May is the last opportunity for a late spring trip before summer crowds and heat descend on popular destinations around the world. Travel restrictions remain light, helping to explain why airlines are reporting record numbers of summer bookings, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
May 04, 2023, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Binz: Sunny weather prevails on the beach promenade of … (+)
United States travel restrictions
Travel restrictions to the United States are minimal and do not apply to U.S. and permanent residents. The biggest hurdle this month is the requirement to vaccinate visiting foreigners, which ends very soon.
International travel vaccination mandate ends May 11, 2023
For several months, speculation has been circulating that US vaccination mandate for international visitors will expire soon. Fortunately, this rumor finally comes true on May 11, 2023.
This date also marks the cessation of several emergency measures during the pandemic. With the removal of the vaccination requirement for international travel, there are no longer any major tourist and business destinations in the West for which a policy is still in force.
Public mask mandates
There is no public mask requirement in states or major cities. Masks may be required to be worn on flights between certain international destinations, depending on that airline or country's masking policy.
Testing Requirements
There are no mandatory testing requirements for entering the United States from international countries. Earlier in 2023, several Western countries implemented mandatory testing in certain regions and airports as a precaution when China opened its borders.
Travel restrictions in Canada
There are no restrictions for U.S. residents who wish to enter Canada by air, land or sea. Additionally, Canadians can enter the United States after May 11, 2023 without having been recently vaccinated.
Caribbean Travel Restrictions
The Caribbean islands have no testing or vaccination requirements prior to arrival by plane or plane. cruise. The Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Kitts and St. Nevis were the latest countries to drop vaccination requirements for adult visitors. These islands relaxed their entry requirements in April 2023.
Latin America travel restrictions
There are no entry restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors, although a handful of countries require unvaccinated visitors to have a negative test result before arrival:
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Nicaragua
Fewer countries are requiring pre-arrival testing than in recent months.
Travel restrictions in Europe
There are no entry restrictions for visiting Europe. However, the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to affect both countries.
Additionally, a recurring recommendation from the U.S. Department of State is to ensure that a travel passport has at least six months before the expiration date when traveling. Some countries may ban visitors whose passports expire within the next six months. Since this may be the first time many people have traveled abroad in several years, it can be easy to overlook the passport expiration date.
Africa travel restrictions
Most of the most visited African countries are fully open to tourism and have no entry restrictions. The top three countries are Egypt, Morocco and South Africa. Two popular safari destinations, Kenya and Mozambique, do not impose travel restrictions on vaccinated travelers, although the unvaccinated must take a negative test before arrival.
Several other countries on the continent continue to require pre-arrival testing for unvaccinated travelers. There are minimal restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers.
Sudan travel restrictions
Due to the recent civil war in Sudan, the US Embassy in Khartoum, the capital, has suspended operations and is advising all US citizens to evacuate. Although this country is not a typical tourist destination, this conflict may impact travel to northeast Africa and countries bordering Sudan.
Asia travel restrictions
The greater Asian region has more restrictions than the West.
China travel restrictions
China reopened earlier in 2023 but is still not open to tourism. Foreign nationals can obtain permits for limited reasons, such as business travel. It is unclear when it will be easier to book tourism in this ancient nation.
If granted a visa, visitors must have a negative test result before arrival. Mandatory testing applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.
Entry requirements for Japan
Japan dropped its requirement for proof of vaccine or negative test before arrival effective April 29, 2023. When visiting Japan in May, tourists can enter unhindered with minimal documentation, similar to Japan's protocols. pre-pandemic travel.
Travel restrictions in Indonesia
While most Asian countries have relaxed their entry requirements, Indonesia continues to bar entry to unvaccinated visitors.
Philippines travel restrictions
The Philippines has no entry requirements for vaccinated visitors, but unvaccinated ones must take a negative test before arrival.
Singapore
There are no coronavirus-related restrictions on entering Singapore, although visitors who have recently been to a country at risk of yellow fever may need a yellow fever vaccine. Most of the affected countries are in Africa and South America.
Oceania travel restrictions
Visitors can enter Australia and New Zealand without restrictions, regardless of their vaccination status. For travelers looking for a unique tourism experience, the Solomon Islands still requires vaccinated visitors to take a test before arrival.
Summary
May 2023 is a great time to travel domestically or abroad. A few countries have relaxed vaccine and testing requirements, which is a positive note for international travel. You can also book domestic travel before Memorial Day to avoid larger crowds and higher prices.
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