Exploring Travel-Friendly Countries: Where Can You Go?

Travel restrictions have been a prominent feature of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many countries imposing quarantines, entry bans, or other travel restrictions. While these measures have had a negative economic and social impact on the travel sector, they have also played a role in reducing the spread of the virus. As the pandemic evolves, the landscape of travel restrictions is also changing, with some countries lifting bans and others imposing new ones. Additionally, certain countries have specific entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. It is important for travellers to stay informed about the latest restrictions and requirements for their destination countries.

Countries with strict or complex visa requirements

When it comes to countries with strict or complex visa requirements, some nations stand out for their rigorous processes and limitations. Here are some countries known for their challenging visa requirements:

• Russia: Russian visa requirements are notoriously demanding. Applicants must provide extensive details about their travel history, including the starting and finishing dates of every trip taken in the last decade. The process involves biometric data collection, including fingerprints and photographs, and the application form is lengthy and prone to rejection if not filled out accurately. Obtaining an invitation letter from a hotel or host can also be challenging due to language barriers.
• North Korea: North Korea is extremely difficult to visit, especially for American and South Korean passport holders. The only way to gain access is through a state-approved tour booked through a tourist agency. Interactions with locals are limited, and strict rules, such as not speaking ill of the North Korean leader, must be followed.
• China: China requires most passport holders to obtain a proper visa for stays longer than 72 hours. The application process is lengthy and tedious, involving a face-to-face appointment and a long list of supporting documents. It is recommended to apply at least 2-3 months in advance.
• Saudi Arabia: While the introduction of an eVisa has made it easier for tourists to visit Saudi Arabia, the country still imposes strict requirements. For example, non-Muslim tourists are not permitted to enter Mecca or Medina. Additionally, women travelling solo must have a sponsor who will meet them upon arrival and hold their passport during their stay.
• Bhutan: Bhutan does not approve individual visas unless the traveller is part of a tour package booked through a Bhutanese travel agent. The visa fee, typically included in the package price, can be quite expensive, ranging from $200 to $300 USD per day.
• Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan has a rigid visa policy, requiring almost all visitors to obtain a visa before entering the country. The application process is cumbersome, demanding various documents, including three copies of the filled-in visa application form and a letter of invitation from the Turkmen State Migration Service.
• Chad: Chad has stringent visa requirements, with only 14 countries having visa-free access. Obtaining an invitation letter is one of the most complicated aspects, as it requires a sponsor or a hotel reservation in the capital, N'Djamena. The non-refundable fee for the hotel reservation poses a financial risk if the visa application is rejected.
• Iran: While Iran has been working towards simplifying its visa process, it still poses challenges for visitors. Travellers from certain countries, such as the US, Canada, and the UK, face restrictions and may require a government-approved guide to escort them during their stay. Obtaining a "visa code" from a tour operator is necessary for applying for an Iranian visa.
• Cuba: For Americans, travel to Cuba is legally prohibited unless they are working with a licensed operator for specific purposes, such as family visits, journalism, educational activities, or humanitarian projects.

These countries present significant challenges for travellers, especially those from specific nationalities, due to their complex and stringent visa requirements. It is essential to carefully research and plan when considering travel to these destinations.

Countries that require a negative COVID-19 test

As countries continue to reopen for international travel, many now require a negative COVID-19 test result from travellers. Here is a list of countries that require a negative COVID-19 test for entry:

Greece

Passengers of flights from Bulgaria, Romania, the U.A.E., Malta, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Albania, and the Republic of North Macedonia must have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece. This includes Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece, and travellers for essential professional reasons. Children under 10 years old are exempt from this requirement.

China

All travellers to China must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test result before boarding their flight. Foreign travellers must also apply for a health certificate from the Chinese embassy in their country of origin, and Chinese passengers must present a QR code proving their eligibility to board the flight.

Seychelles

All passengers arriving in the Seychelles must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test not more than 72 hours old before boarding their flight to the island nation.

Rwanda

All passengers travelling to Rwanda, including those in transit, will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a certified laboratory, taken within 72 hours of arriving in the country.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic publishes a list of countries that are allowed to enter the country due to their low risk of COVID-19. The list includes EU member states, Australia, the UK, and Thailand.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Passengers travelling to the U.S. Virgin Islands from areas designated as high risk are required to take a COVID PCR test within 5 days of departure and present negative test results upon arrival, or be subject to a 14-day self-quarantine when they arrive.

Colombia

All travellers arriving in Colombia must present a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19 taken no longer than 96 hours before the stipulated time of travel.

Kazakhstan

All passengers travelling to Kazakhstan, including citizens, must present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Citizens of Kazakhstan arriving without a proof of negative PCR test are subject to quarantine, while foreign nationals are subject to same-day deportation.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

All travellers to the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates must provide the results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival or undergo a mandatory PCR test at the Dubai airports.

United Kingdom

All incoming passengers to the United Kingdom must 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.

United States

All air passengers aged two and older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the United States. The test must be taken within one day of entry for unvaccinated travellers, and within three days of entry for fully vaccinated travellers.

Countries with travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed quarantines, entry bans, or other travel restrictions. Some countries prevented their own citizens from travelling overseas.

Global restrictions

Algeria, The Gambia, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Sudan, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea, Palestine, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Yemen, the Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Tuvalu are among the countries that have implemented global travel restrictions.

Non-global restrictions

Some countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from particular countries or sets of countries. For example, the UK has imposed strict requirements for all travellers entering the country, including vaccination or negative PCR test results.

Omicron-related restrictions

The omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was first detected in South Africa on November 24, 2021. Since then, many countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from African countries. These include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, the Maldives, Malta, the Netherlands, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Countries that bar entry to those with a DUI

A DUI conviction can restrict your entry into several countries. Here is a list of countries that bar entry or impose strict restrictions on those with a DUI:

Canada

Canada is considered one of the strictest countries when it comes to prohibiting travellers with a DUI. Impaired driving is considered a felony in Canada, and anyone with a DUI is restricted from entering the country. However, there are some ways to potentially bypass this restriction. Those with a clean criminal record besides the DUI can pay a $200 fine to enter. Additionally, after five years, individuals can apply for criminal rehabilitation to regain eligibility to enter Canada.

Mexico

Mexico's immigration laws consider a DUI an indictable offence, similar to a felony, and thus, foreigners with drunk driving convictions within the past ten years are generally refused entry.

Australia

Australia requires travellers to obtain an electronic visa, which includes passing a character test. This means that applicants must have no substantial criminal record, no convictions, and no association with anyone involved in criminal conduct. A DUI conviction with a sentence of 12 months or more in jail will result in a denial of entry.

New Zealand

New Zealand has similar entry requirements to Australia. A DUI sentence of 12 months or more in jail within the last 10 months, or a conviction resulting in a prison sentence of 5 years or more, will result in a denial of entry.

Japan, China, and Malaysia

These countries conduct extensive background checks, and lying about past misdemeanour charges or a criminal background is considered worse than disclosing a DUI. Japan's immigration laws state that a conviction resulting in a sentence of more than one year in jail or prison is grounds for denying entry.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran

As Muslim countries, the UAE and Iran have strict views on alcohol consumption, and their stance on DUIs is predictably harsh. While there are no specific laws preventing travellers with a DUI from entering, alcohol-related offences are frowned upon and may make entry more difficult, depending on the discretion of the individual immigration officer.

It is important to note that entry requirements and restrictions may vary depending on the severity of the DUI offence, the time passed since the conviction, and other individual circumstances. It is always advisable to consult the relevant embassies or consulates before planning travel to these countries.

Countries that are open for tourism

Many countries have reopened their borders to tourists, although some restrictions may still apply. Here is a list of countries that are currently open for tourism:

Europe

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Asia

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

Africa

Benin, Botswana, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

North America

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States, and United States Virgin Islands.

South America

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

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