These Countries Are Welcoming Vaccinated Travelers - Full-Time Travel

These Countries Are Welcoming Vaccinated Travelers

These Countries Are Welcoming Vaccinated Travelers  

Many countries have begun vaccination programs in the past couple of months, signaling a positive turning point in the pandemic, not to mention the possibility of travel in the not-so-distant future. Keen to welcome tourists back as soon as possible, some countries are opening their borders to those who can prove they’ve had a vaccine. Of course, it’s still an evolving situation with many fine-print rules, but these destinations will be some to establish travel normalcy in 2021. 

The Seychelles | by Holger Wulschlaeger

Seychelles 

Over 40 percent of the Seychelles’ GDP comes from tourism, and the island is pushing to bring travelers back as soon as possible. No matter where you’re from in the world, if you’ve received both doses of a vaccine at least two weeks before arriving in the Seychelles, you will be permitted entry. There’s one caveat: visitors also need proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before they arrive. A small price to pay for the privilege of reclining on a sun-drenched Seychelles beach.

 

Iceland | by Flore

Iceland 

In January, the Icelandic government announced it would start issuing vaccination certificates to citizens to help them ease back into travel. It also stated the country would begin to accept foreign visitors provided they have proof they’ve received both doses of a vaccine. Right now, this rule only applies to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, so Americans will still be required to get one COVID test on arrival and a second following a five-day quarantine. That policy expires May 1st, so watch this space (and start planning your dream Iceland itinerary now). 

 

Thailand | By Sasin Tipchai

Thailand 

The latest news from Thailand has us dreaming of temples, jungles and islands. Right now, the country has a mandatory two-week quarantine in place for new arrivals, but the island of Phuket is intending to waive that requirement for vaccinated travelers come October 2021. The Phuket Chamber of Commerce and the Phuket Tourist Association are pooling funds to vaccinate at least 70% of residents in the destination, achieving herd immunity before they begin welcoming vaccinated visitors from other countries in the fall. 

 

Georgia | By Iman Gozal

Georgia 

As of February 1st, Georgia announced that citizens from all foreign countries will be permitted entry sans quarantine or test provided they are fully vaccinated. An increasingly popular destination among travelers who like to avoid overly touristy destinations, the country’s vineyard-lined green hills and cool capital city, Tbilisi, would make a pretty perfect 2021 destination.  

 

Romania | Majkl Velner

Romania 

Medieval beauty, Romania, was one of the first countries to offer vaccinated travelers seamless, quarantine-free entry, provided they have proof that dose two was taken at least 10 days prior to their arrival. However, as it stands, those who hail from high-risk destinations (which currently includes the USA) will still have to quarantine for 14 days.

 

Poland | By Maksym Harbar

Poland 

At the end of last December, Poland announced it would be waiving its 10-day mandatory quarantine for travelers from EU countries, provided they’ve been fully vaccinated. There’s still good news if you’re not a European resident – tourists who present a negative COVID test taken 48-hours before arrival are also permitted to skip quarantine. Perhaps a 2021 trip to Kraków is in order? 

 

Cyprus | By Dimitris Vetsikas

Cyprus 

Currently, Cyprus has some pretty strict entry restrictions in place. All visitors have to present a negative PCR test and then enter a 14-day quarantine at a government-assigned accommodation. But, as of this spring, the Mediterranean island will allow vaccinated citizens from its safe travel list to enter and explore freely. The safe travel list is based on the risk associated with each destination, which, of course, means Americans are excluded for the time being, but things could change in the near future. 

"This sculpture is called "Transmission" by artist Daniel Popper. Its a reminder that we are all rooted in love, unity and the divine. She stands a towering 28 feet tall and is located on Mojave Moon Ranch in Joshua Tree. The land is private property, so you can see it from the viewing platform off of Sunfair Road. And take it from me, it's best viewed at sunset."

Reel: @johnofah
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There's more to Greece than the white and blue buildings and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. If you're planning a visit, check out these places below!

📍Kokkinopilos. Preveza
📍Verliga Dragon lake, Thessaly
📍Ithaca island, lonian Sea
📍Aoos springs lake, Epirus
📍Lake Prespes, Macedonia
📍Balda di Stringa waterfalls, Epirus
📍Meteora, Thessaly
📍Pelion, Thessaly
📍Lake Zorika, Epirus
📍Mt Lakmos
📍Crete island, Aegean Sea
📍Gistova Dragon lake, Macedonia

Reel: @farawayfarers
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Swim or kayak through the limestone cliffs of the Twin Lagoon, a must-visit destination for those traveling to Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is called "twin" lagoon because it consists of two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff, with one lagoon on top of the other. The water in the inner lagoon is warm and clear, with a stunning turquoise color that makes it popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reel: @travelifejournal
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Take a dip in a series of seven saltwater lagoons located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The Lagoons of Baltinache are known for their beautiful turquoise waters and unique geological formations. The high concentration of minerals in the water gives it a unique buoyancy that makes swimming in the lagoons a unique experience.

Reel: @everchanginghorizon
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Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park is one of the most memorable experiences you could have. Haleakalā is a Hawaiian name that means “House of the Sun” and is an awesome place to watch the clear night sky and stars fade away as the sun lights up the sky and the earth.

Reel: @girlchill_sunset
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Just 1 hour from Shanghai by train, Cherry Blossom Valley is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The valley is named after the thousands of cherry blossom trees that cover the area and create a stunning display of pink and white flowers. The trees were originally planted in the 1980s by a group of Japanese experts who were invited to China to help with reforestation efforts. The best time to visit is typically in late March or early April. Get there early to beat the crowds!

Reel: @cyncynti
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New Zealand is unbelievable. See it for yourself:

1. Fiordland National Park
2. A classic backcountry hut trip
3. Blue Pools walk
4. Hooker Lake
5. Milford Sound
6. Lake Pukaki

Reel: @kylekotajarvi
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Surrounded by lush greenery, towering karst mountains, and the river flowing through, the Detian Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the close relationship between China and Vietnam. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world.

Reel: @sophoebelous
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Escape to a serene and peaceful oasis away from the bustling city of Marrakech at Le Jardin Secret—a beautiful and historic garden where visitors can escape the noise and chaos and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden was originally built in the 16th century and is home to many different species of plants, including exotic flowers, citrus trees, and palm trees.

Reel: @hypermiggzz
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For a magical moment and bucket list travel experience, visit the end point of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Starting in August, the monarchs travel 2,800 miles south from Canada, making a temporary home amid the towering trees of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, where the two most popular sanctuaries to view them are el Rosario in the state of Michoacan and Piedra Herrada in Estado de México. Standing in silence while thousands of delicate wings beat in unison is something you'll never forget.

Reel: @juliiathompson
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There's just something beautiful about snow covered landscapes like this popular attraction in southwestern Utah. Known for its unique geology, @brycecanyonnps_gov consists of a series of natural amphitheaters, called "hoodoos," formed by erosion of the rock layers.

Photo: @nathanleeallen
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As we experience a couple more weeks of winter, we can't help but dream of tropical destinations like Hawaii. The warm water, sunny skies, and consistent waves make it an ideal destination for surfers. Hawaii has a vibrant surf culture and community and is also a beautiful place to explore outside of the water, with lush green mountains, stunning beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

Reel: @christopherballadarez
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5 PLACES IN THE U.S. THAT FEEL LIKE ANOTHER PLANET:
1. @sequoiakingsnps, California
2. @canyonlandsnps, Utah
3. @olympic_nps, Washington
4. @whitesandsnps, New Mexico
5. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
6. Knik Glacier, Alaska

Reel: @nathanleeallen
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