Let’s face it, COVID-19 really ruined a lot of once-in-a-lifetime trips. Not to mention, most of us are still stuck in our homes, unable to go anywhere for months because of strict guidelines and protocols. While working at home has its benefits and perks (like being able to take naps and saving money on eating in), it’s not as fun as it used to be especially if all you’ve been seeing for the past 8 months are the walls of your home.
There’s also one thing that COVID-19 might have ruined for some of us: fun and exciting date nights and trips! A lot of people want to know where they can spend the holidays with fewer restrictions. The good news is that as the world adjusts to the pandemic, country border regulations have also eased up a bit, and just in time for the holidays! The good news is, we’ve made it easier for you and compiled a list of countries that only require quarantine. You’ll also find a few pros and cons of each destination if you’re planning to spend a month in them, so that you can truly see which one is the place for you:
AFRICA
Only requires testing if the airline you chose or your country of origin requires it
Quarantine not required
Airlines flying into Tanzania is limited (Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Emirates, Air Tanzania)
ASIA
Free 30-day tourist visa
No testing required
No quarantine required
Testing services available (if needed to return to country of origin)
No testing required (NOTE: U.S. citizens traveling to Korea from the United States as tourists on the 90-day visa-waiver program do not need a COVID-19 test prior to travel but will be tested upon arrival in Korea and MAY BE subject to quarantine in government facilities at their own expense
No restrictions on interstate/inter-city travel
Commercial flights and public transportation working as normal
14-day mandatory quarantine
Nightly cost at quarantine facilities could range from $100 to $150 USD per night (approximately $1,400-$2,100 USD total)
No testing required
No quarantine required
No health documentation needed
No curfew in place
All transportation systems working as normal
CARRIBEAN
No testing required
Free Health Coverage plan that states that All international tourists arriving from commercial flights and visiting a hotel will be granted during the check-in process a temporary, free health coverage plan that provides coverage for emergencies in the event of an infection or exposure to COVID-19 while in-country.
Curfew of 9 PM to 5 AM from Monday to Friday and 7 PM TO 5 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
Transportation services limited
Bars, parks, museums operate on a limited schedule
Use of public pools, lakes, and rivers banned
No testing required
No restrictions on interstate/inter-city travel
COVID-19 testing free of charge
14-day quarantine required
Curfew from 12 MN to 4 AM
CENTRAL AMERICA
No testing required
No quarantine required
No curfew in place
All transportation systems working as normal
must still complete an epidemiological Health Pass and provide proof of health insurance
EUROPE
No testing required
No curfew in place
No restrictions on interstate/inter-city travel
Required self-quarantine for 10 days
Schengen visa needed
Travel requirements for traveling in Europe often change
No testing required
No curfew in place
No mandated quarantine, but are suggested to self-quarantine required for 14 days
Schengen visa needed
Restrictions on interstate/inter-city travel
Travelers to Ireland should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
No testing required
No quarantine required
No curfew in place
No restrictions on interstate/inter-city travel
No visa required if under 90 days
Ban on gatherings in public spaces
No Schengen visa needed if under 90 days
No quarantine required
No testing required
As a safety precaution due to xenophobic violence, the following clubs have been declared off-limits for U.S. Embassy personnel in Serbia: Plastic, Klub Šlep (Shlep), Mr. Stefan Braun
No testing required
No curfew in place
UK visa required
Different places in the UK have different restrictions that often change without notice
Mandated quarantine for 14 days
Restrictions on interstate/inter-city travel
Second lockdown being talked about
NORTH AMERICA
No testing required
No quarantine required
Non-essential travel discouraged until at least November 21, 2020
Curfew in place (time may vary depending on location)
Restrictions on interstate/inter-city travel
SOUTH AMERICA
No testing required
No quarantine required
Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel)
High crime rates
Only 2 airports are open: Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. There are still bans for international flights landing at airports in Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Rondônia, Rio Grande do Sul, and Tocantins
Take note of the advantages and disadvantages of each country and prepare the necessary things for your chosen place so that you won’t be caught off guard. It is also important to bring lots of the required PPE with you (masks/sanitizers/alcohols) so that you don't get caught paying extra to buy it last min to comply. As of November 17, 2020, all stated information are accurate to the best of my knowledge. HOWEVER, travel regulations can often change without notice, especially since the world is still trying to adjust to life during a pandemic. Exercise caution, and do your research thoroughly!
LINKS:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coronavirus-travel/2018218-countries-open-us-tourists-june-2020-beyond.html