Travel 2022 | 4 Countries You Can Visit Unvaccinated

Post-COVID Travel: 4 Countries You Can Visit Unvaccinated

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Nowadays, travelling overseas highly depends on your COVID-19 vaccination status. Like it or not, COVID-19 passports are now a requirement to enter most countries around the world. This is especially true in light of the newest variant, Omicron, that is said to be the most infectious strain yet.   

But, what if you’re unvaccinated and want to travel? Well, there are a few countries that are allowing international travellers to enter without having to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. However, bear in mind that gaining entry into a country without being vaccinated doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to move about freely once you arrive at your destination. You could be denied access to restaurants, shopping malls, concert venues, theme parks, and other attractions. 

Nevertheless, whether you were unable to receive the vaccine due to a medical condition or other personal reasons, there’s no need to put your travel plans on hold. Here’s a list of countries allowing unvaccinated international travellers to enter their borders, given you follow some other COVID-19 requirements of each country highlighted. 
 

1. Italy

If you enter Italy unvaccinated, you will have to fill in a Passenger Locator form and show a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result, taken within 48 hours before entering Italy. You will also need to notify the local health authority of your entry into Italy, travel to your final destination in Italy by private transport only, and self-isolate in your own accommodation for 5 days. At the end of that, you must take another PCR test to be able to ditch quarantine and start sightseeing.

Local Contact Tracing App to download: Immuni contact-tracing App
 

2. Turkey

Turkey is another country you can visit without being fully vaccinated. But, you must show a negative PCR test (taken less than 72 hours before entry), or a rapid antigen test (taken less than 48 hours before entry). You could also show proof of recent recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months to gain entry. On top of that, all international tourists are also required to submit an online entry form 72 hours before travelling.

Local Contact Tracing App to download: “Hayat Eve Sığar” (Life Fits Into Home)
 

3. Maldives

All international travellers (except children below 1 years old) must present a negative PCR test upon arrival. The negative PCR test result must be issued no more than 96 hours (or within 4 days) before departure from Singapore. The result needs to be attached to the Traveler Health Declaration form, which you must submit online, 24 hours before arrival. 

Another important thing to note is that although you are permitted to enter the country unvaccinated, you will have to self-isolate for 14 days and take another PCR test before leaving quarantine. You will not be required to self-isolate if you are fully vaccinated. 

Local Contact Tracing App to download: TraceEkee
 

4. United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)

Singapore is under the Green List of countries that are welcomed to Abu Dhabi with no quarantine measures, even for the unvaccinated. However, unvaccinated travellers must show a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before departure. You’ll also have to take a PCR test on Day 6 and Day 9 of your stay (Day 1 being the day of arrival) to ensure that you have not caught the virus while touring.

Local Contact Tracing App to download: Alhosn app
 

Returning Home to Singapore

These countries are part of the Vaccinated Travel Lane which allows quarantine-free travel from and to Singapore via designated flights. However, you’ll need to present an official document to Singapore Immigration, stating the reason you’re unvaccinated and why you wish to travel to gain clearance. Of course, this does not apply to unvaccinated children below the age of 12. Best thing to do is to check the latest requirements and updates on the Ministry of Health’s official website before you buy your flight tickets.

Although getting vaccinated is not mandatory, it does serve as a shield to reduce the effects of the COVID-19 virus, especially when travelling overseas. The last thing you want is to fall ill in a foreign country with high medical bills to worry about! 
Besides that, travel insurance is also a non-negotiable requirement when travelling abroad. Check for COVID-related travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation or disruption and emergency medical evacuation – if you’re fully vaccinated that is. Get in touch with us for more details.