With COVID-19 essentially stopping tourism travel, we’ve all been wondering if it will be possible to travel in summer 2020. Now, some countries are starting to discuss options to reopen for tourism at some point this summer – under certain conditions, of course. Here’s a current list of countries that are planning to open for tourism this summer. We’ll try to keep this up to date as much as possible. However, please note that with the always-changing situation concerning COVID-19, always double-check with official government sources before travelling.
*Last updated 29/5/2020
Europe
While the European Union has been discussing measures to safely open borders, each individual country also has the ability to make decisions about how and when they will reopen to tourists. It currently looks like there are lots of different approaches to reopening depending on the country. A few countries have started discussing plans to reopen as soon as this summer.
Greece
Greece recently released plans to hopefully reopen to tourists starting July 1st. After being one of the more successful countries at suppressing the coronavirus, Greece is optimistic about reopening and recently announced plans to allow for a summer tourist season. This plan would require visitors to be tested for Covid-19 before departing their home country. Greece would continue to keep an emphasis on social distancing measures in tourism destinations.
Cyprus
Cyprus announced it’s intent to allow visitors starting June 9th. However, it only plans to welcome those from countries it has deemed ‘safe’ due to low infection rates. The country also said that it will pay for accommodation, meals, and medication of any tourist that contracts COVID-19 while visiting.
Iceland
Iceland recently released plans to open for tourism (under specific conditions) beginning by June 15. In this plan, tourists visiting Iceland will have the choice between an immediate 14-day quarantine, getting tested for the coronavirus, or presenting a health certificate from the health authorities in their home country. Internationals will also be required to install an app that the country is using for contact tracing.
Italy
The Italian government has said it expects borders to be open to tourism by summertime. While no plans have been formally shared, Italy is currently planning to have restaurants, cafes and bars open in June. Also, Italy’s president of the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) told reporters last month that he is working to open the Italian borders to tourists in 2020.
Spain
The Prime Minister of Spain recently announced that tourists will be permitted to enter the country starting in July. It is not yet known what specific protective measures will be put in place or if there will limited entry to tourists from specific countries.
Portugal
Portugal’s foreign minister recently announced that Portugal is currently open for tourists. However, flights coming from outside the EU are not allowed until June 15, meaning tourists currently visiting are mainly from Europe. Visitors can expect that health checks will be implemented at airports.
Croatia
Officials in Croatia have not released formal plans but have suggested that they may be open to foreign tourists later this year. Croatia and the Czech Republic are first discussing a plan to allow for Czech tourists who can prove they don’t have the disease to travel into Croatia.
Australia and New Zealand
Both Australia and New Zealand have recently reported low case numbers and are now revealing plans to reopen, including a plan for a trans-Tasman “bubble.” This will allow for travel between Australia and New Zealand. As of this writing, there is not a set date for this trans-Tasman bubble. However, Australia’s Prime Minister expressed hope to begin by July.
Maldives
The Maldives recently announced plans to bring forward its reopening date for international travellers to July 2020. Incoming travellers will need to have a reservation with a tourist facility that has a “safe tourism license” which will accredit facilities that abide by legislation and specific safety requirements. Travellers will also be required to present a medical certificate proving a negative Covid-19 test taken within 14 days of arrival.
Mexico
Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos recently announced that they hope to reopen to tourists as soon as June.
Antigua and Barbuda
The local government of Antigua and Barbuda recently announced their intention of reopening to tourists starting in June.
Aruba
The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba recently announced tentative plans to open its borders between June 15 and July 1.
Saint Lucia
Government officials in Saint Lucia have announced a phased approach to reopening the island for tourists beginning June 4, 2020. In the first phase, Saint Lucia’s international airport will begin accepting international flights from only the United States. Visitors will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight and they will undergo health checks upon arrival. Tourists will also be required to wear masks and practice social distancing during their stay.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands is currently planning to move to the next phase of reopening, where it will open to travellers, on June 1.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos recently announced it will reopen its borders on July 22.
Jamaica
The island of Jamaica recently announced plans to reopen its borders for travellers beginning June 15 with newly-developed health and safety protocols for transportation, restaurants, villa operators, tour providers, and hotels and resorts.
We’re with you in looking forward to when the world opens back up to travellers, but we still encourage you to plan smartly. Here are a few quick tips for successful future trip planning during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Keep an eye on public health guidelines in your home country and at your destination
- Consider booking flights with an airline offering flexible change policies in case something happens and you need to delay your trip
- Consider purchasing a ‘cancel for any reason’ travel insurance policy
- Make yourself aware of your airlines safety guidelines and requirements for travel – most airlines are requiring passengers to wear a mask or face covering