It is essential to know the basics about each country before you travel. For example, are you allowed to travel across its borders? Are there COVID-related travel restrictions in place? Is there a rise in COVID cases? And what percentage of the population is currently vaccinated?
Which countries are welcoming foreign travelers? What COVID travel restrictions apply?
To find the most current travel information, visit the website of your home country’s Embassy or State Department page for the destination where you are traveling.
Case numbers for COVID-19 and the vaccination rates
The pandemic is not over. It’s a good idea to stay away from places where COVID-19 incidences are high. This is especially true if you’re not currently vaccinated. It is essential to check the vaccination status of the local population. If you are COVID positive, it is possible to travel to low-vaccination countries. Even if your vaccinations are up to date, it is still a wise idea to take a COVID-19 negative test before you go.
Our World in Data offers the latest information about COVID-19 cases worldwide and the vaccination rates.
Which countries are closed, open, or have restrictions?
Canada: Starting 7 September 2021, travelers who are fully vaccinated can enter Canada to travel. All travelers who aren’t fully vaccinated are subjected to quarantine.
Colombia: All borders land, sea, and river are open. The Ministry of Health has allowed international flights to resume with limited destinations. On 4 June 2021, the Ministry of Health declared that all international inbound passengers do not need a negative COVID-19 testing result. (See US Embassy Colombia web page. However, all international passengers must complete an online form for immigration within 24 hours of their flight. Colombians cannot enter the country if they have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close touch with anyone who has.
Costa Rica: Find out the requirements to enter. No mandatory insurance is required for travelers who can show proof of double vaccinations received within 14 days. All others will require insurance that meets specific requirements. In addition, all travelers should complete an advanced epidemiological information form. If you are required to obtain a visa, check with the Embassy.
Croatia: UK nationals who travel to Croatia must bring the following documents. (See “Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccine status”). Most countries allow travelers to enter Croatia without any pre-arrival testing.
Egypt: Commercial flights have resumed. All Egyptian nationals and citizens arriving from outside Egypt must present proof that they have completed at least 14 days of COVID-19 or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. No evidence of COVID-19 restoration will be accepted. In addition, passengers must submit proof of valid health insurance and fill out a Public Health Card to be subjected to temperature checks. You can find out if a visa is required and apply online through Egypt’s Online Visa portal.
Greece: All travelers to Greece must complete the Passenger Locator Form before arriving. Travelers require the following documents: Proof of a negative COVID-19-PCR test within 72 hours before coming into Greece or proof of an authorized COVID-19 rapid antibody test within 48 hours before you arrive in Greece. Or guarantee that you were fully vaccinated for COVID-19 14 days before you travel (see Demonstrating COVID-19 status). Greece will accept documentation proving that COVID-19 has been recovered for entry purposes.
Ireland: Travellers who arrive from Great Britain without proof of vaccination or evidence of recovering from COVID-19 within 180-days will not need to undergo travel-related testing. All travelers must complete the health passenger locator form. They also need to provide a negative COVID-19-RTPCR test performed less than 72 hours before arriving in Ireland. Hotel quarantine is mandatory for all travelers who are from high-risk areas. Travelers coming from other countries are required to be in quarantine for 14 days at their residence. See the Irish Government website to find out more.
Italy: Starting 31 August 2021, travelers can enter Italy unassisted if they are fully vaccinated, have recovered COVID-19, and have taken a negative PCR/antigen test within 48 hours. Travelers who have not been vaccinated, or cannot provide proof of vaccination, must self-isolate for five consecutive days. A digital online form must be completed. It will generate a QR Code, which can then be presented to your Border Police or travel agent. You can also complete the paper form if you don’t own an electronic device. All visitors to Italy must notify the COVID-19 Helpline within 48 hours of arrival to let them know that you have arrived.
