Travelers are accustomed to including COVID-19 testing and vaccination to their list of preparations prior to overseas trips. Now, travelers must keep in mind that some destinations require international travelers be boosted prior to entry.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone five years and older receive a primary COVID-19 vaccine, and that people 12 and older receive a booster dose within at least five months, and within two months if receiving the Johnson & Johnson shot. Within the United States, San Francisco and Maui County, Hawaii had required boosters for people entering certain events or businesses, but recently dropped the mandates. 

If you plan on vacationing in Europe, keep in mind that in 2021, the European Union determined that its digital COVID Certificate would be valid for 270 days after the final shot in an initial vaccine series. After this period, travelers are required to receive boosters. Americans vaccinated within the United States are currently not eligible to receive an EU digital certificate, and several countries have adopted a 270-day timeline for requiring boosters. Many major cruise lines sailing globally, such as Royal Caribbean and Azamara, have similar booster requirements.

Before you make plans, check if your desired destination is on this list of countries that are open to Americans, and require boosters either for entry or easier access. This list is accurate as of early May 2022. For the latest information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods, use our interactive entry requirements map.

*** While considering how COVID-19 will impact your travel plans, check out how Allianz Travel Insurance can protect you on your next adventure. Our  Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic.

Say you and your spouse have booked a room in a high-rise overlooking Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Days before the flight you come down with fever and chills, and subsequently confirm its COVID-19 with a test. If you are understandably concerned about money lost because it is too late to get a refund on your vacation, travel insurance plans with  Trip Cancellation benefits and the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement can reimburse you for certain nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs. And if you contract COVID-19 while on vacation, plans that include the Emergency Medical benefit and the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement can reimburse the cost of emergency medical services related to the virus, up to your plan’s maximum limit. 

Austria

If you are planning the perfect ski trip to this mountainous nation, you must have your COVID-19 booster if 270 days have elapsed since your initial vaccine series. Alternatively, travelers who can prove they contracted and recovered from COVID-19 may enter with a negative PCR test, valid for 72 hours, or a negative antigen test, valid for 24 hours. Children under 12 are exempt from showing proof of vaccination or a negative test if they are accompanied by an adult who meets the aforementioned requirements. You will need at least one of these forms of proof to ride ski lifts, and visit hotels, restaurants, museums and other venues.

Croatia

Initial vaccination series are valid for 270 days, then a booster is required. Unvaccinated travelers may also enter with a negative PCR test, within 72 hours of arrival, or negative antigen test, valid within 24 hours of arrival, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within the past 180 days.

France

If you are 18 or older, you will need a booster if it has been more than three months since you have been vaccinated.  Visitors will also need to download a digital certificate to enter many public places, such as restaurants and long-distance trains.

Netherlands

Travelers entering The Netherlands are required to have a booster dose if more than 270 days have passed since their vaccine.

Spain

Boosters within 270 days of vaccination are required for U.S. tourists entering Spain. Travelers must also show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure or a negative antigen test was taken within 24 hours of their departure.

Get a quote to find out how Allianz Travel Insurance can protect you during unexpected travel delays and medical emergencies on your next trip.

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