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.
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.
7. Seychelles
Since January 2021, the Seychelles opened its doors to travellers who had been vaccinated against Covid-19. And from 25 March 2021, all other visitors (except from South Africa) won't need to quarantine or be vaccinated if they have tested negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours of departure.
8. Georgia
The Balkan country of Georgia has allowed travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter the country. However, only those with two doses of the vaccine are allowed to enter.
Travellers who have not been vaccinated, or have just had one vaccine, must show proof of a negative PCR test within the past 72 hours. The second dose of vaccine must be administered in Georgia on the third day of quarantine.
9. Estonia
Since February 2021, Estonia has lifted its mandatory quarantine requirement for vaccinated travellers or those who can prove that they have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months. Estonia says that they will accept vaccines from 9 global suppliers.
10. Cyprus (from May)
From May 2021 onwards, Cyprus will open its doors to travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. They are allowing all travellers who have taken 2 doses of the vaccine. But only those with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (eg. Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca or Moderna) will be allowed to enter Cyprus without a negative test or quarantine.
With travel bubbles and more travellers getting vaccinated, it won't be long before international travel gets back on its feet. Time to start dreaming about your next trip when borders reopen!