Can Americans finally go to Europe?

There are finally some positive developments to report when it comes to the ability of Americans to travel to Europe. As you likely know, most of Europe has remained off-limits to Americans for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, much of Europe continues to deal with new surges in COVID-19 infections, and some countries, like France, have even had to go back into lockdown. More than half of the 27 states of the European Union have growing caseloads of coronavirus -- mostly due to more aggressive strains of the virus.

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Still, now that vaccines are rolling out, a few countries are beginning to ease rules and again allow Americans -- mostly vaccinated Americans so far -- but progress is progress. For the purposes of this list, we are counting all the countries of Europe, not just the European Union.

Here's the current list of where Americans can go in Europe. We will keep this list updated, so check back often.

Albania

PCR test required? No

Quarantine required? No

Albania is open for Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania, though, "Enhanced screening and quarantine measures are being implemented."

Albania has a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice. Keep in mind, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Albania is Level 3: Reconsider Travel.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

PCR test required? Yes, within 48 hours of arrival

Quarantine required? No

U.S. citizens are allowed with proof of a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken in the 48 hours before entry. There are local curfews in place but few other restrictions at this time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against travel, however, because COVID-19 rates are so high and hospitals are strained.

Croatia

PCR test required? Yes, or proof of vaccination or antibodies

Quarantine required? No, except if you are testing on arrival

As of April, vaccinated American travelers can now bypass the country’s COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements. Note that travelers must be fully vaccinated, with the final dose (or a single dose, for one-jab vaccines like Johnson & Johnson) having been administered at least 14 days prior to departure.

Related: Updated guide to visiting Croatia during COVID-19

Croatia is also open to travelers who are not vaccinated, although they will have to meet specific entry requirements.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Croatia, U.S. tourists must fill out the Enter Croatia form and present one of the following:

• a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken less than 48 hours before arrival; those who provide a rapid antigen test result and are staying in Croatia longer than 10 days must repeat the test within 10 days of the original test.
• a vaccination certificate showing vaccination was completed at least 14 days before entry to Croatia
• a certificate confirming recovery from a COVID-19 infection with a positive test result having been received within 11 and 180 days of arrival in Croatia.

Travelers can also test upon arrival (at the traveler’s cost) and self-isolate until receiving a negative result. They must also provide proof of accommodation paid in advance in full or they will not be permitted to enter the country.

Georgia

PCR test required? Yes or proof of vaccination

Quarantine required? No with proof of vaccine or negative test

Americans are now welcome in the country of Georgia, according to the U.S. Embassy: "Foreign citizens arriving by air may be unconditionally admitted to Georgia if they present a COVID-19 vaccine certificate confirming receipt of two full doses of the vaccine (or one dose in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine)." However, the U.S. State Department’s current advisory for Georgia is Level 4: Do Not Travel. There is also a nationwide curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Unvaccinated U.S. citizens or residents arriving by air through permitted countries are required to complete an application form, present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel and take a second PCR test (at their own expense) on the third day after arrival in Georgia.

Greece

PCR test required? Yes

Quarantine required? Yes, until May at the earliest

Greece said in mid-March 2021 that it would open tourism to fully vaccinated travelers and travelers with proof of COVID-19 antibodies sometime in May 2021, though details remain few and far between.

Related: Greece to open borders in May

All visitors will have to be fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Right now, Americans must also quarantine for seven days. That will hopefully change in mid-May. Greece will conduct mandatory and random health checks at borders and airports. Anyone who tests positive will need to isolate at a "quarantine hotel."

Current guidelines for visitors can be found here.

Iceland

PCR test required? Yes or proof of vaccine/antibodies

Quarantine required? Yes or proof of vaccine/antibodies

While not part of mainland Europe, Iceland is considered culturally and politically European, and it's now, after several fits and starts, open to Americans again.

Related: Traveling to Iceland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Iceland is welcoming Americans who can show proof of vaccination, including all three currently approved for use in the United States. They'll accept AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna or the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

They will also let you in if you've already had and recovered from COVID-19. According to the Icelandic government’s COVID-19 website, you need to show a positive PCR test taken 14+ days ago or proof of antibodies.

Related: Iceland is finally ready to welcome eligible Americans — for real this time

Kosovo

PCR test required? No, but recommended

Quarantine required? No for those with negative test results, seven days otherwise

Kosovo is also open to Americans but be advised that the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo urges citizens not to visit and the U.S. State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

While testing is currently not required for those traveling from the United States, the U.S. Embassy says you should get tested anyway. Some airlines may require a negative PCR test to board. If you show up without negative test results, you will be required to self-isolate for seven days.

There is a 10 p.m. curfew in place. Interestingly, the U.S. Embassy says, "Borders remain open with Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia." You could conceivably have a little journey around Southeastern Europe if you are so inclined.

Montenegro

PCR test required? Yes, taken within 48 hours

Quarantine required? No, with negative test

Montenegro is open to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro.

All visitors must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival, a positive antibody test not older than 30 days or proof of vaccination older than a week. If you do not have a negative test result, you must quarantine for 14 days. There is a 10 p.m. curfew in place.

Note that you are not allowed to travel between cities in Montenegro, and the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Montenegro is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

North Macedonia

PCR test required? No

Quarantine required? No

North Macedonia is now open to all tourists.

All arriving passengers will face temperature screening, but there are no quarantine or testing requirements. Check the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia website for updates.

There are nationwide restrictions on public gatherings and social distancing, as well as a strict 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew in place through at least April 20.

Serbia

PCR test required? Yes, less than 48 hours old

Quarantine required? No, with a negative test

Americans can now visit Serbia, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia.

A PCR or antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours is required. There are no quarantine requirements. American citizens with residency in Serbia may enter without a test but must quarantine at home for 10 days. There are no curfews, but businesses are only allowed to be open until 10 p.m., and there is only outdoor dining allowed at this time. There are no in-country movement restrictions.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Serbia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel.

Other things to remember

These may not be the European countries you most wanted to visit, but it's a start. I didn't include a few others you can visit because they require a quarantine. Those countries include Belarus and the United Kingdom. Check out our complete country-by-country guide to what's open here.

Keep in mind that the healthcare infrastructure in some of these countries is poor, and the virus is still spreading, so have plans in case you get sick or get exposed to someone who has coronavirus.

For more news on Europe, be sure to check out our Europe hub page.

Also, for your return home, remember that all people coming into the United States are required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. Make sure you have a plan for where to get tested before leaving.

Everyone aged 2 and older traveling to the U.S. must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights. Documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.