Which EU Countries Are Easiest To Visit Right Now?

After a long, hard, more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions are starting to ease in Europe and around the world. There is even the possibility of a US-UK travel corridor ahead of the summer, making vacation travel more than possible. However, which EU countries have the least restrictions ahead of your summer vacation?

EU Digital COVID-19 certificate roll-out

For those planning their summer vacation in Europe, the Digital COVID-19 Certificate is being rolled out across the bloc right now. Let’s look at the most popular destinations which have eased their travel restrictions ahead of the summer season. This relates to border statuses, curfews, access to public facilities, quarantine requirements and more.

France

International travelers vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine are now welcome in France. However, they are still required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than three days prior to arrival.

Curfews in France have recently been pushed back to 11 pm and cafes, bars and restaurants are open for business at a lower capacity. Meanwhile, face masks must be worn, even outdoors, but this is expected to change by the end of June. Check out the official tourism website for more information.

Greece

Greece was among the first countries to reopen to tourists in May this year. To visit this popular destination, visitors must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test prior to entering the country, but there are no quarantine requirements for most.

There is still a 12:30 am curfew in place, which doesn’t badly impact visits to cafes, restaurants and bars. Even better, the iconic sites of Greece, including the Acropolis and more in Athens, are completely accessible to visitors. Find out more information about travel to Greece on the official tourism website.

Germany

Currently, each of Germany’s 16 states is subject to its own rules, so it is best to check with the official tourism websitebefore planning your visit. However, restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors have been completely lifted and restaurants, bars and hotels are opening up for business.

Italy

Italy reopened to international tourists at the beginning of June, with most visitors only needing to present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival. However, visitors from some countries, including the US, will still need to quarantine for 10 days. Cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and theaters have partially reopened to the public with capacity limits. The wearing of masks is still compulsory indoors and outdoors when in public.

Each region of Italy is expected to be classed as “low risk” by the end of June, meaning travel between regions will be possible. Currently, a midnight curfew is still in place, but it is expected to be completely lifted on June 21. Check out the latest travel status on the official tourism website.

Spain

International travelers who have been fully vaccinated are welcome in Spain for the summer season, as well as European visitors who can provide negative COVID-19 test results.

However, the Spanish government has introduced a regional traffic light system, which means that even in the very low risk category, bars and restaurants can only accept 50 percent of their usual capacity and must close by 3 am. Find out more information on Spain’s official tourism website.

Possible US-UK travel corridor

For those US residents wishing to visit the UK and vice versa, both countries are currently working on plans for a potential travel corridor at some time this year. As both countries’ vaccination programs are going well, travel between the US and UK is considered to be relatively low risk.

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a meeting prior to the G7 summit last week to discuss a possible travel corridor. While nothing has yet been finalized, it is thought that the travel corridor could open at sometime this summer, depending on the success of their respective vaccination programs.

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