Europe is Reopening to Americans

Europe has started reopening for tourism. This is a welcome piece of news for travel lovers who have missed visiting the old continent in the last year. Soccer scouting in Portugal, summer soccer camps in Spain, and youth soccer academies in Europe are open for registration. Below is a list of soccer programs that are accepting registrations:

1) Soccer Scouting in Porto, Portugal

2) Marcet Soccer School in Barcelona, Spain

3) Alain Bernard Swimming Camp in Antibes, France

4) Soccer Scouting in Spain (Coming soon)

Americans can already travel to Italy, Greece and Croatia for tourism. The New York Times reported that seven countries—Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, and Croatia—are already using EU Digital Covid Certificates. From July 1, it is expected that all EU countries will adopt these vaccination passports. So what is a vaccination passport anyways? We’ve covered this and other FAQs below.

What is an EU vaccination passport? Will Americans need to use it too?

An EU Digital Covid Certificate, also called a Digital Green Certificate (DGC), is a digital record which shows information about an individual’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination, negative PCR test and/or recovery status. The certificates will be available in paper or digital format. As of today’s date, Americans do not have access to the vaccination passports but the European Commission is in talks with the US to extend access to Americans. For now, US citizens need to show their COVID-19 vaccination record and/or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival to Europe.

Do you have to be vaccinated to travel to Europe?

No, you don’t have to be vaccinated to travel, and the digital passports will also show if you have recently tested negative for coronavirus. According to the European Commission, “The Digital Green Certificate will not be a pre-condition to free movement and it will not discriminate in any way.”

What advice do you have for someone who is planning to come for soccer scouting or a summer soccer camp?

We recommend contacting your airline in advance and asking what the requirements are for your upcoming trip. You may also contact the consulate or embassy in your country of residence for more specific travel guidance.