While the news of Europe's gradual reopening to American travelers is causing excitement among travel advisors and their clients, the lack of unity and clarity on the rules has translated into headaches for those who are anxious to start planning.
One thing we do know so far is that the welcome mat is being extended most enthusiastically to vaccinated travelers, and that testing is still required in some countries even with proof of vaccination. And a Covid test is still required of any traveler entering, or re-entering, the U.S.
Travel to Albania
Albania is an outlier among other European destinations in that all U.S. travelers are welcome with no testing or quarantine requirements.
There is, however, a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and masks are required in indoor public spaces for anyone over the age of 11. Travelers should take note that noncompliance for mask wearing can result in a fine.
Travel to Austria
There are hints of a mid-June date but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Once the country is open, travelers will be required to present one of three documents: proof of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, or Moderna vaccination; proof of recovery from a Covid infection; or proof of a negative Covid test (either a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours from departure).
Travel to Croatia
Visitors need proof of vaccination; a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours; or of proof of recovery from a Covid infection.
Also, tourists are required to book and pay in full for accommodations in advance of arrival and have documents to prove it, according to Wanda Radetti, the founder and president of Tasteful Croatian Journeys, adding that Tasteful Croatian Journeys will prepare the necessary documents for its guests.
Masks are required indoors and on public transportation, and nightclubs are closed.
Travel to Denmark
Fully vaccinated visitors (Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson) from the U.S. can enter Denmark for tourism without testing or quarantine requirements if they present proof of vaccination and at least two weeks have passed since their final dose.
Unvaccinated children traveling with vaccinated adults may also enter but will need to be tested on arrival, depending on their age.
Travel to Finland
Americans are still restricted from entry to Finland until at least June 27, according to VisitFinland. For the latest information on the opening date and anticipated entry requirements, see its Covid-specific site.
Travel to France
As long as they received Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson vaccines at least two weeks before arrival. They also need to present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours or a negative antigen test of less than 48 before boarding.
No quarantine on arrival is necessary for travelers who meet these conditions.
Unvaccinated children will be allowed in with vaccinated adults but will have to show a negative test. But unvaccinated adults need a so-called compelling reason to visit and will need to quarantine on arrival.
Masks are required in public venues, and fines may be levied for noncompliance.
A visits to a museum or monument should be organized quite in advance because of certain visiting restrictions -- the number of people at the same visiting slot, social distancing and the like.
For more entry specifics, visit the Foreign Ministry site and click on "Can I Enter France."
Travel to Germany
Once open, individual states in Germany may have their own testing and mask protocols, but in general, expect to wear a mask on public transportation.
Travel to Greece
Visitors must provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid PCR test.
Children 5 and younger can enter without restrictions when accompanied by adults who meet the requirements.
A curfew is in place from 1:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Restaurants and attractions are open, but size and capacity restrictions are in place. Expect to wear masks indoors and in some outdoor locations.
Travel to Iceland
Travelers who have been vaccinated or who can show proof of prior infection have been able to enter the country without testing or quarantining since April.
There are no curfews, but masks are required on public transportation, with fines enacted for noncompliance.
Travel to Ireland
Will begin welcoming U.S. tourists, vaccinated or not, on July 19.
Those who can provide proof of vaccination can skip the testing and quarantine rules. Unvaccinated travelers or those wishing to travel before July 19 will be required to present a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
There are no curfews in place, but masks are required on public transportation, indoors and outside where social distancing is not possible.
Travel to Italy
Rules may vary by region and are in flux.
Currently, the U.S. is on Italy's D list, which means Americans must present a negative Covid-19 swab test taken within 72 hours prior to entry.
Italy is also offering Covid-tested flights from the U.S., which provide some exemptions for travelers.
There are curfews in place from midnight to 5 a.m., which will be lifted on June 21. Be aware, however, that curfews can vary by region. Masks are mandatory on public transportation.
A self-declaration form is required on entry.
Travel to Malta
Will open to U.S. travelers June 17, but on a state-by-state basis. The country initially said travelers from 40 U.S. states will be allowed to enter the country with proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Travel to Portugal
As of June 15, Portugal opened to nonessential travel for U.S. nationals.
By the current restrictions, in effect until June 28, visitors must present a negative Covid PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to the time of departure or an antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to the time of departure on the first embarkation point. Children under 24 months old are exempt.
Travelers also need to present the same documentation to the border officers at arrival, but no other test or quarantine will be required.
Passengers are required to complete the Passenger Locator Card online for each passenger up to 48 hours before traveling.
Travel to Spain
Opened to vaccinated Americans June 7; arrivals must have had two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson at least 14 days before arrival. Unvaccinated children aged 6 to 17 need to present a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 of arrival; children 5 and younger are exempt.
A prearrival form with a QR code is required.
In most cases, unvaccinated U.S. adults are not able to enter Spain for tourism.
There are Covid restrictions in place throughout the country and can vary by region, but generally expect capacity restrictions in restaurants and venues.
Travel to Sweden
On May 28, the Swedish government announced that it was extending the entry ban for non-EU citizens until Aug. 31.
Travel to Switzerland
Switzerland will welcome fully vaccinated North American guests as of June 28. Quarantine and a negative Covid-19 test will not be required to enter the country.
All fully vaccinated travelers entering Switzerland by air will need to complete the online form of the Federal Office of Public Health for incoming travelers.
Travel to the United Kingdom
Visitors can enter but testing and quarantines are still in effect. In addition, passengers need to fill out a pre-entry form.
A recent visit to the UK by President Biden, talks of opening a travel corridor are underway.