The 27 members of the European Union have voted to allow vaccinated tourists from outside the EU to enter the EU for tourist purposes.
While some details need to be worked out and individual nations will be able to set their own rules, they should have more to say later this week or early next week.
The catch is in the second sentence.
How much risk will each country be willing to tolerate to regain tourist money.
It was to be expected, but when I see Canada on that list, I'll be doing a little happy dance...and making some travel plans to 'somewhere'. At this point, I don't think I care.
Use the second link in the original post to avoid a very irritating Paywall
What will, for US citizens, constitute 'proof of vaccination", and how many testing hoops will still be in place, will be interesting to see.
At least its a start toward reopening for tourism
While this is a step in the right direction...do keep in mind that this is the EU. This is the equivalent of a recommendation, it is not binding, nor even sets any requirements or allows anyone in. Each Country will now set entry requirements, dates, and rules once "in-country".
They also don't know when these new guidelines will go into effect. But now that the tourist industry seems to be driving the train, expect sooner rather than later regardless of what other entities may advise.
Susan, I'm right there with you. I made plans to visit Europe in July back in December and was mocked and raked over the coals for "endangering the lives of others."
Well.
Here's a good article summarizing the situation, and it's very good news.
Great, it looks like the EU is doing a 180 on vaccinated people entering Europe, like the CDC did on masks.
Wait, it is just the science.
Our trip to Italy in October is on. Also, our transatlantic cruise back home.
Hopeful news keeps coming! Some of us thought this was possible and hung on to our trips and cruises to Europe. Fall especially just seemed to be a good bet to me.....Crossing fingers there are not outbreaks with new variants! Holding hope that the hardest hit places of the world can improve and get vaccine!
A concern for us with our cruise.... Will the excursions still be offered that we hope to see?. It’s the reason we initially chose this cruise. Could be the deal breaker. We will wait some more.
We too are encouraged by the progress being made by the EU to welcome tourism back to their European economy. Although American independent travelers make up a small portion of their revenue, we do bring a smiley face! We, by and large, are considerate tourists who appreciate their cultures, sites and food.
I’m thinking that by the end of August when most Europeans have taken their holiday and returned to work/school, the industry will have learned how to handle mass tourism in the new era. I also think the coastal tourist locations will be most experienced by then.
We booked our flights using points for the end August in order to enjoy all of September in Europe rather than here in the furnace of Arizona.
