22 destinations that are reopening for travel this summer
As border closures and travel restrictions begin to lift, health authorities are reminding individuals to monitor themselves for any signs of COVID-19. If you are feeling unwell, it is recommended you stay at home. If you do decide to travel, follow the health and safety precautions and protocols outlined by the departure and arrival locations you will be traveling to/from.
Following months of lockdowns, governments around the world are preparing or are already engaged in easing various restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
From Iceland to the Florida Keys, locations are gradually adjusting to the current circumstances while doing what they can to plan for the future.
While many regions are still discouraging non-essential travel, destinations that heavily rely on tourism as a primary portion of their economies are instituting strategies to reopen for visitors as soon as possible.
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Here is a list of destinations that are aiming to welcome tourists back this summer.
Italy
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After beginning to ease its lockdown measures on May 4, Italy’s Council of Ministers announced on May 16 that the country would permit regional travel starting June 3.
Spain
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In a briefing on May 23, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez urged all residents to begin planning their holidays for domestic destinations, explaining that they will likely be able to enjoy as of the end of June. Foreign tourists will be permitted to arrive as of July, he stated.
Greece
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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on May 20 that direct international flights from abroad to the country’s tourist destinations would begin gradually starting July 1. Arriving visitors will be required to participate in coronavirus testing upon arrival, and Greece’s other health protocols and safety measures will continue to be enforced.
Saint Lucia
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The island paradise of Saint Lucia began a phased approach to restart its tourism sector on June 4. The first phase will start with international flights returning to the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), but only from the United States to start. Phase 2 of the process will be rolled out to international travelers beginning August 1.
Iceland
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Iceland extended its previous travel restrictions implemented on March 20, past the original date of May 15, one month more to June 15 to comply with the EU Commission recommendation to the Schengen Member States. According to the Government of Iceland’s website, the country expects to ease restrictions surrounding international arrivals no later than June 15.
US Virgin Islands
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According to an update provided to leisure travelers, the US Virgin Islands will enter a phased reopening and will lift travel restrictions on June 1. However, the territory’s state of emergency will remain in effect through July 11. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals such as Airbnb are not allowed to accept guests or reservations prior to June 1.
Georgia
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Georgia will be opening its land and air borders and welcoming visitors back starting July 1. Domestic tourism is set to begin on June 15, along with the creation of “safe tourist zones.”
The Florida Keys
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The Florida Keys will reopen to leisure travelers beginning June 1, but travelers will be required to follow some additional rules. All arrivals at the Key West International Airport and the Florida Keys International Airport will be subject to coronavirus screening through May 31. A full comprehensive list outlining instructions for travelers can be found on the Florida Keys website.
Portugal
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Portugal plans to reopen its beaches by June 6, the “beginning of the bathing season.” Flights from outside of the European Union will not be permitted until June 15.
Cyprus
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Cyprus will start allowing travelers from multiple countries back starting in June, with qualifying countries being divided into two categories, Category A and Category B. Starting on June 20, visitors from Category A countries will not face any quarantine restrictions.
Jamaica
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Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism announced that the country would be reopening its borders for the repatriation of citizens as of June 1 and will begin welcoming international travelers as of June 15.
The Maldives
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Although an official date has yet to be set, The Maldives’ Minister of Tourism explained in a statement that the islands were planning on a July reopening of the islands’ borders.
Estonia
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The Republic of Estonia reopened its borders to European countries on Monday, June 1. Individuals from some of these countries also have the bonus of not having to quarantine once they get there. A comprehensive list of these travelers can be found on the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Turks and Caicos
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Regional and international travelers will be permitted to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands as of July 22. The islands’ Ministry of Tourism and Board of Tourism is working alongside representatives in the tourism industry to create health and safety precautions to ensure the wellbeing of workers and travelers once borders reopen.
The Bahamas
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The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation of The Bahamas, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, has developed a detailed strategy to reopen its borders and welcome back international visitors starting July 1.
Austria
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Austria reopened its borders to select neighboring European countries on June 4. It currently has travel warnings issued for 34 countries around the world.
French Polynesia
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Authorities in French Polynesia recently announced they will reopen the country’s borders to international tourism starting July 15. This decision comes as the “health situation is now completely under control.”
The Dominican Republic
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The Dominican Republic is instituting plans to reopen the country’s borders to welcome back international travelers starting July 1 as part of Phase 4 of its “de-escalation process.”
Aruba
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Aruba will be reopening its borders to travelers from abroad beginning June 15, when visitors from Bonaire and Curaçao will be permitted entry to the island. From there, travelers from the Caribbean — except for those coming from the Dominican Republic and Haiti — as well as Canada and Europe, will be allowed to visit beginning July 1. Individuals journeying from the United States will be welcomed as of July 10.
Switzerland
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Scheduled to take place on June 15, Switzerland’s border restrictions will be lifted for neighboring European countries as well as to other countries within the Schengen region.
Germany
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The Federal Foreign Office of Germany announced that it would be lifting its worldwide travel warning for countries within the European Union, the Schengen countries, and the United Kingdom from June 15, and it will replace it with guidelines for specific countries and regions.
The Netherlands
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As of June 15, travel between The Netherlands and other countries within the European Union and Schengen area will be permitted. According to the government website, the travel status of these regions will be change from orange (travel not recommended) to yellow (travel is possible, but travelers are advised to keep an eye out for potential risks).