During the pandemic these countries put the kibosh on U.S. entry through their borders. Let’s take a look at how long it took before we were granted access back on their soil.
Germany
Germany had a fairly laid back approach for entry into their country as long as you were coming from the EU, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia and or Urugay. The U.S. on the other hand was completely banned.
It stayed that way until June 25, 2021 when they decided to allow U.S. tourists access again. You would have to travel to one of the aforementioned countries, stay for a duration of two weeks, and then would be granted access into Germany. People traveling from high risk areas were still expected to quarantine for 14 days.
Greece
Greece hopped on board the blocking American tourist train, the only people permitted to enter Greece were residents returning home, healthcare workers, government officials, military personnel, and diplomats. Greece became one of the first European destination countries to open their borders to tourist for the summer, and officially opened their borders to Americans on May 14, 2021.
Travelers from any European union are required to test for Covid-19 and have to be quarantined. Greece did a fairly good job at containing the pandemic, with its country only reporting 4,000 cases and just over 200 deaths.
France
As one of the leading travel destinations for Americans, not being allowed access to France was a huge bummer for many world travelers. The French government was very strict about its travel restrictions, only allowing access to those traveling from the UK, EU, Iceland, Vatican City, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
On June 9, 2021 Americans were finally allowed back in to see all the wonders that France holds. Statistically France experienced some of the highest numbers in Covid-19 cases at the onset of the outbreak, so it is understandable as to why they took a little longer to open their borders again.
Denmark
Denmark can be seen as one of the more strict countries on the list. The country decided to open its borders to the majority of travelers coming from the EU or the UK, excluding Sweden, Bulgaria, and Portugal, and only opened up to vaccinated Americans on June 5, 2021.
They have uplifted their restrictions to a few countries, allowing them to enter without quarantine; these countries include New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Canada, and a couple others. Countries on this list are allowed to enter quarantine free as long as they prove to the government that they have a legitimate purpose.
Finland
When Finland started to loosen the reins a bit, it did so for most countries in the United Kingdom and the EU.
They finally lifted their restrictions for Americans on June 30, 2022, the country will now allow travel from Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and a few other countries as long as the intent is for work or fundamental reasons. Luckily Finland was able to avoid the more severe effects of the pandemic, with only 200 cases ever being reported, and I’m sure some would attribute this to their diligence with travel bans.
Italy
It’s no secret that Italy was one of the first countries to suffer mass cases and deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic. In efforts to slow the progression of the pandemic Italy shut down its borders pretty swiftly, only opening them back up to travelers coming from Canada, Australia, EU, Japan, and a few other countries. Notice how none of those say U.S.?
Despite their high number of cases, Italy finally opened its borders to America on June 21, 2021, which was a lot sooner than some of its neighboring countries. Italy has seen almost 250,000 positive cases of covid, and over 35,000 deaths, and sadly that number continues to go up, it’s no surprise as to why they have had to adjust their border restrictions again.
Netherlands
The Netherlands fell in line with its EU counterparts, allowing tourism from countries that are in the European Union. On July 1, 2021 they began allowing entry from non-essential travelers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand. Notice how the U.S. is once again excluded from that list, there is a clear trend here.
The Netherlands gave way and reopened its border to U.S. travelers on June 24th, 2021. In efforts to keep their number of cases low and reduce the virus they require anyone from a high-risk country to quarantine for 14 days, after which they must present a Health Declaration form before being afforded full entry.
Norway
Norway had a more unconventional approach, lifting restrictions and quarantine requirements on travelers entering from most European Union countries, and only requiring a 10 day quarantine period from those traveling from high-risk countries. America on the other hand was completely prohibited from entry.
They upheld their ban on American entry until February 12, 2022. Norway has managed to come through the pandemic without feeling the full weight of its wrath, so it is pretty clear as to why they banned so many countries from entry.
The Bahamas
In the beginning the Bahamas kept travel options open to Americans and many other countries. After an increase in Covid-19 cases, the Bahamas decided to restrict travel and closed its borders to U.S. tourists on July 22, 2020.
Unfortunately the country had to recant this decision as it could not sustain itself without the revenue from tourism, and only four days after the border was closed it would be reopened. People traveling from America were welcome to visit as long as they had proof of a negative Covid test, and tourists from other countries were welcome but were required to adhere to the standard 14-day quarantine at a designated government facility.
Portugal
Portugal didn’t technically close its country to Americans, but it did forbid any non-essential travel, this meant that anyone that was traveling for leisure was denied entry. Even with the restrictions many airlines continued to sell tickets from the U.S. to Portugal, only adding to the confusion. Portugal opened its borders back up to Americans for all intents of travel on June 15, 2021
Keep in mind that anyone traveling to the country must have a negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours, regardless of if you are a resident or not.
New Zealand
New Zealand gets its notoriety during the pandemic from remaining Covid-free for 24 days. Many feel that New Zealand took the lead on handling the pandemic in the “correct” way, others think they had a leg up because they are an island. New Zealand saw its first case of Covid-19 after granting access to visitors from the UK because their mother was dying. America wouldn’t be allowed to return to the island until on May 2, 2022.
The country has cinched down on its restrictions again and only allows entry to those that are permanent residents or are a national of New Zealand. They have implemented the 14 day quarantine to anyone who comes to the country, and can’t wait to start their Covid-free streak again.
Spain
Spain was on the more strict side of regulations, they only reopened their borders to people traveling from the UK and EU. Spain was evaluating each country individually and based on the risk assessment would either grant or deny travel to their country. The U.S. was considered high-risk and Spain wasn’t about to take a chance.
On June 8, 2021 Spain opened its borders to Americans, however along with anyone else who visits Spain, they must complete a “FCS health control form” and go through a full health assessment. They even have restrictions on what airports travelers can fly into, they feel this reduces the risk of spreading the virus if for some reason someone does enter after being infected.
This list unmistakably shows a clear pattern of prohibiting American travelers while still permitting entry to those from other countries. While some are understanding of their efforts to safeguard their countries from the Covid-19 virus, there is a sense of frustration for those who feel singled out based on their country of origin. Thankfully, these countries seem to be gradually reopening their borders with less restrictions to Americans as everyone gets a better handle on the pandemic.
