Most countries currently have their borders open to people vaccinated against Covid-19. To contain and fight the pandemic, they also require quarantine, PCR tests, tracing applications, health declaration, etc. Still, no country is safe from another epidemic outbreak - which is why other vaccines (against hepatitis, rabies, etc.) remain essential for travellers.
Countries that still require quarantine for vaccinated travellers
New Caledonia, Fiji and Kuwait are the only countries that still require quarantine for vaccinated people (PCR test to end quarantine). The quarantine period ranges from 7 days in New Caledonia and 3 days in Fiji, in a hotel approved by the Care Fiji Commitment (CFC), with a PCR test on the 2nd day to end the quarantine. In Kuwait, self-isolation is required until a negative PCR test is obtained. It's worth noting that people who have recovered from Covid can also travel to Kuwait).
Quarantine is also mandatory in Chile and Australia but under conditions. Chile has only opened its air borders and a few land borders. Vaccinated persons arriving via a land or sea border will be quarantined for 5 days. Self-isolation in Australia depends on the state. For example, travellers to New South Wales or Victoria do not have to self-isolate. Australia is only open to students and skilled workers who have been vaccinated or have a work permit (PVT/WHV). Since February 5, only Western Australia has opened its borders to all vaccinated travellers. In all cases, a PCR test of less than 72 hours is required before departure.
Tunisia and Cuba only require quarantine for travellers with a positive PCR test. In Tunisia, Covid-positive travellers have to self-isolate for 5 days until they obtain a negative test. In Cuba, the quarantine period depends on the results of the PCR test.
Countries open only to vaccinated travellers with a negative PCR test
Laos is only open for vaccinated travellers as part of a trip organized by an approved agency. They must obtain a negative PCR test 72 hours before departure.
Austria and Bulgaria require a PCR test obtained less than 72 hours before entering the territory unless travellers have got their booster dose. It's worth noting that travellers might be subject to random (antigenic) testing upon their arrival in Bulgaria.
Israel accepts PCR tests of less than 72 hours or antigen tests of less than 24 hours. However, travellers have to get a new PCR test done upon arrival in the territory. Indonesia, open since February 5, has similar requirements. A PCR test obtained less than 48 hours before departure, test on arrival, 5-day isolation (7 if travellers received a single dose of vaccine), and another test to end the self-isolation period are required for those arriving at Bali airport or the Batam and Riau Islands. Malaysia, Oman, Turks and Caicos Islands, Kenya, Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Uruguay require a PCR 72 hours before departure. One or more other tests may also be requested upon arrival. Singapore required more tests for international travellers: antigen tests on the 3rd and 7th days, between 7 and 30 days before departure, a PCR less than 48 hours before departure and new PCR on arrival.
On the other hand, Ecuador and the United States have only opened their air and sea borders, while Paraguay has its air and land borders open. Currently, Ecuador's land border is only open to travellers from Colombia. Ecuador and Paraguay impose a negative PCR less than 72 hours before departure. The United States allows a PCR or antigen test performed the day before departure.
On February 7, Morocco reopened its borders only for vaccinated people with a vaccination pass. All travellers must complete a health declaration form before travelling to Morocco and provide a negative PCR test within 48 hours. However, further tests will be carried out upon arrival, and there will be random tests for groups of travellers. In case a traveller has a positive PCR test upon arrival, they will have to self-isolate at their place of residence, with regular health checks (however, there are no details as to the precise forms of these checks).
Entry and/or health declaration form required for vaccinated travellers
Among the countries that are only open to vaccinated travellers, fifteen also require online registration before travelling. In fact, a complete health declaration form is required for entry in some countries such as Morocco, Sri Lanka, Austria, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore, Kenya, Tunisia, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, United States, and Uruguay. These online registration forms usually contain questions relating to the traveller's health.
Countries open to vaccinated people who require the e-visa
Indonesia has suspended visa waivers and visas on arrival for tourists. Therefore, vaccinated travellers must have an e-visa. Sri Lanka also requires the e-visa and advance payment for PCR tests (40 dollars per test, or around 34.94 euros). E-visa is also required to travel to Kuwait, Kenya, and Oman (for stays longer than 14 days).
Countries open to vaccinated travellers having Covid insurance
Sri Lanka is the country with the strictest requirements. Indeed, travellers have to obtain government insurance on their arrival. Indonesia, Chile, Laos, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, Turks and Caicos Islands, Fiji, Paraguay, and Uruguay also require compulsory Covid insurance, but travellers can choose their insurance provider. In the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Kenya, Covid insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Health and tracing apps
Some countries are relying on tracking apps to better contain the pandemic. Travellers to Indonesia have to download PeduliLindungi, and those travelling to Singapore need Trace Together. In Kuwait, the Shlonik app is recommended but not mandatory.
Countries with other restrictions
In spite of new Covid surges in many countries, most are being cautious and implementing recovery strategies. In Laos, for example, vaccinated travellers are required to stay in the "green travel zones" which are marked circuits for tourism. Moreover, travellers must stay for 10 days in a partner country before going to Fiji. Malaysia only opened the borders of the Langkawi Islands, and Australia is keeping some internal borders closed. In Chile, a mobility pass is required. However, the registration of the application and the issuance of the pass can take nearly one month. Meanwhile, other countries are keeping a curfew in place, including Kenya (10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with bars and restaurants closing at 9 p.m.), Tunisia (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.), Antigua and Barbuda (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) and Paraguay (from midnight to 5 a.m.).
Other vaccine requirements
With the Covid-19 pandemic running for nearly two years now, we tend to forget about the existence of other viruses and contagious diseases. Yet, in many countries, vaccination against these health risks is required or strongly recommended. For instance, vaccination against yellow fever vaccine remains essential to travel to the "intertropical regions of South America and Africa". Vaccination against hepatitis B (compulsory in many countries) is also essential for travellers to a country with high or moderate exposure to the virus. Besides, many countries require vaccination against encephalitis (some European and Asian countries, and Oceania), typhoid fever (especially in Asia) and rabies (especially in Asia, South America and Africa).
