Sweden bans all American visitors, Denmark bans unvaccinated
Traveling to Denmark and Sweden only became much more difficult for the Americans after the decision last month by officials from the European Union who removed the United States from their list of safe countries.
Sweden acted quickly and introduced a ban on visitors from the United States regardless of vaccination status. The ban applies to all non-essential journeys.
Denmark followed a few days later, but the restrictions are not as strict. Fully vaccinated Americans can still enter Denmark, but others cannot unless there is a “worthy purpose”.
There is exemption from the prohibition in Sweden, mainly for anyone traveling from the USA who has citizenship in an EU country, people with significant activities or government activities, or students studying in the country.
Frontline workers, merchant sailors, military, those working in international organizations whose presence is required or people with acute family problems can also enter Sweden.
Everyone who enters Sweden must still be fully vaccinated and present a negative COVID test upon entry.
This ban came into force on Monday, but there may be changes.
“The government is now investigating the possibility – with regard to the process at EU level – of freeing completely vaccinated residents in certain countries from the entry restrictions,” says the Swedish Government Offices in a press release. “The government intends to return to this issue at a later date.”
For Denmark, fully vaccinated Americans are welcome to enter the country without restrictions. EU digital certificates are accepted as proof.
Those who are not vaccinated must prove a worthy purpose to enter. This includes people whose jobs, education, close family relationships or urgent business require them to be in the country.
Even with a dignified purpose, travelers who are not fully vaccinated will need to be tested and quarantined for 10 days upon arrival if they do not have evidence of previous coronavirus infection.
The measures come after the EU moved the United States at the end of last month from its safe list, where only 17 countries remain. The move came as COVID cases continue to soar in the United States. Down to less than 15,000 cases per day in the spring, the United States exceeded 1 million new cases in the past seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The US Embassy lists complete details of rules and regulations for Denmark and for Sweden on their websites.