Last Updated on December 9, 2020
Latest Travel Updates for the World's Popular Destinations
As much of the world is on various levels of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many travel plans have come to a halt. Although we are wondering when the pandemic will end, the re-opening of some of our favourite countries is something to look forward to. Below is all the information you need to know about when you can expect your holiday destinations to be open to tourists again, and the measures they have in place so that you can travel safely.
Australia
Australia is unlikely to open for tourism until late 2021. Currently, entry to Australia is only open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and a few exempt categories of travellers:
You are exempt if you are:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident of Australia
- an immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident*
- a New Zealand citizen usually resident in Australia and their immediate family members
- a person who has been in New Zealand for 14 days or more immediately prior to arrival by air in Australia
- a diplomat accredited to Australia, including their immediate family members (each member of the family unit must hold a valid subclass 995 visa)
- a person transiting Australia for 72 hours or less
- airline crew, maritime crew including marine pilots
- a person recruited under the Government approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme
- a person who holds a Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa.
If you meet the exemption criteria and wish to enter Australia, you should apply to the Australian authorities for an exemption.
If you are eligible to travel to Australia, you must undergo a 14-day quarantine at a designated facility on arrival.
Access information on the application procedure and latest requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Thailand
Thailand is now open for certain categories of travellers:
- Travellers on a diplomatic or consular mission, belong to an International Organisation, are a government representative performing duties in Thailand, or have permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including families.
- Travellers with a work permit or granted permission from the Thai government to work in Thailand or have the Certificate of Residence and a valid re-entry permit, including families.
- Immediate family members of a Thai national (the spouse, child or parent).
- Travellers seeking medical treatment in Thailand (except treatment for COVID-19), or are caring for someone seeking medical treatment in Thailand.
- International students or parents/guardians of international students.
Travellers who wish to go to Thailand must apply for permission to travel via the Royal Thai Government’s online platform and undergo a 14-day quarantine after arrival.
You can access more information on the gov.uk site.
United States
Entry to the USA and its territories is restricted for the British nationals if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran, Brazil or China within the previous 14 days.
If you are arriving from outside these areas you need to apply for a visa or an ESTA visa waiver (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to enter or transit the USA as a visitor. Check the US State Department website to determine which applies to you.
US citizens and permanent residents of the USA, close family members and certain other limited categories of visas holders (such as UN staff and diplomats) are exempt from travel ban. They are allowed to enter the USA under the normal entry requirements.
If you are eligible to enter the USA, you are asked to self-isolate for up to 14 days after arrival.
Get more information on the US visas on the US State Department website.
Indonesia
Entry to Indonesia is only permitted for Indonesian nationals and foreign nationals who hold a valid residence permit for Indonesia. Those eligible for entry will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 7 days prior to travel. The Indonesian government had initially planned to open the tourist-loved island of Bali in September 11, but recently announced that international tourists will not be allowed until 2021. Instead, the island is only allowing domestic tourists to travel so that the local economy will survive amidst the pandemic.
Foreign nationals who are permitted to travel to Indonesia
- Those who hold KITAS (temporary stay) and KITAP (permanent stay) permits
- Those who hold a diplomatic or working visa
- Those who hold a diplomatic or business stay permit
- Those who are working on medical and food assistance
- Those who are serving as transportation (air, sea, or land) crew
- Those with mixed-nationalities aiming to reunite with their families
India
India is slowly lifting its lockdown through various phases in different states. It is currently not allowing foreigners into the country. The suspension of international flights has been removed, but only for essential travel. There has been no announcement yet of plans to open the country back up to tourists.
You can travel to India if you are:
- An Indian national
- An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholder
Once you reach India, you are required to self-isolate in a government facility for 14 days. If you wish to self-isolate at home, you must apply for an exemption.
South Africa
South Africa was one of the strictest countries when it came to lockdowns, including a nightly curfew and complete ban on alcohol and tobacco sales. Restrictions are beginning to ease, but social distancing rules and masks are mandatory.
However, on November 11, president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that it will start welcoming travellers from low-risk countries. All visitors will have to present a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours before departure or quarantine on arrival.
You can travel to South Africa if:
- You are travelling from a low-risk country.
Israel
There are entry and exit restrictions in place for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Foreign nationals are not permitted to enter unless they are subject to expemption:
- you are a citizen or resident of Israel.
- you are an immediate family member of an Israeli citizen or permanent resident
- you hold a student visa and are over the age of 18 years
- check the full list of exemptions on the Israel Government website
If you are eligible, you have to submit a request for permission to enter Israel to the Israeli Embassy in London.
Foreigners arriving to Israel will have to present health insurance including section covering the Coronavirus.
Travellers from countries on Israel’s ‘Green list’ will not be required to self-isolate, unless they have visited a country on Israel’s ‘Red list’ in the past 14 days. In that case you will need to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival. Check the status of your origin country on the Israel Government website.
To exit Israel, you will need to complete an exit form.
The land crossing between Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is currently closed except in very limited circumstances.
Read more about the entry regulations on the gov.uk website.
Unfortunately, many of your favourite destinations are closed to tourists for the foreseeable future, but don't worry, we've compiled a list of all the European Countries that are Open for Tourists. Take a look to see where you can travel to now. Also check out our State of Travel Blog to keep up to date with travel changes in countries. Alternatively, you can also check out our list of Museums and Attractions You Can Visit Virtually to see some of our favourite sights from the comfort of your own home.