https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/thailand-covid-travel-restrictions-mandatory-quarantine-yacht

In an effort to boost tourism, Thailand will reduce its mandatory quarantine period for vaccinated travelers from 14 to 7 days.

Travelers must be fully vaccinated within three months of the travel period and are still required to take a COVID-19 test within three days before their arrival in the country, the Health Minister announced this week, according to Reuters.

Anyone who is not inoculated but able to produce negative test results will have to quarantine for 10 days.

Thailand's new quarantine rules will not apply to travelers from Africa. They must continue to quarantine for two weeks, due to concerns over other variants of the virus.

It's possible that the quarantine period will be completely waived after October, if Thailand is able to vaccinate at least 70% of its medical personnel and at-risk residents.

But for those who wish to travel to Thailand earlier, there may be a more glamorous way of spending your quarantine than seven days of staring at a hotel room wall. The Thai government has launched a new initiative, allowing foreign visitors to spend their quarantine period on a yacht.

Applications have already opened and about 100 yachts or small cruise ships are expected to participate in the program once it's fully launched, according to The BBC. Visitors with negative COVID-19 tests will be able to board their yacht in Phuket and spend their seven-day quarantine at sea.

Travelers will be required to wear a digital wristband that will monitor their vitals, including temperature and blood pressure, and track their location via GPS. The wristbands are capable of transmitting data up to six miles away, including while at sea.

The program is expected to begin in April or May.

Earlier this year, Thailand introduced a similar scheme that allowed foreign visitors to spend their quarantine period on a golf course. And some luxury hotels have been approved by the government as designated quarantine facilities.

https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/impacting-travel/covid-19-us-travel-restrictions-state-by-state-guide-for-march-2021.html

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/03/11/citing-current-trends-coast-guard-lifts-almost-all-travel-restrictions-troops.html

The U.S. Coast Guard has lifted most travel restrictions to "pre-pandemic status," according to a service-wide message issued Wednesday.

Citing "current trends of the pandemic combined with the national vaccination effort," Coasties are free to move about the country, based on their vaccination status and COVID-19 conditions at their destinations.

Service members still must adhere to local restrictions and guidelines when not engaging in official travel, according to ALCOAST 096/21, but they are able to take domestic leave and leisure activity without fear of breaking Coast Guard-wide rules.

"All personnel must be aware of changing conditions in locations they intend to travel to and through when making travel decisions," the message states.

The new guidance also allows for foreign leave and leisure travel, but personnel must get command endorsement and approval from the first flag officer or senior executive service employee in their chain of command.

The change in travel status within the Coast Guard differs markedly from the other military services, which are adhering to guidance established by the Defense Department and military services based on local conditions.

More than half of the 231 DoD installations -- 51% -- have lifted constraints, up from a low this year of 37% the first week of February. The Marine Corps has lifted restrictions at 88% of its installations; the Air Force, 73%; and the Army, 53%. The Navy has lifted travel restrictions at just seven of its 62 bases, or 11%.

Before an installation's travel restrictions can be lifted, the state or country in which it is located must show a 14-day declining trend in symptoms and cases of COVID-19, and there can be no stay-at-home order in place.

The installation then must meet additional criteria, including a health protection condition level of Charlie or below. Essential services must also be available.

Once those first steps are met, a senior leader, such as a chief management officer, service secretary or combatant commander can approve lifting travel restrictions.

Americans are currently barred from traveling to most overseas locations, including much of Europe. However, more than 70 countries allow Americans entry with various levels of testing requirements and quarantine restrictions.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to discourage persons from traveling, it maintains an information page on travel, including guidance and information on destination countries.

Any U.S. citizen over age 2 is required to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous three days before returning to the U.S.

Regarding permanent change of station moves, nearly all Coast Guard moves are likely to be "good to go" for the 2021 PCS season, with all household goods shipments authorized, according to a service press release from late January.

"The Coast Guard is optimistic that the 2021 PCS season will go smoothly," the release states.

The Coast Guard is actively encouraging members to take leave during their PCS periods and last month authorized administrative absence for Coasties serving on major cutters "to promote wellness and rejuvenation" among those who deployed and were restricted to their ships before deploying as well as during port calls.

According to a message issued March 4, commanding officers are allowed to approve up to 15 days of "resiliency absence" for their permanently assigned personnel. The leave is not to be used in conjunction with a PCS move or to house hunt, the message stipulates.

-- Stephen Losey contributed to this report.

Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime

https://www.mytwintiers.com/health/coronavirus/gov-cuomo-lifts-nys-travel-restrictions/

(WETM) – Domestic travel restrictions have been lifted for New York residents. Travelers are no longer required to quarantine after entering New York from any U.S. State or U.S. Territory starting April 1.

While no longer required, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all safety guidelines to stop the spread – wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings.

“New Yorkers have shown strength and perseverance throughout this entire pandemic, and it shows through the numbers that continue to decrease every day,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we work to build our vaccination infrastructure even further and get more shots in arms, we’re making significant progress in winning the footrace between the infection rate and the vaccination rate, allowing us to open new sectors of our economy and start our transition to a new normal in a post-pandemic world. As part of that transition, quarantine for domestic travelers is no longer required, but it is still being advised as an added precaution. This is great news, but it is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down. To beat this virus once and for all we all must continue doing what we know works to stop the spread, including wearing masks, washing our hands and practicing social distancing.”

Regardless of quarantine status, all individuals exposed to COVID-19 or returning from travel must:

• Continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14;

• Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings, through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated);

• Must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.

Vaccinations in New York also increased to 60 and older this week and expanded on the essential workers who are eligible to get the vaccine.

This announcement comes after other restrictions were lifted last weekend, including increasing indoor dining capacity to 75 percent in New York State and 35 percent in New York City.

New York State is allowing 75 percent capacity at restaurants that have been operating at 50 percent capacity. Starting March 19 local restaurants in the Southern Tier can make this change. The data has shown that restaurants can operate safely and in accordance with strict health protocols at 75 percent capacity. New York City restaurant capacity will remain at 35 percent capacity.

“Our fight in the war against COVID-19 continues, but we are encouraged by the decrease in infection and hospitalization rates and the rise in vaccinations,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we expand our vaccine distribution and celebrate the arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, we have never been closer to defeating this beast once and for all. It is critical that New Yorkers not succumb to COVID fatigue and remain vigilant. Until the day the war is won, we all need to continue the practices we know work – washing hands, social distancing and masking up. The numbers are a reflection of our actions and when we work together, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Copyright 2021 Nexstar Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2021/03/03/covid-travel-restrictions-new-york-loosens-rules-vaccinated-people/6909098002/

New York, one of the first states in the U.S. to implement travel restrictions on domestic visitors last spring, took another step toward relaxing its COVID-19 policies Wednesday by lifting the quarantine and COVID-19 testing restrictions on people who have been vaccinated within 90 days of their second inoculation.

"Domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine or test out within 90 days of full vaccination," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a COVID-19 briefing.

Beyond the 90 days, travelers would still have to quarantine and test out.

International travelers must continue to quarantine for 10 days, he said. People who have not been vaccinated or who have not completed their shots must also continue to quarantine under the existing guidelines.

People arriving in the U.S. from overseas by air must also present a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of travel, a rule introduced shortly after President Biden took office in January.

Up until Wednesday, travelers who left New York or neighboring states for more than 24 hours were required to present a negative test taken within three days of arrival and quarantine for three days. Travelers could then test out on Day 4 by testing negative a second time.

It's unclear whether vaccinated travelers will be able to skip filling out the required contact-tracing form upon arrival in New York, which asks for the names of people traveling with them, phone numbers and email addresses where they can be contacted and to list any high-risk countries or states they've recently been to.

The travel restriction update came the same day the state announced it would relax limits on private gatherings as well as capacity at smaller entertainment and sports venues.

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/australia-extends-international-travel-ban

If you were hoping to visit Australia any time soon, you’re going to have to wait a little longer.

On Tuesday, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt announced that the country has extended its international travel ban for another three months.

The ban -- called the "human biosecurity emergency period" -- was previously set to expire on March 17, according to 7 News. Now, it will expire on June 17, Hunt’s announcement said.

The country’s travel ban has been in place since March 2020.

In his announcement, Hunt said that "the COVID-19 situation overseas continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk to Australia, including the emergence of more highly transmissible variants."

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE LOOKS TO 2022 WITH CRUISES 14 DAYS AND LONGER

Hunt also said that extending the ban "will ensure the Australian Government has the powers to take any necessary measures to continue to prevent and control COVID-19."

"The extension of the emergency period for a further three months is about mitigating that risk for everyone’s health and safety," Hunt said.

Aside from extending the travel ban, Australia is also extending current emergency protocols including "pre-departure testing and mask wearing for international flights; restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels within Australian territory; restrictions on outbound international travel for Australians; and restrictions on trade of retail outlets at international airports," the announcement said.

However, the restrictions and travel ban are not set in stone. Hunt said that they could be changed or appealed if the situation improves.

"In particular, the Australian Government continues to work closely with state and territory agencies, national health committees and the cruise industry to develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruise ships in a manner that is proportionate to the public health risk," Hunt said.

UNITED AND AMERICAN AIRLINES OFFERING COVID-19 VACCINE FOR CHICAGO O’HARE EMPLOYEES

According to the Australia Department of Health website, the country’s borders are closed to everyone except Australian citizens, residents, immediate family members and some travelers who have been in New Zealand -- but not Auckland -- for the 14 days before entering Australia.

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/caribbean-travel-restrictions-jamaica-narrows-covid-19-travel-test-window.html

Effective March 4, Jamaica government officials will narrow the window under which travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result to check in for a flight to the country.

Under the new protocol, all travelers to Jamaica age 12 and over will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, according to updated information on the Jamaica Tourist Board website confirmed by JTB officials Monday.

JTB has established an online Test Date Calculator to aid travelers with the timing of pre-departure tests.

Prior to March 4, residents of the U.S., Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama age 12 or older have been required to present a test result taken within 10 days of travel to Jamaica. The new policy applies to all travelers, and tests must be performed by a medical laboratory with a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registration and an ISO 15189 certification.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/thailand-coronavirus-reopening-tourism-campaign

With the #OpenThailandSafely campaign, organizers hope to welcome tourists back on July 1.

Thailand's tourism industry launched a campaign on Tuesday, hoping to persuade the country to welcome visitors back by July.

Launched Tuesday, the #OpenThailandSafely campaign hopes to welcome international tourists back to Thailand by July 1, campaign organizers shared with Travel + Leisure, a date which they believe provides enough time for vaccines to make their way around the world.

In addition leaving enough time for travelers to get vaccinated, organizers argued the July 1 date would give Thai medical authorities the opportunity to vaccinate front line staff and vulnerable citizens, and would give the tourism industry (like airlines and hotels) time to prepare to welcome visitors.

Organizers estimate it will take at least a year to return to pre-pandemic tourism numbers in Thailand.

"The 1 July reopening would be a strategic opportunity for Thailand to show a leadership role among Asian countries and prepare the way for a solid recovery of the Thai economy in 2022," CEO of YAANA Ventures, one of the groups supporting the campaign, Willem Niemeijer, told T+L in a statement.

The group plans to send their request to the country's prime minister general, minister of tourism and sports, and governor of the tourism authority of Thailand.

The effort comes a few weeks after the popular beach destination Phuket laid out its plan to vaccinate its own residents in order to begin welcoming vaccinated tourists by October. It also comes after Thailand started allowing tourists to enter the country, but only if they agreed to stay for several months and underwent a two-week quarantine.

The rollout of the vaccine around the world has put a spotlight on the concept of vaccine passports. Some countries — like the Seychelles and Georgia — have embraced the idea, welcoming vaccinated Americans to their shores, while some states — including Vermont — are allowing vaccinated travelers to skip quarantine measures.

https://simpleflying.com/weekend-travel-feb-28/

As a sign of increasing confidence in air travel, passengers for the third straight weekend have surpassed one million passengers in a day. However, this time, the numbers were just as good on Thursday, February 25th, as they were on Friday the 26th– an increasing sign that customers are willing to get back onboard planes as the busy summer season starts to set in.

High passenger counts continue for the third straight weekend

February has been turning out better than many had expected, with weekends seeing high traveler numbers. Just looking at Fridays, we can see the following upward trend:

• February 5th: 868,624 passengers

• February 12th: 1,151,420 passengers

• February 19th: 1,059,452 passengers

• February 26th: 1,096,348 passengers

The weekend of the 12th is a bit of an oddball in between, as it was the Friday before a long weekend with Presidents’ Day, so an even greater number of leisure passengers showed a willingness to fly. Outside of that weekend, strong numbers from the 19th and 26th indicate that passengers are willing to get onboard an aircraft in increasing numbers. These are some of the best numbers since they slid after the winter holiday period.

The good news continues for airlines

Consistently, some of the worst travel days have been Tuesdays. Normally a heavy business travel day, one US airline– Allegiant Air– has gone as far as to essentially shut down operations on that one day with no flights scheduled for Tuesdays. With mostly leisure travelers flying, Tuesdays typically see few passengers board a plane. However, even those numbers have been encouraging. Here’s the data from the last few Tuesdays:

• February 2nd: 493,338 passengers

• February 9th: 617,619 passengers

• February 16th: 738,825 passengers

• February 23rd: 714,725 passengers

Those numbers, minus February 2nd, are reminiscent of some of the better months in US air travel in 2020 after the pandemic started. This is not all business travel, of course, but increased passenger counts on non-leisure days is a good sign and will be necessary for airlines moving forward.

Good signs for spring break?

The crisis has been anything except linear. Growing passenger counts have done everything from stalled growth and stagnant numbers to a sharp decline, leaving air carriers assessing their schedules on a short-term basis.

Given that, it is incredibly difficult to say that these trends will continue through March. One of the biggest roadblocks to increased passenger numbers are travel restrictions. Passengers like to go to places that are open for dining and entertainment or feature a host of outdoor activities, like hiking, skiing, or even surfing. This has been a strong trend since last summer.

Spring break is around the corner, and it is anyone’s guess how travel will turn out. If passengers are increasingly confident heading out to leisure destinations, then travel numbers will likely be relatively high. If current trends continue, perhaps more days in March could see passenger counts cross the million traveler account than any other month since March of 2020.

International travel will rely heavily on a vaccine to reopen borders. In contrast, domestic travel is tied mostly to what is open where– which is one reason why the sluggish pace of vaccinations is not correlating to a sluggish return in travel. In most places in the US, dining and theme parks have reopened, but there are usually restrictions requiring outdoor dining or face masks in public places. The areas with entry restrictions in effect usually require passengers to get tested before arrival or else adhere to a strict quarantine period.

Ultimately, things are looking good for spring break, but things can also change at a moment’s notice. If the trends continue, then the first quarter of 2021 could end up being the start of a sustained upswing in travel.

https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/impacting-travel/15-key-travel-advisories-announced-in-february-2021.html

The Latest Advisories

February was another busy month for the U.S. State Department, which issued dozens of updated travel advisories, most of which are related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a look at some of the key pieces of advice for some of the most notable destinations included over the past month.

Egypt - Level 3

The State Department is recommending that Americans reconsider travel to Egypt right now due to COVID-19 and advises them to exercise increased caution in the country due to the threat of terrorism and the Embassy's "limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained." Egypt is currently open to Americans who can present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

Philippines - Level 3

Another Level 3 destination as of February 1, the State Department urges travelers to reconsider any plans to visit the Philippines due to the coronavirus crisis. The department also warns of crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping, pointing out that some areas of the country have increased risk.

St Vincent and the Grenadines - Level 3

As of February 1, the U.S. State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The destination is currently open to U.S. travelers with testing and quarantine protocols in place.

Seychelles - Level 3

Seychelles is open to vaccinated travelers with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure. However, the State Department encourages Americans to reconsider any plans to visit the East African archipelago due to the pandemic. "Seychelles has resumed most transportation options but maintains restrictions on international travelers from certain countries," the State Department advised on February 1.

Sri Lanka - Level 3

Americans are being asked to reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution in the South Asian island country due to terrorism. Sri Lanka is open to travelers, but they'll need a negative COVID-19 test result and two-week reservations at an approved hotel or resort.

British Virgin Islands - Level 3

Travelers are advised to reconsider plans to visit the British Virgin Islands due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The Caribbean destination recently reopened for tourism with enhanced health and safety protocols in place.

Jamaica - Level 3

Jamaica has established resilient corridors to safely resume tourism amid the pandemic, but the State Department continues to recommend that Americans reconsider travel to the Caribbean island due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Travelers are also advised to exercise increased caution in Jamaica due to crime and avoid parts of Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town due to the threat of violence.

Spain - Level 3

Like most of Europe, Spain continues to be closed to Americans. As of February 11, the State Department encourages travelers to reconsider plans to visit Spain due to COVID-19 and also warns of potential terrorism and civil unrest. "Limited transportation options are available, and some businesses are operating, usually with significant restrictions. Entry restrictions or quarantine measures are in place for most U.S. citizen travelers," the U.S. government states.

Belize - Level 3

Belize is also listed at a Level 3 due to COVID-19, but the Central American country has worked hard to safely welcome visitors back amid the pandemic, establishing and expanding a safe corridor for pre-tested arrivals.

Panama - Level 3

Travelers are encouraged to reconsider travel to Panama at the moment due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution due to crime. The State Department advises Americans to avoid travel to parts of the Mosquito Gulf and Darien Region due to the threat of crime.

Portugal - Level 3

Portugal remains at a Level 3 as of February 16, with the State Department warning that "limited transportation options are available, and some border crossings by land are closed with most flight routes suspended." "Only essential businesses, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical services are operating," the U.S. government adds. "Entry restrictions, pre-flight COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures are in place for U.S. citizen travelers."

Turks and Caicos - Level 4

The State Department reissued its Level 4 travel advisory for the islands of Turks and Caicos on February 16, urging Americans to avoid travel to the Caribbean destination because of health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The U.S. government also warns of crime. "Travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands may experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay-at-home orders, business closures and other emergency conditions within the Turks and Caicos Islands due to COVID-19," the State Department published.

Grenada - Level 2

Grenada is one of the few countries to be listed at a Level 2 heading into March. The State Department continues to encourage Americans to exercise increased caution in the Caribbean destination due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The island has been prioritizing safety since reopening its borders last year, requiring visitors to have proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 in addition to a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

Cyprus - Level 3

The Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus is listed at a Level 3 heading into March due to COVID-19. However, Americans will have to put their plans to visit on hold anyway as the State Department warns that "quarantine measures or entry restrictions are in place for certain U.S. citizen travelers."

Saint Lucia - Level 3

Like most destinations in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is listed at a Level 3, with the State Department advising that U.S. travelers reconsider plans to visit the island nation due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Right now, visitors age five and older must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days of arrival, complete a travel registration form and have confirmed reservations at a COVID-certified hotel or resort.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/countries-accepting-vaccinated-travelers

Editor's note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.

As travel has been largely put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rollout of the vaccine has become the game-changer that'll hopefully help us resume canceled plans or even map out a whole new adventure soon.

Although the rate of the vaccine availability has varied around the world, some countries are jumpstarting their tourism industries by inviting fully inoculated travelers to visit.

Fortunately, some destinations previously closed to American tourists have opened their borders to those who are fully vaccinated. Travelers returning home from an international trip are required to test negative for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.

Below are the countries currently welcoming vaccinated Americans.

Georgia

Georgia welcomes U.S. travelers arriving by air who have received both doses of a vaccine, according to the U.S. Embassy in Georgia. Those who are fully vaccinated do not need to get tested prior to arrival or quarantine when they get there.

Unvaccinated travelers can also visit the country, but must arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, get a follow-up PCR test on the third day after arriving in the country, and complete an application with their contact details and travel history.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is welcoming fully vaccinated travelers to its pristine shores coming from any country. Travelers must prove two weeks have passed since they received their second dose. They must also show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at an accredited laboratory within 72 hours of traveling, according to the island's tourism board.

Travelers have to fill out a health travel authorization showing their certificate of vaccination, test results, flight confirmation, and accommodation details.

The country will reopen to all travelers — vaccinated or not — once the majority of its population is vaccinated.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/cancun-eases-covid-19-travel-restrictions-spring-break

With spring break on the horizon, several popular resort destinations in Mexico are loosening their COVID-19 restrictions.

Hotel, restaurant, and beach capacity limits are rising from 30% to 60% in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Tours and attractions also are being allowed to increase their capacity to 60%, the government of Quintana Roo said on Twitter.

Government officials said a decline in local COVID-19 cases across the state prompted their decision, which comes as travelers seem to be daydreaming of a beach escape.

Data gathered by Expedia in January showed strong search interest in hotels in Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres, all of which are located in Quintana Roo.

Still, it's likely to be a far more subdued spring break on Mexico's eastern Yucatan Peninsula than in years past.

Nightclubs, bars, and discos remain closed. Casino and public transportation capacity is capped at 50%. Beaches are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, and alcohol is prohibited.

All foreign visitors to Mexico must register with the government online and present a QR code on their mobile device upon arriving. Land borders between Mexico and the U.S. remain closed. Masks are required on beaches and inside restaurants, hotels, shops, and airports.

U.S. travelers will also need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen test before they're allowed to board a flight back home.

By Forrest Brown and Megan Marples | CNN https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/02/24/covid-19-u-s-travel-restrictions-state-by-state-3/

Editor’s note: This story was current as of February 23 and will be updated periodically. However, you should still check with the official state websites before you commit to travel plans.

With cases of Covid-19 beyond the 28 million mark in the United States, some states have updated or expanded their travel rules and regulations in 2021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against nonessential travel at this time. If you do decide to travel to another state, it is important to be updated on the latest statewide regulations.

While some US states still have no restrictions on leisure travel, all their official websites have important Covid-19 safety information. For instance, most states have mandates on face masks in public settings.

This list is alphabetical and includes links to state websites that have important details you should read before you cross state lines:

Alabama

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Alabama. However, visitors should be aware of the state’s mask mandate, as it applies to travelers, too. It’s effective through March 5 (though it’s been extended numerous times). You can check here for updates.

Alaska

UPDATE: Visitors to Alaska are no longer required to have a negative result from a Covid-19 test to enter. Gov. Mike Dunleavy said the state’s emergency Covid-19 declaration has been allowed to expire, according to a news release from the governor’s office. As of February 23, the state’s official Safe Travels site did not reflect the announced change.

Arizona

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Arizona. Check here for updates. Here’s a direct link for information on Native American lands in the state. And you can click here to see the status of specific tourist sites.

Arkansas

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Arkansas. Check here for updates.

California

California has lifted its recent stay-at-home order but discourages out-of-state visitors. People are encouraged to quarantine for 10 days upon entering the state. San Francisco and Santa Clara counties have a 10-day mandatory quarantine. Los Angeles County requires visitors to fill out this online travel form. In most counties, restaurants can serve patrons outdoors and hotels can accommodate visitors. Part of US Highway 1 in Monterey County continues to be closed because of a mudslide.

Find out more:

— You can click here to find out local travel information — this is highly advised as the situation is different depending on the location.

— Click here for details on California’s winter ski season.

— Finally, you can continue to check here for updates on California more generally.

Colorado

Pitkin County, Colorado (which includes ski resort Aspen/Snowmass), requires overnight visitors to complete a health affidavit and provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival or face a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

There are no other known travel restrictions in the rest of Colorado, though nonessential travel is not recommended. Find out more:

— Check here for general updates about the state.

— You can click here for regional information about what’s open.

— Finally, get ski resort guidance here.

Connecticut

Anyone traveling to Connecticut from anywhere other than New York, New Jersey or Rhode Island must self-quarantine for 10 days. You must also fill out a travel health form. Failure to do either could result in a $500 fine. You can be exempt from the quarantine with a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours before your arrival or after getting a negative result for a test taken after arrival.

If you have tested positive for Covid-19 within 90 days and have clinically recovered or not been symptomatic for 10 days, you’re not required to self-quarantine. But you must provide written proof of a positive test result to the Commissioner of Public Health via email to: DPH.COVID-Travel@ct.gov or via fax to: (860) 326-0529.

Please check here for updates and details.

Delaware

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Delaware. Check here for updates.

Florida

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Florida. Check here for updates.

Georgia

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Georgia. Check here for updates.

Hawaii

UPDATE: Hawaii has a complicated and evolving set of travel requirements, and you can expect variation even within the islands. You should read them thoroughly before you plan a trip and check often for updates. A brief summation from the state:

“Travelers (5 and older) wishing to bypass the 10-day mandatory quarantine must have their negative Covid-19 test results — from a trusted testing partner — prior to departure for the State of Hawaii. Travelers heading to Hawaii must upload their negative test result to the Safe Travels system prior to departure or, as an alternative to uploading, bring a hard copy of their negative test result with them when boarding their flight.” Because of winter storms on the US mainland, Hawaii temporarily extended the test time to 96 hours before departure. Starting February 25, the test requirement return to being taken within 72 hours of the final leg of departure.

Visitors to Kauai must quarantine regardless of test result unless they qualify to stay in a “resort bubble” hotel. Check here for important additional details, including going from one island to another.

Idaho

As of February 23, there are no statewide travel restrictions in Idaho. Check here for updates. And you can click here for ski updates.

Illinois

UPDATE: As of February 23, there were no statewide restrictions in Illinois, but visitors heading to Chicago have been placed in two categories — orange and yellow. Anyone from an orange state must quarantine for 10 days or have a negative Covid-19 test result no more than 72 hours old to avoid the quarantine. There are no specific requirements if you’re coming from a yellow state, of which there are currently 19.

Check here for more information before you travel to Chicago. Check here for information on the rest of Illinois.

Indiana

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Indiana. Check here for updates.

Iowa

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Iowa. Anyone 2 and older is encouraged to wear a face covering in indoor public settings. Check here for updates and gathering restrictions.

Kansas

While mostly open, Kansas has some specific quarantine requirements subject to change. Check here for updates and more details.

Kentucky

The Bluegrass State is discouraging out-of-state leisure travel. If you decide to go anyway, the state asks you to self-quarantine for 14 days. Read Kentucky’s travel advisory here.

Louisiana

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Louisiana. Check here for updates.

Maine

Travelers must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival or fill out a travel protocol form stating they’ve received a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours. You may also get tested upon arriving in Maine but must quarantine while awaiting results. Residents of New Hampshire and Vermont are exempt. Check here for updates.

Maryland

People who travel to Maryland must either get a negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival or self-quarantine for 10 days. This applies to people coming from all places except Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC. Check the following for updates: VisitMaryland guide | The governor’s recovery plan | PDF with detailed instructions (pages 2 and 3).

Massachusetts

All visitors and returning residents must complete a travel form before arriving in Massachusetts unless they are arriving from a state designated by the Department of Public Health as low risk.

Otherwise, visitors must quarantine for 10 days, have proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival or test upon arrival and quarantine until a negative result is returned. You could be fined $500 a day if you don’t comply. Check here for updates.

Michigan

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Michigan, though some of the activities and venues vacationers might enjoy are not open or very limited in operations for now. Check here for updates.

Minnesota

Visitors to Minnesota are asked to quarantine for 14 days or follow CDC guidelines on how to shorten a quarantine. Also note that many indoor venues of interest to tourists have capacity limits and restrictions. Find out more: Explore Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Health.

Mississippi

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Mississippi. Check here for updates.

Missouri

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Missouri. Check here for updates.

Montana

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Montana. Travel restrictions might vary at Native American reservations. Please check here for updates.

Nebraska

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Nebraska. Check here for updates.

Nevada

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Nevada, though many indoor places tourists might visit have capacity limits. Check here for updates.

New Hampshire

UPDATE: Visitors to New Hampshire are asked to self-quarantine for 10 days unless they are arriving from elsewhere in New England. People who get a negative Covid-19 test result on or after the seventh day of quarantining can break it early.

If it has been 14 days or more since you got your second Covid-19 vaccine, you do not need to quarantine or get tested.

You can also bypass the requirements if you have previously tested positive for active Covid-19 infection in the past 90 days. If you had a previous infection that was more than 90 days ago, you must still follow all quarantine requirements. Check here for updates.

New Jersey

Tourism is discouraged. Travelers not from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware should self-quarantine at their home, hotel or other temporary lodging with the following in mind:

— If travel is unavoidable, you should consider getting tested with a viral test (not an antibody test) one to three days before the trip and again three to five days afterward.

— If you test negative, you should quarantine for seven days after travel.

— If testing is not available or results are delayed, you should quarantine for 10 days after travel.

— You’re requested to fill out a voluntary online survey. Please click here for details and updates.

New Mexico

People traveling from out-of-state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days or the length of their stay in New Mexico, whichever is shorter. Exemptions from low-risk states are allowed, but currently, only Hawaii is deemed low risk. Check here for updates.

New York

Current guidelines allow travelers to New York to test out of what is otherwise a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Travelers from states that are contiguous with New York will continue to be exempt from the travel advisory. Covered travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. You can check for important details on how to test out along with other updates.

North Carolina

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in North Carolina. Check here for updates and details on closings and mandates.

North Dakota

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in North Dakota. The state does post suggested travel guidance and testing protocols. Be aware North Dakota has had the highest number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the country for months now. Check here for updates.

Ohio

Travelers visiting Ohio from states reporting positive testing rates of 15% or more are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. This list updates each Wednesday. Check here for details.

Oklahoma

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Oklahoma. Check here for updates.

Oregon

UPDATE: People arriving in Oregon from other states or countries, including returning Oregon residents, are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Nonessential travel, which includes tourism, is discouraged. Check here for updates and details. Oregon also has a county-by-county risk assessment map you can check before you travel.

Pennsylvania

Travelers arriving in Pennsylvania are required to quarantine for 10 days or provide a negative Covid-19 test result that’s less than 72 hours old upon arrival. Check here for updates.

Puerto Rico

To visit this US commonwealth, you need a negative result from a Covid-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours before arrival. If you come without a test result, you must self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of the trip, whichever is shorter. You must also fill out an online travel declaration form. Please check here for details and updates.

Rhode Island

Those traveling to Rhode Island from a state that has a positive testing rate of 5% or more must quarantine for 10 days. Travelers can opt out of the quarantine if they can provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of their arrival. This exception does not apply to international arrivals. You can check that list of states here.

Those waiting on test results must self-quarantine until a negative test result arrives. You must also fill out a certificate of compliance and a travel screening form. You still must follow quarantine guidance if you’ve gotten a Covid-19 vaccine. If you’ve tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 90 days and finished your isolation period, you are not required to quarantine or retest unless you display symptoms. You can check here for updates.

South Carolina

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in South Carolina. Check here for updates.

South Dakota

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in South Dakota. Some routes through Native American lands might be closed. Check here for updates.

Tennessee

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Tennessee. Check here for updates.

Texas

UPDATE: As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Texas. However, many areas of the state are still coping with power outages and water supply problems since a recent crippling winter storm. If you do go, the state urges people to wear a mask, saying “an itty-bitty piece of cloth goes a long way towards keeping yourself and others healthy.” Check here for updates.

Utah

As of February 15, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Utah, though there is a statewide mask mandate. Check here for updates.

Vermont

Vermont has a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival for nonessential travel. You have the option of taking a Covid-19 PCR test on day seven of the quarantine and ending the quarantine early with a negative reading. Check here for updates.

Virginia

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Virginia. The state suggests getting tested one to three days before travel and again three to five days after you return. Check here for updates.

Washington, DC

These travel requirements apply to anyone coming to the District from a jurisdiction with more than 10 cases per 100,000 people: Visitors are asked to get tested 72 hours or less before coming to DC. If you’re there for more than three days, you’re asked to get tested again. Check here for updates and important details. And you can click here for the status of tourist-oriented sites.

Washington state

Washington state recommends a 14-day self-quarantine for interstate and international travel. Tourists are being discouraged from visiting. Check here for details, including information on the Covid variant.

West Virginia

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in West Virginia. Check here for updates.

Wisconsin

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions. However, the state is discouraging nonessential travel. Check here for updates.

Wyoming

As of February 23, there were no statewide travel restrictions in Wyoming. Check here for updates.

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that would standardize the state’s pandemic travel restrictions across the islands.

The proposal is a departure from the current system that allows individual counties to opt out of the state’s pre-flight testing program or add their own additional measures.

[Hawaii news on the go–LISTEN to KHON 2GO weekday mornings at 7:30 a.m.]

Members of the House Finance Committee heard testimony on the bill Thursday.

Counties have the option to not participate in the state’s “Safe Travels” program, which requires a negative COVID-19 test before departure for Hawaii to avoid a mandatory quarantine.

They can make people quarantine for 10 days or implement additional screening requirements such as secondary testing or modified quarantines.

by: The Associated Press

Posted: Feb 25, 2021 / 03:18 PM HST / Updated: Feb 25, 2021 / 05:13 PM HST

https://www.dw.com/en/european-travel-restrictions-non-essential-travel-curbed/a-56350272

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, many countries worldwide continue to restrict entry and most travel remains discouraged. DW Travel offers a brief recap of what rules apply in the EU — and how to get the latest info.

The European Union

Several European Union nations, including Belgium, France, Portugal and Finland, have announced new travel or entry regulations. This follows discussions among EU leaders about restricting nonessential trips across the bloc's internal borders to contain the spread of the coronavirus, particularly the mutant strains emerging from the UK, South Africa and Brazil. Though travel into the EU is already severely restricted, beginning Sunday January 24, anybody arriving from outside the EU — possible only for those with essential reasons — would have to have a test for COVID-19 before departure. To combat the virulent UK strain, the EU has already blocked all but freight or travelers on essential trips from entering the bloc from Britain.

Detailed information is available on the European Commission website.

Complete information and resources for each of the individual 27 EU member states is also available on the EU's Reopen EU website.

However, each EU country maintains its own standards for deciding whether and how citizens of third countries may enter if they are already in an EU or Schengen country. Each EU member state also decides and implements its own further measures to curb the spread of the pandemic, such as quarantines upon entry from another region or country. Local regulations also differ widely on various social distancing measures, curfews and mask-wearing requirements.

Understanding the EU coronavirus traffic light system

In order to provide travelers in Europe with a better overview of the corona infection situation and possible restrictions, the EU has introduced a coronavirus traffic light system . According to this, the EU is divided into green, orange and red zones. In addition, there is the color gray for regions from which not enough data are available. Currently, the color red dominates the continent.

If you still have to travel, the EU Commission's Re-open EU App can also help. It provides up-to-date information on the health situation, safety precautions, and travel restrictions for all EU countries and the members of the border-free Schengen area, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Please note: The information listed here is not exhaustive, serves as a reference only and is subject to change at any time. All travelers to and within Europe, the EU and the Schengen Area are strongly advised to keep informed with the official guidance and regulations of local, state and national authorities of the relevant countries.

Will vacations with vaccination soon be possible again?

On February 25, the EU decided to introduce a uniform vaccination certificate for travelers by the summer. Especially traditional vacation countries like Greece are pinning high hopes on the vaccination cards. The Greek and Cypriot governments have also already concluded a bilateral agreement with Israel, according to which from April all Israeli nationals will be able to enter the country without any problems if they show Israel's recently-introduced "green pass," which provides proof that the bearer has been vaccinated. Malta is also in talks to this effect with Israel.

Sweden and Denmark have announced the creation of electronic vaccination certificates, which will be used primarily when traveling abroad. In Estonia, on the other hand, entrants are already exempt from the general quarantine requirement if they present proof of vaccination. The same applies in Poland, where an app is being developed specifically for this purpose.

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Europe's five most-visited countries: Germany, France, UK, Italy, and Spain

Germany, along with France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, is among the world's 10 most-visited countries, according to the UN World Tourism Organization. Travel to France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom remain heavily restricted.

Germany

Tourism in Germany remains prohibited for the time being. Hotels are not allowed to offer overnight stays for tourist purposes, tourist visas are only granted in exceptional cases. Travel within the country is now only possible for certain essential reasons, for example business trips, and is made more difficult by ever-changing regulations that must be observed. In places with a particularly high incidence (more than 200 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week), the radius of movement is restricted to 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) around the place of residence. Thus, anyone considering or planning travel over 15 kilometers away from home must keep apprised of the regulations in effect in the destination area.

Throughout Germany a lockdown has been in effect since mid-December and will remain until at least March 7. This means that stores (except for those that sell or daily necessities) and restaurants are closed as well as theater and concert stages, museums and recreational facilities. In addition, distance and hygiene rules apply. Medical masks — surgical masks or FFP2 respirators, which also protect the wearer — must be worn in stores and on buses and trains, and simple fabric masks are no longer sufficient. Private meetings are only allowed in one's own household and with a maximum of one other person. Nighttime exit restrictions also apply in some states.

Entry conditions from high-risk areas

Germany has instituted a new classification system that divides geographical regions into risk areas, high-incidence areas and virus variant areas. Arrivals from high-risk areas must register online at www.einreiseanmeldung.de. A COVID test must be done within 48 hours and an immediate ten-day quarantine is required regardless of the test result — which can be terminated with another negative test on the fifth day at the earliest. PCR, LAMP, TMA, and rapid antigen tests are accepted. Antibody tests are not accepted.

Classification into high-incidence and virus-variant areas brings new rules. Since January 24, states that exceed an incidence value of 200 have been considered high-incidence areas. More than 20 states have already been classified as such, a large proportion of them in Europe, including Spain, Montenegro and Latvia.

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As of January 30 a transportation ban has been in effect for all flights, trains, buses and ships from countries where the new variants of the coronavirus have spread. The countries impacted by the ban include Brazil, South Africa, Portugal, the UK and Ireland. The restrictions are currently set to run until March 3.

There are several exceptions to the travel restrictions, including: people who have the right to reside in Germany and those who are transporting goods, as well as urgent medical transports and travel due to "urgent humanitarian reasons."

In addition, there are the quarantine rules set individually by the 16 German states. Travelers are therefore well advised to inform themselves accordingly.

Read more: FAQs for travelers to Germany during the pandemic

France

The world's top tourism destination country by arrivals, France has banned all travel with countries outside the European Union, due to a continuously high infection rate and new mutations of the coronavirus. Exceptions will only be made for a good reason. Complete information is available on the French Foreign Ministry website. Travelers from European countries over the age of 11 must provide proof of a negative PCR test, which must not be older than 72 hours. There are exceptions for those who live in border areas and those transporting goods. All of France is at a standstill: cultural institutions, landmarks, bars, cafes and restaurants are closed. This also applies to the popular ski resorts. Shops are open only shopping centers over a certain size are closed. In general, freedom of movement in France is considerably restricted. Across the country, a nighttime curfew is in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. People are then only allowed to leave the house with a valid reason — simple walks, shopping or sports are not included.

United Kingdom

Great Britain has tightened its entry requirements: In order to prevent the spread of new coronavirus variants, the UK as of February 15 is obliging entrants from more than 33 countries on its "red list" high-risk countries to quarantine in hotels for ten days. The countries affected are those classified by Great Britain as virus-variant areas, such as Portugal, all South American states, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The arrivals must book a 10 day stay from an approved list of hotels where they have to remain in their room and are provided with three meals a day. Security teams at the hotels monitor compliance. Passengers have to pay for their own stay in isolation.

Travel for tourist purposes is not permitted in and to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In principle, people travelling to the UK must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test PCR, LAMP or antigen test) before setting off. This may be taken up to three days before their journey begins. This regulation also applies to England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All travelers entering the UK, regardless of departure country or nationality, must complete a passenger locator form.

The third lockdown is in effect across the UK until March 8. In England, people are not allowed to leave their homes without a valid reason. Schools, universities and all businesses not considered essential are closed. Accordingly, 56 million Britons are now only allowed to leave their homes in justifiable cases, for example to go to work, go shopping or for medical appointments. Throughout the UK, there are hefty fines for violations of the current coronavirus rules: Failure to comply with the quarantine regulations, for example, could result in fines of up to ₤10,000 (€11,000; $13,330).

Italy

The country has extended its state of emergency until April 30, and entry from abroad remains heavily restricted. Complete information is available at the Italian Foreign Ministry website. Entry from most of Europe is allowed but persons arriving from these countries must must report to the local health authorities on arrival and provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours. They are also required to fill in a self-declaration form. Arrivals from the United Kingdom (other than Italian residents) are banned until at least March 5, and nobody who has been in or transited through Brazil in the last 14 days may enter Italy (not even Italian residents). In addition, flights to and from Brazil have been banned.

Italy is again restricting freedom of movement in some regions. This applies, for example, to Liguria, Trentino and Tuscany — they have been upgraded to orange zones.

Italy uses a traffic light system to its lockdown rules. Red is the zone with the highest risk of infection. Currently classified as orange zones — the category for medium risk of infection — are South Tyrol, Umbria, Emilia Romagna, and Liguria. Italy has 20 regions and many are currently in yellow with a low risk of infection, including the capital region of Lazio, the populous and economically strong northern Italian region of Lombardy, and Campania with its capital, Naples.

In the yellow zones, stores and restaurants have reopened, but no more than four people are allowed to sit at a table. Museums and sights are open again, such as the Colosseum in Rome. Theaters and cinemas remain closed. And a daily curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. is currently in effect for all of Italy.

The opening of the ski resorts, which was scheduled for February 15, has been postponed until March 5.

Spain

The country permits unrestricted entry from the EU, the Schengen Area and a small list of third countries, but has suspended incoming flights from Great Britain since December 22. The country's official tourism website provides complete information and resources. On February 4, Spain introduced restrictions on inbound flights from Brazil and South Africa in a bid to stop the spread of new strains of the coronavirus detected in those countries. The measure will last at least until March 16.

Spain has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. A state of alert is in effect throughout the country until May 9, allowing autonomous communities (regions) to impose nighttime curfews and movement restrictions and limit gatherings, depending on the infection situation. As a result, different rules apply throughout the country. Restaurants are mostly allowed to either sell only outside or serve only outside. Many health clubs are closed, and theaters, concert halls and movie theaters are allowed to occupy only a fraction of their seats, if at all. Individual coronavirus hotspots are completely sealed off.

Find more information here.

Recent travel restrictions in selected countries across the EU

Austria

Austria has tighted border controls with all neighboring countries to contain the spread of the virus. Every traveler trying to cross the border has to to present a negative coronavirus test; there will no longer be exceptions. In general, digital registration has been mandatory since January 15, with the exception of regular commuters and transit travelers.

The German government on February 11 declared the state of Tyrol a virus variant area and imposed an entry ban starting February 14. Moreover, beginning on February 12, Austria only allows departure from Tyrol upon presentation of a negative test result. Those who fail to do so face a fine of up to €1,450. The outbreak of the South African variant in Tyrol is currently the largest known such case in the EU, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said.

Austria is easing its coronavirus restrictions domestically, with schools, museums and stores reopening. Visitors and customers must wear medical masks, and a negative COVID-19 test is required for visits to hairdressers. Meetings of people from more than two households are also allowed again. The nighttime curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains unchanged.

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Find more information here.

The Netherlands

The Dutch government "strongly advises" against all travel to the country unless it is strictly necessary, and has stepped up travel restrictions as of January 23. From this date on, people traveling to the Netherlands not only need a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Holland, but now also need a negative result of an antigen rapid test, or LAMP (loop mediated isothermal amplification) test taken within 4 hours before departure to the Netherlands. Furthermore, all travelers are expected to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Holland. After five days of quarantine, you can choose to get tested for coronavirus. If you test negative, the quarantine is lifted.

Find more information here .

A nationwide curfew from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. is in effect in the Netherlands until at least March 15. The introduction of the curfew led to violent riots shortly after it came into force. The sale of alcohol and soft drugs is also banned in the Netherlands between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., as is their consumption in public. Coffee shops have to close at 8 p.m. Schools, most stores and restaurants are closed. Private contacts are limited to one person outside one's household.

Faced with dramatically rising infection numbers, the Netherlands has imposed the toughest lockdown yet on its country since the pandemic began, extending it until March 3. Cinemas, theaters and museums are closed; only stores for daily needs are open.

Belgium

Until at least April 1, people traveling to and from Belgium will have to provide a valid reason — such as family duties, work or studies — to be allowed to cross Belgian borders.

Also since the end of January all Belgians returning from Britain, South America or South Africa have been required to quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on the first and seventh day after arrival. Additionally, non-residents who wish to come to Belgium will have to present two negative PCR tests, one before departure and one upon arrival.

Currently citizens and residents returning to Belgium must take a COVID-19 test on arrival, self-isolate for a week and then take another test. All other arriving passengers also need to show a negative test.

Find more information here.

Portugal

Portugal has been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 and has now banned foreign travel and closed its national borders in order to contain the pandemic. At the land border with Spain — as was the case in the spring of 2020 — controls will be reintroduced. At ports and airports, checks will also be tightened. Exceptions apply to people traveling to work, returning to their primary residence or traveling on business, for the transport of goods, and for medical emergencies or humanitarian aid.

The autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira have also been classified as high-risk areas since January 24. Portugal has been under a state of emergency since November 9, 2020. The situation is reassessed every 15 days and appropriate measures are taken. On January 15, for example, a new lockdown with severe restrictions came into force; it is to apply for at least one month. People are only allowed to leave the house for a valid reason. Restaurants and stores — except for those supplying food and basic daily needs — must remain closed.

Find more information here.

Greece

The highest infection rates are in the urban areas around Athens and Thessaloniki. A travel warning is in effect for the regions of Western Greece and Central Macedonia as well as Attica and Central Greece. Travel to the other parts of the country is not recommended. Entry requirements to Greece have been tightened: online registration is mandatory and a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old must be available. All persons entering Greece by March 8, 2021, must undergo a seven-day domestic quarantine.

The Greek government has ordered a lockdown for the entire country, which has been extended until March 1. Greece is being divided into yellow and red areas according to the infection rates which can be adjusted at short notice. Measures such as the general curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., may vary in red areas.Visit Greece provides a summary of all the important information. In general, during the day people are currently only allowed to leave their homes for a valid reason. Masks are mandatory throughout the country, including outdoors.

Find more information here.

Ireland

The situation in Ireland was particularly dramatic at the beginning of the year. For a time, the Republic had the highest number of new infections per capita in the world. After a temporary easing of the nationwide lockdown before Christmas, the infection figures there, fueled by the highly contagious COVID-19 variant, rose unchecked. In the meantime, the situation has eased but the infection rates remain at a high level and severe restrictions remain in place.

Ireland is currently under a national lockdown. The highest coronavirus warning level is in effect throughout the country: Level 5. The Irish government advises against all but essential travel. Anyone entering Ireland must present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old. In addition, all entrants, including Irish citizens and residents, are required to severely restrict their movements for 14 days after entry. Public transport capacity is reduced to 25%, and at peak times, use of public transport is reserved for essential workers. Travel outside a five-kilometer radius of residence and between counties is to be avoided. The wearing of masks is compulsory in stores and on public transport, with fines of up to €2,500 for non-compliance.