Travel Reopenings & Region-Specific Entry Requirements

As travel picks up around the world, more and more destinations are requiring that adult visitors show proof of vaccination in order to enter without quarantine. Some are also accepting a negative COVID-19 test result in lieu of proof of vaccination, and some may require both.

Since these requirements change monthly and even weekly as more regions reopen to travelers, we are updating this page every week. We recommend checking back regularly as your trip approaches for any updates. This information was last updated on September 16, 2021.

Destination-specific reopening and entry requirements: United States | Canada | Europe | European River Cruises | Latin America | Africa | Asia

 

US DESTINATIONS

Getting to your US Backroads trip

We're running trips across the country; most destinations have no special requirements for entry. Exceptions are listed below.

Traveling in the US This Year

Some local authorities and individual restaurants and museums have begun enforcing stricter COVID-19 protocols, including requiring that all customers be fully vaccinated and provide proof. Since we expect more cities, counties and individual businesses will adopt similar policies, we would like to remind you that Backroads highly recommends all guests be vaccinated. We also suggest you keep your vaccine card handy during the trip. In some cases, a negative result from a test taken within the prior 48 or 72 hours will suffice in lieu of proof of vaccination. If you will be unable to show proof of vaccination during your trip, please find a moment on the first day to let your leaders know so that they can offer suggestions for alternate activities if needed.

States that currently have special entry requirements include:

  • Hawaii visitors who have been fully vaccinated in the US can now bypass pre-trip testing. To skip the testing requirement, vaccinated visitors must create a Safe Travels Hawaii account and upload an image of their vaccination card, sign an attestation form and bring a hard copy of their vaccine card to show upon boarding and/or arrival. All non-vaccinated visitors 5 and over must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to arrival. Testing must be completed by a Hawaii-approved trusted testing partner and results must be obtained by the time of departure. Learn more

 

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

We resumed running international trips in June and we're thrilled to be reconnecting with the world!

Getting to Your International Backroads Trip

Most international destinations currently require proof of vaccination to enter. While some will accept a negative COVID-19 test in lieu of proof of vaccination, these requirements are constantly evolving. We therefore advise all guests traveling on international Backroads trips this year to bring proof of vaccination, in the form of both a physical vaccination card and a digital version (photo of the card). Traveling internationally without proof of vaccination, while technically possible in some destinations, presents greatly increased risks of travel interruption.

In addition to requiring vaccination, some international destinations also require a negative COVID-19 test for entry, and most require some form of Health Form or “Passenger Locator Form.” We suggest printing your completed health form to expedite your travel process. Some destinations require visitors to upload proof of vaccination (or negative test result) into a website or app before departure or arrival. See details by destination below.

Traveling Within Other Countries

More and more destinations are now requiring proof of vaccination for entry into restaurants and cultural sites. In some cases, a negative test taken within the previous 48 or 72 hours will also suffice. If you choose to join an international Backroads trip unvaccinated, getting tested will be your responsibility and your expense, and you will most likely miss some activities or meals where proof of vaccination, certificate of recovery or a negative test are required to participate.

Coming Back to the US

The United States currently requires that all travelers returning to the country from abroad show proof of a negative PCR or rapid COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of their return flight. Per CDC guidelines, this requirement can be met with select self-administered tests. Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit, which must be ordered online, meets all requirements for inbound US travelers. Click here for more on how to use this test. Please note that over-the-counter tests, including Abbott’s similarly named “BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Test Kit,” will not fulfill the CDC requirement.

Some of the international regions where we offer trips are still developing their plans to reopen to international travel. Here's where things stand:

CANADA

Canada reopened its borders to fully vaccinated US citizens on August 9. Travelers are required to:

  • Provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal), including proof of vaccination, within 72 hours prior to departing for Canada
  • Present a negative test taken within 72 hours before arrival, regardless of vaccination status
  • Have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation ready to show on request
  • For our Newfoundland trips, guests must also fill out a Newfoundland Travel Form within 72 hours of departure.
  • We resumed running trips in August. Learn more

Testing for guests returning from Canada to the US:

We are recommending that all guests traveling to Canada purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test.

For guests on our Canadian Rockies trips, an alternative option is to schedule a rapid test at the Calgary airport. The test costs $75 CAD (approximately $60USD) per person and takes 15 minutes. You must book in advance on this website - select “Antigen Test” at the Calgary airport to schedule.

EUROPE

On 8/30/21, the EU issued new guidance advising member nations to add additional restrictions for non-vaccinated travelers from the US. We expect more European countries will require proof of vaccination in the coming days and weeks (beyond the current rules listed below).

We have resumed running trips in Europe and all European countries where we operate have reopened to travelers from the US. See details by destination below. Guests on our River Cruise trips, see European River Cruises below the country-by-country section for information specific to your departure.

  • Croatia is now welcoming international travelers who show proof of vaccination (in the form of a paper CDC card), a negative test or recovery from COVID-19. Visitors must also show proof of hotel booking (for Backroads travelers, a printed copy of your trip invoice should suffice) and complete a travel announcement form. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Croatia to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling to Croatia purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Alternatively, testing for return to the US can be booked directly at the trip hotel. Your Trip Leaders can provide more information on the first day of your trip, should you need to book a test. 

    • For guests on our Slovenia & Croatia Bike Tour, see "Slovenia" section below. For guests on our Croatia to Montenegro Multi-Adventure Tour, see "Montenegro" section below.

    • We resumed running trips in Croatia in June.

  • Czech Republic (UPDATE 9/10/21) has placed the United States on its list of Very High Risk countries, meaning that proof of vaccination is now required to avoid quarantine for all travelers arriving from the US. Prior to arrival, all travelers must complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form. Learn more.

    • While testing is not required for entry into the country for vaccinated travelers, many hotels and other facilities require a negative test for entry. We strongly recommend that you take a PCR test in the 72 hours prior to your departure for the Czech Republic. Testing is also available at the Prague airport. Learn more. 

    • Please note that Czech regulations currently require the use of FFP2 or KN95 masks on airlines and in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, cafés and museums. Fabric or disposable masks will not be accepted. Guests traveling on trips in Czech should bring one of the permitted masks for daily use.

    • Testing for guests returning from Czech Republic to the US:

    • For our Berlin to Prague Bike Tour and our Czech Republic & Austria Bike Tour, we are recommending that all guests purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test.

    • We resumed running trips in the Czech Republic in August.

    • Guests on our Danube River Cruise, see our European River Cruises section below.

  • France (UPDATE 9/10/21) has moved the US back to its "orange list," meaning that proof of vaccination is now required to avoid quarantine for all travelers arriving from the US. Before boarding, travelers must also complete and present this Certificate of International Travel attesting that they have no symptoms of COVID-19. Unvaccinated minors will be allowed to enter alongside vaccinated adults, but children 11 and older will have to show proof of a negative test result. Learn more

    • New regulations also require proof of vaccination (or a negative test result from within the prior 72 hours) to dine in restaurants, enter cultural institutions and board trains. France has implemented a new process for converting your CDC vaccination card to the French HealthPass system. Before departing for France, travelers must create an account and upload copies of their CDC card and passport to convert their credentials into a French Health Pass. Full instructions can be found here.

    • Testing for guests returning from France to the US:

    • Rapid antigen tests (approved by the CDC for inbound US travelers) are now available on a walk-in basis at pharmacies in all cities and towns in France. This is the least expensive and simplest option for testing in France. Your Trip Leaders can recommend the easiest way to get a test during or after your trip based on your travel itinerary.

    • Select self-testing kits are also an option. If you opt for self-testing, we suggest ordering an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit pack one to two weeks before your departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Guests on our Seine River Cruise trip must follow all protocols for France shown above. For specific information regarding the cruise portion of your trip, please see the European River Cruises section below.

    • We resumed running trips in France in July.

  • Germany is now welcoming vaccinated travelers from the US without quarantine requirements. Visitors arriving from the US will also need to fill out a digital entry form. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Germany to the US:

      For our German & Austrian Alps Walking & Hiking Tour and our Berlin to Prague Bike Tour, we are recommending that all guests purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. Alternatively, rapid and PCR tests are available at the Munich Airport and at the Munich Central Train Station. Learn more here.

    • Guests on our Berlin to Prague Bike Tour, note that Czech regulations currently require the use of FFP2 or KN95 masks on airlines and in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, cafés and museums. Fabric or disposable masks will not be accepted. Guests traveling on trips in Czech should bring one of the permitted masks for daily use. 

    • For entry into the Czech Republic, you must also complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form. Learn more. Some helpful tips for that form: for Means of Transport, fill in “Automobil;" for City, type Mcely and click either option from the dropdown menu; for Land Registry Number, house number, type 61 and click the 61 from the dropdown menu. You must click the selections from these dropdown menus or the form will return an error.

    • We resumed running trips in Germany in August

  • Greece is now welcoming travelers from the United States who show proof of a negative test or vaccination against COVID-19. Negative tests must have been taken within 72 hours of departure, and the results must be written in English and include the full legal name of the traveler. Children under the age of 5 are exempt from the testing requirement. Additionally, all travelers must complete a Passenger Location Form (PLF) within 24 hours of arrival to Greece. Randomly selected visitors may also be subject to additional PCR testing upon arrival to the country. Learn more

    • Unvaccinated visitors over the age of 12 will also have to take a second test for travel between islands. Rapid tests are available at the first trip hotel for those who need them. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Greece to the US:
      If needed, testing for return to the US can be booked directly at the trip hotel. Your Trip Leaders can provide more information on the first day of your trip. Self-administered testing is now also an option; learn more here.

    • We resumed running trips in Greece in June.

  • Iceland is now welcoming international travelers who show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 and a negative test result (new rule that went into effect on July 27). Test can be a PCR or rapid antigen test, and must be taken within 72 hours of departure. Children (vaccinated or unvaccinated) born in 2005 or later may accompany vaccinated adults, and are exempt from the testing requirement. Travelers must pre-register and complete an online health declaration. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Iceland to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling to Iceland purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Alternatively, rapid testing is now available near the Keflavík airport, at the main bus station in Reykjavík and at Kringlan Mall in Reykjavík. The test costs about $60 per person and takes 15 minutes. Tests must be booked in advance. Learn more

    • We resumed running trips in Iceland in June.

  • Ireland is now welcoming international travelers who show proof of vaccination from Covid-19. Travelers from the US do not need to show test results or quarantine. All visitors will need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours prior to travel (Updated entry requirements that go into effect Sept 1). Backroads guests will need to keep their CDC vaccine card handy as hotels and restaurants may ask for proof of vaccination. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Ireland to the US:

      Rapid antigen tests (approved by the CDC for inbound US travelers) are available at pharmacies throughout Ireland. Tests should be booked at least 48 hours in advance; on day 1 of your trip, your trip leaders can answer questions regarding the most convenient time and location to schedule a test. You can see all testing locations here.

      Select self-testing kits are also an option. If you opt for self-testing, we suggest ordering an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit pack one to two weeks before your departure. Click here for more on how to use this test.

    • We resumed running trips in Ireland in August.

  • Italy is now welcoming travelers from the US who are fully vaccinated AND present a negative test result. The test must be a negative molecular or antigenic swab test (PCR or rapid antigen test) taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers will also need to complete an online Passenger Locator Form. Documented proof of recovery from COVID-19 (translated into Italian, in addition to a negative test result) can also suffice in lieu of proof of vaccination. Learn more.

    • Guests traveling to Puglia are requested to complete the online form Autosegnalazione and submit via email per the instructions. 

    • Rules once in Italy: New regulations require that you present a CDC vaccination card (or proof of recovery translated to Italian) to dine in restaurants or enter wellness centers, cultural institutions and other select venues. Guests should keep these documents handy during the trip. 

    • Testing for guests returning from Italy to the US:

    • If needed, on the first day of your trip, your Trip Leaders can provide information about testing options before your return to the US. Self-administered testing is now also an option; learn more here.

    • We resumed running trips in Italy in July.

  • Montenegro is now welcoming visitors from the US with proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test. Learn more.

    • Guests on our Croatia to Montenegro Multi-Adventure Tour will cross the international borders twice. Since proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test is required, guests should be vaccinated or bring proof of recovery from COVID-19 to avoid needing to test during the trip.

    • See Croatia section above for Croatia entry requirements.

    • Testing for guests returning from our Montenegro & Croatia trips to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling on our Montenegro & Croatia trips purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Alternatively, testing may be available at a local clinic and can be arranged by our final hotel in Montenegro, Porto Montenegro. Please note that local clinics may be closed on weekends. Your Trip Leaders can provide more information on the first day of your trip.

    • We resumed running trips in Montenegro in August.

  • The Netherlands (UPDATE 9/15/21) will change its rules about quarantining for inbound travelers on 9/22/21. Vaccinated travelers from the US will no longer have to self-quarantine upon arrival to the Netherlands. Our Rhine River Cruise trips this year are still running, with modifications. See our European River Cruises section below for more information. Learn more
  • Portugal is now welcoming visitors from the US with proof of a negative test result. Test can be a PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight, or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of boarding your flight. There will likely be additional rapid test requirements during travel in Portugal. Guests are advised to carry their CDC vaccine card with them at all times as it may help to avoid trip interruption. Travelers must also complete a passenger locator card within 48 hours prior to travel. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Portugal to the US:

    • PCR and rapid antigen tests (approved by the CDC for inbound US travelers) are now available at pharmacies in cities and towns throughout Portugal. This is the least expensive and simplest option for testing in Portugal. Walk-in tests may be available depending on demand; otherwise, appointments can be booked in advance. Your Trip Leaders can recommend the easiest way to get a test during or after your trip based on your travel itinerary.

    • Select self-testing kits are also an option. If you opt for self-testing, we suggest ordering an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit pack one to two weeks before your departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Guests on our Douro River Cruise, see "European River Cruises" section below.

    • We resumed running trips in Portugal in August.

  • Slovenia is now welcoming visitors from the US with proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test. Learn more.

    • Guests on our Slovenia & Croatia Bike Tour will cross the international borders twice. Since proof of vaccination or a negative test is required, guests should be vaccinated or bring proof of recovery from COVID-19 to avoid needing to test during the trip.

    • See Croatia section above for Croatia entry requirements.

    • Testing for guests returning from our Slovenia & Croatia trips to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling on our Slovenia & Croatia trips purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Alternatively, testing is available at our final hotel in Croatia, Wine Hotel Meneghetti. Your Trip Leaders can provide more information on the first day of your trip.

    • We resumed running trips in Slovenia in July.

  • Spain (UPDATE 9/7/21) is now requiring proof of vaccination for all travelers from the US above the age of 12. Travelers must also complete a Spain Travel Health Form within 48 hours of their departure. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Spain to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling to Spain purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Alternatively, US citizens can obtain inexpensive COVID-19 tests in Spain from private medical clinics. Your Trip Leaders can recommend the easiest way to get a test during or after your trip based on your travel itinerary.

    • Guests on our Douro River Cruise, see "European River Cruises" section below.

    • We resumed running trips in Spain in August.

  • Switzerland is now welcoming travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination, a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours) or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months. Travelers must complete an entry form prior to arrival. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Switzerland to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling on our Switzerland trips purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

    • Guests on our Rhine River Cruise, see "European River Cruises" section below.

    • We resumed running trips in Switzerland in July.

  • The United Kingdom is now welcoming vaccinated travelers from the US who show proof of a negative PCR test result. In addition to the negative test required to board flights to the UK, an additional PCR test is required within 48 hours of arrival in the UK.

    • For England trips, guests should book tests to take place at the airport upon arrival. London Heathrow offers on-site PCR testing, which must be booked in advance here. Some hotels can also arrange in-room PCR testing.

      For Scotland trips, guests should pre-book their post-arrival test using the UK’s Corporate Travel Management (CTM) portal; the self-administered test kit costs approximately $120 and can be mailed to your first night’s accommodations.

      For both England and Scotland trips, reservations for the post-arrival PCR test must be made in advance, as you will be asked to show that you scheduled and paid for a PCR test upon arrival to the UK.

    • We resumed running trips in the UK in September.

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES

Our ship partner, AmaWaterways, requires proof of vaccination. Guests must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days (in the case of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca) or 28 days (for Johnson & Johnson) before their sailing date. For more information on AmaWaterways requirements, please click here. AmaWaterways also requires that all guests complete its online check-in process (including a health questionnaire). All guests were sent an email on August 19 with instructions and their AMA Booking Number at their address on file.

Testing during your cruise and for guests returning to the US:

Testing for your return to the US is available on board your AmaWaterways ship, but you must indicate on the AmaWaterways Health Questionnaire if you want assistance from AmaWaterways. These testing costs vary, but you can expect to pay 15-25 Euros for an Antigen test and 50-90 Euros for a PCR test.

Self-testing is also an option. If you opt for self-testing, we suggest ordering an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit pack one to two weeks before your departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 

  • Danube River Cruise—Our Danube River Cruise trips begin in the Czech Republic, which has placed the United States on its list of Very High Risk countries. For vaccinated travelers from the US, there are no testing or quarantine requirements for entry. While testing is not required for entry into the country for vaccinated travelers, many hotels and other facilities require a negative test for entry. We strongly recommend that you take a PCR test within 72 hours of your departure for the Czech Republic. Prior to arrival, all travelers must complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form. Learn more. When filling out the form, be sure to use the Czech word for Prague, “Praha,” when entering the name of the city you will be visiting. Means of transport = Letadlo (aircraft). Under Land registry number, enter the address number of your hotel. Note: you must select an option from the dropdown menu for these items or the form will return an error. After the form is submitted, the confirmation and QR code should be printed or saved on your phone.

    • Please note that Czech regulations currently require the use of FFP2 or KN95 masks on airlines and in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, cafés and museums. Fabric or disposable masks will not be accepted. Guests traveling on trips in Czech should bring one of the permitted masks for daily use.

    • On our Danube River Cruise trips, we cross multiple borders on both ship and bicycle, visiting Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. As each of these countries have different (and evolving) entry requirements, guests on our Danube River Cruise trips should carry proof of vaccination with them each day of the trip.

    • You will enter Germany on the first day of your trip. All visitors arriving from the US will need to fill out a digital entry form no more than three days before entering Germany. Learn more. You will be departing by bus from Prague on the first day of your trip with the company Profitransfers. Please enter the following address in Germany: AmaWaterways ship, 6 Untere Donaulande, Vilshofen, Germany 94474.

    • You will enter Slovakia on the sixth day of your trip. Slovakia requires that all individuals submit this Registration Form. Please complete this form prior to starting your travel and print out the confirmation email you receive. You will need to present that confirmation email and proof of COVID-19 vaccination to cross into Slovakia.

  • Douro River Cruise—Our Douro River trips begin in Spain, where all entering travelers must provide proof of vaccination and complete a Spain Travel Health Form within the 48 hours prior to their departure. Learn more

    • On the second day of this trip we enter Portugal, which currently does not have entry requirements when crossing the border with Spain on land (or river cruise ship). Please note that there may be rapid test requirements during travel in Portugal. Guests are advised to carry their CDC vaccine card with them at all times as it may help to avoid trip interruption.

  • Rhine River Cruise—UPDATE 9/3: The Netherlands has added new travel restrictions for Americans. We plan to run our Rhine River trips, which will still include a visit to Amsterdam, this fall. The Netherlands is exempting US travelers who are staying in the country for 12 hours or less from the quarantine requirement. As a result of this policy, we and our sailing partners have modified the trip's itinerary slightly to arrive in Amsterdam on the morning of the final day to avoid quarantining. Prior to arrival, visitors must complete a Quarantine Declaration Form. If you're departing from the Netherlands on the last day of your Backroads trip, select the option that reads "I fall into one of the exemption categories." Visitors will also be required to present a negative test before arriving to Amsterdam; your Trip Leaders and AmaWaterways will help facilitate. Visitors traveling in the EU/Schengen area outside of the Netherlands before their trip may be exempt from the quarantine requirement; click here to learn more.
  • Our Rhine River trips begin in Switzerland, which welcomes travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination, a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours) or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months. Travelers must complete an entry form prior to arrival. Learn more

    • On our Rhine River Cruise we cross multiple borders by ship, van and bicycle, visiting Germany, France and The Netherlands. As each of these countries may have different (and evolving) entry requirements, guests on our Rhine River Cruise trips should carry proof of vaccination with them each day of the trip.

    • You will enter Germany on the first day of your trip. All visitors arriving from the US will also need to fill out a digital entry form no more than three days before entering Germany. Learn more. You will be departing by bus from Basel on the first day of your trip with the company AmaWaterways. Please enter the following address in Germany: AmaWaterways ship, 11 Rheinuferstrasse, Breisach, Germany 79206.

    • On the second day of our trip, we cross the border from Germany into France, where certain facilities, including restaurants, require a COVID Certificate. Non-EU travelers can now apply for their COVID Certificate by following the instructions using this link.

  • Seine River Cruise—Our Seine River trip takes place entirely within France. Please reference the France section above for country-specific requirements.
LATIN AMERICA

Countries in Latin America have mostly reopened to tourism. Many currently require proof of vaccination and/or a negative test result for entry.

  • Argentina (UPDATE 9/21) has announced a phased plan to reopen its borders, which includes reopening to all international visitors on November 1. To enter without quarantine, travelers will need to show both proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Learn more. 

    • We plan to run trips in Argentina starting in December

  • Belize (UPDATE 9/10/21) is open to international travelers arriving by air with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with 96 hours of departure, or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. Learn more

    • We plan to run trips in Belize starting this December

    • Face masks are currently required at all times in public in Belize, including outdoors (except when exercising)

  • Chile plans to begin a phased reopening of its borders on October 1st. They have not yet shared a date when Americans will be able to enter without quarantine.

    • We plan to run trips in Chile starting in December

  • Costa Rica is open to international visitors and does not have any testing requirements in place. Visitors must complete a health pass which requires either proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of travel insurance that meets Costa Rica’s entry requirements.

    • We plan to run trips in Costa Rica starting this November

  • Ecuador is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure. Additionally, the Galapagos Islands have a secondary requirement: Starting Sept 1, travelers must show proof of vaccination AND a negative test result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in the islands. Your Backroads leaders will facilitate testing at the trip hotel at the start of your trip. Learn more

    • Guests on our Galápagos, Andes & Amazon River Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour, please note that our cruise partner is now requiring proof of a negative PCR test taken with 72 hours in order to board the ship on the first day of your trip. This requirement applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

    • Testing for guests returning from Ecuador to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling on our Ecuador trips purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 
    •  
    • Alternatively, rapid testing is available adjacent to the Quito airport. Learn more.
    •  
    • We resumed running trips in Ecuador in August.
  • Peru (UPDATE 9/15/21) is open to travelers from the US who show both proof of vaccination and of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure. All travelers to Peru must complete an Electronic Health Affidavit. Learn more

    • Testing for guests returning from Peru to the US:

    • We are recommending that all guests traveling on our Peru trips purchase an Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag At-Home Rapid Test Kit test pack one to two weeks before their departure. Click here for more on how to use this test. 
    •  
    • Alternatively, testing is available at the last hotel on our Peru trips. Trip leaders can answer questions on Day 1 of your trip about setting up an appointment for testing.
    •  

    • We resumed running trips in Peru in August

We plan to resume running the rest of our Latin America trips in November & December.

AFRICA

Countries in Africa have mostly reopened to tourism. Many currently require a negative test for entry.

  • Tanzania is open to international travelers with proof of a negative Covid test. Visitors must also complete a health form prior to arrival. Learn more

We plan to resume running trips in Africa this fall.

ASIA

Countries in Asia have mostly not reopened to international tourism and have yet to share reopening plans.

We hope to resume running trips in Asia this winter.

  

 

For all international departures, in the event that borders are not yet fully open to US travelers (meaning no quarantine required with proof of vaccination and/or negative test results), we will be forced to postpone. All booked guests on trips we are forced to postpone can put their funds on account or receive a full refund. We will aim to make the final call no later than 30 days prior to the departure.

Backroads is committed to abiding by all state-level and regional requirements for the health and safety of our guests, leaders and local partners. It is a requirement that Backroads adhere to these regulations in order to operate in each region. We take that very seriously and we ask that all our guests do the same. If we become aware that guests are in violation of entry requirements, including testing prior to arrival, they will unfortunately not be able to participate in the trip. Backroads will not provide refunds, nor reimbursement of any expenses incurred by guests as a result of being removed from a trip, including medical expenses, testing fees, quarantine, evacuation expenses, added air or hotel expenses, etc.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our office at 800-462-2848. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm PT and weekends 8am – 2pm PT.