Recently the US and Canada have changed their restrictions for allowing European citizens to enter the country. Same story goes for European countries that have decided to open up again for US and Canadian travellers. In this blog we provide an overview of the different regulations to help business travellers with their future flights.
Additionally, if you are planning to travel to the EU to visit some industry tradeshows or hot business leads, this information is essential.
What are the restrictions for travellers coming from Canada to Europe?
Currently, all Canadian citizens are able to enter the European Union, because Canada is on the EU’s safe list. In order to leave Canada, starting October 30th 2021, all Canadian citizens have to show proof of being fully vaccinated in order to board. Moreover, the Canadian government will put a transition phase in place from the 30th of October to the 30th of November. In this one month time span, travellers can still show a negative PCR test for travelling. It is important that the test has been done no more than 72 hours before the travel date. After the 30th of November only fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed to board on the plane.
Additionally each country in Europe has its own regulations for travellers from Canada. Below you will find an overview of the regulations for the main European countries.
France
In June 2021, France opened its borders to Canadians citizens. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists are allowed to enter the country. Vaccinated Canadians only need to show proof of vaccination, while for the unvaccinated ones a PCR test taken 72 hours before the flight or an antigen test taken no later than 48 hours before the flight is required. For more information check the France Diplomacy website.
Germany
In July 2021, Germany opened its borders to Canadian citizens. Proof of vaccination or recent recovery is required. For unvaccinated travellers, a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before the flight or an antigen test taken 48 hours before the flight is required. For more information check the German Missions in Canada.
Italy
To enter within the Italian borders, Canadian travellers have to show either proof of vaccination, proof of recent recovery (within the last 180 days) or a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no longer than 48 hours before the flight. For more information check the Ministero della Salute.
Netherlands
Entering the Netherlands is simple for vaccinated citizens from Canada, because they only have to show their proof of vaccination, while for unvaccinated passengers a PCR test taken maximum 48 hours before the flight is required or an antigen test taken 24 hours before the flight. For more information see this checklist.
Spain
Canadian citizens are allowed to enter the Spanish borders. Citizens are allowed to enter either with proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or by showing a test. Tests allowed are PCR test carried out within 72 hours prior to the arrival in Spain or a Rapid Antigen Test carried out within 48 hours before the arrival in Spain. For more information check the Spain Travel Health website.
UK
Vaccinated Canadians can enter the UK without any test, but they must get tested maximum two days after their arrival. The test must be booked before the departure. Additionally, if you will stay in England for less than 2 days you still need to book and pay for a corona test. On the other hand, unvaccinated travellers must take a COVID-19 test maximum 3 days before travelling to England. In addition, unvaccinated travellers must book and pay for a test on the 2nd day of arrival and one for the 8th day in the UK. Moreover, unvaccinated Canadians must quarantine for 10 days at the place they are staying. If you are staying for less than 10 days, you still need to book for tests in advance and quarantine for the time you will stay. If you are travelling to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, different rules may be in place. For more information see this official guidance.
Lastly, after entering a country in the EU, Canadians can show either proof of vaccination, a negative test result or proof of recovery to move between countries that are in the EU.
What are the restrictions for travellers coming from the US to Europe?
At the moment of writing, US citizens are allowed to leave their country and enter Europe. Each country in Europe has its own regulations which each traveller must comply with. Below you will find an overview of the requirements imposed by each country for travellers coming from the United States. The US Department of State website offers an overview of all the countries that US citizens can enter and their regulations.
France
US citizens are allowed to enter France. Fully vaccinated travellers just need to show proof of vaccination. Full vaccination means that it has already been two weeks since your second shot of Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, or it has been four weeks after your J&J shot. Unvaccinated travellers are required to take a PCR test taken 72 hours before the flight or an antigen test taken no later than 48 hours prior to departure. Additionally, unvaccinated travellers must self-isolate for 7 days upon arrival and take a PCR test and the end of the seven days. For more information check the embassy website for France.
Germany
Germany is open for US citizens. All vaccinated citizens can enter the German borders freely. Unvaccinated citizens will have to demonstrate a valid reason for entering the country. Additionally, non-vaccinated travellers can show proof of recovery in the last six months or a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before the flight or an antigen test taken 48 hours before the flight is required. For more details check the embassy information for Germany.
Italy
US citizens are allowed to enter the Italian borders. All travellers must complete the Passenger Locator Form. Additionally if travellers have been vaccinated with both doses or show proof of recovery from COVID-19, they will not need to self-isolate upon their arrival. On the other hand, US citizens who have not been vaccinated have to get tested either with a molecular or antigenic test carried out within 72 hours prior to entry into the country. Travellers that need a test will have to self-isolate for 5 days upon their arrival and get tested after the 5 days. For more information check the Ministero della Salute.
Netherlands
US citizens are allowed to enter the Netherlands. The US is considered a 'high risk area' (not 'very high risk') and for this reason self-isolation upon arrival is not required. If travellers have been vaccinated they just need to show proof of vaccination to enter the Dutch borders. For unvaccinated travellers it is required to show proof of testing. The test can either be an antigen test taken 24 hours before departure or a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. For more information check this governmental website.
Spain
US citizens are allowed to enter the Spanish borders. Travellers are allowed to enter either with proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or by showing a test. Tests allowed are a PCR test carried out within 72 hours prior to the arrival in Spain or a Rapid Antigen Test carried out within 48 hours before the arrival in Spain. For more information check the Spain Travel Health website.
UK
Vaccinated US citizens can enter the UK without any test, but they have to get tested maximum two days after their arrival. The test has to be booked before the departure. Additionally, if you are going to stay in England for less than 2 days, you still need to book and pay for a corona test. On the other hand, unvaccinated travellers must take a COVID-19 test no more than 3 days before travelling to England. In addition, unvaccinated travellers have to book and pay for a test on the 2nd day of arrival and one for the 8th day in the UK. Moreover, unvaccinated US citizens must quarantine for 10 days at the place they are staying. If your stay is less than 10 days, you still need to book the tests in advance and quarantine for the time you will stay. Different rules may be in place if you are travelling to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. For more information check the UK government's website.
Lastly, after entering a country in the EU, US citizens can show either proof of vaccination, a negative test result or proof of recovery to move between EU countries.
The information provided in this blog is accurate (26 October 2021), but considering that the restrictions are changing fast, we recommend checking the government website of the desired country.
About EuroDev
EuroDev, established in 1996 with offices in The Netherlands and France, has a single, defined purpose to help mid-sized North American companies expand their business in Europe. We have created a proven, successful business development model and since our founding, have partnered with over 300 companies to help them define and meet their European business goals. Services provided include Sales Outsourcing, HR Outsourcing and Digital Marketing.
