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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 .

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.

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.

Information for air travellers

When flying from an EU airport, you should keep in mind certain security requirements while packing your luggage for your trip and when going to the airport to board your flight:

You are not allowed to carry certain things on your person past security checkpoints at airports,
You are not allowed to carry, even in your checked luggage, certain things onto an aeroplane,
You and your baggage will be subject to security controls before boarding your flight.

Preparing your luggage

For security reasons, the European Union has drawn up a list of prohibited articles that may not be taken aboard aircraft. The list contains obvious dangers for flight security, such as explosives and weapons, but also articles that could cause serious injuries, such as baseball bats or be mistaken as real weapons, such as toy guns.

When packing, you should bear in mind that certain articles, that may appear harmless, are not allowed in your hand luggage for security reasons. Such articles would include: gases and sprays such as pepper sprays; sharp objects such as knives or razor blades; drills or saws; baseball bats or clubs. Such items will either have to be surrender at the security checkpoint or will have to be packed into your hold luggage.

List of prohibited articles in your hand luggage.

Moreover, there are certain things you are not allowed to carry at all on board aircraft, regardless as to whether they are carried in your hand luggage or your checked luggage. Such articles include obvious things like explosives, but also fireworks and ammunition.

List of prohibited articles in your hold luggage.

To protect you against the threat of liquid explosives, the EU has also adopted security rules that restrict the amount of liquids that you can take in your hand luggage through security checkpoints. This is because liquid explosives can be disguised as everyday looking items, such as hair gel, toothpaste, and jams.

Under the current rules, you can carry as hand luggage, liquids in individual containers with a capacity not greater than 100 ml and contained in one transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a capacity not exceeding one liter. Liquids cover gels, aerosols, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and other items of similar consistency, such as drinks, toothpaste, soups, syrups, perfumes, shaving foam, etc.

Essential medicines, as well as babyfood and milk are permitted in quantities larger than 100 ml, but only for use during the trip and you may be requested to prove its authenticity.

Duty free liquids can be carried as hand luggage provided the item and the receipt remains sealed inside the security bag provided at the time of purchase.

Preparing for the security checkpoint

At the security checkpoint you will be screened by walk-through metal detection equipment or/and by a hand search. To ensure smooth passing through the security check you will need to:

Put all liquids carried in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag into a tray for screening,
Take-off your jacket and/or coat for a separate screening,
Remove all metal items on your person, like keys and coins from your pockets, and other items with metal, possibly watch, belt, jewelry and mobile phone and place them into a tray for separate screening,
Remove your laptop and other large electrical devices from you hand luggage and put it into a tray for separate screening,
Go through the security checkpoint when asked to do so by one of the security officers.

Further information

All information on this website has been posted for general reference. More information on security controls can be find on the airline or airport's website or on the website of your national authority responsible for civil aviation security: Austria , Belgium: nl fr , Bulgaria , Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxemburg , The Netherlands , Malta , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden , United Kingdom .

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France, Spain: European Union countries tightening COVID-19 restrictions for US tourists

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, Spain, Denmark, Italy and Norway are tightening restrictions for tourists traveling from the U.S. in the wake of the European Union's removal of the country from its safe travel list and as COVID cases continue to rise stateside.

The EU's August move signaled to member states that they should no longer ease restrictions on nonessential travel for people from the U.S. amid the latest surge in COVID-19 cases. The U.S. was added initially to the EU's safe travel list in June .

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France only welcoming vaccinated U.S. tourists

Beginning Sept. 12, only vaccinated visitors will be allowed to visit for vacation , the French embassy confirmed Friday. Non-vaccinated travelers can only visit for essential reasons and need a negative COVID-19 test as well as must isolate for seven days upon arrival.

Spain requiring proof of vaccination

Spain began requiring proof of vaccination from travelers coming from the U.S. starting Sept 6. U.S. citizens can enter Spain for non-essential tourism by showing proof of vaccine, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Spain and Andorra .

"Additionally, U.S. citizens traveling from the United States to Spain must present upon arrival in Spain a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the 'SpTH app' in Google Play Store or iTunes App Store for each traveler, regardless of their age," the Embassy said on its website.

The rule applies to all coming from the U.S., even if they stopped in a third-party country before entering Spain.

Denmark bans unvaccinated tourists from the U.S.

Denmark is banning unvaccinated tourists from the U.S. The change came after the country moved the U.S. to its "orange" travel advisory category on Sept. 4. Previously, U.S. tourists could enter Denmark by showing a negative coronavirus test or proof of recovery.

Some unvaccinated people from the U.S. can still enter Denmark with proof of a negative COVID-19 test but will need to have "a worthy purpose" such as work, school or legal matters, according to a joint website of the Danish authorities. Unvaccinated travelers permitted to enter will be required to quarantine.

Entry requirements do not change for fully vaccinated U.S. travelers, who are still exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.

Bulgaria moved U.S. to its 'red zone'

Bulgaria announced earlier this month it would move the U.S. into its "red zone" and prohibit travel from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, as the country faces its fourth surge of COVID-19.

Italy added testing, isolation requirements

Italy added testing and self-isolation requirements for American travelers at the end of August after the EU removed the U.S. from its safe travel list.

Though the most dramatic policy changes affect unvaccinated travelers – who are still welcome to enter the country, so long as they take the time to self-isolate – vaccinated travelers will have to jump through additional hoops of new testing requirements. Travelers can offer proof of vaccination through a paper card with a CDC logo.

Sweden barring travelers from the U.S.

Sweden announced Sept. 2 that travelers from the U.S. would be barred from entering the country regardless of vaccination status starting Sept. 6, amending its travel entry ban.

"Effective September 6, Sweden has removed the United States from its list of countries whose residents are exempted from its entry ban," the U.S. Embassy in Sweden said on its website. "U.S. citizens who reside in an exempted country are still exempt from the entry ban."

Norway not allowing U.S. citizens unless visiting family

Norway has also blocked U.S. citizens from entering with one exception: Family.

"Unless the traveler qualifies for a travel exception such as close family members and persons in an established relationship with a resident of Norway," the U.S. Embassy in Norway said on its website .

Belgium requiring COVID vaccine proof

U.S. residents must be able to show proof of vaccination to enter Belgium on non-essential travel.

"U.S. residents may travel from the United States to Belgium without an Essential Travel Certificate if they can present a valid vaccination certificate," the U.S. Embassy in Belgium said on its website. "Travelers from the United States who cannot present a valid vaccination certificate will not be permitted to travel to Belgium for non-essential reasons unless they hold an EU citizenship or residency."

The Netherlands has added testing requirements

The Netherlands began considering the U.S. to be "a very high-risk area" Sept. 4, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in the Netherlands said on its website.

Travelers are allowed to enter if they are fully vaccinated and comply with a mandatory quarantine (unless they "meet the criteria for an exemption").

"As of September 6, 2021, such travelers also must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test OR a negative antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to departure for entry to the Netherlands," the embassy continued. "Even travelers who are exempt from the testing and quarantine requirements must complete a quarantine declaration."

Germany added the U.S. to its 'high-risk' areas

Germany added the United States to its "high-risk" area list in mid-August, before the EU's announcement.

Since Aug. 15, travelers who recently spent time in the U.S. need to be fully vaccinated or demonstrate an "important reason" for entering. 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.

Contributing: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

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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.

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.

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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International Travel Restrictions by Country

Find out where you can travel and covid-19 policies.

Select origin country, search destination or select a country on the map to see travel restrictions.

The travel status of individual countries can change suddenly, and we know it can be hard to stay on top of it all. That's why we're getting you the information you need to consider when planning travel. Learn about country-specific entry requirements such as the border status, COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine requirements. Many countries are reopening their borders for international travel. Find out which countries are open to vaccinated travelers.

Just enter your departure country above - the map will update to reflect countries' opening status and any entry requirements for air travelers. Before you book, be sure to double check your country's official government site.

Destinations you can travel to now

Dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Filter by region, status and more

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Albania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Algeria.

American Samoa

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter American Samoa.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Angola.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Anguilla.

Antigua And Barbuda

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Antigua And Barbuda.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Argentina.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Armenia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Aruba.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Australia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Austria.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Azerbaijan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bahrain.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bangladesh.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Barbados.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belgium.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belize.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Benin.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bermuda.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bhutan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bolivia.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Botswana.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brazil.

British Virgin Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the British Virgin Islands.

Brunei Darussalam

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brunei Darussalam.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bulgaria.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Burundi.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cambodia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cameroon.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Canada.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cape Verde.

Caribbean Netherlands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Caribbean Netherlands.

Cayman Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Cayman Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Chad.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Chile.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Colombia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Comoros.

Cook Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Cook Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Costa Rica.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Croatia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Curaçao.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cyprus.

Czech Republic

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Czech Republic.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Denmark.

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Djibouti without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Dominica.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Dominican Republic.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ecuador.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Egypt.

El Salvador

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter El Salvador.

Equatorial Guinea

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Equatorial Guinea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Eritrea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Estonia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Eswatini.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ethiopia.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Faroe Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Faroe Islands.

Federated States of Micronesia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Federated States of Micronesia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Fiji.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Finland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter France.

French Guiana

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter French Guiana.

French Polynesia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter French Polynesia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Gabon.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Gambia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Georgia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Germany.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Gibraltar.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Greece.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Greenland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Grenada.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guadeloupe.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guam.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guinea.

Guinea-Bissau

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guinea-Bissau.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guyana.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Honduras.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hong Kong.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hungary.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iceland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter India.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Indonesia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ireland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Italy.

Ivory Coast

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ivory Coast.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jamaica.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jersey.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jordan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kazakhstan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kenya.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kiribati.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kosovo.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kuwait.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kyrgyzstan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Laos.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Latvia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Lesotho.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Liberia.

Liechtenstein

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Liechtenstein.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Lithuania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Luxembourg.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Macau.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Madagascar.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malawi.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malaysia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Maldives.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malta.

Marshall Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Marshall Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Martinique.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mauritania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mauritius.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mayotte.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mexico.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Moldova.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mongolia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Montenegro.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Montserrat.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mozambique.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Namibia.

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Nauru without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nepal.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Netherlands.

New Caledonia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Caledonia.

New Zealand

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nicaragua.

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Niger without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nigeria.

North Macedonia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter North Macedonia.

Northern Mariana Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Northern Mariana Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Norway.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Oman.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Pakistan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Palau.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Panama.

Papua New Guinea

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Papua New Guinea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Paraguay.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Peru.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Philippines.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Poland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Portugal.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Puerto Rico.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Qatar.

Republic of the Congo

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Republic of the Congo without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Réunion.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Romania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Rwanda.

Saint Barthélemy

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Barthélemy.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Saint Lucia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Lucia.

Saint Martin

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Martin.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Samoa.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter São Tomé and Príncipe.

Saudi Arabia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saudi Arabia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Senegal.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Serbia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Seychelles.

Sierra Leone

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sierra Leone.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Singapore.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Slovakia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Slovenia.

Solomon Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Solomon Islands.

South Africa

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Africa.

South Korea

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Spain.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sri Lanka.

St. Maarten

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter St. Maarten.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sudan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Suriname.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sweden.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Switzerland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Taiwan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tajikistan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tanzania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Thailand.

The Bahamas

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter The Bahamas.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Togo.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tonga.

Trinidad and Tobago

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Trinidad and Tobago.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tunisia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Türkiye.

Turkmenistan

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to enter Turkmenistan.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tuvalu.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uganda.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Arab Emirates.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Kingdom.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uruguay.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uzbekistan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vanuatu.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vietnam.

Wallis and Futuna

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Wallis and Futuna.

Western Sahara

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to enter Western Sahara.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Zambia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Zimbabwe.

Get trip-ready with at-home COVID-19 tests

How often is the data on this page updated.

We check for travel restriction information from government authorities daily, and update the page any time we get new information. The following information regarding travel restrictions for each country is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.

How many countries are closed to visitors?

As of Sep 11, 2 countries have completely restricted entry to non-citizens and 5 are open but require quarantine and/or a negative COVID test.

Where can I travel without COVID restrictions?

Currently you can travel from the United States to 197 countries without restrictions. Please check our map to learn more.

Are there any other types of travel restrictions besides COVID-19 tests and quarantines?

These are the two main types of restrictions or requirements needed to travel into another country. However, the COVID-19 testing options are continually widening as new methods are developed. Different countries may accept results from different or multiple test types, so be sure to check the individual country's specific requirements.

What should I do if I get COVID-19 while in another country?

If you get COVID-19 while in another country, follow the local authority's recommendations. These may include hospitalization, self-isolating and testing in that country. Be sure to contact your travel insurance company and travel provider as well and inform them of your situation.

What should I do if the borders of the country I am visiting close?

Depending on your home country, you may need to change your departure date and return home as soon as possible. If that's the case, contact your travel provider to find the earliest departure.

Additional resources

What you need to know
Airline policies
Hotel policies
Car policies
Tips for flying
Tips for hotel
Tips for vacation rental

If you're looking for personalized travel advice for your own travel plans like whether or not a restriction applies to your trip, we won't be able to answer any questions or offer advice. Please consult your local government's resources.

Pent-up demand prompts European travel recovery as COVID curbs ease

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Taiwan's homegrown submarine programme will remain on track, the defence minister said on Wednesday, after the head of the programme resigned due to what he said were unfair attacks against him and the military.

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EASA and ECDC take first steps to relax COVID-19 measures for air travel

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued an update to the health safety measures for air travel, paving the way for a relaxation of the need to wear medical masks on board a flight, but noting that a face mask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of COVID-19.

COLOGNE, May 11, 2022 - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued an update to the health safety measures for air travel, paving the way for a relaxation of the need to wear medical masks on board a flight, but noting that a face mask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of COVID-19.

The update of the joint Aviation Health Safety Protocol takes account of the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular the levels of vaccination and naturally acquired immunity, and the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries. In addition to the changes with respect to masks, its recommendations include a relaxation of the more stringent measures on airline operations, which will help relieve the burden on the industry whilst still keeping appropriate measures in place.

EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said:

“It is a relief to all of us that we are finally reaching a stage in the pandemic where we can start to relax the health safety measures,” said “For many passengers, and also aircrew members, there is a strong desire for masks to no longer be a mandatory part of air travel. We are now at the start of that process. Passengers should continue to comply with the requirements of their airline and, where preventive measures are optional, make responsible decisions and respect the choice of other passengers. In particular, a passenger who is coughing and sneezing should strongly consider wearing a face mask, for the reassurance of those seated nearby.”

ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said:

“The development and continuous updates to the Aviation Health Safety Protocol in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have given travellers and aviation personnel better knowledge of the risks of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. While risks do remain, we have seen that non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccines have allowed our lives to begin to return to normal. While mandatory mask-wearing in all situations is no longer recommended, it is important to be mindful that together with physical distancing and good hand hygiene it is one of the best methods of reducing transmission. The rules and requirements of departure and destination States should be respected and applied consistently, and travel operators should take care to inform passengers of any required measures in a timely manner. The importance of these measures should continue to be effectively communicated to passengers for their safety, and ECDC will continue to work with our colleagues at EASA to regularly assess and amend the recommendations as necessary.”

The new recommendations on the wearing of face masks are set to come into effect from May 16, 2022. However rules for masks in particular will continue to vary by airline beyond that date. For example, flights to or from a destination where mask-wearing is still required on public transport should continue to encourage mask wearing, according to the recommendations. Vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a face mask regardless of the rules, ideally an FFP2/N95/KN95 type mask which offers a higher level of protection than a standard surgical mask.

Passengers are also encouraged to observe distancing measures in indoor areas, including at the airport, wherever possible. But airport operators should adopt a pragmatic approach to this: for example, they should avoid imposing distancing requirements if these will very likely lead to a bottleneck in another location in the passenger journey, especially if they are not required at national or regional level in other similar settings.

While many states no longer require passengers to submit data through a passenger locator form, airlines should keep their data collection systems on standby so they could make this information available to public health authorities if needed, for example in the case where a new variant of concern (VOC) emerged which was identified as potentially more dangerous.

“New VOCs are frequently discovered with varied degrees of immunity escape and severity of symptoms,” the document said. “Airport staff, crew members and passengers should be alert and follow the recommendations and requirements of the national authorities of the State or region they are visiting.”

For further details, please consult the full text of the protocol:

COVID-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol: Operational guidelines for the management of air passengers and aviation personnel in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic

Questions and answers on COVID-19

Find more information on questions related to COVID-19 on infection, symptoms, guidelines, the situation, in the EU, vaccines, travel, and children.

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

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

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.

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.

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

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

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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

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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Which European airlines have the strictest carry-on baggage requirements?

With all the baggage-handling issues facing airlines this year, it's no surprise that more passengers are opting to fly hand luggage only.

Only, cramming all one's round-the-worldly belongings into a single bag can too easily become a high-stakes game of suitcase Tetris. The penalty for losing: a potentially hefty "heavy-bag" charge, and/or a long wait by the luggage carousel at the other end.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

On top of that, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for airlines - each one has a different policy, and they vary hugely from carrier to carrier.

It helps to be prepared. So how much luggage are you actually allowed to carry in the cabin, and how strictly do airlines enforce their policies?

British Airways

British Airways is by far the most generous of all the airlines we looked at, allowing a hernia-inducing 46kg of cabin bag per passenger. It must, however, be divided into two bags - a handbag of up to 23kg and a cabin bag of up to 23kg (the latter is subject to space in the overhead lockers and will be put in the hold if full).

And even if your two bags do combine to outweigh a well-nourished teenage boy, BA won't kick you off the flight - you'll just have to pay a "heavy bag charge" of £65.

Related: Deal alert: 7 nights in Orlando for less than £500pp with BA's September sale

"British Airways' 23kg baggage weight limit applies to each bag and can't be split between multiple bags," the airline says. "Bags over 32kg won't be accepted as checked baggage."

One reader, who is also a BA employee, said: "Both from my time at the airport and working as Cabin Crew, we quite often have times on flights where we run out of locker space — or people bring bags that are too big to fit in the locker regardless. This then causes delays. So I'd say don't push the rules too much, but BA aren't super strict."

Virgin Atlantic

Another generous airline in the hand-luggage stakes is Virgin Atlantic, on whose planes travellers can carry one bag of up to 10kg in the Economy and Premium cabins and two bags weighing no more than 12kg for one bag, or 16kg combined. So for example, you could take a 12kg bag and another little bag of 4kg, the airline says.

And whichever cabin you're in, the size of your bag needs to be a maximum of 23 x 36 x 56cm (or around 9 x 14 x 22 inches).

Related: 4 great hacks to make air travel easier

You are also allowed a "handbag, small backpack/rucksack, pocketbook or purse, as you would normally use it (in other words, not just being used to contain items that would otherwise be regarded as baggage)".

"Any children aged 2+ years are entitled to the same amount of hand baggage as an adult in the cabin allowances shown above," Virgin Atlantic adds.

For those travelling with children, only certain types foldable buggies are permitted in the cabin with you as your hand baggage. See the website for details .

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told us: "Virgin Atlantic has an auditable hand baggage sizer that ensures all bags are compliant. In terms of weight, passengers checking in at the airport, will have their bags weighed at check-in.

"If passengers check-in online and head straight to the gate a Virgin Atlantic agent will review and check the customer's bag."

If you're travelling on an SAS Go Smart, SAS Plus or a SAS Business ticket, you may bring a carry-on bag on board weighing no more than 8kg (55 x 40 x 23cm). That's on top of "a small handbag or laptop or similar" that must fit under the seat in front of you.

But be warned: as one Points Guy reader warned, the Scandinavian carrier is a stickler for correctly-weighted hand luggage.

"SAS is notorious for weighing baggage at the gate at LHR T2, after scanning the boarding pass, even in SAS Plus," said the self-described SAS regular, who asked not to be named. "I experienced this very issue last week when my wife and I travelled in SAS Plus from London to Stockholm and my bag was just overweight. Whilst I could have put a few items into my wife's bag as it weighed a lot less, the gate personnel would not allow me to do so and insisted on gate-checking my bag."

Ryanair doesn't allow much. Which is to say, you can bring a backpack or small bag on board for free, so long as it fits under the seat in front of you, but that's it. Unless you pay extra for a maximum 10kg wheelie bag (no more than 55 x 40 x 20cm) to go in the overhead locker.

Prices for carrying an extra bag begin at €6 (£5.18).

Related: Deal alert: Ryanair adds one million extra seats this winter from £9.99 one-way

And according to the experience of a number of TPG readers, these rules are not for bending. "Ryanair are so strict at making sure your hand luggage fits in their box checker thing [that] I've been on flights where they have checked the size of bags for a second time at the gate," said one reader.

They added: "I've literally seen a woman have to dump some of her clothes in the bin as they told her her bag was too big just as she was about to board."

Another said he bought a Barcelona football in Alicante as a souvenir for his son, only to be told by "over-zealous" staff that it would have to go inside his backpack. If it didn't fit, he claims he was offered the option of paying a fee or leave it behind. "We left it behind and were far from happy with the total lack of empathy and the attitude," he added.

A little more generous than Ryanair, easyJet allows carry-on bags of up to 15kg, no more than 45 x 36 x 20cm.

You can also bring on a "large cabin bag" weighing no more than 15kg in addition (max. 56 x 45 x 25cm), but for that, you must book an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat or pay extra to add a large cabin bag to your booking.

Easyjet says prices start from £5.99 to book a large cabin bag. If you'd prefer to select an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat which includes a large cabin bag, prices start from £7.99. Both options also include Speedy Boarding.

One reader, Craig Pollard, told us the reality is that paying for extra bags can in fact cost significantly more than that when he realised his carry-on bag exceeded the maximum size allowance. "My usual carry-on would have attracted a cost of £31.99 each way to go in the overhead storage compartment," he said.

He added: "With hold bags now £47.99 per case each way I opted not to spend close to an extra £200 just in luggage fees for the return trip."

He says it worked out cheaper to buy his family new bags that all fit easyJet's accepted size allocation. "This meant we had three bags in the cabin with us instead of one," he added. "I'm not sure that was the intention of easyJet's new policy."

An easyJet spokesperson said: "easyJet allows customers' cabin bags to weigh up to 15kgs which is one of the most generous in the industry. This means that customers can bring everything they need for their trip and is sufficient for the vast majority of customers. We don't routinely weigh customers' cabin bags but do require them to be able to lift their luggage into the overhead lockers without assistance."

Eurowings allows one small cabin bag in all classes as well as one large cabin bag weighing up to 8kg in SMART class, and two items of hand baggage (also up to 8kg). If you want an extra 8kg bag on the Basic economy tariff, you'll need to pay €15 (£13).

The German-owned Lufthansa subsidiary, though, is strict on these rules.

"They force you to check your hand luggage otherwise you have to pay €50 per piece," claimed one TPG reader. It is worth highlighting that Eurowings says prices to upgrade your baggage allowance start at €15, so how much depends on a range of factors, including when and where you fly.

A Eurowings spokesperson said: "In order to avoid any delays due to baggage Eurowings set up clear baggage regulations. Eurowings regularly checks the hand baggage by size with a baggage sizer which is located at every gate as the size is more important to us than the weight.

"The weight is checked at the check-in counter and at the gate – so it's more about which bag seems to be really heavy. As is also the case with other airlines if the bag is too big or the customer did not have the hand baggage included in his fare or did not purchase it in advance the customer has to pay the €50."

You can bring a 10kg carry-on bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm on all Jet2 flights. You can also bring "a small, personal item on board (such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase), as long as it is placed underneath the seat in front of you."

Related: EasyJet 'refused' to let this passenger board a flight because of her smart bag. Do other airlines allow it?

However, Jet2 appends the following caveat: "All hand luggage is carried in the cabin at our discretion, and we reserve the right to check it into the aircraft hold for operational or capacity reasons."

You can take one piece of hand luggage per person (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg and with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm on a TUI Airways flight, the airline says. Plus, you can bring a personal item, like a small bag, that must fit under the seat in front of you.

It adds: "You must be able to lift your hand luggage into the overhead storage compartments yourself."

According to the operator's website, there appear to be no add-ons, no exceptions.

A spokesperson for the airline told us: "The vast majority of our customers are travelling on package holidays so are travelling with hold baggage and therefore go to the check-in desks. We have relatively few customers that go straight to the gate. Therefore, hand baggage is controlled during the check-in processes.

"Any bags that appear too large or too heavy are checked or weighed. We also have a very flexible approach to hold allowance, allowing customers to pool their allowance with all members on the booking, as well as allowing customers to spread their hold allowance over multiple items."

Aer Lingus allows one 10kg carry-on bag so long as you've pre-booked it with your ticket for an extra £5.99.

To do that, go to your booking section on Aer Lingus' website and select "Carry-on bag with priority boarding".

Related: The best (and worst) airlines for delays in the UK last year

It adds, without further details: "A small personal item (handbag or laptop bag) is still included for all customers."

A spokesperson told us: "Cabin bags may be inspected at the boarding gate to ensure they comply with the specified allowance."

The spokesperson pointed out that the following customers have the option of a 10kg carry-on bag, in addition to one small on-board bag, included for free in their fare type:

Silver, Platinum and Concierge AerClub members;
Plus, Advantage and AerSpace fare types;
An accompanying adult travelling with an infant;
Customers connecting to/from an Aer Lingus transatlantic flight.

Wizz Air allows one 10kg carry-on bag for free (max. 40 x 30 x 20 cm), plus another "trolley bag" (55 x 40 x 23 cm) if you book Wizz Priority.

How much Wizz Priority costs, however, is unclear. The airline, rather opaquely, says it costs anywhere between ‎€5.00 (£4.30) and ‎€40.00 (£34.50) if you buy online or through the Wizz Air Call Centre, and ‎€25.00 if you buy the service at the airport.

The price is calculated depending on your destination and which season (low or peak) you fly.

Air France keeps things simple. You're allowed a personal item (handbag etc) and one piece of carry-on luggage. It's weight depends on your cabin.

"If you are travelling in the Economy cabin, your hand baggage and personal item cannot exceed 12 kg/26.4 lbs. If you're travelling in the Premium Economy, Business or La Première cabins, the combined weight of your hand baggage items and accessory must not exceed 18 kg/40 lb. Your travel cabin is shown on your ticket."

Related: Your complete guide to Oneworld alliance benefits

You must place your personal item in the seat in front of you unless you are seated in an exit row, in which case your personal item must be stored in the overhead compartment.

Jackets, coats, umbrellas, duty-free items and children's accessories (acceptably sized strollers, car seats, nappy bags etc) are not considered personal items or hand luggage and can be brought on board.

Lufthansa has a handy baggage calculator on its website, where you input your destination and it tells you what you can bring on board.

A trip from London to Frankfurt, for example, allows:

Economy: One carry-on bag up to 8kg (max. 55 x 40 x 23cm) and one personal item (40 x 30 x 10cm)

Business: two carry-on bags, each up to 8kg (max. 55 x 40 x 23cm) and one personal item (40 x 30 x 10cm)

Note: A trolley, foldable clothes bag or a foldable pushchair (max. 57 x 54 x 15 cm) counts as carry-on baggage. Foldable pushchairs must be collapsed and no longer look like a pushchair.

A spokesperson said: "Of course, our staff at the gate do check these allowances, either by sight or even with a balance and a metal frame to check the size of the baggage. In addition, they make announcements at the gate before boarding to ask passengers with heavier bags to check them in. On our website, we also inform to reduce carry-on baggage to the maximum in order to speed up the security check, where all these items need to be checked and x-rayed."

The Points Guy has contacted all the airlines mentioned in this article for comment.

Bottom line

While it can be frustrating to arrive at the airport and be told by your airline that you must either pay extra to carry your bag on board or stow it in the hold, it's always best to stick to the rules.

Be sure to check the exact baggage allowance on the airline you're travelling with, and if you're unsure whether your bag will exceed the maximum weight, you can buy luggage scales online for as little as £10.

As always with air travel, never take an airline's rules for granted - the consequences can be expensive and unavoidable, no matter how arbitrary they may sometimes seem.

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Everything You Need To Know About European Carry On Sizes

Let’s face it, most European airlines are pretty, pretty stingy when it comes to their carry on size restrictions.

That's why we designed our Carry-on bag and Daily bag to comply with nearly all European carriers – as well as more generous American ones.

As the years pass, it feels increasingly like airlines are trying to squeeze every last euro out of passengers. Which leads us to a very important point: before flying anywhere in Europe, or flying to Europe from another region, you should always check European carry on size and weight allowances .

To find out the latest allowances for all the major European airlines, scroll down or click here .

On many European airlines, space is at a premium.

Many of us are familiar with the exhausting, soul-crushing feeling of trying to squeeze an American-sized carry-on bag into the petite European version of an overhead locker.

Before you know it, you’ve got a tired, frustrated mob of tweed-clad old-world intellectuals trying to elbow you out of the way as you wrestle your bag into the tight space above your head.

Not fun at all.

Worse than that – these days, you risk not being able to bring a carry-on into the cabin at all .

Some airlines will force half the passengers to check their carry-on at the last minute. And they’ll often charge you extra for the privilege.

That’s not ideal – especially if you carefully packed everything you need for the flight into that bag.

And so, with airlines getting stricter when it comes to what you can and can’t carry on, we thought we’d save you some stress by putting together this handy list of what various European airlines currently allow. (Every airline is different, and the policies can change quickly – so it pays to check on the airline’s website before you pack your bags. )

The latest European carry-on size and weight allowances

Sorted by airline (May 2022)

Note: the allowances below are for each airline’s most basic fare. Often, you can buy a more expensive ticket and get a more generous allowance.

Cabin allowance: 1 cabin bag and 1 small personal item such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag that must fit under the seat in front of you.

Maximum dimensions: Maximum dimensions (including handles and wheels): 55 x 40 x 20cm, and the personal item should be 40 x 30 x 15cm.

Weight allowed: 10kg.

Check first ✓

Remember: when flying on one of these airlines, always check the latest info on the airline’s website before choosing and packing a carry on bag.

Hot tip: We collected even more airline guidelines here → carryonbagsizes.com

How To Pack Light And Stay Within Airline Weight Limits

We could (and likely will!) write a whole lot more about how to stay light when you’re on the move, but let’s cover a few quick tips for anyone who’s about to get on the road.

Firstly, when you’re packing your carry-on, always ask yourself the hard questions: do I really need fifteen pairs of socks with me on this trip?

Getting to a state of feeling at home even when you’re not at home is often an exercise in packing discipline – being very deliberate about the things you bring with you on the move.

If you’re allowed to bring a personal item with you onto the plane in addition to your carry-on, it’s generally a good idea to try and fit your heaviest items in the smaller bag – it’s less likely to be weighed by a gate agent. You could put your clothes in your larger bag and your laptop in your smaller one, for example.

Pack strategically. Lay out everything that you might need, then cut back until you’re down to the essentials. Then pack what you’ve decided is a must-have – starting with the heaviest and least used items, which can go at the bottom of your bag.

You can even weigh your bag at home to make sure it isn’t too heavy.

In the end, feisty airline agents aren’t the only reason to downsize your overall pack load. After all, someone has to actually carry your stuff around – and unless you have a very generous travel partner, that someone is very likely you!

LOOKING FOR A CARRY-ON BAG DESIGNED FOR EUROPEAN AIRLINE LIMITS?

Look no further. Check out the Minaal Carry-on 3.0 .

Where is Condor? ——— Minaal replied: Hi Andrea – we need to add a few more airlines to this page! We’ll get on that. In the meantime, you can find Condor’s carry-on details at our website tool: https://www.carryonbagsizes.com/

Where is Iceland Air? ——— Minaal replied: Hi Rich – sorry for the late reply, this comment slipped under our radar. We’ll be updating this post soon with more airlines (including Iceland Air!) – in the meantime you can find info for every airline, worldwide, at www.carryonbagsizes.com <http://www.carryonbagsizes.com/>

All comments are moderated before being published

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

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By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Britain, the United States, France and other allies of Israel have voiced their anger over the death toll in Gaza, but when Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel, they set it aside . At least for the moment.

Israeli settlers fatally shot two Palestinians in the West Bank , according to Israeli and Palestinian officials, as tensions continued to spike in the Israeli-occupied territory.

Ruth Patir, the artist representing Israel at the Venice Biennale, said she wouldn’t open her show in the national pavilion until Israel and Hamas reach “a cease-fire and hostage release agreement.”

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

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Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and other airlines resume flights to Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq

Airspace restrictions have lifted, but travellers can expect some knock-on effects.

Air traffic over Iran and the Middle East on Sunday after flights were cancelled and diverted. Reuters

Airlines in the Middle East have resumed flights to several destinations in the region.

Etihad Airways is once again flying to Amman, Beirut and Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi, with flights resuming on Monday.

The national airline of the UAE cancelled and rerouted flights on Sunday after Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Iraq temporarily closed airspace due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

Travellers flying in the region today should be aware that there may still be delays or disruptions.

“As services return to normal following disruption caused by the temporary closure of airspace across parts of the Middle East on Sunday 14 April, there may still be a risk of some knock-on disruption across Monday 15 April,” a representative for the airline told The National.

Emirates has resumed normal operations after cancelling and rerouting some flights on Sunday. The Dubai airline is once again flying to Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, after these countries lifted airspace restrictions.

“With the reopening of these airspaces, we are resuming our scheduled operations to/from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq from the afternoon of April 14,” an airline representative told The National.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in co-ordination with the relevant authorities. Safety is always our top priority. Customers can check their flight status on emirates.com for the latest information.”

A Flydubai representative said in an emailed statement that “flights are operating to schedule” and Qatar Airways resumed flights to destinations in the region, including to Amman, Beirut and Baghdad, according to a statement from the Doha-based airline.

Flights cancelled and rerouted

Over the weekend, several UAE airlines were cancelling and rerouting flights as tensions between Iran and Israel escalated.

Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai scrapped some flights and rerouted others after Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Iraq temporarily closed airspace in light of Iran's attack on Israel.

Etihad, the national airline, cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Amman on Sunday.

It rerouted a number of European and North American flights to avoid closed airspace in the region.

Dubai's Emirates is resuming flights in the region. AFP

“Etihad Airways flights only operate through approved airspace. Safety is always our highest priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so,” a representative for the airline told The National .

Flydubai cancelled several flights on Sunday.

“Due to the temporary closure of a number of airspaces last night, some of our flights on Sunday 14 April to Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan have been cancelled,” a representative for the airline told The National.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation as the airspaces reopen and will make any amendments to our schedule accordingly.”

The airline confirmed it was “in direct contact with our passengers whose travel plans have been affected”.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi cancelled its scheduled flight to Israel on Sunday morning and said the temporary closure of airspace in the region had affected other flights.

“All passengers affected by the schedule changes will be provided with rebooking or refund options,” a representative said. “The safety and security for our passengers, crew and aircraft remains our number-one priority. We hope that normality comes back to the region soon.”

Iran cancels flights from airports across the country

Empty desks in the departure terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel on Sunday morning. Photo: Bloomberg

Airports in Iran suspended flights across the country until at least Monday, according to reports from Iranian state media.

This includes all flights from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport.

It also applies to domestic flights from Mehrabad Airport and airports in Shiraz, Isfahan, Bushehr, Kerman, Ilam, and Sanandaj.

Where are diverted flights in the Middle East going?

April 14 vs April 07. Air traffic that used to fly over Iraq has now moved to fly either over Saudi Arabia/Egypt or over Tajikistan/Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/xp9hNblCwH — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) April 14, 2024

As several countries in the region restricted airspace, flights heading to Europe or to the US had to be diverted, typically via Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The change of flight path could add up to an hour to flight times for many passengers. As well as delayed journeys, this is likely to affect connecting flights in other destinations.

Planes that used to fly over Iran are also being diverted over Tajikistan and Pakistan, showing a change of pattern in the skies over the Middle East in a post shared by flight-tracking company Flight Radar 24.

Israel reopens airspace

Flights have resumed at Ben Gurion Airport after Israel reopened its airspace on Sunday morning, but travellers still face disruption. Getty Images

Initial airspace closures in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Israel expired in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Israel's airspace reopened at 7.30am and an Arkia flight from the Seychelles was the first to land at Ben Gurion International Airport. Three El Al flights departed the airport on Sunday morning, with Israel's national airline bound for Prague, Athens and Larnaca.

Israel's airport authority on Sunday advised flight schedules at Ben Gurion would be subject to change.

Jordan has also reopened airspace, according to aviation authorities in the country. Samer Majali, chief executive of Amman airline Royal Jordanian, told Reuters the airline's flights have resumed but passengers could expect delays.

Iraq reopened its airspace on Sunday morning, with flights resuming across the country, and airspace in Lebanon reopened at 7am local time.

Middle East Airlines – Lebanon's national airline – announced on Facebook it was postponing most flights departing Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport.

What should affected travellers do?

Emirates advises customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport to check their flight status on emirates.com for the latest information regarding their flights.

It's best to do this before travelling to the airport.

Passengers impacted by flight changes should contact their airline or travel agent and reconfirm travel plans before going to the airport. Getty Images

Etihad also advises travellers to check the status of any coming journeys on the airline's website. Passengers who want to change their travel plans in light of disruptions have been asked to reach out to the Etihad Airways Contact Centre, or to the travel agent with which they booked flights.

Travellers can also check any travel insurance policies owned to see what is stated with regards to coverage for flight cancellations due to airspace restrictions. Those with future travel plans in or through the region should continue to monitor the situation for developments, and reconfirm flight schedules ahead of travel.

International airlines suspend flights to the region

Planes operated by Austrian Airlines sit on the tarmac at Vienna International Airport. AFP

Austrian Airlines suspended all flights to Tel Aviv, Erbil and Amman on Sunday. The national airline of Austria and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group has scrapped flights to the three destinations until April 15.

The move comes after the airline previously canned flights from Vienna to Tehran until April 18. Austrian Airlines was the last western European airline still flying to Iran amid the escalating tensions.

Germany's Lufthansa has taken similar precautions, announcing on Sunday that it is suspending flights to Amman, Erbil and Tel Aviv until at least Monday. The airline has also suspended flights to Beirut and Tehran until Thursday, April 18.

On Saturday, Australia's Qantas said it would redirect long-haul flights between Perth and London to avoid Iranian airspace.

Travellers on the 17.5-hour flight, can now expect to stop in Singapore where the jet will refuel, before continuing on an alternative route. The return service from London to Perth will continue to fly non-stop on a readjusted path due to prevailing winds.

Follow regional developments on our live blog

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International Edition

American Airlines' Dog Policy: 5 Things To Know

American Airlines allows carrying a dog or a cat in the cabin, though it must meet size, age, and destination restrictions.
The US-based legacy carrier accepts a maximum of seven kennels in the cabin, while the regional subsidiary, American Eagle, only allows five.
Besides the kennel, passengers are only entitled to another personal item, but no carry-on bag.

Some say that solo travel is the best way of exploring the world while reconnecting to our inner selves. Some others would never embark on an adventure without their travel buddy, and finally, we find those who love travel groups, whose motto is "the more, the merrier." However, airlines should not forget about another fundamental group of travelers, i.e., those who do not want to leave their pets behind. Indeed, increasingly, more people do not want their furry friends missing from the holiday portrait, which means they might need to bring them on a plane.

However, not all airlines have the same rules for carrying pets, which, on the one hand, is not welcoming news for airport staff dealing with customers at check-in desks. Neither is it for the customers, who must go through airline websites repeatedly to get all the information they need to ensure their cute travel companions reach their final destination. Simple Flying has put together five must-knows if you are planning a trip with American Airlines and are thinking of bringing your pets along.

Which Rules Surround Taking Pets On Airplanes In 2023?

It's raining flying cats and dogs, american airlines only allows cats and dogs in the cabin.

First things first, you should know American Airlines only allows cats and dogs in the cabin. Therefore, if you have any other kind of pet, say, a guinea pig, they won't be allowed in the cabin with this carrier. According to the airline's rules, a cat or a dog can be carried in the cabin as long as they meet size, age, and destination requirements. Should these conditions be met, the pet can be taken on most flights lasting up to 12 hours and on those to or from the following locations:

The 48 contiguous United States.
The United States and Canada.
Puerto Rico.
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

On American Airlines' flights, passengers are allowed to bring one kennel onboard, provided that they have paid the carry-on pet fee and that the pet stays in the kennel, which must be placed under the front seat for the entire flight. Additionally, the kennel substitutes the carry-on bag if a pet is carried in the cabin. Therefore, passengers are only entitled to bring one personal item besides the kennel.

Flying your pet at all costs

The pet in cabin fee is $125 each way.

If you're traveling on a budget, you might want to double-check how much you will be charged to carry your furry friend in the cabin with you.

American Airlines charges its passengers willing to bring their pet in the cabin a $125 fee each way. Additionally, if you're flying domestically with a voluntary stop-over at one of American's hubs lasting more than four hours, you'll incur an additional $125 charge. Besides this cost, you might want to become an expert with aircraft types, as pets are not allowed on every plane in the American Airlines fleet. Indeed, because of a lack of under-seat storage, pets are not permitted on the following aircraft types:

Boeing B777-200
Boeing B777-300
Boeing B787-8
Boeing B787-9

As you're paying quite a sum to make your furry friend fly with you, you want to ensure they are fit to board a plane. When the carrier is American Airlines, this means the pet must not have been sedated. Indeed, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers incur a higher risk of respiratory or cardiovascular problems at higher altitudes.

Let's talk numbers

From kennel size to maximum number of pet in cabin per aircraft.

To make things easier for its passengers, American Airlines publishes the maximum number of pets allowed in the cabin for each flight.

On its mainline flights, American Airlines only allows seven kennels, even though service animals do not count toward this limit. American Eagle, the carrier's regional subsidiary, only accepts a maximum of five kennels per flight. Regarding the kennel, the airline allows soft-sided and hard-sided carriers. For the latter, the size requirements vary based on whether you're flying American Airlines or American Eagle.

On American Airlines' flights, hard kennels should not exceed the following size:

19 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches (48 cm by 33 cm by 22 cm)

On American Eagle flights, measures for the kennel change to the following:

16 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches (40 cm by 30 cm by 8 cm)

If it is the first time you are carrying your pet in the cabin, and you still have to purchase a kennel, American Airlines recommends a soft-sided one, whose measures are:

18 inches by 18 inches by 11 inches (45 cm by 45 cm by 28 cm)

Checked pets

Not all pets are allowed as checked pets.

For now, if your furry friend does not meet the requirements to travel in the cabin, you are most likely not allowed to make them fly as checked baggage on your flight.

Indeed, American Airlines currently only accepts checked pets for active-duty US military and US State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to two pets can be checked, and these must always meet the destination's minimum age and health requirements. In case you are checking a pet, you are required to provide a health certificate, which must be issued by a vet within:

Ten days of departure
60 days of return (for travel on the same ticket)
Ten days of return (for travel on separate tickets)

Suppose your pet does not qualify for cabin travel or as a checked pet. In that case, you might consider shipping it to your final destination through the American Airlines PetEmbark program, whose specifics are illustrated in the video below.

Temperature restrictions

These ensure the well-being of the pets.

Let's not forget that we constantly look for comfort when we travel. So would a pet. Therefore, American Airlines mandates some temperature restrictions to ensure its well-being while onboard.

These restrictions are mainly aimed at ensuring that checked pets and pets traveling in the cargo section are not exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures at the following touchpoints:

The animal holding area
At terminal facilities
When moving animals between the terminal and the aircraft
On the plane

If the current or forecasted temperature at any location of the itinerary is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C), the pet is not allowed to fly. Additionally, pets that are not traveling in the cabin cannot fly to, through, or from Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS), or Palm Springs (PSP) between May 1st and September 30th. On the other hand, pets are not allowed if the current or forecasted temperature at any location of the itinerary is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C).

The cold temperature limitation can be waived if you hold a written letter from a vet including the following points:

Your name and address
Your pet’s name
Your vet’s name and signature
Your vet’s accreditation date and number
The temperature your pet is acclimated to

Additionally, the letter must be issued:

Within 10 days of the first flight
Within 30 days of any other trips in the same itinerary

However, should the temperature drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 degrees C), the pet is not allowed to fly even with a letter from the licensed vet.

Have you ever flown with your pet on an American Airlines flight? Let us know by clicking on the comment button below!

American Airlines

IATA/ICAO Code: AA/AAL

Airline Type: Full Service Carrier

Hub(s): Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Year Founded: 1926

Alliance: oneworld

CEO: Robert Isom

Country: United States

Airline Group: American Airlines Group

Region: North America

Loyalty Program: AAdvantage

American Airlines' Dog Policy: 5 Things To Know

Global airlines are governed by strict 'freedoms of the air' dating back 80 years. They've created some funky routes.

Global airlines are governed by nine "freedoms of the air," drafted 80 years ago in 1944.
These dictate how airlines can operate in foreign nations, with some more complicated than others.
The fifth freedom can give airlines a competitive edge and help capitalize on demand.

Over the past 100 years of shuttling people around the globe in metal flying machines, the world's aviation network has grown into a vast web of intersecting routes that connect nearly every corner of the globe.

Because of the complexities of crossing international borders, commercial carriers follow what is known as the "freedoms of the air" — or the right for an airline to operate within a nation other than its own.

These building blocks of aviation make international connectivity possible.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO , there are five official freedoms and four other "so-called" rights, that have been outlined in agreements between countries. ICAO is an agency of the United Nations that sets standards for the global aviation industry.

Drafted in 1944 during what is known as the Chicago Convention, the laws were written as world governments relaxed their grip on airline networks and pricing. This liberalization, however, meant countries with bigger airlines would likely dominate the skies — prompting them to implement strict route regulations.

The governing freedoms not only promote more competition and choice but also allow airlines to optimize routes and increase efficiency, according to FlightRadar24 .

Most international carriers except for a very small few follow the basic freedoms of allowing airlines of one state to fly over or land in another, and vice versa.

Open Skies agreements simplify these international routes, like the one between the European Union and the US that allows any airline registered in either market to fly between the two.

Some freedoms are more complicated, but provide interesting and diverse route options to travelers.

The fifth and eighth freedoms of the air

Beyond the first four freedoms, there is one more officially recognized right, as well as the four "so-called" rights. The latter four were not officially drafted during the 1944 Chicago Convention but are regularly accepted and practiced worldwide.

According to ICAO, the fifth freedom gives an airline of one nation the right to fly between two other countries, so long as the one-stop routes start or end in its home country and all parties agree.

Among the most well-known fifth freedom routes are Emirates' flights from New York-JFK to Milan and Newark to Athens, both flying onward to the carrier's base in Dubai.

Similarly, Singapore Airlines flies between New York and Singapore via a stop in Frankfurt , and Australian flag carrier Qantas flies between Sydney and New York via Auckland, New Zealand, according to Google Flights.

United Airlines' delayed fifth freedom route will fly between the US mainland and Cebu, Philippines, via Tokyo starting in October, the carrier told Business Insider on Monday. It was supposed to start in July — before the FAA launched an investigation after a string of safety incidents at United.

These unique routes can be efficient for airlines trying to serve destinations that a plane can't reach nonstop, like Emirates' fifth freedom between Mexico City and Dubai via Barcelona or Latam Airlines' route between Sydney and Santiago, Chile, via Auckland.

Still, carriers will make stops on otherwise attainable direct flights because they can capitalize on the high-demand market on both legs — filling more seats and making more money.

Customers may also view carriers like Emirates and Singapore as a more luxe offering than the competing US and EU carriers across the Atlantic.

On the other hand, an airline that wants to serve a low-demand market can better fill the plane by adding a fifth-freedom leg to a nearby city, like Dutch flag carrier KLM's flight between Amsterdam and Santiago via Buenos Aires.

Among ICAO's most interesting "so-called" rights is the eighth freedom, which gives an airline the right to fly between two cities in a country that isn't its own— but the domestic leg seats cannot be sold as the entire journey must start or end in the foreign airline's home nation.

"Five Freedom Agreements"

First Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to fly over another without landing.

Second Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation the right to land in another territory for a technical stop. Think refueling or an inflight mechanical issue that prompted an unplanned emergency landing.

Third Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to carry passengers to a foreign state, and vice versa.

Fourth Freedom

This allows the airline of one nation to take on passengers originating in another. The fourth freedom is simply the reverse of the third freedom.

Fifth Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to carry passengers between two countries other than its own so long as the route starts or ends in the carrier's home state.

"So-called" rights

Six Freedom

This allows an airline to carry passengers from one nation to another via its home state. This represents the typical hub-and-spoke network used by global airlines.

Seventh Freedom

The seventh freedom is similar to the fifth freedom but takes out the limitation of where the route must start or end. Instead, an airline has the right to fly between two nations other than its own without flying onward to its home base.

The EU's single-aviation market, for example, grants airlines the right to fly to and from any EU country, like Ireland-based Ryanair that flies between Rome and Vilnius, Lithuania.

Eighth Freedom

This allows an airline to fly between two cities in a foreign country so long as all passengers originate or are destined for the airline's home state.

Ninth Freedom

This cabotage freedom allows an airline of one nation to fly between two points in a separate single country. This does not exist in the US, but it does in the EU — like easyJet's back-and-forth nonstop between Paris and Nice, for example.

Watch: Why Singapore Changi Airport was just named best in the world

Main content

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A Brief Guide To EU Air Passenger Rights
What Restrictions For Airline Travel
Air travel restrictions in a pandemic: Easy to implement, hard to
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ECDC and The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) today issued a new version of the Aviation Health Safety Protocol providing clear operational guidance and risk-based recommendations for health-safe air travel to complement the European Union's initiatives, such as the EU Digital COVID Certificates.
Questions and answers on COVID-19: Travelling
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 during the coronavirus pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, EU Member States took various measures to restrict travel in order to limit the spread of coronavirus. To ensure coordination and clear communication across the EU, the Commission worked on fostering cooperation and exchange of information regarding such restrictions. On 13 October 2020, on the basis of a ...
Coronavirus related restrictions for travel into the EU
Restrictions on travel to the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a first response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the EU, a coordinated temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU applied from 17 March 2020 until 30 June 2020. In June 2020, following a proposal from the Commission, the Council adopted a recommendation on temporary ...
Airports and Airlines call for all intra-EU COVID Travel Restrictions
Brussels/Geneva-ACI EUROPE (Airports Council International) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for all remaining COVID restrictions applying to intra-EU and Schengen area travel to be dropped, including all testing requirements, the need to present proof of vaccination, or complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).This includes dropping mask-wearing for travel within ...
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 ...
UPDATED: Where can I travel in Europe? A list of COVID entry ...
Liechtenstein follows Switzerland's travel advice, so make sure you check their restrictions at the time of travel. Flight free travel is the only option in these 5 European countries Lithuania
When can U.S. citizens travel to Europe?
Who is allowed to travel to the EU? The Council of the European Union has set out a new recommendation on Feb. 22, 2022, for lifting temporary restrictions for nonessential travel.This will apply as of March 1, 2022: "Member states should allow non-essential travel for persons vaccinated with an EU-approved or WHO-approved vaccine, recovered persons and all persons travelling from a country ...
What are the newly-announced travel restrictions in Europe?
On Monday 29 March, the Portuguese government extended and tightened border restrictions. Now, people coming from EU countries where the incidence rate is over 500 cases per 100,000 population may ...
6 Things You Should Know About Traveling to Europe This Summer
On May 10, according to OAG data, airline schedules showed fewer than 2.5 million seats on flights heading from the United States to Western Europe in July. By contrast, more than 4.5 million ...
Information for air travellers
Information for air travellers. When flying from an EU airport, you should keep in mind certain security requirements while packing your luggage for your trip and when going to the airport to board your flight: You are not allowed to carry certain things on your person past security checkpoints at airports, You are not allowed to carry, even in ...
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 ...
New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025
October 02, 2023, 6:29 am. 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.
Where can I travel to? Travel Restrictions by Country
Many countries are reopening their borders for international travel. Find out which countries are open to vaccinated travelers. Just enter your departure country above - the map will update to reflect countries' opening status and any entry requirements for air travelers. Before you book, be sure to double check your country's official ...
Pent-up demand prompts European travel recovery as COVID ...
Aerospace & Defense category Europe's travel disruption looms over Christmas travel December 8, 2022 Legal category Legal challenges could hamper U.S. rule to limit independent contracting October ...
EASA and ECDC take first steps to relax COVID-19 measures for air travel
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued an update to the health safety measures for air travel, paving the way for a relaxation of the need to wear medical masks on board a flight, but noting that a face mask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of COVID-19.
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 ...
Which European airlines have the strictest carry-on baggage
The airline, rather opaquely, says it costs anywhere between ‎€5.00 (£4.30) and ‎€40.00 (£34.50) if you buy online or through the Wizz Air Call Centre, and ‎€25.00 if you buy the service at the airport. The price is calculated depending on your destination and which season (low or peak) you fly. Air France
Everything You Need To Know About European Carry On Sizes
Cabin allowance: 1 cabin bag and 1 personal item (e.g. handbag or laptop) Maximum dimensions: For the cabin bag, the maximum dimensions are 55 x 35 x 25cm, and the personal item dimensions can't exceed 40 x 30 x 15cm. Weight allowed: Depending on the ticket you have, the weight can be between 12-18kg. Your ticket will specify this.
U.S. Issues New Travel Restrictions Over Possible Iranian Strike
The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders. The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel.
Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and other airlines resume flights to Jordan
The national airline of Austria and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group has scrapped flights to the three destinations until April 15. The move comes after the airline previously canned flights from Vienna to Tehran until April 18. Austrian Airlines was the last western European airline still flying to Iran amid the escalating tensions.
European airlines strive to avoid another summer of chaos
Just 71 per cent of flights in Europe landed within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time last year, according to Eurocontrol data. That was roughly the same level as in 2022, a year defined ...
Pet Travel
Find out if your pet qualifies to travel. Your animal doesn't qualify for pet travel and is subject to different import regulations and export regulations if you: Don't see your pet listed below. Are exporting semen or embryos from any animal. Have a pet that's considered livestock or poultry, like pigs or chickens.
American Airlines' Dog Policy: 5 Things To Know
American Airlines allows carrying a dog or a cat in the cabin, though it must meet size, age, and destination restrictions. The US-based legacy carrier accepts a maximum of seven kennels in the ...
Travel Updates: Passport Application Costs Rise To Reduce ...
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have today updated their Covid-19 safety measures for air travel.
International Travel Is Made Possible by the 'Freedoms of the Air'
Apr 12, 2024, 2:00 AM PDT. An Emirates Airbus A380. Soos Jozsef/Shutterstock.com. Global airlines are governed by nine "freedoms of the air," drafted 80 years ago in 1944. These dictate how ...

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

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Switzerland

United Kingdom

A common approach to travel measures in the EU

Person-based approach

Map of EU regions

Emergency brake

Information for air travellers

Preparing your luggage

Preparing for the security checkpoint

Further information

France, Spain: European Union countries tightening COVID-19 restrictions for US tourists

France only welcoming vaccinated U.S. tourists

Spain requiring proof of vaccination

Denmark bans unvaccinated tourists from the U.S.

Bulgaria moved U.S. to its 'red zone'

Italy added testing, isolation requirements

Sweden barring travelers from the U.S.

Norway not allowing U.S. citizens unless visiting family

Belgium requiring COVID vaccine proof

The Netherlands has added testing requirements

Germany added the U.S. to its 'high-risk' areas

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

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

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