Young Pioneer Tours

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Travel Update – Which countries are open for tourism?

Coronavirus travel update. Welcome to the YPT COVID-19 / Coronavirus travel updates page. With this page we aim to give up to date travel advice on which countries are open to tourism during the current pandemic.

As you might imagine one of the most frequent questions we are getting asked right now is which countries have open borders and where can I travel to during coronavirus?

While the COVID-19 pandemic still refuses to die down in many parts of the world, there is an increasing number of countries that are now open or opening to tourism.

Group tours are particularly hard during this period, although we are managing to run some. Many countries though are open to independent tours, which of course we can arrange.

With this page we aim to answer the following questions;

Which countries are open for group tours?

Which countries are open for independent tours?

Which countries are open?

Which countries are open to tourism?

Which countries are open to travel?

What are the travel requirements to enter various countries?

Which countries are allowing in people who have been vaccinated?

Will there be a travel passport?

Please note this page will be continuously updated with border closures and openings, but we also recommend doing your own independent research, as well as checking with your own government regulations on travel.

In the meantime, you can still sign up for our YPT membership if you want to secure discounts on tours in 2024 and beyond, and all tours are only a €50 deposit.

coronavirus

Table of Contents

Which countries are open to group and independent travel?

Which countries can I travel to now? We have compiled the following list of countries that are currently open to tourism and that YPT can arrange independent travel to. We have listed the requirements for each country. If you are interested in travelling to any of these destinations please contact us.

Africa Travel – Coronavirus travel update

  • Algeria – Though land borders remain closed, limited international flights to and from Algeria have resumed. Guests will need to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 36 hours prior to departure from your origin. Upon arrival, you will have to take another PCR test. Those who test positive will have to quarantine for ten days, and they must pay for this quarantine. People who test negative will be granted entry. Our January Algeria tour is scheduled to run as planned.
  • Burkina Faso – Is Burkina Faso open to tourism? Yes, it is. A negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than 72 hours before landing is necessary. Land borders have also been reopened to regular passenger travel. Now is a great time to visit this West African nation.
  • Egypt – Is Egypt open to travel? Egypt has removed almost all travel restrictions to the country and merely require a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to your flight to Egypt or a vaccination certificate recognized by the Egyptian authorities. We are now offering independent tours to Egypt.
  • Libya – Is Libya open to tourism? Libya is open to restricted group tours. We can now offer Libya Tours. Read more about the procedure to visit Libya here.
  • Mali – Is Mali open to tourism? Mali is open to tourism and independent travel. You’ll need to present a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. We can organise independent tours starting now. Unfortunately, due to the threat of violence in Dogon Country, it is completely closed off to tourism.
  • Mauritania – Is Mauritania open to tourism? Mauritania is fully open to travel. A negative COVID test within 72 hours of travel has to be presented and YPT can arrange independent travel to suit your needs. Once you arrive at Nouakchott airport you must complete a health declaration and pass a temperature check. Check out our 5 Reasons to Visit Mauritania.
  • Morocco – On the 29th of November, Morocco announced a ban on all incoming and outgoing flights for until the 13th of December. After flights resume, whether or not you can enter Morocco depends on the country you are from. Countries are split into an A and a B list. A list people merely need to show proof of vaccine. Citizens of B-list countries face more severe restrictions and are required to present negative COVID-19 tests taken no earlier than 48 hours prior to arrival in addition to being vaccinated. If you are from a B-list country, you may be required to quarantine for 10 days at your own expense. In addition, as of the 13th November, you will also have your temperature taken and be asked to do a rapid antigen test (provided free of charge) immediately upon arrival in Morocco.
  • Somaliland – Is Somaliland open to tourism? The unrecognised country of Somaliland is now fully open to tourism. Visitors need a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than 72 hours before arrival. We are currently arranging independent tours to Somaliland.
  • South Sudan – Is South Sudan open to tourists? South Sudan is currently open to tourism. Those arriving by air must present a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 96 hours prior to arrival. Guests arriving by land must present a negative test taken no earlier than 120 hours prior to arrival. Unvaccinated people need to self-isolate for 10 dayson arrival, whereas vaccinated people do not, provided they produce paper evidence of their vaccinated status. If you hadn’t heard, this is the newest country in the world and is now safe to visit. We are currently arranging independent tours to South Sudan inclusive of visas.
  • Sudan – Is Sudan open to tourism? While Sudan is relatively open with regards to COVID requirements, the recent coup has made the current situation unstable. This is a situation we are currently monitoring. Those who do wish to go though must provide negative PCR tests with 72 hours of arrival to and departure from Sudan. YPT can organise independent travel to Sudan and also Bir Tawil – the only truly unclaimed piece of land in the world, which we wrote a book on.

Asia Travel – Coronavirus travel updates

  • China (Mainland) – Is China open to tourism? No, it is not. China is currently not issuing any tourist visas. China has launched a “travel passport” for Chinese citizens to travel abroad. They have also announced that people who have received a Chinese vaccine can “apply for visas as normal”. Tibet recently reopened for domestic tourism, with us now arranging Tibet tours for China-based travelers. Long-term, China have just announced they will not be allowing in tourists for the Winter Olympics, making any Chinese opening before April 2022 very unlikely.
  • Bali, Indonesia – Travelers to Indonesia ages 12 and above will need to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival and provide a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours before travel. Additionally, insurance coverage of at least US$100,000 is required. The Indonesian authorities may require you to install and use the Peduli Lindungi app in order to enter.
  • Hong Kong – Hong Kong is partially open, albeit with heavy restrictions on travellers from nearly all destinations. Quarantine is mandatory for a certain period, depending on your vaccination status and whether you come from an A, B or C tier risk country. Check the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s website for specific details.
  • India – All guests to India must take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. Those from specified “at risk” countries must undergo additional screening upon arrival and self-quarantine for a week. For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s website.
  • Mongolia – Is Mongolia open to tourism? Mongolia resumed international flights on 1st June. To enter the country you need to have been vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to your trip, have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entering the country, as well as present an onward or return ticket. You must also self-isolate for 14 days. We are exploring resuming tours to Mongolia by flight.
  • Nepal – Is Nepal open to tourism? Nepal recently reopened its borders to tourists. YPT can organise Himalayan treks and Maoist Civil War adventures in this truly beautiful country. A negative COVID test within 48 hours is required on arrival.
  • Palau – Palau is now open to tourists who have been vaccinated within 14 prior to arrival. Upon arrival, there is a compulsory 5 day quarantine with tests on day 1 and day 5. When leaving, visitors must produce a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of departure to the airline. More information on Palau’s entry requirements are available on Palau’s Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page.
  • Singapore – Is Singapore open to tourism? Singapore has introduced vaccinated travel lanes (VTL) — with Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. This essentially allows vaccinated travellers from these countries. Non-citizens with a travel/transit history to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe within the last 14 days are not allowed entry into Singapore.
  • Sri Lanka – All travellers flying to Sri Lanka must present a negative PCR test in English when checking into their flights. This test must be done no earlier than 72 hours prior to the flight departure. Whether or not you would need to quarantine on arrival is dependent on your vaccination status. Proof of vaccination must be in English. For more information, visit the Ministry of Tourism’s website.
  • Thailand – Foreigners who wish to travel to Thailand can do so by applying on the government’s online platform called Thailand Pass. Whether or not you are required to quarantine depends on various factors such as vaccination status, port of departure, and PCR test results. For more information, refer to the previous website in addition to that of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. Starting from 27 Nov 2021, travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Zamibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe cannot enter Thailand. Travelers from other African countries must quarantine for 14 days.

Central Asia – Coronavirus travel updates

  • Afghanistan – Is Afghanistan open for tourism? Afghanistan was previously open to tourism “as normal”. This has obviously changed since the victory of the Taliban. Currently you cannot travel as a tourist to Afghanistan. If though tourists are eventually allowed into the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, we will certainly be exploring options.
  • Kyrgyzstan – All visitors to Kyrgyzstan must have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before their arrival. An additional PCR test may be required depending on travel history and/or exhibited symptoms. Proof of vaccination may facilitate entry into Kyrgyzstan.
  • Pakistan – A negative PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to travel is mandatory for all inbound passengers to Pakistan. Additionally, all passengers must create a Pass Track account and install the Pass Track app onto their mobile devices. Upon arrival, passengers will undergo a rapid antigen test, and those who test positive will be required to quarantine. For more details, refer to this document.
  • Tajikistan – Is Tajikistan open for tourism? Tajikistan is now allowing tourists to enter the country, but only through Dushanbe International Airport. Tourists wanting to visit Tajikistan can once again use their relatively simple E-Visa process online. In order to travel to Tajikistan, you’ll need either a negative PCR test that is less than 72 hours old or a vaccination certificate that is more than 1 month old. Land borders remain closed to foreign travellers until the government deems it safe to reopen. Almost all arrivals will need to come through Istanbul or Dubai.
  • Uzbekistan – Uzbekistan has restricted entry for passengers arriving from a number of southern African countries and Hong Kong until the 10th of January 2022. Passengers traveling from countries where the Omicron variant has been detected must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. All passengers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Contact the Uzbek embassy in your country to confirm travel restrictions and entry requirements.

The Caribbean and Americas – Coronavirus travel updates

  • Argentina – Argentina has reopened to tourists who have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days prior to arrival. Passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before boarding. Additionally, visitors must have insurance for the duration of their stay in the country. A statutory declaration must be completed 48 hours before arrival.
  • Belize – Passengers entering Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport are required to present a negative COVID-19 test. Those entering the country through the northern and western borders will be given a rapid test at their own expense. These requirements apply regardless of vaccination status. Tourists are also required to use “Gold Standard Operators” and hotels, as set out by the government. We are currently planning a group tour to Belize.
  • Brazil – On the 27th of November 2021, Brazil temporarily banned entry for travelers who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe in the 14 days preceding their departure for Brazil. Its land and sea borders have also been closed temporarily, with the exception of its border with Paraguay. With the exception of passengers who have been in the six aforementioned countries, everyone else is allowed entry into Brazil if they show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure to their airline, or take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours before departure. A Traveller’s Health Declaration must also be submitted in order to gain entry. There are currently no vaccination requirements.
  • Canada – Fully vaccinated passengers have to comply with all of the following requirements: provide a negative COVID test, exhibit no symptoms of COVID, be fully vaccinated for at least 14 days (click here for more information), and meet these entry requirements. On the 30th of November, Canada restricted travel by those who have been in specific countries within the 14 previous days. If you are entering Canada from anywhere beside the United States, you will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine until results are available. Those who display symptoms of COVID or fail to meet vaccination requirements will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
  • Colombia – Passengers must complete an online form 1 to 24 hours prior to departing for Colombia. The same form must be completed before exiting Colombia as well. While national lockdown measures have been lifted, city- and district-specific safety measures are still in place in some places. Be sure to check with the localities you wish to visit.
  • Cuba – Passengers arriving to Cuba are given a health form on the flight that must be filled out and presented upon landing along with a health fee. Passengers must then get tested for COVID and go to an isolation center until results are available. A second test is administered after five days. Visitors are responsible for all testing and isolation costs. In addition, foreigners visiting Cuba must have proof of insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19.
  • Mexico – Is Mexico open to tourism? Yes, it is. Mexico is open to tourists of all nationalities arriving by air. The US – Mexico border is closed to all non-essential traffic. Not all areas of the country are open though. Currently, no negative test is required, although if you come from a high-risk country you may be screened and quarantined. The borders with Belize and Guatemala also remain closed.
  • United States – The US has temporarily suspended entry of travellers who have recently travelled in certain countries. With the exception of US citizens and permanent residents, all who wish to enter the US must be fully vaccinated, unless they qualify for an exception. Those who qualify for an exception are tested 3-5 days after arrival and are required to self-quarantine for a week unless they have proof of recovery within the past 90 days. If the test returns positive or if symptoms develop, self-isolation is required. Those who are unvaccinated but granted entry into the US must agree to be vaccinated if they intend on staying in the US for over 60 days. All passengers are required to show a negative test result taken no more than a day before travel.

Eastern Europe Travel – Coronavirus travel updates

  • Albania – In order to enter or transit through Albania, one of the following four conditions must be met: (1) proof of full vaccination completed no later than two weeks prior to arrival; or (2) a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours; or (3) a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours; or (4) proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months.
  • Armenia – Is Armenia open to tourism? Yes, it is. Foreign travellers are now allowed to enter Armenia but will need a negative COVID test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to entry or a vaccination certificate confirming full vaccination completed no later than 14 days prior to entry (for multi-component vaccines) or 28 days prior to entry (for single-component vaccines). Alternatively, visitors can get a test on arrival and isolate until they get the results.
  • Belarus – Belarus requires visitors over the age of 6 and not in an exempt category to present a negative PCR test taken within 3 days of arrival. Vaccinated visitors are not required to self-isolate, but unvaccinated visitors who are arriving from or have transited through red zone countries (most countries are considered red zone), are required to self-isolate for 7 days and aren’t permitted to leave Belarus until the 7-day period ends. Land borders remain sealed to foreigners without without residency permits, so the only option available for most is flying. You can also visit the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Belarus.
  • Bulgaria – Bulgaria has a system in place that categorizes passengers based on the country they’re travelling from. Countries are divided into green, orange, and red zones, and the zone from where you are travelling to Bulgaria determines your entry requirements. For the list of countries, check this machine-translation of Bulgaria’s COVID-19 portal (click here for the Bulgarian original). “Green” visitors may enter Bulgaria with one of the following: a valid EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate of vaccination, proof of immunity from COVID-19 no more than 6 months from the date of entry for those who have recovered from COVID, a negative PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before travel, or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of entering Bulgaria. “Orange” visitors need to provide proof of vaccination stating that 14 days have passed since the final dose, proof of immunity from COVID dates at least 11 days before but no more than 180 days before arrival for those who have recovered from COVID, a negative PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before travel, or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of entering Bulgaria. “Red” visitors are not allowed to enter the country. We are currently running private tours to Bulgaria. Restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions are operating as normal. We are currently running a range of private tours to Bulgaria – contact us for more information.
  • Bosnia – Anybody wishing to travel to Bosnia must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours from the moment of entry. Tests cannot be taken on arrival. Alternately, you can provide proof of vaccination showing full vaccination completed at least two weeks prior to arrival or a medical certificate of recovery in the period of 14 to 180 days prior to arrival. We are currently running private tours to Bosnia.
  • Croatia – Croatia is open to travellers who can provide evidence of being on pre-booked tours. Those who wish to enter must present a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery from COVID in the previous 9 months. Those who do not have proof of vaccination or recovery must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Visitors who choose to test in Croatia must remain in isolation until a negative result is received. As of the 27th of November, people who are arriving from or have been in the following countries/regions within 14 days before arrival to Croatia will be denied entry: Botswana, Eswatini, Hong Kong, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe. This form must be filled out prior to arrival. Click here for further information.
  • Estonia – All passengers going to Estonia must fill out a traveller’s questionnaire prior to arrival. Depending on where you travel origin and your vaccination status, you may be required to quarantine. Check with the Estonian government for the latest information.
  • Georgia – Travelers are permitted to enter Georgia provided they present documentation proving full-vaccination status. Passengers who have spent any time in India during the 14 days prior to entering Georgia are required to quarantine for two weeks. Unvaccinated people are allowed to enter Georgia if they come from a list of approved countries, present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of entering Georgia, and undergo a second PCR test on day 3 of their stay. Everyone who visits Georgia must complete this online form before entering Georgia.
  • Latvia – On 26th November 2021, Latvia imposed a travel ban to and from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi. The travel ban will not apply to Latvian citizens or permanent residents of the EU with a residence permit in Latvia. Those who have been vaccinated in the EU or other approved countries, or have recovered from COVID, are allowed to enter without having to test or self-isolate unless arriving from high-risk countries. All passengers entering Latvia must fill out a form at least 48 hours prior to entering Latvia. Those who do not fit the vaccination/origin criteria must present a negative COVID-19 test from within the previous 72 hours.
  • Lithuania – Passengers with a valid EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate are allowed to travel to Lithuania if they are not travelling from a high-risk country. Those without a EU COVID Certificate must fall into one of the exemption categories in order to enter Lithuania. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for specific details. If you fall under an exemption category, you must present a negative PCR test that is less than 72 hours old or provide evidence of full vaccination. Additionally, you may be required to self-isolate for 10 days depending on your travel origin. Visit the Ministry of Health’s website for more information.
  • Moldova – Moldova is currently open to travellers who either produce a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival. Those without a valid negative PCR test will be required to quarantine.
  • Poland – Poland is open to citizens of the EU and Schengen area as well as those traveling from a low risk country. However, unless you arrive with a negative test result or proof of vaccination/recovery, you may be subject to 10 days of quarantine and released after 8 days if a negative test result is produced. Those arriving to Poland by air are required to submit a Passenger Locator Form before checking in.
  • Russia – Land borders are closed to most foreign travellers. Visitors coming from a number of African countries and China’s Hong Kong have been restricted. Express testing is available for guests arriving from China, Israel, and the UK. Specific details can be read on the Russian government’s website. Everyone else, including transit passengers, must provide a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 48 hours before arriving to Russia. Furthermore, visitors may be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
  • Serbia – Anybody wishing to travel to Serbia must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) not older than 48 hours from the moment of entry. Proof of vaccination can be used in lieu of a negative test for passengers traveling from certain countries. For specific details, please visit the Serbian Ministry of Affairs’ website. We are currently running private tours to Serbia.
  • Transnistria – Is Transnistria open to tourism? Tourists are now being allowed into PMR if they have been vaccinated, or have presented a negative PCR in Moldova. This is so far confirmed from the Moldovan entry point to Transnsitria. It is now possible to travel from Odessa to Tiraspol again showing proof of vaccination.
  • Ukraine – Upon arrival, all foreign nationals will be required to provide proof of valid health insurance that covers COVID-19 observation and treatment for the duration of their stay. All travellers will also need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or proof of vaccination. Failure to provide one of the two will result in mandatory self-isolation. We have currently resumed groups tours to Ukraine. For independent tours to the country, check out our private tours to Ukraine.

Middle East Travel – Coronavirus travel updates

  • Iraq – Iraq is now open to tourism and visa rules have just been relaxed, making this the easiest time to visit Iraq in recent memory. A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival must be provided to visit the country. You can join our next Iraq tour here.
  • Iraqi Kurdistan – Is Iraqi Kurdistan open to tourism? Iraqi Kurdistan is open to travel during coronavirus. Kurdistan has since announced a full opening to people who have received any vaccination (including Sputnik), or a negative PCR taken within 48 hours prior to entry. You can read more about the new policy here.
  • Saudi Arabia – In order to secure a Saudi visa, you must register your vaccination status and travel details on Muqeem Portal before travelling to the country. The Saudi authorities also require international travellers to provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. More details can be found on Visit Saudi’s website.
  • Syria – Is Syria open to tourism? Syria recently announced it would be reopening to tourism. We can now offer independent tours to the country and are currently planning two group tours for early 2022.

Countries allowing tourists with a Covid-19 vaccine.

Coronavirus travel update. Which countries are allowing tourists who have had the coronavirus vaccine to enter? As the rollout of the vaccine has moved much than expected in many countries, this is a situation in constant flux. It now looks more than likely that we will see a number of so called “travel passports” being launched.

  • Cyprus – Cyprus is now completely open to travellers, though some restrictions are in place. Passengers arriving from category orange countries must present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to travel and upload the results to their Cyprus Flight Pass applications. Passengers arriving from category red countries must do the same as well as take an additional PCR test upon arrival and self-isolate for 72 hours. Those arriving from category green countries do not face these restrictions, though all travellers are required to fill out the the online Cyprus Flight Pass before entering the country. The list of green, orange, and red countries can be found here. We can therefore arrange independent tours to both Northern and Southern Cyprus for those that have been vaccinated.
  • The EU – Will the EU allow tourists that have been vaccinated? In short yes. The EU have announced an extremely ambitious whereby any person who has been vaccinated within the preceding two weeks will be able to visit the EU as a tourist. This is related to the Digital Green Pass (travel passport) which you can read about here. For more information on the EU opening to tourism click here. In response to the outbreak of the omicron variant, emergency travel restrictions for passengers arriving from certain countries were enacted. To see if you are impacted, click here.
  • Greenland – Visitors aged 15 and above must be fully vaccinated in order to enter Greenland. All passengers arriving to Greenland must provide a negative PCR test from the the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Luxembourg, or the UK. Refer to the government’s website for more travel guidelines.
  • Iceland – Vaccinated visitors may enter Iceland if they provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than 72 hours before departing for Iceland. Those without proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 must take 2 PCR tests separated by 5 days of quarantine until test results of the second test are known. For more information, visit this website.
  • Romania – Romania was one of the first countries to announce they would let in people who have received the vaccine. People who have not been vaccinated must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entry to the country or proof of recovery. Failing to do so will result in mandatory quarantine for 14 days. If you decide to take a COVID-19 test on the 8th day of quarantine, you may leave on the 10th day if you test negative. We can arrange independent tours to Romania. As an EU country, Romania will likely be taking part in the EU Travel Pass.
  • Seychelles – Passengers who are not citizens, permanent residents, or gainful occupation holders are not allowed entry into Seychelles if traveling from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe. All who wish to travel to Seychelles must apply for a Health Travel Authorization on Seychelles’ official website. Passengers must also provide a negative PCR test taken no sooner than 72 hours before travel.
  • United Kingdom – All travelers to the UK aged 12 years and older must take a COVID-19 test in the 48 hours before they travel. People from red list countries who are not UK nationals, Irish nationals, or permanent residents of the UK are not allowed entry into the UK, while those who are one of the three must book a hotel quarantine package at their own expense. Passengers from the rest of the world face different entry policies depending on their vaccination status. To be considered fully vaccinated, the final dose of the vaccine must be taken at least 2 weeks before arrival to the UK. All passengers must complete a passenger locator form within the 48 hours prior to arrival. Fully vaccinated passengers must take an additional COVID test on day 2 after arrival in the UK, whereas non-vaccinated passengers must take COVID tests on day 2 and day 8 after arrival. All must self-isolate until their final test results are known or 14 days have passed since arrival – whichever is sooner.

What future tours need to be booked in advance?

Antarctica coronavirus travel updates

Can I take a cruise during coronavirus? All cruise lines have essentially ceased operations. SAGA a company who specialize in the over 50’s demographic have recently announced that they would only allow customers who had been vaccinated. It is our option that this is likely to become an industry standard. As of now there is no indication if this will be the rule for Antarctica, or Svalbard cruises. As there is no central governing body for Antarctica, it will likely fall on the cruise industry to mandate.

  • Antarctica –With Argentina announcing they will open from November 1st this means Antarctica will also reopen for tourism.

Asia

  • Bhutan – Is Bhutan open to tourism? Bhutan is closed to all tourists. The dynamics of travel to Bhutan mean it is likely to be one of the last countries to open to tourism.
  • Myanmar (Burma) – Is Burma open to tourists? No it is not. Following the recent coup and violence in the country, Myanmar is unlikely to open to tourism in 2021.
  • North Korea – North Korea remains closed to tourists. Our North Korea 2022 tour programme is available for bookings. You may read more about our North Korean travel updates. We are confidently looking at tourism to North Korea resuming in late 2022 or early 2023. All booked tours to North Korea can be swapped should the situation dictate it.
  • South Korea – Is South Korea open to tourism? South Korea is almost completely closed to all but returning residents and nationals. Those who do return are required to undergo quarantine. While it is possible to visit, visa-free travel is restricted and all arrivals must present a negative PCR test and take a Covid test upon arrival. Vaccination is not certain quarantine exemption, as this must be applied for.

Nordic

  • Svalbard – All travelers to Svalbard, including those who are vaccinated, must present a negative antigen rapid test before departure to Svalbard. The test cannot be taken more than 24 hours prior to departure. For more details, visit this page on the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s website

Central Asia Covid-19 travel updates

  • Turkmenistan – Is Turkmenistan open to tourism? It is currently closed. Like North Korea, this is one of the few countries least afraid to shut its borders to the outside world. All Turkmenistan Airlines flights have been cancelled. As of 2021 the situation remains unchanged.

Middle East Covid-19 travel updates

  • Israel – Israel announced on the 27th of November a temporary ban on the entry of all foreign nationals to Israel.

Western Asia Covid-19 travel updates

  • Iran – Is Iran Open to tourism? Travel to Iran is possible with proof of vaccination or with a negative PCR test taken before arrival. You will also be given a test upon entry into Iran. If you test positive or are suspected of having the virus, you will be quarantined at your own expense.

Global Covid-19 Travel Updates

Africa Travel updates

  • Angola – Is Angola open to tourism? Travel to Angola is possible, though heavily restricted. A negative PCR test is required to travel and another test must be taken upon arrival and departure. For those on tourist visas, a seven day quarantine remains in place. Flights to and from Angola have restarted again, though land crossing remains closed.
  • Eritrea – Is Eritrea open to tourism? Partially. Eritrea’s borders do not currently permit tourists to enter by land. It is however possible to travel by air, requiring a negative PCR test, a test upon arrival and mandatory five-day self-isolation for non-vaccinated individuals.
  • Sao Tome – Is Sao Tome open to tourism? Yes. Flights have resumed to Sao Tome. Tourists must prepare a negative PCR test within 72 hours before departing on their flight to Sao Tome. We can arrange independent tours to Sao Time and Principe.

Americas travel updates

  • Argentina – Is Argentina open to tourism? Argentina has partially reopened to international travel from most nations. All arrivals must provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test and medical insurance with Covid-19 coverage. Due to the “Red List” status Argentina currently holds for many nations, it is unlikely that these positive developments shall affect Antarctica tours as things currently stand.
  • French Guiana – Is French Guiana open to tourism? No it is not. Entry to the French territory is currently restricted to essential travel, also requiring negative tests and quarantine.
  • Guyana – Is Guyana open to tourism? Guyana is essentially open to travel, but with limited flights going into the country. Visitors are required to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. People with tests older than 72 hours will be required to take a new test at their own expense. For more information click here.
  • Suriname – Is Suriname open to tourism? Suriname has reopened to tourism, with all travellers required to provide at least a negative PCR or antigen test. Quarantine for 7 days is required for all passengers except those with proof of full vaccination.
  • Venezuela – Is Venezuela open to tourism? Venezuela is not open to tourism. This includes both land borders and international flights. The country is also not currently issuing tourist visas, although there have been anecdotal stories of those with existing visas being allowed into the country. Returning Venezuelans are also subject to testing and quarantine.

Central Asia travel updates

  • Kazakhstan – Although there are some exceptions for people on work or residency visas, it is still not possible to visit Kazakhstan as a tourist. Click here for more details.
  • Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan is now open for travel, though a negative PCR test is required upon arrival, with the exception of those who can provide evidence of full vaccination.

Southeast Asia travel updates

  • Cambodia – Is Cambodia open to tourism? Cambodia has reopened for fully vaccinated travellers without mandatory quarantine. A negative PCR test must be provided prior to arrival and one must be taken upon arrival, at which point travel is unrestricted.
  • East Timor – Is East Timor/Timor-Leste open to tourism? No it is not. All tourism is currently banned, with only Timorese, or those with family connections allowed to enter the country. With the recent opening of Bali (to a limited degree), this help change the situation in East Timor.
  • Laos – Is Laos open to tourism? Despite being one the last countries to close and having a relatively low infection rate, Laos remains closed to tourism. There is hope of a travel bubble with Cambodia, and/or Vietnam being opened.
  • Philippines – Is the Philippines open to tourism? The Philippines is currently only allowing returning nationals, OFWs, spouses of nationals and parents of Filipino nationals to enter the country (after getting a visa. You can read more about the policy here. The country is currently looking at reopening for vaccinated travellers.
  • Vietnam – Is Vietnam open to tourism? Vietnam is completely closed to tourism. In fact Vietnam have taken some of the toughest measures in the region regarding Covid-19 , as well as having vaccinated a limited amount of the population. Vietnam recently announced tentative plans to open some islands to tourism along the Thailand model, but are not planning on opening the country fully.

Oceania

In 2019 there was a severe outbreak of measles in the Pacific. This lead to many nations insisting on a proof of measles vaccination before entering their countries. Therefore the Pacific Islands are likely to be some of the last to open to tourism during coronavirus, or at a minimum insist on proof of vaccination. Currently this means that while our Least Visited Countries Tour is less likely for 2021, we are extremely confident it will go ahead for 2022.

  • Australia – Is Australia open to tourism? As well as a travel corridor with New Zealand the country recently announced they would remove restrictions on people leaving the country for tourism. Australia will though remain closed to tourists, with only residents and their families allowed to return. These policies will come into affect from November.
  • Fiji – Fiji, which acts as a gateway for travel to much of the Pacific Islands, was reopened on Dec 1, 2021 to fully vaccinated travelers from select countries with sufficiently high vaccination rates. You can read the specifics of the policy here.
  • Kiribati – Is Kiribati open to travel? Kiribati is currently fully closed to tourism. Again, as one of the least visited countries on earth it is unlikely to open soon.
  • Nauru – Is Nauru open to tourism? After North Korea, Nauru was one of the first countries to lock down. There has been a travel corridor opened with Australia, but for all intents Nauru is closed to tourism.
  • New Zealand – Is New Zealand open to tourism? New Zealand has opened a travel corridor with Australia which consists of multiple flights between the two countries. They are not yet open for other international outbound, or inbound travel.
  • Palau – Palau has now moved to the open to tourism list.
  • Papua New Guinea – Is Papua New Guinea open to tourism? Foreign tourists remain banned from entering the country. Authorities require arrivals to receive a negative PCR test within seven days of travel. No travellers can enter the country via land and sea border crossings. The self-governing Bougainville government requires passengers to seek approval from the Bougainville State of Emergency Controller before travel and obtain a quarantine medical clearance certificate 48-72 hours before departure.
  • Tonga – Is Tonga open to tourism? No it is not. Tonga is completely closed to inbound travel to all but returning nationals. There are now some outbound flights for foreign nationals stuck in Tonga.
  • Tuvalu – Is Tuvalu open to tourism? No it is not. Tuvalu only has flights to Fiji and Kiribati, both of which are closed to tourism. Tuvalu is expected to open to tourism when Fiji does.
  • Vanuatu – Is Vanuatu open for tourism? All international flights in and out of Vanuatu have been suspended. The country is currently under a state of emergency. Tourist insiders within the country have touted Q3 of 2022 as the most likely time they will be accepting tourists.

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