Europe is easing its Covid-19 restrictions and opening up to Americans and other visitors. The country is opening restrictions to lure in tourists and their dollars. But the travelers will need the patient to figure out who is allowed in which country, how, and when.
As the European doors open after March 2020, tourists will discover a patchwork of systems instead of a border-free leisure zone. The national government has held out against surrendering control over their frontiers during the pandemic.
However, the mood is not mutual; US borders are not welcoming visitors, and traveling is only allowed to Americans. All the countries in Europe have different rules; France will enable you to be vaccinated by the EU-approved vaccines Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson.
This rule works only for Americans, as long as they have official proof of vaccination. But other countries like China and Russia can’t follow the rules as other vaccines are used there. France borders have opened officially from Wednesday, and vaccinated travelers are asked for a PCR test that is not older than 72 hours and an antigen test that is not more aged than 48 hours. Kids who have not been immunized will be allowed but will have to show test results if their age is 11 or more.
Another European country, Italy, opened its doors to Americans in mid-May. They need to self-isolate unless they have traveled in a “covid tested flight.” That means the travelers are asked to fill out the documents about their whereabouts to facilitate the tracing of the virus.
Italy also allowed tourists from Britain, Israel, and other EU countries last month onwards. Visitors are allowed as long as they provide a covid negative proof not older than 48 hours.
Greece, which is dependent on tourism, started opening to American travelers back in April. And now it has also allowed travelers from China, Britain and 20 other nations. These visitors must show a certificate of a negative PCR test and fill a locator for their plans on visiting Greece.
Europe, which comprises 27 nations, has no unified border or tourism policy, but it’s been working to get one for months. It is thinking of approving a joint digital certificate for vaccinated people, freshly tested or recently recovered from the virus. The lawmakers of Europe endorsed this plan on Wednesday.
The free certificates will contain a QR code with advanced security features that will allow people to move between European Countries. This certificate will prevent people from undergoing the hassle of tests and quarantine on visiting the country.
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