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With Covid finally on course to become an endemic disease, and no longer a particularly worrying threat to public health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is making some important updates to its travel advisories. Now, six more countries have had their health risk levels downgraded, enjoying a new Level 2 status.
Throughout the pandemic, the CDC has classified different destinations based on their epidemiology. Level 1 means the circulation of Covid is low, while on Levels 2 and 3 it is deemed ‘moderate’ and ‘high’, respectively. Level 4 is usually reserved for ‘special circumstances’ when the virus is rampant, or a new variant of concern has been identified.
The six new countries that are now in the CDC’s good graces had been placed on the ‘high risk’ list for months – even after cases subsided and pandemic restrictions were dropped. As of June 21, they are no longer perceived as risky destinations:
Bolivia
An unsung Latin American country, Bolivia had been stuck in a Category 3 limbo up until yesterday, June 21, when the latest CDC guidance was published. Following the update, it was moved down to the ‘Moderate Risk’ grouping, meaning that although Covid transmission is still possible within the country, the viral spread remains within acceptable levels.
Despite being a safer destination than it once was, at least regarding Covid, Bolivia is not yet fully open for travel. Local authorities may have allowed international flights to resume as early as 2020, but they still expect air passengers to satisfy certain health requirements ahead of traveling to Bolivia for tourism.
Entry Requirements For Bolivia In 2022
- When fully vaccinated, visitors must present a printed or digital copy of their certificate
- If they are yet to be immunized, undergoing a PCR in under 72 hours, or a Rapid Antigen test 48 hours before boarding
- All arrivals must register their local address online prior to flying
Ethiopia
Lower-than-average vaccination coverage aside, Africa as a whole seems to be moving past the critical stage of the pandemic, and Ethiopia is a clear example of that. Once one of the hardest hit in the continent, the nation has now been granted a Level 2 placing, outpacing other major tourist spots like South Africa and Seychelles.
Visiting Ethiopia may come with a set of restrictions, including mandatory testing for the unvaccinated, but at least it is far from being overwhelmed by Covid. According to latest data shared by Reuters, this Eastern African jewel is currently recording 656 new infections on average per day, or only 16% of the highest case tally reported on December 31.
Entry Requirements For Ethiopia In 2022
- Travelers who are not vaccinated must present a negative Covid test for entry, either a PCR (72 hours preceding travel) or a Rapid Antigen (24 hours)
- Alternatively, recovery certificates issued within the last 3 months are also considered valid proof of entry
Kenya
An up-and-coming tourist destination, Kenya is considered by many the ultimate Africa trip: perfect for slow-paced travel and safari adventures, it is home to some of the continent’s most emblematic wildlife, and arguably its most welcoming people(s). On top of that, traveling to Kenya does not involve particularly high Covid infection risks, as assessed by the CDC.
A Level 2 nation, Kenya is welcoming all vaccinated travelers, including American, without testing, quarantine, or any other health-related requirements. As long as incoming passengers can produce a vaccination certificate at the border, they are free to explore the region’s natural immediately after leaving the airport.
Entry Requirements For Kenya In 2022
- A vaccination certificate is required
- Vaccination certificates must be uploaded to the Global Haven website
- Unless exempt, unvaccinated tourists are not allowed to enter; those who qualify for an exemption must present a negative PCR test result obtained up to 72 hours in advance
Morocco
North of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is joining both Ethiopia and Kenya as one of very few nations in Africa where Covid risks are understood to be ‘moderate’. According to the CDC, visitors are simply advised to make sure they are up to date with their vaccination schedule when visiting Morocco – indeed, it remains an official requirement for entry.
Morocco is one of the most touristy nations in the North of Africa, with cities like Marrakech, Fez, Rabat and Tangier dating back thousands of years, and a spotless Mediterranean coastline that rivals those of neighboring African and European countries. Luckily, flights into the country have been authorized again since February 2022.
Entry Requirements For Morocco In 2022
- Passengers must present a three-dose vaccination certificate, or then a two-dose vaccination certificate less than four months old
- When unable to satisfy the above requirement, they may present a negative PCR test result (72 hours before boarding)
- Recovery certificates will not be accepted
- All travelers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form
Romania
Over in Eastern Europe, Romania’s infection rates have decreased fast enough for it to attain a Level 2 classification this week. A mystical land dotted with castles, medieval citadels, remnants of bygone empires and even a coastline – Black Sea summer, anyone? – the country’s tourism sector will surely benefit from the CDC revision over summer.
Unlike every other destination mentioned so far on this list, Romania is open with no restrictions whatsoever: both the vaccinated, and unvaccinated, are allowed to come and go as it pleases them, since Romanian border authorities ceased checking Covid documentation back in March.
Entry Requirements For Romania In 2022
There are no Covid entry requirements applying to those visiting Romania in 2022
Sweden
Last but not least, Sweden is now the first in Scandinavia to be moved back to the Level 2 bracket. Out of all the new Level 2 entries, it has to be the safest nation overall, reporting a nearly negligible 226 new infections per day – only 1% of the January 27 peak. Fortunately for travelers, the CDC has acknowledged Sweden’s success in managing the health crisis (at last).
More importantly, Covid levels are now so low in the country that Sweden recently scrapped all entry requirements, reinstating travel guidelines exactly as they were back in 2019. Since late March, Americans visiting Sweden have no longer been subject to Europe’s infamously strict Covid regulations, vaccine requirements, testing, or quarantine.
Entry Requirements For Sweden In 2022
There are no Covid entry requirements applying to those visiting Sweden in 2022
Other CDC guidance, including countries that remain on the Level 3 risk group, can be found here.
Read More:
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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