U.S. Issues First ESTA Price Increase Since 2015 The United States is increasing the cost of the ESTA waiver visa for incoming tourists. There have been rumors of a price increase for several months, but the final rule is effective from May 20, 2022.  The ESTA is an online system whereby nonimmigrant visitors planning to …

Chile is reopening its world-famous Easter Island in August after almost 2 and a half years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Easter Island—which is over 2,000 miles (3,129km) off the coast of Chile—is home to the iconic giant heads carved by the locals centuries ago. It’s also famous for its stunning nature.  Chile’s …

Spain has become one of the latest nations to allow unvaccinated Americans to visit this summer. The European nation has some of the strictest COVID-19 entry requirements in Europe. However, as cases continue to fall, Spain will allow unvaccinated tourists from outside the EU—including Americans—to visit the nation. Currently, Spain has banned unvaccinated non-EU citizens …

Israel has become the latest nation to drop all COVID-19 entry requirements. The nation’s ministry of health said on Tuesday (May 17th) that they would ease the entry rules on Saturday, May 21st. The director of the Israel Government Tourist Office in London, Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, said: “This is the news we have been waiting …

As the European summer fast approaches, travel restrictions decrease, and flights return to normal – there’s never been a better time for a European beach vacation.  When people think of a European summer vacation, they often think of the beaches of Greece or Italy – however, these destinations aren’t always the best for budget travelers.  …

If Americans are looking for the perfect vacation destination – the Caribbean is shaping up to be the ideal area for an easy trip. Various Caribbean nations—including some of the most popular destinations for U.S. tourists—have removed all entry requirements for travelers.  Therefore, eager tourists don’t need: Proof of vaccination  Testing Passenger locator forms  To …

Are you fed up with wearing masks? After two years of COVID-19—most people have some type of mask fatigue. Cancun, however, has finally ended its COVID-19 mask mandate after 0 deaths occurred in the region in five weeks and cases average below 20 per day.  The New Mask Rules According to Mexico News Daily, the …

As summer 2022 approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for substantial travel numbers. They believe passenger volumes may even exceed that of 2019 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  The TSA’s Statement  TSA Administrator, David Pekoske, said: “Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints show that people are traveling again, and …

Travel is rapidly heading back to normal as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. Various countries, especially European nations, have dropped all travel restrictions—including proof of vaccination requirements.  But there’s one issue: everyone is looking to travel again after two years of deprivation. On the travel website Kayak, Domestic travel searches have increased by 78% compared to …

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Interrail is offering 50% off all rail travel passes until May 10. For many backpackers and tourists, Interrail passes are the cheapest, most efficient, and fastest way to explore Europe without breaking the bank.  Interrail will offer the flash sale until Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 11.59 pm UK time.  …

The United States has made major changes to the way it issues travel advisories for Mexico. Previously, the U.S. State Department issued level 1, 2, 3, or 4 nationwide advisories based on how safe Mexico is for U.S. tourists.  Now the U.S. State Department has broken down its Mexico travel advisories into state-specific travel advisories …

The CDC has moved Mexico down from its ‘high risk’ for COVID-19 to ‘moderate risk’ as COVID-19 cases drop in Mexico. In addition, the CDC has also decreased the risk of traveling to Belize and Antigua and Barbuda—two other popular destinations for Americans.  Mexico remains one of the best destinations for North American tourists. With …