As lockdowns ease internationally, confusion is growing about whether borders are open or closed, and whether you can take a holiday there. Airlines are starting to resume flights and most countries are planning a phased return to visitors. These come with conditions attached. So which popular countries are open to tourists and visitors?
While most borders remain closed more countries are looking to open, we might still get that holiday in Europe in July. As the situation is evolving daily, double check the latest information from official sources before you travel. Also be aware if you will need to self-isolate when you arrive.
| Country | Open or closed | Details | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Closed | This does not apply to nationals of New Zealand residing in Australia. Passengers and airline crew are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days at their first arrival location in Australia. If their duration of stay is less than 14 days, they must self-isolate for the entire duration of stay. | Passengers are not allowed to enter Australia. |
| Bahamas | Closed | Bahamas is currently closed for international travel, and flights are suspended. | Travellers expected to self-isolate for 14 days |
| Barbados | Closed | International flights suspended | |
| Bolivia | Closed | The borders for Bolivia are closed | The borders for Bolivia are closed |
| Brazil | Closed | Tourists are not allowed to enter Brazil | This does not apply to nationals and residents of Brazil |
| Canada | Closed | Tourists are not permitted in Canada as the borders remain closed. There are exceptions for US residents who have Canadian citizens as immediate families. Canada’s borders are closed for non-essential travel, and domestic travel is restricted. | Transiting through Canadian airports are permitted, but you can’t leave the airport |
| China | Closed | China is not open to tourist | COVID-19 tests required and a mandatory 14 day quarantine is designated for certain regions |
| Costa Rica | Closed | All flights suspended until at least 30 June 2020 | |
| Croatia | Partially open | Open to the EU residents. Residents from the following countries can travel freely: Austria, Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. | Travellers arriving from the EU under certain conditions may enter including having accommodation booked they can present. |
| Cyprus | Partially open | Cyprus border is now open for some countries in the EU Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia or Switzerland. It remains closed to UK residents | Testing on arrival required, which may be waived on production of a medical certificate |
| Denmark | Partially open | Denmark is only open to residents from Norway, Iceland and Germany | Visitors are recommended to self-quarantine for 14 days |
| France | Open | Tourists from Schengen Member State and UK are allowed to visit France, however you are subjected to 14 day self-quarantine | An international travel certificate must be completed prior to boarding |
| Germany | Open | Tourists are allowed from EU and UK | Visitors must must self-isolate and must proceed directly to their own home, or other suitable accommodation for a period of 14 days |
| Greece | Partially open from 15 June and fully open from 1 July | Open to tourists from EU from 15 June. Countries included: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland | Brits will be tested for coronavirus on arrival and will be required to quarantine for seven days. Testing positive will mean that you’ll have to undergo supervised quarantine for 14 days. |
| Jamaica | Expected to be partially open from 15 June | Jamaica expected to open its borders from 15 June | Expect 14 day quarantine |
| Hong Kong | Open | Hong Kong is open for incoming travel, under quarantine and testing requirements. | Quarantine required |
| Iceland | Partially open | Open to tourists from the EU | Coronavirus (COVID-19) test or quarantine for 14 days, is required |
| Indonesia | Closed | Closed | Tourists or passengers are not allowed to transit or enter Indonesia. |
| Italy | Partially open | Open to tourists from the EU and business travellers EU member countries, Schengen member countries UK, Andorra and Monaco can travel freely without mandatory 14 day quarantine | Tourists must present a completed self-declaration form |
| Japan | Closed | Closed to tourists | |
| Malaysia | Closed | Closed to tourists | Transit through Malaysia is possible |
| Mexico | Open | Mexico is open to visitors, but the country remains in lockdown | Visitors are not expected to self-quarantine (if you can get there!) |
| New Zealand | Closed | Closed to tourists | Transit is only allowed for Australian residents returning home |
| Peru | Closed | Closed to tourists | |
| Portugal | Partially open | Portugal is open to EU and Schengen countries Tourists are subject to quarantine if they do not have a certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) result issued at most 72 hours before departure | Completion of online health form before departure is required |
| Spain | Partially open from 21 June | Open to tourists from EU countries in the Schengen region and business travellers from 21 June under restrictions. No quarantine for UK arrivals. | Travellers from other, non-EU countries will be allowed into the country without the need to self-quarantine if there is a reciprocal agreement on travel |
| Singapore | Closed | Borders in Singapore are closed to tourists and transiting passengers | Anyone entering Singapore will be required to enter a 14 day quarantine in official facility |
| South Africa | Closed | South Africa remains closed to tourists and all flights to the country are suspended South Africa’s borders are closed for travellers, | 21 day quarantine if you’re entering the country |
| South Korea | Open | The country is open to visitors, with special entry procedures for China, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, France, Germany, Spain, UK, Netherlands | 14 days self-quarantine in a government facility required |
| Sweden | Partially open | Sweden is open to EU residents and remain closed to countries outside of the EU | There is no mandatory quarantine when entering Sweden |
| Thailand | Closed | Thailand remain closed for tourists until 30 June 2020 | Expect a 14 day quarantine when borders open. Health checks on arrival. |
| Turkey | Closed | Turkey’s borders remains closed | It will likely open by July |
| United Kingdom | Partially open | No travel ban in the UK. The UK Foreign Office advice is to avoid all non-essential travel. From beginning of June all arrivals are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Failing to comply can result in £1,000 fine This is one of the countries open to tourists | The UK may do a U-turn while airlines are suing the government |
| United Arab Emirates | Closed | Borders in UAE remain close to both foreign travellers and transiting passengers. However, restrictions are expected to be lifted soon. | UAE remain close to transit passengers |
| United States of America | Partially open | Borders are closed on land between US, Canada and Mexico. For tourists traveller by air, note that people form certain countries are prohibited. China, Iran, EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino), United Kingdom, Ireland and Brazil | All international arrivals are recommended, but not required, to enter a 14 days self-quarantine |
| Qatar | Closed | The borders remain closed for foreign nationals but transiting through the airport is allowed. | Transit is allowed, but you can’t leave. the airport |
While most borders are still closed, some countries are starting to open to tourists. The situation is easing but conditions to travellers remain. Be sure to double check with official sources before booking your flight, as the situation may change quite quickly. Be sure to read our 10 things to consider before booking a trip.
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