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It's fair to say Covid has completely changed the way we travel and in most cases has made the simple act of taking a flight an intimidating journey for many. From borders being closed, flights being cancelled, different types of testing requirements, varying vaccine requirements to mandatory quarantines, almost all countries have some sort of restriction in place when it comes to international travelers.
While some countries have began to loosen restrictions, almost all still require invasive last minute Covid testing that could bring back a positive result meaning the end of your vacation before it has even started. Thankfully for those who want to avoid the stress of testing, quarantines and border closures, there are a few countries left that have no travel restrictions in place.
The following 3 countries DO NOT require proof of a negative test or vaccination and do not require travelers to quarantine upon arrival. While there are still some basic online forms to fill out, they can be done online in a matter of minutes. If you're looking for a stress free trip this winter where you don't have to worry about testing, vaccine or quarantines, then these 3 countries are your best bet.
What Americans And Canadians Need To Know Before Booking A Trip
While the 3 countries below do not require testing for entry into the country both Canadians and Americans will require proof of a negative-19 test to board their flights home.
U.S. Travelers
Vaccinated: All vaccinated Americans returning home must present a negative rapid test no older than 72 hours before boarding their flight home.
Non-Vaccinated: All unvaccinated Americans must present proof of a negative rapid test no older than 24 hours before boarding their flight.
Canadians Travelers
All Canadian travelers returning home from abroad will be required to present proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours of the scheduled departure time of your last direct flight to Canada.
The testing rules for both the United States and Canada apply to all travelers regardless of vaccination status.
The Last 3 Countries Without Restrictions
Mexico
Mexico has been the tourism king throughout the entire pandemic hosting tens of millions of Americans due to its relaxed entry requirements. Travelers from all countries are able to enter Mexico without needing a negative Covid-19 test or having to quarantine upon arrival. This goes for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
The only requirement for travelers entering Mexico is to fill out an online form called the Vuela Seguro. The form must be completed less than 12 hours before your flight and only takes a few minutes to complete.
Travelers should be aware that there has been a recent uptick in crime in the Riviera Maya including the shooting deaths of 2 tourists in Tulum resulting in the National Guard being deployed to protect tourism in the area.
Colombia
Colombia has been an up and coming destination for years as the country has worked hard to shed itself from its notorious past. Colombia currently does not require any Covid-19 testing before arrival and there are no quarantines. This goes for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
The only requirement to enter Colombia is to fill out an online form called the Check-Mig. This form must be filled out within 48 hours of arrival and presented to airlines and border authorities upon arrival.
Destinations in Colombia such as Medellin and Cartagena are seeing large increases in tourism but travelers should be aware of safety issues while in these new tourism hot-spots.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is currently open for tourism under regular visa rules and does not require travelers to present a negative covid test or quarantine upon arrival. This goes for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
All travelers must fill out an online form called the E-Ticket before arriving or departing the Dominican Republic. While there is no mandatory testing that must be presented upon arrival, Dominican authorities have stated that they are random testing a very select few people at entry but will account for less than 5% of arrivals.
What About Costa Rica?
While Costa Rica made out initial list of top winter destinations with no travel restrictions, we have now removed them due to a new vaccine passport that will come into effect starting December 1st.
Costa Rica does not require a negative test or proof of vaccination to enter the country but once inside, rules become very strict.
Unvaccinated tourists will not be able to enter hotels, accommodations, bars, restaurants, malls, casinos and spas.
While the list of countries with no travel restrictions continues to shrink, Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic have hundreds of beautiful destinations to explore. To avoid testing, quarantines, vaccine passports, closed borders and cancelled flights, they are your best bet for a getaway.
Wherever you decide to go, these are crazy times and travel interruptions should be expected. Make sure to get your trip covered with proper insurance and only book changeable flight tickets.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Chris
Monday 22nd of November 2021
As of Novemeber 15th 2021 Costa Rica has changed the rules they were going to implement, they have been cancelled!
Cindy
Sunday 14th of November 2021
Apparently Dominican is now no longer one of the three.
Mario
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
Thanks, 3 countries to avoid at all costs. Now let's get vaccine passports inside the US.
Nitram
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
@Storm, Hi, there just to remind you the vaccine dosn't at all stop you from being infectious on the contrairy it makes the vaccinated mass of people upto 3 times more contagious. Unvaccinated people have symtoms that warn them they are ill and can take appropriate action, test and selfisolation and on top of that immunise themselves to a level that they can't pass it on when they have recovered unlike the vaccine that dosn't stop you from passing it.
Storm
Friday 12th of November 2021
@Adam, Alcohol is not a deadly infectious disease. Happy to 'tolerate and respect' people who decide not to become vaccinated provided they remain isolated from anyone that they can infect and thereby potentially kill by their choice. I certainly won't tolerate or respect anyone who thinks that their right to carry and pass on a deadly disease and very possibly kill me or my family or anyone else must also come with access to more than the inside of their own home.
Adam
Friday 5th of November 2021
@Mario, Why don't you decide for yourself? Get the vaccine if that's your thing. Why force others? I believe we should learn the word "tolerance" and "respect". We accept people might have different views on politics, health, religion, sexual orientation. Why not let people choose what they should do with their own health? Alcohol is proved to be harmful to human body. Somehow we don't ban it even if plenty of people die from alcoholism or alcohol related illnesses every year. At the same time nobody forces you to drink alcohol. Historically speaking, all those who supported forcing others to do something against their will have fallen victim to that same rule. "The taste of their own medicine". You're cheering for things like covid passports today. Tomorrow you might be forced by the same government to go to war against a peaceful country just because their megalomaniac ego tells them so.
Jess
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
@Mario, absolutely! I can't believe the number of anti-vax posts here. How presumptive to think you can go into a another country and spread COVID.
John
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
@Mario, How about going back if you don't like what America stands for? America is a free society therefore vaccine passports are not aligned with our culture
Jack Hawkins
Monday 1st of November 2021
This is extremely worrisome. There was like 15 countries last year open without requirements. Now we have this miracle vaccine and the restrictions are getting even tighter. Makes sense if the vaccine is so effective huh?
Expats and nomads who aren't anti freedom will be screwed if Mexico or Colombia change their mind. You won't be be able to move around if there is only 1 country open and you'll need to renew a visa eventually.
Dominican republic is off limits as they enforce vaccine passports for about everything other than resorts. Even if it's not for tourists, your money is going to suppress the locals who are pro freedom.
Maxime
Wednesday 5th of January 2022
@Dr. Frank Fullmich, hello,
Do you recommend some states more than others? Best mexican states without all the nonsense? Free...
Thank you!
Christian
Wednesday 3rd of November 2021
@Jack Hawkins, Back then, during the Cold War, we were able to travel to half the world that had freedom. Now the balance has shifted from 50/50 to 0.1% vs 99.9%. The free world is disappearing indeed.
Dr. Frank Fullmich
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
@Jack Hawkins, we have been living in Mexico for 3 years now seeing this shit coming..too many canadians, americans and Europeans are moving here with their money for ti to change...its perfect here and will remain so...Mexico is about FREEDOM...when ur visa runs out, they are giving u temporary 4 year citizenship without proof of income..easy peasy...
Diana Pettijohn
Monday 1st of November 2021
Do I need a covid test to enter Guatemala if I have been fully vacined
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 1st of November 2021
No, as long as two weeks has passed since your vaccination