Only 16 countries – including the US – are still banning unvaccinated arrivals
From testing requirements to rules for unvaccinated travellers, we break down all the remaining red tape for key destinations here
Covid rules are now few and far between, with only one European country – Kosovo – persisting with any kind of travel restriction. Last month even China revealed plans to open up to a limited number of foreign visitors for the first time since 2020 (though they will still need to take a PCR test).
But the red tape has not disappeared entirely. Testing remains for trips to a significant number of other destinations, while unvaccinated or unboosted people are still banned from some countries – America being the most notable example. Furthermore, mask rules linger – especially in Asia, but also in parts of Europe – and Covid passports are occasionally used.
Our regularly updated country-by-country guide explains the key restrictions in all major holiday destinations so you know what to expect. They change fast, however, so it would be wise to cross-reference our guide against the Foreign Office website too.
Europe
No entry restrictions – regardless of vaccination status
- Albania
- Austria – although FFP2 face masks remain compulsory on public transport in Vienna.
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Cyprus – although a face mask is still compulsory on public transport.
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany – FFP2 masks, or similar, remain legally required on public transport.
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia – there is still a requirement to wear a mask on public transport.
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- UK
Restrictions remain
Kosovo
According to the Foreign Office website, if you’re not fully vaccinated (two doses) you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 48 hours before entry) when entering Kosovo. That said, a recent visitor to the country told Telegraph Travel that they were not asked for any Covid documentation either before boarding or upon entry.
Rest of the world: at a glance
No travel restrictions:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curacao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- India – though there is thermal screening of passengers, and random testing of two per cent of all international travellers over 12 years old upon arrival.
- Israel
- Jamaica
- Jordan – however, all non-Jordanian travellers should complete the Travel To Jordan Declaration Form.
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Madagascar
- Malaysia – you must still wear a face mask on public transport and in taxis.
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Mongolia – passengers are required to fill out medical declaration forms upon arrival at border checkpoints.
- Morocco – a passenger health form must be completed before entry, however.
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Rwanda
- Qatar – Covid passports are used for entry to some venues, however.
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- South Korea – on arrival you need to submit a health questionnaire, however.
- Sri Lanka
- St Lucia
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Vietnam
- United Arab Emirates (including Dubai)
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen – FCDO advises against travel.
Only vaccinated/boosted travellers permitted:
- Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue
- Equatorial Guinea – plus testing and quarantine
- Fiji
- Ghana
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Iran – FCDO advises against travel.
- Liberia
- Marshall Islands – including booster
- Micronesia – including booster
- Palau
- Pitcairn
- Puerto Rico
- Tonga
- Turks and Caicos
- US
Test(s) required for unvaccinated arrivals:
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Japan – three jabs required to avoid a pre-departure test.
- Kenya
- Laos
- Myanmar – FCDO advises against travel, with the exception of Yangon.
- Philippines – those aged 15 years or older who are not fully vaccinated are required to present a negative remotely supervised or laboratory-based rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours prior to departing for the Philippines
- Singapore – Covid-19 travel insurance with a minimum cover of S$30,000 is also compulsory if you are unvaccinated.
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Venezuela – FCDO advises against travel.
- Zimbabwe
Test(s) required for all arrivals:
- Equatorial Guinea – plus quarantine
- Taiwan – all arrivals must self-isolate and take several tests
Closed entirely:
- China (until January 8, when a limited number of arrivals will be permitted – tourists not included – with PCR tests required)
- Nauru
- Turkmenistan
Rest of the world: in detail
The list below excludes countries where entry restrictions have been dropped.
The Americas
Bolivia
All arrivals aged four and above must present proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).
Brazil
Arrivals must present either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test or antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before boarding their flight or entering by land.
Colombia
All adults must present proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).
USA
Covid: All adults must be vaccinated (two doses) to enter the US. Unvaccinated children may be required to attest that they will take a test three to five days after arrival and will self-isolate should any symptoms develop or if they test positive.
Non Covid: You will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor.
Africa
Botswana
All arrivals aged 12 and over must present proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).
Kenya
All arrivals aged 18 and over must be fully vaccinated or carry evidence of a recent negative test to visit Kenya.
Tanzania
All arrivals aged five and above must present proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).
Uganda
All arrivals aged five and above must present proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).
Zimbabwe
All arrivals aged five and above must present proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 48 hours of departure).
Asia and Oceania
China
From January 8, China is scrapping quarantine for overseas arrivals, but they will will need a negative PCR test. It can be submitted by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, or through the China Customs App or WeChat account. Anyone reporting a positive test result will not be permitted to board a flight to China.
Passengers entering China displaying symptoms of fever, or with an abnormal Health Declaration, may be asked to undertake an antigen test on arrival. Those who test positive will be released to self-quarantine if symptoms are mild, or recommended to go to a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment if symptoms are more severe.
However, British nationals need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, and eligibility for visas for travel to China remains highly restricted.
Indonesia
All arrivals aged 12 and above must present proof of vaccination.
Japan
Unvaccinated arrivals are required to take a test before departure, triple-vaccinated visitors are free from testing rules.
Laos
All arrivals must present proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 48 hours of departure).
Philippines
Arrivals must show proof of either vaccination or a negative, remotely supervised or laboratory-based rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours prior to departing for the Philippines.
This article is kept updated with the latest information.
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