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COVID Travel Restrictions For ViaHero Destinations

ViaHero
Updated December 3, 2022

Planning a trip has always been complicated. But in today’s world, travelers have to think about more than what they want to do or see in a destination. The COVID-19 pandemic means considering COVID travel restrictions as well. 

That’s why we put together this guide to COVID travel restrictions around the world. Different destinations have different requirements when it comes to testing, vaccines, and masks. This guide will let you know what to expect. (We also recommend checking out this handy map.)

For an on-the-ground perspective of COVID travel restrictions, travelers can always reach out to a local Hero.

Table of Contents

Argentina Travel Restrictions

(ViaHero Destinations: Buenos Aires)

Americans are now permitted to enter Argentina

Arrival:

Neither proof of vaccination nor a negative COVID test is required for entry at this time. 

On the ground:

Masks are recommended in public, including on public transportation.

Brazil Travel Restrictions

(ViaHero Destinations: Rio de Janeiro)

Brazil welcomes travelers from around the world. 

Arrival: 

To enter Brazil, travelers must present either proof of vaccination or negative pre-departure COVID test results. 

On the ground:

Face masks are not required in Brazil. 

Canada Travel Restrictions

(ViaHero Destinations: Montreal) 

Canada recently loosened its restrictions and all Americans, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome to visit. 

Arrival: 

No COVID-related documentation is required to cross the border. 

On the ground:

Masks are recommended for travel. 

84% of the population is fully vaccinated. 

Colombia Travel Restrictions 

Colombia is open for travel. 

Arrival:

Colombia requires either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for all travelers. Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and J&J are all acceptable vaccines for visitors to Colombia. All travelers who are not fully vaccinated more than 14 days before arrival, then must provide results of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel or a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. 

The Check-Mig health registration form is required for all travelers. 

On the ground:

Masks are required in some municipalities. A local can help you stay up-to-date with the rules where you’re going. 

Costa Rica Travel Restrictions

Like several other countries on this list, traveling to Costa Rica is almost as easy as it was pre-pandemic. 

Arrival:

There are no required documents related to COVID for entry to Costa Rica. 

On the ground: 

Masks are not required and businesses are allowed to operate at full capacity. 

About 84% of Costa Ricans are fully vaccinated as of fall 2022.  

Croatia Travel Restrictions 

Croatia is open for travelers!

Arrival: 

No COVID-related documents are required to visit Croatia from the US. 

On the ground:

Masks are still required in all health services settings. 

Cuba Travel Restrictions

Cuba does not have a vaccine requirement but there are rules travelers need to follow.

Arrival: 

All travelers must fill out Cuba’s Health Declaration Form

Keep in mind that travelers are subject to temperature screening and random testing upon arrival. 

On the ground: 

Face masks are required in health care settings and on public transit. Travelers may also want to bring hand sanitizer, pain relievers like Tylenol, and disinfectant wipes since these items can be hard to find in Cuba. Since policies in Cuba can be hard to access for Americans, talking to a Cuban local can be a helpful way of preparing for your visit.

France Travel Restrictions 

France maintained strict rules for the first years of the pandemic, but as of August 1, 2022, there are no COVID restrictions for travelers to France. 

Arrival:

Americans can visit France for tourism without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. 

On the ground: 

Masks are recommended indoor and when using public transportation.

Learn more about what to expect in France by talking to a local before your trip.

Ireland Travel Restrictions 

Ireland removed its quarantine requirement for unvaccinated travelers in spring 2022. It’s easy for Americans to visit the Emerald Isle. 

Arrival: 

Travelers do not need to present any COVID-related documentation to enter Ireland. 

On the ground:

Masks are recommended on public transportation and in healthcare settings. 

Approximately 82% of the population is fully vaccinated as of August 2022. 

Italy Travel Restrictions 

After being hit hard in the early days of the pandemic, Italy maintained tight travel restrictions. But as of October 2022, there are very few COVID rules in Italy and travelers are welcome to enjoy la dolce vita

Arrival: 

Proof of vaccination and negative COVID test results are no longer required. 

On the ground:

Masks are recommended and many people still wear them. 

A local in Italy can help explain how else the country has changed during the pandemic, and what travelers should expect.

Japan Travel Restrictions 

As of October 11, 2022, Americans are finally allowed to visit Japan for tourism once again! 

Arrival:

Proof of full vaccination and a booster dose or a negative COVID test is required to enter Japan. Travelers must also fill out the quarantine questionnaire prior to travel and present the QR code on arrival. 

On the ground:

Masks are recommended in public and many people wear them; masking was part of the Japanese lifestyle before COVID. 

The MySOS health and location monitoring map is also recommended.

Mexico Travel Restrictions

(ViaHero Destinations: Mexico City)

Mexico continues to be an easy place for Americans to travel during the pandemic. 

Arrival: 

Both vaccinated and nonvaccinated travelers visit Mexico. Travelers do not need to present a negative test. Health checks may be performed on arrival and symptomatic travelers could be subject to quarantine. 

On the ground:

Masks are required on public transportation and recommended in other public places. 

Peru Travel Restrictions 

Peru once had strict travel rules, but now it’s an easy destination to visit. 

Arrival: 

Peru requires neither proof of vaccination nor a negative COVID test to enter the country. 

On the ground:

Masks are required on public transit as well as in healthcare facilities.

Approximately 87% of the population is fully vaccinated as of October 2022.

Portugal Travel Restrictions 

Portugal is open for travel without restrictions! 

Arrival: 

Until recently, a number of documents were required for Americans to travel to Portugal. However, most Portugal travel restrictions have been lifted, and visiting Portugal is almost as simple as it was pre-COVID. There’s no need for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter the country. 

On the ground: 

Once on the ground, visitors to Portugal must respect local rules about masks and social distancing. At present, masks are only required in healthcare settings. But it's best to pack masks and your vaccine record just in case. 

Puerto Rico Travel Restrictions 

Puerto Rico is one of the more accessible destinations for Americans (who do not need a passport to visit). 

Arrival: 

American travelers are not required to provide proof of vaccination or negative test results. International travelers must present proof of vaccination. 

On the ground: 

Masks are recommended anywhere you can’t guarantee the vaccination status of those around you and on public transportation but are not required. Keep in mind that Individual businesses can implement their own masking and vaccine rules, so be prepared by packing masks and your vaccination card.  A local trip planner can help you make sure you’re up-to-date on the rules.  

Spain Travel Restrictions

Spain has recently loosened restrictions on Americans, making this delightful destination much more accessible. 

Arrival: 

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers may visit Spain without a negative COVID test. 

On the ground: 

Masks remain required on public transit (including airplanes).

Roughly 86% of the population is fully vaccinated (as of fall 2022).

Thailand Travel Restrictions

Thailand has recently loosened its restrictions and done away with its lengthy quarantine for vaccinated travelers. 

Arrival: 

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are permitted to enter.

On the ground:

Masks are recommended in crowded public areas and many locals still wear them. Some individual businesses have kept mask rules, so make sure to pack some! 

United States Travel Restrictions

(ViaHero Destinations: New York City, Upstate New York, and Los Angeles)

Travel within the United States is easy - it’s very similar to pre-pandemic travel. 

Arrival: 

If you’re visiting the US from another country for tourism you must present proof of vaccination

On the ground:

COVID policies vary from city to city. Locals in New York and Los Angeles can help answer questions about what life is like where they live.

United Kingdom Travel Restrictions

(ViaHero Destinations: London)

The United Kingdom has rolled back many of its pandemic restrictions and largely reopened. 

Arrival: 

The UK welcomes all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, without COVID test results. 

On the ground:

Masks are still recommended in crowded public settings. Additionally, some businesses have restrictions of their own — so be prepared to wear a mask when entering shops. 


For an on-the-ground perspective of your next destination, reach out to a ViaHero local. They can help explain travel restrictions, mask rules, and more. Connect with a local to plan your trip. 

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