As vaccination programs across the world continue to gain momentum, we are beginning to see the first glimmers of light at the end of the very dark tunnel we’ve been living in for over a year. With the vaccination comes not just a renewed sense of personal confidence, but also cautious feelings of optimism that one day soon, travel too will return to our lives.
This optimism is further bolstered by the fact that more and more destinations are now opening up to those that have been vaccinated. If you’re itching to make plans and are questioning where you can travel after the vaccine, these are some of the destinations that have now opened up to vaccinated tourists.
Spain
All our dreams of a Spanish summer look like they might be about to come true, with news that Spain is opening its borders to welcome back travellers this summer. In a bid to boost its tourism industry, Spain will allow all vaccinated visitors from the UK, EU and North America to enter from June 7th. All travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 with either World Health Organisation or European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines, will be allowed to visit. Members of fellow EU states will also be allowed into Spain with an antigen test, rather than the more expensive PCR tests, which were previously required.
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Ireland
The Irish Government has confirmed that as of July 19th, Ireland will adopt the EU’s Covid-19 Certificate to allow entry to visitors from EU member states, Great Britain and the United States without the need for quarantining. The decision means that any fully vaccinated passengers, those who can provide a negative PCR test or show immunity to the virus from previous infection, will be free to explore the country’s green and pleasant hills once more.
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Iceland
As of the 18th March, Iceland’s borders are open to all visitors regardless of origin, who can show that they are either fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or that they have previously had the virus. This includes tourists from non-Schengen countries including the UK, USA, Canada and Asia. It is important to note however that further travel from Iceland to the rest of Europe is not currently permitted for non-Schengen residents.
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Estonia
From the 1st February, Estonia announced that it will be waiving its mandatory 10 day quarantine requirement for those who have either been fully vaccinated, or who can prove that they have recovered from Covid-19 within the six months prior to travel. The country will accept vaccinations from nine global suppliers, and not just the three approved by the European Union. At this stage it is important to note that US citizens are not being advised to travel to Estonia, as part of their Level 4 Travel Health Notice.
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Georgia
Wondering where to travel after the vaccine? Look no further than the culturally rich and geographically diverse country of Georgia. From the 1st February 2021, Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced “Citizens of all countries, traveling by air from any country, may enter Georgia if they present the document confirming the full course (two doses) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia”. This includes visitors from the United States, however currently the CDC is advising against travel to Georgia, even for vaccinated travellers.
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Poland
While US visitors are currently not allowed into Poland, vaccinated travellers from specific countries can enter the country if they can show proof of vaccination. Admission is currently restricted to citizens or legal residents of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia and Australia, and their spouses and children. Poland’s entry rules state, “Persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are exempted from the obligatory quarantine (on the basis of a certificate confirming vaccination against COVID-19)”.
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Slovenia
If you’ve been pining after the Alpine mountain ranges and romantic lakes of Slovenia, then you’re in luck. Those who have been vaccinated can now enter the country without having to do the 10 day mandatory quarantine, although there are a few different rules depending on the vaccine you have received. If you received the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine, you must have had the second dose at least 7 days before visiting Slovenia. If you had the Moderna vaccine it’s 14 days, and 21 days for the AstraZeneca.
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Greece
As tourism accounts for about a fifth of the Greek economy and employs one in five workers, it’s not surprising that this paradisiacal country is keen to welcome visitors once more. Ahead of the countries official re-opening in mid-May, Greece is now open to visitors who have been vaccinated from countries including the UK, the US, Australia and Japan, plus citizens of the EU and Schengen member states.
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Portugal
Portugal recently announced that it will be opening its borders to British tourists from the 17th May. Rita Marques, the country’s Secretary of State for tourism, stated “I do believe that Portugal will soon allow restriction-free travel, not only for vaccinated people, but those who are immune or who test negative. We hope to welcome British tourists from 17 May.” For those visiting from the US who have been fully vaccinated, Portugal is also set to open up this summer, as announced by the Head of the European Commission.
Update: As of June 3rd 2021, visitors returning from Portugal to the UK will be required to complete 10 days in quarantine at home and take two post-arrival tests on days two and eight.
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We will continue to update this list as more countries open their borders for vaccinated travellers.
Are you going to travel after the vaccine? Let us know in the comments below…
Editor’s note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.
This article was updated on June 3, 2021