mykonos – like Santorini, one of the most popular islands in the Cycladic chain – authorities have clamped down on illicit construction, bulldozing illegally built bars and eateries in prime sites. Helena Smith

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The U.S. Is Off the E.U.’s ‘Safe List.’ What Does That Mean for Americans Traveling to Europe?

Italy will require unvaccinated travelers from the United States to quarantine for five days and asks that vaccinated travelers take a coronavirus test. In other parts of Europe, the shift seems more symbolic so far.

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By Heather Murphy

For more information on evolving travel restrictions in Europe and elsewhere, see our up-to-date list of countries that U.S. travelers may visit here .

On Monday, the European Union removed the United States from its “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to its 27 member states without requirements such as quarantine and testing. This generated confusion, with some people writing on social media that Americans have been banned from visiting Europe. That’s not actually what the recommendation means .

Americans have not been explicitly prohibited from going anywhere in Europe. But as of Tuesday, at least one country had put new restrictions on travelers depending on their vaccination status: Italy said it would require unvaccinated travelers to quarantine for five days; vaccinated travelers must take a test for the coronavirus before entering. Here’s a look at what the new developments mean for vaccinated and unvaccinated people:

What just happened? How will this change my trip to Europe?

Since June, the United States has been on the European Union’s safe list for travel, which cleared the way for American travelers to visit many E.U. member countries without quarantining. In addition to taking the United States off the safe list on Monday, the European Council, the European Union’s governing body, released a recommendation urging member countries to issue travel restrictions for visitors from the United States who are unvaccinated against the coronavirus. The European Union is encouraging authorities across Europe to reinstate the sort of mandatory quarantine and testing requirements that seemed to be on their way out, though primarily for unvaccinated travelers.

Ultimately it’s up to a given country to decide if it wants to issue new requirements, however.

How does this affect vaccinated travelers?

The first notable changes were announced Tuesday, by Italy. Even if visitors are vaccinated, they must now obtain a negative coronavirus test 72 hours before arrival. Previously, some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, required this, but the Italian government did not.

In general, though, if you are fully vaccinated with an E.U.-approved vaccine, which include those manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, the requirements you face entering an E.U. country are unlikely to change significantly. Many member states have already been urging travelers to bring proof of vaccination and waiving quarantine requirements for those who can show proof of vaccination.

Countries beyond Italy could decide to add new restrictions, but it’s unclear how many will. Still, you’d be wise to have your Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine record card handy no matter where you are headed.

What about unvaccinated travelers?

Under Italy’s newly announced policy, unvaccinated American travelers will now have to “self-isolate” for five days upon arrival in the country according to the Italian National Tourist Board.

Previously, unvaccinated visitors from the United States needed to take a coronavirus test 48 hours before touching down in Italy, but they did not have to quarantine.

As of Tuesday afternoon, it was not yet clear how the new recommendation would change travel beyond Italy.

Tom Milanovic, a marketing manager for the Spanish tourism authority, said that many worried people had called him on Monday, wondering if they had to cancel upcoming trips. But so far, the European Union’s recommendation has not altered Spain’s requirements even for unvaccinated travelers, he said.

“Any U.S. citizen regardless of their status is still good to go,” he said, adding that the country issues new guidelines each week. The current guidelines , which hold until Sept. 5, continue to categorize the United States as “low risk,” meaning Americans don’t have to show a negative antigen test before flying to Spain.

Tourism authorities from several other countries said that they were not at liberty to discuss the new requirements, but as far as they were aware, the European Union’s recommendation did not change anything immediately.

Does this mean all European countries are now requiring unvaccinated travelers to quarantine?

No, but it underscores how quickly rules and regulations continue to change. Unvaccinated travelers should be prepared to keep hitting refresh on the entry requirements for their chosen location until the moment they set out to the airport. It’s also worth remembering that long before this recommendation, some countries were already requiring unvaccinated travelers to quarantine.

What if I am vaccinated, but my children aren’t?

If children are too young to get vaccinated, then the new recommendation does not affect them, a European Union official said.

What if I’m unvaccinated, but the travel is essential?

The new recommendation makes an exception for essential travel.

Does this mean that as of this week, I can safely assume that all the Americans on my flight have been vaccinated?

No, this does not change anything yet. There is no guarantee that the person sitting next to you on your flight has been vaccinated.

I now feel compelled to cancel my trip. Can I get my money back?

You can certainly try.

Kate Kilcoyne, a travel adviser for All-Travel, a Los Angeles-based travel agency, said that it’s too soon to know how airlines and cruises will respond to this new development, but her clients have generally had more success receiving credits rather than cash refunds when canceling their travel plans.

Tammy O’Hara, a travel agent for Million Miles Travel Agency , a boutique company based in New York, echoed this point. Most hotels, she has found, are more willing than airlines to offer full refunds, she added.

Standard travel insurance may not be all that helpful, said Svetlana Stein, the president of L&B Travel, L.L.C ., an agency in Los Angeles.

“Covid-19 is now considered a foreseen situation and is often not accepted as a covered reason for cancellation,” she said. Ms. Stein urged travelers to buy insurance that offers a “cancel for any reason” feature for this reason.

Heather Murphy is a reporter on the Travel desk. She welcomes tips, questions and complaints about traveling during the pandemic. More about Heather Murphy

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  5. Travel to Europe: Here are countries open to American visitors: Travel Weekly

    travel europe to usa covid

  6. Travelling to Europe without a Visa

    travel europe to usa covid

COMMENTS

  1. COVID-19 international travel advisories

    COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S. As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or arriving by land or sea no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

  2. Can Europeans Legally Travel to the United States?

    "European travelers may travel to the United States by air but they must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel," Daniel R. Zim, of Zim Travel Law, PLLC told Law&Crime in an email. "This restriction applies to all airline passengers from Europe including US citizens and legal permanent residents ...

  3. Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination

    This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC's Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be ...

  4. I'm a U.S. Citizen. Where in the World Can I Go?

    In Europe, a growing number of nations — including Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, among many others — have eliminated their Covid-related travel ...

  5. COVID-19 Travel Advisory Updates

    However, if the CDC raises a country's COVID-19 THN to a Level 4, the State Department's Travel Advisory for that country will also be raised to a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to COVID-19. This update will leave approximately 10% of all Travel Advisories at Level 4: Do Not Travel. This 10% includes Level 4 Travel Advisories for all risk ...

  6. Why Most Europeans Still Can't Travel to the U.S.

    MADRID — He was vaccinated in April, tested negative for the coronavirus and believed he was exempt from travel restrictions. But on a stopover in Amsterdam in late May, Peter Fuchs, 87, was ...

  7. The U.S. lifts the pandemic travel ban and opens the doors to ...

    More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the U.K. and much ...

  8. Omicron travel: Here are the new rules to enter the U.S. from abroad

    American Airlines says that with tickets purchased for travel to and from Australia, Europe, the U.K., Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 31 ...

  9. Can I travel to the US from Europe?

    The Covid-19 restrictions on travel from Europe are in place even as the EU has opened to US visitors.

  10. U.S. Visitors Face New Travel Restrictions in Europe

    In removing the United States from a safe list of countries whose residents can travel without coronavirus testing or quarantine requirements, the European Union last week opened the door to ...

  11. A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe

    Visitors to Ukraine must show proof of either vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. Travelers must also have a health ...

  12. Questions and answers on COVID-19: Travelling

    Travellers should consult the national policies of their destination country, as well as policies set by their transport provider prior to travel. Standard prevention measures to control the spread of COVID-19 that may be recommended during travel include: do not travel if exhibiting symptoms compatible with COVID-19

  13. France, Spain: European Union countries tightening COVID-19 ...

    The list of restrictions for people traveling from the United States to Europe is growing as European Union members implement new rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic. EU countries including France ...

  14. Covid travel rules and measures for safe travel

    To ensure safe travel, EU countries have agreed on a co-ordinated approach to free movement restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic. EU rules now take into account your COIVD-19 status as proved by a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate. You can find specific information below on travel and health measures in EU countries, as well as ...

  15. The US is reopening its borders to Europe, the global epicenter of Covid-19

    The United States has reopened its borders to vaccinated international travelers, ending a 20-month travel ban at the same moment Europe is battling a surge of Covid-19 cases that has pushed the ...

  16. Europe COVID travel restrictions: What American tourists need to know

    The European Union's governing body removed the United States from its list of safe countries based on COVID-19 case rates. The U.S. was added to the list in June, opening Europe travel this ...

  17. What Are Europe's Latest Restrictions for U.S. Travelers?

    After lifting its ban on travel from the United States on June 30, Sweden has reinstated its U.S. travel ban, effective September 6. From June 30 to September 6, U.S. travelers who presented proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within 48 hours prior to arrival could enter Sweden, regardless of vaccination status.

  18. New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

    Jenny Kane/AP, FILE. Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU ...

  19. What are the travel restrictions between Europe and the US ...

    Yesterday, President Joe Biden reinstated travel restrictions across non-American citizens who have recently been to Brazil, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and much of Europe. Entry to ...

  20. Politics latest: Speculation mounts over pre-election budget; Labour to

    The pre-election budget will be delivered on Wednesday, with the Conservatives hoping to shift the dial as they languish in the polls. Listen to this week's Politics at Jack and Sam's podcast as ...

  21. Is It Safe to Travel to Europe Now? Unraveling the Latest Insights

    European travel saw a 70% dip in 2020 due to COVID-19.; Most European countries welcomed vaccinated travelers by October 2021. Rapidly changing travel advisories due to COVID-19 variants.

  22. Travel expert warns of European currency exchange 'scam'

    A savvy travel expert is warning Americans visiting Europe to watch for a credit card currency exchange "scam" that's marking up purchases across the pond. ... I paid on my US credit card, which ...

  23. Israel set to ban travel to US as COVID curbs widen

    Israel's health ministry Sunday recommended banning Israelis from travelling to the United States, and added several European countries to its COVID "red list", aimed at containing the Omicron ...

  24. Traveling to Europe? A Guide to Covid Restrictions and Requirements

    Greece jumped ahead of many of its European neighbors in opening up to vaccinated or Covid-negative tourists from the United States and a handful of other countries. The tourism industry accounts ...

  25. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, MGM Collection

    Travel with confidence during Covid-19. travelguidance.marriott.com. Select a Language. English(US) English(UK) Close. Previous. ... Travel the world with your taste buds. From a bespoke omakase experience to a dazzling buffet or a midnight breakfast, explore our fabulous dining options. ... Biloxi, Mississippi, USA, 39530. Tel: +1 228-386-7111 ...

  26. US allows China to boost passenger flights to 50 per week as ...

    Last August, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited Beijing and said she wanted to promote people-to-people exchange with a focus on travel and tourism. "Before Covid, as many as 3 million ...

  27. Breaking the ice

    This obscure-but-fascinating enclave of eastern Europe is about to get its moment in the spotlight as one of the European capitals of culture 2024. Encompassing the city of Tartu and the ...

  28. Entrance fees, visitor zones and taxes: how Europe's biggest cities are

    The number of low-cost airline seats in Europe, which rose 10% annually from 2010 and hit 500m in 2019, could pass 800m in 2024. View image in fullscreen A sticker near Park Güell in Barcelona.

  29. Fairfield Inn & Suites Kokomo

    Travel with confidence during Covid-19. travelguidance.marriott.com. ... Kokomo, Indiana, USA, 46902. Top Destinations. ... EUROPE. Dansk Deutsch Español Français Ελληνικά Italiano Nederlands Norsk Русский ...

  30. E.U. Travel Restrictions: What U.S. Travelers Should Know

    Italy will require unvaccinated travelers from the United States to quarantine for five days and asks that vaccinated travelers take a coronavirus test. In other parts of Europe, the shift seems ...