International travel is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels. However, many aspiring travelers are hesitant to book a flight to countries that require a pre-arrival test. Perhaps, to the surprise of many, there are several countries with no Covid-19 testing requirements for tourists.

Americas

Nearby international travel may be easier to achieve when traveling to the Caribbean or Latin America. Several of these countries are also less likely to have travel restrictions, such as the need to be fully vaccinated to forgo testing before arrival.

Mexico

Mexico has no testing or vaccine requirements. It is possible to visit by land or air from the United States.

Dominican Republic

There are no testing or vaccination requirements for visiting the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean island has some of the most lenient entry requirements and luxurious spring break resorts. Random health checks at entrance checkpoints may still take place.

Costa Rica

From April 1, 2022, international visitors will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a Covid-19 travel insurance policy. However, one of these proofs is required for a March 2022 entry.

Aruba

Travelers will no longer need to present a negative pre-arrival test or proof of vaccination starting March 19, 2022. However, all visitors must purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance.

Belize

Fully vaccinated travelers do not have to acquire a negative test prior to arrival. Nevertheless, all visitors need valid travel health insurance and it is advisable to stay in a government-approved accommodation facility.

El Salvador

El Salvador has not required a pre-arrival test or vaccine since November 2021.

US Virgin Islands

Although part of the United States, this island community has different entry requirements. Unvaccinated travelers must have a negative test result to enter. Fully immunized travelers will not be required to present a negative test result prior to arrival.

Porto Rico

You can waive the test requirement by showing proof of vaccination. This requirement applies to any visitor who is at least two years of age or older.

Europe

Several European countries are also dropping their testing requirements for international visitors. Specifically, most countries on the continent are removing the testing mandate for fully vaccinated and recently recovered travelers to reflect the expiration of the EU non-essential travel ban.

Although entry requirements may differ from country to country, other EU members are waiving the Covid-19 testing mandate for fully vaccinated and recently recovered persons:

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • Swiss
  • Czech republic
  • Turkey

Below are several more lenient countries for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers. These countries may also include travelers who need a booster shot to regain their full vaccine status but do not wish to delay their trip.

Ireland

The Republic of Ireland has dropped its vaccine and testing requirements effective March 6, 2022. You must still meet UK entry guidelines if you also wish to visit Northern Ireland.

UK

From March 18, 2022, international visitors will no longer need to show a negative pre-arrival test or proof of vaccination to enter the UK. Previously, the country required post-arrival testing and quarantine periods for many visitors.

North Europe

Most of Northern Europe has been closed to foreigners for most of the pandemic. Fortunately, it is now possible to visit these countries without restriction:

Finland also reopened recently without restrictions but only for vaccinated travellers.

It is worth noting that Iceland was one of the first European nations to reopen. However, visitors had to be fully vaccinated. The nation was also one of the first to drop Covid restrictions which are common across Europe.

The Balkans

It is also possible to visit these nations without restriction in the Balkan region:

  • Hungary
  • Montenegro
  • Romania
  • Slovenia

Africa

Vaccinated and recently recovered travelers can enter a few African countries without testing restrictions. However, most countries still have a mandatory Covid-19 entry test.

Egypt

Vaccinated travelers can waive the pre-arrival testing requirement that unvaccinated travelers must undergo.

Tunisia

Tunisia also does not require a Covid-19 test for vaccinated travelers visiting mainland Africa.

Mauritius

You do not need a pre-arrival test if you are fully vaccinated. However, a post-arrival test is required on day zero of your stay. Therefore, this is essentially a de facto testing requirement that might come as a surprise to travelers.

The Middle East and Asia

Travel remains prohibited for unvaccinated travellers. Much of Asia still requires fully vaccinated travelers to take a Covid-19 test to enter. A handful of countries in Near Asia and Asia proper are also lenient on pre-arrival testing.

Jordan

Jordan has no testing requirements for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers. Unfortunately, this nation is the exception to the rule for this part of the world.

India

India does not require compulsory testing for vaccinated visitors. Unvaccinated visitors are welcome to one of the world’s most populous countries, but must take a test before arrival.

Nepal

Nepal allows vaccinated travelers to enter without restriction. Unvaccinated travelers cannot visit at this time.

Maldives

The Maldives ended its public health emergency on March 13, 2022. As a result, there are currently no vaccination or testing requirements for tourists. The island nation also let the quarantine period expire.

Although this country is one of the hardest to reach from the United States, it has been open for much of the pandemic. It also continues to be one of the premier luxury travel destinations.

Seychelles

As another favorite Indian Ocean getaway rivaling the Maldives, Seychelles is also waiving its testing requirements. Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to be tested before arrival. This testing waiver came into effect on March 15, 2022.

The United States still requires a test to return from a trip abroad

While it is possible for US citizens to avoid Covid-19 testing to leave the country for non-essential travel, there is mandatory testing to return. Citizens and visitors aged two and over traveling to the United States must test negative for Covid-19 within 24 hours of flying to the United States.

This testing requirement does not have an expiration date. It will also likely expire if infection rates around the world can remain low and stable. But, as infection rates begin to rise again in Europe and other countries, it will likely delay any expiry of this requirement in the coming weeks.

Another indicator could be the TSA’s federal mask mandate on mass transit. The current expiration date is April 18, 2022, and officials are assessing whether to extend that term again.

Summary

Travel groups are calling for an end to mandatory international testing as coronavirus protocols adapt. Visiting a country without mandatory testing means one less pre-travel action for the traveler and the airline responsible for verifying the data. This list of countries could grow if the global health situation improves.

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