The Latest Travel Intel for the World's Most Popular Countries

The world is largely reopened more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, making international travel far more attainable compared to just a summer ago. While tourism was undoubtedly hampered by the coronavirus crisis the world's most-visited countries appear determined to welcome back foreign travelers in bunches. From the U.S. to Thailand, these coveted destinations are poised to see a comeback in the second half of 2022. Nonetheless, travelers would be wise to catch up on the latest travel restrictions and requirements in addition to the most up-to-date travel guidance from the U.S. State Department ahead of their next visit.

The United Kingdom dropped all remaining CVOID-19 restrictions in March, making it even easier to visit London and other popular tourist destinations throughout Britain this summer. The State Department currently advises Americans to exercise increased caution in the country due to the threat of terrorism.

In mainland Europe, Germany is open to international visitors without any COVID-related restrictions. Meanwhile, the State Department recommends that travelers exercise increased caution due to terrorism concerns. For those who've always dreamed of discovering the diverse destinations of Bavaria, there's never been a better time to visit.

Thailand recently eased entry requirements, ending its "Thailand Pass" program. However, fully vaccinated travelers will still need proof of inoculation while unvaccinated travelers will require a recent negative RT-PCR test or a medically administered ATK test taken within 72 hours of travel. As of April, Thailand is listed at Level 1 on the State Department's four-tier travel advisory scale, meaning visitors should exercise normal precautions.

Mexico continues to be one of the most accessible destinations amid COVID-19 as visitors do not require proof of vaccination, a negative test result or any related insurance. The State Department currently recommends that travelers to Mexico exercise increased caution in places like Cancun and Riviera Maya, Los Cabos and Mexico City due to crime.

Travelers will be pleased to learn that Turkey eliminated COVID-related travel restrictions and requirements to begin June so visitors won't have to worry about securing a negative test result or presenting proof of vaccination. The State Department encourages travelers to exercise increased caution in the country due to terrorism and arbitrary detention.

Like several other European countries, Italy is listed at Level 2 on the State Department's travel advisory scale due to the threat of terrorism. As of June, visitors no longer need to show a green pass confirming vaccination, recovery or a negative test result to enter Italy.

China eased COVID-related quarantine requirements late last month but visitors are still subject to isolation. At the moment, international arrivals must quarantine in an approved hotel for seven days, followed by three days of home quarantine. As of July 19, the State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to the People's Republic of China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19-related restrictions.

As of June 12, air travelers no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 prior to boarding their flight to the United States regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. However, non-citizen visitors from overseas will still require proof of vaccination against the virus.

Visitors to Spain this summer will need proof of vaccination against COVID-19, recent recovery from the illness or a negative test result administered within 72 hours (PCR) or 24 hours (rapid antigen) of travel. The State Department currently encourages visitors to exercise increased caution in the country due to terrorism and civil unrest.

France hosted approximately 90 million visitors prior to the pandemic in 2019 and was targeting 100 million annual visitors by 2020, making it the world's most-visited country. Currently, fully vaccinated Americans with proof of inoculation can visit the country. Unvaccinated travelers will require proof of a negative test result but will not need to quarantine upon arrival. As of April, the State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest.