The summer travel season is now in full swing for domestic and international trips. Travel volumes are exceeding pre-pandemic levels in certain destinations as travel restrictions are virtually non-existent worldwide. Here are further details about the June 2023 travel restrictions.
United States Travel Restrictions
June is the first full month where the United States is fully open to international visitors. The international travel vaccine mandate for non-U.S. residents and permanent residents expired on May 11, 2023.Since mid-May, the country no longer requires age-eligible international visitors to be fully vaccinated to enter the United States for tourism or visiting family. The U.S. is one of the last nations to drop this entry requirement. There are no mandatory pre-arrival testing requirements either.
Canada Travel Restrictions
There are no hindrances to international travel between the United States and Canada. U.S. citizens can visit Canada by air, land or sea without restrictions. Additionally, Canadian citizens no longer need a current Covid-19 vaccine to enter the United States as the border crossing requirements are similar to before the pandemic.
Caribbean Travel Restrictions
There are no significant pandemic-related travel restrictions in the Caribbean, as several of the last islands to have vaccine or testing requirements lifted them in April 2023.
Latin America Travel Restrictions
There are no travel restrictions to visit various countries in Central America or South America for the fully vaccinated. Further, the number of countries requiring a negative pre-arrival test for unvaccinated visitors has narrowed down to two countries: Bolivia, Nicaragua, Brazil and Chile dropped their testing policies in May 2023.
Europe Travel Restrictions
Europe is fully open for travel, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict continuing to impede travel to either destination. Unfortunately, it may take more travel miles to fly to Europe as demand increases.
China Travel Restrictions
China opened its international borders for the first time in three years in March 2023. Since the initial reopening, the country has gradually eased its entry requirements. The country started by issuing work and student visas but is now issuing tourist visas from most international destinations. Individuals must apply for a travel visa, which can require seven business days to process. Additionally, travelers still need a negative pre-arrival test to enter. However, since April 29, 2023, a rapid antigen test is acceptable, which is cheaper and quicker than the PCR test. It’s also possible to travel to Hong Kong or Macau instead of the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong doesn’t have pre-arrival testing requirements, but Macau’s testing policy is similar to mainland China.
Japan Travel Restrictions
Japan no longer requires proof of vaccine or a negative pre-arrival test result to enter. This travel easement became effective on April 29, 2023. Tourists won’t need entry visas either.
Indonesia Travel Restrictions
One exotic destination that still has strict entry requirements is Indonesia. The country requires all international visitors at least 18 years old to be fully vaccinated or have proof of recent recovery. Bali can be difficult due to its distance from the United States and the current travel restrictions.
Philippines Travel Restrictions
The Philippines require a negative pre-arrival test for unvaccinated visitors. There are no testing guidelines for fully vaccinated guests.
Oceania Travel Restrictions
Australia and New Zealand are open for tourism without testing or vaccine requirements.
Africa Travel Restrictions
Most African countries are fully open for vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors. Popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Tanzania are restriction-free. Several countries in central and western Africa continue to require pre-arrival testing for unvaccinated visitors.