These 7 major tourist destinations now have COVID-19 booster requirements
The highly transmissible omicron variant continues to spread around the world, causing destinations to scramble to respond and keep travel going during the pandemic.
Some destinations have shifted gears by changing the definition of “fully vaccinated” — having both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine — to include a booster dose. That means travelers who would be considered fully vaccinated in some places may need to get a booster dose if they want to visit certain tourist destinations in 2022.
A lot has changed since COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out in the U.S., but here’s what you need to know about booster requirements in some popular destinations before you travel this year.
Austria
Austria’s government says vaccine credentials will lose validity 270 days after the second vaccination with a two-dose vaccine or 270 days after inoculation with a single-dose vaccine. However, booster doses received at least 120 days after the second dose (or 14 days after a single dose) extend the validity for an additional 270 days.
Travelers who have received a booster shot do not need to show proof of a negative PCR test to enter Austria.
France
France is also adding a booster requirement for tourists. All travelers 18 and older who visit the country must show proof of a COVID-19 booster shot received five to seven months after their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to use France’s health pass. Getting a booster is essential, as France uses a health pass (also known as a “pass sanitaire” or "pass vaccinal") that travelers without a booster won’t be able to access.
Maui
Hawaii’s “Safe Travels” program requires travelers to upload proof of vaccination to avoid quarantine. Fully vaccinated travelers no longer have to get pre-travel testing or quarantine upon arrival, while those who are unvaccinated can skip quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test from a trusted facility.
In addition to the statewide program, individual islands have created their own rules to handle the spread of the virus. Just being vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be enough on one island.
Diners and gym patrons at Maui establishments will need to show a negative COVID-19 test or receive a booster shot “as soon as they are eligible.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people should receive a booster if it’s been five months since the second dose of Pfizer, six months since the second dose of Moderna or two months after a dose of Johnson & Johnson.
However, Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino says patrons can still eat outdoors without needing a COVID-19 booster or negative test, though the requirement could soon apply to other islands, like Oahu, and even statewide, according to Hawaii News Now.
The Netherlands
As I reported last month, the Netherlands announced the only vaccine certificates that would be accepted are those that show that the holder has received a COVID-19 booster shot. If you don’t have a booster yet, it shouldn’t be a barrier to travel to other parts of the European Union. Travelers without a booster would have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The Netherlands’ policy is expected to go into effect in February.
Singapore
Starting Feb. 14, Singapore will only consider travelers 18 and above fully vaccinated if they received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the last 270 days. This rule will also apply to travelers 12 years and older starting March 14. Singapore’s Ministry of Health says people who receive a booster “will continue to be considered as fully vaccinated beyond the 270 days.”
Spain
Tourists visiting Spain will need to show proof of a COVID-19 booster shot taken within 14 to 270 days of entering the country starting Feb. 1. Fully vaccinated EU Digital COVID Certificate holders will be able to cross the border freely within the 27 member EU states without a negative COVID-19 test starting next month.
“If more than 270 days (9 months) have passed since receiving the last required dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. citizens must show proof of having received a booster shot at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain,” per the U.S. Embassy in Spain.
Spain is following several other European countries in adding a booster dose requirement in light of the European Union’s decision to validate the EU Digital COVID Certificate for 270 days after the holder’s first dose.
United Arab Emirates
Unlike other countries on this list, the United Arab Emirates doesn’t require foreigners or even expats to abide by its new booster stipulation.
According to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, only residents will be required to obtain a booster dose to travel outside the country. But it is a sign that more people may be required to get boosted to travel there in the future.
For now, tourists older than 12 who travel to Dubai must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Fully vaccinated travelers entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai or another emirate must complete a registration form and download an app to show “Green Pass” requirements are met to visit Abu Dhabi’s attractions.
Unvaccinated travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi from another emirate still need to quarantine and test if they are from countries not on its "green" list.
How to show proof of a booster dose
If you’ve already received a booster shot, you’re probably wondering what you’re supposed to do to show you comply with a destination’s rules. Here are several ways to show proof that you’ve received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine:
- CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card: As with your first vaccine series, your health provider can fill in your booster shot vaccination details, including the lot number and date you received your dose, on your CDC vaccine card.
- Excelsior Pass Plus: This is another version of New York state’s vaccine passport. This version of the app includes information about booster doses. All Excelsior Vaccination Passes Plus retrieved by individuals who received a booster shot will have this information contained on their Pass Plus between three and four days after their dose, with no expiration date.
- Clear Health Pass: Clear’s Health Pass feature is already being used to verify negative tests at some sports arenas and can hold test results and vaccine and booster status.
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Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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.