Current Travel Guidelines for Vaccinated Travelers

As COVID-19 vaccination efforts advance globally, many individuals are eager to take advantage of the opportunity for international travel. Several countries are now permitting entry for vaccinated travelers, often allowing them to bypass quarantine regulations that have hindered travel for so long.

Belize

Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can visit Belize without undergoing quarantine. However, they must wait two weeks after their final vaccine dose before traveling. To enter Belize, visitors must download the Belize Health App and submit their vaccination details at least 72 hours prior to their arrival. Unvaccinated travelers will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours of travel. For further information, click here.

Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

Visitors to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands can enter without showing a negative PCR test if they possess a vaccination certificate confirming they have completed their COVID-19 vaccination. Those aged two and older who are unvaccinated must present proof of a negative PCR test taken within three days of arrival. Alternatively, a negative antigen test taken within the same timeframe is acceptable. To visit the famous Galápagos Islands, travelers require a negative PCR test within 96 hours of travel. Click here for additional details.

Estonia

Travelers to Estonia who have received a vaccination from one of nine approved global suppliers can skip the mandatory quarantine. A vaccination record detailing the manufacturer and batch numbers in English, Russian, or Estonian will be required. Furthermore, travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months may also bypass quarantine if they present a doctor’s certificate. Explore more here.

Cyprus

Starting from May 10, vaccinated travelers from 65 countries, including the US and the UK, will no longer need to quarantine or undergo COVID-19 tests upon entering Cyprus. Travelers are required to upload their vaccination certificates to the Cyprus Flight Pass platform before their journey. For further details, click here.

Georgia

International travelers with proof of vaccination via a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine can arrive by air in Georgia. Different entry rules apply to unvaccinated visitors depending on their country of origin. More information can be found here.

Greece

Greece currently welcomes vaccinated travelers from EU member states, as well as travelers from the UK, the US, Serbia, Israel, the UAE, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. These travelers are exempt from quarantine and COVID-19 testing. Greece plans to formally reopen its tourism sector on May 14. For further insights, click here.

Guatemala

Guatemala is open to international tourism at its land, air, and seaports. Travelers can enter with proof of a negative COVID-19 test or a valid vaccination certificate confirming they have been vaccinated, with the last dose taken at least two weeks prior to travel. For detailed guidance, click here.

Iceland

Iceland, a coveted travel destination, allows qualifying visitors to avoid quarantine by providing proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Until June 1, those with vaccination certificates or proof of recovery must undergo a single border test. Until the result arrives, they must quarantine at their place of residence. According to the government, less stringent measures will apply to those coming from low-risk areas starting June 1. Travelers must present vaccination certificates in Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or English to bypass screenings. Iceland was the first in the EU/Schengen area to welcome vaccinated travelers from anywhere globally, after expanding its access beyond the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. For further guidance, click here.

Poland

In December, Poland announced that travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 would not need to undergo quarantine. However, entry remains limited to travelers from specific countries. More information can be found here.

Romania

Romania is waiving quarantine for travelers who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, provided at least ten days have passed since the second dose. Proof of vaccination is necessary for entry. For detailed information, click here.

Where to Travel Without Vaccination?

Travel options without vaccination depend primarily on your home country. Nevertheless, several countries welcome all tourists regardless of vaccination status. Notably, Mexico and Costa Rica are among the nations that accept all travelers.

What Destinations Could Be Next?

Israel plans to reopen to fully vaccinated visitors by the end of May, albeit with limited entries initially. The Portuguese island of Madeira is allowing vaccinated individuals, while Thailand has commenced its tourism sector reopening, welcoming fully vaccinated international guests into five designated “pilot provinces” – Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya, now allowing a reduced quarantine requirement of one week.

Travel guidelines may vary based on the traveler’s country of origin, as certain countries will permit vaccinated travelers from countries with reciprocal agreements. The European Union is advancing its plans for a “digital green pass” to facilitate EU travel by indicating vaccination or negative test status. Moreover, they aim to open borders for vaccinated travelers from the US in the upcoming months.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved unrestricted domestic travel for fully vaccinated individuals, negating the need for testing or self-quarantine after trips. Although domestic travel has resumed, the CDC encourages monitoring public health conditions at potential international destinations due to new variants and varying global circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

This article was first published on February 16 and last updated on April 27, 2021.

This article was first published Feb 16, 2021 and updated Apr 27, 2021.