Travel QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Information provided by: Rick Steves
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT!
For the time being, the wait for a new or renewal passport is about 12–18 weeks. If you need your passport sooner, make an appointment to go in person to the nearest US Passport Agency. For details and the location of the nearest passport-acceptance facility, see the US Department of State's travel site or call 877-487-2778.
WHAT DOES RHONDA THINK?
Rhonda has already traveled to Europe in the fall of 2021, when cases were relatively low. She appreciated the smart, pragmatic approach that she observed Europeans taking to protect themselves and others (such as vaccine requirements to enter restaurants or museums, and high masking compliance). And she was struck by how "safe" and "normal" it felt to be back in Europe. All of this makes us optimistic that the general trajectory for traveling in Europe is positive. However, things continue to be in flux, and surges are important to take seriously and keep an eye on as they develop. And if a country decides they don't want international visitors for a while, that's entirely reasonable. But barring those setbacks, we believe that traveling in Europe is realistic and responsible, as long as you are vaccinated, you fully understand local entry requirements and COVID protocols, and you accept both uncertainty and the possibility of needing to change plans.
CAN I TRAVEL IN EUROPE NOW?
Most European countries re-opened to American travelers in summer 2021. But each country has its own policies (which might include recent negative COVID tests and/or "passenger locator forms.") Be sure to check the latest requirements and restrictions for each country you're visiting. The best resource for this is the US Embassy website in that country (for example, in Germany, check https://de.usembassy.gov). You can also find country-by-country information at Sherpa or for European Union members at Re-open EU.
DO I NEED TO BE VACCINATED TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE?
While it's possible for unvaccinated travelers to enter some countries, most have policies that severely restrict what you can do; if you're going to Europe, we strongly recommend being vaccinated.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO TO GET INTO EUROPE?
The onus is on you to know the latest requirements for each place you're visiting and follow them to a T. These vary by country, but they may include some or all of the following:
Provide proof of full vaccination completed at least 14 days prior to departure with an approved COVID-19 vaccine (including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson); as an alternative, some countries allow proof that you've recovered from COVID-19 though unvaccinated visitors will face other restrictions once they arrive.
Provide proof of a negative, approved COVID test during a recent time span (typically 1-3 days).
Fill out an online "passenger locator form." It's best to fill this out before you head to the airport: they may ask to see it at check in and/or upon arrival.
WILL I NEED TO HAVE A "VACCINE PASSPORT" OR A "GREEN CARD"?
For Americans, we have found that a CDC-issued vaccination card is accepted in virtually all situations. You may also be asked to show your photo ID. Note that some countries are working toward making it easier for visitors to get an official Green Card, so check the latest for your destination(s) as your trip approaches.
ARE THINGS STILL CHANGING?
Yes! One of the most important pieces of advice for someone planning a trip to Europe is to check often for updates in the country (or countries) you are visiting. The status quo when you book your trip — or even several weeks out — is likely to be different from the reality as you're packing up to depart, so it's critical to check back during that final week to get the very latest on any new requirements (testing, paperwork, and so on). And while on the road, be prepared for the possibility — even the likelihood — that restrictions could ratchet up, flights could be cancelled, and you'll need to change plans on a dime.
WILL I NEED TO WEAR A MASK IN EUROPE?
Many places in Europe require everyone to wear a mask while indoors or on public transportation. Further, some countries (such as Germany) specify that it must be a medical-grade mask rather than a cloth mask. The European term for this type of mask — which you might see on signs — is "FFP2." This is comparable to the N95, KN95, or KF94 masks that are readily available in the US. (You do not need to actually have "FFP2" marked on your mask, as long as it's of a similar grade.) Surgical masks are also typically accepted. If heading to Europe, don't count on using cloth masks — instead, bring along better-quality masks.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO UPON RETURNING TO THE US?
Currently the US requires arriving international passengers (including US citizens) to show a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within one day of your flight. You'll also need to sign an "attestation" that you have tested negative.
HOW CAN I GET A COVID-19 TEST BEFORE RETURNING TO THE US OR WHILE TRAVELING IN EUROPE?
Your best resource is your hotel or cruise line — ask them if there's a testing center nearby. (You could also check with your airline.) In a pinch, many airports have testing centers on-site (but confirm ahead, and allow plenty of extra time). You could also bring a test kit from home that's approved for international travel (must include a telehealth appointment, where a proctor will monitor the self-administered test over a video call). Important: An unmonitored at-home test result is not accepted for entering the US.
If you're feeling under the weather while traveling, you can buy self-administered antigen tests cheaply at stores in much of Europe, but keep in mind that these are not valid for official purposes.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEST POSITIVE BEFORE RETURNING TO THE US?
This varies by country, but many require that you remain in the country under quarantine, typically at your own expense, for a specified time. Check into travel insurance for medical purposes.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CHANGE OR CANCEL MY TRIP?
When booking, be sure that you fully understand your options in case you need to change or cancel. If anything is ambiguous, seek clarification by telephone or email. And remember: Even if there are no "change fees" for a flight, you are still responsible for any fare difference.
SHOULD I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE?
For some travelers, insurance is a good deal; for others, it's not. Over the course of the pandemic, many travel insurance companies have expanded or adapted their coverage related to COVID-19. If purchasing insurance specifically for COVID-19 concerns, make sure to carefully review and understand your policy. One thing to consider is whether the policy covers additional expenses in the event that you need to quarantine (and change your travel plans) due to a positive COVID test. It's important to know that Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is the only type of policy that covers fear of travel due to COVID-19. For more information, contact rhonda@culinarylatitudes.com.