Popular Destinations Planning to Re-Open to Tourists in July

COVID-19 travel restrictions continue to gradually lift just in time for summer vacation. While the list of reopened destinations is still limited more than three months after borders were initially shut down, travelers are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some of the most notable places re-opening to tourists in July.

The Bahamas' Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan's second phase will begin July 1, at which point the country will welcome back international visitors, with the exception of travelers from China, Iran, Italy and France. While visitors won't be required to quarantine upon arrival, they will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test that's no more than ten days old and complete an electronic Health Visa form, among other non-invasive procedures such as temperature screenings.

Bermuda is set to resume international commercial air service for visitors on July 1. Travelers will need to test negative for coronavirus 72 hours in advance of their trip and again upon arrival to gain freedom of movement throughout their stay.

Egypt will begin a limited reopening on July 1. The country will begin welcoming back international air traffic, however, only a trio of seaside resorts areas will be permitted to reopen to international visitors.

Europe is planning to reopen to travelers from countries outside of the continent on July 1 but Americans could still be banned from visiting at the start of next month as the United States continues to lead the world with more than 2.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of June 23.

Beginning July 15, French Polynesia, which includes popular destinations such as Tahiti and Bora Bora, will reopen its borders to international tourism from all countries and lift mandatory quarantine measures. However, visitors will need either a negative COVID-19 test or an "immunity certificate" proving that they've recovered from a previous infection.

According to Georgia's National Tourism Administration, the country will once again welcome international tourists on July 1. Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said Georgia is working to create "safe corridors on land borders with our neighboring countries and-based on bilateral negotiations-with countries that are of touristic interest to us," via The National. "Talks have already begun. Georgia will be one of the first countries to open its borders and tourist infrastructure to receive guests from abroad," he added.

The Maldives will reopen to international travelers on July 15. The South Asian island nation will implement safety measures to screen visitors upon arrival and require that guests stay only at resorts for the time being.

Malta is scheduled to open its airport to flights from a handful of destinations throughout Europe and the Mediterranean on July 1 before lifting restrictions on all flight destinations starting on July 15. Visitors will not have to undergo COVID-19 testing but will be asked to complete a self-declaration form confirming they haven't visited any non-approved countries within the past 30 days.

Puerto Rico plans to welcome back visitors beginning on July 15. The U.S. territory has rolled out a comprehensive program of health and safety guidelines that all of the island's tourism businesses must comply with before restarting their operations this summer.

Turks and Caicos will reopen to tourism on July 22. Flights from the U.S., Canada and Europe will resume later next month but the Grand Turk Cruise Center will remain closed until August 31, 2020. "We are taking every precaution to ensure the Islands are safe and to enhance the exceptional experience and care afforded by the destination and our world-class hospitality partners," said Pamela Ewing, director of tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board. "Our intention is to cautiously reboot the tourism sector, laying the foundation for short- and long-term recovery."