(CNN) – It was too good to last.
Although summer opened up much of Europe to American visitors, offering them the chance to fulfill their dreams of eating ice cream in Italy or touring the art museums of Paris, the end of the season has entailed new restrictions and the gates to the continent begin. close.
The news has caused several European countries to update travel restrictions for Americans, while some have banned entry for American travelers altogether.
Not surprisingly, the changes have caused widespread confusion, especially for those planning to travel to Europe in the coming months.
Here’s a look at the hardened rules and what they mean for American travelers.
Can Americans still travel to Europe?
More countries could restrict access to Americans soon.
Clara Margais / Picture Alliance / Getty Images
Yes, they can. So far, only a small number of countries have restricted all non-essential arrivals from the United States. Since the EU warning was issued, Bulgaria, Norway and Sweden are the only ones restricting all access.
However, while at least one destination, Greece, has ruled out imposing new limits on travel in the near future, it is safe to say that Americans, particularly those who are not vaccinated, will likely face more restrictions on travel. following days and weeks come.
What are the new EU rules?
However, his advice is not binding. There is no pressure for countries to take this measure and they are free to ignore it if they decide to.
This means that there are no general rules covering the continent. Instead, each destination country is free to adopt or ignore the advice according to its own preferences.
Given the value of American visitors to European tourism economies, it is likely that any decision to restrict their arrival will be taken with great reluctance.
What do EU rules mean for Americans traveling to Europe?
Surely there is much more bureaucracy, uncertainty and research.
Ultimately, it means that traveling to European countries is likely to be more difficult for Americans in the coming weeks, although it is not necessarily impossible.
As the rules change, travelers need to check if they are eligible to travel. While airlines can also check before departure, they will not need it to sell tickets.
Some countries may keep the doors open, but modify requirements such as pre-departure Covid testing, quarantine provisions, or vaccination testing.
Which countries can Americans visit in Europe?
Croatia is still open to Americans.
DENIS LOVROVIC / AFP via Getty Image
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain is currently open to fully vaccinated Americans.
Current restrictions vary from country to country. Many destinations require travelers to submit a negative Covid test on arrival, while some have test and quarantine measures in place for vaccinated visitors.
Currently, France has no travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Americans, but a Covid negative test must be done no more than 72 hours before arrival before entering Italy. A mandatory 10-day quarantine is set for fully vaccinated American travelers visiting the Netherlands, while those entering Germany must provide a negative Covid test result before they are allowed entry.
Fully vaccinated Americans are allowed to visit the United Kingdom, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
However, different tests and / or quarantine measures have been carried out in each country.
Is it safe to travel to Europe?
No trip during the pandemic is completely risk-free Covid, even for vaccinated travelers, and the best way to stay safe is to stay home and minimize exposure to the virus.
That said, if security protocols such as the use of masks, social distancing and hand sanitizer are adhered to, there is no reason why travelers cannot make a safe trip to Europe. Statistically, most Western European countries have lower Covid rates than the United States.
There are still Covid hotspots (Montenegro recently experienced a significant increase in cases), so it’s worth consulting the travel tips from the U.S. embassy at the destination. Again, it is a matter of research.
Will there be more countries closing their borders?
It is not entirely clear. Since several European countries have introduced new restrictions for U.S. travelers based on EU advice, it is possible that others will do the same in the coming weeks.
Restrictions have occurred due to the spread of the Covid Delta variant in the United States, with cases reaching the highest number in many months during the months of July and August. As figures remain high in September and colder months are expected to fuel the spread of the disease, it seems likely there will be more restrictions.
What should I do if I have booked a trip to Europe?
If you have booked a trip to a country open to Americans, you should have no problem as long as you follow all the recommended tips.
But if the rules have changed since you booked, many hotels and airlines recognize Covid issues and restrictions and can offer refunds if you book directly. It’s worth asking.
As with all travel during the pandemic, there is a risk that you may end up out of pocket.
Luis Araujo, president of the European Travel Commission, a non-profit organization that promotes tourism on the continent, stresses that American travelers continue to be a high priority for Europe despite changes in regulations.
“American travelers are of crucial importance to Europe and most European destinations remain open to American visitors and wish to welcome them to our shores,” Araujo told CNN Travel in a statement.
“That said, we have to accept that we are still living the reality of this ongoing pandemic and we will experience some setbacks on our path to recovery.
“U.S. travelers still need to be aware of health measures and to abide by the rules at their destination.”
Do I have to book a future trip to Europe?
As mentioned above, with any travel plan in the current pandemic, there are risks that need to be changed or canceled. If you are looking for a getaway completely free of bureaucratic hassle, uncertainty and stress, the answer may be a no-brainer.
But Araujo insists that American citizens should “continue to plan their trips to Europe,” while maintaining “control over all the latest travel rules and cancellation policies.”
“With current vaccination rates and safety protocols, safe international travel is absolutely possible and this summer season proves it.”
Which European countries have banned unvaccinated U.S. travelers?
Now the Netherlands requires the quarantine of vaccinated Americans.
Ramon Van Flymen / ANP / AFP / Getty Images
Denmark, Finland, France, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands and Spain have banned non-vaccinated non-essential American travelers. Meanwhile, all non-essential American travelers are prohibited from visiting Bulgaria, Norway, and Sweden, regardless of their vaccination status.
What vaccines are accepted in Europe?
To be considered a fully vaccinated visitor, travelers must have been administered a full dose of vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen – two weeks before the trip.
Can I travel to Europe with unvaccinated children?
The new rules will not affect children too young to be vaccinated. Children under the age of 12 can travel with vaccinated adults to European countries where US travelers are allowed to enter. But while children under 12 are exempt from all restrictions in some countries, others require a negative Covid test.
People between the ages of 12 and 18 are subject to the same rules and restrictions as adult travelers. Again, it is worth doing a double check for each destination in case variations are introduced in these guidelines.