Popular Tourist Destinations That Still Have COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Destinations around the world are loosening COVID-related travel restrictions and requirements more than two years into the pandemic but there are still many places where travelers will need to present documentation or meet select criteria in order to gain entry this summer. In many cases, proof of full vaccination against the virus and a valid passport will be enough to overcome these barriers but other instances may require a negative COVID-19 test result produced within a couple of days of arrival or a post-arrival test and brief quarantine even. Whatever the protocols in place, it's wise to know before you go. Here's a look at some of the notable countries where travelers should anticipate COVID travel restrictions when visiting.

Canada recently extended its existing border requirements for all inbound travelers through at least September 30, 2022, requiring visitors to provide proof of full vaccination or submit a recent negative COVID-19 test and quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. Visitors must also use the ArrivaCan app to upload their travel and personal information.

In South America, Chile eased entry restrictions earlier this year but some barriers still remain. In addition to completing a Travel Affidavit, visitors will need to be fully vaccinated in order to receive a Mobility Pass allowing them to enter hotels, restaurants, theaters and public transportation. However, sometimes, a PCR test can temporarily replace the Mobility Pass.

Thailand did away with its quarantine-free entry program known as Thailand Pass this summer but still requires all travelers to either show proof of full vaccination or present a recent negative RT-PCR test to gain entry. Inoculated travelers can enter with proof of full vaccination while travelers ages 4 to 17 can enter Thailand with at least one dose of a vaccination administered at least two weeks prior to their entry date. Meanwhile, unvaccinated visitors will need a recent negative RT-PCR test or a medically administered ATK test taken within 72 hours of travel.

China's "Zero-COVID strategy" requires travelers to stay in a designated quarantine hotel for seven days, followed by three days of home quarantine. The new requirement is still an improvement from the previous protocols, which mandated hotel quarantine for 14 days plus seven days at home.

While travelers no longer need to test prior to departure for New Zealand they are required to test on arrival or on the first day of their trip and again on the fifth or sixth days of their stay. Visitors must also be fully vaccinated and complete the New Zealand Traveler Declaration form prior to arrival.

Japan reopened for approved guided group tours last month but access remains limited. While approved visitors from the U.S., Canada and many European countries do not need to test, show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or quarantine on arrival, travelers visiting for an approved packaged tour must purchase insurance that covers COVID-19-related medical expenses and agree to avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings.

Fully vaccinated travelers can enter the Bahamas without a negative COVID-19 test result. However, unvaccinated travelers ages 2 and up must obtain a negative COVID-19 test-either a negative RT-PCR test or a Rapid Antigen test-taken no more than three days or 72 hours prior to travel.

Fiji is open to fully vaccinated visitors this summer. However, requirements include proof of full vaccination for all travelers aged 16 years and older, travel insurance and a pre-booked in-country COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test.

Travelers must be fully vaccinated to enter Saint Lucia without proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Unvaccinated individuals aged 5 years and older will need a valid negative standard COVID-19 PCR test completed within five days of arrival. All visitors are required to download and complete the Health Screening Form.