Can Americans go to Europe after quarantine in the UK or Ireland?
As countries and U.S. states are reopening to tourism amidst the coronavirus pandemic, there's one pill that feels especially hard to swallow: most of Europe doesn't want American visitors.
As we reported back in June, the European Union is excluding Americans from its reopening plans because the U.S. has been unable to control the spread of coronavirus.
Related: How special visas bypass international restrictions on essential travel
There's an interesting potential loophole, though: Americans are allowed to go to Ireland or to the United Kingdom as long as they quarantine for 14-days when they first arrive. This begs the question: Can Americans go on to other countries in Europe once they've completed that two-week quarantine?
The short answer is, it's complicated.
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Can Americans travel from U.K. or Ireland after two weeks?
So, can you safely travel once you complete a two-week quarantine in Ireland or the United Kingdom? It depends on where you want to go, and how customs or border agents are enforcing the rules.
Related: A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery
TPG's U.K. team reached out to consulates in London and got two very different responses from Italy and Spain.
A representative from the Italian consulate said that U.S. passport holders "are permitted to travel to Italy from the U.K. without the need to quarantine, provided they have spent at least 14 days in the U.K. prior to departure to Italy."
But there's an important catch. The response continues, "This office is not able to give an absolute guarantee, as the borders authorities have full authority to evaluate each case."
Translation: Technically, it's OK, but a border agent could prevent you from entering.
Spain, on the other hand, was more direct.
A statement from the Spanish consulate reads, "An American passport holder will be allowed entry in Spain only if they are legal residents in the U.K. (or a European Union or Schengen country). American tourists in the U.K. are not allowed entry."
The Greek consulate told TPG, “Only EU citizens, permanent residents of UK/EU and their families (husbands and children) can currently travel to Greece from the UK."
None of these statements are reassuring when you're trying to plan a trip.
What TPG readers are saying about travel post-quarantine
I posed the question about traveling post-quarantine in the TPG Lounge on Facebook, and our readers weighed in.
Brack Tommie said,
"I just did this. I completed the quarantine in London. Moved around the UK, EU, Turkey, back to the UK then returned to the US all in about six weeks. I didn’t have to requarantine in the UK because I only visited air bridge countries.
I also completed a COVID test every 10 days, wore a mask 95% of the time as required by law in places like Spain and Turkey... and am now back in a 14-day self quarantine in the US.
Another TPG Louge member, Kathleen O'Donnell, said, "I’m halfway through quarantine in the U.K. Looks like after I can go to most of Europe, but will likely head to Italy, Portugal, or Croatia. Hoping Greece changes the rules for this mid-month too!"
Related: Can Americans go to Ireland?
Lounge member Alan Torres Murillo suggests that readers check official information from each country they plan to visit.
For example, Norway's government writes, "Citizens residing outside EU/EEA or Schengen countries cannot come to Norway for holiday and leisure travel now." That includes the U.K. and citizens from other countries.
Other readers have suggested that some countries are allowing a "sweetheart exemption," where you could be granted entry if you're dating a citizen. Be aware, though, you may need to provide proof and answer questions about your itinerary at the border.
One reader, Līga Spoģe, tipped us off to an especially complex situation in Latvia. Here, the government publishes a list of guidelines for travelers entering from countries across the EU. Guidance for each country includes the country's current covid infection rate, and warnings like, "Visiting is discouraged," or "Consider trip's necessity." For travelers entering from the U.K., which has a 12.6 infection rate, the guidance is "Follow standard precautions." This is the lowest level of warning and doesn't require quarantine on arrival. This guidance changes every week.
"If you plan to travel around, please be very mindful of the constantly changing requirements," Spoģe said.
Other readers have hit major snags while trying to cross borders into Europe from the U.K.
Reader Karen Alexis told TPG, "I have heard of people trying, but I'm based in the Netherlands and they've been very firm turning Americans away from the border unless they have an approved work visa in hand."
Other things to consider when traveling post-quarantine
International travel is extraordinarily complicated at the moment. COVID-19 has most of us pausing travel, but there are ways to do it, if you're willing to plan. Things to keep in mind:
- The rules for each country are constantly changing. One minute, it might be OK to travel to a country. The next, you could be facing a country-wide lockdown. Look no further than The Bahamas for the proof of how risky it can be.
- Know the rules of each country you are visiting before you go. Get the required testing and get your paperwork in order. And check back frequently before your trip.
- Be sure to book cancellable reservations, just in case.
- Understand that you're taking a significant risk. Even if you feel as though you can quarantine in the U.K. or Ireland before moving on to the EU, you're not guaranteed entry. As we say in the points and miles world, "Your mileage may vary."
Related: Here's where Americans can go
Related: What to know about hotel cancellation policies
Related: What to do if your plane tickets aren't included in coronavirus waivers
What happens if you break quarantine?
Both the UK and Ireland are dealing with visitors who are violating the countries' 14-day self-quarantine rule.
The New York Times described this problem in Ireland, and the BBC reported on lax quarantine enforcement back in July. Bloomberg reported that there have been three fines issued so far for breaking the rules. Those were for failing to provide contact information, not for actually violating the 2-week quarantine.
Don’t miss TPG’s Ireland hub — it’s got everything you need to know about traveling to the Emerald Isle.
Our own TPG readers have also reported that Americans are going to Ireland or the U.K., skipping quarantine, and visiting other parts of Europe. Not only is that illegal, but it’s also unethical and can endanger the lives of people in the countries you're visiting. In short, don’t do that.
Additional reporting by Emily McNutt.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.