Here are the places that have dropped COVID-19 restrictions in March: A country-by-country guide

March 31, 2022

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22 min read

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Editor’s note: This story is continually updated

Each week, it seems that more and more countries are taking steps to incentivize tourists to come back as easily as possible, and roughly 20 destinations have reduced requirements to varying degrees in March alone.

It can be hard to keep up with the ever-changing requirements each day, so we’ve compiled the latest country reopening news, all in one place for your convenience.

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Asia

Cambodia

Cambodia has announced eased entry requirements for fully vaccinated passengers, specifically the dropping of both the pre-arrival and upon-arrival testing requirements currently in place.

Fully vaccinated travelers can now enter Cambodia without having to quarantine or submit tests of any kind, according to guidance issued by the Cambodian government on March 17, which also noted that these travelers can obtain a visa upon arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers are still required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia.

Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong will lift its current ban on foreign flights from certain countries on April 1, entry remains restricted to Hong Kong residents.

Passengers can also once again transit through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) effective next month.

“On April 1, Hong Kong residents who have stayed in any overseas places in the previous 14 days can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they comply with the following conditions,” according to Hong Kong officials. “Meanwhile, non-Hong Kong residents will not be allowed to board flights for Hong Kong from any overseas places.”

With limited exceptions, non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry into Hong Kong, according to information released by Cathay Pacific. One such exception is for fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents and nonresidents transiting to Hong Kong after being in Taiwan in the past two weeks, per the airline.

“All passengers (Hong Kong residents and non-Hong Kong residents, regardless of vaccination status) traveling from the Chinese Mainland or Macao who have not been to any other country/region in the past 14 days, are allowed to enter Hong Kong,” according to Cathay Pacific.

Travelers eligible for entry will be required to take a COVID-19 test prior to going through immigration at the Terminal 1 Midfield Concourse at HKG and then quarantine for seven days at a government-designated hotel.

Otherwise, non-Hong Kong residents are still largely barred from visiting Hong Kong (outside of transit) until an unknown date, according to the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Be sure to check the government of Hong Kong’s website for the latest information regarding updated entry protocols as it opens to more travelers.

Malaysia

Citing a “dramatic increase” in daily case numbers recently, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob said Malaysia will allow foreign nationals back into the country next month.

Starting April 1, travelers who are fully vaccinated can avoid quarantine by submitting results of a negative PCR test two days before departure for the country, in addition to a rapid test within 24 hours of arrival.

Details regarding entry protocols for unvaccinated people have not yet been released. However, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must complete an online application, in addition to a predeparture form, through the country’s MySejahtera app.

For now, face masks will remain mandatory in public.

Mongolia

Currently, all travelers to Mongolia, regardless of vaccination status, no longer have to submit to pre-arrival or upon-arrival testing requirements nor submit to quarantine, according to updated guidance released by the Mongolian government effective March 14.

The new rules apply to all incoming travelers, regardless of origin country and age. Mongolia does not require incoming travelers to show proof of vaccination, but asks travelers to complete a medical declaration form upon arrival.

Americans are exempt from visa requirements for travel up to 90 days, per the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia.

Singapore

Starting April 1, it will finally be easier for fully vaccinated travelers to enter Singapore thanks to reduced entry requirements announced by Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority on March 24.

Under the simplified entry protocols, vaccinated travelers to Singapore may visit by submitting negative results of a self-administered ART or PCR test taken within two days before departing for Singapore. For example, a predeparture test taken on April 1 is valid for boarding up to April 3.

Children age 12 and under may also enter by following this testing regimen.

“Under the new Vaccinated Travel Framework, CAAS will allow all fully vaccinated travelers from any country or region to enter Singapore quarantine-free, as long as they have not visited any countries or regions on the MOH’s Restricted Category in the past seven days,” the Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement. “There are currently no countries or regions on the Restricted Category.”

U.S.-based and vaccinated travelers can show proof of vaccination to enter Singapore via a Smart Health Card, digital vaccination record from a local/state public health authority or a physical vaccination card coupled with a signed attestation by a state/local health authority or vaccination provider.

Entry among all other travelers remains limited, with a few exceptions that must be approved by the Singapore government. To verify if you are eligible to enter Singapore at a given time, see Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s SafeTravel portal.

Lastly, all visitors must obtain a COVID-19 insurance policy covering a minimum of $30,000 worth of costs, and apply for a visa if applicable, in addition to completing an online SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival.

South Korea

Following the lead of other Asian nations, South Korea plans to welcome back fully vaccinated travelers without quarantine starting April 1, per its Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which said the quarantine-free rule will apply to travelers who are both vaccinated and boosted with three doses of a two-dose vaccine or two doses of a one-dose vaccine.

As far as timing, visitors must be vaccinated within 14-180 days of entry for their vaccination status to be considered current and valid. The new quarantine exception will include people vaccinated outside of Korea, excluding vaccinated visitors from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Myanmar, who must quarantine for seven days.

All travelers must continue to complete steps ahead of travel, including submitting their vaccine records to Q-code prior to arrival and scanning the provided QR code when requested by immigration officials upon entry. Additionally, travelers age 6 and older must submit results of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.

Health screenings may be in place at some airports, per the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, which also notes that transiting passengers from the U.S. who do not pass through immigration at Korean airports are exempt from testing requirements for stays less than 24 hours.

Thailand

More good news for fully vaccinated visitors looking to head to Thailand, as travelers will no longer have to test before arrival come April 1. However, you’ll still need to take a PCR test on your arrival day, in addition to taking an antigen test on day five, per updated guidance released by the TAT Newsroom, which promotes Thailand tourism.

Those two test requirements take effect for vaccinated travelers on April 1, and travelers will be expected to quarantine for at least one night in a government-approved hotel while awaiting test results, per the U.S. Embassy in Thailand.

The day five test may be self-administered, after which you should upload negative test results to the MorChana app, which allows you to move freely throughout the country under the eyes of the Thai government.

Existing entry guidelines will remain the same as of April 1, which include obtaining an online Thailand Pass prior to travel, during which process you’ll also be asked to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and prepay for the aforementioned COVID-19 tests.

Unvaccinated travelers are able to enter Thailand by submitting to quarantine for 10 days in a designated quarantine hotel in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pattaya, Phuket or Samui before they can travel to other parts of Thailand, per the Thai Embassy.

Africa

Kenya

Fully vaccinated travelers to Kenya no longer have to take a PCR test in order to enter, per updated guidance issued by the Kenyan Ministry of Health on March 11.

“There will be no paper verification of COVID-19 test results and vaccination certificates upon arrival into Kenya,” according to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, which notes that travelers need to upload either document into Global Haven before boarding their flight to generate a QR code. You must then upload that QR code while completing a Travelers’ Health Surveillance Form.

“Visitors must scan the QR code from this application on entry,” says the embassy. “Travelers are encouraged to complete this in advance as wifi connections may be unreliable upon arrival.”

However, unvaccinated travelers 5 and older must continue to take a PCR test within 72 hours of departure for Kenya, in addition to taking a rapid test upon arrival at the airport for $30. If said test is positive, you must self-isolate for an undetermined amount of time.

About the only step travelers must take is completing an online passenger locator form on the country’s Jitenge platform.

There are no longer any capacity limits for indoor gatherings nor are face masks required in public anymore.

South Africa

Johannesburg. (Photo by Allan Baxter/Getty Images)

Despite the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions as the country remains on Adjusted Alert Level One, travelers to South Africa must still present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or results of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departing for South Africa.

Interestingly, all unvaccinated travelers entering the country who want to be vaccinated will be offered the opportunity to do so, where requested or required, per remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa on March 22.

South African government and tourist officials confirmed the continuation of the aforementioned entry requirements for international travelers on March 22, while also noting masks will remain required at certain places indoors, including public transportation, but not in outdoor public areas.

Capacity limits are increased to 50% for gatherings at both indoor and outdoor venues.

“We welcome the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions, as this presents great news for the tourism sector’s outlook towards recovery," South African Tourism Acting CEO Themba Khumalo said in a statement. "Providing international travelers with a choice between producing proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours adds to South Africa’s accessibility, as a competitive and attractive tourism destination."

Consult the country’s online COVID-19 portal for the latest updates.

Central America

Costa Rica

After allowing certain Costa Rican businesses to operate at 100% capacity as long as attendees show proof of vaccination on March 1, the same will be applied to establishments, activities and events without requiring vaccination proof come April 1, according to the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

Like before the pandemic, travelers from the U.S. can visit Costa Rica without obtaining a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Current entry rules remain in place until next month, including completion of an online digital health pass and possession of COVID-19-related health insurance, the latter of which is required for unvaccinated travelers.

Caribbean

Anguilla

As of April 1, fully vaccinated travelers to the Caribbean island of Anguilla over 18 no longer have to apply for entry, though entry requirements still apply for visitors after this date.

Specifically, only travelers age 18 and older who are fully vaccinated are able to enter the island. Anguilla considers these travelers to be fully vaccinated as long as they have received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within three weeks or 21 days prior to arrival.

Travelers under age 18 are exempt from these vaccination requirements but can only visit Anguilla if accompanied by fully vaccinated adult travelers.

Additionally, travelers must take a predeparture test to visit, specifically a PCR test administered within three days before arrival or a rapid antigen test taken within two days of arrival.

"The laboratory that processes the pre-arrival test must be accredited," says Visit Anguilla. "Self-administered/home tests and antibody tests will not be accepted."

In addition to predeparture testing, some travelers must also take a test upon arrival, specifically fully vaccinated travelers who received their final vaccine dose six or more months before entering Anguilla and are still not boosted. This group must submit to arrival testing for $50.

If you are tested upon arrival, note that you must quarantine in your accommodation until the results of your test are processed, usually within 24 hours, per Visit Anguilla.

Conversely, for everyone else, specifically those who are boosted or those who have been fully vaccinated within the preceding six months of entering Anguilla, no arrival testing is required.

Aruba

Aerial view of Renaissance Island. (Photo by Holger Leue/Getty Images)

On March 19, Aruba became the latest Caribbean destination to drop all COVID-19-travel restrictions, including that travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival or proof of vaccination.

The news follows Aruba’s decision to drop the pre-travel testing requirement for vaccinated travelers in February.

This means the only pre-travel step required for travelers to Aruba, regardless of vaccination status, is to complete an online embarkation form. Upon arrival at the airport, you are expected to wear a face mask; note that individual businesses may ask you to do so as well.

Otherwise, travel to Aruba at this time should be a relatively easy lift.

Europe

Hungary

The Hungarian Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube at dawn. (Photo by Sasipa Muennuch/Getty Images)

All COVID-19-related travel restrictions for the country of Hungary were lifted as of March 7, according to a press release issued by Hungarian officials.

“In accordance with this, it is possible to enter the territory of Hungary by public road, railway, water and air traffic – regardless of citizenship and protection against the coronavirus – but other general conditions of entry (e.g. a valid travel document) must be provided,” according to the Hungarian police.

In total, this means that no testing, quarantine or pre-travel documentation is required on the part of the traveler.

More information on U.S. citizens traveling to Hungary is available via the U.S. Embassy in Hungary.

The Netherlands

Canal in Amsterdam. (Photo by George Pachantouris/Getty Images)

As of March 23, all travelers to the Netherlands no longer have to submit a predeparture test to enter the country, finally lifting the requirement for vaccinated American tourists hoping to visit, according to updated guidance from Dutch government officials.

For now, at least, travelers from the U.S. must either be fully vaccinated or show proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the six months prior to entry in order to visit. In order to be considered fully vaccinated, travelers must show proof of a booster shot if more than 270 days have elapsed since the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Full vaccination requirements are outlined here.

Additionally, all incoming travelers must complete an online health declaration form.

Spain

Barcelona. (Photo by Jorg Greuel/Getty Images)

Spanish authorities extended current entry protocols for travelers from certain countries, including U.S.-based travelers, through April 3, according to the Spanish Health Ministry's risk list of countries updated on March 29.

While current entry requirements remain in place, Americans are able to visit Spain by showing proof of full vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19. Spain considers travelers fully vaccinated if they are boosted within 270 days of receiving their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Travelers ages 12-18 do not have to be fully vaccinated to enter but must take a predeparture PCR test within 72 hours of departing for Spain if they are not vaccinated.

Testing and vaccination rules do not apply to travelers under age 12, but all passengers (regardless of age) arriving in Spain by air or sea, including transit passengers, must complete an online Health Control Form before departure.

Sweden

Stockholm. (Photo by Stefan Cristian Cioata/Getty Images)

Although Sweden previously reopened to fellow European Union travelers, Americans have remained barred from entry, though this will change beginning April 1, according to a press release issued by the Swedish Ministry of Justice.

“This also means that the requirement to present vaccination and test certificates when entering Sweden will be removed,” per the Swedish government, which said the country’s public health agency will no longer classify COVID-19 as a public health threat. “Although the pandemic is not over, it has entered a new phase thanks to high vaccination coverage combined with the lower risk of serious illness posed by the currently dominant virus variant, omicron.”

Therefore, American travelers to Sweden will no longer have to complete any pre-travel steps, including previous proof of vaccination and testing requirements.

“We have already lifted the entry ban within the EU. Now the Government has decided not to extend the entry ban from third countries,” said Sweden’s Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Morgan Johansson. “This will make it much easier for everyone who has been prevented from coming to Sweden in recent years due to the pandemic.”

Otherwise, all domestic COVID-19 measures were removed on Feb. 9.

United Kingdom

Tower Bridge in London. (Photo by Dario Amade/Getty Images)

All remaining COVID-19 restrictions were dropped for visitors to the United Kingdom as of March 18, which is good news for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers alike as neither passenger type will be subject to any entry requirements, including the once-cumbersome passenger locator form and multiple testing procedures.

South America

Chile

Since March 8, travelers to Chile do not need to take a COVID-19 test upon entering, but travelers age 2 and older must still take a PCR test within 72 hours of boarding their flight for the country, per updated entry requirements released by Chile Travel on March 16.

Additionally, travelers may be subject to random PCR or antigen testing upon arrival in Chile. If the latter is administered, you may wait at the point of entry until receipt of negative results.

All visitors age 6 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter, in addition to completing an online travel affidavit form up to 48 hours before boarding and possessing health insurance with a minimum coverage amount to meet any COVID-19-related costs that may arise.

Oceania

Australia

Australian government officials will further ease entry requirements for vaccinated travelers starting April 17, paving the way to go Down Under.

Although proof of vaccination will remain compulsory for tourists, including Americans, these travelers will no longer need to submit a negative COVID-19 test to board a flight to Australia starting April 17, country authorities said last week.

When the new guidelines take effect next month, unvaccinated travelers must continue adhering to predeparture testing requirements, specifically by submitting results of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours or 24 hours, respectively, of your flight’s scheduled departure.

Also note that unvaccinated travelers must apply for a travel exemption and agree to quarantine at a government-approved hotel, the details of which are determined by the specific state or territory you are visiting, with further information outlined by the Australian Department of Health.

Note that all arriving air passengers in Australia must complete an online Digital Passenger Declaration form.

New Zealand

Joining their Australian neighbors, New Zealand is set to bring back international travelers sans quarantine starting May 1, specifically fully vaccinated travelers from approximately 60 countries around the world, including travelers from the U.S.

In further good news for Americans seeking to visit, New Zealand is waiving the visa requirement for visitors from specific countries, including the U.S., U.K. and most EU member countries.

“Travelers from countries not on this list cannot enter New Zealand until October 2022, although this is set to be reviewed by the New Zealand government,” the New Zealand Labour Party said in a press statement on March 16.

Although the country is welcoming back visitors after nearly two years, stringent testing requirements will remain in place as all arrivals must submit a negative COVID-19 test before departing for New Zealand, in addition to taking a rapid test upon arrival and again on either day five or six of their stay.

Ahead of the general public, Australians will be permitted to enter starting April 12.

“Closing our border was one of the first actions we took to stop COVID-19 two years ago. It did the job we needed,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement. “But now that we’re highly vaccinated and predicted to be off our Omicron peak, it’s now safe to open up.”

Bottom line

In the past two weeks, several Asian countries have announced reopening dates to welcome back American tourists, including Singapore and South Korea.

Additional countries declaring reopening plans after implementing among the strictest of protocols for the past two years, including Australia and New Zealand, seem to suggest this wave of increased reopenings will continue in time.

Be sure to check back for a regularly updated guide.

Featured image by Getty Images

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.