[UPDATED] Don’t Know Where to Go? Here’s a List of Countries Open for Travel Now!

Matt Olivares

Last updated 26 Sep 2022

Photo credit: Christine Roy (@agent_illustrateur) on Unsplash

Plan your overseas vacation by knowing which countries are open for travel!

“Where can I travel right now?” There’s no doubt that that’s one of the questions on your mind right now. If you’ve been itching to go on a vacation and travel the world, it’s now possible to do so! Several countries had their borders reopened for international travelers, and more will soon follow! We’ve compiled a list of counties open for travel and we’ll continue to add to it as we find more.

Here’s what we have so far:

1) Thailand

Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. There you can find majestic and colorful sacred sites, bustling markets, and scenic nature.

In order to let the world slowly see the wonders of the country, the local government reopened the country for tourism back in July 2021 through its Sandbox Program. This system allows fully vaccinated tourists to enter the country via Blue Zone areas like Phuket and Krabi, then have them undergo quarantine for 5 days at an SHA+ hotel before moving to their parts of the country or returning home.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of 9 January 2023, Thailand is fully reopened to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status. Only visitors traveling to countries that require an RT-PCR are required to have health insurance

The local government then proceeded to create two more entry programs:

Test & Go: which allows fully-vaccinated travelers from ANY country or territory to visit Thailand with minimal quarantine days
Alternative Quarantine (AQ): if you’re only partially vaccinated or not vaccinated at all, you can enter Thailand through this program but your quarantine period will be longer

Each entry program had its own set of requirements See which entry program you’re eligible for and find out about the requirements that you need to enter.

Starting 1 May 2022, new requirements will be in place. Moving forward, there will only be two schemes. One for fully vaccinated travelers, and one for unvaccinated travelers.

Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Travelers:

Insurance with coverage no less than USD10,000
Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to take pre-departure and on arrival RT-PCR tests
Booking a private van to an SHA Plus+ hotel and staying there for quarantine are no longer required as well

Requirements for Unvaccinated Travelers:

Insurance with coverage no less than USD10,000
Unvaccinated travelers are no longer required to take pre-departure and on arrival RT-PCR tests
Booking a private van to an SHA Plus+ hotel and staying there for quarantine are no longer required as well

2) United Arab Emirates

Some of the countries in the Middle East are opening their borders to foreigners, one of them being the United Arab Emirates. The Emirates are famous for its modern marvels like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, cultural sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and more!

To be able to enter the Emirates, you’ll have to meet and provide certain basic requirements:

A visa (if applicable to you based on your citizenship/passport)
A vaccination certificate with a valid QR code (if you’re fully vaccinated)
A negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 48 hours from departure (if not fully vaccinated)
A Covid-19 recovery certificate that has a QR code issued within 30 days before your departure (if you were afflicted with Covid-19)
You must install the Alhosn app on your phone for contact tracing and to allow you to enter establishments around the country

These are just some of the basic requirements. Depending on the country you’re coming from, there might be additional requirements you need to take note of. You can read our dedicated checklist that indicates not only the basic requirements you’ll need but also specific ones depending on your homeland!

3) United States of America

The United States of America is home to several of the most famous cities in the world, cities often seen in many television shows and movies. If you’ve long been enamored by the country’s bustling metropolises and want to see world famous attractions, you can now do so because the States are now accepting international tourists!

If you're a non-US citizen/non-immigrant, to enter the United States, you’ll need a couple of things:

A visa (if you’re from a country that’s not part of the Visa Waiver Program)
Proof of vaccination that indicates you were vaccinated with a US FDA and WHO-approved vaccine

Fully vaccinated tourists don’t need to quarantine. On the other hand, unvaccinated tourists must quarantine for 7-10 days at the accommodation where they’re staying, and they must take a viral test within 3-5 days during their stay. If the traveler tests positive, the traveler must self-isolate until they make a full recovery.

Check out our full guide to find out if your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program, suggestions on where to go and what to do in the States, and what you must do when your trip ends.

4) Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States because of its beautiful natural wonders (especially its beaches) as well as the laid-back atmosphere and friendly vibes of its locals.

The state has also opened its doors to tourists! Before you go, you’ll have to adhere to a few things:

You must have a visa (depending on your citizenship/passport)
You must bring a vaccination certificate or card (you must have been vaccinated with a US FDA and WHO-approved vaccine)
A negative RT-PCR test result for COVID-19 received from an accredited laboratory recognized by the Hawaiian government
Register for Safe Travels Hawai’i if you’re coming from a transit stop from another country or state

Once you’ve accomplished all the requirements and you have all the necessary documents to present, you’ll be ready to say “Aloha!” and explore the best of what Hawaii has to offer, from its picturesque hiking trails to its different islands, each with their own unique features! You may even check out our guide to know more about the local COVID-19 situation and for any information regarding requirements.

5) Singapore

As of 29 August 2022, Singapore welcomes all travelers regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status! You just need to take note of the following:

For fully vaccinated travelers:

3 days before your departure, you must submit an SG Arrival Card and e-health declaration via the official and free e-service on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website
Bring proof of your vaccination
Download the TraceTogether app and register your profile

If you're not fully vaccinated:

You must have travel insurance covering COVID-19, with at least $30,000 of medical coverage
2 days before departure, you must take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or professionally-administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) and the result must be negative

6) Malaysia

Malaysia is famous for a wide variety of things, from its local delicacies and modern marvels, to its natural treasures and vibrant sacred sites. The local government has decided to slowly open up to travel again so tourists both domestic and foreign can see what the country has to offer!

You’ll just need to take note of the basic requirements (as of 1 August 2022):

1. MySejahtera application is no longer mandatory but you are encouraged to download and register

2. Upon arrival, you will go through a thermal screening conducted by the airport health authorities

Travelers who test positive while in Malaysia must undergo isolation via Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for seven (7) days
Travelers can be released from isolation on the 4th, 5th or 6th day when they are asymptomatic and the RTK Ag test (professional) is negative

7) Philippines

The Philippines lifted its travel ban last 10 Feb 2022! Now, the country is now open to receiving foreign tourists and returning Filipino nationals for up to 30 days so long as they’re fully vaccinated. Aside from being fully vaccinated, here are some requirements:

A COVID-19 certificate issued by WHO, VaxCertPH, or countries under a reciprocal agreement with the Philippines
A visa (if your passport requires it)
A return ticket to home country or an outbound ticket to another ticket
A negative RT-PCR Test taken no more than 48 hours from departure OR a negative lab-based antigen test taken no more than 24 hours from departure
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage
A One Health Pass with QR code

Once you’ve arrived, you’re free to explore its cities and provinces, so long as you keep in mind the health and safety protocols in place and the alert levels of the places you’ll visit. There’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Philippines. You can explore its bustling cities, go hiking up mountain trails, visit Boracay and hang around its famous beaches, go island hopping in Siargao, and more!

Check out our guide for more information about the requirements, how to register for a One Health Pass, health and safety guidelines to take into account, and ideas on what to do in the country!

8) India

India is one of the most famous countries in Asia and is known for its lively people and their vibrant cultures, bustling cities with many twists and turns, exotic food, enchanting traditions, and marvelous historical sites. There’s just so much that India has in store for you that no amount of preparation can truly brace you because it has surprises that will meet and even exceed your expectations!

After being closed for a long time, traveling to India is now possible again, not to mention streamlined! Here’s what you need to enter the country:

A tourist e-visa from India’s e-visa portal
A completely filled out self-declaration form via the Air Suvidha Portal with uploaded proof of vaccination plus a negative RT-PCR test result no more than 72 hours before arrival
You must download the Aarogya Setu contact tracing and self-assessment app from Google Play or the App Store

Whether you’re fully vaccinated, partially, or not at all, you can enter the country! For more specific information such as additional procedures for partially vaccinated/unvaccinated tourists, as well as boarding, mid-flight, and arrival guidelines, we have a comprehensive guide just for that!

9) South Korea

South Korea has become one of the world's most popular destinations in Asia and the rest of the world! Part of this has to do with the rise of K-Pop and K-dramas and how they have become so popular globally. If you're one of the people who have become fascinated with South Korea and looking to get to know their culture beyond their music and TV shows, then you'd be delighted to know that the country is opening to receiving tourists! Just take note of the following requirements:

1. Register for a South Korean Q-Code online

2. You must fill out a health questionnaire and travel record declaration (special quarantine report) during your flight

3. Register and submit your documents (health questionnaire, travel record declaration, and passport) via the Q-Code

4. Get a temperature check upon arrival and submit your documents whether via Q-Code or in print (you should go for the Q-Code for ease of travel)

5. Take an RT-PCR Test within one day (before 11:59pm the next day) upon arrival.

Short-term visitors can take an RT-PCR Test inside Incheon International Airport or at a nearby medical facility at their own expense
Long-term visitors may take an RT-PCR Test at a public health center near their accommodation
You must stay at your accommodation until test results become available

6. Once you receive your results, you have to submit them via Q-Code:

Access the Q-Code website
Select “Registration of Post-Entry Inspection”
Input your passport number, date of birth, and date of entry
Select “Inquiry”
Input the date your test was taken and upload the test results as well as a screenshot of the text message of the test results (including name, name of test facility, and PCR test result) sent by the test facility you visited
NOTE: In the event there's trouble with submitting test results on the website, travelers can submit results in person at a local public medical center. (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Hotline: +82-1339)

What if I exhibit symptoms upon arrival?

If ever you show signs of a fever (if you get 37.5 ℃ or higher), coughing, difficulty in breathing, and/or other possible signs of COVID-19 upon entry to Korea, you must take an RT-PCR test at the Arrivals Hall or the quarantine facility (Central Quarantine & Medical Support Center). If the test result is positive, you will be transferred to a hospital or residential treatment center depending on the severity.

If your test result is negative, you will be exempted from quarantine but you must take a follow-up Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) on Day 6 or 7 after your arrival. To perform an RAT, visitors can either use a self-test kit or visit a nearby medical clinic.

After taking a test, you must take your personal car or a quarantine taxi and wait at your accommodation until the results are available. All visitors must inquire at the testing facility and follow the provided procedure.

10) Japan

Itching to fly to Japan? You can finally get your much-deserved Japan trip when borders fully reopen on October 11, 2022! There are so many things that you can do once you get to Japan — go shopping in Tokyo, visit iconic attractions like Universal Studios and Mount Fuji, and try authentic dishes like tempura, udon, ramen, and sushi!

Here's what you should know and prepare to enter Japan:

Japan has divided the countries of the world into three different zones for entry — Red, Yellow, and Blue. Each zone comes with its own vaccination and quarantine rules. It's important to note that Japan will assess your eligibility based on your 14-day travel history prior to arrival in the country. If you’ve visited a country in the Yellow or Red zones, you will be subjected to the following measures in the indicated color zone:

Vaccinated with Certificate	On-Arrival Test	Quarantine Period
🟦 Blue Group
No	Not required	Not required
Yes	Not required	Not required
Notable Countries: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America. Complete list here
🟨 Yellow Group
No	PCR	3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test or 5-day home quarantine without test
Yes	Not Required	Not Required
Notable Countries: India, Macau, Maldives, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vietnam. Complete list here
🟥 Red Group
No	PCR	3-day quarantine at a designated facility + negative PCR test at the facility
Yes	PCR	3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test or 5-day home quarantine without test
Countries: None at the moment

Entry requirements:

1. Install the MySOS App

2. Vaccination Requirements

List of accepted COVID-19 vaccines:

Comirnaty/Pfizer (Third dose required)
COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech (Only 2 doses required)
Janssen & Janssen (Only 1 dose required)
Moderna (Third dose required)
Nuvaxovid/Novavax (Third dose required)
Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca (Only 2 doses required)

3. Japan Visa

Check out this list of visa-free countries to see if you need to secure a visa or not!

To know more about Japan's travel restrictions and requirements, here's a detailed guide to help you out!

11) Taiwan

Another country to add to your list of destinations to go to is Taiwan! The country's borders will reopen on September 29, 2022, so get ready to explore Taiwan's must-visit attractions like the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Rainbow Village, Taipei Zoo, and Yehliu Geopark!

But before you get excited, check out the requirements and restrictions first:

1. A passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry.

2. A confirmed air or sea ticket.

3. For Brunei, Philippines, and Thailand passport holders: proof of accommodation booking, host or sponsor’s contact details, and proof of sufficient travel funds.

Aside from the requirements stated above, there are still these two phases that you should take note of to further understand the requirements and restrictions to enter Taiwan:

First Phase (29 Sep - 12 Oct 2022):

Visa-free entry for an additional 11 countries (65 in total): Chile, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Nicaragua, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines.
3+4 quarantine scheme: 3 days of quarantine and 4 days of self-monitoring either in a quarantine hotel or residence following the “one person per room” rule.

Day	What to do
Day 0-1 (Arrival or next day)	Take a rapid antigen test and report your result to an epidemic prevention staff member via phone
Day 3	Take another rapid antigen test and report to officials if you test positive
Days 4-7	Take a rapid antigen test if you have any suspected COVID symptoms If you need to leave your accommodation during this period, you must test negative within 48 hours before leaving your accommodation.

Day

What to do

Day 0-1 (Arrival or next day)

Take a rapid antigen test and report your result to an epidemic prevention staff member via phone

Day 3

Take another rapid antigen test and report to officials if you test positive

Days 4-7

Take a rapid antigen test if you have any suspected COVID symptoms

If you need to leave your accommodation during this period, you must test negative within 48 hours before leaving your accommodation.

Second Phase (from 13 Oct 2022):

Borders will be opened for countries not included in the visa-free travel program.
0+7 scheme: you no longer have to undergo quarantine at all and you can instead self-monitor for 7 days.

Day	What to do
Day 0-1 (Arrival or next day)	Take a rapid antigen test and report your result to an epidemic prevention staff member via phone
Days 2-7	Take a rapid antigen test if you have any suspected COVID symptoms If you need to leave your accommodation during this period, you must test negative within 48 hours before leaving your accommodation.

Day

What to do

Day 0-1 (Arrival or next day)

Take a rapid antigen test and report your result to an epidemic prevention staff member via phone

Days 2-7

Take a rapid antigen test if you have any suspected COVID symptoms

If you need to leave your accommodation during this period, you must test negative within 48 hours before leaving your accommodation.

Check this complete guide to get more information about Taiwan's travel requirements!

12) Hong Kong

It's been so long but it's finally happened! Travel to Hong Kong is back after two years of strict quarantine regulations. Get ready to visit this world-class city and take cozy strolls in the park, try out a variety of street foods like fishballs, dim sum, and tofu, or shop 'til you drop at different shops and boutiques along their shopping streets!

Before flying out, take note of these travel restrictions and requirements first:

Be a fully vaccinated traveler
A negative pre-departure Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken within 24 hours from arrival
Completed Health & Quarantine Information Declaration

Complete this form before arriving in Hong Kong.

Once you arrive in Hong Kong, you must follow the 0+3 Arrangement:

Day 0 “First Day of your Trip”: The day you arrive in Hong Kong will include a “Test and Go” arrangement at the airport. Inbound Travelers will take a PCR Test and will be given an “Amber Code” once taken. You do not need to wait for the result of your PCR Test and can head directly to your accommodations.
Day 0-2/3 “ Medical Surveillance”: Travelers will be required to undergo medical surveillance for the first three nights. During this period, you are allowed to go out, but cannot enter locations that require the checking of vaccine passes (i.e. restaurants, attractions, etc).

Travelers must also take a RAT daily, and a PCR Test on Day 2 at a community testing center, a mobile specimen collection station, or through a professional medical testing institution. Your Amber Code will be lifted at 9:00 am on Day 3 if you’ve consistently obtained a negative result from your PCR Test and RATs.

Day 3-7 “Self-Surveillance”: Travelers can move around freely, but are still required to take a RAT daily until Day 7 and a PCR Test on Days 4 and 6 for self-monitoring.

For travelers that test positive with either their PCR Test or RAT, your vaccine passes will be converted to a Red Code, and isolation arrangements will be aligned locally.

Read this handy guide to get the full details of entry requirements to Hong Kong!

Countries with No Entry Requirements

Believe it or not but there are countries that no longer have any entry requirements and quarantine measures in place, which means there are more choices for your vacation abroad! Of course, some may require visas, depending on your passport. Here is a list of countries that do not have any or significant COVID-related requirements for travelers: