Are you wondering about international travel restrictions during the Omicron wave? In this post, we'll offer a travel guide with everything you need to know.
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While the COVID-19 virus continues to develop multiple variants, governments and authorities around the world are rethinking their international travel restrictions.
Though the latest variant - Omicron - seems to have a low mortality rate, it continues to cause a surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide due to the fact that it's the most contagious strain we are aware of.
If you're planning to travel abroad within the next while, you'll want to read this post to gain some insight into what to expect while traveling. You'll find the most recent information on COVID-19 travel restrictions in some of the most popular destinations in the world.
Argentina
Argentina has released new simplified measures for traveling to the country as of April 7. To travel here, you'll need to do these things to enter:
- Complete the Declaración jurada within 48 hours before arriving, certifying that you are symptom-free.
- Provide proof of medical assistance insurance including quarantine, hospitalization and medical transfer services in case you contract a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or contact cases, for the duration of your stay.
Australia
For vaccinated visitors, travel to Australia got much easier this month as the country reopened to those coming for holidays and tourism. Visitors who have had two shots no longer need to take a PCR test as of April 18. is a change of previous rules that stated a pre-arrival test had to be taken one day before arrival and should make international travel by air and cruise more accessible.
However, travelers will need to show proof of vaccination. Otherwise, they may not qualify as a fully vaccinated travel which can result in mandatory quarantine, testing or being denied entry.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated visitors are still banned from traveling to Australia for non-essential reasons.
For international flights arriving in Australia, a commercial travel mask mandate still applies. Local city and state mask rules vary by location. Masks are typically required in indoor areas.
Italy
While much has changed when it comes to international travel, Italy will still be a destination for its breathtaking natural landscapes, appetizing food and its many notable museums.
As of April 1, domestic measures in the country have eased. You won't require a Super Green Pass certifying that you've been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 to access as many facilities.
However, Super Green Passes remain mandatory for access to theatres and cinemas, indoor dining, nightclubs, fitness facilities and social and health care facilities.
People who have recently tested negative for COVID-19 will need a mandatory Basic Green Pass for flights, ferries, interregional coaches and trains and outdoor events. You won't need any Green Pass to use outdoor dining or local public transport services.
Facemasks are still mandatory for indoor pubic spaces and on public transport.
International travelers must have:
- Certificate of vaccination, OR
- Certificate of recovery dating from within six months prior to arrival, OR
- A negative test result from either a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure or a Rapid Antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure for the country
Travelers who do not meet these requirements must self-isolate for five days upon entry, inform the regional health authority, and take another test at the end of their isolation period.
Save for those entering from Vatican City or San Marino, all permitted incoming travelers must fill out a digital passenger locator form before arriving.
These individuals are exempt from testing and isolation requirements:
- Those staying in Italy for less than 120 hours for work reasons
- Health and transport workers in transit through Italy
Spain
Spain updated its rules this month. As of April 25, non-EU nationals can enter the country with a recovery certificate as well as their vaccination certificate.
Regardless of your country of origin, all passengers arriving by air (except children under 12 and those in international transit) must have one of these two documents:
- An EU Digital COVID Certificate (or equivalent certificate recognized by the EU). This. maybe in the form of a negative test certificate, vaccination certificate, or recovery certificate. Check if your certificate is valid on Spain's Travel Health website or SpTH app. See a full list of the third (non-EU) countries whose certificates are recognized by the EU as equivalent to the EU Digital COVID certificate.
- A Spain Travel Health QR code. If you do not have an EU Digital COVID Certificate (or equivalent certificate recognized by the EU), you must enter your vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test certificate details via the Spain Travel Health website or the SpTH app to generate a SpTH QR code.
More Entry Requirements for Non-EU Nationals
For third-country nationals (those from outside the EU) must meet these additional entry requirements. Unless you belong to certain categories, you could be denied entry for reasons of public order or public health.
Persons with a vaccination or recovery certificate. Except for children aged 12 to 18, a negative test certificate is not accepted. Children under 12 do not need to provide a certificate of any kind. If you're a non-EU national, expect you'll be required to show proof of vaccination or recovery when entering Spain.
Accepted Tests & Vaccines
Vaccines must have been authorized by the European Medicines Agency or World Health Organization. While certificates with vaccines not authorized by these agencies are also acceptable, the last dose administered must be one of the authorized vaccines.
Vaccination certificates must show that no more than 270 days have passed since you've received your last dose. Your certificate will need to show you've received a booster dose after that timeframe.
When a negative diagnostic test result is used, it must be performed within 24 hours of departure in the case of Rapid Antigen Tests, or within 72 hours of departure for PCR tests.
Recovery certificates must be issued at least 11 days after the first positive test, up to a maximum of 180 days after the sample date, to be valid. Accepted Rapid Antigen Tests must have been authorized by the European Commission and conducted by healthcare professionals.
United Kingdom
As of March 18, all testing requirements were removed for all arrivals into the UK. You will also not need to complete a Passenger Locator Form when you arrive.
United States of America
Travel restrictions indicate that international visitors at least two years old must have a negative pre-arrival test. In addition, all age-eligible travelers must be fully vaccinated.
Remember that vaccine mandates for certain indoor and outdoor facilities and activities such as museums, restaurants and sporting events may still be in place.
The federal mask mandate on commercial transit was also still in effect this month - you may want to confirm its status before your departure.
As vaccination rates increase and hospitalization rates decrease, indoor vaccination mandates are expiring in cities such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles (city and county), New York City, Washington, D.C. and more.
What to Remember
Keep in mind that in coming weeks, authorities in any country or destination could further tighten, extend, reimpose or otherwise amend any restrictions with little to no notice depending on COVID-19 disease activity. Reconfirm travel arrangements before leaving for the airport.
Consider delaying traveling if you experience COVID-19-related symptoms, as your symptoms may trigger increased scrutiny and delays during your voyage. Make contingency plans and ensure they account for further measures that may disrupt or extend current restrictions.
If you require a COVID-19 test, including an RT-PCR Test or an Antigen Test, or have questions about COVID Certificates, talk to our team.