A number of countries have recently reopened their borders to foreign travellers, and more are expected to do so in the near future. With that, for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis, travellers are once again packing their suitcases and hopping on a plane.
And thanks to news of the resumption of many international flight routes, it’s now getting easier to travel the world again. Here’s a list of counties that have either completely or partially dropped their entry restrictions:
Japan
Foreign tourists are expected to be allowed back into Japan as soon as June 2022. The Japanese government may accept a limited number of group tours on a trial basis by the end of May to see its impact on the COVID-19 situation in the country.
The country will also review its COVID-19 measures “in stages” after consulting with public health experts, and bring them on par with other G7 nations. The Japanese government will also consider making it compulsory for visitors to have booster shots before the tours.
Thailand
From 1 May 2022, Thailand stopped conducting pre-arrival testing for visitors, regardless of their vaccination status. Travellers are not required to be tested prior to arrival or upon arrival, and can travel with ease without undergoing quarantine. Unvaccinated travellers will either have to quarantine upon arrival or get tested before departure. Click here for more info.
New Zealand
New Zealand welcomed thousands of travellers from around the globe on 2 May as the country opened its borders to visitors for the first time since COVID-19 hit in early 2020. Visitors from around 60 visa-waiver countries — including Malaysia — can enter as long as they are vaccinated and test negative for COVID-19. There are no requirements for isolation. Click here for more info.
Hong Kong
International visitors were once again be allowed into Hong Kong from 1 May 2022. Fully vaccinated visitors are now allowed to enter and will be subject to the same boarding, quarantine, and testing procedures as Hong Kong residents.
These include taking a pre-departure test, followed by a further “test and hold” procedure on arrival at Hong Kong International, and finally undergoing a seven-day period of hotel quarantine. Click here for info.
Switzerland
Switzerland, the land of cheese fondues and Valais lamb, recently also started welcoming tourists back from 2 May 2022. All visitors to Switzerland previously had to present a valid vaccination or recovery certificate in order to enter the country unrestricted. Now, with the imposition of new entry rules, travellers will no longer be required to hold either a valid vaccination or recovery certificate. click here for more info.
Italy
In an effort to restore normalcy, Italy lifted several COVID-19 limitations in May. Visitors entering Italy will no longer be obliged to fill out the EU passenger locator form that must be completed at airport check-in. The health pass, which was necessary to enter restaurants, movies, and other venues in Italy, was also eliminated. Click here for more info.
Greece
From the start of this month, Greece has stated that all key COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted. Visitors entering Greece are now no longer required to bring proof of recovery, vaccination proof, or a COVID-19 negative test report. In addition, Greece’s Minister of Health, Thanos Plevris, has agreed to repeal the mask mandate in June, with few exceptions. Click here for more info.
