Which Countries are Open for Travel and Tourism?

As the world is opening up its borders for tourism and business, will popular countries be open to accepting leisure travel now?

The Covid pandemic has changed a lot on how we do things. One of these is how we travel. Pre-pandemic, anyone can simply bring a passport and some personal effects, at minimum, and purchase a ticket and accommodations online to a popular travel destination at the airport. Nowadays, it is important to travel responsibly to take into consideration not only your health, but also the health of others. Travelling for either business or pleasure now requires detailed preparations and regulatory compliance, way before you even consider an isolated modern luxury home or a popular luxury resort for your accommodations. Learn which countries are open for travel

But before you even make plans for a trip, the most important question is this: is it really safe to travel right now? Even if you have armed yourself with all the alcohol, face masks, personal disinfectant you can grab, it is impossible to guarantee that you are not at risk when traveling right now. As more countries are opening their borders in a bid to augment their economies, it is important to reiterate that your health during this pandemic cannot be guaranteed. Travel, just like any other venture, comes with uncontrollable variables, even if your route consists of the airport, hotel, car or bus or train, and then back, and that there is always a risk of infection especially in common and public places. 

But if you are getting cabin fever, or really want to resume your travel activities pre-pandemic, do not fret. Some countries have handled the pandemic much better and have actually proven to reduce the number of cases. Some countries have even managed to open its doors to the world and resumed their daily activities with health standards in place to ensure that the health risks are much lower, especially in public places. It is also worth noting that majority of them are following global protocols when it comes to accepting tourists and business travelers, for example, enforcing a 7 to 14-day quarantine at a recommended facility. Moreover, these countries are also requiring tourists and business travelers to get vaccinated. And if you select to head to a country that has a higher vaccination rate and lower number of cases, then the risks of getting an infection (and potentially bringing it back home) are considerably lower as well.

Countries that are open to tourists and business travelers

Do check the country’s latest travel requirements before planning your next trip.

As of November 2021, there are about 73 countries open for Filipino tourists. Each country has its own travel requirements ranging from RT-PCR tests and quarantine protocols, to COVID-19 insurance requirements and vaccinations. Some of the countries offer entry exemptions to Filipinos who are citizens of the destination country, returning residents, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have valid work visas and contracts, and diplomatic or UN passport holders going to post or on official travel.

While many more countries have reopened, some of the information below may no longer apply or have been changed according to their governments. We recommend visiting each country’s embassy website for the latest information about travelling to these countries.

Traveling in Asia

China – China temporarily suspended entry by non-Chinese nationals in the Philippines who are holding visas or residence permits. At the moment, the People’s Republic of China is currently not issuing any tourist visas. However, Chinese citizens can avail for a “travel passport” to travel abroad. Allowed travelers who have also received a Chinese vaccine can apply for a visa as normal.

Indonesia – Indonesia does not have any special regulations, but Filipino tourists are required to present visas provided by the Indonesian mission they applied from, as well as the Indonesia Health Alert Card. The visas should also reflect the purpose in entering the country, especially those who plan to go to Bali or are just passing through a connecting flight.

Hong Kong – Hong Kong accepts travel to the country, but Filipinos need to comply stricter requirements, including quarantine upon arrival and compliance to acceptable vaccination records. Workers such as domestic helpers have a special travel arrangement with the country provided they comply with the required vaccination records.

India – India expressed that the country will be fully reopening without need for quarantine.

Singapore – Singapore has introduced vaccinated travel lanes for certain countries. Tourists and business travelers from the Philippines must comply with Category 4 requirements, which are a Pre-Departure RT-PCR Test within 48 hours of departure to Singapore, an On-Arrival PCR Test, and a 10-day Stay-Home Notice.

Thailand – Thailand expressed that they are open to fully vaccinated travelers from 46 countries. Travelers need to have a negative PCR result, and must be subject to another test upon arrival. There will potentially be a travel corridor with Cambodia.

Bhutan – Bhutan is closed to all tourists. Bhutan may likely to be one of the last countries to open to tourism, so do check their embassy for travel requirements should you need to head there.

South Korea – South Korea is completely closed, but allow returning residents and nationals to fly back to the country. They do, however, are required to undergo quarantine. 

Traveling in the Caribbean and Americas

Argentina – As of November 1st, Argentina have announced a full re-opening to tourism. This means you may be able to make that special trip to Antarctica. 

Belize – As of October 1st, Belize airport has to international travelers with proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers are also required to fill out the Belize Travel App. Homestays like a modern luxury home may be allowed if its operator have a “Gold Standard Operators” and hotels recognition as set out by the government. 

Brazil – Brazil is pretty much fully open to tourism. On the other hand, the country is struggling in managing cases in the country, so precautions are recommended. Travelers are required to have a negative PCR test regardless of vaccination status.

Canada – Canada is tentatively opening borders to fully vaccinated tourists since October. Travelers need to be completely vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19. If not, they are required to complete a vaccine series in Canada 14 days upon arrival. 

Cuba – The Cuban Tourism Ministry is expected to lift travel restrictions starting November 15. This simply means that quarantine may no longer be required for vaccinated tourist arrivals. However, there is some severe restrictions in place for tourist travel in Cuba, including accommodations. So booking a modern luxury home or a luxury condo homestay may be out of the question if it is not recommended by the national government.

Mexico – Yes, it is. Mexico is open to tourists of all nationalities arriving by air. However, not all areas of the country are open though. While a negative test is required, you may be screened and quarantined. The border with Belize and USA remains closed.

United States – The US is open to travel several countries, with quarantine in place for some nations, including the Philippines. Some Filipinos are now heading to the US for vaccine tourism, which has now become a thing. On November 7, USA will fully open to vaccinated tourists .

Open for Travel to these countries with a “travel passport”

As vaccines are rolled out, with some countries rolling it out much faster, it is expected in the hospitality and travel sector that some of these countries may implement “travel passports.” 

Cyprus – Cyprus is now completely open to vaccinated travelers, as well as for those who have taken a negative PCR test within 72 hour of arrival. Travelers from high-risk countries may have additional requirements. Travelers are required to fill out the Cyprus Flight Pass online first before entering the country. 

The EU – The EU announced that they will allow any person who has been vaccinated within the preceding two weeks as a tourist. This is related to the Digital Green Pass (travel passport). 

Greenland – Despite being part of Denmark, the tourists who head to Greenland will be making the trip from Iceland. According to Iceland, they will allow people into the country who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Iceland – Iceland is now fully open to vaccinated visitors. With most Greenland tours leaving from Iceland we are hopeful this will lead to a resumption of Greenland cruises.

Israel – Israel s not open for tourists, but due to the speed of vaccinations in the country they are expected to be one of the first countries to fully open up. Tourists from Cyprus and Greece are allowed to travel to Israel.

Romania – Romania was one of the first countries to announce they would let in people who have received the vaccine. Tourists who have yet to get vaccinated must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entry to the country, as well as leave within 48 hours of arriving. Romania will likely take part in the EU Travel Pass as they are part of the EU.

The United Kingdom – The United Kingdom is now open to vaccinated travelers for all intents and purposes. The UK has removed the Philippines from its “red list” on October 11.

Cozy Staycation with a Modern Luxury Home investment

As the world is still opening up amid a pandemic, the safest option to travel and tour is always back home.

If you have not made the trip abroad yet, we are pretty sure that you have satiated your love of travel via a staycation. And what’s not to like about a staycation? In Metro Manila alone, there are so many neighboring options, including a staycation in wonderful Tagaytay. While there is no need for a swab or rapid test, the fact that the destination is just an hour’s drive away from the metro and that complying with the rest of the travel requirements is not that arduous unlike when planning for a trip abroad. Some establishments also have alfresco areas and other considerations that now allow even families to bond and destress without worry. 

And for the folks who truly seek peaceful refuge from the bustling metropolis that is Metro Manila, investing in a modern luxury home or a luxury condominium for sale within a luxury development that offers great vantage points, several points of interest, and expansive areas of cool, breathable space is actually a great idea.

Crosswinds Tagaytay is a Swiss-inspired resort development stretching over 100 marvelous hectares of land featuring over 35,000 lofty pine trees and is credited for the cooler than usual Tagaytay temperatures. Crosswinds Tagaytay offers breathtaking vistas and vantage points that feature the lush, rolling terrains that draw vision towards the aerial views of the rest of Tagaytay City and Metro Manila. Anyone who has taken a drive on the rolling terrains of this idyllic resort development feels a sense of ease, comfort, and relaxation from the cool climate and the majestic nature of Tagaytay refreshed.

Crosswinds Tagaytay is a world on its own — the commanding Swiss-inspired homes and residential buildings, which are all situated along the natural slopes of the exclusive community, will make you feel that you are indeed no longer in the Philippines anymore. 

Crosswinds Tagaytay calls to mind a popular holiday getaway you’d always come back to, thanks also to the food, space, and overall atmosphere. From international café and restaurants like Café Voi La, Ruined Project?, and Napa at Crosswinds, to the number of local and international restaurants and fruit stalls in the famed Tagaytay main highway outside of the development, you can never go hungry or not feel satiated in Tagaytay.

Bespoke restaurants and cafes like Ruined Project? highlight a refreshing trip to Tagaytay. | Image from Ruined Project?/ Facebook

The luxury development is also home to several residential and resort enclaves, each offering luxury real estate investment opportunities you would want to bank on to experience that international luxury vacation for life.

The Crosswinds Grand Quartier, also known as Crosswinds Resort Suites, offers luxury condo units and top-notch amenities — perfect as the next vacation home you truly deserve.

The Crosswinds Grand Quartier is a premium luxury resort development that offers luxury condotel units, each with a balcony for residents and guests to enjoy and experience the famous Tagaytay vista because the property was built on the highest peak in the Swiss Resort community. When you invest in a luxury condominium in this resort, you have the option to enjoy all the trappings of this Swiss-inspired property as a homeowner, or earn rental income when you want to lease it to others who also wanted to experience a European getaway.

Live largely and openly in Lausanne at Crosswinds, and breathe in the real freshness of the countryside air.

If you are not into a luxury condominium, how about investing in one of the most expensive homes in the Philippines? Lausanne at Crosswinds is a residential development spanning 24 hectares that offers lot-only properties for buyers who plan to build and develop their own luxury homes with much-needed privacy and exclusivity. The development also offers panoramic views of the Tagaytay skyline and views of Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. 

The dreamy, ethereal landscape of Alpine Villas Tagaytay makes your real estate investment worthwhile.

Alpine Villas is a series of six to eight-story Swiss chalet-inspired mid-rise villas set to rise along with the rolling Crosswinds Tagaytay pine tree vista backdrop. Set to become one of the best well-designed, space-efficient vertical residences in all of Tagaytay, Alpine Villas is to become the dreamy, ethereal modern luxury home you have always wanted.

Check out more vacation-inspired homes for your next luxury home investment at Brittany Corporation.

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts!