Travel restrictions reduced the spread of the virus, but because they were first implemented after community spread had established in several countries in distant parts of the world—they produced only a modest reduction in the total number of people infected. Travel restrictions may be most important at the start and end of the pandemic.[3]
Together with a decreased willingness to travel, the restrictions have had a negative economic and social impact on the travel sector in those regions.[10] Slow travel increased in popularity during the pandemic, with tourists visiting fewer destinations during their trips.[11][12]
A possible long-term impact has been a decline of business travel and international conferencing, and the rise of their virtual, online equivalents.[13] Concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of travel restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19.[14]
Traveling to vaccinated venues that mandate COVID-19 vaccines to tourist or/add staff
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Many tourism venues such as museums, visitor centers, restaurants, hotel mandate COVID-19 vaccination for their staff and/or visitors, and such venues are known as "vaccinated venues".[15] Research has shown that tourists have varying levels of belief on COVID-19 vaccination in terms of its effectiveness and side effects, which has an impact on whether tourists prefer to visit or use these venues.[15]
Just under a quarter of all countries (45) have implemented measures that affect citizens of, or recent travellers to, a particular country or set of countries. Many of these countries later expanded their restrictions, with some later implementing global restrictions that may be listed above.
Americas
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Aruba: As of 1 July 2020, Aruba has reopened borders for citizens of the Caribbean, Europe, United States and Canada.[67]
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Guadeloupe: As of 1 July 2020, all nations are permitted to enter Guadeloupe for tourism with the exception of: USA, Brazil, India, Israel, Russia, and Turkmenistan.[68]
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Peru: After a 7-month lockdown, Peru has reopened its international borders for tourism to Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay from 5 October.[69]
Asia
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China: Foreign nationals can travel to China if they meet one of the following requirements: holding a valid Chinese residence permit for work, personal matters or reunion, holding Diplomatic, Service or Courtesy visa issued after 28 March 2020. All travelers must present two negative tests - PCR and antibody tests, taken within 48 hours of travel to obtain a green Health Code for boarding.[70]
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Hong Kong: Closed its borders to all non-residents on 24 March 2020.[71] Non-Hong Kong residents arriving from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan who have not been in any overseas countries/territories in the past 14 days are exempted from the ban, but they are still subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days same as all other arrivals to Hong Kong.[72][73] Since Chinese tourists are only allowed to stay in Hong Kong with a valid visa for maximum 7 days, they are also banned from entering the territory. Effective 25 March 2020, all persons arriving in Hong Kong, regardless of whether they are Hong Kong residents, are subject to compulsory quarantine.[74] As of 25 December 2020, compulsory quarantine at designated hotels had been extended to 21 days, from 14 days.
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Macau: Entry denied to all travellers except residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.[75] As of 21 November 2020, people visiting Macau from most locations – except those coming from the mainland or Taiwan – will be required to undergo a 21-day medical observation upon arrival versus the previously mandated 14 days. As of 23 December 2020, residents from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan who have travelled overseas in the 21 days prior to their arrival will also be denied entry.[76][77]
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Singapore: All foreigners were prohibited entry and transit starting from 23 March 2020 to 19 October 2021.[78] As of 29 November 2021, Singapore is open for vaccinated tourists from the following countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.[79][80]
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Taiwan: Foreign nationals are now permitted to enter Taiwan, with the exception of tourist visitors. As of 25 February 2021, all inbound and transit travelers are required to provide a COVID-19 RT-PCR negative test report issued within three working days of their incoming flight's scheduled departure time. Travelers also need to use their mobile phone to fill out a health declaration form prior to their departure, and make an affidavit stating that the location of their 14-day home quarantine (in a quarantine hotel or in a home with one person per residence) meets relevant regulations.[81]
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Thailand: As of 1 November 2021, Thailand reopens to vaccinated tourists from 63 countries with no quarantine condition.[82]
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Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan has resumed international flights for certain categories of travelers from countries deemed to have a stable epidemiological situation. The complete list of countries includes the EU, Japan, South Korea, China, Israel, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and CIS countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Tajikistan). Quarantine rules apply differently depending on which country the traveler is arriving from: Japan, South Korea, China and Israel: No quarantine required. European Union, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore: 14-day self-quarantine at home. UAE, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and CIS countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan): Government quarantine[83]
Europe
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Earlier before the announcement of the pandemic by WHO, the European Union rejected the idea of suspending the Schengen free travel zone and introducing border controls with Italy,[84] a decision which has been criticised by some European politicians.[85][86] After some EU member states announced complete closure of their national borders to foreign nationals in March 2020,[87] the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "Certain controls may be justified, but general travel bans are not seen as being the most effective by the World Health Organization."[88] A few days later the EU closed its external borders.[89]
The European Council agreed on 17 March 2020 to ban incoming travel other than citizens from countries in the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and United Kingdom, long-term residents and people with long-term visa or residence permits, family members of EU and EEA citizens, medical personnel and people responsible for transport of goods for 30 days.[89][90][91] Each country has to implement the decision on the national level. Ireland choose to opt out from the decision due to the Common Travel Area. The agreement was to close borders for 30 days starting at noon on 17 March, though enforcement did not begin immediately as planned.[92] By the end of March, all EU member states (except Ireland) and all associated Schengen states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) had introduced the travel restriction.[93] The restriction was later repeatedly prolonged until 30 June.[94][95][96] These restrictions do not only refer to travel between countries from March to June. In Spain, for example, mobility has been restricted and public transport has been greatly affected by the lockdowns imposed by the government and only essential travels have been allowed under the most severe restrictions.[97] Some member states went even further and also prohibited EU and EEA citizens from entering, unless they are permanently living in the country or transiting to their home country, which is generally still possible. On 1 July 2020, global travel ban was replaced by non-global.[98] The EU Council recommends a gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on travel into the EU (including Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) from 1 July 2020. The European Council has adopted a Recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU on 30 June. Travel restrictions were lifted for countries listed in the recommendation. The list is updated, in principle, every two weeks. Several countries (Algeria, Canada, Georgia, Jordan, Morocco, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia and Uruguay) have been removed from the EU designated COVID-19 safe countries list since it was introduced on 30 June 2020, and no new country was ever added to that list. As of 16 December 2020, the Safe Countries list includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.[99] Traveling citizens from China will be allowed entry based on the re-opening of its borders to European travelers.[100] British nationals are no longer considered EU citizens starting 1 January 2021 and are subject to each member state's travel restriction on non-EU nationals. For the purpose of the recommendation should residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican also be considered as EU residents. The recommendation is not a legally binding instrument and the member states are responsible for implementing it.[98]
On 28 January 2021, the European Union has reinstated a travel ban from Japan due to an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases. Hence, Japan is no longer a part of the EU's safe countries list.[101] The following countries are listed as safe countries amidst the pandemic – Australia, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand and Thailand. The European Council has suggested member states to gradually remove restrictions for China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity.[102]
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Countries in the European Union/Schengen Area:
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Austria: Entry from EU/EEA countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed without PCR test or mandatory quarantine, only if the traveler can prove that he was in only one of those countries in the past 10 days. Entry from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Uruguay is also allowed on condition that the traveler can prove he has been in only one of those countries in the past 10 days, with no restrictions.[103] There are restrictions for arrivals coming from parts of Croatia, France, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria and Romania. In this case, travellers should either self-isolate for 10 days - at their own expenses - or present a negative PCR test which is not older than 72 hours.[104]
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Belgium: Entry from all EU and Schengen countries and the Safe Countries designated by European Council is allowed with no restrictions.[105] If travelers visit certain parts of several countries in Europe, they must quarantine or take a COVID-19 test upon returning to Belgium. These include areas of Bulgaria, Cyprus, certain regions in Germany, several French departments, Greece, several areas in Croatia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, some provinces in the Netherlands, large swathes of Spain and the United Kingdom, among others.[104]
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Bulgaria: Bulgaria opened its borders on 1 June 2020 to EU countries, the UK, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican, Serbia and North Macedonia citizens. Travellers from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Ukraine are allowed in too with no need to present a negative COVID-19 test.[104]
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Croatia: Entry from EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions.[104]
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Cyprus: As of 6 June 2020, Cyprus is officially open for tourism. Authorities have created three categories based on countries' epidemiological situation, which detail if passengers from these destinations are allowed to enter and under what conditions.[104]
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Czech Republic: Travel into the Czech Republic for any purpose, including tourism is allowed.[106]
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Denmark: Non-essential travel from most EU countries is banned. Additionally, non-citizens with clear symptoms cannot enter Denmark.[107]
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Estonia: Entry from EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions.[104]
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Faroe Islands: Faroe Islands allows travelers to enter from countries defined as "open" by Denmark. The Danish Government has announced that countries other than EU Member States, Schengen countries and the United Kingdom are currently by definition banned countries. All people travelling to the Faroe Islands must be tested for COVID-19. This requirement also applies to Faroese citizens and residents who have been travelling abroad.[108]
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Finland: As of 12 October 2020, non-essential travel from all EU/Schengen countries is banned.[109]
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France: Travellers from EU member states as well as Andorra, Australia, Canada, Georgia, the Holy See, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Rwanda, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and Uruguay have been allowed to visit the county since 15 June without a health certificate or any form of quarantine upon arrival.[104]
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Germany: Entry from most of EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions. Travellers from some EU countries are required to have negative COVID-19 test.[104]
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Greece: Entry from EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions.[104]
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Greenland: Greenland allows travelers to enter from countries defined as "open" by Denmark. They must have a COVID-19 test taken in a Nordic country in the 5 days before travel. All travellers upon arrival in Greenland must go into 14 days quarantine.[110]
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Iceland Iceland allowed tourists to arrive from 15 June 2020, however, COVID-19 tests is mandatory.[111] Iceland has restricted the entry of all travelers who are not nationals of EEA Member States, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City, or the United Kingdom. Iceland allows Foreign citizens that are verifiably residents in and traveling from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand.[112]
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Italy: Borders in Italy opened 3 June 2020 to citizens from the EU, UK, Schengen area, Andorra, Vatican City, San Marino and Monaco, following a nationwide lockdown which came into force on 9 March.[104] On 3 December 2020, a new Decree by the Prime Minister (DPCM) was approved, which contains provisions for the national territory and for travel to/from abroad. These provisions will be in force from 4 December 2020, to 15 January 2021. Travelers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand are allowed to enter.[113]
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Latvia: Entry from most of EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions. Travellers from some EU countries are required to have negative COVID-19 test. Since 10 October 2020, Latvia has introduced a ten-day quarantine from travellers from high-risk countries.[104]
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Lithuania: Entry from EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions.[104]
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Malta: Entry from EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions.[104]
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Norway: "Travellers from EEA/Schengen countries with acceptable levels of infection" have been able to visit the country since 15 July 2020. Norway currently has a 10-day quarantine (at a designated quarantine hotel for non-residents) for those returning from international travel.[104]
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Poland: Borders reopened for EU nationals on 13 June 2020 with no quarantine condition, and some international flights from within the bloc have restarted.[104]
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Portugal: Nationals of EU countries, Schengen area and passengers on flights from the UK, Brazil, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the US, Canada, Venezuela and South Africa are allowed in the country.[104]
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Romania: People coming from EU countries as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein may enter but they must self-isolate for 14 days if the incidence rate in their country of origin is greater than the one in Romania.[104]
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Slovakia: Entry from most of EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions. Everyone entering the country from abroad must provide a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours, or self-isolate for 10 days or until they present a negative test.[104]
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Slovenia: Entry from most of EU countries (including UK, Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and San Marino) is allowed with no restrictions. Travellers from some EU countries are required to have negative COVID-19 test. Anyone entering from a country with high levels of COVID-19 will have to quarantine for 14 days.[104]
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Spain: Spain reopened its borders to EU member states, Schengen area countries and the UK on 21 June. None of these travellers have to self-isolate.[104]
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Sweden: Beginning 19 March 2020, there is an entry ban which applies to all foreign citizens attempting to enter Sweden from all countries except those in the EEA, the UK and Switzerland.[114]
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Switzerland: Switzerland reopened borders to all EU countries, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein on 15 June 2020.[104]
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Other European countries:
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Isle of Man: As of 28 June 2021, Isle of Man reopens borders to non-residents. Any visitors will have to apply for a permit in advance of their trip.[115]
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Moldova: As of 1 September 2020, Moldova open the border for citizens of 53 countries.[116]
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Russia: As of 4 September 2021, Russia has reopened its borders to nationals and residents of 49 countries, allowing tourists to visit. All passengers from approved countries must have a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival.[117]
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United Kingdom: All incoming passengers must complete a passenger locator form in advance, including their departure country and UK address. They also have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travelling to be allowed entry. Travellers must then self-isolate for 10 days.[118] A rule taking effect 2 August 2021 will remove the isolation requirement for fully vaccinated people coming from Europe and the US.[119] As of January 2021, there were travel bans on 33 countries "where the risk of a new variant is greatest". Under its 33 'red list countries', the UK banned all direct flights from the UAE due to rising concerns over the spread of a South African COVID-19 variant. Those arriving from the UAE in the previous 10 days will not be allowed to enter the UK.[120] UK nationals and people with residency rights coming via UAE can enter the UK but must self-isolate in government-approved hotels for 10 days. Failure to do so will imply a fine up to £10,000 or a prison sentence up to 10 years.[121]
Oceania
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Australia: Entry denied to all travellers except residents of New Zealand and Singapore. Since 16 October 2020, all arrivals from New Zealand regardless of citizenship can enter Australia, without having to undergo mandatory quarantine (provided they have been in New Zealand for at least 14 days).[122][123][124] This arrangement was partially suspended from 25 to 31 January, 15–21 and 25 February – 20 March 2021, due to community transmission in New Zealand.[125][126] However, any person – regardless of citizenship or residency status – travelling to Australia from any other international destination will be required to undergo a compulsory 14-day quarantine, beginning from their date of arrival. The regulations, effective from 16 March 2020, also ban cruise ships arriving from international waters from docking at any Australian port.[127] According to Josh Frydenberg, the Treasurer of Australia, Australia's international borders will largely remain closed until mid-2022 at the earliest.[128][129] Only fully vaccinated citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family, as well as fully vaccinated travellers from New Zealand and Singapore, are allowed in.[130]
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New Zealand: Entry denied to all travellers except residents of Australia. Quarantine-free flights from New Zealand to Australia began in October 2020 and from Australia to New Zealand in April 2021.[131] The Australia/New Zealand travel bubble was suspended on 24 July 2021 due to Delta outbreaks in Australia.[131] Since 21 January 2021, all arrivals from the Cook Islands can enter New Zealand, without having to undergo mandatory quarantine (provided they have been in Cook Islands for at least 14 days). However, since 23:59 on 19 March 2020, borders are closed to all other non-citizens and non-residents including the previously exempt Pacific Islands or temporary visa holders (such as students).[132][133] Beginning 15 March, any person entering New Zealand from overseas, including New Zealand citizens, are required to undergo mandatory Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ), for 14 days following entry. For arrivals resulting in stays in NZ intended to exceed 90 days, MIQ is Government Funded. Shorter travel periods incur a $3,000 MIQ fee. All cruise ships are banned.[134]