COVID-19 Information
Last updated:  Sept 14th, 2022

New Zealand dropped all Covid-19 restrictions, including vaccine requirements for travelers and mask mandates. South Korea has eliminated its PCR-testing requirement for international travelers, although they still must test upon arrival. In Fiji, visitors no longer need to complete a Covid-19 test prior to entry and the quarantine period has been shortened. Saint Lucia also has dropped pretravel testing rules in an effort to draw more visitors.

Japan will raise the daily entry cap for visitors on Sept. 7, and will remove predeparture-testing mandates for travelers who have received three Covid-19 vaccine doses. On Sept. 9, Australia will lower the quarantine time for anyone who contacts Covid-19 but shows no symptoms. Also, the mask mandate for domestic flights will be eliminated. Meanwhile, China loosened visa restrictions for students and some business travelers, with preference given to those who have travel permits from the Asia Pacific-Economic Cooperation forum.

The Cayman Islands recently ended all remaining pandemic restrictions, including vaccination and testing requirements for travel. The mask mandate also will be lifted. Bermuda likewise loosened measures for unvaccinated travelers. Medical vaccination exemptions are no longer required for unvaccinated visitors to enter the territory, but they must complete a Covid-19 test before and after arrival.

France has removed all Covid-19 travel restrictions, including vaccination and testing mandates. In Canada, border restrictions for international visitors have been extended until at least Sept. 30.

Hong Kong will reduce its mandatory hotel quarantine for overseas arrivals. New Zealand has reopened its borders fully to travelers from all countries, including visitors from nonwaiver nations and international students. In addition, cruise ships are allowed to return. In Thailand, travelers are no longer required to apply for the Thailand Pass and the mask mandate has been dropped.

Meanwhile, South Africa has dropped all remaining Covid-19 restrictions. Singapore dropped entry restrictions for nightlife establishments, and the U.S. Virgin Islands lifted the testing requirement for international travelers.

Following are updated reports by country. We are also constantly updating our list of state-by-state gathering restrictions:

 

Aruba

Aruba lifted all entry requirements for international travelers on March 19. Tourists will still be required to fill out an Aruba Embarkation/Disembarkation card and purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance prior to arrival. All local Covid-19 protocols have already been lifted.

Australia

On Sept. 9, the quarantine time for anyone who contracts Covid-19 but shows no symptoms will be shortened from seven to five days. Those with symptoms will still be required to isolate for a full week. Also on that date, the mask mandate for domestic flights will be lifted. Masks will continue to be required for international flights.

As of July 6, travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or complete the digital passenger declaration in order to enter the country. Covid-19 testing requirements for inbound travelers were lifted in April.

Other Covid-19 restrictions vary by region. Travel updates can be found on the Australian Department of Health’s website.

Austria

As of March 5, a negative test result is no longer needed for entry to events, bars, restaurants and other activities. Nightclubs are able to reopen, a midnight curfew for restaurants and bars ended, and limits on event sizes were removed. Masks are no longer required on public transportation and in pharmacies.

A vaccination mandate that became law in February but still hasn’t gone into effect has again been suspended, now through the end of August. Officials say the measure, which was first announced during a Covid surge in November 2021, is currently unjustified.

The Bahamas

Effective March 3, visitors to the Bahamas no longer have to take a rapid test on the fifth day after arrival. They must still take a PCR test within 72 hours before travel and apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa, regardless of vaccination status.

Bermuda

Beginning Aug. 22, unvaccinated travelers no longer need to apply for a medical vaccination exemption in order to visit Bermuda. However, unvaccinated visitors are required to take a Covid-19 test no more than two days before departure and must take a second test four days after arrival. Quarantine restrictions have been removed, along with the need to take an additional test on day 10.

Details and Covid-19 updates can be found on the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s website.

Brazil

As of April 2, vaccinated travelers are exempt from taking a Covid-19 test in order to enter the country. Unvaccinated visitors must provide a negative a negative PCR or rapid test taken within 24 hours.

Canada

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Canada’s border restrictions for international travelers have been extended until at least Sept. 30. All international visitors still must provide proof of full vaccination and complete the health questionnaire on the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours prior to arrival. Pre-entry testing is not required for fully vaccinated visitors. Those who are unvaccinated are only allowed to enter the country if they have a valid reason for travel. Unvaccinated visitors must show proof of a negative antigen test taken within one day of their flight or their arrival at the land border, or show proof of a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of the flight departure or arrival at the land border. More details can be found on the Canadian government’s website.

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to board a plane or train in Canada. However, all passengers on a cruise that starts, docks or ends in Canada must be fully vaccinated and show proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to embarkation.

Additional Covid-19 restrictions vary depending on the province and territory. The Canadian government has also released a risk-mitigation tool for event planners.

The U.S. lifted travel restrictions with Canada in November 2021. Fully vaccinated Canadians are able to enter the country via the land border or by ferry for nonessential reasons. Proof of vaccination is required, and those who are not vaccinated are not allowed to enter. Essential travelers from Canada also need to show proof of vaccination. Canadian travelers can fly into the U.S. with proof of vaccination and a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within one day prior to travel.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands will drop all remaining Covid-19 restrictions on Aug. 24. The change will allow vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers to enter the British Overseas Territory without needing to show proof of vaccination, presenting a negative Covid-19 test or completing a travel declaration. Mask mandates also will be lifted. Updates can be found on the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism website.

Chile

Beginning September 1, fully vaccinated travelers will no longer need to show a negative PCR test result prior to entering the country, but still must provide proof of vaccination. Those who are unvaccinated must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. Also in September, Chile will replace its Mobility Pass, which is required for entry to public spaces and on public transportation, with vaccination certificates. Details can be found on the government’s website.

China

On Aug. 24, China eased visa restrictions. Under the new rules, foreigners who have a valid Chinese residence permit for study or a valid Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business travel card can enter the country. Travel restrictions still apply, including a seven-day quarantine at a government-approved facility, followed by three days of self monitoring at home. The quarantine time was reduced in June from 14 days.

Restrictions vary across the country. A negative Covid-19 test is required for access to many public spaces.

Denmark

Travel restrictions were lifted on March 29. The requirement to show proof of vaccination or present a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 24 hours prior to arrival in Denmark has been removed.

All other Covid-19 restrictions were lifted on Feb. 1. Masks are no longer required in restaurants, shops and on public transit. Social distancing and limits on indoor gatherings have been eliminated. The national Covid pass app is no longer required for events, although organizers can still choose to use it.

England

Covid-19 restrictions for international travelers entering England were removed on March 18. Visitors no longer need to complete a passport locator form, and the requirement for unvaccinated visitors to complete Covid-19 tests prior to departure and on day two of arrival was dropped. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will adapt the same travel policies.

England is in the process of lifting its remaining coronavirus restrictions under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Living with Covid plan. As of Feb. 24, people who test positive for Covid-19 are no longer required to quarantine. However, they are still advised to stay home and avoid contact with others for at least five days. Routine contract tracing has ended. On April 1, the government will remove its guidance advising venues to use Covid-19 passes.

Face masks are no longer required in public spaces, including on public transportation and in shops. The government still recommends wearing face coverings in crowded spaces, particularly when meeting strangers.

Fiji

On Sept. 5, Fiji lifted its pretravel testing requirement for international visitors. The island nation also shortened the quarantine period for anyone who tests positive from seven days to five days. All travelers age 16 and above are required to show proof of full vaccination and travel insurance prior to entry. Details and updates can be found on Tourism Fiji’s website.

France

On Aug. 1, France lifted all Covid restrictions for international travelers. Visitors no longer need to test before arrival, show proof of Covid-19 recovery or present proof of vaccination in order to enter the country.

On March 14, France ended the requirement to show vaccine passports for access to restaurants, bars, events and other venues. Also, people no longer need to wear masks in most indoor spaces, including shops, offices and schools. On May 16, the mask mandate was lifted on public transit.

The latest travel and Covid-19 updates can be found on the government’s website.

Germany

From June 1 through the end of August, Germany has suspended the requirement to show proof of Covid vaccination, a recent recovery document or a negative test in order to enter the country. That rule currently applies to everyone 12 and older, regardless of where they are traveling from, and it’s slated to be reinstated after the summer-travel months. Confirmed cases in the country have been on a steady decline in May.

The country did away with most Covid restrictions by late March. The first phase allowed private gatherings to resume, and ended the requirement to show proof of vaccination or recent recovery from the virus when entering shops. Phase two ended the requirement for people to present proof of vaccination or recovery to access restaurants, bars and hotels. Nightclubs were allowed to reopen and outdoor events of up to 25,000 people have resumed. Face masks are still required on public transportation.

Other restrictions vary across the country, depending on regional Covid-19 rates.

Greece

Effective May 2, international visitors do not have to provide vaccination status or get tested prior to traveling. Greece is lifting many restrictions for the summer tourism season. Between May 1 and Aug. 31, proof of vaccination is not required for outdoor and indoor spaces. The indoor mask mandate was lifted June 1. All restrictions will be reevaluated in September.

Hong Kong

Beginning Aug. 12, Hong Kong will reduce its mandatory hotel quarantine for overseas arrivals from one week to three days. After quarantining, travelers must undergo four days of medical surveillance, during which their movements will be restricted via the use of a health-code system. They must also test regularly for Covid-19 during quarantine and surveillance. Those who test negative can use public transportation, and enter malls and markets, but not bars, amusement parks, elderly homes, schools and certain medical facilities. The new policy is the shortest quarantine period since the beginning of the pandemic.

On July 7, Hong Kong lifted a ban on flight routes that brought in passengers who tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival. Previously, airlines would be placed on a five-day ban if their flight had at least five passengers or 5 percent of the total travelers who tested positive for the virus upon arrival.

In a statement, the government noted that upon preliminary review of data and scientific analysis, “further enhanced and more frequent nucleic-acid testing arrangement for inbound people” was considered to be more effective in “halting the importation of Covid-19 cases.”

A ban on nonresidents flying into Hong Kong was lifted on May 1, although proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test and booking confirmation of a quarantine hotel are required for boarding. Full travel rules and other Covid-19 updates can be found on the government’s website.

India

India lifted its ban on international flights on March 27. The country’s borders had been closed to the majority of foreign travelers since March 2020, with the exception of special passenger flights from certain countries under air-bubble arrangements.

Indonesia

Indonesia lifted all quarantine rules for international travelers on March 22. Visitors still are required to present a negative PCR test before entering the country.

Ireland

Ireland removed all travel restrictions on March 6. Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result to enter the country. They are also not required to get tested or self-isolate upon arrival. Face masks do not have to be worn, but are recommended on public transportation. The latest travel updates can be found on the government’s website.

Most Covid-19 restrictions were removed on Jan. 22. This includes capacity and social-distancing restrictions for indoor and outdoor gatherings, as well as early closing times for hospitality and events. Restrictions on nightclubs have also been eased and the work-from-home advisory has been lifted. Covid-19 certificates will no longer be required for access to restaurants, bars and other venues.

Israel

Beginning May 21, Israel no longer requires a negative Covid-19 test to enter the country and dropped the requirement that travelers isolate for up to 24 hours upon arrival until they receive their test result. Travel updates can be found on the government’s website.

Proof of vaccination is no longer needed for restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, hotels, event venues and nightclubs. The mask mandate for indoor public spaces has been lifted.

Italy

Italy dropped all restrictions on June 1. Per the changes, travelers are no longer required to present proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test result or proof of recent recovery from the virus in order to enter the country. The requirement to wear face masks indoors and on public transport was lifted at the end of April. Details and updates can be found on the government’s website.

Jamaica

Jamaica lifted its mask mandate on April 15 and dropped the testing requirement for international visitors on April 16.

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that the number of people allowed into the country each day will be raised from 20,000 to 50,000 people on Sept. 7. Visitors who have received at least three vaccine doses will no longer need to complete a predeparture Covid-19 test. In addition, travelers on unguided tours will be allowed to enter the country, starting Sept. 7. Currently, Japanese citizens, foreign students and some business travelers are permitted to visit Japan.

On June 10, the country reopened to tourism for the first time in two years — but only to those traveling on tours with fixed schedules and guides. Tourists from areas with low Covid infection rates who have received three vaccine doses will be exempt from testing and quarantine after entry.

No date has yet been given for when individual leisure travelers will be permitted to enter the country.

Japan lifted restrictions on March 21, allowing more domestic travel and larger gatherings for those with proof of vaccination and a negative test result. Updates on travel guidelines can be found on the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website.

Mexico

The U.S.-Mexico land border was reopened for nonessential travelers who are fully vaccinated on Nov. 8. They also have to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of traveling to the U.S. Mexican travelers are also allowed to enter the country via ferry as long as they have proof of inoculation. As of January, essential travelers crossing the border are required to be fully vaccinated. Air travel from Mexico to the U.S. is currently allowed with proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.

The Mexican Ministry of Tourism has implemented the Clear Point Quality Seal certification system to indicate restaurants, bars, hotels and other tourism providers that are following the highest safety protocols.

Morocco

Morocco lifted the suspension of all incoming flights on Feb. 7. Travelers must provide proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.

The Netherlands

Beginning March 23, travelers to the Netherlands do not have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. Additionally, the digital Covid-19 pass is no longer needed to enter nightclubs and large events, and face masks are no longer required on public transit. Face coverings are still required on airplanes and behind security screening at airports.

As of Feb. 18, bars and restaurants are allowed to stay open until 1 a.m. Sporting events and theaters can operate at full capacity, and nightclubs have reopened with a testing requirement. Effective Feb. 2, travelers who received a booster shot at least seven days prior to entering the Netherlands are exempt from the quarantine rule. Those who have not gotten the booster still must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

The Netherlands is open to fully vaccinated travelers outside of the EU. Those coming from very high-risk areas must also show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result. Details on entry restrictions can be found on the government’s website.

New Zealand

New Zealand dropped its traffic-light system of Covid-19 restrictions on Sept. 12, and removed face-mask requirements. In addition, incoming travelers and aircrew no longer need to show proof of vaccination or to complete post-arrival testing. However, anyone who contracts Covid-19 is required to quarantine for seven days.

The country fully reopened its borders on July 31, with travelers from nonwaiver countries and international students again allowed to apply for visas. The move marks the final phase of the country’s reopening plan. Also on July 31, New Zealand opened its maritime border, allowing cruise ships and recreational vessels such as foreign yachts to return.

Restaurants, bars, retail shops and other businesses no longer need to require vaccine passports for entry, although they can continue using them if they so choose. The latest updates on travel and Covid-19 can be found on the government’s Unite Against Covid-19 website.

Norway

As of Feb. 12, masks are no longer required in crowded places and social-distancing rules have been lifted. Self-isolation requirements also have been replaced with a recommendation that infected people stay home for four days. Norway dropped its quarantine rule for unvaccinated travelers on Jan. 26. On Jan. 13, Norway reversed its ban on selling alcohol in restaurants and bars. Learn more at the government’s page on Covid-19 restrictions.

Philippines

As of March 1, restaurants, businesses, movie theaters, shopping malls and public transport are allowed to operate at full capacity. Starting Feb. 10, international tourists and business travelers from more than 150 countries are allowed to enter the Philippines for the first time in nearly two years. Fully vaccinated travelers do not have to quarantine in government-designated centers if they test negative prior to arrival. The government had previously planned to open borders on Dec. 1, but postponed it due to the Omicron variant.

Portugal

Vaccinated tourists do not have to provide a negative test to enter Portugal. Nightclubs and bars reopened on Jan. 14. A negative Covid-19 test is no longer required for entry to business events, cultural shows, nightclubs, sporting events, tourist attractions and local accommodations.

Face masks are no longer required in public indoor settings with the exception of public transport and health-care facilities. Details on the latest gathering and travel restrictions can be found on Visit Portugal’s website.

Saint Lucia

As of Sept. 5, Saint Lucia has dropped its pretravel testing mandate for international visitors. Vaccination requirements have also been removed. Details can be found on the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s website.

Scotland

Scotland’s indoor mask mandate was lifted on April 18. Face coverings are no longer required in shops and restaurants, or on public transport. As of Feb. 28, Covid passports are not needed for nightclubs and sports venues. Scotland lifted most of its Covid-19 restrictions on Jan. 24. Nightclubs were allowed to reopen, large indoor events resumed and the social-distancing rules were dropped. Restrictions on outdoor events were lifted on Jan. 17.

Details and updates can be found on Visit Scotland’s website. Travel restrictions have been lifted in coordination with England and the rest of the U.K.

Singapore

Beginning June 14, nightlife establishments no longer have capacity limits and a negative rapid test is not required for entry. However, only fully vaccinated people are allowed and masks must be worn. Capacity limits for events and private gatherings were removed on April 26.

Quarantine requirements were lifted for vaccinated travelers on April 1. The country also lifted the outdoor mask mandate, but masks are still required indoors.  The latest Covid-19 guidelines can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website.

The government delayed the launch of new vaccinated-passenger travel lanes due to the Omicron variant. Some vaccinated travel lanes are already in effect, allowing inoculated travelers from Malaysia, Canada, the United States and a handful of other destinations to enter Singapore without quarantining. However, users of those lanes must still complete a PCR test before departure, on arrival, on day three and on day seven.

Event organizers must submit their plans to the Singapore Tourism Board for approval, and adhere to specific risk-mitigation measures. The Singapore Tourism Board has launched the SG Clean initiative to audit the sanitation practices of all types of facilities; those who put the measures in place will earn a certification from the STB.

South Africa

South Africa dropped all remaining Covid-19 restriction on June 23. There are no longer vaccination or testing requirements to enter the country. The indoor mask mandate and gathering limits have also been lifted.

South Korea

On Sept. 3, South Korea eliminated the requirement for international travelers to show proof of a negative PCR test prior to entry. However, visitors still must complete a PCR test within one day of arrival in the country and quarantine until they receive their results. Full details on travel restrictions can be found on the Korea Tourism Organization’s website.

Spain

Spain has extended its Covid-19 entry rules until June 15. The measures require all travelers to present proof of vaccination, a negative test result or proof of recent recovery from the virus.

Masks are no longer required to be worn in indoor or outdoor public spaces. Capacity and social distancing restrictions on hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, cultural venues, trade shows and exhibitions have been lifted.

Sweden

Sweden dropped all remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions on April 1. Travelers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination and a negative test result prior to arrival.

Nationwide measures to curb the pandemic were lifted on Feb. 9, including restrictions on public and private gatherings, leisure venues, sports, restaurants and more. The requirement to wear face masks on public transportation and the work-from-home advisory also were removed.

Switzerland

Switzerland dropped all remaining Covid-19 restrictions on May 2. Travelers from all countries are allowed to enter the country and do not have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Switzerland also eliminated use of the Covid-19 certificate and its mask mandate, including on public transportation. Travel details and updates can be found on Switzerland Tourism’s website.

Thailand

On July 1, Thailand dropped more travel restrictions. Visitors no longer need to apply for the Thailand Pass or to have $10,000 worth of health insurance in order to enter the country. However, travelers still are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. The mask mandate was dropped on June 24.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE announced tighter restrictions on June 13 because of rising cases and hospitalizations. The indoor mask mandate will be more strictly enforced, with fines of up to 3,000 dirhams ($816.77USD). Under the government’s color-coded system, which indicates vaccination and PCR test status, a green pass is now needed to enter indoor spaces in Abu Dhabi.

As of Feb. 26, fully vaccinated international travelers do not have to provide a negative PCR test upon arrival. Unvaccinated people can visit the UAE, but must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. Physical-distancing requirements have been eliminated in public spaces. Masks remain mandatory indoors, but are optional outdoors.

Events can be held without capacity limits.

All citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi must show proof of a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated, and must maintain green status on the government’s health app. However, the new rule does not apply to international tourists, who must be vaccinated but do not need a booster shot to enter the city-state.

The latest updates on travel and Covid-19 restrictions can be found on the government’s website.

United States Virgin Islands

As of June 12, all testing requirements for international travelers have been lifted.

Vietnam

Effective May 15, a negative Covid-19 test is no longer needed to enter the country. Vietnam dropped its quarantine requirements for international visitors on March 16. Vietnam lifted all restrictions on international flights on Feb. 15, restoring the prepandemic schedule.

Note: This Post Was First Published on
COVID-19 Updates on International Travel Restrictions