France Bans Unvaccinated US Travelers

France joined the list of European countries that tightened its restrictions on US travelers. As COVID19 cases surge in the US, unvaccinated US travelers will be prohibited to enter France beginning September 12. However, it’s not a total ban on unvaccinated US travelers.

According to the French embassy, non-vaccinated travelers can still enter France but only for essential reasons. Also, they will have to show a negative COVID19 test. Plus, they will have to isolate for seven days upon their arrival.

The current protocol is that unvaccinated tourists will only need to show a negative COVID19 test to enter France. Also, vaccinated Americans will still need to show a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours.

If you’re traveling to France, fully vaccinated and those who can show proof of vaccination have better mobility to explore different places. France already required tightened restrictions for those who are entering indoor venues and riding trains. Individuals need to show vaccination proof or a negative COVID19 test to enter museums, popular tourist spots, and restaurants.

EU Removes the US from Its List of Safe Countries

The European Union announced on August 30 that the US is no longer in the list of safe countries. The EU recommended member states to ban nonessential travel from the US.

Aside from France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Denmark also banned unvaccinated US travelers. Italy, on the other hand, added requirements that also apply even for vaccinated US travelers. This complicates international travel for American travelers.

But since US visitors are valued in Europe’s tourism industry recovery, there will likely be countries that will hesitate to issue a total ban on US travelers.

Unvaccinated US Travelers Have Fewer EU Destinations

What does it mean for US Travelers? It’s going to be a good idea for travelers to keep on checking for any possible updates since rules can change with just a few days’ notice.

However, fully vaccinated Americans are more welcome in different parts of Europe than unvaccinated travelers. Countries like Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Poland, the Netherlands, and even France are currently open to fully vaccinated travelers from the US.