Which countries still have Covid travel restrictions?

As Barbados, Japan and Samoa all ease various long-standing Covid-19 rules for tourists, the list of holiday destinations still insisting on tests, proof of vaccination or quarantine is shrinking fast.

While travel sections used to round up the places removing travel restrictions, scrapping Covid admin is now so common that it is becoming easier to list countries which do demand pandemic-related documentation.

From October, Japan will allow individual tourists for the first time since 2020, although they will have to test, while China and Hong Kong have made small moves by shortening their strict quarantine period for incoming visitors. Canada, meanwhile, will drop its random testing policy on Saturday (1 October).

So which countries do you still have to plan ahead for when it comes to Covid tests or documents?

Here’s the current list:

Spain

Spain’s lingering Covid restrictions are expected to be eased in mid-autumn, but until an announcement is made, they are as follows: you must show either proof of full vaccination (three doses); a PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure; or proof of recovery within the past six months. If you are aged 18 and over and have received two doses, the second one between 14 days and 270 days ago, you are still deemed fully vaccinated. If it’s been more than 270 days since the last one, you’ll need a booster or a PCR. Children aged up to 11 are exempt; children aged 12 to 17 only need two doses to be considered fully jabbed. No travellers need to fill in a health form at this stage.

South Korea

While Korea scrapped pre-travel testing on 3 September, the country has kept testing on arrival. “All arrivals, including children aged five and younger, and regardless of nationality and length of stay, are required to take a PCR test within 24 hours of entering South Korea,” advises the Foreign Office (FCDO). You can book one at its international hub, Seoul Incheon Airport, but run the risk of having to quarantine for seven days in a designated government facility if you test positive for Covid-19.

Hong Kong

Visitors to Hong Kong must be fully vaccinated, and take a rapid antigen test within the 24 hours before departure. As of 26 September, Britons visiting Hong Kong from the UK may avoid the previous long quarantine period on arrival, and instead self-monitor in their accommodation for three days, with certain venues such as restaurants and bars…