67 countries have now scrapped all Covid travel restrictions – here is our complete guide

covid travel rules what to expect next holiday booking coronavirus restrictions abroad 2022 - Jasper James/The Image Bank RF

covid travel rules what to expect next holiday booking coronavirus restrictions abroad 2022 – Jasper James/The Image Bank RF

Covid rules are being thrown out around the world, with almost all European countries – including the UK – and at least 31 outside Europe now completely free of travel restrictions.

However, testing remains in place for some long-haul trips, unvaccinated or unboosted people are still banned from some countries, mask rules remain, and Covid passports are sometimes used.

Our regularly updated country-by-country guide explains the main restrictions in all major holiday destinations so you know what to expect. However, they change rapidly, so it will be a good idea to cross-reference the Foreign Office website as well.

Europe at a glance

No access restrictions – regardless of vaccination status

  1. Albania

  2. Austria

  3. Belgium

  4. Bulgaria

  5. Bosnia and Herzegovina

  6. Croatia

  7. Cyprus

  8. Czech Republic

  9. Denmark

  10. Estonia

  11. Finland

  12. France

  13. Germany

  14. Greece

  15. Hungary

  16. Iceland

  17. Ireland

  18. Italy

  19. Kosovo

  20. Latvia

  21. Liechtenstein

  22. Lithuania

  23. Malta

  24. Moldova

  25. Montenegro

  26. North Macedonia

  27. Norway

  28. Poland

  29. Portugal

  30. Romania

  31. Serbia

  32. Slovenia

  33. Sweden

  34. Switzerland

  35. Turkey

  36. Great Britain

Restrictions remain

The Netherlands

Only fully vaccinated UK citizens who can provide acceptable proof of vaccination, which includes the UK Covid Pass, are allowed to enter the Netherlands.

If you have received a booster (or third dose), you are considered fully vaccinated for entry to the Netherlands. There is currently no expiration date for booster jabs. If you have not received a booster (or third dose), but have received two doses of a vaccine approved for use in the Netherlands, you qualify as fully vaccinated, if one of the following applies:

  • at least 14 days and no more than 270 days have passed since you received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) or;

  • at least 28 days and no more than 270 days have passed since I received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine

Spain

If you are not fully vaccinated, you can enter Spain with one of the following documents:

  • documentation confirming that you have completed a diagnostic test and tested negative within 72 hours of arrival in Spain (PCR), or 24 hours if using an antigen test.

  • proof of having recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months.

Slovakia

British citizens who are not fully vaccinated can only take part if they are one of the following:

  • resident in Slovakia

  • a close relative of a resident or Slovak citizen (ie spouse, minor child or parent of a minor child)

  • commercial transport personnel

  • a student studying in Slovakia

  • transit Slovakia within 8 hours

  • you fall under certain limited exceptions

Luxembourg

If you are arriving by air, you must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated, or proof of recovery within the last year, to enter Luxembourg.

Luxembourg will accept the UK’s proof of recovery and vaccination record for Covid-19.

The rest of the world at a glance

No travel restrictions:

  1. Argentina

  2. Armenia

  3. Aruba

  4. Australia

  5. Bahrain

  6. Chile (but vaccination passport)

  7. Costa Rica

  8. Cuba

  9. Curacao

  10. the Dominican Republic

  11. Egypt

  12. El Salvador

  13. Georgia

  14. Grenada

  15. Israel

  16. Jamaica

  17. Jordan

  18. Kazakhstan

  19. Kuwait

  20. Kyrgyzstan

  21. The Maldives

  22. Mauritius

  23. Mexico

  24. Mongolia

  25. Oman

  26. Saudi Arabia

  27. South Africa

  28. Trinidad and Tobago

  29. Vietnam

  30. Uzbekistan

  31. Yemen (FCO advises against travel)

Only vaccinated/boosted travelers are allowed:

Test(s) required for unvaccinated arrivals:

  • Antigua and Barbuda

  • Barbados

  • Bahamas

  • Cambodia

  • Colombia

  • Dominica

  • Dubai

  • Ecuador (plus vaccination passport)

  • Guatemala

  • India

  • Indonesia

  • Laos

  • Malaysia

  • Morocco

  • Namibia

  • Nicaragua

  • Paraguay

  • Peru (plus vaccination passport)

  • Seychelles

  • Sri Lanka (FCO advises against travel)

  • Saint Lucia

  • Tanzania

  • Thailand

  • Tunisia

Test(s) required for all arrivals:

  • Madagascar

  • New Zealand

  • Japan

  • Rwanda

  • South Korea

  • Venezuela

Completely closed:

The rest of the world in detail

The list below excludes countries where access restrictions have been removed.

Dubai

Entry rules for vaccinated persons

Travelers showing proof of vaccination no longer need to show proof of a recent negative test. You may need to take a PCR test on arrival, if requested.

Entry rules for unvaccinated persons

Unvaccinated arrivals must show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. There is also the option of showing proof of recovery from Covid within the last month.

Arrivals may be required to undergo a further test upon arrival and isolate pending the result (if the result is positive, depending on their symptoms and accommodation plans, they may be required to isolate in a public facility, a hospital, their hotel or privately arranged accommodation for at least 10 days).

Covid passport

No.

Mask rules and other restrictions

Face masks are required in some public spaces and on public transport, but optional when you are outdoors.

Rules for children

Children under 16 and those with severe and moderate disabilities will be exempt from the test requirement.

India

Entry rules for vaccinated persons

Vaccinated travelers should submit a self-declaration form on the “Air Suvidha” online portal before traveling and upload a proof of vaccination. Random testing may take place on arrival.

Entry rules for unvaccinated persons

Unvaccinated travelers should submit a self-declaration form on the “Air Suvidha” online portal before traveling and upload proof of a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. Random testing may take place on arrival.

Covid passport

None, but some additional controls are currently in place (see “Mask rules and other restrictions” below).

Mask rules and other restrictions

Masks should be worn in all public places, but Indian states have started to ease restrictions such as night and weekend bans. Other measures could include the requirement to present a negative test to enter some states and random testing in public areas, including airports, train stations, shopping centers and restaurants.

Rules for children

Children under five are exempt from testing rules.

Morocco

  • Proof of vaccination or a negative test is required

  • Masks and Covid passports in use

  • Under 18s exempt from vaccination requirements

Entry rules for vaccinated persons

To enter Morocco, passengers must have had three vaccinations (or have had their second vaccination within the last four months).

Entry rules for unvaccinated persons

Proof of a negative PCR test result is required and the sample was taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.

Covid passport

A vaccination card is required to enter public places, including hammams, gyms, cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops and sports halls. The NHS vaccination card is accepted.

Mask rules and other restrictions

The use of face masks in public spaces is mandatory.

Rules for children

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the above requirements.

Thailand

Entry rules for vaccinated persons

Fully vaccinated travelers can apply to enter Thailand via the Thailand Passport. Testing before and after arrival is no longer necessary. All arrivals must have insurance with at least USD 10,000 cover for medical treatments in Thailand.

Entry rules for unvaccinated persons

Unvaccinated travelers have two options via the Thailand Pass scheme: test 72 hours before departure to Thailand to avoid quarantine, or enter five days of isolation and test on release.

Covid passport

No.

Mask rules

The Thai government recommends that face masks be worn outside the home. In Bangkok, face masks are required on public transport and in shops.

Rules for children

Children aged 17 and under can enter Thailand under the same scheme as their parents and do not need to show proof of vaccination.

USA

Entry rules for vaccinated persons

Fully vaccinated adults from the UK can enter the US without a test.

Entry rules for unvaccinated persons

You cannot enter the United States if you are not fully vaccinated, unless you fall under its category of exemptions for non-citizens. You will find more information here.

Covid passport

No.

Mask rules

No.

Rules for children

Children under the age of 18 are exempt from vaccination requirements for entry.

Reader Service: Are you wondering What do you need to do before you fly? Or When do you need to buy travel insurance? Learn more about Telegraph Media Group travel insurance service and find an answer to your question

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *