Only four months ago, the world was reeling from the emergence of Omicron and nations began to require additional testing, stricter vaccine requirements, bringing back isolation periods or shutting down travel all together. As Omicron moved through the world and immunity continued to build, governments quickly reevaluated Covid restrictions. In early February, Denmark was the first to strip all its entry requirements no matter your vaccine status, followed closely by their Scandinavian neighbors who severely stripped their restrictions. Fast forward to present time and more countries across Europe are starting to adapt the Danish model. As promised, here is the update of countries who have adjusted Covid restrictions.
In Europe, these countries have recently removed all Covid requirements for entry, whether you’re vaccinated or not.
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Montenegro
- Norway
- Slovenia
- United Kingdom
Additionally, a good amount of European countries have removed most Covid requirements for those that are vaccinated, so as you plan your trip, check with the US State Department Travel website for the country you’re visiting and they’ll have the most up to date information.
Of course, tourism does exist outside of Europe. Asia and the South Pacific have adjusted policies collectively at a glacial pace when compared to the West. Tourists have been allowed to enter countries across the regions, just with stricter restrictions. Thailand for example, you need to be vaccinated, provide a negative PCR test, and then take an additional PCR test where you have to wait in a government approved hotel until the results are finalized. These types of restrictions have reduced global tourism to a normally high traffic area. That being said, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for several countries.
- Australia – Has pushed up their opening and will no longer require a negative test for vaccinated tourists starting April 17.
- Hong Kong – Still shut down to tourists but is allowing flights in and out of the airport. This is a milestone change because Hong Kong’s airport is a major gateway hub to a lot of destinations throughout the region. At the very least, it allows the ability to get to certain destinations easier and more affordably.
- New Zealand – Has officially pushed up opening it’s borders from October to May for vaccinated Americans. Assuming they have similar policies for most countries.
- South Korea – Will no longer require quarantine for vaccinated travelers, but just a negative test prior to entry.
To us that live in the Western hemisphere, additional changes are comingas well. The United States still requires a negative test to all travelers entering the country, no more than 1 day upon boarding your flight. There is more and more pressure being put on government leaders to remove this requirement, but as of now, it’s still intact. As the US stalls, US Commonwealths and neighbors are making changes quickly.
- Aruba – All Covid restrictions have been removed.
- Canada – Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative test starting April 1.
- Hawaii – Removed all restrictions from travelers from the US mainland.
- Puerto Rico – Removed all restrictions from travelers from the US mainland.
- US Virgin Islands – Removed all restrictions from travelers from the US mainland.
Over the past four months we’ve seen swift changes to global policies. Many governments are adjusting in real time due to economic pressures of tourism or the mindset that Covid is here to stay. Whatever the reason is, these will not be the last countries to change policies. For those that want to travel, things are getting much easier as destinations are returning to the normal of pre-2020 way of living. Start planning, starting booking, it’s time to get back and explore the world.