Don't forget to check travel requirements for your international flight — many countries still have entry hurdles
While the United States recently scrapped its pre-entry COVID-19 testing mandate, some countries around the world continue to require COVID-19 testing, proof of COVID vaccination and specific documentation for entry.
The airline check-in process may require evidence and input of this documentation before you can proceed with your trip. In addition, some countries will require additional documentation at border control, and at least in the case of Japan, a new specialized type of tourist visa.
In this summer of hectic travel and flight disruptions, be sure to take a little time and do the research well ahead of your journey to determine any potential entry requirements. You won't want any last-minute surprises before what may already be a stressful trip.
TPG took a look at a few popular countries with continued entry requirements, as well as some that recently dropped their mandates. Requirements can change on a daily basis, so check again with your airline, hotel, tour group, or country tourism website for the latest information well before your departure date — and again as your trip approaches.
Entry requirements can vary
Many countries have scrapped their pre-entry requirements, no longer mandating COVID-19 testing or even asking for proof of vaccination. Destinations that have eased entry requirements over the past couple of months include Italy and Cyprus, Greece, Switzerland, and Bermuda.
Most European countries, including England, France and Germany do not require any testing or vaccination documentation prior to entry.
Related: Country-by-country guide to coronavirus reopenings
However, a number of destinations, even those not requiring testing, have implemented mandatory pre-arrival digital registration systems. This includes Australia's Digital Passenger Declaration, Canada's ArriveCAN, and South Korea's Q-Code. These registrations can typically be completed up to two to seven days before your departure.
For most of these registration programs, you'll need a number of documents on hand. Don't wait until you're at the airport to begin securing them, or you may be out of luck.
Airlines should remind you of the registration requirement prior to checking in (or when booking a flight). However, as regulations change quickly, it's important to double-check with the destination prior to your departure.
My experience with a registration process
As one example, I recently traveled to Canada, pre-registering using the ArriveCan program — but only learning about the program as I reviewed my flight details.
The process took me just about 10 minutes once I gathered the required documents. I needed to create a user name and ID in the program (with email verification), then input my passport data, flight and travel information, as well as my vaccination status.
The program asked for verification that I had received two doses of vaccine, but nothing related to a booster shot. Once completed, the ArriveCan system generated a QR code for a physical printout or digital display to be used upon entry. Upon my arrival at Montreal's YUL airport, I was not asked to present the QR code (possibly because it was attached to my passport information). However, travelers should have the QR code ready for presentation just in case.
As a bonus, the ArriveCan program allows passengers to pre-register for customs declaration, eliminating the need for additional forms or questions at the airport. I did have a slight delay when I couldn't quickly answer a border official's question about where I was staying in Canada. He eventually passed me through, though, when he grew tired of me searching on my phone and in my documents for the information.
Document requirements
Beyond countries like Canada that have streamlined digital systems, some destinations still require an additional back-and-forth document exchange for entry. For example, TPG editor Senitra Horbrook's planned July trip to the Caribbean island of St. Kitts requires her to submit pre-arrival COVID negative test results, a vaccine certificate, as well as an online customs, immigration and health declaration forms.
After submission, she'll wait for approval from the Ministry of National Security.
Japan is one continuing outlier in the travel process. It recently reopened for tourism — but with tight restrictions and requirements. Japan continues to require a pre-arrival negative COVID-19 test along with vaccination documentation. It also currently requires a visa for entry, with tourists allowed only as part of an accredited tour group.
In addition, visitors must sign a code-of-conduct form attesting to their obedience to health regulations. Japan's regulations continue to change on a monthly basis, so potential travelers there should check in regularly with the Japan National Tourism website for information.
Related: Japan reopens for tourists — but only in tour groups
Bottom line
Most countries worldwide have relaxed or completely eliminated COVID-related entry requirements. However, a significant number of destinations still require some form of vaccine or health documentation before arrival. Travelers should be aware that restrictions may still be in place for their end destination.
Be sure to check with your airline, tour operator or your destination's health website about a week before your planned date of departure to validate what requirements may be in place. You may need to arrange a COVID test, register for a digital entry program or make copies of your vaccination certificates, none of which you'll want to be doing at the last minute at the airport before an international trip.
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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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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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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.
- $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.
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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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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.