10 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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A post shared by VISIT ITALY ® (@visititalyofficial) on Apr 29, 2020 at 9:00am PDT

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, 2020.

Spain

 

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A post shared by Spain Vacations (@spain.vacations) on May 27, 2020 at 9:45am PDT

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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A post shared by Visit Greece (@visitgreecegr) on May 28, 2020 at 2:24pm PDT

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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A post shared by Travel Saint Lucia (@travelsaintlucia) on May 12, 2020 at 7:02am PDT

The island paradise of Saint Lucia is beginning a phased approach to restart its tourism sector starting June 4. The first phase of the gradual reopening of tourism 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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A post shared by Iceland (@iceland) on Dec 24, 2019 at 12:31am PST

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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A post shared by U.S. Virgin Islands (@usvirginislands) on Jul 29, 2018 at 8:03am PDT

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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A post shared by Georgia (@georgiatravel) on Mar 11, 2020 at 12:57pm PDT

Georgia will be opening its land and air borders and welcoming visitors back to its beautiful country 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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A post shared by The Florida Keys & Key West (@thefloridakeys) on Nov 16, 2019 at 12:16pm PST

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.

Aruba

 

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A post shared by Aruba (@arubatourism) on Oct 14, 2019 at 8:00am PDT

While specific dates have not yet been disclosed, the government of Aruba has announced a tentative reopening of its borders for travel between June 15 and July 1. However, the dates are subject to change as authorities determine additional precautionary health and safety measures.

Portugal

 

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A post shared by Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) on May 5, 2020 at 3:47am PDT

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.