Which countries will welcome vaccinated tourists this summer?

Despite Covid-19, some destinations, especially those in southern Europe, should welcome all vaccinated travelers without heavy restrictions. Vaccination against Covid-19 will not be a prerequisite to travel abroad this summer. At least in Europe. But having received the injections should allow, in some countries, to avoid restrictions, such as being placed in quarantine or having a negative PCR test. Tourists who have received both doses of vaccine will have to provide a proof to the local authorities, either beforehand via a form or upon arrival, with a vaccination certificate, or with a QR code. To have already been contaminated by the coronavirus could in certain countries give the same rights as a certificate of vaccination, but for a given period, by presenting a positive PCR or serological test.

Countries open to tourists this summer

​Here is a list of countries that will welcome vaccinated travelers starting this summer. 

Croatia

Croatia is banking on the summer season. Vaccinated European travelers can go there now without any restrictions. As well as those who can prove a previous contamination by the virus with a medical certificate or a PCR or antigenic test performed between 180 and 11 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated European tourists are accepted with a PCR test less than 48 hours.
Sanitary restrictions are light since April 1st. Hotels are open, bars and restaurants serve only on terraces, cinemas, exhibition halls and museums welcome the public with a limit of 7 m² per person. The country hopes to reassure tourists with its "Stay Safe in Croatia" label, issued by the government to establishments "that have adopted international standards of health protection and hygiene".

Madeira, Portugal

The archipelago remains relatively unaffected by the epidemic and did not experience containment in 2021. It differs from mainland Portugal, where arrivals are currently restricted to essential reasons and subject to a 14-day isolation. Portugal is among the zealots of the European health certificate and expects to welcome foreign tourists this summer. But Madeira is different and the island is already welcoming tourists. Vaccinated French citizens can fly to the rocky Atlantic islands without restriction, as well as those who can prove they have been cured of Covid-19 within the 90 days preceding their stay. Other travelers must present a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Several health measures remain in effect in Madeira. A curfew is in place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., beaches are accessible, shops and restaurants are open until 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on weekends). After this time, restaurants only provide home delivery service until 10 pm.

Spain

Unlike Portugal or Italy, Spain, the epicenter of French tourism in the summer months, does not currently impose quarantine or isolation on travelers, whether or not they are vaccinated. Only a PCR test performed less than 72 hours before boarding is required. On the ground, restrictions remain in force and vary according to the region (limited travel between autonomous communities; curfew; bars and restaurants closed after a certain time...). But the country, which plans to vaccinate 70% of its population by the end of August, has come out in favor of the European health certificate, which is intended to reassure vaccinated tourists, and is betting on lighter entry conditions.

Spain, has also announced that wearing a mask will not be mandatory on the beaches "if the distance" of 1.5 m is respected, but it will remain mandatory if the tourists moves on the sand. 

Greece

Greece, the summer destination, is the main promoter of the European health passport, and the country has already announced the launch of the tourist season on May 14. Since April 19, all travelers from a limited list of countries are free of quarantine. But non-vaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old. Greece plans to remain under quarantine until May 4. Its main airports on the mainland, in the Cyclades and Crete are reopening their runways.

Malta

Citing a "lead over most other countries in terms of population vaccination figures," the Malta Tourist Board announced on April 13 that international tourism would resume on June 1. From that date, French citizens will be able to travel freely, provided they have received the last dose of the vaccine "at least 14 days before their departure date". Proof of this vaccination will be required before travel.
The country has been in a gradual state of containment since April 12. The reopening of non-essential businesses and gatherings in public spaces of up to four people will be allowed from April 26.

Iceland

Since March 18, vaccinated tourists traveling to Iceland are exempt from the six-day isolation requirement. They still have to perform a PCR test upon arrival in the country until May 1st. The same conditions apply to travelers who can show proof of previous infection via a positive serological or PCR test older than 14 days.
There are very few restrictions in the only country in Europe that has never had a lockdown or curfew. Hotels, bars and restaurants are open, although some prefer to close due to lack of traffic. Swimming pools and hot springs, real institutions in Iceland, are open up to 75% of their usual capacity.

Israel

The Hebrew State, champion of vaccination, opens its borders for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. But only to vaccinated travelers. However, travellers will have to undergo three successive tests: a first PCR test before departure, a second PCR test and a serological test upon arrival in the country. These conditions are to be extended to individual tourists in a second phase.

However, travelers are still not guaranteed to be able to leave with their families, as the Israeli authorities have recently stated that they will only accept children who are already infected and cured of the coronavirus. More precise information concerning the conditions of entry into the territory should be provided in the next few days.

The country is gradually returning to normal life. Holders of the "green passport", issued to vaccinated people, can enter shops, restaurants, gyms and cultural places. The wearing of a sanitary mask will no longer be compulsory outdoors from Sunday 18 April.

Seychelles

It is one of the only countries in the world to open its borders widely to tourists, and to do so without distinguishing between vaccinated travelers and others. Since March 25, the Seychelles archipelago has been taking advantage of the progress of its vaccination campaign (nearly 70% of its population had received at least one dose by April 13, according to Our World in Data) to welcome tourists from all over the world, with the exception of South Africa. Travelers, vaccinated or not, must present a PCR test 72 hours before boarding.

On site, a curfew is in effect from 10 pm to 4 am and wearing a mask is mandatory. Beaches and restaurants are open, but bars and nightclubs remain closed.

​If you were wondering, yes it will finally be possible to travel to some countries this summer. Vaccinated travelers will probably have fewer restrictions than other travelers, but it's too early to tell at this point. 

VISION Destinations | May 21

---