Despite concerns about the sub-variants of Omicron – which bear the charming names of BA.4 and BA.5 – the Covid-19 seems to be gradually loosening its grip on the daily life of the French. Two years of pandemic have battered global tourism, but this summer could usher in a new era. Where can you put your suitcases? Which destinations require a PCR test? Which countries have reopened their borders to foreign tourists? 20 minutes answers you.
Flexible rules in Europe
From Gaudi’s fantasies in Spain, to reindeer in Finland and the turquoise blue waters of Crete, Europe offers a myriad of potential destinations. If you are tempted, know that no country on the continent imposes quarantine even if many countries require a valid health pass (Portugal, Spain, Germany, Italy, etc.).
Conversely, some countries have opted to completely remove entry restrictions. This is particularly the case for the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden and the Baltic countries, but also for more Mediterranean destinations such as Greece, Croatia and Albania. For those who wish to taste chocolate and enjoy the Swiss mountains, Switzerland does not require any formality to enter its territory.
China and Japan padlocked
Since March 2020, the Middle Kingdom no longer issues tourist visas. Chinese policy is extremely strict. Since the start of the pandemic, Beijing has applied the “zero Covid” strategy, which results in confinements and quarantines as soon as a few cases appear, but also PCR tests on langoustines or disinfection of entire streets. For vacationers who dream of setting foot on the Great Wall of China, the wait could be long. If it is impossible to establish a reopening date, Beijing has given up organizing the Asian Football Cup which is scheduled for… June-July 2023.
The story is similar in Japan where the French will not be able to go this summer a priori. The issuance of a visa is indeed subject to a compelling reason – yes, more compelling than an irrepressible desire to visit Kyoto and bring back lots of kawaï memories. However, the land of the rising sun opens the door to handpicked travelers. Only tourists from Australia, the United States, Thailand or Singapore, triple vaccinated and negative for the anti-Covid test on entering and leaving the territory are authorized.
North Africa opens the door
Morocco has abolished the obligation of the PCR test to enter its territory in order to promote the return of foreign tourists and support a vital sector for the national economy, according to a government press release published on Tuesday evening. On the other hand, the health pass remains compulsory to access Moroccan territory. Only 3.7 million foreign tourists visited Morocco in 2021 compared to 13 million in 2019, according to official statistics.
For its part, Tunisia refuses travelers who have not received an injection. For others, however, the vaccination certificate is sufficient. And if you rather dream of admiring the last wonder of the world still standing, know that Egypt requires a vaccination certificate. For non-vaccinated tourists, however, it is possible to enter the country with a test carried out seventy-two hours before arrival.
The Americas quite accessible
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, many countries have relaxed their conditions for entering the territory. Mexico, Jamaica and Chile no longer ask tourists to show their credentials: vaccinated or not, you are welcome. Canada, Cuba, Brazil and Argentina require a vaccination certificate and Peru and Colombia add an anti-Covid test.
Things get a bit more complicated for the United States, Ecuador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. These countries prohibit the entry of the territory to the unvaccinated tourists. For those who received the injections, it will be necessary to present the certificate as well as a test against Covid dating from less than seventy-two hours – or even the day before boarding for the United States.