COVID-19 is spiking (again) in parts of Europe and it might affect your next vacation
An increase in coronavirus cases across Europe has seen a slew of countries introduce additional measures to slow the spread of the virus.
Just as the world seemingly begins to lessen restrictions for what many hoped would be the first "normal" holiday season, Europe has found itself once again at the epicenter of the pandemic.
According to the World Health Organization, last week saw nearly 2 million new cases of COVID-19, a 50% month-on-month increase and the most in a single week for the continent since the very beginning of the pandemic.
During the same week, the rise in cases resulted in almost 27,000 deaths, more than half of all COVID-19 deaths reported globally.
Related: It’s getting harder to travel if you’re not vaccinated
The figures come after WHO European director Dr. Hans Kluge warned earlier this month that, “Europe is back at the epicenter of the pandemic, where we were one year ago.”
The news has prompted several nations to both consider and enforce the return of restrictions including major holiday destinations such as the Netherlands, Austria and France.
The latest updates to European COVID-19 restrictions
Austria
On Sunday, Nov. 14, the government put in place a nationwide lockdown for anyone unvaccinated and older than 12 years of age. Those affected by the lockdown are banned from leaving their homes for anything other than essential activities such as going to work, shopping, getting their vaccination or daily exercise.
Austria's seven-day infection rate is one of the highest in Europe with 800 cases per 100,000 people. Perhaps most concerning, the nation has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe, with only 65% of Austrians fully vaccinated according to the BBC.
The measures are planned to be in place for the next 10 days, at which they will be reviewed.
Denmark
On Nov. 8, the Scandinavian country reintroduced its COVID health pass. The news came just two months after the nation had stopped using it on Sept. 10.
The app-based pass is required by anyone over the age of 15 when attending outdoor events with capacities larger than 2,000 and when entering nightclubs, cafes, party buses and seated indoor dining establishments. A paper version of the pass is also available.
France
The French government announced on Nov. 12 that they would be placing new restrictions on unvaccinated vacationers. Travelers arriving that haven’t received their vaccination ho must now provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours of their departure; previously this was set at 72 hours.
In addition, from Dec. 15, any travelers who are over the age of 65 must not only have been fully vaccinated for more than six months and five weeks, but also be able to show proof of receiving an approved COVID-19 booster.
Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands have also been placed “under surveillance" by the French government, after seeing their own spikes in cases.
Greece
The nation has extended current restrictions on entry from countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area until Nov. 24, an additional two weeks to the original plan.
This means travelers from just 41 countries are eligible to enter the country. The list includes the U.S. and the U.K., among others.
Vacationers will also be asked to complete an electronic Passenger Locator Form – this is regardless of nationality. The form will be shared with the traveler's email address and should be presented upon arrival.
One of the following will still be compulsory for anyone to be permitted entry to Greece:
- Proof of vaccination: The final dose must be taken at least 14 days before departure.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19: The validity of which lasts for up to 180 days, and must be issued 30 days after testing positive.
- Negative COVID-19 test results: If using a PCR test it must be taken at least 72 hours before traveling, and rapid tests to be taken 48 hours before arriving in Greece.
For unvaccinated people wishing to access public services such as banks, shops and hair salons, they will need to show a negative rapid or PCR test. This is also the same for cafes and restaurants which are allowed to serve unvaccinated people provided that they are outdoors.
The Netherlands
The nation imposed a partial Christmas lockdown on Saturday, Nov. 13, which is expected to be in place for the next three weeks and includes restrictions on nonessential shops and sporting events.
Although some exceptions apply, for the majority of travelers you will only be given entry to the Netherlands if you have been fully vaccinated (with proof of the inoculation such as the NHS COVID Pass).
The measures come after the nation reported more than 16,000 new cases, its highest recording since the pandemic began in 2020.
For double-jabbed travelers you will be asked to provide one for the following to enter the country:
- A negative PCR test result (taken no more than 48 hours before departure)
- A negative antigen test result (taken no more than 24 hours before departure)
Fully vaccinated travelers at the time of writing are exempt from quarantine on arrival in the Netherlands.
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
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
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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.