Vaccinated Americans Will Be Allowed To Visit Europe this Summer

Americans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to travel to Europe by summer. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told The New York Times that the union’s 27 members would accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved” by the European Medicines Agency. The agency has approved the three vaccines used in the United States.

The EU largely shut down nonessential travel more than a year ago when the pandemic first broke out.

“The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines,” von der Leyen said, according to the Times report. “This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union.” She did not say exactly when travel could resume for American looking to visit Europe. It is also unclear how European countries will determine if travelers have been fully vaccinated. That should be announced soon.

Nations and air carriers in Europe have been discussing the use of vaccine passports or vaccine certificates for months. The International Air Transport Association has been developing an app that will allow passengers to share tests and vaccination results with governments. The software is designed to help reopen borders without quarantine and revive the global airline industry.

While Europe is preparing to welcome Americans once again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning them not to travel to most of Europe, at least not yet.