These Popular Destinations Are Removing COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Easier Entry Around the Globe
Major cities, states, islands and countries are easing or removing COVID-19 entry requirements entirely as public health metrics continue to improve around the world exactly two years into the pandemic. The start of spring is typically one of the busiest times for travel, and 2022 will be no different. Fortunately, travelers will have far more choices than they did a year ago and far fewer hurdles to clear when it comes to visiting as a foreign tourist. Here’s a look at some of the most notable travel destinations that have or are in the process of easing significant COVID-19-related entry barriers for travelers this spring.
Hawaii
Visiting Hawaii is about to become much easier for Americans. Effective March 25, the state will lift its Safe Travels program for domestic tourists. This means U.S. travelers will no longer be required to create a Safe Travels account, show their COVID-19 vaccination status or take a pre-travel test when visiting Hawaii.
New York City
New York City has loosened restrictions and as of March 7, the city’s polarizing COVID-19 vaccine mandate for select indoor businesses such as restaurants and entertainment venues has expired.
Puerto Rico
Effective March 10, travelers visiting Puerto Rico on domestic flights will no longer be required to complete an official Travel Declaration form, provide a negative COVID-19 test result or show proof of vaccination. The island will also lift mask mandates and capacity limits for public and private businesses and establishments like restaurants, bars, theaters and event venues.
Bermuda
As of March 7, Bermuda has relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers to the destination aged two and older must show proof of their current COVID-19 vaccination status and a negative antigen test that’s been administered two days prior to arrival or a negative PCR test taken up to four days prior to arrival. Visitors are also required to complete Bermuda’s Travelers Authorisation form 24 to 48 hours prior to arrival at a cost of $40 compared to the previous $75. It should be noted that children 11 years and younger will take on the vaccination status of the guardian traveling with them, according to the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
Ireland
International travelers visiting Ireland from March 6 on can do so without COVID-19 restrictions. That means that there’s no longer any need to provide proof of vaccination or recovery, negative test results or even complete the previously-required Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Costa Rica
Starting April 1, Costa Rica will no longer require travelers to complete an online Health Pass, and unvaccinated travelers will no longer be required to purchase a travel insurance policy. What’s more, establishments such as sports, cultural and academic institutions, and even nightclubs, will be able to operate at 100 percent capacity without requiring vaccination QR codes from April 1.
The Maldives
Right now, fully vaccinated travelers to the Maldives don’t need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival nor do they require a negative PCR test prior to departing from the destination. All inbound international travelers must still complete the Traveler Health Declaration form within 48 hours of their flight, however.
Italy
Italy also recently eased entry requirements for travelers visiting from non-European Union countries such as the U.S. last week. As of March 1, fully vaccinated travelers no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result. Plus, unvaccinated individuals arriving in Italy can avoid quarantine with a negative test result. Additionally, Italian officials will accept valid proof of recovery from COVID-19.
Jamaica
Jamaica is no longer requiring visitors to complete Travel Authorization as of March 1, and travel-related quarantine measures have also expired. Children 12 years and older will still require a negative COVID-19 test, whether antigen or PCR, that’s been conducted within 72 hours prior to the date of travel at check-in.
St Maarten
All visitors to the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten who have been fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last nine months no longer require proof of a negative test upon arrival. Still, unvaccinated visitors must provide a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken 24 hours prior to arrival. All travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, must continue to fill out a health pre-authorization form as early as 72 hours before arrival to the island at stmaartenentry.com.
Australia
One of the most popular overseas destinations, Australia has officially reopened to vaccinated travelers as Western Australia recently became the last state in Australia to lift its interstate and international travel restrictions.
Iceland
Iceland lifted all of its remaining COVID-19 restrictions late last month. Currently, international travelers can visit the European island country without requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a negative test or mandatory quarantine.
Israel
As of March 1, Israel is inviting visitors from all over, regardless of their coronavirus vaccination status. Nonetheless, travelers must produce a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure and take a second PCR test upon arrival.
Saint Lucia
From March 5, fully vaccinated visitors to the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia can provide proof of a negative rapid COVID-19 antigen test or a rapid COVID-19 PCR test obtained within one day to enter as part of the country’s “Seamless Saint Lucia” protocols.
The Bahamas
Elsewhere in the Caribbean, the Bahamas is also easing entry requirements. As a result, visitors to the islands are no longer required to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day of their stay.
New Zealand
Unlike Australia, New Zealand is not open yet. However, the island country is currently planning to welcome visitors from the U.S. and other countries as early as July 2022.