The destinations that have scrapped all Covid travel restrictions – with the same rules for unvaccinated visitors

On 1 August, Malaysia removed all of its remaining Covid restrictions, including the requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result at the border.

Now international visitors may visit this southeast Asia hub with the usual, pre-pandemic passport and visa rules (make sure your passport is valid for six months from the date you arrive).

Other nations to follow suit and simplify all rules include the twin Caribbean islands of St Kitts and Nevis, and the British Overseas Territory St Helena, which previously demanded seven days’ quarantine from arrivals.

Now most of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations are friction-free to visit, with the notable exception of Spain, which still requires proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test result from anyone aged 12 and over.

But if you’re looking for the simplest and least stressful holiday out there, these destinations are your best bet.

All of these countries have now removed both entry requirements such as tests and proof of vaccination, and all or most of their rules on the ground (with some still requiring or recommending masks in certain spaces, such as on public transport).

Ireland

The UK’s emerald neighbour scrapped its remaining Covid-related rules for international visitors in early March, including eliminating its passenger locator form. Now travellers to the country, regardless of vaccination status, will have no pandemic-related admin to contend with before departure or on arrival. The Irish government announced: “From Sunday 6 March 2022, travellers to Ireland are not required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival. There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travellers to Ireland.”

Denmark

This Scandi city-break favourite dropped the majority of its Covid rules back in February, but in late March eased restrictions even for unvaccinated people coming from non-EU countries – before, they’d needed a pre-travel test. However, authorities warned that they reserve the right to put restrictions on countries where new variants are detected. “As a part of this contingency, the so-called ‘handbrake’ can be activated if concerning variants emerge. The handbrake is not activated for any countries at this time,” said a government statement.

Norway

Norway was one of the first to axe all of its Covid restrictions in one fell swoop, back on 12 February. “From Saturday, 12 February…