According to the Travel Restrictions Report of UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), a specialized agency belonging to the United Nations, 46 destinations (21% of those worldwide) currently have their borders completely closed to tourists and, of these, 26 keep the “armored” borders from at least the end of April 2020. Another 55 destinations (25% of all global destinations) continue to have their borders partially closed to international tourism and 112 (52% of all destinations) require international tourists to present the result of a molecular swab or PCR, or a rapid antigen test upon arrival.
The research also shows that 85 destinations (39%) have relaxed restrictions for fully vaccinated international tourists, while 20 (9% of the world total) have established mandatory vaccination for entering a destination for tourist purposes. Only 4 destinations have so far lifted all Covid-19 related restrictions completely (Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Mexico).
“The safe easing or lifting of restrictions on travel are essential for the restart of tourism and the return of the social and economic benefits the sector offers“, said Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary general. “The trend towards destinations taking evidence-based approaches to restrictions reflects the evolving nature of the pandemic will also help restore confidence in travel while helping keep both tourists and tourism workers safe”.
As in previous editions of the UNWTO’s Travel Restrictions Report, this latest report shows that differences remain regarding travel restrictions. Asia and the Pacific remain the areas with the most restrictions in place, with 65% of all destinations completely closed. In comparison, Europe is the region most open to international tourists (with just 7% of borders completely closed), followed by Africa (9%), the Americas (10%) and the Middle East (15%).
HolaCamp expands in northern Spain: acquired La Franca campsite in Asturias