Coronavirus-related restrictions are fading as more and more countries are throwing open their doors again to visitors thanks to decreasing COVID-19 case numbers and increasing vaccination rates.

Many countries no longer require a COVID-19 test for entry, regardless of vaccination status, while some still require unvaccinated travelers to submit a pre-arrival test or test upon arrival. In fact, other countries treat all travelers the same and have eliminated entry requirements as a result. However, we mustn’t forget, as travelers returning to the U.S, we are still required to test a day before returning.

Here’s a guide to country’s latest entry requirements:

Bahamas

All travelers, fully vaccinated or unvaccinated (ages 2 and older) travelling to The Bahamas will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test —including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA, or RNA), taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.

Effective 2 April 2022, all persons (fully vaccinated or unvaccinated) travelling inter-island (domestic) within The Bahamas from New Providence (Nassau), Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island (Freeport), will no longer be required to obtain a COVID-19 test prior to the date of travel.

All visitors travelling to The Bahamas are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at https://travel.gov.bs/ prior to their arrival.

Bonaire

As of March 20, fully vaccinated visitors may enter Bonaire without submitting a predeparture test. Travelers are recognized as fully vaccinated if their final vaccine dose (either second dose or booster) was administered within the preceding nine months of travel. Testing requirements remain for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers, who can still visit Bonaire by presenting results of a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure or a PCR test taken within 48 hours. These testing rules do not apply to travelers age 12 and under.

All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must fill out an online health declaration form ahead of arrival.

Curacao

Travelers to Curacao are no longer expected to submit a pre-arrival COVID-19 test as of March 10. However, travelers must continue to complete an online digital immigration card in addition to completing a passenger locator form within 48 hours of arrival. Visitors must also either print or have a digital copy of the locator card available for review on the ground in Curacao.

Arriving passengers should be aware of health checks at Curacao International Airport (CUR) and note that you must pay to quarantine in your own accommodations should you test positive for COVID-19 while there. The tourist board continues to ask visitors to the island to social distance in public.

Grenada

Effective April 4, travel to Grenada allows travelers to the islands to enter without any entry protocols that were put in place during the pandemic. Travelers can visit the island without having to worry about any predeparture or upon-arrival steps including no COVID-19 testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements. Additionally, travelers don’t have to worry about completing an online health form ahead of travel, making this Caribbean island a very attractive destination for travelers.

St. Lucia

As of April 2, vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers alike are welcome to enter St. Lucia without a pre-travel test or quarantine for fully vaccinated visitors. Otherwise, unvaccinated travelers age 5 and older may visit St. Lucia by presenting results of a negative PCR test taken within five days prior to arrival. This test must be administered by or supervised by a health care professional as only proctored tests are allowed for use for entry.

“Fully vaccinated travelers must provide a valid vaccination record as requested on check in, for boarding and on entry to Saint Lucia,” according to the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. “Fully vaccinated means two weeks has passed since the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or since a single-dose vaccine. Vaccine proof must be presented on entry to Saint Lucia.”

All travelers must complete a health screening questionnaire before disembarkation in St. Lucia.

St. Croix

Vaccinated travelers no longer need to submit a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival to enter the U.S. territory. Travelers are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the final dose of any WHO- or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, including Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca.

Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. to St. Croix must still continue to provide results of a negative test taken within five days of travel. This test can be either an antigen or PCR test.

In addition, all travelers must answer questions via St. Croix’s online travel screening portal ahead of travel, specifically domestic travelers age 5 and above and international visitors age 2 and above. Masks remain compulsory indoors, including on public transit.

Turks & Caicos

All travelers 18 years and older to Turks & Caicos must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. Travelers age 2 and older are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of visiting the islands. Please take note that antibody tests and at-home test kits are not acceptable.

Also, travelers must have medical insurance valid for the treatment of COVID-19 in Turks and Caicos and obtain travel preauthorization via the TCI Assured Portal. Masks remain required in public places.

Mexico

Incoming travelers are not subject to any entry requirements related to testing and vaccine proof to visit Mexico, though the U.S. Embassy in Mexico says health screening procedures may be in place at certain airports and other ports of entry.

Belize

On March 1, Belize dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers to enter Belize, in addition to removing all curfew mandates and outdoor mask mandates. Unvaccinated travelers age 5 and older (or those without vaccine proof) must continue to show results of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours.

Regardless of vaccination status, all international visitors must continue to purchase specific travel health insurance to visit the country as of April 7. In addition to purchasing the insurance, travelers must complete an online customs form provided on all flights to Belize and book their stay at a hotel or accommodation that has been approved by the tourism organization.

Costa Rica

As of this month, Costa Rica has eliminated the online health pass and travel insurance policy, leaving zero predeparture steps for foreign visitors to follow. However, travelers age 18 and older are still recommended to carry a travel insurance policy covering potential COVID-19-related expenses. Americans do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. However, they must possess a valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days.

Roatan

All visitors wishing to travel to Roatan must complete two online forms; Immigaration Precheck and Health Form 48 hours prior to your arrival date.

Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test, however, they will need to present their vaccination card for inspection. For unvaccinated travelers aged 1 year or older, a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test is required to be taken within 72 hours of check-in at the airport.

Maldives

On March 5, the Maldives stopped requiring their arrival PCR test. Vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors can now enter the island nation by simply completing an online declaration of health within 48 hours of departure. Americans will be issued a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival so long as they submit the required health form.

Indonesia

Due to confusion over previously announced reopening plans, the Indonesian government released updated COVID-19-related guidance for travelers on April 5, outlining entry protocols for travelers. Among the changes, travelers from 43 countries, including the U.S., are able to enter Indonesia (including Bali) without the need for a visa so long as their stay is for tourism purposes exceeding no more than 30 days. Therefore, Americans age 12 and older are able to enter Bali by showing proof of full vaccination and results of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure to the country. Outside of predeparture testing, vaccinated Americans are no longer subject to quarantine.

Second, note that international travelers may enter the country through 10 airports outlined by the government in its updated international travel protocols: https://www.godsavethepoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/220406-ENG-Satgas-SE-No.-17-on-international-travel-protocols.pdf

Third, travelers who are partially vaccinated may still visit Bali so long as they quarantine for five days. Minor travelers under age 18 are expected to adhere to the rules their adult companions are adhering to.

Fourth, domestic traveler restrictions no longer remain in place for vaccinated Americans, per the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia (https://id.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/).

Lastly, all travelers should expect to undergo health checks on arrival. Consult the embassy for the most updated travel information applicable to U.S.-based travelers.

Philippines

The Philippines is now granting entry to fully vaccinated visitors from countries that are permitted visa-free travel for up to 30 days, including the United States, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila (https://ph.usembassy.gov/covid-19-and-travel-information/).

Fully vaccinated travelers who have completed their vaccination series more than 14 days prior to travel will no longer be subject to facility-based quarantine upon arrival. Travelers must also present negative COVID-19 result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours (or negative antigen test taken within 24 hours) of departure from their country of origin, must have health insurance valid in the Philippines for COVID-19 care up to $35,000 and must self-monitor for symptoms for seven days after arrival, reporting to local government authorities if they begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers are not allowed entry into the Philippines. Travelers who are unable to present acceptable proof of vaccination will be subject to quarantine in a government facility until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day, followed by home quarantine until the 14th day. Children below the age of 12 are exempt from the vaccination requirements.

Details can be found at Philippines Airlines: https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/covid-19/arrivingintheph

If I didn’t provide you with information for a destination you are interested in, please contact me at liz@scubatravelventures.com for more information and to book your trip.

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