Countries that do not require quarantine
Since the European harmonisation of July 1st, 2021, the health pass has become the European norm. Holders of the health pass (who have either been vaccinated, have a negative PCR test, or have recently recovered from Covid-19) can freely travel to any EU country. However, in practice, with the Delta variant running, quarantine has become mandatory in some cases. In fact, quarantine is limited to specific regions and populations, primarily at-risk regions and unvaccinated people. Other countries are adopting similar measures. The aim is to make international travel more fluid as economies around the world are stabilising.
In Europe, many countries are currently quarantine-free: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Spain, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy.
In contrast, Asian countries are keeping their borders closed, with some reopening slowly with quarantine requirements. Only Jordan and Turkey do not have quarantine rules. The United Arab Emirates does not require quarantine for travellers arriving in Dubai. On the other hand, travellers to Abu Dhabi are quarantined for seven days. In Sharjah, travellers are quarantined until they receive the result of their PCR test.
In the Americas, Bahamas, Brazil, Ecuador, Jamaica, Guatemala, Paraguay, Mexico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic no longer require quarantine.
In Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Egypt, Mauritania, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Burkina Faso have also put an end to their quarantine requirements.
However, these measures tend to change overnight, so you are strongly advised to inquire directly with the authorities of the country where you are planning to travel. However, keep in mind that the absence of quarantine does not mean that you won't need a negative PCR test obtained less than 72 hours before your departure.
As of now, only Colombia, Costa Rica, Kosovo and North Macedonia have neither quarantine nor negative PCR test requirements. On September 1st, however, North Macedonia changed its rules. A Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test obtained less than 72 hours prior to travel, or "a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 45 days, counting from the day of healing” are required.
Besides, terrorism and other risks are present worldwide, with some States being more affected than others, especially by serious political crises. So it is strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Turkey, Brazil, Namibia, and Somalia. Other countries such as Kenya, Mauritania (due to its proximity with Mali) and Cameroon are particularly threatened by terrorism. In addition, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali are carrying the burden of an upsurge of the Ebola virus.
Compulsory quarantine
In recent months, quarantine, targeted at very specific areas and populations, has become the new trend in many countries anticipating the threat of the Delta variant. Governments are massively encouraging vaccination against Covid-19. In fact, it's currently easier for vaccinated people to travel internationally.
Many EU countries are also reintroducing quarantine. Germany is targeting travellers from France and its overseas territories: Occitanie, PACA, Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion Island, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélémy. Belgium is also prohibiting entry for travellers from high-risk countries. Germany requires all travellers (vaccinated and unvaccinated) to register on its official website before their flight. However, quarantine only applies to unvaccinated or infected travellers. Failing to abide by these rules is liable to a fine of € 25,000. In Belgium, there is a ten days quarantine for all travellers, including vaccinated people.
Poland, Bulgaria and Slovenia have introduced a 10-day isolation period (self-isolation for Estonia, Hungary and Finland) for unvaccinated and infected travellers. However, the quarantine may be shortened if the traveller produces a negative PCR test within two days of arrival. In Estonia, Hungary and Finland, two negative tests are required six days apart. In Iceland, Ireland, Croatia and Austria, there is no quarantine for vaccinated travellers, those who have a negative PCR tested and those who have been cured, but quarantine is mandatory for the rest of travellers.
Iceland and Croatia are introducing hotel isolation until a negative PCR test is obtained. Iceland made it clear that all travellers have to register on the official website in advance. Online registration is also required for travellers to Latvia and Norway, added to 10-day self-isolation. Lithuania is also planning a 10-day quarantine for unvaccinated travellers and those who haven't been cured of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Malta has extended its quarantine requirement to 14 days in a hotel approved by the government. Sweden, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Romania, Czech Republic require quarantine depending on the case.
Elsewhere, many countries are also opting for a targeted quarantine. For example, Uzbekistan requires a 14-days quarantine for travellers from India. Similar rules apply to the Central African Republic, Bangladesh and the Republic of the Congo. In Bangladesh, travellers are quarantined in a government-approved hotel, while Congo introduced self-isolation. Bolivia has reduced mandatory quarantine to 10 days and required insurance coverage for Covid-19. Nepal has also reduced isolation to 7 days. However, it is strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel to these countries.
It's worth noting that all quarantine-related costs, including the hotel stay and PCR tests, are the traveller's responsibility. In addition to these entry conditions, health and movement restrictions still exist in businesses, public places, etc., and they all depend on whether the traveller has a health pass or not.
The impact of quarantine rules on international relocation
Quarantine rules have a significant impact on short stays abroad. So you should consider not only 7 to 14 days of isolation at your own expenses but also a possible quarantine on your return, so this requires proper planning. But quarantine rules and other restrictions introduced by many countries also affect international relocation. For example, British travellers were subject to compulsory quarantine in France since the UK had been classified as a high-risk country. These kinds of measures are usually unpredictable and can be a major issue for unvaccinated travellers.
International relocation requires proper planning. With the pandemic and strict health restrictions, especially with Covid-19 variants running, some countries may lose their attractiveness while others remain as popular as ever. Although still closed to foreigners, Canada is one of the most popular expat destinations. Since the beginning of September, Europeans are able to return there. The United States are another popular destination with strong growth figures that are bringing hope to expats. Southeast Asia, on the other hand, is losing ground. Already weakened by a politico-economic crisis, Hong Kong (where borders are still closed) has experienced an expat exodus since the early days of the pandemic. The same goes for Singapore or Taiwan, which also remain closed to foreigners. However, these states are trying to boost the economy locally by prioritising local jobs and businesses. Other countries, such as Switzerland, highlight how they dealt with the global health crisis and their economic stability to attract future expats.
In short, the pandemic has redefined international travel and relocation. For expatriates, this implies more profound research and vigilance. Current restrictions can lead expats to postpone or even cancel their plans. But this period of uncertainty can also be an opportunity for reflection, so make sure to understand your real motivations for travelling.
