Things have changed in the post-COVID world. The people are adjusting to the new normal. As lockdowns are ending all around the world, you can plan your vacation in the countries opening their border for tourists. The opening of countries comes with rules and regulations that must be followed by the tourists. With easing border restrictions, countries are expecting travelers from different parts of the world. The countries are given below have opened their borders with certain restrictions. Such mandate and restrictions aim to protect both the travelers and locals.
Countries Opening Borders With Certain Restrictions
Austria
Austria has opened its borders for tourists on 16th June 2020. For tourists traveling from 31 countries in Europe are not supposed to follow measures such as COVID tests or quarantine. Before 16th June, travelers from the EU had to submit a medical certificate with a negative outcome not older than four days upon entry or 14-day quarantine. From 16th June, the requirements have been lifted for EU countries except for Sweden, Portugal, the UK, and Spain. The Austrian Government has identified many high-risk areas such as the USA, India, Albania, Romania, China, Pakistan, etc. The citizens from such areas have to produce a negative COVID -19 PCR test.
There are certain rules and health regulations when you visit Austria such as –
- Maintain social distancing of 1 meter between strangers
- Wearing a mask is a mandate
- Frequent handwashing must be followed
- Avoid hugging, kissing, shaking hands, or greeting people
When you enter Austria, you would find many things open here. Restaurants, cafes and other eating joints have been opened since May 15th. Hotels, motels and inns are also opened since May 15th. Even museums, zoos, and swimming pools have also opened since May 29th. But there are limited hours for opening if compared to the Pre-Covid scenario.
Bahamas
Bahamas have officially opened for tourists from 15th October 2020. Tourists from all countries are welcome in the country with a 14 day quarantine mandate and a negative COVID test report. Before travelling to the Bahamas, you need to fill a Travel Health VISA form online. You need to upload your negative COVID report. The test report cannot be 7 days old before the date of arrival. In case you fail to upload, your entry will be denied. It takes 72 hours to approve your travel application; hence you must fill it within a reasonable time. Print the report and keep it with you to present it at the airport.
Another phase for entry starts from 1st November, all travelers would not be required to quarantine if your Bahamas Health VISA is approved including a negative COVID test report. Every traveler needs to have travel insurance covering COVID 19 for the duration of the trip to the Bahamas.
While in the Bahamas, visitors are required to wear masks everywhere. If you fail to comply, a fine of $200 would be charged. National curfew is still in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Hence, travelers must return to their hotels or accommodations during that time.
Barbados
Barbados has officially reopened its borders from July 1, 2020. The country has been updating its travel requirements on August 3rd, September 1st, and September 24th. Travel requirements depend upon where the travelers are coming from. The government of Barbados has divided the countries into four groups, high risk, medium risk, low risk and very low-risk countries. The last 21 days before your travel determines the category of risk factor. No matter which category you belong to, certain travel requirements are essential such as wearing a mask, filling out an online immigration form, and undergo health screening that includes thermal scanning.
Belize
You can travel to Belize from 1st October 2020. Earlier, it was scheduled to open from 15th August, but it got delayed due to a surge in COVID cases. There are certain entry requirements for traveling such as
- Travelers need to download Belize Health App
- Wear masks
- Travelers with negative COVID report can get instant access in the country, whereas travelers with positive COVID report will have to face 14 day quarantine.
The country is accepting travelers from all the nations including the USA if they follow all the rules. Belize is taking all measures to protect travelers such as-
- Sanitizing all the luggage
- Minimizing contact between passengers and airport officers
- Visitors will only travel in approved vans to drop at the hotel or any other location.
Travelers can enjoy Belize as beaches are now opened. However, they are advised to stay at their hotels and do not interact much with the locals. Travelers can access restaurants, beaches, and pools within the resort.
Costa Rica
If you are planning a post COVID foreign trip, Costa Rica is one such destination. It has opened its borders from August 1 allowing from UK, Canada, and EU nations. Citizens from US will be allowed to visit the country from 1 November. The Government had launched a four-phase recovery plan till 1 August. From September 1st, citizens are allowed to visit Costa Rica from American States such as Virginia, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Maine, Maryland, Vermont, and Connecticut.
Cuba
To flatten the curve, the Government of Cuba had followed a 3-phase reopening plan since June 2020. Cuba had opened its borders and airports in July for travelers with opening some tourist cities. The country gradually opened fully in September/October.
The Government had created a tourism corridor that aims to avoid any unnecessary contacts with locals. Within this area, tourists have to choose 4 -5 star hotels, golf course, Dolphin Park, shopping plazas, 2 marinas, restaurants and services.
Cuba is open for all nationalities with pre-COVID immigration rules. None of the asymptomatic travelers has to quarantine. Tests on arrival facilities are available for free. If the report is negative, you can enjoy your vacation.
Albania
Albania has opened its borders since July 1. The Government of Albania is now allowing tourists to enter the country without any tests or quarantine. Only temperature checks are being conducted at the airport.
Anguilla
Anguilla has announced that it is opening borders from August 21, 2020. Firstly, the travelers need to get in an online approval with a negative COVID report. Travelers need to quarantine for 10 days at their location.
Egypt
Egypt has opened its borders from July 1 for all tourists around the world. Travelers are supposed to fill insurance form, get a negative COVID test report performed within 72 hours.
