Following months of closure, countries around the world have begun to lift travel restrictions. Many have yet to relax their laws regarding tourism and travel. Some have successfully managed to create a reputation for being the safest places to travel during the pandemic. That said, here are the countries to travel to amid relaxed travel restrictions.
Iceland
1st on Global Peace Index 2020
With domestic restrictions lifted, Iceland is expected to witness an influx of tourists in the coming months. The Icelandic government has made it mandatory for all third-country nationals to follow COVID-19 protocols. These include testing upon arrival, a five-day quarantine, and a second test before departure. According to the website Iceland Review, over 60% of the country’s population has received a complete dose of corona vaccination.
New Zealand
2nd on Global Peace Index 2020
The way the New Zealand Government handled the COVID-19 crisis is nothing short of impressive. The country took drastic measures to control the spread of the virus. The government keeps a strict check on the entry of visitors from other countries. It has declared certain areas as quarantine-free travel zones. On the other hand, the movement of travelers in quarantine zones is maintained through managed isolation. All these measures make New Zealand one of the safest places to travel this year.
Portugal
3rd on Global Peace Index 2020
Portugal began lifting lockdown restrictions in June. The Portuguese government intends to lift the restrictions in four phases. Moreover, the authorities are taking several steps to revive the tourism industry. Turismo de Portugal recently implemented a “Clean & Safe” seal. This initiative at boosting the confidence of tourists and enabling them to use lodging services. These establishments are located at various places throughout the country.
Canada
6th on Global Peace Index 2020
A recent survey declared Canada as the safest destination for travelers in 2021. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, an insurance company, conducted the survey. Canada has one of the strictest border and travel safety restrictions in the world. Travelers are required to remain in quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to the country.
Switzerland
10th on Global Peace Index 2020
Switzerland has placed several travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Swiss government has made huge strides in lowering the virus toll. Lax regulations are in place for American citizens traveling to various places in Switzerland. Tourist attractions, however, are still under strict surveillance. The country was recently declared as the 5th safest travel destination in 2021.
Italy
31st on Global Peace Index 2020
Italy was hit the hardest by the pandemic in Europe during 2020. But the country managed to overcome the odds and contain the virus. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection ranked Italy the eighth safest travel destination for 2021. The Italian government has placed minor restrictions in regions like Veneto, Toscana, Umbria, Molise, and Lazio. Valle d’Aosta, Sicilia, Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata on the other hand are still under strict restrictions due to moderate levels of COVID-19 cases.
