Countries across the globe have imposed various travel restrictions to help combat the spread of COVID-19. From quarantines and entry bans to other requirements, global citizens now face different travel restrictions from country to country.
Travelbans.org and Trip.com both offer regularly updated lists on various travel restrictions in most countries.
Countries That Insist on a Negative COVID Test from Travelers
Note: Any country not listed here has either suspended and prohibited all travel until further notice or is only open for expatriation travel. Some countries require immediate self-isolation and quarantine.
Europe
- United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is currently under full lockdown, but there are no entry restrictions. A recent negative COVID test (no older than 72 hours) is required for entering England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Germany. Germany is only permitting essential travel. Passengers arriving from high-risk destinations require a test on arrival and self-isolation until they get a negative result. Here is the RKI’s list of high-risk places.
- Italy. The country’s borders are open to citizens of the EU and Schengen areas for all travel (including tourism) – but a negative COVID test is required. Some travelers from other areas may enter Italy under specific conditions.
- France. Internal European borders into France are open, and all passengers (including EU travelers) need to present a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior) to enter the country.
- Spain. All passengers arriving from high-risk countries must present a negative PCR test when entering Spain.
- Denmark. The current travel ban restricts all foreigners from entering the country for tourism. Besides this, a negative test (maximum 24 hours prior) is compulsory, while an additional rapid test is preferred on arrival.
- Sweden. Travelers coming from Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and the EU are allowed into Sweden but must undergo self-isolation. Travelers entering the country from the UK are permitted for essential reasons and recent negative tests are mandatory.
- Russia. Commercial flights into Russia are slowly picking up but land borders are not fully open. Airlines require negative PCR tests prior to boarding.
- Belgium. Travelers from the European Union or Schengen areas are permitted to enter. With mandatory quarantine and PCR tests for arrivals from specific countries mentioned here. Negative tests are compulsory for non-residents.
- Greece. Greece is currently under a second lockdown, but entry into the country is permitted for most Europeans. PCR tests and a 10-day quarantine is mandatory for all travelers.
- Lithuania. Travel into Lithuania is permitted for EEA citizens. Travelers from affected countries must self-isolate for 10 days or present a negative PCR test. The list of countries can be found here.
- Luxembourg. Travelers coming from an EU country are permitted entry, with some non-EU citizens only allowed to enter with a negative COVID-19 test.
- Malta. Travelers from Green-list countries can visit without any restrictions or testing required. Arrivals from Amber countries require a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior) to enter Malta. The lists are regularly updated here.
- Montenegro. Arrivals from Green-listed countries here face no restrictions, with travelers from specific countries required to present a negative COVID-19 test (maximum 72 hours prior).
- Netherlands. Negative PCR tests are required for arrivals from the EU and Schengen areas. Other details can be found here.
- Norway. All arrivals from high-risk countries require negative PCR tests.
- Serbia. Citizens of Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and North Macedonia require a negative PCR test (maximum 48 hours prior).
- Turkey. Turkey’s borders are open and all passengers require a negative PCR test before boarding their flight.
Asia
- China. A negative test (maximum 48 hours prior) is required for most travelers.
- United Arab Emirates. International travelers can enter the UAE, but all new arrivals are required to present a negative COVID-19 test conducted within the last 4 days.
- Bahrain. International travel is limited. Long-term visa holders and Bahrain residents may return – everyone will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.
- Cambodia. International travel into Cambodia is open, but travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test (no older than 72 hours) to enter.
- Iraq. Negative PCR tests are mandatory for all arrivals into the country.
- Kazakhstan. Travel is currently limited to nationals, residents, and other limit-specific cases. New arrivals will be tested and quarantined for 2 days.
- Maldives. Tourists entering the Maldives require a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior) to enter.
- Philippines. While the country is closed for tourism, all new arrivals must undergo testing and a 14-day quarantine in a state-designated facility.
- Thailand. Travelers coming into Thailand can apply for either tourist visas (TRV) or special tourist visas (STV). A negative test (no older than 72 hours) is required to enter the country.
Africa
- Benin. All travelers must take a COVID-19 test on arrival and stay in isolation until results are confirmed negative.
- Burundi. A mandatory 14-day quarantine period is required unless a negative test is presented.
- Chad. International air travel is permitted, with limits. All passengers require a negative test (72 hours prior) upon arrival and must isolate for 7 days while awaiting results from another test.
- Djibouti. Borders into Djibouti are open, but they need a negative COVID test from travelers.
- Egypt. All travelers require negative PCR tests and health insurance upon arrival.
- Equatorial Guinea & Guinea. Before traveling to Guinea, all passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test on-hand.
- Ghana. Negative PCR tests are required to enter the country, with extra antigen tests conducted upon arrival.
- Kenya. Travelers coming into Kenya require a negative PCR test to enter.
- Mali. Quarantine upon arrival is mandatory for all travelers until a negative test result is received.
- Morocco. Borders into Morocco are currently only open for citizens, permanent residents, and close relatives. All travelers require a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior) to enter.
- Namibia. Passengers require a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior) upon arrival to enter Namibia.
- Democratic Republic of Congo & Republic of the Congo. Borders are open to both countries, but passengers require a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior) to enter.
- Rwanda. Passengers require a negative COVID test conducted 72 hours before their departure.
- Somalia. Some flights are available and travelers can enter Somalia if they present a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior).
- South Africa. International air travel is picking up, with some land borders open. All passengers require a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior) to enter South Africa. Otherwise, quarantine is necessary.
- Zambia. All travelers arriving in Zambia will be tested on arrival and are subject to a 14-day quarantine in a state-designated facility while awaiting the results.
Oceania
- Guam. Passengers who have been in infected countries within a week before travel are prohibited from entering. Guam requires a negative COVID test from travelers within 72 hours of arrival.
North America
- The United States. According to the CDC, a new order coming into effect on 26 January 2021 in the United States will require all passengers arriving from any destination outside of the United States – excluding the US territories – to prove a negative COVID-19 test.
- Canada. Travel to Canada is restricted. Only permanent residents and citizens are allowed to return. All passengers require a negative COVID-19 test issued less than 72 hours before departure.
- Bahamas. Entry into the Bahamas requires a negative COVID-19 test (maximum 5 days prior).
- Antigua and Barbuda. Travel is permitted, but passengers must present a negative PCR test (maximum 7 days prior) to enter the country.
- Barbados. A negative PCR test (72 hours prior) is advised for fast-track immigration into Barbados. However, depending on the travelers’ country of embarking, testing may be required upon arrival.
- Costa Rica. Costa Rica is open to air travel for citizens from Canada, Thailand, Singapore, China, Uruguay, Japan, South Korea, the EU, and Schengen areas. Travelers require valid travel insurance and negative PCR tests. Specific USA states were also added to this list – found here.
- Dominican Republic, Public activities are restricted, but commercial flights are available – travelers should present a negative COVID test. However, the airports are conducting rapid testing too.
- Greenland. Most EU citizens can enter the country on the condition that they complete a personal location form and present a negative PCR test (not older than 5 days).
- Jamaica. While Jamaican borders are open for tourism, travelers require Travel Authorization before flight check-in and need to submit a negative PCR test when applying.
- Panama. All Panama residents and foreign travelers require a negative PCR test (maximum 48 hours prior) for entry into the country.
- Puerto Rico. The country is only open for essential travel, and travelers require a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours prior ) for entry into Puerto Rico.
South America
- Bolivia. Some international flights are permitted but still limited. Those who enter must have their negative PCR test certified by a Bolivian consulate for quarantine exemption.
- Colombia. Travelers worldwide can enter Columbia, but a negative COVID test is required to enter (maximum 96 hours prior).
- Ecuador. International flights are now available, but all visitors must either present a negative PCR test or be tested on arrival.
- Peru. National lockdown in Peru has been lifted, and some international flights are available, with PCR testing (maximum 72 hours prior) required to enter the country.
Countries around the globe have tackled the pandemic differently. But as vaccinations become more accessible, travel restrictions will likely be revisited and revised accordingly.
For updated information on travel restrictions, it is advisable to check airlines and official government websites.
