Skip to content
Go to Home Page
News

What to do if you've booked a Europe trip and entry rules change so you can no longer get in

Aug. 31, 2021
•
7 min read
European Union Flag Against Sun & Sea With Plane
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Given yesterday's recommendation by the European Union Council to its 27 member states to once again prohibit unvaccinated Americans from nonessential travel, you may be wondering how to go about canceling your upcoming travel plans if a ban takes effect as expected. (Note: The Council's recommendations will not apply to travelers who have taken approved vaccines, such as those from Johnson & Johnson, Modern and Pfizer.)

We've compiled a list of everything you need to know about where to check for individual country updates, how to change or cancel your flight, and whether credit card companies will allow you to do so for free.

Where to find country updates

Generally, your best bet is to consult a country's official tourism or government website for the most updated entry restrictions due to COVID-19. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State maintains a country page with the information most relevant to Americans and international travel via the U.S. Embassy in each location.

Watch these sites for changes to entry requirements, which may bar unvaccinated Americans or allow them in with certain testing and/or quarantines.

Check back frequently to determine whether your Europen travel plans might be affected. The below websites serve as official, updated guidance for each country in the EU:

Read more: Confirmed: EU recommends restrictions on US travelers as delta variant spreads

How to cancel/change your travel plans

If you're looking to cancel or change your flight with as few monetary repercussions and frustrations as possible, start by checking to see if your flight was booked on a refundable fare.

Although Southwest has had a long-standing policy of no change or cancellation fees, 2020 inspired Delta, American and United to all follow suit and eliminate change fees for most flights. Delta and United took it a step further by waiving change fees for basic economy class through Dec. 31. Frontier has also waived all change fees through Sept. 30. And Alaska Airlines permanently eliminated change fees across the board in 2020.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Fortunately, most domestic airlines have waived change fees for non-basic tickets (think premium economy, business class and first class), so if that's the case for your ticket, you should be able to cancel and receive a credit.

"Book something refundable if possible when using bank issuer points," says TPG senior credit card reporter Andrew Kunesh, who warns that "many U.S. airlines won’t let you cancel or change basic economy tickets unless there’s a very special circumstance like a schedule change or travel waiver, so keep this in mind when booking a flight in basic economy."

Read more: Complete guide to changing and canceling award tickets

Otherwise, you may be charged a fee for canceling your flight and/or the difference in fares when rebooking a new flight.

Here's additional information on specific airline, hotel, cruise and train changes and cancellation policies thanks to TPG's strategic travel reporter Benji Stawski.

Read more: Delta variant is on the rise — here’s what to do if you need to cancel your trip

Will credit card companies allow you to change travel for free?

As with all travel during pandemic times, TPG recommends that you do not, I repeat, do not book any portion of your travel as nonrefundable or unchangeable as it's seriously not worth the money that may be saved upfront.

"Generally, your credit card won't help you when it comes to COVID-19-related cancellations or interruptions," says TPG credit card writer Stella Shon. "You'll have to rely on independent travel insurance that offers 'cancel for any reason' coverage."

Read more: When to buy travel insurance vs. when to rely on credit card protections

If nonrefundable travel is your only option, the "cancel for any reason" (also known as CFAR) travel insurance Shon speaks of allows you to cancel due to COVID-19 concerns, assuming you adhere to the purchase and cancellation stipulations outlined in the policy, writes TPG senior travel editor Andrea Rotondo. Just understand that CFAR doesn't cover 100% of your trip costs. Most policies cover up to 75% of the cost of your trip.

Related: Warning: There’s a large gap in pandemic-era travel insurance

Remember that general travel insurance usually does not cover epidemics and pandemics. If you’re considering independent travel insurance for your next trip, you can use a site like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare numerous policy options that include various types of coverage -- including coverage for COVID-19.

Read more: TPG’s comprehensive guide to independent travel insurance — including coronavirus coverage

Bottom line

Country officials are constantly modifying their reopening guidelines based on changing COVID-19 data, so carefully watch for changes specific to your desired destination.

The EU remains open for now, and yesterday's news has yet to be implemented.

"This doesn't change anything immediately and many countries will likely stay open to (vaccinated) tourists," says Kunesh. "We may just see testing requirements imposed for some destinations."

If that's the case, and you'd still like to be able to travel, you'll need your COVID-19 vaccine or see your list of travel options continue to decrease by the day.

"Unfortunately, it's also going to shrink options for those who don't have easy access to testing," says Summer Hull, TPG's director of travel content. "Especially for countries that don't take the at-home monitored tests. Here in Texas, it is almost impossible to get an appointment, let alone a quick turnaround. I know Florida and much of the South is the same."

Related: COVID-19 vaccine required: A country-by-country guide to where you can only go while vaccinated

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site

Rewards

1 - 4X points

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual Fee

$325

Recommended Credit

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.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.