Dust off your suitcase, dig out your passport and grab your cosy neck pillow for that long-haul flight – international travel is back on. For some of us, that is.
If you’re one of the 4.01 billion people (and counting) who has received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose, you are among the lucky few the world is opening up to.
While each nation has different guidelines around who they’re reopening their borders to, generally those who have been double-jabbed have the best travel opportunities on offer.
Currently, 52 doses for every 100 people have been administered, with Malta taking the lead with 74 per cent of its total population fully vaccinated.
After such tumultuous times, it might be time to a break from everyday life with a well-deserved holiday abroad – or at least plan or dream of one.
Countries open to fully vaccinated travellers
Canada
Set to reopen its borders on 7 September to those outside of the US, Canada is easing non-essential travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers, as long as they have been fully vaccinated for 14 days prior to entry.
More than 48.5 million Canadians have been vaccinated against the virus, where 58 per cent have been fully immunised.
Qatar
The Arabian heart of the Middle East is open to curious, fully vaccinated jetsetters to visit.
As long as the vaccine is approved by Qatar and the traveller has been vaccinated for at least 14 days prior to arrival, tourists, citizens and residents will be able to travel more freely.
In Qatar, more than 3.7 million people have been vaccinated, equating to 72 per cent of its population – 60 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Greece
Feeling the warm Mediterranean sunshine on your skin won’t be a distant memory for much longer.
Just over half of Greece’s population has been vaccinated, where 47 per cent have been fully vaccinated, creating a welcome environment for other fully vaccinated travellers – without quarantine restrictions.
Egypt
With a QR-coded COVID-19 vaccination certificate in hand, tourists can once again explore the land of ancient pharaohs.
Despite only 1.6 per cent of the nation being fully vaccinated, Egypt – where tourism usually accounts for 15 per cent of its gross domestic product – is once more hoping to attract holidaymakers from around the world.
France
The rich aromas of fresh pain au chocolat, endless cheese and fine wine is getting stronger for those jabbed with an EU-approved vaccine – including Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson.
Although many restrictions are still in force, France is opening its chic arms to fully vaccinated international travellers.
Seychelles
For those chasing a tropical paradise, the Seychelles is the place to be. Especially now that it’s announced it is welcoming tourists from most countries.
Quarantine requirements are out and a curfew from 11pm to 4am is in – all shops, bars, restaurants and casinos are required to operate shorter hours.
Iceland
All eyes have been on Iceland as Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted an entire year after the globe began going into lockdown, creating a positive tourism lure for the nation.
With 70 per cent of Iceland fully vaccinated, the Nordic island is allowing fully vaccinated foreign citizens to enter with no quarantine rules. Many who are not fully vaccinated can also travel to the country, however, guidelines apply.
Romania
Known for its medieval towns and fortified castles, a culturally rich Romanian experience is now open for the world to enjoy.
With the exception of those from high-risk countries, people who have been fully vaccinated 10 days prior to arrival are exempt from quarantine and are welcome to the European nation.
Spain
Those who have rolled up their sleeves in the fight against coronavirus can escape from the day-to-day to a world of flamenco music, siestas and picturesque beaches.
Despite its consistently high number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, travellers from most EU countries and selected nations including the US are able to visit Spain.
Thailand
Coronavirus may be raging Thailand, but its biggest island – Phuket – has created a travel-friendly oasis for fully vaccinated tourists from low-risk countries.
Dubbed the Phuket Sandbox, international visitors can travel to the island if they follow strict guidelines including staying there for 14 days. After staying at Phuket for two weeks, tourists can travel beyond the island into the rest of the country, where just 18 per cent of the nation is vaccinated.
