American travelers will be permitted to travel to Europe this summer. The European Union’s governing body has updated its list of approved countries allowed entry to the bloc’s 27 member states, and the United States made the cut.
That means that U.S. tourists should be allowed to travel to Europe, even if they aren’t vaccinated, as long as they are able to show a negative COVID-19 test.
In a June 18 announcement, the European Council recommended that member nations “gradually lift the travel restrictions at external borders” for the following countries:
- Albania
- Australia
- Israel
- Japan
- Lebanon
- New Zealand
- Republic of North Macedonia
- Rwanda
- Serbia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- United States of America
- China (as long as it allows entry to EU travelers)
The council said it based its decision on each country’s “epidemiological situation and overall response to COVID-19, as well as the reliability of the available information and data sources.”
What does this mean for me?
Member countries aren’t compelled to follow the European Union’s recommendation, and they can decide whether or not to allow American tourists in. They can also decide how strict restrictions on travelers should be, such as whether or not tourists should quarantine upon arrival. Be sure to check the requirements for the country you are traveling to.
The lifting of the travel ban only applies to Americans entering Europe, and not the other way around. European tourists are still barred from entering the United States under a travel ban announced by former President Trump in March, 2020. The Biden administration is yet to lift the ban.
Are you looking to apply for a U.S. visa from abroad? Boundless has put together a list of U.S. embassies and consulates that have reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic.