COVID-19 has put a big question mark on the tourism industry across the globe. While there are some countries still struggling with the pandemic, there are some who are ready to resume the economy at a regular pace. In light of this, many countries are scheduling to open up their doors for summer holiday travel. But please do keep in mind, there are certain conditions like mandatory self-quarantine, COVID-19 testing upon arrival or before departure, minimum number of days for hotel booking and restricted list of countries. So we recommend thoroughly going through the requirements of the country you're planning to visit.
Europe
Europe has made a big announcement that will allow non-Europeans to enter the continent from July 1. Although, each country will have its own set of rules to regulate the flow of tourists. The travel ban will be lifted gradually with people from low-risk countries allowed initial entry. Italy and Bulgaria have already reopened their borders to residents of most European countries. Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Hungary, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia have also relaxed regulations to a restricted number of countries.
This week the EU reopened other popular tourist destinations. On June 15, Germany lifted a travel ban to 31 European countries, Greece to 29 countries and the Netherlands to 12 EU countries.
Iceland, Belgium and Switzerland are opening their borders to all EU and Schengen Area travellers, and France is yet to take a decision. Nordic countries, excluding Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland are also easing the restrictions. Spain is scheduled to reopen its borders to the EU and Schengen Area nations in July.
You can read here more about Greece and Iceland.
Asia
Countries in Asia are largely closed to foreign holidaymakers as there are no clear indications from most of them. Countries like India, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore have not announced dates when they will open the borders, though reports suggest that Indonesia might reopen in October.
Next on the list is our all time favourite, Thailand, where the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand cleared that tourists would be allowed no earlier than September.
If you have private jets and yachts, you’ll be welcomed in the Maldives. In fact, commercial airlines are scheduled to resume from July 1.
Turkey might accept tourists by July whereas Sri Lanka is preparing to reopen its borders to all nationalities on Aug 1. But that comes with conditions, tourists must produce proof of medical insurance, plan to stay at least five nights, and should have a negative COVID-19 result less than 72 hours before departure.
North America
Travel to the USA has been prohibited for some nationalities and those allowed will have to undergo self-quarantine of up to 14 days. Seeing the current situation of USA, it is advisable to avoid any non-essential travel.
Canada also has mandatory two-week quarantine requirements. The border between the U.S. and Canada is closed to nonessential travel until June 21.
Mexico is gradually opening state by state. Quintana Roo, which is home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum, has opened its doors to travellers. Los Cabos is scheduled to open by end of July. Notably, the country is one of seven coronavirus "international hot spots".
The Middle East
From Israel to Qatar, Middle East is not open for travellers yet. You might be able to plan a trip to Dubai in the other half of the summer, maybe somewhere between July to September.
Africa
Popular African tourist destinations, such as Morocco and South Africa, have not planned to begin tourism yet. As South Africa struggles to contain the virus, tourism officials have indicated that in the worst-case-scenario, the country might remain closed till 2021.
Last week, the Seychelles opened its gates to tourists who arrive on a private jet, chartered flight or yacht. Flights are set to commence again from July 1.
South America
Much like the Middle East, South America, including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Peru, remains closed for tourists. In fact, Colombia and Argentina have suspended all passenger flights until August 31.
Go ahead and list down your dream destinations for your summer travel plans. Wherever you plan to go just ensure that you're following all the protocols for your safety and well-being.
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