With the Worldwide Health Organization lifting global COVID restrictions in May, many countries, tour operators, and air and cruise lines are following suit. So summer vacationers, pack your bags. The world is reopening to travelers!
WHO Director-General instructed member states to continue to lift COVID-19 international travel-related health measures and that they no longer require any proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a prerequisite for international travel.
The news came just days after the US government announced it would end COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers and federal workers on May 12.
In fact, most of the world’s countries are open to travelers from the United States, and many nations are easing their requirements for visitors to test or quarantine.
In Europe, a growing number of nations — including Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, among many others — have eliminated their Covid-related travel restrictions for the summer travel season. Meanwhile, several Southeast Asian nations that had closed their borders to tourists have now reopened. Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia are once again welcoming American visitors, although please check with the countries or Damon’s about current COVID restrictions.
For country-by-country COVID restrictions listing, click here or here.
Most cruise lines have now dropped or are soon dropping rules for both vaccinations and pre-cruise testing, with at least one notable exception. Viking—on its river, ocean, and expedition ships—still requires everyone on board to be fully vaccinated. Viking may also require a COVID test prior to departure, depending on the destination(s). Small-ship line Windstar Cruises scrapped its vaccine mandate effective June 1. Damon’s has the latest on each cruise line’s travel restrictions and destinations. Please get in touch with us for any questions.
Flying domestically, you don’t need a COVID vaccine to travel. However, flying internationally, you may, depending on the international destination country.
Mask restrictions on airlines and airports have also been lifted but have yet to go away entirely, depending on the destination. Like other domestic airlines, United Airlines has this guideline on masks. “Masks are not required on domestic flights or at most U.S. airports. If your flight is international, check the mask requirements of the country you are flying to. If you need to request a mask exemption, please email us at maskexception@united.com.”
Nearly three years after the pandemic began, the WHO has said the pandemic is on a downward trend. However, take precautions for your own health safety when flying or traveling. And it’s wise to carry masks in your carry-on luggage just in case.