While non-essential travel is still not encouraged, the good news is that the world is opening up again and we all are itchy to pack our bags to travel to our favorite spot and be a vagabond again. Many countries have opened up their borders and are allowing tourism starting from June. Here’s what we know so far about when different countries will be open for travelers as of today, June 1st, 2020.
Asia Pacific & Oceania
Picture Courtesy: @blisseventthailand
With a myriad of islands and cities that are home to exquisite 5-star hotels and resorts, rich histories that make for an intriguing vacation, vast natural resources that will make you feel truly alive: Southeast Asia is the perfect location for any destination wedding. Here are a few popular countries from the destination wedding perspective and an update on their reopening.
Bali – Indonesia’s tourism ministry has indicated Bali will reopen to travelers sometime between June and October.
Thailand – Thailand’s international flight ban has been extended until June 30 however the country is in talks with allowing travel between nearby countries such as China and South Korea. Domestic flights restarted on May 15 and the country’s hospitality staff are being in deep cleaning and hygiene procedures. It is indicated by Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand that it will open up international travel in the last quarter of 2020. The government has also launched a unique certificate scheme program “Amazing Thailand Health & Safety Administration: SHA” by which travel agents and tour operators can ensure safety to its clients. Thailand is set to reopen exhibition and convention halls from June 1.
Vietnam – Vietnam has emerged as the leader in pulling its tourism industry out of the coronavirus slump. Domestic flights are now back in operation, and Vietnam Airlines is said to be in discussion with the government to resume some international flights in June. Restaurants and retail outlets are back open. International travelers from a list of 80 countries, will be welcomed into the country from July 1.
China – China briefly opened its borders to non-citizens in late March, before closing them again after an influx of new coronavirus cases. Royal Caribbean to resume sailing from China in July to scheduled Asian destinations.
Japan – Japan has lifted the state of emergency for Tokyo and other neighboring nations thus relaxing the soft lockdown and facilitating economic activities, local travel and tourism.
Australia – Australia is taking gradual steps to resume a normal life. The country has announced a three-step plan for reopening, in which the third step includes the creation of a ‘trans-Tasman bubble’, which will allow travel between Australia and New Zealand. Australian leaders have said October is probably the earliest they would again allow international travel.
New Zealand will most likely be the first country Australians will be able to visit, thanks to a trans-Tasman travel bubble being negotiated between the two governments.
Indian Subcontinent
Picture Courtesy: @theweddingstory_official
India – The land of rich cultural history which offers royalness and a taste of natural scenes, India is rising as a popular destination wedding hotspot among couples in and out of India. India had begun to ease its internal lockdown, but there’s no word on when outsiders might again be welcome. The domestic flights have resumed, but there will be restrictions and strict procedures. India has opened up permission for weddings with a cap of 50 people max. International flights are expected to open in July.
The Maldives – The crème de la crème of honeymoon destinations, Maldives will reopen to tourists on July 1. All arrivals will need to take compulsory COVID-19 tests.
Sri Lanka – They have scheduled to reopen airports from August 01 including foreign travelers. Hotels and restaurants registered with State authority will be bellowed to operate.
Europe
Picture Courtesy: @paris_photographer
Though the landscapes change from the bright Mediterranean beaches to the rolling vineyards and cosmopolitan cities, Europe will always exude charm, tradition, and unparalleled romance. It is one of the most preferred destinations for couples across the world to tie the knot. Right now, there is a mixed picture across Europe, with the usually easy travel across the Schengen Area restricted. Almost every country has its own rules in place and its timetable for reopening to tourists, both from its EU neighbors and further afield.
Italy – Although Italy never formally closed its borders, it did ban tourists. International travelers will be welcomed back from June 3, and will not need to self-isolate on arrival. Travel between regions will also be allowed. However, local and state governments have the power to restrict travel in their areas. Restaurants, bars, and cafes have reopened (with social distancing measures). Beaches have also reopened.
France – France is scheduled to reopen its borders on June 15 however its emergency measures have been extended until July 24 with non-essential trips banned and visitors required to self-isolate.
Germany – The restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 are relaxing in Germany. From May 30 all federal states permitted hotels to accept bookings for tourism. Cafes, restaurants, and shops are open. Germany’s borders remain closed and travel restrictions will be reassessed after June 15.
Ireland – Ireland will not open its borders to outside travelers until August 10. Cafes and restaurants are slated to reopen on June 29 while museums, galleries, and hotels to reopen on July 20 while pubs will be allowed to reopen their doors on August 10.
Greece – Greece will reopen to international travelers on June 15. Major year-round hotels will reopen from June 1 in major cities and regional provinces. The reopening of seasonal hotels is scheduled for June 15. Restaurants, cafes, and bars are scheduled to open to the public with new rules from May 25. 500 of the country’s beaches opened to the public on May 16 with social distancing in place, thought to be a trial for when the country reopens.
Spain – Spain will welcome international tourists back to the country from July 1, when it will also lift its quarantine requirement for those entering the country. However, the Spain-Portugal border will remain closed to tourists.
Portugal – International tourists are now welcome in Portugal, with health checks at airports but no compulsory quarantine. Many shops and restaurants have already opened with strict restrictions. Madeira Island ad Porto Santo will open to international tourism from July 1.
Croatia – Borders are now open and it’s welcoming holidaymakers. It witnessed 9000 arrivals and 85000 overnight stays between 11-17 May. International travel is expected to open by July.
Iceland – As of June 15, Iceland will welcome international tourists, but they will need to take a compulsory COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport, or self-quarantine for two weeks.
Cyprus – Cyprus plans to reopen its airports on June 9 to international arrivals, but travelers must provide a health certificate proving they do not have coronavirus. This requirement will cease on June 20.
Ibiza – Ibiza will welcome back tourists from July 1. All arrivals must be able to provide a negative COVID-19 test.
United Kingdom
Picture Courtesy: @ejlewis
UK – Travellers will be welcomed into the United Kingdom from June 8. A 14-day quarantine for all incoming overseas travelers will be imposed. UK campsites, hotels, holiday parks, and tourist attractions are planning for a July 4 reopening as well as pubs and accommodation.
The Americas
Picture Courtesy: @heatherkadar
Canada – Canada will not open its borders until at least June 23, and even then, the land border with the United States will remain shut for an additional 30 days.
Hawaii – The state will begin a four-phase plan for reopening on June 30.
The Florida Keys – The island chain will open to visitors on June 1. Social-distancing guidelines will apply, and accommodation will be limited to 50% occupancy, which will be re-evaluated in late June.
Mexico – Some Mexican regions (where the coronavirus pandemic has been brought under control) will reopen to visitors from June 1. The land border with the United States will remain closed until at least June 22.
Aruba – The government of Aruba has announced a tentative time frame for reopening the island between June 15 – July 1.
The Bahamas – While the date is not final, the government has announced plans for the country to reopen its borders “on or before” July 1.
Jamaica – Jamaica’s borders will remain closed until at least June 1, according to the latest bulletin from the Jamaican Tourist Board.
Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico is now open to international tourists, but arrivals must self-quarantine for 14 days regardless of whether they are symptomatic.
St Lucia – The island will reopen its borders on June 4. A negative COVID-19 test must be provided before entering the country, which must have been taken within the previous 48 hours.
US Virgin Islands – The US Virgin Islands government has announced it is working on a plan to welcome tourists back by June 1. No details have been shared.
Peru – Peru has extended its border closures until June 30. It has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in South America. Beginning on May 25, the mandatory nightly curfew hours will be reduced in Lima and much of the country, with curfew beginning at 9 pm and ending at 4 am.
Middle East
Picture Courtesy: @jumeirahbh
Being at the center of the world which gives excellent flight connectivity plus modern architectural marvels rising out of the ancient deserts, traditional hospitality, and modern expertise and unexplored vistas, the Middle East presents a treasury of destinations for weddings. Emirates is resuming flights to 9 destinations – London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne, incorporating all the necessary precautions and safety measures required for flights.
UAE – Dubai has already begun lifting its lockdown restrictions. Cafes and restaurants are reopening in the emirates with 30% capacity, while shopping centers are beginning to open partially. Dubai wants to start welcoming tourists back by July, according to the tourism director-general.
Turkey – According to Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the destination plans to restart domestic tourism by the close of May and hopes to receive international visitors from mid-June. Turkey is working on an internationally recognized certification system, by which it plans to classify tourist destinations, tourist areas, and businesses, as ‘coronavirus-free zones’. Tourists entering the country will also be expected to provide ‘health documents’ declaring themselves to be coronavirus free.
Africa
Picture Courtesy: @ericronaldphoto
Africa, with its diverse landscape, spectacular wildlife and wealth of top-class accommodation, offers a range of romantic locations for ceremonies and is also a dream place for a honeymoon.
South Africa – According to Africa News reports, South Africa’s government isn’t planning on opening to domestic tourists until December 2020, and international tourists until February 2021.
Seychelles – Seychelles will welcome tourists back on June 1.
Morocco – The government’s “Health State of Emergency” is in effect until June 10, and all commercial flights to and from the country are suspended indefinitely.
Egypt – Egypt prepares for partially reopening hotels for local tourism. This came amid the government’s “coexistence” plan to resume economic activities while fighting the novel coronavirus.
With each passing day, new information is coming from different parts of the world and we will keep on updating this link and share as up to date and real-time information with you as possible. Until then, keep safe and plan your next travel!
Feature Image Credit: @moonweddings
