Lots of countries loosening COVID-19 restrictions as May begins
This weekend is just four weeks before the Memorial Day holiday kicks off what’s expected to be the busiest travel summer travel season of the pandemic. The new month brings a slew of major COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed at key international destinations.
TPG continues to track the reopening plans of countries globally and places you can visit with no COVID-19 restrictions. With so many rules going away, we want to take a moment to highlight some of changes taking effect this weekend.
Greece
Sunday marks a major change for this immensely popular European vacation destination. With the start of May, Greece officially suspends all of its COVID-19 entry requirements.
Previously, the country had required visitors age five and older to show proof they were fully vaccinated or show a negative COVID-19 test. Now those requirements are over, at least for the busy summer travel months.
Related: 7 things no one tells you about the Greek islands
The country still has an indoor mask-wearing requirement in place, but that is expected to only last until June 1. Greece may prove to be a popular destination for international travelers with its historic sites in major cities like Athens and its spectacular islands
New Zealand
After more than two years with its borders closed to virtually all of the world, New Zealand takes its biggest step yet when it comes to international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand spent billions of dollars to keep its tourism sector afloat as the industry was shuttered over the last couple years.
Now, weeks after Australian visitors were allowed into the country, New Zealand will welcome international visitors from visa-waiver countries like the U.S. for the first time starting May 1.
Entry restrictions will be tight for U.S. visitors, with three tests required: a pre-departure test, which can include either a PCR test within 48 hours of departure or a supervised rapid antigen test within 24 hours of departure to the country.
Related: New Zealand’s tourism head hints at levy increase for international visitors
Upon landing in New Zealand, travelers will receive a pack of two rapid COVID-19 tests, which they’ll be expected to take on the first and fifth or sixth days in the country.
Airlines are restoring direct service from the U.S. to New Zealand over the coming weeks and months, as travel to a country that is a bucket list destination for many becomes an option for the first time since early 2020.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is another destination that will kick off the month of May by welcoming its first non-resident, overseas visitors in a long time.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) began welcoming flights from overseas earlier this spring, but there was a key caveat: only residents were allowed in.
Visitors and residents can travel to Hong Kong from other international locations, but they face stiff COVID-19 requirements upon arrival. The government’s “test and hold” program mandates that travelers undergo a PCR test, and then quarantine for seven days at a government-approved hotel.
Related: Here are places that dropped COVID-19 restrictions in March
Hong Kong’s government will also place temporary bans on airline routes if five or more passengers (or 5% of the flight) tests positive for COVID-19.
Thailand
Over the course of the pandemic, TPG has reported on the evolving processes for tourists to get into Thailand, which have included some elaborate schemes, from the country’s “Test and Go” option to its “Sandbox” approach, which allowed participating visitors to roam freely in designated parts of the country for several days before being allowed to travel throughout the kingdom.
Thailand has made a series of changes to its entry protocols in recent months in hopes of encouraging tourism. With the start of May though, things are a lot simpler.
Travelers who are vaccinated face no testing requirements. On top of that, unvaccinated visitors have a pretty simple choice, too: get tested before departure or quarantine upon arrival.
Related: Best ways to get to Thailand using points and miles
Turks and Caicos
Visitors to the Caribbean destination of Turks and Caicos will no longer face COVID-19 testing or insurance requirements as the month of May begins.
Switzerland
Switzerland drops all of its COVID-19 entry requirements, effective May 2.
CDC Warnings
With the exception of Turks and Caicos, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists each of these countries as Level 3, "high" levels of COVID-19 according to its Travel Health Notices. That Level 3 rating applies to more countries than any other rating level though, and the United States is among those listed at Level 3. Turks and Caicos is listed at Level 2, "moderate" risk.
Bottom line
Many countries are making changes to their entry requirements just as summer is approaching and demand for international travel is spiking. If you’ve got a trip booked overseas, it’s a good idea to keep checking the requirements in the country you’re visiting, because as we’ve seen time and again during the pandemic that the rules can change at any moment.
At the same time, the wave of changes as the month of May gets underway is a good indication that if the protocols change at your destination there’s decent chance they’re changing to restrictions being lifted.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.