Recently updated on October 6th, 2022 at 04:52 pm
Haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccination yet? That doesn’t mean that international travel is off the table for you in 2021 or beyond. Many countries around the world are still welcoming visitors without the need for mandatory quarantine, as long as they have taken a PCR test for travel. So, if you’ve been asking ‘where can I travel with a negative PCR test’, we’ve summarised just some of the destinations where quarantine is not required.
What is a Covid-19 PCR test?
The term ‘PCR test’ is now common place in our everyday language, but what actually is a PCR test?
Well, a PCR tests checks to see if you are infected with COVID-19. It is a simple testing kit that can be ordered online, and contains a nasal / throat swab, plus instructions on how to carry out the test. You simply do the test, then return the kit to the lab listed in the instructions. In most cases, you should receive your results within about 48 hours, although of course this can vary.
Taking a PCR test for travel is now pretty much standard procedure both for airlines, and to be allowed entry into most destinations.
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Destinations where you can travel with a negative PCR test and no quarantine
Croatia
With its dazzling coastline and Hollywood famous cities, Croatia is one seriously lusted after travel destination. So who can travel here with a negative PCR test? The good news is that all travellers (including those from outside of the EU, including Americans and Canadians) can travel here with a negative PCR test that has been taken within 48 hours of arrival, and will not be required to quarantine. Travellers are required to complete an ‘Enter Croatia Form’ which must be presented on arrival.
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Egypt
If the ancient wonders of Egypt have been burning a hole on your bucket list, perhaps 2021 is the year to make those dreams a reality. Egypt is welcoming visitors from all around the world, who must all take a PCR test for travel. Depending on where you are travelling from, when you take this test will vary so please ensure you do thorough research before arrival. Doing so will mean you do not need to quarantine. All visitors arriving will have their temperature checked and will need to provide evidence of a valid health insurance policy.
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Spain
Spain’s borders are currently open to travellers from most of the EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as the UK. Upon arrival, travellers must present a medical certificate with a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents of Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand are also permitted to enter under the same regulations. Showing this negative test result will mean you do not need to quarantine.
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Costa Rica
If you’re wondering where you can travel with a negative PCR test, perhaps the lush, wildlife dense, Pura Vida nation of Costa Rica should be an option. Visitors from all across the world are permitted to enter the country without the need to take a PCR test or quarantine, as long as they are arriving by air. All tourists must complete a health pass form 48 hours before boarding their flight and must also have purchased travel insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment and accommodation costs.
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Greece
As of April 19 2021, visitors from the European Union, the US, the UK, Serbia, Israel and the UAE can now visit Greece without having to quarantine. This update comes ahead of the country’s proposed official opening date of May 14, when tourists from across the world will be allowed entry without having to quarantine if they have been vaccinated, have coronavirus antibodies or have tested negative for the virus.
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Turkey
Rich in culture and with some of the tastiest food in the world, Turkey is back on the cards for all travellers, regardless of where they are from! Currently visitors must present a medical certificate proving they have taken a PCR test for travel (and received a negative result) within 72 hours of arrival to avoid quarantine, however even this restriction may be lifted for some tourists (including Brits), with plans set to be re-evaluated after 15 April 2021. All visitors are required to complete a passenger locator form before arriving into the country.
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South Africa
Travel with a negative PCR test is absolutely allowed if an adventure to South Africa is on your wish list. The country famed for its world class wines, wildlife dense bush land and vibrant cities is open to all (including American visitors), with travellers needing to present a negative result from their PCR test for travel taken within 72 hours of their departure. International air travel is currently restricted to three airports – Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport – where all tourists must also provide proof of accommodation, as well as evidence of medical travel insurance with coverage for COVID-19. All tourists are also subject to medical screening on arrival.
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Kenya
Home to the Massai Mara National Reserve, a trip to Kenya is an essential adventure for any wildlife lover hoping to spot the Big 5. Currently, Kenya is open to most nationalities including those from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China and most of Europe, with visitors from these approved countries required to show a negative PCR test result taken 96 hours prior to travel. Travellers must also complete a ‘Travellers Health Surveillance Form’ online.
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We will continue to update this list as more countries allow visitors to travel with a negative PCR test so as to avoid quarantine.
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.