Tag: Normal

These Two Latin American Countries Have Just Dropped All Travel Restrictions Returning To Normal Tourism
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Following Colombia, two more countries in Latin America have just lifted all of their pandemic-era travel restrictions, allowing foreign tourists to enter under pre-2020 guidelines.

Despite having been well-reputed as one of the world’s most friendly destinations in the early days of the crisis, the geopolitical region was quick to shut down its borders once vaccines became available, imposing entry bans on non-immunized visitors and other draconian laws aimed at curbing the viral spread.

After nearly two years of strict border checks, countries in the region seem ready to reinstate normality, especially after the World Health Organization declared the pandemic to be ‘over‘:

Chile And Costa Rica Lift All Travel Restrictions

Within days of each other, the Hispanic countries of Chile and Costa Rica have abolished all COVID-related entry requirements, allowing all visitors to enter without observing health-related requirements for the first time since they were first imposed in early 2020.

This means that, from now on, U.S. nationals, and indeed any non-Chilean or Costa Rica passport holders, will be able to travel to both countries without worrying about COVID mandates, including showing a vaccination certificate and/or negative tests as valid proof of entry.

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Since May 5, 2023 and May 9, 2023, all of the following has applied to tourists seeking entry into Costa Rica and Chile, respectively:
- No vaccination proof is needed
- No pre-departure test is required
- No entry forms must be filled out prior to departure
- Unvaccinated travelers are not subject to stricter screening upon landing
The travel update was first issued by the relevant health authorities in the Latin states and then confirmed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) through its COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map and, ultimately, U.S. embassies in Chile and Costa Rica.

Prior to the update, unvaccinated travelers were routinely denied boarding flying to Costa Rica or Chile unless they could present a negative antigen test result issued in the preceding days or hours. In Chile’s case, online pre-travel registration was also mandatory.

Now, vaccine discrimination is no longer carried out by border inspectors.

What About Easter Island?

Despite being part of Chile, Easter Island, a volcanic island in Polynesia, may impose different entry requirements for foreign arrivals due to its special status.

If you plan on traveling to Easter Island, check with your airline regarding entry requirements in advance.

Previously, the island had completely shut itself out from the rest of the world in an attempt to protect its small populace from the ever-evolving COVID variants. They only lifted entry bans in May 2022, though health protocols continued to be applied.

Easter Island is famous for its moai sculptures, erected by native inhabitants between the 13th and 16th centuries, depicting large human figures with oversize heads.

This destination is served by nonstop flights leaving from Santiago, in mainland Chile, or Papeete, in French Polynesia.

Why Visit Chile?

Chile is one of the most fascinating natural world destinations in Latin America, as well as the most developed nation in the Global South.

Boasting an impossibly diverse territory, which encompasses alpine peaks and volcanoes, otherworldly arid landscapes, and an elongated, rugged Pacific coastline, Chile is every nature enthusiast’s dream getaway.

Some of the main attractions include:
- Santiago, the rapidly-growing national capital, with its clusters of skyscrapers rising against the Andes mountain range
- Valparaiso, a city best known for its street art and as the birthplace of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda
- The Atacama Desert, a vast plateau stretching over 990 miles with a Mars-like scenery
- Chiloé, the second largest island in South America after Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, with a distinct culture and architecture than that of the mainland
- Iquique, a casino-riddled coastal town dubbed the ‘Monte Carlo’ of Chile
- The Chilean Fjords, best enjoyed on a cruise traveling through the Chilean Patagonia
- La Serena, a quaint town in Northern Chile and the gateway to the scenic Elqui Valley, a popular destination for hikers and trekkers
Why Visit Costa Rica?

Crowned Central America’s number one tourist destination, Costa Rica is the go-to place for a digital detox, with its dense tropical jungle unspoiled by mankind, pristine beaches, and laidback lifestyle.

Having launched one of the most accessible Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) in the market, Costa Rica has been attracting both young entrepreneurs and remote workers in search of tax exemptions and a better life-work balance.

The top-rated spots in Costa Rica are:
- San Jose, the sprawling capital, home to world-class museums and a lively nightlife
- Cartago, a historical colonial-era town that served as the capital of Costa Rica between the 16th and 19th centuries
- The Manual Antonio National Park, packed with hiking trails and unruffled sandy beaches
- Arenal an area of outstanding natural beauty in Northwestern Costa Rica comprising an active volcano and a picturesque lake
- Monteverde, a popular ecotourism hub visited by more than 250,000 tourists every year
- The Poas Volcano, an active stratovolcano with two sulfur lakes in its core, offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding peaks
- Santa Teresa, a traditional coastal town jam-packed with backpackers, with a high concentration of hostels, surf shops, and trendy bars
Find out which countries have reopened for tourism recently clicking here.

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May 13, 2023
This Beautiful Southeast Asian Country Has Lifted All Travel Restrictions Returning To Normal Tourism
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Another Southeast Asian destination has lifted all Covid requirements returning to normal ahead of 2023. With immediate effect, Americans are no longer be subject to strict health controls traveling to Laos which is one of the most beautiful, and awe-inspiring countries in the sub-continent.

After sealing itself off from the rest of the world for most of the pandemic, Southeast Asia began to timidly reopen for tourism earlier this year as Covid cases dwindled. Fast forward a few months, and foreigners are welcome across a majority of states without restrictions or any border formalities, making it one of the easiest regions in the world to travel.

Luckily for the unvaccinated, the reopening trend is showing no signs of slowing down, even after the latest viral surge arising from China:

The Only Landlocked Country In Southeast Asia Is Lifting All Border Restrictions

2 years and 9 months after the World Health Organization issued a historical declaration confirming Covid as a pandemic, prompting numerous countries across the globe to shut down in response and clamp down on leisure travel, the small and gorgeous, but often overlooked nation of Laos is finally ready to reinstate normality.

Similarly to its closest neighbors, namely Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia decided to fully abolish all health-related border mandates on December 28, in the lead up to the New Year – it turns out Kayak editors were right when they boldly claimed that 2023 would be a ‘comeback year‘ for Asia, after all…

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Entering Laos in 2023, Americans and all other incoming passengers will no longer be required to present a vaccination card, nor undergo testing prior to departure when failing to qualify as fully immunized. Additionally, all on-arrival and post-arrival testing policies applying to the latter group have been canceled, ending months of vaccine discrimination.

Lastly, there are no quarantine requirements upon arrival to Laos, as the country has done away with all special provisions pertaining to the health crisis that had remained in force throughout 2022. Effectively, we’re witnessing a return to 2019 entry guidelines, including the reinstatement of visa-waiver agreements and visas on-arrival.

Do Americans Need A Visa To Enter Laos?

In short, yes, but the visa application process couldn’t be simpler.

American citizens can travel to Laos without requesting a visa in advance, but they must apply for one upon landing at one of the authorized points of entry, such as the Wattay International Airport. Applications are made on-site and tourist visas are normally issued for 30 days for a fee of USD $35, though they may be extended for a further 60 days upon request.

Alternatively, U.S. passport holders are eligible to apply for an e-Visa before departure through the official website, in order to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport. Other than visa procedures and carrying a passport valid for at least six months, tourists are exempt from presenting any health declaration, or disclosing their vaccination status.

In sum, all of the below applies to international travelers arriving in Laos:
- No mandatory vaccination
- No pre-departure, on-arrival, or post-arrival testing
- No health declaration forms to be completed prior to flying
- No quarantine
Within the country, some Covid measures are still enforced, such as social distancing and mask wearing in certain premises, though the severity of requirements may vary across the country depending on infection levels. Once in Laos, foreigners are advised to follow all rules set out by local authorities, even when travel restrictions have been lifted.

Before the reopening, only fully vaccinated travelers were allowed to enter Laos test-free. The unvaccinated were required to undergo an ATK (Antigen) test 48 hours before departure. Since December 28, however, all travelers are treated equally irrespective of immunization status, nationality, and country of departure.

Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Despite its lack of sea access and colder temperatures, Laos is a Southeast Asian gem deserving of your attention. A mountainous territory rich in nature and famous for its distinct multi-cultural character, torn between centuries-old Buddhist traditions and the legacy of French colonialism, it can be a surprising, and rather unusual, cultural destination for 2023.

We like unusual.

Vientiane, the capital, is home to the That Luang monument, where Buddha’s breastbone is reportedly kept, French-inspired architecture and communist-era landmarks. Elsewhere in the tiny country, visitors will find grand waterfalls, river islands, elephant reserves, and a quaint, sparsely-populated countryside virtually unspoiled by mankind.

Lastly, Laos is a country packed with historical ruins and pilgrimage sites. One of the holiest is Wat Phu, a UNESCO-protected archaeological complex dating back to the 5th century and originally built as a Hindu temple. Today, it is open for tourists for a negligible fee of 50,000 LAK, or only US $2.88, and it is totally worth the two-and-a-half journey from Vientiane.

More information about tourist activities in Laos, as well as visa requirements, can be found here.

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December 30, 2022
Travel Is Normal Again, But You Still Need To Check 5 Things Before You Fly

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Over the past year, the world has finally opened up again, and travelers have been eager to get back out there. Now that travel is back, many people have been hopping on flights like it’s 2019 again without a care in the world.

But just because most countries are fully open again without COVID-related hoops to jump through doesn’t mean there aren’t still things you need to double-check before you travel.

Below are five important things that, if not checked beforehand, could result in travelers being denied entry into a country and sent back home on the next flight out.

1. Entry Requirements

More than 130 countries have removed all entry requirements and are fully back to pre-pandemic entry rules, but a few destinations still have some requirements in place.

Some destinations still ban unvaccinated travelers from entering the country. Other countries may require a negative COVID test for unvaccinated and vaccinated travelers, while some places still have widely-followed mask mandates and other internal restrictions in place.

Although most countries are now restriction-free, it’s still important to research your destination before your trip to make sure you won’t be scrambling to get a COVID test or face irritating travel restrictions.

2. Visa Requirements

If you have a U.S. or Canadian passport, visas are not always top of mind, as you are lucky enough to get access to over 180 countries visa-free or with a simple visa on arrival.

However, there are still some nations that require travelers, even those with strong passports, to obtain a visa before reaching the border.

For example, Americans need advance visas for several popular tourist destinations, including Australia, Egypt, and Vietnam. While most of these countries have straightforward online application processes, this is something important to check in advance.

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3. Travel Insurance

During the pandemic, many travelers purchased travel insurance because they were fearful of having massive trip interruptions, cancellations, or becoming ill while traveling.

But as the world opened up, people stopped covering their trips.

While the chaos of 2020 and 2021 is in the rearview mirror now, every traveler should still be purchasing travel insurance to protect their trips from a myriad of unexpected non-pandemic-related issues.

Travel insurance covers injury and illness, lost luggage, trip cancellations, flight delays, and much more.

4. Onward Ticket

Some countries require you to show proof that you will, in fact, be leaving and not staying forever. If you’ve booked a simple round-trip itinerary, then showing proof of onward travel is easy. You can just show your round-trip plane ticket at immigration and be good to go.

But not everyone books a round-trip itinerary. If you’ll be departing out of a different country than the one you’re entering, be sure you can show proof of your one-way flight to the other country, train booking, bus ticket, or another form of transportation.

For backpackers who may not have yet planned out the next leg of their trip, a common workaround to this onward travel requirement is booking a fully refundable ticket and then cancelling it.

5. Passport Expiry Date

Did you know some countries won’t let you in if your passport is getting close to its expiration date? Dozens of countries have passport expiry rules, with many of them requiring that your passport is valid for at least 6 more months in order to enter the country. Other countries have a 3-month or 4-month requirement.

So if your passport is expiring any time soon, it’s worth researching the requirements for the destination you’re visiting in advance. The U.S. government recommends renewing your passport at least nine months in advance, and keep in mind that it can take 6 to 9 weeks to renew your passport.

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November 17, 2022
The Cayman Islands Return To Normal Entry Requirements Dropping All Restrictions
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American sunseekers, this is the moment you’ve been patiently waiting for. The Cayman Islands, one of the hottest cruise ports and leading destinations of the Caribbean has just dropped all entry requirements. Heading into the fall, the islands will no longer require visitors to present health-related documentation, finally reinstating pre-Covid normality.

For two and half a years, the famous archipelago applied some of the strictest rules in all of the Americas, barring unvaccinated visitors while requiring those able to produce a vaccination certificate to apply for authorization in advance. Naturally, these self-imposed barriers have been hampering the recovery of tourism.

Fortunately, as of this week these have all been lifted:

Cayman Fully Reopens For Tourism After Two And Half Years

For the first time since Covid was declared an emergency, the Government of the Cayman Islands has decided to rescind all regulations that have kept a large number of tourists from coming back to their favorite vacation spot. Beginning August 24, all will once again be allowed to enter free of scrutiny and strict border checks, including unvaccinated Americans.

This makes the British Overseas Territory the latest Caribbean destination to return to their pre-pandemic travel guidelines, in a list that includes all of America’s top rated sunny breaks. Prior to the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Belize and countless others opened up for tourism, moving away from the harsh zero-Covid approach.

Now, visiting Grand Cayman, or any other destination within the territory will feel like it was in 2019:
- No pre-departure testing
- No mandatory pre-arrival registration form
- No vaccination certificate required
- No booster certificate required
- No post-arrival testing
- No state-regulated quarantine
Whether they are arriving by sea or air, visitors will be able to step into the sun and enjoy their hard-earned break in paradise stress-free. As the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism confirms, starting this Wednesday, all American travelers are now permitted to cross the border simply by bringing a valid passport, ‘without the need of any additional documents’.

Although travel insurance is also not mandatory, we cannot stress enough the importance of carrying a valid insurance policy when flying abroad, especially now that U.S. airlines are failing to meet their targets and cancelations are widespread. Trust us, you don’t want to be left stranded in Cayman if your flight back is axed at the very last minute.

Find out more about travel insurance here.

What Has Changed Following The Latest Update?

Before the update, U.S. citizens and any other foreigners flying to Grand Cayman had to seek permission beforehand. The so-called ‘Travel Certificate’, which served as proof for Cayman border authorities that a traveler had been pre-screened and deemed fit for travel, could be easily obtained through an online portal – that is, if you were vaccinated.

Those who were not had their applications routinely turned down, unless they were a British Overseas Territory citizen linked to the Cayman Islands, or someone with close ties to local residents. Additionally, the few allowed to board a Cayman-bound flight or vessel had to present a negative test and later isolate at their accommodation, or home, for 7 full days.

The quarantine did not apply to vaccinated travelers, though they were still subject to the pre-arrival testing rule up until June 30. These regulations made the territory an outlier in the Caribbean, as a majority of countries in the region accepted Covid is no longer a disruptive disease and ceased to restrict tourism in return.

At last, Cayman has joined what we’re dubbing the Freedom Club.

What About Masks?

Similarly to the border restrictions, the Cayman Government has scrapped mandatory mask usage all across the islands. Since June 30, visitors have not been expected to wear face coverings in any indoor or outdoor settings, including:
- Beaches
- Clubs and entertainment venues
- Restaurants
- Leisure centers
- Public transportation
It is worth noting private establishments may still enforce mask usage.

The Cayman Islands are a collective of 3 small islands part of the British Commonwealth in the Western Caribbean. The largest of them, Grand Cayman, is the main entry point and a home to world-renowned resort brands, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Heights and Margaritaville. On the other hand, Little Cayman is popular among nature enthusiasts for its diverse nature, marine life and water sports.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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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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August 24, 2022
These 20 Countries Are Now Back To Normal Entry Requirements
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Although many nations still have Covid-related restrictions, 20 nations have completely scrapped all COVID-19 entry requirements within the last few months and have returned entry rules ‘back to normal’. As a result, travelers can enjoy the below countries without:
- countries banned due to case numbers or variants
It’s essentially pre-pandemic ‘normality’ for entering these 20 countries:

Mexico

Mexico was an outlier during the COVID-19 pandemic because it remained open with few entry requirements. However, the nation removed all remaining COVID-19 restrictions—which included a passenger locator form—months ago. Mexico remains the top destination for North Americans.

El Salvador

El Salvador became the first nation to accept bitcoin as legal tender; it also became the first nation worldwide to scrap all entry requirements on November 15, 2021. People refer to El Salvador as the ‘Land of Volcanoes’ for its incredible volcanic scenery, but now ‘Bitcoin Nation’ might start to become a more popular nickname.

Norway

If you fancy a Norwegian nature experience, now’s the best time to visit because there are no entry requirements. As of February 12, 2022, Norway ended all COVID-19 measures. As a result, it’s a fantastic place to visit if you’re a hiking enthusiast.

Slovenia

Slovenia is one of the least-known European nations despite its stunning beauty—including the iconic Lake Bled. However, Slovenia ended all entry requirements on February 21, 2022. The nation still mandates masks in indoor areas, though.

Iceland

Iceland is a popular destination for all Western tourists, especially in the summer months. Better still, the iconic island nation has removed all entry requirements on February 25, 2022. In addition, Iceland has scrapped most of its internal restrictions.

Bahrain

Bahrain might not be the first place you think of when booking a vacation, yet the nation is full of superb architecture and history. The nation also removed all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on February 26, 2022.

Jordan

Jordan is a fabulous destination for travelers. The eclectic mixture of stunning desert and ancient temples—including Petra, which is one of the 7 new wonders of the world—makes it a great destination. Jordan also ended all entry requirements on March 1, 2022.

Ireland

Ireland, largely thanks to Dublin, incredible road trips, and stunning coastline, is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. The nation removed all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on March 7, 2022, as the government seeks to help Ukrainian refugees. Mask mandates have also been removed.

Hungary

Hungary is home to Budapest—one of the greatest cities in Europe with a mixture of hot springs, glorious architecture, and underrated food. The nation ended all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on March 7, 2022.

Romania

Romania is an excellent destination if you fancy an affordable European getaway with endless gothic architecture. And, as of March 9, 2022, the nation scrapped all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements.

Saudi Arabia

Although Saudi Arabia isn’t a popular destination for North American tourists, the nation is attempting to build its tourism industry. The country scrapped all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on March 9, 2022, but still has a few light internal rules in place.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a relatively unknown destination for most non-Europeans. However, the small nation in the Balkans is home to glorious nature and scenery. The country removed all COVID-19 entry requirements on March 10, 2022, and would make an excellent addition to anyone’s bucket-list.

Curaçao

Do you fancy a stunning Caribbean getaway? Curaçao may tick all the boxes for you. The Caribbean island nation removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions on March 10, 2022. It’s the perfect getaway for Americans and Canadians, with direct flights that will get you there faster than you think.

England

England has always been a popular destination for foreign tourists because of its history, greenery, and London. Still, England maintained most of its COVID-19 entry restrictions until recently. But, as of March 18, 2022, England has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements; there are zero internal restrictions as well, like masks for example.

Maldives

It’s challenging to find a more idyllic, beautiful tropical destination than the Maldives. The nation ended its state of emergency on March 15, 2022. As a result, there are no entry requirements for any travelers, meaning everyone can enter test-free, vaccinated or not.

Aruba

Aruba is a gorgeous Caribbean island with stunning beaches and a strong Dutch cultural heritage. The nation removed COVID-19 entry requirements on March 16, 2022. The only remaining rule is the digital passenger card which acts more like an online customs form.

Mongolia

Mongolia was closed for the entire COVID-19 pandemic. After some initial confusion, Mongolia has officially opted to remove all COVID-19 entry requirements on March 15, 2022. Although it’s an adventurous destination, Mongolia’s nature is utterly breathtaking.

Moldova

Moldova is one of the most affordable and least known European nations. If you’re interested in the Soviet Union, you’ll find some of the best Soviet architecture here. The country ended all entry requirements as of March 16, 2022.

Gabon and Yemen

Gabon and Yemen removed all entry requirements on March 18, 2022. However, there’s little information on entry other than no testing, no proof of vaccination, or quarantine on arrival. While the U.S. State Department only issues a Level 2 for Gabon, Yemen is still a strict Level 4, Do Not Travel.

As more and more nations remove their pandemic-related entry requirements, we will keep an updated list here: “Countries Without Entry Requirements or Travel Restrictions”

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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March 24, 2022