Changes to International Travel Restrictions

In recent years, we’ve seen a series of changes to international travel restrictions. The first of these changes was the removal of testing requirements for incoming air travelers. This requirement is no longer necessary for fully vaccinated travellers. Non-vaccinated travelers will no longer have to complete Passenger Locator Forms and will not be required to undergo a pre-departure PCR test. Additionally, all non-vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to undergo a day-two PCR test. In addition, the UK Health Security Agency will continue to monitor and implement changes, including a contingency toolkit to address specific future scenarios.
As with any travel restriction, entry requirements are subject to change. Check for updates on international travel restrictions on government websites and official advice before you leave. Those wishing to travel to the EU should consult the Re-open EU website to find out if there are any changes in entry requirements. If you’re concerned about entering a country with no entry requirements, consider visiting the Yale registry’s ISOS Travel Tracker. Despite these changes, most travel restrictions remain unchanged.
COVID-19 has forced governments to rethink travel restrictions around the world. In fact, only four destinations worldwide have completely lifted travel restrictions since January 2020. However, most have relaxed some of their restrictions. The UNWTO report shows that most destinations are gradually easing their travel restrictions, but many remain cautious due to the virus’ threat. There are no new restrictions for travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, though the African country recently resumed commercial flights.
While the global spread of the disease and the emergence of Covid-19 treatment have reduced the risk of acquiring the virus, the rise in cases in many countries has not been accompanied by a decline in deaths. Many experts attribute this to the availability of Covid-19 treatments and more widely available vaccines. As more nations loosen travel restrictions, travel to those countries is expected to increase. In the United States, the number of travelers is approaching prepandemic levels.
The United States and European Union reopened their doors to American travelers in June, but they were unable to reciprocate the same hospitality. European officials worried that the “travel ban” would last until 2021. The ban on travel from Europe further strained the transatlantic relationship, which had already been strained by trade tariffs and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Nonetheless, the Biden administration has been pressed to make amends between the two countries. On September 20, the White House announced that non-immigrant visa applicants from those countries should wait until 2021.
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 outbreak has triggered several changes in international travel restrictions. Afghanistan has resumed international flights amid COVID-19. Meanwhile, Bahrain has reopened its borders to 182 countries and Georgia has begun welcoming vaccinated travellers. And, as a result, more airlines are returning to these countries. In addition, travel to many of these countries is now possible as the disease fades. Once these changes are in place, the risks of disease will reduce significantly.