While we are all excited to see domestic travel resuming in Australia within the next month, many of us with itchy travel feet are also wanting to know when a trip to our favourite overseas destinations will be back on the cards. The good news is, the world is starting to open up again, with many countries announcing plans to roll out the welcome mat.
Here is what we know so far about when different countries will be open for travellers:
But before you go adding dates to your holiday calendar, remember that overseas travel bans imposed by the Australian Government still apply, so our ability to visit these countries is still subject to Australia’s own restrictions. Also, getting to these destinations depends on airports reopening and flights resuming. If you need to leave Australia for essential / emergency travel you will need to obtain government approval.
For the latest information, head to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand will most likely be the first country Australians will be able to visit, thanks to a trans-Tasman travel bubble being negotiated between the two governments.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Fiji According to the ABC, the Fijian Government wants to see tourists from Australia and New Zealand return “as soon as possible” and has formally sought inclusion in the proposed travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand.
ASIA
Bali
Indonesia’s tourism ministry has indicated Bali will reopen to travellers some time between June and October.
Thailand
Thailand’s international flight ban has been extended until June 30 however the country is in talks with allowing travel between nearby countries such as Chinaand South Korea. Domestic flights restarted on May 15 and the country’s hospitality staff are being in deep cleaning and hygiene procedures.
Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as the leader in pulling its tourism industry out of the coronavirus slump. Domestic flights are now back in operation, and Vietnam Airlines is said to be in discussion with the government to resume some international flights in June. Restaurants and retail outlets are back open.
Japan
Japan has lifted its state of emergency however Australian tourists are still unable to visit.
New Zealand will most likely be the first country Australians will be able to visit.
EUROPE
UK
The United Kingdom’s borders have never been closed, but travel in and out of the country has been, and remains, strongly discouraged. A 14-day quarantine for all incoming overseas travellers will be imposed from June 8.
UK campsites, hotels, holiday parks and tourist attractions are planning for a July 4 reopening as well as pubs and accommodation.
Italy
Although Italy never formally closed its borders, it did ban tourists. International travellers will be welcomed back from June 3, and will not need to self-isolate on arrival. Restaurants and cafes have reopened as have its beaches.
France
France is scheduled to reopen its borders on June 15 however its emergency measures have been extended until July 24 with non-essential trips banned and visitors required to self-isolate.
Germany
The restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 are relaxing in Germany. From May 30 all federal states permitted hotels to accept bookings for the purpose of tourism. Cafes, restaurants and shops are open. Germany’s borders remain closed and travel restrictions will be reassessed after June 15.
Ireland
Ireland will not open its borders to outside travellers until August 10. Cafes and restaurants are slated to reopen on June 29 while museums, galleries and hotels to reopen on July 20 while pubs will be allowed to reopen their doors on August 10.
Greece
Greece will reopen to international travellers on June 15. Major year round hotels will reopen from June 1 in major cities and regional provinces. The reopening of seasonal hotels is scheduled for June 15. Restaurants, cafes and bars are scheduled to open to the public with new rules from May 25. 500 of the country’s beaches opened to the public on May 16 with social distancing in place, thought to be a trial for when the country reopens.
Spain
Spain will welcome international tourists back to the country from July 1, when it will also lift its quarantine requirement for those entering the country.
Portugal
Portugal’s borders remain closed to international tourists however hotels will be able to open from June 1, alongside bars, nightclubs, shopping centres and gyms. The country’s three-stage plan to lift its lockdown started on May 4. Museums and galleries opened on May 14 and beaches opened on May 15.
Iceland
As of June 15, Iceland will welcome international tourists, but they will need to take a compulsory COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport, or self-quarantine for two weeks.
Italy will welcome international arrivals from June 3.
NORTH AMERICA
Canada Canada will not open its borders until at least June 23, and even then, they will remain shut to the United States.
Hawaii
The state will begin a four-phase plan for re-opening on June 30.
CENTRAL AMERICA
Mexico Some Mexican states, including the popular holiday spot of Cancun, will reopen to international visitors on June 1.Arrivals into Mexico can expect advanced screening procedures to be in effect.
Aruba
The government of Aruba has announced a tentative timeframe for reopening the island between June 15 – July 1.
The Bahamas While the date is not final, the government has announced plans for the country to reopen its borders “on or before” July 1.
SOUTH AMERICA
Peru Peru has extended its border closures until June 30. It has the second highest number of coronavirus cases in South America. Beginning on May 25, the mandatory nightly curfew hours will be reduced in Lima and much of the country, with curfew beginning at 9pm and ending at 4am.
MIDDLE EAST
UAE
Dubai wants to start welcoming tourists back by July, according to the tourism director general.
AFRICA
Seychelles will welcome tourists back on June 1.
As updates are received I will keep you posted but for now I am planning on visiting our own gorgeous country Australia.
