Don’t Let COVID Restrictions Stop the Wanderlust Within You
Welcome back Aluxers. Just when you thought you’d never stand in long lines with other holiday makers, shuffling along at a snail’s pace to have your passport checked and stamped, and the sense of relief when you realize you’ve gone through and you’re not a threat to any of the countries you’re visiting, we’re here to give you some fantastic travel options that you can still head too.
Just remember what we said in our article, 15 Countries That Are Going Bankrupt Because of COVID, “figures and numbers at the time of writing this script were correct and since our script writer is not a fortune teller, we can only hope that that the numbers haven’t increased exponentially.” And same goes for entry requirements.
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A real travel enthusiast would definitely want to take a peak into these countries, even if it’s through a screen. Switch to the video version of this article:
With that said, let’s start with the first country on today’s list.
1
Andorra
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 8 586
Recovered – 7 724
Deaths – 85
On 2 March 2020, Andorra had their first coronavirus case – a 20-year-old man who had travelled to Milan.
If you’re keen to head to Andorra, you’ll need a negative PCR or TMA test no older than 48 hours before arriving there. When you’re there, you’ll need to have a TMA + Rapid Antigen Test. After that, you self-isolate and then every few days after your arrival, you need to have antigen tests done in order to stay.
It will be well worth it because it’s absolutely breath-taking. Andorra La Vella is a stunner of a city to visit, and it’s small enough that you can just walk to your heart’s content.
Skiing is one of the biggest drawcards, with Encamp attracting many skiers and snowboarders, which is the base of the Pas de la Casa and the Grau Roig Ski Area.
2
Namibia
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 28 259
Recovered – 24 292
Deaths – 254
Namibia had their first confirmed Covid case on the 14th of March 2020. It was a Romanian couple who had flown in from Spain, via Qatar. On arrival, they displayed no symptoms and when they felt ill, went to get tested. Namibia had no testing available, and their samples were sent to South Africa.
Namibia is a majestic country, and to enter, you’ll need a negative Covid-19 PCR test result that’s less than 7-days old.
Highlights of this African country include the ghost town of Kolmanskop which used to be a mining town. When its mines were deemed worthless, everyone upped and left, leaving a semi-buried memory of a once thriving town.
The Skeleton Coast is also a must-see. This was the last coast that many sailors saw, and the coast is now littered with shipwrecks and memories.
3
The Bahamas
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 7 969
Recovered – 6 313
Deaths – 175
The 15th of March was the first confirmed coronavirus case in the Bahamas, and it was a 61-year-old female.
If you’re keen to get out of the cold, then this is the ideal spot for you. Anyone older than 11-years old needs to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result. This must be less than 7-days old. Then you’re required to have Covid-19 health insurance.
Soak up the sun at Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a marine protected area popular with boaters, divers, and snorkelers. Another great spot is Green Turtle Cay, which feels like you’re heading back in time. You get around in a golf cart and can watch the local fishermen bring in their daily catch of crawfish and conch.
Did you know you can sneak into a dreamy private resort in the Bahamas? A Private Hideaway in the Bahamas: Tiamo Resort.
4
Chile
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 642K
Recovered – 603K
Deaths – 17 096
Chile had their first Covid patient declared on the 3rd of March 2020. It was a 33-year-old man from San Javier who contracted the virus in Southeast Asia while on honeymoon.
If you’d like to travel to Chile, you need to complete an “affidavit of travellers” before boarding your flight, and then hand over a negative Covid-19 PCR test result not older than 72-hours and have Covid-19 health insurance worth $30,000.
Valle de la Luna and the Atacama Desert are what attract the most visitors, and there will be little chance of getting Covid-19 when you’re out on Easter Island & Rapa Nui National Park. It’s 3,500 km from mainland Chile. It’s a surreal experience seeing the stone sculptures up close and personal as opposed to a screen.
5
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total Cases – 115,633
Deaths – 4,330
Recovered – 81,625
After visiting Italy, a father and son were diagnosed with Covid-19 on the 5th of March 2020. You can travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina if you have a Covid-19 PCR test result that’s less than 2-days old.
Be sure to raft the Tara Canyon which is one of the biggest canyons in the world. It’s 1,300 meters at its deepest point and measures 78km long.
Another great option is Mostar, where you can cross the famous Mostar bridge. This arched bridge was built in the 16th century but was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian conflict but later re-built in 2004.
6
Kenya
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total Cases – 98,334
Deaths – 1,713
Recovered – 81,101
It wasn’t until 13 March 2020 that Kenya had their first case of Covid. It was a 27-year-old woman who had travelled from the US via London, back home to Kenya.
All you need to visit this African gem is a negative Covid-19 test that’s less than 3-days old. No quarantine required for visitors, just a health screening on arrival.
This is a trip that you’ll never forget. The people are welcoming, the landscape surreal and experiences are second to none.
Watch the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, where thousands of Wildebeest migrate across the savanna. Or head to Lake Nakuru National Park to view pink flamingos in their hundreds.
7
North Macedonia
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 86 494
Recovered – 67 453
Deaths – 2 622
North Macedonia had their first case on the 26th of February 2020 – a 50-year-old woman who had travelled to Italy for a month. Fortunately, the case was isolated and didn’t result in other infections.
It’s completely open to tourists from all countries. No tests required; all you need is thermal screening at the airport.
For some incredible views, hiking the Canyon Matka is highly recommended. There are beautiful monasteries to enjoy while you’re there, as well as Macedonian red wine as your reward when you’re finished your hike.
Kokino is just an hour’s drive from Skopje and is often called the Stonehenge of the Balkans. It’s a natural observatory dating back from the Bronze Age.
8
South Korea
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total Cases – 69,114
Deaths – 1,140
Recovered – 52,552
On 20 January 2020, the first cases of Covid-19 was documented. A 55-year-old man who had worked in Wuhan, China and a 35-year-old Chinese woman.
The latest travel update for South Korea is that you’ll need to quarantine for 14-days on arrival – but it will be worth it when you can head to the Trick Eye Museum in Seoul. The museum features trompe l’oeil paintings where viewers can take part in the optical illusions.
You’ll be astounded to learn that cheese was only introduced to the Korean diet around 1958, but they’re totally making up for lost time. Head to the Imsil Cheese Theme Park, a 32-acre amusement park dedicated to all things cheese.
So Aluxers, say Cheese and let’s more on to our next travel destination.
9
Turkey
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total Cases – 2,336,476
Deaths – 22,981
Recovered – 2,208,451
Turkey were on the ball when it came to Covid. They had their first case on the 11th of March 2020, and very quickly thereafter had a website created to track covid cases, inform people of hotspots, let people report the selling of fake PPE equipment and update people on hospital wait times.
If you’re traveling from the US, there are no travel restrictions. You just need to complete a form and get tested if you have any symptoms. Then you can be on your merry way and head to Cappadocia or Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle in English. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another dimension and you’ll soon be booking another trip to Pamukkale.
10
Egypt
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 150K
Recovered – 119K
Deaths – 8 197
A Chinese national arriving in Egypt on the 14th of February was the first documented case of Covid-19 in Egypt.
To travel to Egypt, you need to present a PCR Covid-19 test that’s not older than 4-days. Kids under 5 don’t need to and you need to have health insurance. Once you’ve done this, you can enjoy your holiday in Egypt.
Aswan is a tranquil town that’s a wonderful place to unwind after the stresses of 2020 or heading to the White Desert will be a feast for the eyes when you mistake the sandy dunes for snow right in the middle of the desert.
11
Jamaica
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 13 548
Recovered – 11 429
Deaths – 312
A female tourist travelling from the UK was the first confirmed case of Covid in Jamaica on the 10 March.
Jamaica’s website has clear instructions for anyone entering, but you’re welcome if you comply with supplying a negative Covid test result through their online travel authorization.
Jamaica has plenty to do, but two particularly noteworthy pandemic safe activities to avoid the crowds include rafting the Martha Brae River. Popular among couples the local guides will glide you down the river on a raft driven by bamboo poles.
Or head to the unspoiled beauty of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. The part itself is steeped in history as a hide-away for former slaves and the indigenous Taino people attempting to avoid slavery. The scenery of dense jungle mountains, waterfalls, and rain forests dotted with coffee plantations. It’s an explorer’s dream, and a safe place to social distance.
12
Malta
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 14 396
Recovered – 11 841
Deaths – 233
Since arriving from Italy on the 3 March an Italian family were in self-quarantine, and on the 7 March they tested positive and were Malta’s first covid-19 patients.
Malta is open for visitors, but there are limits on some countries that they aren’t allowing direct access to. However, all is not lost. If you spend 14 days in Turkey before arriving in Malta, you will be eligible to enter. When you arrive, you need to fill in the Public Health Travel Declaration and the Passenger Locator forms when you leave.
The Island of Gozo is probably the most ideal place to weather a pandemic, it is less developed than the other Maltese Islands. It has a sprinkle of quaint towns and perfect quiet beaches. There is plenty of history like a fortified medieval city of Victoria, and the ancient Ggantija Temples, dated to 3500 BC.
13
Zambia
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 27 728
Recovered – 20 598
Deaths – 469
On the 18 March there were 2 cases of COVID-19 reported in Lusaka from a couple returning from holiday in France.
To enter the country, you’ll need a negative Covid-19 test not older than 14days before arrival and mandatory 14-day quarantine.
It’s not a mystery why you would want to go to Zambia on holiday at the best of times, but it is a perfect place to tour during a pandemic. Secluded beaches along Lake Kariba, or the scope to roam with plenty of social distance on the world’s longest lake, Lake Tanganika make it feel like you’re the only people on earth.
Head to the mist that thunders off the Victoria falls that you can view from a distance take a boat tour, or even a helicopter to see. If you prefer to keep away from the crowds the country is wall to wall of other rapids and water falls to explore in complete peace.
14
Bangladesh
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 522K
Recovered – 467K
Deaths – 7 781
Two men returning from Italy and their female relative tested positive for Covid-19 on the 9 March 2020.
Check on the specifics with your country, but Bangladesh is letting people from most countries in if they supply a medical certificate with English translation showing that you are negative from Covid-19 tested within a 72-hour window of travel. Even with a negative test you will have to “home quarantine” for 14 days upon arrival, so plan a long stay.
The capital city of Dhaka is the first stop for most people visiting Bangladesh. The architecture and history of the places of worship have created a bustling tourism sector. The varied history includes the Armenian church, Dhakeshwari, mosques and Hindu Temples and the Cathedral of St. Mary in Ramna, the Holy Rosary Church and the Lalbagh Fort from 1857.
15
French Polynesia
Here’s a breakdown of the stats:
Total cases – 17 241
Recovered – 4 842
Deaths – 122
Maina Sage, a member of the French National Assembly, was the first Covid-19 patient in French Polynesia on 11 March 2020.
If you’re packing your bags for the islands, then you’ll need to pass a Covid-19 test within 72 hours before your flight departs. You will have to fill out an online ETIS form before you go. On the fourth day of your stay, you will need to use a self-test kit that will be provided.
French Polynesia is an outdoor explorer’s wonderland. It has beautiful ocean reef or lagoon snorkelling, or enjoy the water from a kayak, pedal boat or a private boat tour. You can whizz by the reef with a seadoo sea scooter if self-powered snorkelling isn’t your pace. Either way you can look out for 200 species of local sea life including turtles and stingrays.
Head inland for forest and waterfalls that will blow you away with endless hikes or shorter walks to natural wonders.
Question
Which of these countries would you most like to visit during Covid? We’d love to hear from you.
