COVID-19 Travel Updates: Which countries are open for travel now?

With the world finally starting to ease restrictions from the COVID-19 Pandemic, we must all be aware that the Pandemic is still very much alive, however difficult it for us to admit. Every country has its own standards for how they choose to handle the tragedy, some more reliant on tourism to fuel their economy than others, so they’ve chosen to open their borders to visitors sooner than later.

I created this list to help any of you who are itching to travel, or just go escape to another place to quarantine because you need a breath of fresh air. However, I plead with you all to travel with respect and sensitivity for the current situation, be mindful that it is still present and not to place other countries in harm’s way.

The current date is March 25th, 2020 and this article is easily subject to change. I will continue to update you all as more time passes.

GREEN LIGHT: These countries are currently open to visitors.

• South Korea: South Korea has opened it’s borders, but all visitors will be subjected to mandatory COVID-19 test in order to enter. If the test result is positive, visitors will be taken to recovery facilities.
• Cambodia: Cambodia is open to tourism, but each visitor must provide a certificate that proves they’re not carrying the virus. Their immigration opening date for tourists visa is set for July 1st.
• Iran: No certifications needed, but many airlines have ceased travel to this country.
• Mexico: No current tests or certifications necessary, but still adhering to strict policies for the virus within their hotels and asking for only essential travelers to enter. Restrictions are very transparent and subject to change.
• Netherlands: Travelers are welcome, however if you’re coming from a high risk country you will be subjected to fill out a ‘fit-to-fly’ health declaration form where you will discuss any current symptoms you might be carrying. You may be denied to board the plane based on your form.
• Portugal: Open to visitors, but strict measures are still in place. Most tourist sites are currently closed off. Their immigration opening date for tourist visas is set for June 15th.
• Austria: Entry is allowed with a medical certificate that has micro-biological test results, certificate must be no older than 4 days. Their immigration opening date for tourist visas is set for June 15th.
• Croatia: While borders are open, the travelers let in must fit a very strict criteria that limits them to travel for only essential reasons. Their immigration opening date for tourist visas is set for June 15th.
• Tanzania: Open, with COVID-19 screening for visitors that have symptoms.
• Ethiopia: Strict measures for air travel are still being set, however it is open to visitors. Visitors that show positive symptoms of the virus may put themselves at risk to be sent to an isolation unit.
• The following countries are currently allowing visitors, but require that all visitors self-isolate for the first 14 days of being there: Belarus, Ireland, Madeira and the Azores, Poland, Slovenia, Barbados, and Zambia.
• The following countries are open only to those considered as UK nationals, to see if you qualify as one click here: Sweden, Greece, Hungary, Finland, and the UAE (upon completion of this form)

YELLOW LIGHT: These countries aren’t open yet, but will be in the near future.

• Saint Lucia: Their government has announced plans to reopen to tourists on June 4th.
• Italy: Plans to reopen to tourists on June 1st. Their immigration opening date for tourist visas is currently set for June 3rd.
• Greece: Their immigration opening date for tourist visas is currently set for July 1st.
• Immigration opening date for tourists visas will be on June 15th for the following countries: Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Poland, Iceland, Greece, Croatia and Slovenia

RED LIGHT: These countries should be scratched off the bucket list until further notice.

• Every remaining country in Europe, North America, Asia and the Caribbean that has not been listed.
• The entire South Pacific and Oceania, including Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
• The entire continent of Central and South America currently has no countries open for tourism, and has yet to expand on any upcoming plans to change this.