W.I’ve heard a lot about the countries with the closest Travel restrictions and entry criteria this year – including the favorites of the big trip to New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
But which nations are more relaxed? Covid-related entry requirements and domestic restrictions? We take a look at some of the least strict countries on vacation management – although of course that may mean authorities aren’t as keen on pursuing Covid cases.
Sure Travel rules in individual travel destinations can also change at short notice. Therefore, before booking or traveling, always find out about the information from the Federal Foreign Office for your travel destination and the website of the local tourism association in order to obtain the latest rules and information on site.
Mexico
This Latin American hotspot has next to no entry requirements for entry – no pre-travel testing or quarantine required – though its major airports have thermal screening. You have to pre-register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro platform prior to travel, which generates a QR code that is scanned on arrival – and if you are staying at a resort you may be asked to fill out a health form.
The country has a four tier system that shows where the rules are strictest, however all but five states are currently listed as green (Minimum restrictions). Of the yellow states, only Baja California is usually visited by tourists. You will need a pre-departure test before flying to the UK, but Mexican resorts help organize and provide these locally.
Public transportation is largely on, though all forms require you to wear a mask – and some attractions (like Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City) limit capacity as tickets must be booked in advance. It is common to wear masks in crowded places in the city, but they are not enforced in the countryside or on the beach. Otherwise eat tacos, drink tequila and be happy!
Split in Croatia has a beautiful coastline
(Getty Images / iStockphoto)
Croatia
When it comes to Europe, Croatia has some of the least intimidating entry requirements: Essentially, you can enter with either proof of double vaccination (an NHS Covid passport is enough) or a negative PCR test result of the past 48 hours. However, you must have had your second vaccination between 14 and 365 days prior to travel for the former to be valid.
You must have one too Online health formbut then you are golden. Once there, the off-season accommodation is affordable (we discovered a five-star hotel in the capital Zagreb for £ 90 rooms in January and February) and the towns and lake regions are charming and welcoming all year round. The basic rules, however, are a bit stricter: masks must be worn in all public, closed spaces, although the curfew for bars and restaurants was lifted this summer.
Turkey
This sultry Mediterranean town is another “this or that” destination for entry requirements – you can provide proof of double vaccination or a negative PCR test result within the last 72 hours or a lateral flow result within the last 48 hours. Only the unvaccinated have to take a test and do not have to be in quarantine. Turkey will also accept evidence of the recent recovery. There is little chance of temperature controls and random tests upon arrival at the airport, but as of March 2020, British citizens no longer have to pay extra for an e-Visa.
Although Turkey is best known for its summer vacation scene, some flights will continue into the winter – including to its historic north treasury, Istanbul (see Skyscanner: Pegasus and British Airways are both currently operating flights to the UK). Most of the venues, restaurants and sights on site are open as usual – however, proof of double vaccination is required for some public transport and entertainment venues (theaters, cinemas, concerts).
Budapest’s Chain Bridge, the capital of Hungary, offers many cultural activities for tourists
(Getty Images / iStockphoto)
Hungary
With regard to trav-min, proof of double vaccination will bring you to Hungary without testing, while children under 18 accompanying adults with double vaccination are exempt from any travel restrictions. Unvaccinated adults over 18 must have a negative PCR test result within 72 hours. Once you get there – browse bucket list spots like Budapest or do something a little more fancy like caving in Aggtelek National Park – you won’t find much to interfere with your vacation activities.
You are expected to wear masks on public transport, in shops, theaters, and museums, but there is no evidence of vaccination certificates being introduced for hotels or public venues. Since a large part of your Budapest checklist is made up of outdoor venues – from steamy mineral baths to roofless ruin bars – you’ll likely worry less about getting packed into sights, too.
Sri Lanka
India’s quiet neighbor, one of the few Asian countries currently accepting British travelers, requires a PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival, and unvaccinated travelers are required to stay in a quarantine zone (“flexible bio-bubble”) for the first eight days. Unkempt visitors can even visit selected sights as part of the “bubble” arrangement, but cannot tour freely. But dual-headed folks can head out and explore the beaches, temples, unique cuisine, and tea plantations of this beautiful island.
On-site parties and events are still banned, and most people wear face masks in busy public areas – some hotels may ask for an updated PCR test result. And in winter it’s delicious, with daily highs in the high 20’s.
