European Travel Restrictions for Americans

Summer is a fun and American’s favorite season because they love to take time off to relax and spend some time in the sun. Unfortunately, there are travel restrictions for Americans traveling to Europe and abroad, and this blog will advise the fact about the COVID-19, travel restrictions, and travel alternatives.

While the US new cases are surging, the European opens its borders to specific citizens, including the Schengen Area. The tourism industry in Europe began to reopen as more travelers headed to Europe this summer but with cautions. For American travelers, it’s still out of the question. The US Department of State remains a temporary Global Travel Advisory issued level 4 as “Do Not Travel”, meaning that all travelers should avoid all international travel. It is essential to wait until the pandemic is over or risk transferring new infections abroad.

We advised us to protect the public from getting more infections, not only locally but also abroad.

Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.

CDC recommends you stay home as much as possible, especially if your trip is not essential, and practice social distancing especially if you are at higher risk of severe illness. Don’t travel if you are sick or travel with someone who is sick.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

COVID-19 Facts: 

• US cases set a new record of daily new cases.
• All 50 states have reported in cases.
• The US ranks the most confirmed cases in other countries.
• European borders will open up in July.
• Flights to/from Europe are still limited availability. For American tourists, traveling to Europe is still a temporary off-limits.
• The US Department of State still issues the Global Travel Advisory as level 4, do not travel. Americans can’t wait until the pandemic is over to travel abroad.
• Most European countries have a decrease in new cases except in Sweden, in which residents are still voluntary to wear a mask and/or practice social distancing.

Sweden’s COVID-19 response is controversial because residents have a voluntary to wear masks, to practice social distancing and decided to stay open all business as usual. The COVID-19 response is too lax. If residents chose not to wear masks or practice social distancing from others, the new cases will increase or spike, resulting in more new cases of infections and deaths. I think the lockdown (closing borders), such as Norway and Denmark, really works, and stay-at-home orders will save millions of people worldwide.

Can I travel to Europe if I am a regular traveler? If not, what are the exceptions?

The majority of countries in Europe are still temporary off-limits for non-essential American workers. Indeed, they asked Americans to state the purpose of travel. If they are traveling for leisure abroad, they usually don’t let you enter in some countries. They will subject to quarantine or even on lockdown abroad. The US Department of state advise Americans are eschew traveling abroad during the summer of 2020 to protect the public, except essential workers (see exceptions):

Exceptions:

• Scientists who are working abroad
• Medical workers, including traveling nurses, doctors who work abroad, or similar occupations
• Crew members, including pilots, captions,
• Transport workers who transport essentials abroad
• Other essential workers who require to work abroad
• Life or death situations in which require to visit loved one abroad

Where can Americans travel instead of Europe?

Instead of trips abroad, including Europe, Americans are allowed to go to beaches (if the residents live in states with a coastline), parks, hike, local towns, and out of state (some states have imposed a 14-day quarantine for travelers).

Keep in mind that the COVID-19 is not over yet, even it is hot and humid. It is crucial to reconsider travel to places where there are high risks of COVID-19.

Wear a mask, practice social distancing, hand washing, and maintain hygiene habits to protect us, including the public. These are critical notice to everyone.

For example, if you live in Philadelphia, you can still have a good time at the Downtown Philadelphia, including city hall, public parks, etc without going to faraway places. But there is quarantine for those who traveled to these states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah

Finally, if you decide to travel to an out of state, you may be required to self-quarantine for 14 days once you return home from these states. If you live in the state or country, be sure to check for the local quarantine, stay-at-home, and lockdown order and ask if you don’t understand.

Reference:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (2020). COVID-19 Information for Travelers. Retrieved from https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx