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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.

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.

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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.

A common approach to travel measures in the EU

Common approach to travel measures: key areas.

On 25 January 2022 the Council adopted a revised recommendation on facilitating safe and free movement in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement follows the Commission’s proposal of 25 November 2021 .

Under the updated recommendation, COVID-19 measures should be applied based on the individual situation of persons and no longer on the region of origin, with the exception of areas where the virus is circulating at very high levels. This means that a traveller’s COVID-19 vaccination, test or recovery status, proved by a valid  EU Digital COVID Certificate , should be the key determinant. This recommendation responds to the significant increase in vaccine uptake and the rapid roll-out of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, and replaces the previously existing recommendation.

In line with the new rules, EU Member States must accept vaccination certificates for a period of 270 days (9 months) since the completion of the primary vaccination series:

• For a two-dose vaccine, this means 270 days from the second shot or, in line with the national vaccination strategy, the first and only shot after having recovered from COVID-19.
• For a single-dose vaccine, this means 270 days from the first and only shot.

EU countries should not provide for a different acceptance period for the purposes of travel within the European Union. The standard acceptance period does not apply to certificates for booster doses.

As of 1 February 2022, new rules have also been implemented regarding the encoding of booster shots in the Certificate. As already clarified in December, boosters will be recorded as:

• 3/3 for a booster dose following a primary 2-dose vaccination series
• 2/1 for a booster dose following a single-dose vaccination or a one dose of a 2-dose vaccine administered to a recovered person.

Certificates that were issued differently before that clarification need to be corrected and issued again, to make sure that boosters can be distinguished from the status of full vaccination.

This recommendation entered into force on 1 February 2022 .

On 3 February 2022, the Commission proposed to extend the EU Digital COVID Certificate system by a year, until 30 June 2023.

Read more in this factsheet

Person-based approach

Travellers in possession of a valid EU digital COVID Certificate should, in most cases, not be subject to additional restrictions to free movement.

A valid EU Digital COVID Certificate includes:

• A  vaccination certificate  for a vaccine approved at European level if at least 14 days and not more than 270 days have passed since the last dose of the primary vaccination series. Vaccination certificates for booster doses are valid immediately and without a maximum validity, at this stage. EU countries could also accept vaccination certificates for vaccines approved by national authorities or the WHO.
• A negative PCR  test result  obtained no more than 72 hours before travel or a negative rapid antigen test obtained no more than 24 hours before travel.
• A  certificate of recovery  indicating that no more than 180 days have passed since the date of the first positive test result.

Persons who are not in possession of an EU Digital COVID Certificate should be required to undergo a test prior to or no later than 24 hours after arrival.

Travellers with an essential function or need, cross-border commuters and children under 12 should not be required to be in the possession of a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate.

Map of EU regions

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will continue to publish a map of Member States’ regions according to a traffic light system (green, orange, red, dark red). The map will be based on the 14-day case notification rate, vaccine uptake and testing rate.

The traffic light map serves mainly as an information tool, but also to coordinate measures for areas with particularly high circulation of the virus. Based on this map, EU countries should apply measures regarding  travel to and from dark red areas , where the virus is circulating at very high levels. They should discourage non-essential travel and require persons arriving from those areas who are not in possession of a vaccination or recovery certificate to undergo a test prior to departure and to quarantine after arrival.

Certain exceptions to these measures should apply to travellers with an essential function or need, cross-border commuters and children under the age of 12.

Emergency brake

When a Member State imposes restrictions in response to the emergence of a new variant, the Council, in close cooperation with the Commission and supported by the ECDC, should review the situation. The Commission, based on the regular assessment of new evidence on variants, may also suggest a discussion within the Council. Similar measures are also possible in case the epidemiological situation in a Member State or in an area within a Member State worsens quickly.

During the discussion, the Commission could propose that the Council agree on a coordinated approach regarding travel from the areas concerned. Any situation resulting in the adoption of measures should be reviewed regularly.

Common passenger locator form and data protection

Passenger locator forms play a key role to ensure effective contact tracing of travellers. Data exchanges between Member States' contact tracing authorities can be particularly important when passengers are crossing borders in close proximity to each other, such as in airplanes or in trains. In order for Member States to exchange relevant passenger data across borders, the Commission adopted two implementing acts in May and July 2021, thus providing the necessary legal conditions for processing such personal data and establishing a passenger locator form exchange platform. To support the digitalisation and harmonisation of passenger locator forms, the EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action developed a web application for an  EU Digital Passenger Locator Form . Digital passenger locator forms combined with the passenger locator form exchange platform allow for easier and more rapid data collection and exchange between Member States, making contact tracing more effective and efficient.

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What You Need to Travel to Europe in 2024

The rules are changing for what Americans need to travel to Europe.

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The rules are changing around what you need to travel to Europe, including to some of the cheapest countries to visit , with a moving target on a planned update.

Starting in "the first half of 2025," Americans will need one more document to enter countries in the European Union . To visit, you'll have to apply for approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) . You will apply online, and the authorization, which will be linked to your passport, will account for short-term stays, including up to 90 days in a 180-day period. 

This had been planned to be in effect till 2024, but in fall 2023, the European Union updated its page on ETIAS to indicate it won't happen till the middle of 2025, confirming rumors of a delay. European Commission spokesperson for home affairs Anitta Hipper had told Kiplinger in late September, "The Commission remains committed to make ETIAS operational as soon as possible."

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How Europe's ETIAS system will work

To fill in the application , you'll need some basic information. This includes your name, address, passport information, current occupation, as well as information about past travel to conflict zones and criminal convictions. You will also have to share information about your travel plans, as well as answer questions about if you have relatives who are citizens in Europe. The application will not require any health information or biometric data, like fingerprints. 

The ETIAS website says that "most" applications are processed in minutes, but it could extend to within four days of an application. Additionally, some requestors may be asked for more information or to do an interview, which would extend the process by up to 14 days, for more documentation, or 30 days, for an interview. So if you're planning travel, remember to apply well before you have to go.

The good news is that once you're approved, the authorization lasts for three years. But if your passport expires within those three years, you'll need to apply again.

Email is important to this process. You apply online, and then receive an email confirming your application. That email "will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference," the ETIAS website says. You will get another email once your application is processed. 

If your application gets rejected, the email will have the reasons for it. You will have the option to appeal a rejection. 

What Americans should look out for with ETIAS

In addition to adding some hassle, this requirement will make a family vacation slightly more expensive. Applications will cost 7 euros, which right now is close to $8. However, applications for people under 18 or over 70 years old are free. There are also some exemptions for those who have EU citizen family members and "non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union."

One more thing to look out for: ETIAS warned last spring that many unofficial ETIAS websites have sprung up. ETIAS says these sites have incorrect information and some "already collect travellers’ personal data, which is concerning." Protect your identity by only using the official ETIAS website. 

The bottom line on what you need to travel to Europe

This is a big change for Americans since there hasn't been a visa requirement to visit EU countries before. Keep this in mind before your big trip to Greece, Italy, France, or any of the other 30 Euro nations in 2025. 

But, Cameron Hewitt, content and editorial director at Rick Steves' Europe, told the Washington Post : "It certainly shouldn’t cause anyone to rethink a trip to Europe. From what we know, ETIAS looks like it’ll simply be a manageable bit of red tape." Then, your biggest concern will be avoiding the crowds on Santorini . 

For now, though, the old rules are in place, and you do not need a visa to travel to Europe for trips under 90 days as an American in 2024. But you should check your passport's expiration date, as it needs to be valid for at least six months after arrival in the European Schengen area, and be aware of how long it takes to renew your passport . 

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Alexandra Svokos is the senior digital editor of Kiplinger. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern in finance and management and a BA in economics and creative writing from Columbia University. Alexandra has a decade of experience in journalism and previously served as the senior editor of digital for ABC News, where she directed daily news coverage across topics through major events of the early 2020s for the network's website, including stock market trends, the remote and return-to-work revolutions, and the national economy. Before that, she pioneered politics and election coverage for Elite Daily and went on to serve as the senior news editor for that group. 

Alexandra was recognized with an "Up & Comer" award at the 2018 Folio: Top Women in Media awards, and she was asked twice by the Nieman Journalism Lab to contribute to their annual journalism predictions feature. She has also been asked to speak on panels and give presentations on the future of media and on business and media, including by the Center for Communication and Twipe. 

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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. 
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What are the vaccine requirements for European travel?

Traveling to the European Union (EU) or Schengen Area is a dream for many global tourists, workers, and students alike. However, health and safety measures have become crucial considerations, significantly reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of writing this article, there is no European country that still requires Covid-19 testing or vaccination before allowing entry. That is because. from the beginning of January 2023, the EU COVID vaccine requirements have been lifted by all the countries in the region.

EU nations have now reverted to the same entry measures that applied before the arrival of Covid-19.

Pre-COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU and Schengen Area did not require mandatory vaccinations for travellers, except for certain circumstances. These exceptions usually applied to individuals traveling from countries with high risks of particular infectious diseases.

• Yellow Fever: For travellers from or transiting through countries where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
• Tuberculosis, Polio, and Other Diseases: Specific vaccines might be recommended depending on the health situation in the travellers’ home country or the EU/Schengen Area member state they intend to visit.

The pre-COVID-19 vaccination recommendations mostly cantered around individual health protection rather than public health security at large.

COVID-19 Impact: From Crisis to Vaccination Rollout

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed global travel, and the EU/Schengen Area has been no exception. As the pandemic unfolded, the EU adopted temporary travel restrictions, and stringent health checks became a common feature at borders.

Eventually, as vaccines against COVID-19 became available, they emerged as a key tool in facilitating safer travel. The EU and Schengen countries implemented new vaccination requirements, making COVID-19 vaccinations crucial for traveling to these regions.

Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Current vaccine requirements.

Currently, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the Schengen Area for travellers entering the block without a visa. If a Schengen Visa is required, travellers will be advised of any possible vaccine requirements at the time of their consulate interview.

Previous COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates

As part of its response to the pandemic, the EU launched the EU Digital COVID Certificate (previously known as the Digital Green Certificate). The certificate functioned as verification that an individual was inoculated against COVID-19, had a negative test outcome, or had recuperated from COVID-19. Only vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or a comparable national body were deemed acceptable. They primarily include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Previous Traveller Health Declarations

Some EU/Schengen Area member states required health declarations or additional health checks from arriving passengers. These measures were put into place to monitor potential COVID-19 symptoms among travellers.

Impacts and Considerations

• Impact on Travel: The COVID-19 vaccine requirement had significantly impacted international travel, with a marked increase in vaccination rates among frequent travellers.
• Equity Concerns: The disparity in global vaccine distribution raised equity concerns. Travellers from countries with slower vaccine rollouts faced greater difficulties in meeting the EU's vaccine requirements.
• Recognition of Vaccines: The EU's acceptance of only certain vaccines posed challenges. Travellers inoculated with vaccines not recognized by the EMA faced restrictions. To make matters confusing, individual member states sometimes had their own regulations and accepted other vaccines.
• Validity and Booster Shots: With ongoing research about vaccine effectiveness and duration, new guidelines concerning booster shots and certificate validity emerged, affecting future travel requirements.

The road ahead

As the global community continues to grapple with the aftermath of COVID-19, the vaccine requirements for entering the EU/Schengen Area will likely remain dynamic. Governments, health authorities, and travellers will need to stay informed and adaptable.

Despite the challenges, these measures underscore the EU's commitment to protecting public health while enabling international travel. As we navigate this new era, the hope remains for a return to normal travel circumstances bolstered by a robust understanding of global health security.

What kinds of vaccinations should I get if I plan to visit Western Europe?

The WHO and CDC recommend that travellers get the following types of vaccinations before they visit Western Europe: rabies, typhoid, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A.

They also recommend the following routine vaccinations: mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, chickenpox, influenza, pneumonia, shingles, polio, and meningitis.

Although these are no longer mandatory, Covid-19 vaccinations are still recommended for all foreigners who want to travel to Europe and for locals who want to travel to a different part of the continent.

Diseases that could be prevented by vaccination, such as mumps and measles, are starting to become increasingly common in parts of Western Europe. We recommend that you double-check your immunization status and get any necessary vaccines before you go.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the landscape of travel to the EU and Schengen Area, with vaccinations now playing a central role in travel protocols. These changes underscore the ongoing commitment to safeguarding both public health and the freedom of movement. As we continue to adapt to this evolving situation, vaccines will remain a key factor in navigating international travel and fostering global connectivity in a post-pandemic world. 

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See Europe as the Europeans do this summer with these pro tips | Cruising Altitude

Americans are heading to Europe for vacation as much as ever these days, and that means the typical tourist spots like Venice, Paris and London are sure to be crowded this year. But, because this is Cruising Altitude, we’ll look at the aviation angle first.

First and foremost: If you’re really determined to go to Europe this summer and haven’t booked yet, stop reading now and get on it. 

“I’ve never seen a year like this … We’re at the point where there’s no more availability,” Brigitte Armand, President of Eurobound , a tour organizer that specializes in European packages, told me. “Book as quickly as possible.” 

How to get around

According to Armand, trains are generally a great way to get from place to place within Europe, but for farther-flung stops, the continent’s network of low-cost airlines offers travelers a reliable alternative.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“Don’t think of one airline as being your network and entry point within Europe,” Laura Lindsay, public relations director at online booking platform Skyscanner told me.

She said if you’re flying to Europe from the U.S., you may well rely on a large network carrier like British Airways, KLM or Lufthansa to get across the Atlantic and then book your intra-European flights separately.

“You’re suddenly opening up Europe in a different way if you search for different airports and multiple airlines,” Lindsay said. “It’s pretty straightforward to get around, so don’t feel put off by jumping through a few different countries or trying a few different destinations.” 

Tips for European airlines

According to Lindsay, European low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air often have stricter baggage policies like American ULCCs Spirit and Frontier.

“(The) top tip would be always make sure you understand the luggage allowance that is part of your ticket,” she said. “More often than not, don’t book the basic fare without checking.”

It’s also a good idea to be flexible with your airports and dates of travel if you want to get the best deals on those shorter flights.

“You’ll get a number of places that have more than one airport,” Lindsay said, noting that Skyscanner has a tool that allows travelers to search for flights to or from nearby airports when choosing a destination. “Just getting a map out and actually looking at where exactly you want to travel and where the nearby airports are.” 

Armand added that if you take the train instead, you may need to secure a reservation in advance, particularly for some of the more tourist-heavy routes like panoramic trains in Switzerland. 

Last week's Cruising Altitude: There was no Golden Age of flying. We're in it now.

Where to go

If you really want to summer like a European, you should consider places a little more off the radar for most Americans.

“Albania is somewhere that broke through a couple of years ago as somewhere that people recognized as offering a huge value for money,” Lindsay said. “Sarajevo is reporting its busiest April on record for travelers.”

Armand said it can also be a good idea to try different parts of countries that are already popular if you want a more authentic, less crowded experience.

“We recently arranged a whole trip for some clients in the Abruzzo region of Italy,” she said. “The Abruzzo region, it’s on the Adriatic, people don’t know this region, and I think this is the first time ever we put together a package to get to that region.” 

Data from Skyscanner shows that some destinations in Europe are picking up in popularity with travelers on the continent. Here are some of the trends that are bubbling up year over year from 2023 to 2024.

• Ljubljana, Slovenia, saw a 188% increase in searches from Spanish travelers
• Tromso, Norway, saw a 130% increase in interest from Italian holidaymakers
• Dusseldorf had a 122% spike in interest from Brits

According to Armand, the best last-minute availability seems to be in eastern Europe, like Bulgaria and Poland.

“There are some good deals there perhaps, even the Czech Republic I’m finding some decent space,” she said.

So go on, get packing.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Spain has always been one of the top countries we love to visit in Europe. In 2019, over 18 million of us flocked to Spain to soak up the culture, sun and attractions.

You may be asking yourself “what do I need to travel to Spain?”

Don’t worry, we’re here to help

What paperwork do I need to travel to Spain?

First things first, let’s get the paperwork out of the way.

All travellers heading to Spain, including children under 12 years old, must complete and sign the Health Control Form . This is just one of the documents needed for travelling to Spain. The Health Control Form can be completed digitally.

You can also complete the form on paper and submit it before boarding the plane. It comes in Individual and Family/Group formats, so you don’t have to do separate forms for everyone in your party.

Upon completion of the Health Control Form you’ll be given a QR code. This will be digital or a hard copy. This must be shown to Spanish authorities upon arrival.

What else you need to provide varies depending on your reason for travel. If you’re heading out for some sightseeing, you must show proof that you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This needs to be dated at least 14 days before you arrive in Spain.

The dates of vaccination need to be included on the proof you take with you. The vaccine must be authorised by either the World Health Organisation or the European Medicines Agency.

Remember that the NHS appointment card is not designed to be used as evidence of the vaccination. So you can’t use this as your proof of vaccination. Instead, use the NHS Covid Pass, available either through the NHS App or NHS.UK . You can also request a physical copy in the post.

Children under the age of 12 do not need to provide proof of vaccination.

It’s well worth remembering that the Spanish government updates the list of ‘risk countries’ every 7 days. If you have been to one of those countries in the 14 days prior to arriving in Spain, you’ll need to fulfil certain requirements. These can be found on the Spanish Ministry of Health Travel and COVID-19 page.

This is worth checking. The requirements vary depending on which country you’ve been to. You could be fined up to €3,000 if you do not meet the requirements. You may also be expected to undergo a temperate check and a visual health assessment.

Read through our Coronavirus travel insurance page to find out what cover is available on our policies.

As with travel to any destination, it’s important to check your passport and travel documents before you travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after the day you are planning on leaving Spain.

Your passport must be less than 10 years old. Don’t forget that the 3 months date would need to be within 10 years of the issue date of the passport.

The travel advice, and entry requirements for Spain, can change very quickly. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for the very latest updates.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Spain?

What about Visas, I hear you ask. Well, as of 1st January 2021, the rules for visiting Europe changed. As Spain is in the Schengen area , you can visit for sightseeing, visiting family and friends, for business and short term study. As long as your trip is no longer than 90 days in total you don’t need a visa.

Please note that if you have travelled to any other Schengen countries within the prior 180 days, these days will count towards the 90 day total.

If you cannot get back to the UK within the 90 days due to Covid-19 you can call 060 from a Spanish phone line to speak with the local immigration office for advice.

If you want to visit Spain for longer than 90 days, you will need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. The best place to check is the Spanish Consulate in the UK, who should be contacted prior to travel to advise you on which type of visa or work permit you’ll need for your specific trip.

Do I need Travel Insurance to travel to Spain?

While the Spanish government does not require that you have travel insurance to enter the country, it is worth bearing in mind the costs of medical treatment in Spain are some of the highest in Europe.

Spain has a large network of high-quality hospitals and medical centres. The average cost of a trip to A&E is around £184. A trip to the doctor can set you back around £92 on average.

UK travellers to Spain should carry their EHIC or GHIC card when in the country. This can cover the costs of some emergency medical treatment, but won’t cover you for other costs such as repatriation.

And of course, travel insurance covers a range of other events, such as lost baggage or having to cancel your trip.

I think you’ll agree it’s worth taking a look at Spain Travel Insurance , so you don’t need to worry about those costs if the worst should happen on your trip.

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Help! I’m Traveling to Europe. All the Requirements Are a Dizzying Mess.

For three confused but vaccinated travelers, our columnist tries to make sense of the new rules of entry into the European Union.

By Sarah Firshein

Dear Tripped Up,

I know that vaccinated Americans are not required to quarantine when visiting France , but are they required to take a Covid test — either going there or returning home? And although I updated my Clear app to show that I have been vaccinated, I don’t know who is responsible for looking at it: Is it the airline when you check in, an officer when you go through security or someone on the ground when you land? Bob

Once upon a time, the requirements for international travel weren’t all that complicated: always a passport, sometimes a visa.

Today, to leave one country and enter another is to contend with confusing rules and restrictions that continue to change as borders reopen and travel resumes.

Americans will encounter varying health protocols while traveling abroad. France is allowing vaccinated visitors from a short list of “green” countries — which includes the United States — to enter without restrictions. Greece and Lebanon are, too. But since January, everyone traveling to the United States has been required to take a Covid test within three days of their flight. That applies to residents and visitors, vaccinated and unvaccinated, alike.

Although vaccination requirements are set by countries, not airlines, airlines are not allowing passengers to check in for international flights without first verifying whatever documents are required, including vaccination records and virus tests.

What that means logistically depends on the airline — and sometimes the airport. Passengers on Delta Air Lines flights, for example, will have their documents verified in-person by a check-in agent and again by a gate agent before boarding. United Airlines passengers are cleared for check-in after the necessary documents are verified in person or online at United’s Travel-Ready Center , an online hub that tells confirmed ticket-holders what’s required, based on their destination. (The digital option allows carry-on die-hards to get a boarding pass without an in-person check at the airport.)

Depending on a multitude of factors, including where you’re going and how airports are set up, you should also expect to produce proof of vaccination at other touch points along the “getting there” part of the trip, including at customs and immigration after landing.

There are a bunch of new digital health pass initiatives that verify and store vaccination records and test results, including one from Clear, the biometrics company. Digital passes provide another layer of safeguard and allow you to easily show proof of vaccination when asked, whether it’s by a check-in agent at an airport or a host at a restaurant where indoor dining is reserved for vaccinated patrons. But because digital passes are nonstandardized at this point, and are accepted at a venue’s discretion, it’s important to always have your physical card when traveling, as well. Treat it like a passport or driver’s license; as in, something you would never leave home without and something you’re asked to routinely pull out on command while traveling.

In addition to vaccination records and test results, many international destinations are also requiring that health declaration forms be filled out before arrival. The Delta Discover Map is a handy online tool for keeping the dizzying mess of what’s required, and where, straight.

My husband and I purchased plane tickets to the U.K. and Copenhagen for late September. In the fine print of Denmark’s updated policies, “fully vaccinated” is defined as: “You must have received your final dose of vaccination at least 14 days, but no more than 180 days, before traveling.” But because my husband was vaccinated in early February, he will be outside the 180 days when we visit. What gives? Alanna

Dear Alanna,

Denmark has reopened for fully vaccinated American travelers and those from several other countries. But as if to underscore the ragtag, in flux nature of the nitty-gritty of travel in the Covid era, the rules have evolved further in the few weeks since. To boot: When I emailed Visit Denmark, the country’s tourism organization, a spokeswoman directed me to the press office for the Danish Health Authority, where a spokesman steered me to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a spokeswoman sent me to the Ministry of Justice.

A few days later, a spokesman from the Danish Ministry of Health emailed with news: As of July 2 , vaccinations are now “valid” for 12 months.

Long story short: Wherever their desired destination, travelers should expect country-by-country requirements to shift, so it’s important to continue to check for updates and book tickets that can be changed or canceled without penalty.

This winter, while living in Barbados, I received two properly spaced doses of Covishield, the version of the AstraZeneca vaccine that was manufactured in India, as well as a temporary vaccination certificate that includes my United States passport number and other essential information. I’m planning a trip to Germany and Italy in September, and I’m wondering if the European Union will recognize my Barbados vaccination certificate. Tom

The Barbadian Ministry of Health and Wellness is in the process of issuing electronic certificates to everyone who’s been vaccinated in the country, including those who initially received temporary certificates. The new certificates will feature a barcode and security seal, and can be requested by phone or email.

Although Covishield was approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization in February, it has not yet been formally authorized by the European Medicines Agency, the branch of the European Union that oversees the scientific evaluation of medicines and vaccines. By contrast, vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, plus the version of the AstraZeneca vaccine that was manufactured in Europe, have all been authorized by the E.M.A. Those are also the four that have been approved by the European Commission for the EU Digital COVID Certificate , which is designed to ease travel within Europe.

In considering who’s allowed to enter for nonessential travel, some European countries are still taking their cues directly from that list. But because individual countries can also choose whether or not to accept other vaccinations as proof of immunity, Germany, Iceland, Belgium and a growing list of others , including France, are now accepting Covishield. Italy isn’t yet, but travelers coming from elsewhere in Europe can also take a virus test to enter, even if they don’t possess the needed proof of vaccination.

In an email, a spokeswoman from the E.M.A. said the agency “has not received a marketing authorization application for Covishield. Should there be any change we would communicate about it.”

“The decision on entry in the E.U. is a Member State competence,” a European Commission spokesman said in an email. “However, in order to ensure a coordinated approach across the E.U., the Commission is discussing these vaccines — those that correspond to E.M.A. authorized vaccines, and vaccines listed by the W.H.O. — with the Member States in the Health Security Committee.”

In short, keep a close eye on Italy and other E.U. countries, because they may add Covishield to their lists of vaccines that prove immunity and exempt travelers from testing and quarantine.

52 Places to Love in 2021

We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

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Infectious diseases.

This page has information about the risk of infectious diseases for Australians overseas.

This page only gives general advice. Always talk to your healthcare providers for advice specific to you and your situation.

Read this page to learn about:

• infectious disease risks overseas
• vaccine-preventable diseases
• insect-borne diseases
• water or food-borne diseases
• contact, droplet or airborne diseases
• blood-borne diseases
• sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• diseases spread by animals
• consular services and infectious diseases

Infectious disease risks overseas

Infectious diseases exist everywhere. But you have a higher risk of getting an infectious disease in some destinations. This can be due to:

• water and sanitation issues
• insects that carry diseases
• low vaccination rates.

Research the risks before you go. Then you can take preventive measures to reduce them.

• Read our travel advice for your destination . See if there are any health risks or suggested vaccines listed.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell them where you're going and ask their advice on prevention.

Vaccine-preventable diseases

Vaccination can prevent some diseases.

Get your travel vaccinations. Particularly if there's a travel warning for a vaccine-preventable disease where you're going. Ensuring you're vaccinated can protect you and those around you.

Talk to your doctor. Ask what travel vaccines they recommend. And find out if your standard vaccinations need boosting.

Get the vaccinations you need well before you go. Some take 6-8 weeks to work or need several doses.

Visit the Vaccine Hub to explore  suggested vaccines for where you're going . Common travel vaccines include:

• chickenpox (varicella)
• hepatitis A  and  hepatitis B
• influenza (flu)
• Japanese encephalitis
• meningococcal
• tuberculosis (TB)
• yellow fever .

This list doesn't include everything. You may need to vaccinate against other diseases depending on your health and where you're going. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Learn more about  travel vaccinations .

Proof of vaccination

You may need proof of certain vaccinations when you're travelling.

Rules will vary between each country. Contact your destination's embassy or consulate in Australia  for information.

Yellow fever

Some countries need you to show an international yellow fever vaccination certificate if you:

• arrive from a  yellow fever-infected area
• transit through an infected area before arriving
• have been in an infected area within a number of days before arriving.

Your airline can stop you from boarding if you don't have one.

It's important to  get your yellow fever vaccination at an approved clinic . You need it at least 10 days before you travel. The clinic will give you your certificate.

Read  more about international yellow fever vaccination certificates .

Some countries may need you to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate on entry or to access some services.

You can get your certificate through  myGov  or the  Express Plus Medicare mobile app . If you can't use these options

• visit a  Services Australia services centre
• contact the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) at 1800 653 809 (in Australia) or +61 2 8633 3284 (from overseas).

Learn  more about international COVID-19 vaccination certificates .

Insect-borne diseases

Insects can carry disease and spread it between people. They can also spread disease between animals and people.

You're more likely to get an insect-borne disease in tropical climates. This includes parts of

• Central America
• the Pacific.

You're also at risk in parts of Europe and the United States. Risks may differ depending on what you plan to do.

Some common insect-borne diseases are:

• chikungunya
• Lyme disease
• yellow fever
• Zika virus .

If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, your unborn child may face more risks from Zika virus. As a precaution, the Department of Health advises you to consider delaying travel to countries with Zika.

Reducing your risk of insect-borne diseases

You can get vaccinated against some insect-borne illnesses. For others, such as malaria, there's oral medicine you can take. Discuss options with your doctor or pharmacist.

Take steps to avoid insect bites.

• Cover exposed skin with light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
• Treat your clothing and gear with insecticides containing permethrin.
• Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms. Use bed nets if you can't keep mosquitoes from coming inside the room.

After walking through high grass or brush in tick-prone areas:

• brush off your clothes before getting in a car or going inside
• check yourself and others for ticks 
• tumble dry your clothes hot for 20 minutes to kill ticks that may have hitched a ride.

Water- or food-borne diseases

Water- or food-borne diseases are common in many countries. You can catch them from:

• drinking or using tainted water
• drinking any drink with ice cubes made with tap water
• eating food washed with tap water
• brushing your teeth or washing your face with tap water
• eating tainted food, including meals prepared by people following poor hygiene practices
• taking part in activities in tainted water, such as swimming or water sports.

Some water- and food-borne diseases include:

• infections causing  gastroenteritis  (vomiting and  diarrhoea )
• campylobacter
• hepatitis A
• leptospirosis
• polio (poliomyelitis)
• salmonella  (including  typhoid and paratyphoid )
• schistosomiasis

Cholera  is less common, but it's very contagious and deadly.

Reduce your risk from water- or food-borne diseases

There are vaccines for some water and food-borne infectious diseases, including hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera.

You can do a lot to reduce your risk of infection where water and food-borne diseases are common.

• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitiser before you eat.
• Drink bottled water from a sealed bottle.
• Use water-sterilising tablets or filtration bottles to make tap water safe.
• Wash fresh produce thoroughly using bottled or sterilised water.

Try to avoid:

• drinking tap water or using it to clean your teeth
• drinks with ice cubes. Some restaurants may use water straight from the tap
• uncooked and undercooked food or food that has been left sitting for a while
• fresh salads and raw vegetables
• contact with water or soil that may be contaminated with sewerage
• in some places, swimming or wading in any fresh water.

For more information, see the Better Health Channel's advice on  food safety while travelling .

Contact, droplet and airborne diseases

Some diseases can spread:

• through close contact with a person who is coughing, sneezing, or unwell
• through something an infected person touched after coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.

These are called diseases spread by contact, droplets or through the air.

These include:

• chickenpox  (varicella)
• coughs and colds
• influenza  (flu)
• Middle East respiratory syndrome  (MERS)
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome  (SARS)

Reducing your risk of contact, droplet and airborne diseases

Protect yourself from contact, droplet and airborne diseases.

• Stay up to date with your vaccinations for measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, flu, COVID-19, and other vaccines recommended by your doctor.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitiser if soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or showing early symptoms.
• Avoid close contact with wild or domestic animals.

Blood-borne diseases

Some infectious diseases can be spread by blood. This can be:

• when an infected person's blood comes into direct contact with another person's blood, mouth or eyes
• when blood is on an object such as a needle or razor blade
• through bodily fluids (see also  sexually transmissible infections )

Common blood-borne diseases overseas are:

• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C

Reduce your risk of blood-borne diseases

You can get vaccinated against some blood-borne diseases.

You can also reduce your risk of infection by being careful and making smart choices.

• Avoid contact with any objects that could be tainted with blood or body fluids.
• Never share needles, syringes, or other injecting tools.
• Choose tattoo, piercing and medical services that carefully sterilise their tools and surfaces. If you're not sure, ask for proof before they start.
• Practise safer sex.
• Cover wounds and cuts with a waterproof dressing.
• Don't share toothbrushes, razors and other personal items that may be tainted with blood.
• Use gloves and other relevant protection when giving first aid.

These diseases may not have symptoms in the early stages. If you think you've been exposed, seek medical advice early. There may be preventive treatment.

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

STIs are infections or diseases passed on during unprotected sex with an infected partner, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can spread through skin-to-skin contact with a person's infected genitals or mouth.

STIs include:

• genital herpes
• gonorrhoea 
• human papillomavirus (HPV)

Other diseases can spread through sexual contact but are not called an STI. For example, water-borne diseases shigellosis and hepatitis A can also spread through sexual activity, including oral and anal sex.

Reducing your risk of STIs

Vaccines can prevent some STIs. But you must also take preventive measures to reduce your risk of infection.

Reduce your risk of infection by taking and using your own condoms from a brand you trust.

STIs may not have symptoms. If you think you've been exposed, seek medical advice.

If you're a victim of  assault , including  sexual assault , get  medical care  immediately to reduce the risk of infection.

For more information, see the Department of Health's information on  STIs  and  HIV / AIDS .

Diseases spread by animals

Some animals can spread disease through close contact, scratches or bites. These diseases include:

• influenza A subtypes , including avian and swine influenza
• Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

Reduce your risk of infection.

• Get vaccinated for rabies and influenza before you go, if recommended.
• Avoid contact with sick animals.
• Wash your hands well after contact with animals.
• Don't eat raw or undercooked meat or animal products.

If you have a pre-existing illness, you may need to avoid all contact with some animals. Seek medical advice.

If you're bitten, scratched or licked on an open wound by an animal:

• use first aid
• wash the wound out well with soap and water for at least 10 minutes
• use antiseptic solution
• get urgent medical advice about preventing rabies, tetanus, and bacterial infection.

Consular services and infectious diseases

You're responsible for protecting yourself against infectious diseases.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas .

What we can do

• We can update our travel advice if we learn of a disease outbreak.
• We can give you a list of local English-speaking doctors and health services.
• We can help you get in contact with family and friends in Australia.
• We can provide emergency support if we declare a disease outbreak a crisis.

What we can't do

• We can't tell you every infectious disease in your destination.
• We can't give you medical advice.
• We can't tell you all the vaccines you may need.
• We can't tell you what to do or take to protect your health in your destination.
• We can't guarantee your health in any destination.
• We can't pay your medical costs if you get sick overseas.
• Read about  travelling with medication and medical equipment .
• See our advice on  travelling while pregnant .
• Learn about  medical tourism .
• See our  health advice for everyone .
• Read advice about  travelling with children .
• See our advice on  taking care of your mental health .
• See our advice for  travellers with a disability .
• Read about health risks in all your destinations .
• Understand how and when  consular services  can help Australians overseas.
• Learn about  infectious diseases  and  travel vaccinations  (Department of Health).
• See a range of advice on  international travel and health  (World Health Organization).
• Read advice on  food safety while travelling  (Victorian Department of Health and Human Services).
• Learn about  immunising your child  (Department of Health).
• See information about  insect-borne diseases  (World Health Organisation).

Related content

Read our general advice for Australians planning to travel overseas with medications or medical equipment.