For some of you, this September is the last chance to go on a trip during the 2020 vacation season. We did some research to give you the up-to-date information on which popular destinations still have their borders open. All current regulations revolve around the epidemiological situation in each country and the decisions of the local authorities. So keep in mind that the situation may change and follow the latest news.
Greece
The tourist season in Greece opened on June 15th. For tourism stimulation, Greece made traveling cheaper by temporarily reducing VAT on all types of transport – from 24% to 13%. Currently, residents of 36 countries can enter the country without testing and quarantining. The list includes Austria, Australia, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Georgia, Denmark, Israel, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Canada, China, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Finland, France, Croatia, Switzerland, Estonia, South Korea, and Japan. Residents of Albania, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain, Malta, the Netherlands, Romania, North Macedonia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic must have a medical certificate with a negative PCR test result issued 72 hours prior to arrival.
Georgia
Internal tourism in the country of hospitality and wonderful wine has already been allowed from June 15th. Georgia officially reopened its borders for foreign travelers on July 31st. However, only citizens of five nations can visit Georgia with no restrictions: Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania. Travelers must be residents or citizens of one of the above countries and also fly directly without crossing other countries. There is a secondary list of countries that can visit Georgia, but with a mandatory 14-day quarantine: Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Croatia
Forbes has ranked Zagreb, Cavtat, and Rijeka among the 20 safest and best European travel and tourism destinations during the coronavirus pandemic. At the end of July, the number of visitors had already exceeded one million. The reason for the enormous popularity of Croatia this year is because of the fact that the government of the country simplified the entry regulations at the beginning of the season.
Countries that can visit Croatia without restrictions: Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Great Britain. EU/EEA nationals should fill out the ‘Enter Croatia’ form to help speed up crossing the border.
Residents and citizens of other countries, in addition to the form, should present a negative PCR result at the border crossing point, which is not older than 48 hours. All third-party nationals must have proof of tourist activity, (hotel, Airbnb, campsite lease, travel agency voucher, etc.) and send an email to [email protected], stating their intention to cross the state border. As the situation is constantly changing the Viber Total Croatia Travel Info community has created a chatbot, for answers on some of the most frequently asked questions.
Bulgaria
On July 17th, the Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria announced that tourists from 46 countries (including some third-party nations) can visit the country without testing or being placed under a 14-day quarantine. The full list is published here.
Cyprus
Scientists, based on epidemiological data, have listed three categories of countries that are allowed to enter Cyprus. Passengers coming from a Category A country do not have to present a laboratory COVID-19 test certificate or go into self-isolation.
Tourists arriving from Category B countries will be required to present a certificate showing a negative PCR examination for the virus. Entry into Cyprus from Category C countries shall be allowed only with a Negative PCR test AND 14-day quarantine.
The lists are updated weekly by the Ministry of Health and can be found here. So make sure you may enter Cyprus from your country and beware of the conditions before you start packing. Tourists from all categories must register and fill out the digital form for their Cyprus Flight Pass up to 24 hours before their flight.
Brazil
In a surprise move, Brazil reopened its borders, basically with no restrictions. Brazil is only asking visitors to have valid travel health insurance that covers COVID for the duration of your trip, and a valid visa (If your country requires a visa to visit Brazil).
There are still restrictions for international flights landing at airports in five states of Brazil: Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Rondônia, Rio Grande do Sul, Tocantins.
If you are traveling from Europe or to Europe, you can learn more about the restrictions for your country and entry regulations in your destination on the official website of the European Union. Wherever you go, stay connected with a single SIM card MTX Connect. Or eSIM.