Europe Opens for Vaccinated Tourists

As news that people have been receiving vaccinations around the world, the travel industry is eagerly waiting for an explosion of domestic and international trips.

Many countries are desperate to reopen their borders for non-essential travel and start rebuilding their economies that have been ravaged by the pandemic.

There is a growing list of countries planning to open borders and allow entry of foreign tourists vaccinated against COVID-19.

Several European countries are now introducing exemptions for travellers who hold a vaccine certificate. This could inspire confidence, ease travel and boost domestic and international tourism

Being vaccinated for COVID-19 does not ensure protection for the traveller and vaccinated tourists should still wear a mask and follow the guidelines to prevent unknowingly spreading the virus.

Romania

Citing economic reasons for opening up to vaccinated visitors, Romania has lifted all travel restrictions for tourists who have been vaccinated within the EU.

The country's National Committee for Emergency Situations (CNSU) said that people coming from countries or areas of high risk, or who have come into direct contact with someone who's tested positive for COVID-19, are exempt from quarantine measures if they are fully vaccinated.

The CNSU said this decision was reached based on a downward trend in infections in Romania. It added that there is a “need to create the necessary socio-economic conditions” to benefit the national economy.

Previously, all incoming travellers had to quarantine for 14 days but a recent announcement by Romanian authorities states that travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will bypass the quarantine.

Travellers will need to wait for a minimum of 10 days after their second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine before travelling to Romania.

Cyprus

Cyprus has announced that inbound travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 will be exempt from quarantine and Covid testing as of March 2021.

Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos stated that as of 1st March 2021, Cyprus is planning to reopen for vaccinated travellers without restrictions.

“The amended action plan is expected to further boost the interest of airline companies to carry out additional flights to Cyprus, improve connectivity and increase passenger traffic,” the minister said according to the Cyprus Mail.

Iceland

The government of Iceland has announced that all travellers in the EU and approved third party countries who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will have restriction-free entry beginning on 1st May 2021. Travellers who present an international certificate of vaccination will not need to undergo testing or quarantine measures.

A vaccination certificate does not exempt travellers from the current travel restrictions before May 2021.

Poland

The Polish government has announced that all travelers coming from approved countries who have been vaccinated for Covid-19 will be exempt from the mandatory 10 day quarantine.

Vaccinated travellers will need to present proof of an international certificate of vaccine.

To Follow Suit

Government officials in both Denmark and Greece are discussing plans to loosen restrictions for travellers that have been vaccinated. Reportedly, Estonia and Spain are also expressing interest in allowing vaccinated travellers to enter their respective territories without restrictions.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you feel confident to travel once most of the population is vaccinated? Talk to us in the comment section below.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.