The Easiest International Destinations to Visit Right Now
Easy Escapes in 2022
The world has largely reopened nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the emergence of the Omicron variant late last year threatened to erase key progress, travelers still have plenty of excellent destinations to choose from in the early part of 2022. While COVID-19 vaccination, testing and quarantine requirements vary by destination, here are some of the least restrictive overseas destinations Americans can travel to this winter.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic remains one of the most accessible destinations amid the pandemic as visitors are not required to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 nor a negative test result in order to gain entry. “Airports and other ports of entry will perform a quick, aleatory breath test to between 3 percent and 15 percent of passengers, and all those who present symptoms, upon arrival,” the Dominican Republic’s official entry requirements state. The Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms have been combined into a single digital form that visitors can submit through the Electronic Ticket Portal prior to arrival.
Mexico
Americans can also continue to visit Mexico without COVID-19 vaccination, testing or quarantine requirements. According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, “passengers and aircrew members arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks. Those exhibiting symptoms may be subject to additional health screening and/or quarantine.”
Ireland
Ireland recently welcomed the end of COVID-19 restrictions so visiting is much simpler in 2022. Travelers will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to departure. However, those with acceptable proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior six months do not have to show an additional pre-departure COVID-19 test result. Meanwhile, those without proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 will require a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in Ireland.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is just a short flight or sailing from Florida’s southeast coast and is only requiring that visitors obtain a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days prior to the date of arrival and apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. Fully vaccinated travelers can submit an antigen or PCR test result while unvaccinated visitors over the age of 12 will require a PCR result. Those staying longer than 48 hours (regardless of vaccination status) must undergo a rapid COVID-19 test within 48 hours or two nights of arrival in the islands.
United Kingdom
The U.K. announced this month that it will drop all COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors starting on February 11. “Arrivals who are not recognized as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the U.K.,” government officials announced on January 24.
Jamaica
Americans can also visit the Caribbean island of Jamaica with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival (age 12 and older) and an approved Jamaica Ministry of Health Travel Authorization, which can be completed online within seven days of your travel date. The country also recently shortened the isolation period for U.S. travelers who test positive for COVID-19 from 10 to five days.
Costa Rica
Fully vaccinated travelers will have an easier time visiting Costa Rica now as they can attach their vaccination certificate to their Health Pass, which must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival. Plus, tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those aged 18 and younger can enter Costa Rica without having to purchase a travel policy.
Malta
Travelers eyeing a getaway to the Mediterranean this winter should consider Malta. The country is open to fully vaccinated individuals who verify their vaccine certificate through the VeriFLY app and complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). As of January 17, a valid vaccine certificate for adults over the age of 18 is as follows: Primary schedule with the last dose administered not more than three months previously or primary schedule and booster with the last dose of booster administered not more than nine months previously.
Colombia
As of December 14, fully vaccinated travelers to Colombia can present proof to enter the destination. “If less than 14 days have elapsed or if the vaccination scheme is not complete, the traveler must present a PCR test with a negative result taken within 72 hours of boarding. Unvaccinated non-resident foreign travelers will not be allowed to enter Colombia,” the U.S. Embassy in Colombia warns.