What countries can I travel to if I’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine?

As COVID-19 vaccination efforts are underway around the world, many people are hoping that getting the doses could be their ticket to international travel. And in a number of countries, proving that you've received a vaccine will grant you access - and the chance to skip the quarantine period that has curbed so much leisure travel. While rules will vary based on your country of origin, these are some countries that are allowing entry for vaccinated travelers.

Belize

Travelers who have been vaccinated can now visit Belize without quarantining, provided they wait until two weeks after their final dose to be inoculated against COVID-19. To enter the country, visitors must download the Belize Health App and and enter their vaccine health information no less than 72 hours before traveling to Belize. Travelers who aren't vaccinated will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within 96 hours of travel. 

Belize is reopening to vaccinated tourists © Fotos593 / Shutterstock

Estonia

Mandatory quarantine will be waived for travellers to Estonia who can prove they’ve received the vaccine from one of its nine agreed global suppliers. Travelers will be required to provide a vaccination record that includes both the manufacturer and batch numbers for their vaccine in English, Russian or Estonian. Travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months can also skip quarantine if they can supply a doctor’s certificate.

Georgia

International travelers who can prove they’ve received a two-dose course of a COVID-19 vaccine can arrive by air in Georgia. There are separate entry rules for unvaccinated visitors based on their destination of origin.

Exterior of Narilka Fortress in Tbilisi. ©Pixelchrome Inc/Getty Images

Iceland

One of the world’s most coveted travel destinations, Iceland will allow qualifying visitors to skip testing and quarantine if they have proof they've received a COVID-19 vaccine. Travelers will need to show an approved digital or paper vaccination certificate in Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish or English to skip screenings. Iceland is the first country in the EU/Schengen area to allow entry to vaccinated passengers from anywhere in the world, after expanding access to those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Poland

Poland accounced in December that quarantine would not be required for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Poland is still only allowing travelers from certain countries of origin.

Romania

The country is waiving quarantine for those who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The country announced that arriving travelers won't need to quarantine if they’ve had two doses of the vaccine and at least ten days have passed since their second dose. However, they will need to show proof of vaccination.

Bran Castle is one of Romania's top attractions ©Gaspar Janos/Shutterstock

Where can I go without a vaccination? 

The answer to this question often depends on your country of origin, however there are a few countries that are allowing all tourists without a vaccination. This includes the Seychelles, which at first opened to vaccinated travelers, but will now expand access to everyone regardless of vaccination status Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Maldives are also among the countries that are welcoming all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. 

What destinations could be next?

Greece hopes to welcome vaccinated travelers and those who can present a negative COVID-19 test result to the country from 14 May. Other destinations, such as Singapore, have mulled whether vaccinated travelers will be allowed in as countries continue to weigh how to safely bring back travel while protecting local residents.

In the US, some states are beginning to ease domestic travel restrictions as the nationwide vaccine rollout program amps up. Vermont has dropped its quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers, while from April 1, New York will no longer require domestic travelers to quarantine upon arrival, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

But where you can travel may depend on where you are from, as certain countries will allow vaccinated travelers from those that share a reciprocal agreement. Before Greece opens up to the wider world, it has entered an agreement with Israel and Cyprus to allow travelers with a vaccine passport to travel between their countries. And the European Union is moving ahead on plans for a “digital green pass” that would facilitate travel within the EU by indicating if the holder has been vaccinated or has tested negative for the virus.