Moving from the U.S. to Europe: Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you planning a move from the U.S. to Europe?  If so, it is critical to have the most up-to-date and accurate information available in order to successfully plan your move and ensure your safe travels.

Under “normal” circumstances, there would be a definitive set of instructions and protocol for you to follow, but due the COVID-19 global pandemic, the process has changed significantly.

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In fact, it continues to be a very fluid situation, thus making it more difficult for people to relocate outside of their current country at the moment.

But, not to fear, there is still a lot of important research and legwork that you can do right now, so that you will be well-prepared and ready to make your move when the time comes.

For the purposes of this article, we will provide you with some of the most important resources and information that you need to know, so that you can get started and get organized.

At the same time, we urge you to check all resources frequently, as information can change often and with little or no notice.

Travel Advisories and Restrictions

As of the writing of this article, both the U.S. and Europe have issued travel advisories and implemented international travel restrictions.

These advisories and restrictions can vary significantly from country-to-country, and they are expected to change and lift as the risk of exposure to COVID-19 continues to diminish.

So, be aware that this is an evolving situation that could affect the timing of your move.

For the latest information regarding travel advisories and restrictions, please visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website by clicking on the following link: Travel Advisories.

From there, you will have access to detailed, country-specific information.

Moving to Europe

There are 44 countries in Europe, and each one has its own laws, regulations, and processes pertaining to immigration. Generally speaking, there are specific requirements that you will need to meet, and documentation that you will need to have in place and in your possession prior to your move to Europe.

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These include items such as a valid U.S. passport, a visa and work permit, birth certificates, social security cards, driver’s license, medical records, marriage certificates, adoption records, school records, child custody records, and insurance documents.

Please note that in response to COVID-19, government offices and agencies are working at limited capacity, and the processes for obtaining items such as a U.S. passport have slowed down significantly.

So, you should expect delays in reaching the appropriate parties and getting some of the answers that you need. For the most updated information, please click on the following link: US Passport Operations.

For information on the requirements of your specific European destination, we recommend that you contact the consulate office or embassy of that country.

By visiting the U.S. Department of State website, you can search for information by country.  This will include links to the embassies located in the U.S., so that you can contact the correct embassy directly with any questions you may have.

Currently, the Department of State strongly advises all U.S. citizens to read the country-specific Travel Advisories and U.S. Embassy COVID-19 pages on their website for updates on the pandemic and worldwide impact.

For each country, you will see a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19, entry and exit requirements that are currently in place, restrictions that have been implemented, local resources, and much more.

What Should I Be Doing Now?

As mentioned above, now is a good time for you to get organized and prepare for your move to Europe. Beyond the process that you need to follow and the documentation that you will need, there are other practical aspects of your move that you can focus on right now.

Obviously, there is much more involved in an international move than a domestic one. So, be sure to plan accordingly, and give yourself plenty of time to plan for your adventure ahead.

What To Ask The Moving Company

Here is a great place to start:

• Hire a Moving Company – This is perhaps the most critical element for you to consider as you plan your move.  And, not just any mover will do. Be sure and do your homework and interview a couple of different moving companies. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations, and then do your own independent research of those companies. Always look for customer reviews, as this will give you a good idea about the company and customer experiences.
• Get Answers to Your Questions – You are going to have a lot of questions about your move, such as what it will cost, how your items will be packaged and shipped, and any restrictions that you need to be aware of. To assist you, we have created this handy list of frequently asked questions. Just click on the following link: International Moving FAQs.
• Moving Abroad Checklist – Another useful resource is our Moving Abroad Checklist. In it you will find a detailed overview of the essential things that you need to do and know when planning a move overseas. You can access it via the following link: Moving Abroad Checklist.

How Long Does Processes and Procedures Take?

It is also important to note that prior to the pandemic, the required legal processes and procedures that people have to rigidly follow when moving to a foreign country typically took anywhere from 3 to 6 months to complete.

Understandably, that timeframe has been extended based on current circumstances.

At Daryl Flood, we are here to help you plan for your move to Europe, or anywhere else your adventures might take you.

Please contact us anytime so that we can provide you with the latest information to ensure a successful move. We are always here to answer any questions you might have, and to provide you with the professional advice and expertise you can trust.

Sources:

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/passport-covid-19.html
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html