Although European Union countries did not immediately respond to the European Council’s removal of the United States from its list of safer countries on Aug. 30 with greater restrictions on those coming from the U.S., in the time since, an increasing number have. France is the latest to do so.
Specifically, Americans who are looking to travel to France but are unvaccinated cannot enter the country unless they have “proof of compelling reason” to visit. Those who are unvaccinated but do meet that requirement must provide a recent negative COVID-19 test result – within 72 hours for a PCR test or within 48 hours for an antigen test – and self-isolate for a seven-day period.
In addition, unvaccinated visitors should be prepared to need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to ride on many of France’s trains, visit attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and enter restaurants. This will be proven through a QR code indicating that the holder has possession of a special virus pass.
Conversely, Americans who are vaccinated will not experience any changes to the previously existing requirements. They do not need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or self-isolate. French authorities will accept the CDC card as proof of being vaccinated.
After more than a year of Americans not being able to travel to France under nearly all circumstances, the country reopened to the U.S. in June. However, the spread of the delta variant has increased case counts significantly in the U.S., prompting this partial reclosure.
Other E.U. countries that have recently tightened restrictions on American visitors include Italy, Spain, Netherlands and Denmark.
Italy requires vaccinated visitors from the U.S. to bring a recent negative COVID-19 test result while those who are not vaccinated must also meet that requirements in addition to quarantining for five days and being tested again at the end of that period.
Spain, Netherlands and Denmark are not allowing unvaccinated American tourists to enter under any circumstances. Those who are vaccinated and want to go to the Netherlands should note that they must present a recent negative COVID-19 test result and quarantine for 10 days prior to being allowed to explore the country.