France and Denmark Open to Vaccinated Travelers

© Photo by Shutterstock
These Countries Are Open to Vaccinated Travelers


Photo by Shutterstock Vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can enter France starting June 9.

Load Error

On June 9, new entry requirements will go into effect for France allowing vaccinated European visitors and those from seven “green” countries—including Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, and Singapore—to enter France without the need to undergo COVID-19 testing. Fully vaccinated travelers from “orange” countries—including the United States and United Kingdom—will also be allowed in as long as they provide a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, or a negative antigenic test of no more than 48 hours.

Denmark announced on June 4 that it would open June 5 to vaccinated Americans—providing it’s been 14 days since their final dose. Unvaccinated children are allowed entry but will need to take a test.

The pair join several European countries allowing vaccinated travelers to enter, including Greece, which began letting vaccinated Americans enter on April 19. The list has grown to two dozen destinations now letting vaccinated U.S. travelers visit, including:

• Anguilla
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• France
• French Polynesia (Tahiti)
• Republic of Georgia
• Greece
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Iceland
• Israel
• Lebanon
• Montenegro
• Nepal
• Seychelles

Additionally, Europe has agreed to open to vaccinated travelers this summer, a move that has already been backed up by statements from Spain indicating a June reopening. But countries are only placed on this list once there is an official policy in place and guidelines for travelers to follow.

While there is an ongoing debate about whether vaccinations should be a passport to entry for travelers, it is worth noting that in many cases, countries also have alternative protocols for unvaccinated travelers, such as the option to submit to a COVID-19 testing requirement.

Whether or not you’re vaccinated, you can, of course, still travel. You can drive or fly to countless destinations across the U.S. and you can even venture farther afield to Mexico, Costa Rica, and other countries where Americans are allowed to enter (regardless of vaccination status), typically when armed with negative COVID test results.

Before traveling internationally, be sure to check the U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories because travel restrictions may change from what is listed below. And be aware that all international passengers age two and older flying into the U.S. (including returning U.S. citizens and permanent residents) must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test procured within three days before boarding their flight to the United States.  

The CDC also has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

These are the countries that at press time were giving travelers vaccinated for COVID-19 a pass of some kind.

Anguilla

As of April 12, vaccinated travelers who had their final dose at least 21 days prior to arrival only need to stay in place for 7 days (reduced from 14). They’ll still need to submit a test result 3 to 5 days before arrival and undergo a second test on arrival.

The entry application fee for fully vaccinated visitors staying under 90 days in a hotel or villa is $300, as opposed to $600 for unvaccinated travelers staying in an approved private dwelling. From July 1, Anguilla is removing the fee and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated visitors. The entry protocols will be revised and eventually eliminated by October 1. Anguilla’s tourist board has more information on the new entry protocols.

Bahamas

As of May 1, all international travelers who are fully vaccinated can enter the Bahamas without needing to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. They will be required to follow other safety protocols implemented by the government. Unvaccinated travelers will still need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than five days before arrival in the Bahamas.

Fully vaccinated Bahamian citizens and residents have been exempt from testing requirements as of April 21. All travelers—both vaccinated and unvaccinated—are being asked to follow government-mandated face mask requirements and social-distancing efforts.

Barbados

Fully vaccinated travelers (who have had the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson shots) can travel to Barbados with a shorter quarantine as of May 8. They’ll still need to provide a negative PCR test result three days prior to travel, as well as a vaccination certificate, have a test done at the airport, and then quarantine for one to two days. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five to seven days and can’t leave their rooms at approved accommodations until their second negative PCR test result. Visit Barbados has all the latest COVID travel guidelines.

Belize

In order to be permitted to travel to the Central American country of Belize, travelers must present a COVID-19 vaccine card that shows proof of complete vaccination at least two weeks prior to arrival. Those who have not been vaccinated must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to travel or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Children under the age of five are exempt.

Bermuda

Fully vaccinated travelers heading to the North Atlantic island of Bermuda may enter the British overseas territory but must still submit to several COVID-19 tests. 

Vaccinated visitors who arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of flying to Bermuda must then take a postarrival PCR test and quarantine until a negative result is received. No additional quarantine is required, but additional tests must be taken on days 4, 8, and 14 of the stay in Bermuda. Vaccinated travelers who arrive without a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result must quarantine until they receive a negative result on their day 4 test in Bermuda. After that they are no longer required to quarantine but must still test on days 8 and 14.

British Virgin Islands

As of May 15, fully vaccinated travelers arriving in the British Virgin Islands are able to travel freely within the territory after taking a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and receiving negative results (typically within 24 hours). Vaccinated travelers will still need to provide a negative PCR test result from within five days of travel and provide proof that it has been two weeks since receiving the second shot of an approved two-dose vaccine—including Moderna, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca—or one shot of a single-dose vaccine like Johnson & Johnson. Unvaccinated travelers will still be required to quarantine for a full four days after arriving, in addition to the two PCR tests. The BVI tourism board has more information on reopening guidelines.

Bulgaria

According to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, effective May 19, citizens and residents of the European Union and Schengen nations as well as those from a long list of additional countries can enter Bulgaria if they present a vaccination certificate that shows they have been fully vaccinated (so two doses, if two doses are required) at least 14 days prior to arrival. They can also enter if they have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 no more than six months prior to entry, or if they present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result procured within 72 hours of entering Bulgaria or a negative COVID-19 antigen test performed within 48 hours of entry.

These conditions apply to citizens of Albania, Australia, the Republic of Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, China, Georgia, Israel, the Republic of Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Japan, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Croatia

As of April 1, anyone can travel to Croatia if they present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate (the final dose must be administered at least 14 days before arrival); can present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Croatia (if it’s a rapid test, a second test must be taken 10 days after the initial test if your stay in Croatia is longer than 10 days); or were diagnosed with and recovered from COVID-19 no more than 180 days prior to arrival. Children under seven years of age are exempt.

The U.S. Embassy in Croatia reminds travelers that tourists who meet the above requirements will only be permitted to enter Croatia if they provide evidence that they have paid for their Croatia accommodations in advance and in full prior to arrival at the border.

Cyprus

Starting on May 10, travelers from the EU, Armenia, Bahrain, Belarus, Canada, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Russia, Saudia Arabia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States who can prove they have been fully vaccinated don’t have to submit to any COVID-19 tests or to a quarantine when traveling to Cyprus. A copy of the certificate will need to be uploaded onto the Cyprus Flight Pass platform. Visit Cyprus has full details of the latest plan, including more on its traffic light system for country categorization.

Denmark

Denmark announced it was opening to vaccinated U.S. visitors from June 5 on June 4. “Fully vaccinated meaning that they’ve had an EMA approved vaccine and that it has been at least 14 days since the final dose,” the country’s tourism board says. “There are no longer any restrictions in terms of ‘worthy purpose’, testing and isolation for these travelers.”

The news comes just ahead of the country hosting both WorldPride and the LGBTQ-friendly EuroGames in August and the opening of the highly anticipated H.C. Andersen’s House, which will showcase the life and work of author Hans Christian Andersen. A number of sustainable hotels are coming to the ecofriendly country too.

Ecuador

© Photo by Shutterstock
Ecuador’s wildlife-filled Galápagos archipelago is now available to vaccinated travelers.


Photo by Shutterstock Ecuador’s wildlife-filled Galápagos archipelago is now available to vaccinated travelers.

On March 17, Ecuador issued new guidelines for entering the country that went into effect on March 22: Anyone can enter Ecuador as long as they have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, can present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than three days prior to arrival in Ecuador, or were diagnosed with and recovered from COVID-19 and are symptom free. Children under two years of age are exempt.

Visitors will be asked about and screened for symptoms (such as fever, cough, general malaise, loss of smell, loss of taste) upon arrival in Ecuador and will be evaluated by health ministry personnel. If there’s cause for concern, travelers will be required to take a rapid antigen test and, if it comes back positive, isolate for 10 days at their own expense. If the rapid antigen test is negative, the visitor can continue on their trip and will not need to isolate.

Travelers in Ecuador must abide by safety protocols including mandatory mask wearing, maintaining a social distance, and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people.

Estonia

Effective February 2, the northern European country of Estonia has declared that those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 can enter the country without having to submit to an otherwise mandatory 10-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing requirements. The Estonian government has said that vaccinated travelers must still adhere to any public health measures that are in place in Estonia.

France

Starting June 9, the French government is allowing European visitors and those from seven countries classed as “green”—Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, and Singapore—to enter France without the need to undergo COVID-19 testing if they’re vaccinated.

Vaccinated travelers from “orange” countries—including the U.S. and Britain—can enter France starting June 9, but will still be asked for a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, or a negative antigenic test of no more than 48 hours. Unvaccinated children will be allowed in with vaccinated adults, but will have to show a negative test from age 11.

Even if they are vaccinated, travelers from “red” countries, including India, South Africa, and Brazil, will still need to justify the trip and quarantine for a week.

The government has indicated travelers will need to present a Pass Sanitaire, or digital health pass, to verify proof of vaccination and negative test results, but it is still not clear exactly how this digital health pass will work and if a paper certificate is likely to be accepted as well.

French Polynesia

The French Polynesian islands of Tahiti reopened to vaccinated U.S. travelers on May 1. Travelers must show proof of having been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival. Between 30 and 6 days prior to travel, they must fill out an online form, where they will upload their vaccine certificate. Vaccinated travelers must also submit their Tahiti booking itinerary along with contact information for their accommodations and travel providers. A negative COVID-19 PCR test carried out no more than 3 days prior to travel is required for all travelers age 11 and older. Children under the age of 6 aren’t subject to quarantine and can travel with their vaccinated parents; children between 6 and 16 who have not been vaccinated or can’t show proof of immunity from a prior infection will have to quarantine with their family.

Georgia

As of February 1, 2021, any fully vaccinated traveler from any country is allowed to enter Georgia as long as they present documentation confirming their COVID-19 vaccination status (if the vaccine required two doses, proof of both doses must be provided).

Unvaccinated travelers arriving from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, the European Union, Israel, Kazakhstan, Norway, Northern Ireland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, or the United States must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result conducted within 72 hours prior to travel at the Georgian border. On their third day in Georgia, travelers must submit to a second PCR test.

Greece

Effective April 19, travelers from the European Union, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates are allowed to enter Greece without having to quarantine if they meet certain conditions.

Those coming from the above countries who’ve received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival do not need to quarantine; they also are not required to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Those who are notvaccinated will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 72 hours of arrival in Greece. Children ages five and under are exempt.

Passengers can enter the country through nine airports: Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Chania, Mykonos, and Santorini. Land border entries are permitted at the entry gates of Promachonas and Nymphaio.

All travelers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form no more than 24 hours prior to arriving in Greece.

All international arrivals will be subject to random and mandatory health checks in Greece, which can include a rapid COVID-19 antigen test. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be transported to a quarantine hotel, paid for by the Greek government, where they will take a PCR test to confirm the results. For travelers who test positive again, they will remain in quarantine for at least 10 days after which they will undergo a new round of testing to determine if they are COVID-free.

Grenada 

Effective May 1, Grenada has reduced the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers who are two weeks out from their second AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna shot or first Johnson & Johnson shot. Vaccinated travelers will still need to provide a negative PCR test result from no more than 72 hours prior to travel, have another test done at the airport, and then quarantine until those test results come back (up to 48 hours). Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine up to seven days, with a PCR test administered on the fifth day. Travel authorization applications must be completed via travelauth.health.gov.gd. More information can be found via the Grenada Tourism Authority website and covid19.gov.gd.

Guatemala

Effective February 24, anyone entering Guatemala must present either a COVID-19 vaccine certificate with vaccination completed at least two weeks prior to arrival, a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or proof or having tested positive and recovered from COVID-19 within three months of arrival, according to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala. Children under 10 are exempt.

Iceland

Effective April 9, “everyone arriving to the country shall be tested at the borders as before, quarantine for five days and undergo a second test upon finishing,” the Icelandic government says. Vaccinated travelers don’t have to quarantine but must go to their accommodation and wait for the initial test results. Iceland also allows travelers who have been previously infected with COVID-19 to enter the country without quarantine and testing.

Everyone needs to preregister before visiting the country.

Israel

The Israel Ministry of Tourism and the country’s Ministry of Health say that the country will begin welcoming vaccinated travelers back starting May 23. Full details of the guidelines are expected in due course, but the program will see a select number of tour groups allowed to visit at first. The number of groups will increase based on the success of the program. Individual travelers will likely be allowed in July. All visitors will still be required to undergo a PCR test before flying to the country, as well as a serological test to prove their vaccination upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.

“Sixty percent of Israel’s population has been vaccinated and with the United States and Israel using the same vaccines, we are hopeful that by summer we can open our doors wide and welcome every visitor to Israel who would like to come,” said Eyal Carlin, Israel’s tourism commissioner for North America.

Lebanon

According to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Lebanon and may bypass the otherwise required COVID-19 tests (one from 96 hours prior to arrival, and a PCR test taken at the airport after arrival), as well as the mandatory 72-hour quarantine while awaiting the results of the airport test, if they have been fully vaccinated at least 15 days before arrival. They can also bypass the tests and quarantine if they have recovered from COVID-19 more than 15 days prior to arrival.

Montenegro

Montenegro is allowing in vaccinated visitors from any country, including the United States. Travelers must present either a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours or proof that they received the second dose of a vaccine more than seven days before their arrival. The CDC still currently classes Montenegro as a level four (“do not travel”) country. The country’s government declared that there were 6,446 active cases of COVID as of April 1.

Travelers to Montenegro will have a new place to stay from the beginning of May: the One & Only Portonovi at the entrance of Boka Bay on the Adriatic Coast. The luxury development’s Chenot Espace spa and new dining space from acclaimed London restaurateur Giorgio Locatelli are among the reasons it’s one of our most highly anticipated 2021 hotel openings.

Nepal

Nepal is allowing in vaccinated travelers. All arrivals must show either a negative PCR result taken 72 hours before boarding or a document showing complete vaccination against COVID-19. They’ll also need either a visa or recommendation letter from the department of tourism, proof of travel insurance, and a barcode obtained via an online application. Nepal’s tourism board has a document outlining the latest protocols.

Seychelles

Seychelles was one of the very first countries to begin welcoming vaccinated travelers earlier this year. But in a March 29 update, the island nation announced that it’s welcoming all visitors regardless of vaccination status effective immediately, as long as they have a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of travel. There’s no quarantine requirement, but they must have travel insurance and need to stay at licenced establishments. Visitors who have been to South Africa in the previous 14 have been excluded but will be welcomed back to Seychelles on June 1. Those traveling from Nepal, India, Brazil, Pakistan or Bangladesh must quarantine for 10 days regardless of vaccination status.

This story was originally published on March 8, 2021, and was most recently updated on June 4, 2021, to include current information. Lyndsey Matthews, Tim Chester, and the Associated Press contributed reporting.

>> Next: You’re Vaccinated. Now What? Our Complete Guide to Vaccinated Travel

Source: Read Full Article