Since March of 2020 when the pandemic first gripped the world, travel became initially impossible, then taboo, and now challenging to say the least. Especially for those who do not feel comfortable getting vaccinated, do not have access to vaccines, may only be partially vaccinated, or can’t be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus for medical or personal reasons.
A large number of countries have decided to not allow unvaccinated leisure travelers through their international borders, however, these 15 countries have decided they will accept all visitors…but there are some hoops to jump through.
SOUTH AMERICA
1. Brazil
Brazil’s government has recently lifted several bans, making entry into the South American country far more accessible to almost all international unvaccinated travelers. Entry is by air only- land borders and seaports remain shut.
Anyone traveling to Brazil needs to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight or a negative antigen test was taken within 24 hours of boarding their flight. Results must be in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
2. Colombia
Colombia was swiftly becoming a tourist mecca prior to the pandemic shutdowns, and it is rebounding with a vengeance due to its relaxed entry requirements. Unvaccinated tourists are being welcomed to the country of lush nature gems and vibrant cities and negative Covid-19 PCR tests are NOT required.
CARIBBEAN AND SURROUNDS
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another country where neither vaccinations nor arrival negative Covid-19 tests are required. It’s also a nation that has gained popularity with visitors thanks to its rainforests, resorts, wildlife, surfing, adventure, and of course, beaches.
The one requirement mandated for unvaccinated travelers is international or Costa Rican travel insurance that covers accommodation costs in case quarantine is required throughout the visitor’s stay.
Beach escapes to the DR have always been a favorite getaway for North American travelers and unvaccinated tourists will still be able to enjoy the pristine white beaches. Negative Covid-19 tests are NOT required upon arrival unless the traveler has visited the UK, Australia, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Monaco, Ireland, Democratic Republic of Congo, St Vincent, and the Grenadines, Senegal, Syria, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia India, and South Africa in the 14 days prior to entering the country.
This means the D.R. will continue to be a favorite beach break-even for unvaccinated travelers in the middle of the upcoming North American winter.
5. Jamaica
Jamaica is a bucket list location for many and can remain so, no matter what a traveler’s vaccination status. The one caveat currently in place is that travelers cannot have spent time in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Paraguay, Peru, or Trinidad and Tobago in the 14 days prior to arriving in Jamaica.
All passengers, vaccinated or not who plan to enter Jamaica will need to provide a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival.
Tourists may need to retake a Covid test on arrival if they present any symptoms and wait in their hotel room until the test result comes back.
99% of tourists to Jamaica will stay in the “resilient corridor”, designated for tourism purposes. Travelers are required to remain at their hotel/resort within the corridor for the duration of their stay. They may, however, leave the hotel/resort to visit a restaurant, duty-free shopping mall, craft market, or tourist attraction that is certified by the Jamaica Tourist Board.
6. Mexico
Mexico has been relaxed when it comes to its border restrictions from pretty much the start of the pandemic. The country is currently open to unvaccinated travelers as there is no proof of vaccination required at the border. Negative Covid tests are also not mandated.
The land border between the US and Mexico is still closed to non-essential travel until at least October 21 and is reassessed monthly.
It is advised tourists stay on their resort property.
EUROPE
7. Croatia
Croatia has bucked the traffic light trend that was adopted by most of Europe and has kept its entry restrictions relatively low. Unvaccinated travelers may enter Croatia with a negative PCR test or, alternatively, can submit to a rapid-antigen test within 48 hours of arrival in the stunning Eastern European country.
8. Cyprus
This underrated and stunning Mediterranean island boasts weather to die for almost all year round. Unvaccinated travelers from green classified locations will not need to present a negative PCR test for Covid-19 when traveling to Cyprus; they only need to fill out the Cyprus Flight Pass and provide certain information and solemn declarations.
Travelers arriving from an amber or red classified country need to show proof of vaccine and/or a myriad of other documentation. The categorization of countries is updated weekly by the Ministry of Health.
9. Denmark
Unvaccinated travelers are now welcomed into the Scandinavian country but must test before arrival–either a negative PCR test result (taken within 72 hours prior to arrival) or a negative rapid antigen test (taken within 48 hours prior to arrival) is required.
Additionally, all unvaccinated entrants must take a second test (antigen or PCR) upon arrival. The test can be taken at the airport if traveling by plane or no later than 24 hours after entering Denmark if entering by crossing a land or sea border.
If you are not fully vaccinated but have a negative test, restrictions vary according to which country you are traveling from. This changes often and is in line with outbreaks in the area the traveler has come in from.
10. Iceland
Unvaccinated travelers visiting this chilly hotspot are allowed entry with a negative PCR test result on hand, taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Antigen tests are not accepted. A five-day quarantine is required for unvaccinated tourists.
Those wanting to visit the land of fire and ice should keep their eye on Iceland’s government site as the minister of health is expecting restrictions to tighten with a predicted surge in cases sometime throughout the winter months.
11. Romania
Romania boasts amazing Christmas markets, surrounded by gothic architecture and dark and mysterious forest regions. Unvaccinated travelers can enter Romania, but they must undergo a 14-day quarantine period. This can be reduced down to 10 days if the traveler can provide a negative PCR test on the 10th day. Unvaccinated tourists to Romania can show proof of recent recovery from the virus (within the last 14-180 days) to make them exempt from any of the quarantine periods.
The quarantine period is relatively new and may go away again in the near future.
ASIA
12. Turkey
Turkey’s exciting cities with unreal architecture are welcoming unvaccinated guests who arrive with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Alternatively, unvaccinated travelers can provide evidence of a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival.
Passengers from Brazil, South Africa, Nepal and Sri Lanka are banned from entering Turkey until further notice unless they are in transit to another country.
13. The U.A.E
Tourism campaigns for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi saw both cities gain huge popularity amongst travelers. The oil-rich and safe-to-visit Middle Eastern country is open to unvaccinated travelers. However, travel restrictions within the country vary between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other regions.
A 72-hour negative PCR test is required for entry and possible quarantine restrictions, documentation or other restrictions may be in place, depending on the entry point/ airport at which the traveler arrives.
AFRICA
14. Egypt
Unvaccinated travelers are welcomed into Egypt to immerse themselves in the ancient history unique to the North African nation. A negative PCR test, taken 72 hours of arrival must be presented. Passengers from all countries will be required to complete a monitoring card with personal details and will need to provide proof of a health insurance policy that covers Covid-19.
Passengers arriving from countries where “variants of concern have been identified” may be required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival at the traveler’s expense.
15. South Africa
South Africa is open to unvaccinated tourists. Land borders are closed, and travelers can enter South Africa by air only.
Travelers can provide evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test before arrival or take an antigen test on arrival at their own cost.
If travelers test positive for COVID-19, the government will enforce a mandatory 10-day quarantine, so a pre-flight test is recommended. No one wants to miss a second of this invigorating and exciting country.
As you can see, there are locations that will welcome unvaccinated guests into the borders, but before booking any travel, please check each country’s requirements as restrictions can change rapidly.
Please note, this article is by no means anti-vax, but merely a guide for those who have not received the vaccine for any myriad of reasons.
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