In recent months, many people in various countries around the world have taken the Covid-19 vaccine. When the borders reopen, it's very likely that vaccine certificates will become a new “passport” for travelling abroad. Vaccine passports (either physical or digital) will be used alongside Covid-19 tests as proof that travellers are free from the virus. To prepare you for your future trip, we've rounded up 10 destinations that are open (or will be open) to vaccinated travellers this 2021.
Thailand's resort island of Phuket has announced plans to waive quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers from July 2021 onwards. Besides 2 doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, travellers would also need a certificate showing negative test results for Covid-19 and download a mobile tracking app while they are in Phuket. If all goes well, Thailand plans to reopen the whole country to vaccinated travellers by October 2021.
From 6 April 2021, all travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without having to undergo testing and quarantine. Travellers will need to show their vaccination certificates or proof of previous Covid-19 infections (if any). But travellers won't be allowed to travel from Iceland to the rest of Europe if they are not a citizen of the Schengen region.
The Maldives already opened their borders to travellers since July 2020 and they have implemented a successful model of testing upon arriving and when departing. Maldives' tourism ministry is also working on a "vaxication" model where travellers can have a long holiday in the Maldives and get vaccinated at the same time.
Greece has announced plans to welcome travellers from 14 May 2021. Travellers will have to show a vaccine certificate, show that they have Covid-19 antibodies or that they have a negative test.
Since February 2021, Poland has lifted entry restrictions for travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. But these are travellers from countries that Poland already has an existing travel arrangement with. Travellers who have not received the Covid-19 vaccine must submit proof of a negative Covid-19 test at least 48 hours prior to arriving in Poland.
1. Phuket, Thailand (from July 2021)
Thailand's resort island of Phuket has announced plans to waive quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers from July 2021 onwards. Besides 2 doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, travellers would also need a certificate showing negative test results for Covid-19 and download a mobile tracking app while they are in Phuket. If all goes well, Thailand plans to reopen the whole country to vaccinated travellers by October 2021.
2. Iceland (from April 2021)
From 6 April 2021, all travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without having to undergo testing and quarantine. Travellers will need to show their vaccination certificates or proof of previous Covid-19 infections (if any). But travellers won't be allowed to travel from Iceland to the rest of Europe if they are not a citizen of the Schengen region.
3. The Maldives
The Maldives already opened their borders to travellers since July 2020 and they have implemented a successful model of testing upon arriving and when departing. Maldives' tourism ministry is also working on a "vaxication" model where travellers can have a long holiday in the Maldives and get vaccinated at the same time.
4. Greece (from May 2021)
Greece has announced plans to welcome travellers from 14 May 2021. Travellers will have to show a vaccine certificate, show that they have Covid-19 antibodies or that they have a negative test.
5. Romania
As of 18 January 2021, travellers who have gotten their COVID-19 vaccine are exempted from quarantine in Romania. Travellers must receive two doses of vaccine and the second dose must be taken at least 10 days before arrival in Romania.6. Poland
Since February 2021, Poland has lifted entry restrictions for travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. But these are travellers from countries that Poland already has an existing travel arrangement with. Travellers who have not received the Covid-19 vaccine must submit proof of a negative Covid-19 test at least 48 hours prior to arriving in Poland.
