The pandemic has brought various industries to a standstill, tourism included. But with the growing awareness of how to handle the coronavirus and its variants, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The health crisis has given people the opportunity to better appreciate travel. Despite the challenges and the uncertainty, there is an effort to make up for lost time. Travel rebound or what most industry players now call “revenge travel” can be attributed to the pent-up demand to go out and about.
Travel season is in again. Airline companies are seeing a significant increase in air travel frequency. The spring season this year has not only revived the natural world, but also the tourism scene, especially in Europe. Several European countries have lifted all Covid-19 related restrictions in travel, including a negative test, proof of vaccination, and passenger locator form.
Remember to check the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Covid-19 risk assessments of each country. And take note that travel requirements are subject to change at short notice by issuing government authority. The guide below serves only as a guide. Check with the website and offices of your place of origin and destination.
Massive immunization has unlocked many parts of the world. Where are you headed next? As of writing, these are the destinations you could enjoy without the extra hassle of pandemic restrictions and requirements.
The Czech Republic
With old-world charm, good prices, and a central location for exploring Europe, the Czech Republic is the place to be. There are the architectural wonders of Prague, the smaller more intimate version of the capital that is Český Krumlov, the spa town of Karlovy Vary, the historical hotspot Kutna Hora, and more.
Since April 9, 2022, the Czech Republic has lifted all Covid-19 entry requirements for people arriving from other countries. No need to fill in arrival forms or produce any proof of vaccination.
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Denmark
The Scandinavian country, comprised of the Jutland Peninsula and various islands, is attractive to a global audience for its lush forests, deep fjords, fairytale-like structures, hospitable people, and infectious joie de vivre. Among the must-visit sites are the Little Mermaid Statue or “The Mermaid Girl,” and the Rosenborg Castle. No quarantining or testing is asked of visitors.
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Hungary
The central European country evokes a strong sense of tradition and history. The capital city Budapest, once called “the Queen of the Danube,” brims with life with its vibrant villages and breathtaking scenes. Do visit the Buda Castle, Danube River, Esztergom Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Hungarian State Opera House, and Tihany, among others.
On the first week of March this year, the Hungarian government lifted all Covid-19 restrictions on travel to the country.
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Massive immunization has unlocked many parts of the world. Where are you headed next?
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Ireland
Since March, international visitors have been free to travel the Emerald Isle without the hassle of any coronavirus requirement. If travelers develop Covid-19 symptoms while in Ireland, they are to follow the current HSE guidance. Some of the destinations on the island in the North Atlantic Ocean are the Cliffs of Moher, Grafton Street, and the hallowed halls of Trinity College.
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Mexico
What makes this place the ideal vacation destination is its fantastic beaches, ancient ruins, alluring culture, and bustling food scene. Mexico is also ranked as the first in the Americas and the seventh in the world for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
No vaccination or Covid-19 testing is required to enter Mexico via air. Upon arrival, one only needs to accomplish a health survey
Visitors should adhere to local guidance on avoiding and mitigating contagion. gob.mx/salud
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Iceland
One of the most interesting spots in Europe for its topography and natural phenomena is Iceland, also known as “The Land of Fire and Ice.” The island is a go-to tourist attraction for its black sand beaches, roaring waterfalls, glistening glaciers, voluminous volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, beautiful mountain ranges, and ancient folklore, myths, and legends.
Everyone’s welcome regardless of vaccination status. They no longer ask for a PCR test to board aircraft, and no testing or quarantine upon arrival. Certification of vaccination is also not needed.
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Poland
Stunning medieval architecture and the remnants of WWII await travelers going to the Republic of Poland. There’s one of the oldest cities in Poland that escaped most of World War II’s destruction, Krakow while the capital, Warsaw, was left in ruins, systematically razed by the Nazi forces, Warsaw. Must experience is the Tatra Mountains and Natural Park, which forms the natural border between Slovakia and Poland.
Pre-departure testing and proof of vaccination have not been required to enter the central European country since March 28, 2022.
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Romania
The crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, this former Eastern Bloc country is packed with medieval castles, Gothic-era, cobblestoned old quarters, and other historic structures. Europe’s second largest river, the Danube Delta, lies in Romania. The country’s biggest university in what is considered the unofficial capital of the historical region of Transylvania, is the Cluj-Napoca. By the Black Sea is the popular seaside resort, the Mamaia. The mountain resort town Sinaia takes its name from the mountain it stands on. The Sighisoara is among the best spots to visit in Romania due to its beautiful preserved walled town. These are just the tip of the iceberg.
On March 9, 2022, all travel restrictions entering Romania related to Covid-19 has been lifted.
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Sweden
Sweden, a country defined by Nordic sophistication, art, design, and culture, has opened its doors to everyone. Now is the chance to go to Stockholm, the “Venice of the North.” One of the top activities is to take a cruise around the capital. Other things to do in the capital of Sweden is to visit the Vasa Museum, which attracts millions of visitors annually, the Gamla Stan, also known as Stockholm’s Old Town, and take a guided tour of the Fairytale Drottningholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family. Since April 1, Covid-19 restrictions are no longer present.
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Albania
This tourist mecca, nestled between north of east of Greece and the Italian Mediterranean, is known for its natural beauty, Mediterranean cuisine, and rich history. It is found on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
Albania can be visited easily by air, land, and sea. Visitors need only go through a health screening in the country. No quarantine and even face masks are required for those with complete doses of Covid-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to arrival. A 72-hour negative PCR test result, meanwhile, is needed from unvaccinated passengers.
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Montenegro
Aka the Crna Gora is a Southeastern European country on the Adriatic Sea, part of the Balkans. The English name is derived from the Venetian term for “Black Mountain.” It was established as an independent country in 2006.
Like the other European nations on the list, this one too has postcard-perfect historic towns, verdant mountains, and stunning beaches. At its southern tip near Albania is the Ulcinj, an ancient seaport once recognized as the pirate capital of the Adriatic Sea. The Biogradska Gora National Park features a diverse flora and fauna, swift-running streams, shimmering lakes, and other natural abundance. Other sites to visit are the Perast, Ostrog Monastery, Cetinje, Mount Lovcen, and so much more.
Entry conditions for Montenegro are the same regardless of Covid-19 vaccination status. No proof of vaccination and negative test results are needed.