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Sweden becomes latest EU nation to lift local COVID-19 restrictions

Caroline Tanner
Articles
Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.
Feb. 10, 2022
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2 min read
Sweden becomes latest EU nation to lift local COVID-19 restrictions
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Sweden dropped all domestic COVID-19 restrictions Wednesday, saying goodbye to the pandemic and hello to the COVID-19 endemic.

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Visitors attend a live performance following the removal of coronavirus restrictions in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Feb. 9. (Photo by Nora Lorek/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

As of Feb. 9, face masks are no longer required on public transit, capacity limits are no more, proof of vaccination is not a badge of entry to eating at restaurants and fellow European tourists can travel freely to Sweden, no test or vaccination required.

"It's time to open up Sweden," Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said Feb. 3. “The pandemic isn’t over, but it is moving into a new phase.”

The easing of local restrictions wholly comes as the country records high infection rates with an even higher vaccination rate. Although more than 73% of Swedes are fully vaccinated, there were nearly 40,000 new COVID-19 cases last week, according to data for the week of Feb. 7 from the World Health Organization.

Additionally, Sweden will no longer offer free mass-scale COVID-19 testing to the public, instead reserving tests for specific health care workers who display symptoms, as reported by the Associated Press, which noted that "this move puts the Scandinavian nation at odds with most of Europe."

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Even so, this week's events mean Sweden joins a growing list of countries deciding to transition to life as we know it in an endemic, including several in the European Union as well as Australia.

At least for now though, travelers outside of the EU, including Americans, remain prohibited from visiting Sweden until March 31.

Related: 2 popular European destinations drop testing requirement for vaccinated travelers

Featured image by Nora Lorek/Bloomberg via 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.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for the well-traveled foodie

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

  • Intro Offer
    Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

    60,000 bonus points

  • Annual Fee

    $250

  • Recommended 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.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.

Pros

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  • 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months

Cons

  • Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
  • Few travel perks and protections
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees