Which Covid Vaccines are Accepted in Germany, France, Italy, Spain

European health authorities have lifted travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals. This is provided they completed their vaccination with Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson jabs.

But some countries have different entry procedures and accept different vaccinations than these.

Read below to know more about the requirements to enter the Schengen area and specifically Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

 

Which Covid-19 Vaccines are Accepted in Europe?

Travel restrictions slightly vary from one country to another within the European Union. That said, as a general rule of thumb, the vaccines here below are widely accepted:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca
• Johnson & Johnson

The countries that accept these vaccines are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Furthermore, some other European countries have approved the vaccines recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) for emergency use. These emergency vaccines are Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.

 

Which Covid-19 Vaccines are Accepted in Germany?

Different vaccines are approved by the German government which are the 4 ones accepted by the European Union:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca
• Johnson & Johnson

In order to be recognized as a fully vaccinated traveler, each individual must have received the final dose of Covid-19 in 14 days at most before traveling. In addition, the proof of vaccination must include the information below to be considered as valid:

• Date of vaccination
• Name, surname, and date of birth
• Number of vaccine doses administered
• Name of the disease vaccinated against
• The institution responsible for providing the vaccine certificate

Moreover, the proof of vaccination must be in either English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian. It can be shown in either digital or paper format.

Apart from that, in order to enter indoor spaces in Germany, individuals must have received their vaccine or tested negative and be able to show the proof on the EUDCC. Children younger than 6 years old are exempted from this rule.

 

Which Covid-19 Vaccines are Accepted in France?

Just like in neighboring Germany, the 4 vaccines approved by the French administration are the ones accepted by the European Union:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca
• Johnson & Johnson

Travelers with a different vaccination do not qualify as fully vaccinated individuals. In order to enter indoor venues with more than 1000 people, a Green Pass is needed. The Green Pass is given to the ones who were fully vaccinated for Covid-19 as well as the ones that recovered in the past 6 months.

Also, a green pass is needed for everyone willing to take the train and go to the restaurant and bar.

 

Which Covid-19 Vaccines are Accepted in Italy?

In Italy, only certain vaccinations against Covid-19 were approved by the government and these are:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca
• Johnson & Johnson

After receiving their inoculation, individuals are provided with a Green Pass. The Green Pass is needed to enter all indoor public places around the country like museums, parties and concerts, and sporting events.

The Green Pass essentially shows that you received your vaccination (one dose will get you the pass), had a negative test within the past 48 hours, or that you recovered from the disease in the past 6 months.

 

Which Covid-19 Vaccines are Accepted in Spain?

Spain has been one of the most flexible European countries in terms of vaccination choice in 2021. The vaccines previously approved by the Spanish government are:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca
• Johnson & Johnson
• Covidshield
• Sinopharm
• Sinovac

Unlike in France, Germany, or Italy, most parts of Spain do not require people to get a health pass. However, there are a few rules in place that everyone must follow and we list them here:

• Wearing a mask is mandatory in indoor spaces and crowded outdoor venues
• The social distancing of 1.5m has to be respected
• Follow the local restrictions that vary between regions – Curfews, Capacity limits at venues, number of people allowed on the beach.

Naturally, we recommend checking with the local authorities for the latest updates when traveling.

As opposed to mainland Spain, the Canary Islands have to show evidence of being vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19, or got a negative test done recently.

 

Travel Restrictions When Traveling to the Schengen Area

There are different restrictions in terms of travel whether the individuals come from EU countries or Non-EU ones.

First of all, all EU countries are now participants in the EU Digital COVID Certificate program. This means that every person willing to travel has to provide the health pass gotten after being vaccinated, a negative test issued in the past 48 hours, or a recovery certificate. This allows individuals to travel freely within the Schengen Area.

International travelers coming from non-European countries will be subject to other rules that apply. All fully vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter the EU for all purposes. For specific countries with, since their situation improved, travelers are able to enter the EU without having to be vaccinated. The current countries are:

• Australia
• Canada
• Chile
• China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity)
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• New Zealand
• Qatar
• Rwanda
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Ukraine
• Uruguay

Of course, other restrictions may apply depending on the specific country, and these above-stated rules may not exempt international travelers from the need of quarantining or getting tested.

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Flight delay compensation rights for EU passengers

Any frequent traveler has encountered at least once or more extended flight delays, which have led to considerable stress and discomfort.

For some, delayed or canceled flights may mean fewer hours off during vacation, but for others, this might lead to being late for an urgent meeting or life event.

Along with the new digital travel permit ETAIS, the European Union has created EU Regulation 261/2004 intending to protect passengers and their rights. In order for the passenger to get every care and support in case of delayed, canceled flights, overbooked flights, or other similar situations, the rule stipulates what airlines should be doing.

This post helps you quickly figure out whether you are qualified to seek compensation in such a scenario. If so, how much you owe the airline and what you may seek as reimbursement.

EU Rules on Delayed and Cancelled Flights, also Denied Boarding

EU Regulation (EU) 261/2004 specifies basic passenger rights in cases when refused their boarding, canceled, or postponed their flights:

• Food and drinks (often provided in the form of vouchers) should be supplied to passengers whose flights were delayed for more than 2 hours.
• In case the flight got postponed overnight, a hotel should also be provided to the travelers.
• Each passenger may claim compensation unless the airline company has notified the passengers of this delay in due course.

What flights do the EU regulations apply to?

Since this EU Regulation only applies to flights that are linked to the EU, passengers on flights listed below may claim compensation:

• The flight was operated inside the EU by an EU airline or by a non-EU airline.
• The flight was operated by an EU airline and arrived in the European Union and originated from outside of the European Union.
• The aircraft took off from the European Union and arrived in a country outside the EU.

 

Who has the right to compensation for a flight delay?

Everyone whose flight has been delayed for over three hours and falls within the EU Regulation is entitled to compensation.

Provided your flight has been postponed lately, you are entitled to request compensation from the air carrier for your confirmed flight reservation if one of the circumstances listed below is applicable to you:

• You have shown at check-in on time as announced in advance in written form by the airline, the tour guide, or other authorized agents. In case not specified, you are obliged to be at the desk not later than forty-five minutes before departure.
• You were relocated by an airline or travel agency to a different flight, regardless of the reasoning behind it.

What can I expect as reimbursement in case of a delayed flight?

Eu flight delay compensation varies from €250 to €600 per person.

Depending on your flight distance, this is the amount you can expect as compensation:

• For flights less than 1500 kilometers, €250 is due.
• For 1500 km to 3500 km flights the sum would be €400.
• €600 is compensation for flights longer than 3500 km.

In this case, your refund may be only half if the delay took between 3-4 hours.

Please keep in mind that the refund could be paid in cash, by e-bank transfers, banking orders or by bank checks, or by travel vouchers or other services with your written consent.

How to get a reimburse for my delayed flight?

If you think that you have the right to compensation for flight delays, you will have to apply and request it in most cases. The reimbursement in fact is not automatically applied by airlines.

You have various alternatives for claiming reimbursement, and we will go into details for any of these options for your claim.
 

Fill out a complaint to the air carrier

That is the obligatory first step that must be taken by everyone.

If claiming at the airline is not successful, you may try any of the others request avenues, including seeking legal counseling.

An AIR PASSENGER RIGHTS-EU COMPLAINT FORM is another important step if you want to officially inform the airline accountable for your flight delay or cancellation.

You should fill out the form in capital letters and you have to answer all of the following questions:

• Surname and name.
• Home address, including city, postcode, country.
• Phone number and your email.
• In case you fill out a complaint for another passenger, provide the same details for them as well.

The form provides you with the description of “long delay“, “cancelation“, “denied boarding” or “downgrade.” You need to select the option that relates to your case.

Four YES / NO questions are also provided:

• If you possess a confirmed reservation for the flight.
• If you were at the check-in counter at the specified time, or in case no time was announced,
  you were there not later than forty-five minutes prior to the announced flight departure.
• If you were at the gate even before the expected boarding time.
• If you have received information about your rights from your airline.

Once the form is completed print and sign the form. Don’t forget to keep a copy of the form for yourself as a record before sending it to the airline and submit thus your claim

In fact, if the air carrier turns down your complaint, you will need that document for all further actions.
 

Fill out a formal complaint to local authorities

You should wait for the airline’s response after submitting your complaint form. Within 8 weeks of your request, the airline is due to answer. if they do not or if you are not pleased with their response you may then proceed to the next step of the flight compensation claim.

In this situation, you should file a complaint with the Member State’s National Enforcement Body.

Send them the email with the complaint you previously submitted to the airline, and describe your case – the air carrier did not reply, or you think their justification is unfair, etc.

Some legal advice on how to continue with your claim will be provided by the national authority. You should notify the local enforcement authority in the flight destination country if the event occurred at an airport outside the EU.
 

Entities for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)

In case you are an EU citizen, you may find more alternatives on how to continue with your complaint if the air carrier fails or you are not pleased with their answer.

You may attempt to settle your dispute by:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution Entity (ADR). You can reach out to impartial out-of-court entities, for example, ombudsman, or other mediator authorities.

If you and the airline do not come up with an agreement, they will examine your case and offer a solution.

• If you purchased your ticket online, you can try Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform.

The EU ODR website, which is free of charge, allows you to file your complaint and will work with you on your case.
 

Court settlement for small claims in the EU

You may do so via the European Small Claims process, if none of the foregoing works for you or if you wish to move to the court in case the airline refuses to pay you.

The reimbursement claim may be submitted to a court at:

• The location of flight arrival or departure;
• The airline headquarter registration location.

You must fill in Form A and include any document supporting your claim as receipts or cost invoices.

After the court evaluates your claim, you might be requested to submit a Form B.

You will have to pay a court charge under the European Small Claims Procedure. If your case succeeds, this charge will be refunded.

What are ‘extraordinary flight delay circumstances’?

If the delay is caused by ‘exceptional circumstances’, the airline has the authority not to reimburse you. For flight delays, exceptional circumstances include:

• Exceptional weather (i.e.: hurricanes, snowstorms, etc.).
• Staff strikes.
• Animals (bird) incidents.
• Limitations by air traffic control authorities.
• Civil and political turmoil.

Thus, if a technical issue stops an aircraft from departing on time, we can surely say the carrier failed to carry out its obligations towards the passenger.
 

Iberia Airlines, Barajas International Airport, Madrid, Spain

Frequently Asked Questions on Flight Delay Compensations:

When should I file a claim for my delayed flight compensation?

Contact the airline as soon as possible after the delay and fill out a reimbursement claim.
 

Is it possible for the airline to deny my claim for compensation for a flight delay?

The airline has the authority to deny your claim, especially if the flight has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

If you think your claim was denied unfairly, you may proceed with other processes outlined above.
 

Is it possible for my young kid to get compensated as well for a travel delay?

That is a debatable situation, as in the event of a flight delay of more than three hours, the EU law explicitly stipulates that all passengers are entitled to compensation.

It does, however, state that passengers who travel for free are not entitled to such recompense.

As some airlines allow parents to take their children free of charge, you will not be able to seek reimbursement for your child if this is your case.

You may seek reimbursement if you paid for your kid’s seat, even if it was at a discounted price.
 

My flight took off on schedule, but we arrived almost three hours late. Is this considered a flight delay?

Yes, it is considered a flight delay. The time it took to arrive at the destination should be taken into account when assessing the delay, according to the EU.
 

We were 3 hours late leaving the departure country but arrived at the destination in less than 3 hours. Is it possible for me to claim?

Even though you left the departure country more than three hours late, you cannot claim compensation if you arrived at the destination country less than three hours late.

It’s important to remember that it’s the arrival time that counts, not the leaving time.
 

My airline put me in a lower class than the one I bought. Is there any way I can be compensated?

You can be compensated for that, as follows:

• For trips of 1500 km or less, the airline must refund you 30% within 7 days.
• For flights of more than 1500 kilometers, 50% of the ticket price should be refunded.
• Exemption are the flights between the EU and the French overseas territory, where 75 percent of the ticket price is due for refund.
• For delays to any other destination, 75% of the ticket price should be refunded.

 

Is there anything I can do for my missed connecting flight?

Yes, you may seek financial compensation in case of a missed connecting flight as part of your reservation due to a delay of three hours or more.
 

The aircraft was delayed, and I was traveling as a part of a group. Should we seek compensation for the whole group or each individual person?

You are advised to demand reimbursement for each group member.

What Passengers on Delayed Flights should know?

If you are about to board a flight and the air carrier personnel informs you that the aircraft may be late, you should begin paying attention, even if the delay is expected to be just a couple of minutes.

You can find below some essential recommendations for travelers on delayed flights, as outlined by EU air passenger legislation:

• Inquire with the airline personnel about the cause for the delay and make a note of it. You have the right to be informed about the reason for the delay.
• Keep note of the time, and the length of your flight’s delay.
• Inquire about food and beverages if you feel hungry or thirsty.
• If the delay is till the next day, ask for accommodation for the night.
• Request a cab or other arrangement to transport you to your lodging.
• Inquire about the length of the delay. If you’re assured the wait will be over shortly but it doesn’t, inquire again.
• Take note of the departure time of your flight.
• Make a photo (you can use that as a piece of evidence if needed) of the arrival time at your destination.

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The complete travel packing list for visiting Europe

So you are finally about to go on that Europe trip you have been dreaming of for ages!

Now that you have booked your flight tickets, you have a plan of what to visit, and where you would be staying. This could be one of a kind experience to remember for your whole life, and you can hardly wait to leave.

There’s only one not-so-tiny detail to take care of – you need to pack your luggage.

If you are keen on saving time and stress from this assignment, we’ve put down the only packing list of stuff you need to bring along while visiting Europe.
 

Where do I put everything? – Your baggage guide for Europe

To start with, before choosing what to take along with you, you need to have the right luggage piece to store all your belongings. By understanding what you’re bringing, you should also plan where you’re putting all of your stuff.

It is crucial to have the right kind of gear for this important task. What would work fine for you depends entirely on your traveler’s personality and the places you are about to visit.

In any case, you have two options:

• a wheeled suitcase
• a travel backpack

Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so it relies entirely upon your personal choice.

A wheeled suitcase won’t put weight on your back and does offer generous options to organize your belongings.

If it is a soft-shell case – it can fit easily in many places and is tough to damage.

A Hard-shell suitcase will ensure any delicate items, however, it could break while being thrown around in airports.

Always, consider what you will be doing most of the time during your vacation. To be on the safe side, we suggest a soft-shell bag since it is more adaptable and safe to handle.

The cons of wheeled bags are that they have difficulties in coping with Europe’s cobblestones and long staircases. That is the place where travel rucksacks offer more comfort and perform better.

They are simpler to carry and don’t take up a lot of room. You can have them as carry-on bags for the flight or check them in if they are bigger than allowed.

Always make sure to look for generous in-size backpacks with a ton of pockets to store your belongings.

The drawback of travel backpacks is that they will put lots of weight on your back. They additionally could become truly awkward looking if a ton of things are placed inside and they are hard to pack and move, compared to a suitcase.

Whichever you eventually pick, ensure that it is the correct size and that it will accommodate your European travel packing list. Also, opt for a color shade that stands apart from every one of the standard dark bags you see all over.

It will be much easier to spot yours among numerous others and it will diminish the opportunity that another person will accidentally take it along.
 

How would I look? – Your apparel and style guide for Europe

Europe has an undisputable reputation being the home of the most fashionable individuals. So while making travel arrangements, have a second thought about what to wear in Europe.

Europeans guarantee they can figure somebody’s nationality just from seeing what shoes they’re wearing, e.g. American sneakers. In case you prefer to mix in, we have some inside tips on European-style clothing.

As you would need to feel comfortable and look stylish at the same time, we have compiled all answers you need while deciding on your European travel packing list.

The first piece of advice is to pack light. Everybody inclines to pack a great number of things. However, we usually end up wearing most of them just a single time or even less.

So the most ideal approach is to make some thoughts about mix and match garments.

Organize your outfits dependent on the climate and the destination. Ensure that whatever you bring, you can wear it more than once and it is easy to combine to create unique outfits.

A perfect example would be dark jeans pants that you can wear both during day and night, combining them with different shoes and accessories.
 

Tops

Basics, basics, basics… we cannot stress that enough. T-shirts are a must in any spring-summer packing list for Europe.

Regardless of whether it is about a male or female wardrobe, a white or dark shirt will consistently look stylish when combined with proper accessories.

To sum up, just mix and match 4-5 shirts in various tones.

For ladies, pullovers and shirts will likewise be acceptable and will be a nice addition to t-shirts. A couple of these, like 2 to 3 will be useful and add up to outfits you can wear while touring or out at a bar.

For gentlemen, a couple of lightweight shirts are a smart thought as well. No more than 2 to 3 long-sleeved ones would make any wardrobe flexible enough.

At the point when it’s warm, you can move up the sleeves and blend in with the European men.

Besides, anyone should invest and take along something to layer up with. Europe’s climate is continually changing, so make sure to bring a cardigan or a sweater, just as a lightweight coat. We suggest coats with hoods so you are secured if it begins raining down.

Last but not least, do not forget a more formal outfit. You may need that for a fancy restaurant or a brand new bar opening party. A decent cocktail dress for ladies and an elegant shirt for gentlemen should do the job.
 

Bottoms

Having in mind the season you are visiting Europe, you need to consider both comfortable and fancy pants. Make sure to pack some dark jeans or pants which as we referenced above can be worn at whatever point you need to.

In case the weather would be warm, you can also bring along another pair of lightweight pants.

Shorts are not very popular among Europeans, however, you can take a pair in case it is excessively hot, or you plan to make use of them as a bathing suit.

For ladies, skirts are easy to pack. They don’t take a lot of space, so you can carry 1 or 2 with you. Ensure you bring various lengths that you can wear on various occasions.
 

Shoes

Europeans consistently stand apart with their selections of shoes. For tourists, shoe comfort is vital. You will walk a lot and almost all the time, so your feet should feel comfy.

You will not appreciate anything when your feet are in agony and all you need to do is rest.

Shoes take up a lot of space in your baggage, so we suggest bringing 2 sets. One set ought to be the most comfortable walking shoes that you will wear during the day.

Another pair can be worn during the night when you go out.

Also, try to bring a couple of those cheap flip-flops. You never know how clean showers in your chosen accommodation would be.

Whatever you do, don’t bring new shoes. They will most likely cause blisters, which will ruin your holiday. Your shoes should be already worn and proven on long walks.
 

Accessories

Accessories are vital for any outfit. For long excursions like this one where you should pack light, stylish pieces that could make you feel like you’re wearing a new shirt, regardless of whether you’ve already worn it multiple times.

You could consider packing:

• Jewelry – make sure you can mix and match all you take with you.
• Watches – even more people use their cell phones to check the time, yet a decent watch is still popular, particularly in European cities.
• Scarves – you can wear what you believe are the most fundamental and easygoing garments, yet a decent scarf with fascinating examples will make you stick out.
• Sunglasses – these are critical during spring and summer.
• Tie – for men who have arranged a fancier evening, a tie is a must.

 

What do I take wonderful pictures with? – Your gadgets guide for Europe

These days, we don’t leave the house without our electronics. However, for a significant excursion like this, gadgets are an even bigger must-have.

Below, we’ve accumulated the vital electronics to rely on during your memorable trip to Europe.

Cell phone/SIM Cards

These should be number one on your list. You will want to use public Wi-Fi or get an affordable data plan for all your ideal travel pictures, or call your loved ones and tell around about all the fun you are having.

We strongly recommend buying a Prepaid Europe Travel SIM Card. Some of the top SIM cards for Europe you shall consider are:

• Orange Europe Holiday SIM card
• Three U.K. PrePaid Europe
• GiffGaff UK sim card for Europe
• UK Vodafone Free Roaming

 

Thus, you would get the following advantages:

• High-speed Internet all over Europe during your trip
• No expensive roaming taxes

 

In addition, as of 15 June 2017, roaming charges in the European Union no longer apply. This means you are able to buy a local sim card, and use it in multiple EU countries, e.g. a sim card bought in Germany, would apply the same rates for data and cell in Italy as well.

Please note that this no roaming policy concerns EU countries only, so a couple of European countries which are not part of the EU, can still request higher data and cell taxes.
 

Tablet

Nowadays, even more, travelers are opting to carry a tablet with them rather than a phone. With a Wi-Fi and couple of apps, you can talk to everyone you need to and will not even need a cell phone.
 

Laptop

In case you need to work during your trip, a laptop is a great choice. However, note these are bulkier and heavier to carry along with you all the time.
 

Power source plugs, adaptors, and chargers

European outlets and voltage might not be the same as your local ones, so you need to ensure your hardware will fit. The official voltage for Europe (and including the United Kingdom) is 220 but most electrical goods operate at around the 220 – 240 volt mark.

All of Europe operates on the same two round pronged outlets, except for the U.K. that operates on its own unique 3 pronged outlets.

The recommended solution is to get a universal power outlet, which is designed to accept a broad range of worldwide consumer AC plugs in one single unit. Just make sure to choose one featuring compatible plugs for your local country and Europe standards.

Additionally, if you have numerous hardware, bring a power strip. You probably won’t have sufficient room to charge everything during the evening if there are just two outlets in your room. Also, as the last update, pack your chargers.

You would prefer not to spend unnecessary cash on getting new ones.
 

Europe Travel Packing List

To sum up, here is our packing list for your next European vacation:

• Suitcase/travel rucksack
• 3-4 T-shirts
• 2-3 pullovers or shirts
• 1 dress/formal shirt
• 1 cardigan/sweater
• 1 lightweight coat
• A set of dark pants
• A set of pants/capris
• 1 set of shorts
• 1-2 skirts
• 2 sets of shoes
• A set of flip-flops
• Jewelry
• Watch
• 1-2 scarves
• Sunglasses
• Underwear and socks
• Cell phone
• SIM Cards
• Tablet/laptop
• Camera – if you are an amateur or professional photographer that like to take very special photos; for the rest a smart phone should do the job
• 1-2 plug adapters
• 1 power strip
• Various chargers
• Passport and ID card
• Travel tickets
• Travel Health Insurance
• Debit and credit cards
• Money – cash, checks
• Doctor prescribed medication
• Painkillers
• Toiletries
• Hanging toiletry sack
• Wet wipes
• Tissues
• Stain Remover

 

Europe Currency Tips

In terms of currencies used, Europe’s never been easier. The euro is the best proof of European integration: more than 341 million people use it on daily basis, making it the second most used currency worldwide.

The benefits of one single currency are obvious to anyone traveling abroad or shopping online on websites based in any EU country.

Currently, the euro (€) is the official currency of 19 out of 27 EU member countries, while the other 8 of them still have different currencies.
 

Euro area member countries:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
 

Non-euro area member countries

Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Hungary, Poland,Romania, Sweden
 

Some of these countries may accept Euros, but the exchange rate probably would be bad.
Generally, you should use the local currency even if they do accept Euros. You will get a better deal on your purchases.

We strongly recommend taking advantage of the ATM (cash machines) to get local currency. Many European ATMs do not charge a fee, however, your local bank most probably will request some fee.

If there is an ATM fee, the fee will be displayed before the withdrawal. Also, if there is any, the ATM fee may depend on the bank, so you can always try another bank device.

Before heading out in the city, you should stop by the ATM at the airport upon arrival, to grab a bit of cash. You might need that for taxi, bus or subway tickets.

Currency exchange offices may have costly fees, always look for the tiny print if using any of their services.

Before leaving the country – spend the extra cash latest at the airport. If there is still some cash left, you can exchange it back at the airport or at home (the rate would be even better), but please note that coins would not be accepted.

Hence, the best solution is to spend all of them locally. Grab some gifts, souvenirs, water, snacks, or similar.

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Differences between the Schengen Zone and the European Union

The new European online travel permit – ETIAS will become operational as of the end of 2022 and in 2023, it will be mandatory for all those who now travel visa-free to the Schengen Zone.
 

Indeed, all nationals from the visa-exempt countries who are now visiting the Schengen Area by only presenting their passports will have to apply for the online travel authorization before boarding. They will, however, have the opportunity to visit not only the countries from the Schengen Zone but also all of the European Union. One online travel permit to cover them both.

What are the differences between the Schengen and the EU areas?

Although most of the EU countries are also part of the Schengen Zone, a whole territory is still excluded from the border-free agreement. At the same time, the Schengen Zone comprises of countries that are not part of the European Union.
 

		Members	Area	Population
Schengen Zone	26 (incl. 22 EU members)	4,233,255 km2	447 million
European Union	27	4,312,099 km2	419 million

 

According to the above, the data in terms of member states, covered area and population looks almost the same and one could wrongly assume that both Organisations cover the same territory.

One of Continent’s far West points is not a member of the EU while its most East, although a member of the EU, is not part of the Schengen agreement.
 

The Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Zone is named after a tiny Luxembourg city where the European countries sealed their free cross-border agreement in 1985. Having only 5 members in the beginning, the Zone grew up to 26 states.
 

Initially, this agreement was thought to ease the frontiers’ crossing of people working in the border areas. It also aimed the encouragement of region’s tourism.
 

Today, the Schengen Zone comprises of 27 European states in both in and out of the EU. Over the past 36 years, it was ensuring the free movement of its more than 440 million citizens, goods, and tourists from third countries.
 

Apart from the EU states that during the years have joint the Schengen Area, a small number of non-EU members have signed different types of agreements with the Zone:

 

Non-EU states and their relationship with the Schengen Zone
Switzerland	Known for its neutrality, the Swiss Confederation is not a member of the EU. As of 2009 though, the country joined the Schengen Area. The decision was made after a 2005 popular referendum with 55% voting in favour of the free border passing. Although member of the Schengen Zone, Switzerland’s customs continue to operate.
Norway	The Kingdom of Norway tried twice to join the European Union. The question on whether the country will become member of the EU was first put to a referendum in 1974. Back then, 53.5% voted against it. More than 30 years after, in 1994, a second referendum was held. With the same result of 52.2% against, the country halted its plans to become a member-state for good. Nevertheless, as being part of the Schengen Zone as well as of the European Economic Area, Norway is ensuring the free passing of people and goods across its borders with the sole exception its Arctic lands.
Iceland	In 2009, Iceland started accession negotiations with the European Union. In 2015 though the Nordic country decided to drop plans to join the EU. The main reason behind this are the fishing rights and disputes the country use to have with the UK. Despite this, Iceland is a key member of the European Free Trade Association, the European Economic Area, and the Schengen Zone resulting in the fact that several thousand Icelanders now study, work, and live in the EU. At the same time, each year hundreds of Schengen Zone visa-exempt travellers enter the country without having to pass the border control.
Liechtenstein	As a microstate, the Principality of Liechtenstein has always been closely related to the Swiss economy and its international liaisons. A member of the European Free Trade Association and European Economic Area, the country has access to the EU single market and applies the Union’s laws. In 2008, Liechtenstein signed the Schengen Agreement. As of 2011, the Principality can be visited freely not only from Switzerland but also from Austria.
San Marino	The Republic of San Marino is entirely enclosed by Italy – one of the EU states. Not being a member of the European Union nor of the Schengen Zone, San Marino is in constant talks with the EU over the application of joint policies. During the last 15 years, the microstate tried to start accession negotiations with the EU by a Parliament voting as well as holding a popular referendum. Although the majority’s vote has always been pro-EU, to date no constructive talks have been initiated. The lack of agreement between the microstate and the Schengen Area results in random border checks.
Andorra	As San Marino, the Principality of Andorra, a microstate itself, is not a member of the EU nor of the Schengen Area which means that two border controls are operating on its frontiers. Positioned between France and Spain, tourists can enter visa-free from both countries but will need Schengen visa when leaving it. In addition to this, full customs check will be applied to those entering France and Spain from Andorra as the microstate applies low VAT on some goods including tobacco, spirits, and petrol.
Monaco	The tiny Principality of Monaco is entirely enclosed by France – an EU member which also represents most of its interests in front of the European Union. Although not a member of the Schengen Area, the entry to Monaco is border-free. Regarding Principality joining the EU or other European organisations, the chances for this are low. Especially after the 2013 report issued from the European Commission where the EC is quoted as saying that their relationship with the three microstates – San Marino, Andorra, and Monaco are fragmented. The same report sais that: the participation of the small-sized countries in the EEA is not judged to be a viable option at present due to the political and institutional reasons.
The Vatican	The smallest state on Earth, the Holy See is an ecclesiastical microstate with the Pope on top of its governance. Impossible as it is for this absolute monarchy to join any of the EU organisations, the Vatican communicates with Europe through various missions. Located in Rome, the entry to this microstate is of course border-free.

 

During the years, the Schengen Zone Agreement between its member-states and the external associates managed to ensure the free and secure movement of its citizens and visitors. Meanwhile, the EU added three new members which are now waiting to join the Club.
 

 The new EU members and the free crossing of borders

Although just three, the new EU members – Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania are all located on the Balkan peninsula making it impossible for the visa-exempt countries’ nationals to travel border-free to this region. Despite the continuous negotiations to become part of the Schengen Area, these countries are still out of the Agreement mainly due to unsolved problems with corruption and the freedom of speech.
 

EU states not part of the Schengen Agreement
Bulgaria	Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union in 2007. Since then, the country is working on joining the Schengen Area and the Eurozone. None of the precedent has yet happened due to inconsequent policy, signs for corruption among country’s justice system, and continuous drop in World Press Freedom ranking. Equally important for allowing Bulgaria to the Schengen Zone is its geographical location. As of 2007, Bulgarian border became EU’s external, most eastern frontier that also draws the line between Europe and Asia.
Romania	On 1 January 2007, Romania became member of the EU. The country is still waiting to join the Eurozone and the Schengen Area. Although Romania is constantly showing its determination in signing the free-movement agreement, it is still waiting to be approved after Netherlands’ veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area back in 2011. Th country is also keeping EU’s external border that separates the Union with the ex-Soviet states still in close relation to Russia.
Croatia	Croatia was the last state so far to join the EU. As of 2013, it became Union’s 27th member. As Bulgaria and Romania, Croatia is waiting to become part of the Eurozone and the Schengen Area. Unlike the other two Balkan states though, according to the European Commission, Croatia is showing positive progress on its way to join both Organisations and may well be the first of the three to introduce border-free entry to the country.

 

Not all the Balkan states are excluded from the Schengen Zone. Greece, who has joined the Union in 1981, is also a member of the Schengen Area. For the visa-exempt nationals, however, it is accessible either by air or boat from Italy. Otherwise, they will need a visa to exit by land.
 

Travelling to the UK after BREXIT

This case is unique and although the United Kingdom was part of the EU and the Schengen Zone until very recently, as of 2021 the country is taking its own path leaving the Union and all its organisations.

With border and customs control resuming operations, the UK announced that it is in process of establishing an online travel permit – eTA accessible for all the EU nationals as well as for the visa-exempt third states.
 

ETIAS and the Europe’s new travel regulation

 

With the extension of the European Union borders, the negotiations with potential new EU members and challenges like terrorism, organised crime, and global pandemic, the Schengen Zone alone can no longer ensure the security of its borders.
 

This is why, in November 2020, the European Commission announced the establishment of ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorization System. This new system will pre-scan each visitor coming from the visa-exempt countries. Entirely online, this procedure will consolidate the work of the border control and the national security agencies of both EU and the Schengen Zone.

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