Minimal restrictions

17. Costa Rica

The wildlife paradise of Costa Rica not only welcomes unvaccinated arrivals but does not require them to take a test. They must, however, buy insurance with specific cover requirements and complete an advance epidemiological information form. 

Currently, commercial establishments may voluntarily ask customers to prove their vaccination status using either a QR code or the physical card provided when they were vaccinated. Doing so means they can operate at 100% capacity, otherwise they must remain at 50%. According to reports, some hotels are asking for proof of vaccination and operating at full capacity, but most restaurants and shops are remaining at 50%. Check with your hotel or tour operator before you book. In the coming weeks, it is expected that such domestic measures will be dropped. 

18. Cuba

From April 6, there will be no requirement for travellers arriving from the UK to show either a Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative test. However, all travellers are required to complete a Health Declaration (Declaracíon Jurada de Sanidad) online before travel.

19. El Salvador

Like its Central American neighbour, El Salvador does not require arrivals to be vaccinated – or take a test. However, the Foreign Office warns that proof of vaccination may occasionally be required for entry to specific events.

20. Maldives

All travellers to the Maldives must fill in a Traveller Declaration form 72 hours before departure to and return from the Maldives. A PCR test is no longer required, regardless of vaccination status. 

21. Mexico

In a sea of confusing travel policies, with borders closing at the drop of a sombrero, Mexico has kept things simple. For the duration of the pandemic it has been open to all (vaccinated and unvaccinated alike) – without even a requirement to take a test. 

It is mandatory to register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding your flight to Mexico, and to show a QR code generated by the system upon arrival at the airport. But that’s it. 

Negative test required

Europe

22. Albania

Unvaccinated travellers (aged six and above) must show one of the following:

• A negative PCR test performed up to 72 hours ahead of arrival
• A negative rapid antigen test performed no more than 48 hours ahead of arrival
• Evidence proving that you have recovered from Covid within the last six months

23. Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 48 hours before entry) or rapid lateral flow test (also taken no more than 48 hours before entry). 

24. Bulgaria

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you can enter from the UK with a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 48 hours before entry). 

25. France

From March 31, unvaccinated travellers from the UK aged 12 years and over may visit for non-essential trips, but must provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure or an antigen test result taken within 48 hours. 

France scrapped its Covid passport system in March, though proof of vaccination is still required to visit hospitals and care homes. 

26. Latvia

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or an antigen test (taken no more than 48 hours before entry). 

27. Portugal

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before entry) to visit mainland Portugal.

For the Azores, you’ll need to take a test on arrival or before you travel. 

There are no requirements for entry to Madeira and Porto Santo.

28. Serbia 

As one would expect of a country that worships Novak Djokovic, unvaccinated visitors are welcome in Serbia. They must, however, present one of the following documents on arrival: 

• A negative PCR test result issued within 48 hours of arrival.
• Certificate of Covid-19 recovery, issued within six months of arrival, issued in Serbia or a country with which Serbia has concluded an agreement on such documents (does not include the UK).

29. Spain

On April 6, Spain dropped its ban on unvaccinated arrivals. They must, however, present evidence of a negative test (PCR within 72 hours of departure or rapid antigen within 24 hours) or recent recovery from Covid (within six months).

30. Turkey

All arrivals into Turkey aged six and over, including Turkish citizens and residence permit holders, must complete an online form (Form for Entry to Turkey) a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel. 

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry), rapid antigen test (taken no more than 48 hours before entry), or proof of a recent recovery (within the last six months).

For children aged 11 and under, no test is needed. Note that face masks are no longer required outdoors or indoors if air circulation and social distancing are adequate.

Rest of the world

31. Dominican Republic

A fine option for sunseekers with a limited budget, the Dominican Republic welcomes unvaccinated travellers who can present evidence of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival. Health screenings and random testing takes place upon arrival. 

32. Ecuador

Travellers over the age of three must present either proof of vaccination or a negative laboratory PCR test, taken up to 72 hours prior to boarding their flight. There are no requirements for travellers under three years old.

33. Egypt

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative test (PCR or rapid antigen) taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Egyptian authorities have advised that unvaccinated tourists arriving directly at airports in the coastal governorates of the Red Sea (Hurghada and Marsa Alam), South Sinai (Sharm El Sheikh), and Marsa Matrouh have the option of taking a PCR test on arrival for a fee of $30. After testing they are required to self-isolate at their hotel until they receive their test result (typically 12 to 24 hours).