Travel has been on an upswing in the 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, but demand is up and passengers are returning to their favorite international destinations. Europe had frequently topped travel lists before the announcement. Looking ahead to the fall, here is a rundown of the newest travel advice* and limitations for the world’s most popular destinations.
United Kingdom
Over 39 million people visited the United Kingdom before the pandemic, however, the State Department and CDC have both advised against traveling to the United Kingdom because of COVID-19 as of July 19. In light of the terrorist danger, the State Department is likewise urging visitors visiting the United Kingdom to take heightened vigilance. Unvaccinated visitors must quarantine at home or wherever they are staying for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on or before the second day and on or after the eighth day, even if they are fully vaccinated before traveling to the UK.
Thailand
Thai authorities said this week that they will delay the reopening of Bangkok and other tourist hotspots to international visitors until November due to vaccine failures. Thailand has a very high incidence of COVID-19, according to the CDC and the State Department, thus Americans should stay away from the nation as of August 9. Americans can still travel to Phuket and Koh Samui with confirmation of immunization, travel health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment, and a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of departure in destinations like those mentioned above.
Germany
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic expected in Germany this fall, the State Department is urging Americans to rethink travel to that country, as well as advising them to exercise more vigilance due to terrorist threats. There is a high level of COVID-19 within the country’s borders, according to the CDC’s Travel Health Notice Scale at Level 3. Visitors aged 12 and older should expect to produce proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months, or a negative COVID-19 test in order to get entry to Germany notwithstanding the warning. Germany is open for travel from the United States this fall. However, only PCR tests done less than 72 hours before entrance will be approved, whereas rapid antigen testing conducted less than 48 hours before entry will not. US Embassy & Consulates in Germany specify that travelers who have been in a virus-variant area within the last 10 days must provide a negative test, regardless of immunization or recovery status.
Mexico
The CDC’s Prevalence 3 Travel Health Notice indicates a high level of coronavirus in Mexico, according to a Level 3 travel health advice issued by the State Department on July 12th. The warning urges visitors to Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur states, which are home to some of Mexico’s most popular tourist spots including Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, to use extra caution. American citizens can fly to Mexico without a negative COVID-19 test or proof of immunization but non-essential travel along the US-Mexico land border is prohibited until at least October 21.
Turkey
Due to COVID-19, Turkey is also a Level 4 country according to the State Department. Officials also urge Americans to be extra cautious when traveling to Turkey because of the country’s history of terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Sirnak, Hakkari, and areas within six miles of the Syrian border are off-limits to visitors because of terrorist activity. In order to enter Turkey this fall, visitors from the United States who are 12 years old or older need one of the following: The following documents must be presented upon arrival: proof of vaccination; proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous six months; a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before arrival or a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test performed no later than 48 hours after the arrival.
Italy
“Do not go to Italy because of COVID-19. Due to the threat of terrorism, use extra caution “In a Level 3 travel advice released on June 16, the State Department warns Americans about travelling to the sought European country. U.S. visitors to Italy in the next fall will be required to show proof of vaccination or a certificate certifying recovery from COVID-19 within the previous six months, as well as an immediate negative response from a PCR or fast antigen test. Visitors who are infected with either of these diseases are required to undertake a five-day self-isolation quarantine and a PCR or quick antigen test at the end of it. Visitors must also complete the EU Digital Passport Locator Form, which is available online.
China
Since local laws in China and Hong Kong are being arbitrarily enforced as of June 16, the State Department recommends Americans think twice before traveling there because of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. Visitors from the United States are welcome in China, but they should be aware that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China state that “U.S. citizens who enter China are checked upon arrival and subject to a minimum 14-day quarantine.” As testing and travel requirements constantly change, officials encourage travelers to bookmark the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page to stay up-to-date on the newest COVID-19 limitations and conditions in China.
Spain
Because of COVID-19 and rising terrorism and civil turmoil, the State Department has updated its travel advice for Americans visiting Spain. A very high incidence of COVID-19 is also being reported by the CDC for Spain, which welcomed almost 84 million visitors in 2019. Those who have proof of vaccination and a QR code provided by the Spain Travel Health service can enter the country. A negative COVID test, confirmation of immunization, or a recovery certificate are all required for travelers.
France
In 2019, France welcomed more tourists than any other country, with over 89 million people traveling there. It’s been two years and the US State Department is still warning visitors against visiting the popular European vacation area because of COVID 19. On August 9, the CDC updated its Level 4 Travel Health Notice for France to reflect the CDC’s Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the country’s very high level of COVID-19. It advised travelers to “exercise heightened care due to terrorism and civil upheaval” in France.
Despite this, France is still welcoming visitors from the United States. According to the U.S. Embassy in France, travelers who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test result. France views the CDC card as adequate proof. Individuals who are either unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated will have a harder time. In addition to a negative PCR test completed 72 hours before departure or an antigen test completed 48 hours before departure, they must provide a compelling cause for traveling. “There is no requirement for a COVID test for travelers under the age of 11, regardless of their immunization status. A fully vaccinated parent or guardian must accompany travelers aged 11 to 17 to be considered vaccinated – According to the Embassy’s announcement.