etc

7 European Countries With Least Travel Restrictions In 2021

Want to go to Europe? Here is a list of 7 European countries with least travel restrictions. International travel has been completely out of the question for more than a year and a half now owing to the COVID 19 pandemic.

The devastating effects caused by this deadly virus have forced most countries to shut down their international borders for very long periods to curb the spread of this disease. However, things are slowly starting to change now.

Now that almost all nations around the globe are actively working towards getting their entire population vaccinated against COVID 19, most of the countries have eased or removed their travel restrictions/travel ban on international travelers. Several European nations have also started to lift restrictions on travel for international travelers.

Thinking about holidaying in Europe? Read further to take a look at some of the European nations that have eased the COVID requirements for international travelers.

Read: 30 Countries That Have Lifted COVID-19 Travel Ban For Indians

List Of European Countries With Least Travel Restrictions During COVID-19

1. Estonia

Top on the list of European countries with least travel restrictions, Estonia is open for business. Travelers from anywhere in the world are welcomed in this country with no restrictions (medical tests or quarantine) in the following situations.

You are fully vaccinated
A minimum of 14 days have been completed following the administration of the final dose
Not more than a year (12 Months) have passed following vaccination

In case you are not fully vaccinated, you can still visit Estonia if you satisfy at least one of the following requirements.

The infection rate in your country is below 150
You were infected with COVID 19, was tested negative later and not more than 6 months have passed
You’ve been infected with COVID 19, taken at least one dose of vaccine and not more than 12 months have passed

Read: Traveling Abroad? You’ll Need A Vaccine Passport

2. Iceland

No longer do you have to wait to see the awe-inspiring fjords of Iceland as it is one of the European countries with least travel restrictions. Iceland has opened its borders to international travelers with bare minimum restrictions. The following are some of the rules put forth by the country for international travelers.

Produce a certificate of vaccination against COVID (Fully Vaccinated Certificate)
To be fully vaccinated means you should’ve taken the only dose/both doses of vaccine
The vaccine should be the ones accepted by authorities in Iceland
A minimum of 14 days have passed since taking the final dose of the vaccine
Certificate to show that you’ve suffered COVID 19 earlier
Vaccinated/ recovered people do not have to undergo quarantine in Iceland

Read: Top 5 Safe Countries In The World To Live During The COVID-19 Pandemic

3. Ireland

The breathtakingly beautiful Ireland is covered in lush green grasslands and happens to be any nature lover’s dream holiday destination. Good news for those of you who’ve been waiting to travel to Ireland since the outbreak of COVID 19 in 2020. The country has now reopened its borders to international tourists with a few requirements.

Produce one of the following documents
A valid proof of vaccination against COVID 19
Proof of recovery from COVID 19
RT-PCR result- tested negative and taken within 72 hours before arriving in Ireland
You are also required to fill a Passenger Locator Form before leaving your country

4. Croatia

Home to some of the most beautiful beaches, castles, and ruins from the ancient Roman era Croatia is now open to international travelers with only a few restrictions. You may travel to this country by producing anyone of the following proofs.

Fully vaccinated certificate. (Final dose must be taken at least 14 days before your arrival)
Proof of recovery from COVID 19
Negative COVID 19 test result (Taken within 48 hours before you arrive in Croatia)

Travelers from certain countries including India, Tanzania, South Africa, and Brazil must produce a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before arriving in this country.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland which is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world is now open to travelers from all across the globe with a few requirements and restrictions. Theatres, amusement parks, museums, zoos, and hotels have been open to visitors since early June. It is also not mandatory to wear a mask in public places.

Some of the requirements for international travelers to enter this country are the following.

Every person who plans to enter Switzerland have to get themselves registered electronically
This does not apply to people who’ve recovered from COVID 19/ people who are vaccinated
Provide proof of vaccination
Negative test result for COVID 19
Proof of recovery from COVID 19
People traveling from a country that is treated as a risk area by Switzerland must undergo quarantine for a specific period.

6. Spain

Spain has now reopened its borders to international travelers provided they satisfy a few requirements set up by the Spanish authorities.

Duly fill in a health form before your journey
If you are coming from an area within the EU or EEA you are required to produce one of the following documents.
Certificate of recovery (From COVID 19)
Certificate of vaccination
PCR/antigen test report (Result must be negative)
If you are coming to Spain from a non-EU nation (Third countries) you need to provide one among the following.
Proof of recovery from COVID 19
Proof of vaccination
Negative antigen/PCR test result

Spain also requires people from specific nations to undergo quarantine for 10 days on arrival.

7. Greece

Greece was one of the first nations to open its borders to international travelers following the lockdown due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Travelers are expected to meet certain requirements set by the Greek government to enter into this country.

Provide proof of recovery from COVID 19 (Recovered within the past 9 months) or
Submit the certificate of vaccination or
Produce a negative PCR/antigen test result (Taken within 72 hours before you arrive in Greece)
Travelers may have to undergo random rapid testing (at the airport)
A person who tests positive must undergo 10-day hotel quarantine along with people she/he is traveling with
Quarantine expenses will be met by the Greek authorities

It is important to remember that the COVID 19 testing and other requirements vary from nation to nation within Europe and outside. The requirements include the status of vaccination, medical tests, quarantine requirements, and the list of documents that you need to carry.

Besides, the travel requirements/status of individual nations could also change suddenly depending on the COVID 19 situations within their country and outside. You need to understand country-specific requirements for entry to the specific nations that you wish to travel to.