With the news that the US will soon drop the requirement for passengers to show proof of Covid vaccination for airlines, most countries have now dropped entry requirements for international visitors.
Much of the world previously required potential travelers to receive at least one dose of an approved vaccine, eventually requiring two doses and then a booster dose for anyone who qualifies. Additionally, travelers are required to present a negative Covid test result or proof of having recovered from the infection.
However, in the last year, as cases of the virus have dropped, related travel restrictions have been lifted.
From Friday, May 12, people entering the United States will no longer have to present any proof of immunization status before boarding. The US joins a growing list of countries with no restrictions, as popular UK tourist destinations – such as Spain, Italy and Portugal – aim to increase tourist numbers to pre-pandemic levels.
Ahead of the busy summer season, we’ve put together the information you need about vaccinations and boosters to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Do you need a Covid boost to travel abroad?
In most cases, the answer is no. The need to provide proof of vaccinations for travel and entry is first introduced worldwide in 2021, aiming to get the economy – and the tourism industry – back to work.
On July 1, 2021, the European Union announced that digital Covid passports will be used across most of Europe. People can present proof of vaccination to enter countries, while many countries apply similar or similar cards to allow entry into bars, restaurants and public spaces such as museums or stadiums sports action. Germany, Greece and Croatia were among the first countries to adopt the use of vaccine “passports”.
Read more about travel around Europe:
In February 2022, the EU decreed that member states must agree to continue accepting these passports for another nine months. Fast-forward to May 2023 and every EU country has dropped all Covid entry restrictions, so has the UK.
In a remarkable change of policy, you can now travel anywhere in Europe without a booster shot or even the first or second dose of vaccine.
Elsewhere, although the US will ease restrictions soon, until May 12, anyone entering the country will have to present proof of vaccination status, with travelers unvaccinated are still barred from entering the country.
Most other popular tourist destinations have also relaxed their entry policies. Visitors can enter countries such as Australia, New Zealand, India and Singapore without booster shots or proof of vaccination.
Which countries still have entry restrictions?
Although the number of countries requiring vaccination (or proof of vaccination) has fallen across the board, some countries are still complying with the restrictions. You should check the entry rules for the country you plan to visit on Website of the Department of State (FCDO).
Countries that still apply restrictions generally define “fully vaccinated” as having had two doses, meaning you don’t need a booster shot to enter the country, but double-check before booking your trip.
China is the main exception to Covid’s travel rules. While Chinese citizens can now travel abroad, international tourists are not yet admitted. Anyone traveling for business or visiting family should have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of boarding a flight to China. You may also be checked on arrival. (These restrictions do not apply to Hong Kong, where testing is not required, regardless of your immunization status.)
Another very large country with restrictions is Brazil – where unvaccinated travelers must test negative for Covid within 24 hours before their flight.
Indonesia, Kenya, Tunisia and some other South American countries, such as Chile, Ecuador and Venezuela are among those where you will be asked to provide proof of at least two doses of the vaccine, even though you No booster injection or negative PCR (or antigen testing) is required. ) Test.
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