My husband and I have a trip planned for September 25 - October 10 from Phoenix to Budapest, Austria and Prague. Where is the best place to find information on travel restrictions and whether or not we will even be allowed to travel from the US to Europe? I'm wondering if it is better to travel to just one country or if it is just too early to tell all of this. Thank you for any input.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5448 posts
First, I think it's way too early to know with any certainty what the restrictions will be on international travel (from outside Europe) in the fall. Your State Dept website should be keeping current updates on entry requirements for US citizens to different countries. However the authoritative source will always be the embassy of the country you are interested in.
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
You are asking sort of the same question on two different posts. May I suggest you eliminate one of them? In answer to your question the best place to start is the CDC travel website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html Right now all but essential travel To Europe is Level 3-not recommended. Then, assuming you’ll be able to get there the countries you are visiting may have other restrictions-a 14 day quarantine or such. Don’t assume all EU countries or Schengen zone will have the same rules when it comes to COVID-19 and travel.
I think you are brave thinking your vacation plans will hold up. It’s only 4 months away. Without a vaccine or effective treatment are you willing to risk a long distance flight? How about getting really sick in Europe? I assume you are young, healthy, willing to take the risks. Otherwise I see little indication that this virus is going away.
A short cut to help you decide is the FAQ’s on the Rick Steves website https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/coronavirus-faq If he is not taking tours there are good reasons. Right now all tours through August 15 are cancelled and he is not accepting any payment for tours for the rest of the year. This FAQ is updated every week or two.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6999 posts
The official EU website is in my opinion the best way to start to find information on travel restrictions: https://europa.eu/european-union/coronavirus-response_en
Posted by
Paris
10236 posts
Don’t assume all EU countries or Schengen zone will have the same rules when it comes to COVID-19 and travel.
My bet is that all Schengen members will * impose the same rules when it comes to Covid-19 and travel for travelers coming from *outside of the block.
Things may well open up piecemeal between countries within Schengen in the first phases, but those will be among various European countries. But Schengen as a whole will almost certainly impose uniform rules for anyone from outside.
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
I was not clear. I meant EU countries not in Schengen zone vs the Schengen zone. The EU has not been uniform.