It was supposed to be the great comeback of Europe's winter travel season, with bright Christmas markets with the aromas of sizzling sausages and mulled wine wafting through the air, skiers gliding down snowy slopes and opera performances welcoming in-person audiences in grand theaters.
The fourth wave of coronaviruses caused curfews and lock downs in several European countries, including Austria, where a vaccine mandate for most of the country's population is in place. Tens of thousands of demonstrators argue that the requirements are not in line with their basic freedom. Many Christmas markets are canceled and some winter resorts are closed. It is difficult to plan travel to Europe because of the fast-changing landscape. We know what the latest restrictions are.
It depends on where you are going. The European Union has published guidelines for travel into the bloc, but each of the 27 member states has their own entry requirements.
Austria has reintroduced restrictions on nonessential travel, but most European countries allow Americans to visit. The Times keeps an updated list of countries where Americans can visit.
The United States has advised against travel to Austria, Germany, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Ireland and the Czech Republic because of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Austria became the first Western country to impose a full nationwide lock-down on Monday, allowing people to go to work or buy essential items only if they leave their homes.
The Austrian government said that the shutdown could be extended until December 13. Tourist attractions in Austria, including Christmas markets, museums and theaters, are closed during this period. Tourists who can't rearrange their flights home will be allowed to stay in hotels, but they must comply with strict rules.
On Friday, Germany warned that it might take stringent measures if there is a surge in coronavirus cases, even for those who are vaccine free. Bars and clubs are closed and restaurants are not open for Christmas.
Unvaccinated people are not allowed in restaurants, hotels, bars and hairdressers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia if they have a negative coronaviruses test.
Restaurants and shops were closed early and spectators were banned from sporting events for at least three weeks after the Netherlands returned to a partial lockdown. The Dutch government is considering ways to restrict unvaccinated people from indoor venues, a measure that has caused riots and protests across the country.
Bars and clubs are required to close at midnight in Ireland.
Most European countries don't require a booster for entry, but some do.
Croatia, Austria and Switzerland all require a second vaccine dose within a year of entering the country. The validity period for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is around nine months in Austria.
The French government will require all people 65 and older to get a booster shot six months and five weeks after their second dose if they want to access indoor venues.
The C.D.C.'s white paper vaccination card and other digital health certificates are accepted in most European countries.
Tourists are required to apply for local health passes in some places. Visitors to Switzerland must apply for a pass before they arrive, and the process can take up to seven days. Tourists over the age of 16 are required to apply for a "covid safe ticket" to enter cultural venues and bars.
Local digital passes are optional for international visitors in France, and can be obtained from some local pharmacies.
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Credit...Hassan Ayadi/Agence France-Presse.
Europe's ski season is underway despite Austria shutting down ski resorts for the duration.
Ski resorts in France and Italy reopened last week, with skiers over the age of 12 required to show proof of vaccine, recovery from a Covid-19 infection or a negative coronaviruses test to access ski lifts. Ischgl, a popular ski destination in Austria, became a hot spot for the Pandemic as large groups were brought together in confined spaces.
Switzerland has opened its slopes for the season and requires visitors to present coronaviruses health certificates for resort bars and restaurants.
Travelers can travel through European airports to other countries. Passengers in transit through Austria are not allowed to leave the airport.
The return of Covid-19 restrictions sparked major protests across Europe. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in European cities like Vienna, Amsterdam, Belgium and Rome.
Large groups of people throwing rocks and fireworks at officers prompted the police to shoot at them. Police used tear gas and water cannons to break up crowds.
Small-scale protests continued into the week. It is advisable to check local news sites for any planned protests.
