After so much bad news and so many border closures throughout the pandemic, we’ll take good news whenever we can get it. And there is great news lately. Every American ages 12 and up is now eligible for vaccination. French Polynesia reopened on May 1. The same day, fully vaccinated Americans could enter the Bahamas without a negative COVID test.
Summer in Europe? Maybe!
Perhaps best of all, European Commission president Ursula van der Leyen told the New York Times that the EU “will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by the European Medicines Agency. Those include Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, the three vaccines available in the U.S. “This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union,” she said.
She was scant on details, but it appears we might be able to enjoy a favourite pastime: a summer vacation to Europe.
Where Can You Go?
Non-EU member Iceland already welcomes fully vaccinated travellers or those with a negative PCR test from the US. Greece, an EU member, will begin doing so May 14. Fully vaccinated travellers are also welcome in Croatia, Montenegro, and Cyprus without quarantine or testing.
Related: Iceland: A Best Destination for Solo Female Travellers
On Friday, France announced a start date of June 9 for the same conditions. Spain is piloting a digital health certificate system at all its airports in preparation for reopening. The UK listed the US as a “red” state, but we’re hoping that they’ll allow us in by June or July.
“Spain is going to be ready in June to tell all travelers worldwide that you can visit us,” Fernando Valdes Verelst, Spain’s secretary of state for tourism, said at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Cancun last week.
The EU parliament approved the creation of a union-wide pass that would allow fully vaccinated travellers to traverse the 27-country bloc freely. However, individual member states will likely be allowed to impose their own restrictions.
What Does This Mean?
While this is great news, you shouldn’t be planning to visit next week. There’s more work to be done before all of Europe is accessible. Individual country restrictions mean that country-hopping (a favourite American pastime) is probably going to be hard. Your best bet is to pick one or two countries that pair well together. (Or, two countries that pair well unexpectedly.)
“Fully vaccinated” date varies by country, so be sure to check with your travel advisor before making plans. I’ll be here when you’re ready >> travel@paperinkandpassports.com