Last updated on July 3rd, 2021
Last Updated: June 2nd, 2021
As we get closer to the summer travel season, some European countries have loosened border restrictions for tourists.
Rejoice! Americans can now travel to Greece, Iceland, and Croatia for tourism and without quarantine. Spain will reopen on June 7th, France is targeting an opening date of June 9th, and Italy is allowing U.S. tourists who arrive from specific COVID-free flights to visit as of May 16th!
Check out my COVID-19 Travel Updates page for up-to-date European border reopening news.
Additional European countries have also indicated that they are trying to reopen borders to Americans this summer. Stay tuned!
Read on for additional information about traveling to the three open countries.
*Please note that these requirements are subject to change at any time and without notice.
**When returning to the United States, all airline passengers aged two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. There are no exceptions for vaccinated travelers.
GREECE
Requirements for Border Entry
Effective May 14th, 2021:
- All travelers over the age of five must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or:
- Show proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to arrival in Greece (no PCR test required)
- All visitors are subject to a random COVID test upon arrival (free of charge)
- All visitors must complete the online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before entering Greece
While Traveling in Greece
- Visitors are expected to comply with local laws and regulations regarding mask-wearing, social distancing, and curfews.
- Visitors can expect to find most museums, retail, and restaurants opened. Only outdoor dining is permitted at this time.
For more information and details: https://gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
ICELAND
Requirements for Border Entry
- Americans traveling to Iceland for non-essential reasons (tourism), must show proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to arrival in Iceland OR a certificate of prior COVID-19 infection.
- Those born in 2005 or later must test negative for COVID-19 at the border.
- All visitors will need to take a COVID test upon arrival (free of charge) and must stay in their accommodations until the result is ready (in 5-24 hours). This requirement is temporary and will be reviewed again by June 1st. (7/1/21 UPDATE: Testing at the border has ended.)
- All visitors must complete the online Pre-registration Form 72 hours before entering Iceland
For more information on entry requirements and to check for updates, visit: https://visit.covid.is/
While Traveling in Iceland
- Visitors are expected to comply with local laws and regulations regarding mask-wearing and social distancing. (7/1/21 UPDATE: Iceland became the first European country to drop all COVID restrictions. No masking or social distancing is required.)
Itinerary Inspiration: A 7-Day self-drive itinerary in Iceland could include all the must-see sights in Reykjavik, along the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, and the South Coast. Have 12 or more days to spend in Iceland? Consider driving the entire Ring Road (add about 5-6 days). I visited Iceland in June 2021 and it was perfection! Contact me to get your own point-to-point custom itinerary for Iceland.
Cassie’s Take: Iceland is enjoying a low infection rate and most sights and attractions have reopened. If you’re fully vaccinated and looking to explore the great outdoors this summer, Iceland’s varied landscape is a compelling option!
CROATIA
Requirements for Border Entry
As of April 1st, 2021, Americans can enter via any one of these 4 methods:
- A negative COVID-19 test result: PCR test less than 72 hours old or rapid antigen test not older than 48 hours prior to arrival in Croatia.
- A certificate of vaccination demonstrating a persons final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in Croatia.
- Proof via a medical certificate showing that the traveler recovered from COVID-19 between 11-180 days of a positive test result.
- Travelers may also get a PCR or rapid antigen test – at the traveler’s own expense – immediately upon arrival in Croatia. The traveler must self-isolate until a negative test result is received. If the traveler prefers not to test, they must stay in self-isolation for 10 days.
Plus:
All visitors should complete the Enter Croatia form before arrival.
While Traveling in Croatia
- Visitors are expected to comply with local laws and regulations regarding mask-wearing and social distancing.
For more information and details: https://hr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/
Cassie’s Take: Croatia is an attractive option with spectacular natural beauty. Options abound for a self-drive itinerary or for a small-ship island-hopping coastal cruise. My only concern is the requirement to show proof of having pre-paid accommodations. The border could close at any time and without notice.
If you are considering any of these open destinations for a 2021 vacation, contact me to schedule your trip consultation call. We’ll review the latest border procedures and the different ways I can help you plan your (long postponed!) European vacation.
SAVE TIME. AVOID FRUSTRATIONS. EXPERIENCE A BETTER VACATION.
European Destination Specialist
& Itinerary Designer
Hi, I’m Cassie! Here at Montage Travel, I’m crafting custom itineraries for independent travelers who want to make the most out of their valuable vacation time in Europe (who wouldn’t?).
My mission is to ensure travelers like you save time on planning and experience frustration-free trips with a well-optimized itinerary. Each and every itinerary I create is made from scratch and tailored specifically to your interests, travel pace, and preferences. An optimized itinerary and practical travel advice go hand-in-hand and are essential factors that will determine how much you will enjoy your vacation. Equipped with your own itinerary, you’ll see more by visiting sites during less crowded times, you’ll know which museums are best explored independently and which are enriched by visiting with a guide, and you’ll avoid getting lured into a tourist trap restaurant that will cost you more and be less authentic than the restaurant I’ll point you towards just down the street that caters mostly to locals.
Travel with confidence. Itineraries include unlimited revisions and unlimited 1-on-1 travel advice.
MORE FROM THE MONTAGE TRAVEL BLOG
Things To Do In Venice: 4 Ways to Enjoy the Floating City
Best Restaurants by the Eiffel Tower