Thanks to the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, travel is finally making its comeback since its unprecedented pause in 2020. Although new COVID variants still pose concerns, digital or physical proof of vaccination has allowed travelers to safely resume their once-canceled travel plans.
Despite the rate of vaccine availability differs from one country to another, many countries are jumpstarting their tourism by inviting fully vaccinated travelers to visit. However, the differences in vaccine availability rates mean that countries have different rules when it comes to visiting for travel.
Also, if you’re heading abroad, don’t forget that travelers returning to the United States must test negative for COVID-19, no matter what your vaccination status is.
So consider the rules that come with each country.
Bahamas
The Bahamas welcomes fully vaccinated travelers with open arms, if you’re vaccinated with their accepted vaccine brands. Vaccinated travelers are exempted from any testing requirements (once you arrive) but are still required to apply for a health visa.
Unvaccinated travelers are also welcome to the Bahamas. However, they must show proof that they tested negative for COVID-19. The COVID-19 PCR test must be taken five days before you arrive. On the fifth day of their trip, they must also take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
Bermuda
If you are a vaccinated traveler planning to visit Bermuda, don’t forget to apply for a Bermuda COVID-19 Travel Authorization, which includes a negative PCR test result. Apply for this authorization one to three days before departure and make sure to submit it a day before traveling.
Upon arrival, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test and quarantine while waiting for the results. If you test negative, you need not quarantine but must take another test on the fourth, eighth and 14th day of your trip.
Croatia
Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers are exempted from the pre-arrival testing or self-isolation requirements. You must arrive 14 days after receiving the second dose of your two-dose vaccine or Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine.
Similar to the Bahamas, Croatia also welcomes unvaccinated tourists, but they are required to show proof of their health status by showing a rapid COVID-19 antigen test or negative PCR test within 48 hours of their arrival.
France
France re-opened to vaccinated tourists from specific countries, which include the US. If you are vaccinated, you don’t have to test for COVID-19 before entering the country. On the other hand, unvaccinated U.S. travelers must have an essential reason for traveling, as well as test negative for COVID-19. They’re also required to quarantine for a week.
Germany
Germany is also welcoming vaccinated travelers for the United States. Before you can enter the country, you must complete a European Medicines Agency-accepted vaccination course. You can also show that you tested negative for COVID within 72 hours of travel or that you have recovered from COVID-19 between 28 days and six months ago.
Greece
Greece is open to fully vaccinated travelers, as well as other tourists with negative test results. To enter Greece, you must bring your vaccination card (or a negative PCR test), as well as the QR code provided by Greece’s government once you fill out the Passenger Locator form.
Iceland
Fully vaccinated travelers from the US are welcome to Iceland. The country does not require travelers to undergo mandatory testing or to quarantine, according to Iceland’s government.
Italy
Italy is also welcoming vaccinated U.S. travelers and no longer requires them to quarantine upon arrival. If you want to visit Italy, you must show proof of your vaccination status, as well as test negative for COVID via an RT-PCR test.
Morocco
Travelers from the United States (and other countries listed on Morocco’s List A) can enter the country with a negative RT PCR test or proof of vaccination. When you visit this country, keep in mind that Morocco has a curfew in place (11 PM to 4:30 AM).
Singapore
Singapore opened its doors to tourists in October 2021, enabling travelers to visit the country without quarantining. You can apply for entry by going through the Vaccinated Travel Lane program. Currently, the Singaporean program only accepts U.S. tourists who have a SMART Health Card.
Spain
Spain opened its borders to vaccinated travelers from any country. However, if you’re from the United States, you’re no longer required to show any proof of your vaccination. If you are unvaccinated, you can only enter Spain if your country is low risk for COVID-19.
Vaccination is becoming another important requirement for tourists to consider, but that’s OK. It’s better to be safe while you’re enjoying your travels.
