Countries are reopening fast to tourism as the world reins in the Covid-19 pandemic, as you can see below, but there are still a few countries to check carefully or avoid altogether, according to the latest official advice.
Here’s a clickable list of some advisory updates issued over the past few days by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Most of these countries have eased Covid restrictions, though you still need to check DFAT ‘Smartraveller‘ advice:
Bulgaria
You can enter Bulgaria if you present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 test result. You can access indoor or outdoor venues without needing to show any proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test result.
Canada
Canada has eased its border measures as part of its transition to the pandemic response. Pre-entry Covid-19 tests are no longer required for entry if you’re fully vaccinated. Cruise ships will shortly be allowed back in Canadian waters with specific disembarking procedures.
Denmark
There are no Covid-19 related restrictions for entry into Denmark. Face masks and a ‘corona passport’ may be required to enter some venues.
Ghana
Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide pre-departure Covid-19 test results or be tested on arrival at Kotoka International Airport. Non-resident unvaccinated travellers won’t be granted entry into Ghana. Land borders are now open. Entry requirements apply. The wearing of face masks is no longer compulsory.
Italy
Until 31 March, you’ll need an EU Digital Covid-19 certificate (‘Super’ Green Pass) to access most venues and businesses (except supermarkets and pharmacies) and all forms of public transport (except taxis). From 1 April, you won’t need green passes for most outdoor activities. Italy recognises Australian vaccine certificates as equivalent to the ‘Super’ Green Passes. However, the Italian Green Pass application isn’t configured to read the QR code on non-EU format vaccination certificates. If you don’t have a ‘Super’ Green Pass, carry a hard copy of your Australian vaccination certificate with you
Malaysia
Malaysia has reopened to tourism. New entry requirements are in place. Check entry requirements on the ‘My Safe Travel’ website. These requirements may change at short notice. Monitor the websites of the Malaysian Department of Immigration, My Safe Travel and the Malaysian Ministry of Health, and social media for any changes.
Mongolia
We now advise you exercise a high degree of caution in Mongolia. Covid-19 case numbers have decreased considerably from a peak in January. Mongolia has reopened its borders to all travellers. Chinggis Khan International Airport remains the only border point that is currently open.
Sweden
Sweden has removed Covid-19 border restrictions. You can enter without needing a Covid-19 exemption, but regular entry rules still apply. You no longer need to present Covid-19 vaccination or test certificates.
Singapore
From 1 April, Singapore will transition to a new Vaccinated Travel Framework. Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Singapore quarantine free if they have not visited a ‘Restricted Category’ destination. You’ll still need a negative pre-departure test taken within 2 days of your departure for Singapore. You’ll also need to complete a Singapore Arrival Card and purchase travel insurance with a minimum coverage of SGD30,000. You don’t need a pre-departure test to transit through Singapore.
South Africa
The travel advice level has been lowered to ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ due to the impacts of Covid-19 and disruptions to global travel. Several destinations continue to restrict the entry or transit of travellers from South Africa. These restrictions may change at short notice.
AND NOW, some countries and places to watch out for, or be alert to.
DFAT advises “exercise a high degree of caution” in many cases, and in some cases “reconsider your need to travel”. Check with the Smartraveller website:
China
Since 1 April, pre-departure testing requirements for China have changed. You’ll need to take an additional nucleic acid test 7 days before travel, undertake daily health monitoring for the 7 days prior to your departure, and take a rapid antigen test on the day of departure. Testing requirements vary depending on your Covid-19 and vaccination history and may change at short notice. Contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate to confirm eligibility and travel requirements.
Djibouti
On 31 March, the US Government issued a security alert advising that given the history of annual threats from terrorist organizations, the US Embassy warns US citizens and US government personnel to avoid popular locations frequented by Westerners, such as shopping areas, hotels, and restaurants, through April 14. To reduce your risk, be alert in locations that are known terrorist targets. Monitor the media for new threats and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Mexico
We now advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Zacatecas State due to high levels of crime, including kidnapping and extortion. The land border between Mexico and the US has reopened to fully vaccinated travellers only.
Moldova
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Moldova due to the volatile security environment and military conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. Moldovan airspace is restricted. There are only a limited number of flights to and from Moldova. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing around Kyiv and other areas of the country. Civilians are being impacted.
Sri Lanka
A Public Emergency has been declared in Sri Lanka and curfews can be imposed with short notice. Carry relevant travel and identification documents for any checkpoints. Avoid demonstrations and events that draw large groups. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for updates. You may experience disruption to fuel supply and planned lengthy power outages. Import delays may impact your ability to access some medicines and food items.
El Salvador
El Salvador declared a 30-day state of emergency on 26 March due to the high number of gang-related crimes, including a high number of murders. Follow the advice of local authorities.
And finally, DFAT advises “do not travel” to these countries. There’s a war on:
Russia
Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and military conflict with Ukraine. If you’re in Russia, leave immediately using the limited commercial options available or private means if it’s safe to do so. The Australian Government has authorised the voluntary departure of dependents of Australian Embassy staff in Moscow. The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning.
Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks in Lviv.
Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and maybe targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
Written by Peter Needham
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