Only 16 countries – including the United States – still ban unvaccinated travellers

Covid rules are now very few and only one European country – Kosovo – maintains all travel restrictions. Last month, even China revealed plans to open up to a limited number of foreign visitors for the first time since 2020 (although they will still have to undergo a PCR test).

But the bureaucracy has not completely disappeared. Testing remains for travel to a significant number of other destinations, while unvaccinated or unenhanced people are still barred from certain countries – America being the most notable example. In addition, there are mask rules – especially in Asia, but also in parts of Europe – and Covid passports are sometimes used.

Our regularly updated country guide explains key restrictions across all major holiday destinations so you know what to expect. However, they change quickly, so it would be wise to compare our guide with the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well.

Europe

No entry restrictions – regardless of vaccination status

1. Albania

2. Austria – although FFP2 face masks remain mandatory on public transport in Vienna.

3. Belgium

4. Bulgaria

5. Bosnia and Herzegovina

6. Croatia

7. Cyprus – although a face mask is still mandatory on public transport.

8. Czech Republic

9. Denmark

10. Estonia

11. Finland

12. France

13. Germany – FFP2 or similar masks are still legally required on public transport.

14. Greece

15. Hungary

16. Iceland

17. Ireland

18. Italy

19. Latvia

20. Liechtenstein

21. Lithuania

22. Luxembourg

23. Malta

24. Moldova

25. Montenegro

26. the Netherlands

27. North Macedonia – there is still an obligation to wear a mask on public transport.

28. Norway

29. Poland

30. Portugal

31. Romania

32. Serbia

33. Slovakia

34. Slovenia

35. Spain

36. Sweden

37. Switzerland

38. Turkey

39. Great Britain

Restrictions remain

Kosovo

According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if you are not fully vaccinated (two doses), you will need to show proof of a negative PCR test result (taken no more than 48 hours before entry) when entering Kosovo. That said, a recent visitor to the country told Telegraph Travel that he had not been asked for any Covid documentation either before boarding or at entry.

The rest of the world: in short

No travel restrictions:

Continuation of the story

1. Antigua and Barbuda

2. Argentina

3. Armenia

4. Aruba

5. Australia

6. Bahamas

7. Bahrain

8. Barbados

9. Cambodia

10. Canada

11. Chile

12. Costa Rica

13. Cuba

14. Curacao

15. Dominica

16. Dominican Republic

17. Ecuador

18. Egypt

19. El Salvador

20. Georgia

21. Grenada

22. Guatemala

23. India – although there is a thermal check of passengers on arrival and random testing of two per cent of all international travelers over the age of 12.

24. Israel

25. Jamaica

26. Jordan – however, all travelers from outside Jordan should complete the Jordan Travel Declaration Form.

27. Kazakhstan

28. Kuwait

29. Kyrgyzstan

30. Madagascar

31. Malaysia – You still have to wear a face mask in public transport and taxis.

32. Maldives

33. Mauritius

34. Mexico

35. Mongolia – Passengers are required to complete medical declaration forms upon arrival at border crossings.

36. Morocco – however, a passenger health form must be completed before entering.

37. Namibia

38. New Zealand

39. Nicaragua

40. Oman

41. Paraguay

42. Peru

43. Rwanda

44. Qatar – Covid passports are however used to enter some places.

45. Saudi Arabia

46. Seychelles

47. South Africa

48. South Korea – however, you must complete a health survey upon arrival.

49. Sri Lanka

50. Saint Lucy

51. Thailand

52. Trinidad and Tobago

53. Tunisia

54. Vietnam

55. United Arab Emirates (including Dubai)

56. Uzbekistan

57. Yemen – FCDO advises against travel.

Only vaccinated/boosted travelers are allowed:

• Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue

• Equatorial Guinea – plus tests and quarantine

• Fiji

• Ghana

• Hong Kong

• Indonesia

• Iran – FCDO advises against travelling.

• Livery

• Marshall Islands – including booster

• Micronesia – including amplifier

• Palau

• Pitcairn

• Puerto Rico

• Tonga

• Turks and Caicos

• US

Tests required for unvaccinated persons:

• Bolivia

• Botswana

• Brazil

• Columbia

• Japan – three stabs needed to avoid the test before leaving.

• Kenya

• Laos

• Myanmar – The FCDO advises against travel, with the exception of Yangon.

• Philippines – Persons aged 15 or over who are not fully vaccinated are required to submit a negative remote or laboratory rapid antigen test performed no more than 24 hours prior to departure to the Philippines

• Singapore – Covid-19 travel insurance with a minimum coverage of $30,000 is also mandatory if you are not vaccinated.

• Tanzania

• Uganda

• Uruguay

• Venezuela – FCDO advises against travel.

• Zimbabwe

Tests required for all imports:

Completely closed:

Rest of the world: in detail

The list below does not include countries where entry restrictions have been lifted.

Americans

Bolivia

All arrivals aged four and over must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).

Brazil

Passengers must provide proof of vaccination or a negative result of a PCR or antigen test performed no more than 24 hours before boarding the aircraft or landfall.

Columbia

All adults must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).

USA

Covid: All adults must be vaccinated (two doses) to enter the US. Unvaccinated children may be asked to certify that they will be tested three to five days after arrival and will self-isolate if they develop any symptoms or test positive.

Non Covid: You will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) visa or visa waiver to enter or transit through the US as a visitor.

Africa

Botswana

All arrivals aged 12 and over must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).

Kenya

All arrivals aged 18 and over must be fully vaccinated or have proof of a recent negative test to visit Kenya.

Tanzania

All arrivals aged five and over must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).

Uganda

All arrivals aged five and over must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (taken within 72 hours of departure).

Zimbabwe

All arrivals aged five and over must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (done within 48 hours of departure).

Asia and Oceania

China

From January 8, China will lift the quarantine for foreigners, but will need a negative PCR test. It can be submitted by completing a health declaration form through the China Customs website or through the China Customs app or WeChat account. Anyone who reports a positive test result will not be allowed to board a flight to China.

Passengers entering China with fever symptoms or with an incorrect health declaration may be asked to undergo an antigen test upon arrival. Those who test positive will be released to quarantine if symptoms are mild, or will be referred to a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment if symptoms are more severe.

However, British citizens need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, and visa eligibility to travel to China remains very limited.

Indonesia

All arrivals aged 12 and over must provide proof of vaccination.

Japan

Unvaccinated arrivals are required to be tested prior to departure, triple vaccinated guests are exempt from the testing rules.

Laos

All arrivals must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test (done within 48 hours of departure).

Philippines

Arrivals must present proof of vaccination or a negative remotely supervised or laboratory rapid antigen test performed no more than 24 hours prior to departure to the Philippines.

This article is being updated with the latest information.

Reader support: you wonder what do you need to do before your flight? Or when do you need to buy travel insurance? Learn more about Telegraph Media Group travel insurance service and find the answer to your question