This year, the travel industry is collectively huffing a relief-filled sigh… finally, the world is opening back up again. And no region oozes more class and diversity in language, food and culture than Europe. A collection of countries that proudly allows for free passage sans frontières, promoting union and fraternity, has been stilted. After two years of delayed dreams, canceled plans, and closed borders, many European travel destinations are lifting their Covid travel restrictions.
Open the floodgates. Waves of frustrated jetsetters are now bounding for European travel destinations in droves, eager to make up for lost time. This phenomenon has been called ‘Revenge Travel’.
If you’re one of the many excited travelers wondering where to travel in Europe now, allow us to do the hard work – we’ve found the best destinations with no Covid travel restrictions. Time for your European adventure.
The following countries have dropped all of their travel restrictions, meaning you don’t have to show a vaccination, negative test, or proof of recent recovery to enter the country.
THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS LIFTING THEIR TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
ITALY
La Dolce Vita is calling, experience the glamour and passion of Italy’s approach to the good life with all restrictions to Italy lifted since 1 June.
One rule remaining says you must wear an FFP2 mask while entering the country by any public means, be it plane, coach, or ferry.
Our Treasures of Italy tour is one of our most popular trips of all time, and one of the best ways to see the country’s most significant sights. Amble through the rolling hills of gorgeous Tuscany, glide through romantic waterways in the floating city of Venice, soak in the quaint class of the Cinque Terre fishing villages, just before seeing the grandiose style of Portofino.
CYPRUS
“A golden-green leaf thrown into the Sea”. Cyprus, fertile land of golden beaches and dramatic landscapes, ancient home of Aphrodite, is now restriction-free as of 1 June 2022. A face mask is only compulsory on public transport for passengers aged 6 and above, and in medical facilities.
Visit the home of Halloumi on our Greece and Three Continents cruise, stopping by Limassol alongside trips to other islands and mainland Greece, which is also restriction-free this summer.
GREECE
According to Greek legend, God distributed soil through a sieve to build the world. The stones that remained were used to create Greece. This crossroads of continents is now fully restriction-free as of May 1, though it is still necessary to wear a mask on public transport.
The perfect opportunity to see the full scope of Greece is on our Greek Island Hopper tour.
GERMANY
Travel to Germany, a country with a rich cultural milieu inspiring poets and philosophers over centuries, completely restriction-free as of 11 June 2022. You can travel for all purposes except if you are a resident in China, in which case you’ll need an important reason for visiting.
As with many other European countries, masks are legally required on public transport and in healthcare facilities. These must be medical grade, usually FFP-2.
Our standout tour is the Best of Germany, where you’ll see fairytale towns inspiring folklore tales, Bavarian villages, progressive cities and medieval beer halls. For the true beer hall experience, try out our Oktoberfest tour.
SWITZERLAND
The Alpine European crossroads, home of more Nobel Prizes and patents than anywhere else, has relaxed all travel restrictions as of April 1. Additionally, all covid measures have been dropped meaning no face masks or social distancing rules are in place at all.
Take this chance to see the neutral nation’s gorgeous vistas and unique blend of European cultures on the Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria tour, which allows you to see rural Switzerland at its natural subtle best.
CROATIA
The land of a thousand islands dropped its covid restrictions on 1 May. Masks are now only mandatory in healthcare settings.
Croatia’s stunning coastline enjoys 2,600 hours of yearly sunshine (more than Barcelona and many other European travel destinations) and is home to gorgeous old Roman cities, with marble streets and iconic terracotta rooftops.
Explore the Dalmatian coast on our Dalmatian Elegance tour. You’ll visit Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, pale blue Adriatic waters and experience true Mediterranean elegance.
IRELAND
The Emerald Isle of dramatic landscapes and natural abundance has dropped all restrictions from 6 March, including any face mask requirements.
Ireland has always beckoned travelers across the globe with its lush green lands and fascinating, unforgettable people. Vibrant and poetic in nature, the country has a rich tradition of storytelling and is home to many famous writers such as Yeats, Joyce and Behan. Equally alluring is the country’s folkloric heritage, filled with superstitions, mythical characters, legends and curses.
The Irish have always been proud of their heritage, and are known for their hospitality and warm, unique welcome. Experience it yourself on the Country Roads of Ireland tour.
THE BALKANS
This one isn’t really one country per se, but many nations in the Balkans are now fully open with no restrictions. You’ll have to wear a face mask on most of the countries’ public transport links, however.
The best way to take advantage of this, and make the most of your trip, is on our Treasures of the Balkans tour where you’ll visit many of the open countries at once. See the most culturally significant sights, like the former Communist headquarters in Bucharest, Sofia’s Roman ruins and the vampiric Bran castle.
