The World Health Organization formally declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The subsequent travel bans annihilated the tourism industry, and international air travel immediately dropped by up to 98 percent.

Fast forward to 2022, and travel is finally on the table again. As restrictions ease, more people are planning vacations to places they might not have been able to visit during the pandemic. Continue reading to learn about the best places to visit for your first major trip after COVID, taking into account accessibility, quarantine duration (if any), and vaccine requirements. 

1. Thailand

International travelers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to present proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test or undergo an arrival test as of May 1. They must, however, register for a Thailand Pass and provide proof of an insurance policy with coverage of at least US$10,000 (down from US$20,000). When they arrive in Thailand, they will be granted entry and will be free to travel throughout the country.

International travelers who have not been fully vaccinated will no longer be required to present proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test or to undergo an arrival test. They will, however, be quarantined for five days.

2. Mexico

Visitors to the country will no longer be required to fill out a health declaration form beginning in March 2022. There’s no need to take a test or go through any kind of quarantine before leaving. Those who suspect they are suffering from symptoms should contact the Sanidad Internacional health organization.

3. United Kingdom

There are no Covid-related restrictions on international travel to the UK at the moment. Passengers arriving in the UK no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form.

4. Costa Rica

Since March 1, a negative Covid-19 PCR test result is no longer required, and the country eliminated the requirement of filling out a Health Pass. Since April 1, the requirement that unvaccinated visitors have travel insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment was removed. Tourists can now get free vaccinations at San Jose’s airport if they want to.

5. Greece

The country no longer requires proof of Covid vaccination or recovery to enter the country as of May 1. Similarly, proof of vaccination/recovery is no longer required for entry into museums, sporting venues, or theaters. Some restrictions on wearing masks indoors remain in effect.

6. Ireland

Nearly all of Ireland’s domestic Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted.

Face masks are no longer legally required, but they are advised for use on public transportation and in medical settings.

7. Iceland

Iceland has lifted all restrictions on Covid. Passengers traveling to Iceland will not be subjected to any disease prevention measures at the border, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not. Travelers will also no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or infection. For those infected with COVID-19, there are no restrictions on social gatherings or quarantine requirements.

8. Slovenia

Entry restrictions related to the new coronavirus have been lifted in Slovenia. Most services in Slovenia no longer require RVT (recovered/vaccinated/tested). This includes activities like tourism and hospitality, fairs, cultural and sporting events, congresses, visits public spaces like museums and galleries, ski resorts, public transportation, and other activities.

9. Hungary

On March 7, 2022, the Government Decree terminating certain safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic went into effect, including travel restrictions during the period of epidemiological preparedness.

Accordingly, regardless of citizenship or protection against the coronavirus, it is possible to enter Hungary by public road, railway, water, or air traffic, but other general entry requirements (such as a valid travel document) must be met.

10. Mongolia

Tourists will be permitted to enter Mongolia without quarantine and with no further formalities starting February 14, 2022. Travelers to Mongolia, including Mongolians and foreign nationals, are not required to get vaccinated against coronavirus (Covid-19).

PS:

Always keep in mind that, no matter where you go, you should always check your destination’s travel guidelines and COVID case numbers, as they are constantly changing.