Travel Restrictions You Should Know About Before The Holidays!

October 28, 2021

As the holiday season is approaching many of us will be traveling outside the U.S. or receiving visits from those abroad. Given the complex travel restrictions, you need to plan ahead, so we have put together a "cheat sheet" to answer some burning questions about travel restrictions and how to navigate them.

The chart below summarizes what you need to know as a U.S. citizen entering different countries, as well as what citizens coming from those countries need to know about coming to the U.S.

For Travelers Entering the U.S. As of November 8, 2021, all travelers ages 2 and older entering the U.S. must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, sign an attestation and provide contact tracing information. Fully vaccinated travelers 18 years and older must also present proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test must be taken within 3 days of their initial flight departure. Unvaccinated travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 1 day of their initial flight departure. Here is more detailed information from Delta's website.

For Travelers To Other Countries:

Brazil is allowing visitors from other countries as well as allowing their citizens to leave. Brazil would prefer you to be vaccinated but if you’re not you need to show a negative covid test taken at most 72 hours before your flight.
The United Kingdom is allowing visitors from the U.S as well as allowing their citizens to leave and enter the U.S. Testing requirements depend on if you're vaccinated or not. If you’re not vaccinated you do not need to show a negative covid test before arrival, but you must do a post-arrival test and fill out a passenger locator form. If you are not vaccinated you must test-beforehand, after you arrive and also quarantine. Transitioning to Scotland, Wales or Ireland have additional requirements that should be checked.
Europe is allowing visitors from other countries as well as allowing their citizens to leave. Since Europe is so big certain countries have different rules and regulations. The 4 countries that are completely closed to visitors are Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden. 12 countries are open specifically for vaccinated U.S travelers. These are Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. The 11 countries that are allowing travel to unvaccinated U.S travelers are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and England. Depending on where you go they have specific quarantine restrictions and regulations.
Australia’s borders are still closed.
China is allowing visitors from the U.S to enter as well as allowing its citizens to leave and enter the U.S. However, quarantine is mandatory for 14 days for all travelers - vaccinated or unvaccinated. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers must provide proof of negative COVID test before arrival.
Japan only allows limited visitors to enter Japan. Tourism travel is not permitted at this time. In order to enter Japan, you must qualify through the Japanese Embassy. If you do qualify to enter you must show a negative covid test or vaccination card and quarantine for 10 days to enter Japan from the U.S. Unvaccinated individuals must spend 3 days in a government designated quarantine location.
Canada is allowing visitors from the U.S and well as allowing their citizens to enter the U.S. You must be fully vaccinated and show proof of negative COVID-19 test as well. Unvaccinated individuals are not permitted to enter Canada.
Mexico is relatively open. It is allowing visitors to enter and their citizens to enter the U.S. You don’t need to be fully vaccinated, nor do you need to provide a negative COVID test to enter Mexico.
South America (excluding Brazil) has varying restrictions dependent on the country. We recommend you check each country individually, but in general they are allowing visitors to enter as long as you are fully vaccinated.

This interactive tool from Delta airlines can help you easily find travel requirements for places all around the globe. It's a great tool to check specific rules and is always up to date.

Finally, all countries are strictly enforcing masks in airports, on planes, and in other transit centers. Be prepared to wear your mask for 5+ hours continuously, so make sure you get a breathable, comfortable mask that is made for travel.