Where can I travel now?

The world is opening up once again and travellers are looking forward to enjoying long-overdue escapes.

From Monday 4th October 2021, the rules for international travel to England will no longer contain an amber list, meaning a huge number of destinations are now open to travellers, including the USA. After a long travel ban on UK travellers, we’re thrilled to hear this news. For those based outside of the UK, many more destinations are open or opening and are welcoming visitors once again.

Updated regularly, this page is designed to answer your burning questions on where to visit and how to get there. Popular locations are already in high demand so do get in touch to start planning with our expert advisors today. Please note that advice will vary depending on where you’re travelling from, so please get in touch for the most up-to-date guidance for you. 

Last updated 20th September 2021

Iceland

On May 6, Iceland opened its borders to all travellers from non-Schengen countries, including from UK, USA, Canada, Asia. Those who can present a certificate of either the full vaccination or previous COVID infection are exempt from COVID testing rules and quarantine. Other eligible travellers are required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken before boarding, plus 2 tests upon arrival with 5-6 days of quarantine between tests – Pelorus will organise this for you. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt.

Norway

Norway showcases the Scandinavian wilderness, through an abundance of awe-inspiring landscape and wildlife. Strolling the National parks, through orchards and cliffs, experience the best of Norway’s fjords, some of the deepest in the world. If you live in the EU/EEA/Schengen area and have been fully vaccinated or have had COVID-19  in the last 6 months, you can enter Norway, you can document this with a verifiable EU Digital COVID Certificate or a Norwegian, Swedish or Danish Covid certificate with a QR code. You will not have have to quarantine, undergo any tests or register when you enter Norway this way.

Finland

Finland boasts thousands of islands with pure air and water, crystal clear lakes, national parks and fantastic wildlife. Finland provides a variety of national parks, untouched forests, and pristine lakes for you to explore either hiking, swimming or canoeing. The dense forests in summer become a glistening wonderland in winter. Discover wildlife such as elk, wolves, brown bears and snowy wolves. Those who can provide proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 within the past 6 months are allowed entry. Those who are not vaccinated must have evidence of an essential or compassionate reason for entry to Finland. 

Spain

Venture the Spanish countryside with a private horse-riding experience through fields and groves on expertly trained horses. Hike alongside guides into fjords made up of turquoise waters, fringed with lush pasture and idyllic rural villages. Delve into authentic gastronomy, tasting world-famous tapas second to none, before a sherry tasting at one of Spain’s oldest Bodegas. For access to these unique experiences travellers must abide by the current entry requirments inclusing documentation certifying that you have undertaken a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival, and tested negative. See the Spanish Ministry of Health ‘Travel and COVID-19’ page for details.

Madeira

On the UK government’s ‘Green List’,  Madeira is shaping up to be the ideal destination for that long-awaited travel adventure. Indulge in exquisite local Portuguese cuisine or venture to the wild coast to sample the famed surf scene. Passengers must show negative PCR test results for airlines at the time of boarding taken within 72 hours of departure and may be subject to screening on arrival, those who have an EU digital vaccine certification do not need a test prior to travel. Get in touch with a member of our team to plan your trip today! Those from the EU/EEA or from the UK and some other non-EU/EEA countries are permitted entry, if you are travelling from any other non-EU/EEA country, you can only enter for essential purposes.

Kenya

Explore the African Bush as you track the extraordinary wildlife that roams Kenya. Aid the conservation of elephants and rhinos with an expert in this field, before retreating to a luxury lodge in the evening. Moving to the UK ‘amber list’ on the 22nd September, for entry passengers must show negative PCR test results at the time of boarding taken within 96 hours of departure, complete the “Travelers Health Surveillance Form”.

Caribbean

Canada

Canada remains one of Earth’s few untamed wilderness areas, allowing you to travel alongside adventure specialists as you search for Polar Bears, Wolves, Moose, Arctic Fox and much more.  From the 7th of September Canada opened it’s borders to all fully vaccinated travellers, have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight and submit the mandatory information via ArriveCAN, find out if you qualify for entry here. 

Belize

From the rainforests to idyllic atolls, this rich epicentre of bohemian spirit is one of many Central American countries welcoming tourists. You must download the Belize Health App and present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Or be tested at the airport for $50. 

United Kingdom

The UK roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions across England is underway. Domestic travel within the UK is possible along with experiences, where it is safe to do so. The UK is changing their traffic light system to a simple red list on the 4th October, making entry easier for those vaccinated. Requirements vary across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Galapagos

Isolated, 1000 kilometres from mainland Ecuador, the stunning Galapagos Islands are world-renowned for their vibrant flora and fauna. Visitors wishing to enter the islands must have proof of full vaccination or present a negative PCR test for COVID-19, taken 72 hours prior to the date of departure to the Galapagos Islands.

Maldives

Few spots on Earth compare to the hushed haven of the Maldives and it has proven itself to be the destination of choice over the last year. With excellent protocols, all you need to present is a Traveller Health Declaration Form and a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival and submit to additional screening methods on entry to enjoy these sunnier climes in a private villa or on board a luxury yacht. Travellers who have completed full Covid-19 vaccination are exempt from these requirements.

Oman

Situated in the South-Eastern peninsula, its deserts, coastlines and culture all contribute to its unique allure. Moving to the UK ‘amber list’ on the 22nd September, for entry passengers must present a certificate with QR code confirming a negative PCR test result (for flights shorter than 8 hours, this test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Oman; for flights longer than 8 hours, this test must be taken no more than 96 hours before arrival in Oman). Before arrival, complete a pre-registration form at the eMushrif website and upload your COVID-19 vaccine certification and PCR test result, both containing QR codes. 

Malta

Malta has an almost mythical quality to it that comes from its eerie underwater caves, stunning temples and medieval architecture. Malta’s vaccination program is full steam ahead, with free travel from ‘Green’ listed countries. Malta is on the UK government green list, welcoming vaccinated UK visitors. Currently, ‘Amber list’ countries, must provide proof of a negative PCR test for COVID-19, performed 72 hours prior to arrival in Malta and designated ‘Red list’ countries are not currently allowed to enter Malta.

USA

Guatemala

Home to ancient ruins, expansive stretches of rainforest and colourful highland markets, Guatemala is the centre of the Maya heartland. Welcoming visitors, they are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, or proof of being fully vaccinated with the last dose being two weeks prior as well as registering with the Guatemalan Health Pass website prior to boarding and bringing a printed form with you. However, those from the UK or South Africa are not permitted entry. 

France

Discover France and all it has to offer from provincial cities with the small-town feel of narrow winding streets and exquisite art museums, to the diverse landscape dappled with luxury chateau’s where you can indulge on fragrant wine from local vineyards. France is now open to vaccinated travellers and is awaiting their arrival. Those unvaccinated must provide an essential reason to travel and undergo a PCR test 24 hours before arrival with completion of the International Travel Certificate.

French Polynesia

Explore a paradise of turquoise waters, home to more than 1,000 species of fish. With over 4.7 million square kilometres dedicated to shark sanctuaries, there are numerous programs that can be joined to aid both sharks and coral. Those arriving from France, the UK and the USA do not need an essential reason to travel if they can prove full COVID vaccinations have been completed. All travellers must undertake a complete a PCR test 72 hours before departure and register on the French Polynesian Electronic Travel Information System (ETIS).

Greece

Greece is a place of warm hospitality, glorious sunshine, and wonderful history, witness history in Athens as the ancient Acropolis stands sentinel over the city which teems with life or visit the islands of Crete and Santorini to relax on volcanic beaches. Those entering must have completed a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hours prior to arrival or proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before travel.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the palm fringed paradise on the southern tip of India home to mountainous jungle and roamed by elephant and leopard, is opening their doors to travel again. Fully vaccinated travellers to Sri Lanka will be able to travel freely as soon as they receive an in-country negative PCR test result. People will be required to begin their time here with 24-48 hours in a Level 1 ‘bio-bubble’ hotel before exploring the island, as normal. However, those who have not had both vaccines will need to remain in these hotels for a 14 day period.

Fiji

To discover the South Pacific and the beautiful paradise of Fiji, visitors must arrive in private jets and rendezvous with their yachts immediately. Guests can cruise, swim, surf, dive and fall in love with the exotic islands (without disembarking), while meeting their quarantine requirements. A naval boat will ensure the completion of customs and health test requirements. Once cleared, superyachts can continue cruising Fiji’s crystal blue waters freely. No travellers are allowed to land in Fiji or transit through from any other country.

Ecuador

Whether it is the exquisite cuisine which entices you, or the winding roads revealing lush vegetation looming out of a blanketing mist, Ecuador is a relatively undiscovered country ready to be unveiled once again. Passengers are required to sign a Health Declaration Form alongside their itinerary and local contact details. Either a negative PCR test for COVID-19, a negative antigen rapid test taken up to 3 days prior to arrival, or an official vaccination certificate must be presented.

Cuba

Cuba’s Caribbean coastline is home to some of the best beaches in the world and some of the most pristine ocean-beds on the planet. Visitors to Cuba must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with 72 hours before travel and complete a Health Declaration Form. On arrival at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, a further PCR test is required,  before isolating and waiting for the result. Non-residents will be given a PCR test on arrival and will have to stay at a designated isolation centre (may be a hotel) until they have a second negative PCR test (the test may be on fifth day).

Montenegro

Delve into the historic streets of Montenegro, be charmed by stunning vistas and wander quaint streets. Embark on a white water rafting adventure through canyons or hike verdant mountains for panoramic views over this Balkan land. The doors to Montenegro are open to visitors who have provided proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel or can prove they are fully vaccinated, for UK citizens, only the letter form of proof is accepted.

Colombia

Vivacious colour, the Amazon rainforest and a Caribbean coastline, Colombia simply oozes culture. Explore Cartagena or take a helicopter inland over the ‘Lost City’ for a cultural exchange with the indigenous tribes. To explore, you must present email confirmation of a Migration Checking form filled out no earlier than 24 hours prior to boarding.

Panama

Panama is the undiscovered jewel of Central America. To unveil its tropical Caribbean hideaways and wild Pacific coast, brimming with marine life and vibrant corals, visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR tests on arrival. This must be taken no more than 72 hours before travel, and passengers must’ve completed the tracking affidavit form.

South Africa

With the winter season in South Africa approaching, this is one of the best times to see the Big Five. Following strict health protocols and vaccine roll out, South Africa has its COVID alert status as level three. Major international airports have reopened and are operating international and connecting flights to other African destinations. To enter South Africa and avoid a quarantine period, visitors are required to produce a paper copy of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure as well as an online Travel Health Questionnaire. 

Costa Rica

Tropical jungle, waterfalls and volcanoes, it is no surprise Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Air travel is now permitted from all countries and once here there are very few restrictions. Visitors will need to complete a Health Pass form within the 48 hours before departure and adequate health insurance is required, details of both can be found here.

Mexico

Mexico’s jungle-fringed Pacific coastline stands between some of the most incredible marine life in the world and the remains of an Aztec empire peppered across arid desert. Flights to Mexico are running, visitors are required to complete a health questionnaire form and scan the QR code it generates on arrival. Restrictions are dependant on their 4-tier traffic light system and where you find yourself, most states categorise themselves as ‘orange’ which sees fluctuating restaurant and bar restrictions. For US citizens the border to Mexico remains closed for all non essential travel.

Although travel restrictions remain in place now, the following destinations are opening soon. With these popular destinations, it is a good idea to book ahead now rather than later, to avoid disappointment. 

Thailand and Africa is amongst the ones to watch.

We suggest starting to look ahead to Iceland, Norway and Finland as these destinations will be booked up quickly as people prepare for the festive season. 

Please contact a member of our team who will be happy to chat through further details.

Book with confidence

We understand your worries and questions on safety. With help from our infection prevention advisor and COVID promise, you can plan with flexibility and confidence.

Our expertise stems from a British military background, therefore safety and planning down to the minute details is at the forefront of all Pelorus adventures, allowing us to adapt to any situation seamlessly and deliver the ultimate, bespoke experience for you and your group.

If you would like to explore this further, our expert team are only a call away and happy to chat this through with you.