Summer is always an ideal time to travel as there are minimal travel restrictions for domestic and international travel. However, not all countries are open for leisure travel. In addition, your vaccination status may also prevent entry to select destinations.
Tourists enjoy the day at Jibacoa beach, Mayabeque province, Cuba, on August 1, 2022. (Photo by … [+] Yamil LAGE / AFP) (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty images)
US travel restrictions
US residents can visit various states and cities without restrictions, making it easy to head to a picture-perfect beach destination. Local travel restrictions may still apply in major cities.
The TSA mask mandate for commercial travelers is still on hold while the federal appeal works its way through the court system.
The most prevalent local mask mandate affecting travelers concerns these three New York City airports:
Another high-profile indoor mask mandate policy from Los Angeles County in California expired at the end of July.
Tourist spots may also have indoor mask requirements, including visitor centers and crowded exhibits in national parks.
It is still too early to say whether monkeypox will have the same negative effects on business and leisure travel as the new coronavirus. Currently, the number of cases is increasing worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) also declared a public health emergency for the virus in late July.
So far, California, Illinois and New York have declared a state of emergency. Travelers should follow several CDC recommendations to prevent exposure.
The United States no longer requires a negative test before arrival, but international visitors eligible for the coronavirus vaccine must be fully vaccinated. There is no vaccination requirement for returning US citizens and legal residents.
Canada remains open only to fully vaccinated visitors. No pre-arrival proof is required when entering by air, land or sea. You must upload your vaccination dates and lots of information on the ArriveCAN form to avoid a mandatory quarantine.
Travel restrictions in Latin America
Many Latin American countries continue to ease their travel protocols. For example, Belize no longer requires you to purchase Covid travel insurance. The government ended this requirement on July 14, 2022.
Most countries no longer require pre-arrival test results for fully vaccinated guests. However, internal mask mandates may still be active.
Unvaccinated travelers must obtain a negative test result to enter most Central and South American countries. Brazil and a couple of other smaller countries continue to ban unvaccinated visitors.
Mexico and Costa Rica continue to have some of the most lenient entry guidelines.
Most of Europe is open without restrictions to the vaccinated and unvaccinated. However, France and Spain require pre-arrival proof for entry. Unless they are subject to an exemption, the Netherlands prohibits non-vaccinated non-European residents from entering.
Australia has stopped its pre-arrival vaccination and testing requirements from early July 2022. Travelers no longer need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration.
Starting August 1, 2022, New Zealand’s borders are “fully open” for the first time since the start of the pandemic. In most situations, visitors must be fully vaccinated and take two post-arrival tests.
The country also requires a passenger declaration form to collect the traveller’s vaccination details, travel history for the last 14 days and emergency contact details.
The Asian region continues to have some of the strictest requirements. Fortunately, it is possible to travel to many pre-pandemic tourism favorites.
The Land of the Rising Sun reopened in June for tourism booked through travel agencies and essential trips such as business and education. A negative pre-arrival test by visitors and downloading the MySOS mobile app (or another app) upon arrival is required. Visitors without a smart phone can rent one.
Thailand ended most of its travel restrictions in early July. Now, short-term visitors only need to show proof of vaccination or a negative proof of pre-arrival. The country no longer needs to fill out the cumbersome “Thailand Pass”. Travel authorities reported an immediate increase in flight bookings.
The Philippines is only open to vaccinated travelers. It is not necessary to have a pre-arrival test, but a health declaration form is required.
The Americas and Europe continue to be the most lenient travel destinations in most situations. Post-pandemic international travel is as easy as possible now that more countries are eliminating health passes and travel insurance. This month is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a final summer trip.
