Want to know where you can go on holiday? These are all the countries that have already reopened their borders – plus all those planning to soon
This year hasn’t gone quite to plan so far. Just when we thought we were very much in the ‘de-escalation’ phase of lockdown, for many of us, everything seems to be heading in the wrong direction again – especially when it comes to travel.
Borders are closed and travel restrictions still in place all over the world. Moving freely from one country to another feels almost like a thing of the past. Now there is even talk of needing ‘vaccine passports’ to get into certain destinations.
So the question is: when will we actually be able to get out there and explore the world again? Well – for some of us at least – right now in fact. Governments across the world may still be advising their citizens to stay put, but many countries are still opening up in an effort draw visitors over the coming months.
Nations across the Mediterranean were among the first to welcome tourists again in May 2020, while destinations across the Caribbean and Asia also lifted travel restrictions and allowed commercial flights to resume at fuller service through the summer and autumn. (Note that other destinations, including Bali and Australia, are yet to reopen at all, with the latter saying it might not welcome international visitors until the end of 2021.)
So, want to know where you can travel and go on holiday right now? Here’s the lowdown on all the countries that have already reopened – and all those that are planning to soon – along with information on testing and vaccination requirements for travellers.
Remember, many countries are still warning against all non-essential travel and some are quarantining all overseas arrivals, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about travelling.
When did it reopen? May 9, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers from within the EU and EEA, plus a handful of other countries around the world.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but vaccinated travellers can skip testing and quarantine requirements. All travellers must fill out this form, and those without the vaccine must also present a negative test result from within the past 48 hours on arrival.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? May 22, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Visitors from EU and Schengen travel zone countries. Citizens and residents of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand are also allowed in. The border with Spain is currently closed for non-essential travel.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but the country’s tourism minister has said that British travellers will be able to skip testing requirements by providing proof of vaccination from May 17. The autonomous archipelago of Madeira already has a similar system in place for vaccinated travellers from all countries listed above. Currently, all visitors must present a negative test result from within the past 72 hours on arrival. They must also fill in this form.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? June 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Travellers from within the EU and Schengen area, as well as a a dozen or so other countries around the world. Visitors from three sets of countries do not have to quarantine on arrival. ‘Green’ countries include: Australia, Iceland and Saudi Arabia. ‘Orange’ countries include: China, Hong Kong and Portugal. ‘Red’ countries include: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but as of April 1, Israeli travellers will be able to skip testing by providing proof of vaccination from April 1, as well as Brits from May 1. Currently, travellers from ‘green’ countries are also exempt from testing; those from ‘orange’ countries must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours; and those from ‘red’ countries have to provide a negative test result and take another test on arrival.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? June 3, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Travellers from EU countries and the Schengen travel zone, as well as visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Israel and a handful of other countries outside Europe. Flights from Brazil are suspended.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all arrivals will now have to provide a negative test result from within the past 48 hours. Arrivals from within the European Economic Area, as well as the UK and Israel, will have to quarantine for five days; those from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand for ten days. Everyone else faces a 14-day quarantine period.
When did it reopen? June 4, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but you must present a negative test result from within five days of arrival, and if you’re travelling from outside the Caribbean Community, stay at an authorised hotel for at least the first 14 days. All travellers must also fill out this form.
When did it open? June 6, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but the Tanzanian island says all visitors will be screened on arrival and only those who display symptoms will have to provide a recent negative test result. You must also hold valid health insurance.
When did it reopen? June 14, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Travellers from within the EU and Schengen travel zone, as well as those from around a dozen other countries around the world. Anyone travelling from a country on this ‘yellow list’, which currently includes the UK, will have to quarantine for 14 days. This can be reduced to ten days, if you test negative on the eighth day of confinement.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but the country is waiving all restrictions for travellers who have already been fully vaccinated.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? June 10, 2020
Who’s allowed in? The country has reopened the majority of its borders. Flights from the UK, Brazil, Denmark and South Africa are currently suspended.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all travellers must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours on arrival.
When did it reopen? June 13, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Travellers from EU countries and the other nations in Europe’s passport-free Schengen area. Travel is currently restricted from a handful of European countries due to rising cases. Visitors from a dozen or so other countries around the world are also allowed in.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but travellers who can provide proof of vaccination can skip testing and quarantine. Currently, all travellers must provide a negative test result from within 48 hours of arrival, or self-isolate for ten days.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? June 15, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Residents of EU and Schengen member states, plus the UK and around a dozen other countries around the world, can now get into the country. All travellers must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours on arrival.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but the Greek government has said that it will waive testing and quarantine rules for vaccinated travellers from May 14. Currently, visitors must fill out a ‘passenger locator form’ at least 24 hours before arriving, as well as provide a negative test result.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? June 15, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Residents and citizens of EU member states or countries that fall in the free-movement Schengen area, plus the UK. France is also allowing in visitors from the EU’s ‘safe’ list of other countries outside Europe.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all arrivals must now present a negative test result from within the past 72 hours. Travellers from outside Europe must self-isolate for seven days.
When did it reopen? June 15, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers (though flights from the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru are currently suspended).
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all visitors must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours on arrival, then self-isolate for 14 days. They should also fill out this form before departure.
When did it reopen? June 15, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Visitors from the EU and Schengen travel area, as well as Australia, New Zealand and a handful of other countries outside Europe.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but as of March 18, you can skip testing and quarantine by providing proof of vaccination on arrival. If not, you must take a test on arrival, and even if it comes back negative, you must then self-isolate for five days before taking a second test.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? June 15, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Visitors from within the EU and Schengen area, plus a handful of other countries around the world.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all arrivals to the Netherlands must present a negative PCR test from within the past 72 hours, along with negative rapid test results taken no more than four hours before departure. They must also self-isolate for ten days on arrival. Travellers from ‘safe’ countries are exempt. All visitors must fill out this form and show a valid reservation when they arrive.
When did it reopen? June 22, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Visitors from EU and Schengen member countries, plus a handful of other countries around the world. Travel from Brazil and South Africa is currently banned, except for returning citizens and residents. The land border with Portugal is shut.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all travellers from ‘high-risk’ areas must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours. All arrivals must also fill in this form.
When did it reopen? June 27, 2020
Who’s allowed in? The country has restarted flights to and from a handful of less-affected countries. Flights from the UK, South Africa, Australia, Brazil and Denmark are currently suspended.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but travellers must fill in this online form in advance and present a negative test result from within the past 72 hours on arrival. They must also self-isolate for five days.
When did it reopen? July 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all visitors must fill out an ‘electronic health visa’ before they arrive and provide a negative test result from within five days of arrival. Anyone staying for longer than five days will also have to take a test on the fifth day.
When did it reopen? July 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? The country says it has reopened its ‘land, air and sea borders’ to all travellers. Flights from the UK are currently suspended.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all visitors must fill out a ‘health declaration’ form in advance. Travellers from the UK must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours.
When did it reopen? July 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Residents and citizens of EU and Schengen-area countries will now be allowed in, along with travellers from Australia, Canada, Japan and around a dozen other nations around the world. Travel from the UK, South Africa and Brazil is banned.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but Brits who can provide proof of vaccination will be able to skip quarantine and testing from June 1. Currently, travellers from anywhere not on Malta’s ‘green list’ of countries must provide a negative test result from 72 hours of arrival.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? July 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? EgyptAir has resumed flights to and from countries including the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, Italy, the UAE and Canada.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all passengers will have to present a negative test result from within the past 72 hours. There will also be health screenings on arrival. You may have to quarantine, depending on test results.
When did it reopen? July 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? The British overseas territory has reopened to all international air travel. However, flights from Brazil, India and South Africa are currently suspended.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but visitors are required to show a negative test result from within five days of arrival, and you should bring appropriate health insurance. All arrivals must also apply for ‘travel authorisation’ before departure.
When did it reopen? July 7, 2020
Who’s allowed in? The UAE has now reopened air travel to Dubai from most countries. Arrivals from South Africa and Nigeria are currently banned.
Do I need a vaccine? All international visitors must present a negative test result from within 72 hours of arrival, or undergo testing at the airport, or both if travelling from a ‘high-risk’ area. You must also bring valid health insurance.
When did it reopen? July 12, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but you’ll have to present a negative test result from within the past 72 hours (or get tested) on arrival. All arrivals also have to quarantine for seven days at a hotel at their own expense and wear a tracking bracelet. They must fill out this form too.
When did it reopen? July 15, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All international travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all visitors must provide a negative test result from within the past four days. There are no quarantine requirements, except for British travellers, who are required to self-isolate for ten days.
When did it reopen? July 22, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all visitors must provide a negative test result from within five days of arrival and fill out this ‘travel authorisation’ form.
When did it reopen? July 31, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Travellers from EU and member states and around 20 other countries around the world, including the UK, USA, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but Georgia is waiving testing and quarantine requirements for travellers who have been vaccinated. If you haven’t had the jab, you must provide a negative test result from within 72 hours of arrival and take another test three days afterwards. Travellers from the UK must self-isolate for 12 days, and those from India for 14 days. All arrivals must also fill out this form before leaving.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? August 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? As of March 25, travellers from all countries.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all visitors must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours. There are no quarantine requirements.
When did it reopen? August 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Air travel is now permitted from all countries.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but you’ll have to fill out this form and bring adequate health insurance.
When did it reopen? August 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but you will have to take a test on arrival and may have to quarantine, depending on the results. Travellers from Brunei, the Czech Republic, Kuwait, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand must quarantine in a government-approved facility for 14 days.
When did it reopen? September 10, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers. Flights from the UK have been suspended.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all travellers must provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours on arrival, then take another test. All arrivals must also apply for a ‘travel pass’ before departure.
When did it reopen? September 21, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All nationalities. Flights to and from the UK and Brazil have been suspended.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but make sure to fill out this ‘Check-Mig’ form. All travellers must also provide a negative test from within 96 hours of arrival.
When did it reopen? October 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all arrivals in South Africa are required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Visitors will additionally be screened for symptoms and asked to show adequate health insurance.
When did it reopen? October 1, 2020
Who’s allowed in? Travellers from around 50 countries (including the UK, USA and Australia) can now apply for a ‘visa exemption’ scheme that will allow them to stay for up to 45 days – as long as they self-isolate for ten days at an ‘alternative state quarantine’ on arrival. If you’re from a country not on the list, or simply looking to stay longer, a ‘special tourist visa’ that lasts up to 90 days will also be available. This can be extended twice, to a maximum of just under nine months.
Do I need a vaccine? No – but the island of Phuket has announced that it could waive quarantine and testing requirements for travellers who have been vaccinated from July 1. As of April 1, the quarantine period across the country has been reduced to ten days for non-vaccinated travellers and seven for vaccinated travellers. Currently, all travellers must also provide a negative test result from within the past 72 hours on arrival.
Check out the full list of countries letting in vaccinated travellers.
When did it reopen? November 23, 2020
Who’s allowed in? All travellers (though flights from the UK have now been suspended).
Do I need a vaccine? No – but all visitors will have to provide a negative PCR test result from within the past 72 hours. They must also self-isolate for ten days, or six days if take a test that comes back negative on the sixth day. Make sure to fill out this form before departure.
As the world starts to inch out of lockdown, our daydreams have turned to travel once more and where in the world we’d like to dash off to as soon as we can. These are destinations our editors from all over the world can’t wait to visit, as soon as it’s safe to do so.
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