Reopenings & Requirements

Last updated October 3, 2022

As of Sunday June 12, 2022, the US is no longer requiring a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Learn more. 

Destinations around the globe are requiring proof of vaccination or other documentation for entry. 

See destination-specific reopening and entry requirements:
United States | Canada | Europe | European River Cruises | European Ocean Cruises | Latin America | Africa | Asia | The Middle East

Since these requirements are changing frequently, we recommend checking back regularly as your trip approaches for any updates. Please click through to the "Learn More" links in each section below to find the most current "official" entry information for each destination.

All the requirements listed below are in addition to Backroads’ own policies.

US DESTINATIONS

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

Backroads highly recommends all guests be vaccinated and boosted. Many cultural sites and individual businesses like restaurants and hotels have begun enforcing stricter COVID-19 protocols, including requiring that all visitors be fully vaccinated (sometimes including proof of a booster), so we suggest you keep your vaccine card handy during the trip. 

Glacier & Waterton Lakes

Our Glacier & Waterton Lakes trips start and finish in Montana, and cross the land border into Canada for a portion of the trip.

Canada (UPDATE 7/25/22) currently requires proof of vaccination to enter. All travelers must provide COVID-19 related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal), including proof of vaccination for those 12 and older, within 72 hours prior to arrival. When filling out the ArriveCAN form, enter Carway as the port of entry. Visitors should also have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation ready to show on request (must show dates of vaccination - a QR code without dates may not be accepted). Learn more.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are required to wear a mask while indoors in public spaces. 

Glacier to Banff

Our Glacier to Banff trips start in Montana and end in Banff, Canada.

Canada (UPDATE 7/25/22) currently requires proof of vaccination to enter. All travelers must provide COVID-19 related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal), including proof of vaccination for those 12 and older, within 72 hours prior to arrival. When filling out the ArriveCAN form, enter Carway as the port of entry. Visitors should also have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation ready to show on request (must show dates of vaccination - a QR code without dates may not be accepted). Learn more.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are required to wear a mask while indoors in public spaces. 

San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands (UPDATE 5/5/22) None of our 2022 Puget Sound itineraries will cross the border into Canada due to closure of the ferry route that runs from the San Juan Islands to British Columbia.  There are currently no special COVID-19 entry requirements for this region.

Vermont to Quebec

Our Vermont to Quebec trips start in Vermont and end in Canada.

Canada (UPDATE 7/25/22) currently requires proof of vaccination to enter. All travelers must provide COVID-19 related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal), including proof of vaccination for those 12 and older, within 72 hours prior to arrival. When filling out the ArriveCAN form, enter Beebe as the port of entry. Visitors should also have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation ready to show on request (must show dates of vaccination - a QR code without dates may not be accepted). Learn more.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are required to wear a mask while indoors in public spaces. 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

We resumed running international trips in June of 2021 and have taken guests on active adventures in over 50 countries since then! Explore specific entry requirements and regulations organized by destination below. For the most relevant information, look for the name of your specific Backroads itinerary.

Getting to Your International Backroads Trip: UPDATE 2/1/22

Many international destinations currently require proof of vaccination to enter, often including proof of a booster shot. While some destinations 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–and booster–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. Backroads will not offer reimbursement to those unable to join a trip or take part in certain activities due to not being vaccinated or not meeting testing requirements. 

Some international destinations also require a negative COVID-19 test for entry—either in lieu of proof of vaccination or in addition. To minimize the risk that future changes to entry rules create travel complications, we suggest planning to show a negative COVID-19 test result AND proof of vaccination for all international travel. If your destination requires testing, pay close attention to whether rapid tests are accepted or the test has to be a PCR test. 

On top of vaccination and/or testing requirements, many countries require visitors to complete some type 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.

You can explore requirements for all international destinations on the Sherpa Travel Restrictions Map, and details by destination and trip are listed below. However, you should always check government websites and airline materials for the most accurate and current information. See links for each region below.  

Traveling within Other Countries: UPDATE 2/1/22

Many destinations currently require proof of vaccination and booster 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: UPDATE 6/10/22

As of Sunday, June 12, 2022, the US is no longer requiring a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Learn more.

CANADA

All regions of Canada are currently open to vaccinated travelers from the US. See full entry requirements below.  

Canada: Canadian Rockies · Newfoundland* · Nova Scotia · Quebec · Vancouver & Gulf Islands · Whistler

Canada (UPDATE 7/1/22) currently requires proof of vaccination to enter. All travelers must provide COVID-19 related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal), including proof of vaccination for those 12 and older, within 72 hours prior to arrival. Visitors should also have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation ready to show on request (must show dates of vaccination - a QR code without dates may not be accepted). Learn more.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are required to wear a mask while indoors in public spaces. 

*The Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland also requires proof of vaccination at check-in.

EUROPE

All European countries where we operate have reopened to vaccinated international travelers. Some countries also have testing requirements, and others have dropped COVID-19-related travel requirements altogether. See details by trip below.

A Taste of Camino de Santiago (Spain, Portugal)

Our Taste of Camino de Santiago trips begin in Porto, Portugal and end in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Portugal (UPDATE 7/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

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

Spain (UPDATE 9/30/22) is open to travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination and booster (booster required if 270 days have passed since the second dose of your vaccine; boosters do not expire), OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours), OR a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Children under 12 are exempt from entry requirements. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 do not need to be vaccinated but must show a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours). Learn more.

Basque Country (France, Spain)

Our Basque Country trips begin in Biarritz, France and end in Bilbao, Spain.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Spain (UPDATE 9/30/22) is open to travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination and booster (booster required if 270 days have passed since the second dose of your vaccine; boosters do not expire), OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours), OR a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Children under 12 are exempt from entry requirements. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 do not need to be vaccinated but must show a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours). Learn more.

Berlin to Prague (Germany, Czech Republic)

Our Berlin to Prague trips begin in Berlin, Germany and end in Prague, Czech Republic.

Germany (UPDATE 6/8/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements.

Czech Republic UPDATE 5/13/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Croatia

Croatia (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Croatia & Slovenia

Our Croatia & Slovenia trips begin in Ljubljana, Slovenia, cross the land border in Croatia and end in Trieste, Italy.

Slovenia (UPDATE 6/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Croatia (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Croatia to Montenegro

Our Croatia to Montenegro trips begin in Split, Croatia and end in Tivat, Montenegro.

Croatia (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Montenegro (UPDATE 6/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Czech Republic & Austria

Our Czech Republic & Austria tours begin in Prague, Czech Republic and end in Vienna, Austria.

Austria (UPDATE 9/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Czech Republic (UPDATE 5/13/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Dolomites (Italy, Austria)

Our Dolomites trips begin in Bolzano, Italy and cross the land border to Austria before ending in either Bolzano, Italy or Venice, Italy.

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Austria (UPDATE 9/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Finland & Sweden Northern Lights

Our Finland & Sweden Northern Lights trips begin in Stockholm, Sweden and end in Levi, Finland.

Sweden (UPDATE 4/6/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more. 

Finland (UPDATE 2/21/22) is open to international travelers who show proof of vaccination. Accompanying minors (under 18) are exempt from vaccination/testing requirements. Learn more.

France: Bordeaux & Dordogne · Brittany & Normandy · Burgundy · Champagne & Alsace · French Basque Country · Provence · Loire Valley

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

French & Italian Alps (Switzerland, France, Italy)

Our French & Italian Alps trips begin and end in Geneva, Switzerland, and cross land borders into France and Italy during the trip.

Switzerland (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

French Pyrenees to Basque Country (France, Spain)

Our French Pyrenees to Basque Country trips begin in Biarritz, France and end in Bilbao, Spain.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Spain (UPDATE 9/30/22) is open to travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination and booster (booster required if 270 days have passed since the second dose of your vaccine; boosters do not expire), OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours), OR a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Children under 12 are exempt from entry requirements. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 do not need to be vaccinated but must show a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours). Learn more.

French, Italian & Swiss Alps

Our French, Italian & Swiss Alps trips begin and end in Geneva, Switzerland and cross land borders into France and Italy during the trip.

Switzerland (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

German & Austrian Alps

Our German & Austrian Alps trips begin in Munich, Germany and end in Salzburg, Austria.

Germany (UPDATE 6/8/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements.

Austria (UPDATE 9/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Germany to Austria

Our Germany to Austria trips begin in Munich, Germany and end in Salzburg, Austria.

Germany (UPDATE 6/8/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements.

Austria (UPDATE 9/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Greece: Santorini & Crete

Greece (UPDATE 5/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Iceland: Southern Iceland · Iceland Northern Lights

Iceland (UPDATE 2/28/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Ireland

Ireland (UPDATE 3/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Italian, French & Swiss Alps

Our Italian, French & Swiss Alps trips begin and end in Geneva, Switzerland and cross land borders into France and Italy during the trip.

Switzerland (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Italy: Cinque Terre · Tuscany · Amalfi Coast · Gran Paradiso to Matterhorn · Lake Como & Bellagio · Piedmont · Puglia to Basilicata · Parma to Verona · Sicily · Umbria to the Adriatic

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Netherlands & Belgium

Our Netherlands & Belgium trips begin in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and end in Bruges, Belgium.

Netherlands (UPDATE 5/17/22) has reopened to vaccinated –and boosted– American travelers. All travelers must show proof of vaccination including a booster. Learn more.

Belgium (UPDATE 6/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Norway

Norway (UPDATE 2/22/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Portugal: South · North · Douro Valley

Portugal (UPDATE 7/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

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

Sardinia & Corsica (France, Italy)

Our Sardinia & Corsica trips start in Olbia, Italy and end in Ajaccio, France.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Southern France & Spain

Our Southern France & Spain trips start in Avignon, France and end in Barcelona, Spain.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Spain (UPDATE 9/30/22) is open to travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination and booster (booster required if 270 days have passed since the second dose of your vaccine; boosters do not expire), OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours), OR a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Children under 12 are exempt from entry requirements. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 do not need to be vaccinated but must show a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours). Learn more.

Spain: Costa Brava & Pyrenees · Mallorca & Menorca · Andalucía

Spain (UPDATE 9/30/22) is open to travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination and booster (booster required if 270 days have passed since the second dose of your vaccine; boosters do not expire), OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours), OR a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Children under 12 are exempt from entry requirements. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 do not need to be vaccinated but must show a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours). Learn more.

Sweden to Denmark

Our Sweden to Denmark trips begin and end in Copenhagen, Denmark, and cross over land borders into Sweden along the way.

Denmark (UPDATE 6/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.  

Sweden (UPDATE 4/6/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Switzerland

Switzerland (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

United Kingdom: Cotswolds · Scotland · Wales

The United Kingdom (UPDATE 9/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES

Our river ship operator, AmaWaterways, requires proof of vaccination. AmaWaterways also requires that all guests complete a Health Questionnaire at least 7 days before departure as part of its online check-in process. You will receive an email directly from AmaWaterways with a booking number for logging in to that system 14 days prior to your departure. Please add noreply@amawaterways.com to your list of safe email addresses and utilize that AmaWaterways booking number to complete the Health Questionnaire.

For more details on AmaWaterways requirements, please click here.  

Danube River Cruise

Our Danube River Cruise trips begin in the Czech Republic, which currently has no COVID-19-related requirements.

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 entry requirements, guests on these trips should carry proof of vaccination with them each day of the trip.

Douro River Cruise

Our Douro River Cruise trips begin in Spain, which is open to travelers from the US who show proof of vaccination and booster (booster required if 270 days have passed since the second dose of your vaccine; boosters do not expire), OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours), OR a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Children under 12 are exempt from entry requirements. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 do not need to be vaccinated but must show a negative test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours). All travelers must also complete a Spain Travel Health Form within 48 hours of their departure. Learn more.

Due to Portugal entry requirements, AmaWaterways requires that you provide a negative test result during the embarkation process (approximately 4 p.m. on Day 1). You may either provide the results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation or be rapid-tested by AmaWaterways during embarkation for a 20 EUR fee. Travelers must also complete a passenger locator card within 48 hours prior to travel to Portugal. This card will be completed onboard the ship. Guests are also advised to carry their CDC vaccine card with them at all times as it may help to avoid trip interruption.

Rhine River Cruise

Based on the requirements of the Netherlands, all guests are required to have a booster if the second dose was more than 270 days prior to arrival.

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

Seine and Bordeaux River Cruises

These trips take place entirely within France.

France (UPDATE 8/31/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements Learn more.

EUROPEAN OCEAN CRUISES

Our ocean cruise operator, Ponant, requires both proof of vaccination and proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Test can be a PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding (approx. 4 p.m. on your departure date) or an antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. Self-tests are not accepted. Proof of recovery is also accepted in lieu of proof of vaccination. Learn more. 

In addition, Ponant requires that guests provide a completed Health Declaration form in person upon embarkation. We recommend you complete this form and bring it with you on Day 1 to avoid any embarkation delay.

Iceland

Iceland has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Venice to Croatia

Our Venice to Croatia Ocean Cruise Bike Tours start and end in Italy, and we will cross borders into Croatia and Montenegro. As each of these countries may have different entry requirements, guests on our Venice to Croatia Ocean Cruise Bike Tours should carry proof of vaccination with them each day of the trip. For specific country requirements, see below.

Italy (UPATE 6/3/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Croatia (UPDATE 5/5/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more. 

Montenegro (UPDATE 6/9/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

LATIN AMERICA

All countries in Latin America where we run trips have reopened to tourism. Most destinations currently require proof of vaccination and/or a negative test result for entry.

Argentina

Argentina (UPDATE 9/9/22) is requiring that all travelers complete an online affidavit 48 hours prior to arrival in Argentina, AND provide proof of medical travel insurance that includes hospitalization, quarantine, and transportation coverage of COVID-19. Learn more.

Belize

Belize (UPDATE 10/3/22) has removed all Covid-19 travel restrictions for travelers entering the country by plane, and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

 

Chile

Chile (UPDATE 10/3/22) currently requires proof of vaccination to enter. Minors the age of 18 are exempt from vaccination requirements. Learn more.

BEFORE TRAVEL: 

• 5-6 weeks prior to travel: Submit your proof of vaccination 
• Vaccination must be verified in advance by creating an account at Chile’s “MeVacuno” website here.  See a step-by-step walkthrough of this (long) process here. 
• To qualify as being “fully vaccinated”, you must have completed your booster shot OR had your last vaccination shot within 6 months of your final day in Chile. 
• Confirmation of the account can take 2-4 weeks from date of submission. Once confirmed, the profile is good for 45 days. Travel should be within this window, so travelers should begin the process about 5-6 weeks prior to travel.
• You will need to confirm your email address to create your account.
• To be able to show your documents on your cell phone, be sure to have your phone fully charged and have international roaming turned on (Wi-Fi is not reliable in the airport).

DURING TRAVEL 

• Travelers must self-report their health status during the trip here. For Backroads guests on the Walking Chilean Patagonia & Fjords Cruise, the team on the ship will be taking temperature checks daily and submitting to the Chilean authorities on behalf of guests (as there is no WIFI on board). Your Trip Leaders will always be happy to answer any questions during your trip, as well. 

*Requirements are changing as the situation evolves/border opens. It’s advised to incorporate extra time for travel and flexible flights 

Colombia

Colombia (UPDATE 2/7/22) is open to international travelers who show proof of vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours).

If you have completed your vaccination scheme within 14 days entry to Colombia, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours) in addition to your vaccination certificate.

All travelers will also need to fill out a Health Form within the 72 hours prior to departure. If the normal form's website is down travelers can find a contingency website here. Learn more. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica (UPDATE 4/1/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Cuba

Cuba (UPDATE 4/6/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more. 

Ecuador & Galápagos

Ecuador (UPDATE 9/9/22) is open to international travelers who show proof of vaccination OR a laboratory-certified negative antigen or PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. However, Ecuador requires everyone over the age of 12 to provide proof of vaccination when entering a public space (including hotels and restaurants), so all guests on our Ecuador trips need to be vaccinated. Travelers will also need to fill out a Health Declaration form and present it upon boarding. Learn mo

Guatemala

Guatemala (UPDATE 10/3/2022) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions for travelers entering the country by plane, and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Peru

Peru (UPDATE 9/12/22) is open to international travelers who show proof of vaccination OR a laboratory-certified negative antigen or PCR test result taken within 48 hours of arrival.  All travelers to Peru must also complete an Electronic Health Affidavit. Learn more.

Please note that Peru regulations currently require the use of KN95 masks on airlines and trains. Fabric or disposable masks will not be accepted. Guests traveling on trips in Peru should bring permitted masks for transportation use.  

AFRICA

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

Morocco

Morocco (UPDATE 3/4/22) is open to all international travelers with proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. There may be additional rapid testing required upon arrival. Learn more.

Namibia, Botswana & Zambia

Namibia (UPDATE 5/2/22) is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. 

Botswana (UPDATE 5/26/22) is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Learn more. Due to the lack of testing options as we cross borders on this trip, all guests will be required to be vaccinated to attend the trip.

Zambia (UPDATE 5/26/22) is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Learn more. 

Zimbabwe (UPDATE 5/26/22) is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Learn more.

South Africa & Botswana

South Africa (UPDATE 5/9/22) is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test result, or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 if infected within three months prior to travel. Children under 12 years old are exempt. Learn more.

Botswana (UPDATE 5/26/22) is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Learn more. Due to the lack of testing options as we cross borders on this trip, all guests will be required to be vaccinated to attend the trip.

Tanzania

Tanzania (UPDATE 2/22/22) is open to international travelers with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Visitors must also complete a health form prior to arrival. Learn more.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Many countries in Asia have now reopened to tourism. Most require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. 

Bali (Indonesia)

Bali (UPDATE 6/28/22) is now welcoming vaccinated travelers from the US with no testing requirements. Learn more.

Bhutan

Bhutan (UPDATE 9/12/22) As of September, Bhutan is welcoming tourists from the U.S who have been fully vaccinated and boosted, along with proof of health insurance covering COVID-19. Bhutan also requires travelers to provide an upright color scan of their passport that has been valid for a minimum of 6 months prior to entry. The Bhutan government is requiring a $200/day sustainable development fee to incoming travelers. This fee will appear on your invoice and is additional to the trip price.

India

India is open to international travelers with proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Learn more.

Japan

Japan (UPDATE 9/7/22) has been gradually reopening its borders to travelers from the US with restrictions in place. We are planning on running trips again in April 2023. Learn more.

Nepal

Nepal (UPDATE 6/28/22) is open to travelers with proof of vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure). Learn more.

New Zealand

New Zealand (UPDATE 7/6/22) is open to travelers with proof of vaccination. All travelers must apply for a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) pass prior to arrival. Learn more.

Thailand

Thailand (UPDATE 7/5/22) is open to travelers with proof of vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test result (from a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure). Learn more.

Vietnam & Cambodia

Vietnam (UPDATE 7/6/22) is now welcoming vaccinated travelers from the US with no testing requirement. Learn more.

Cambodia (UPDATE 3/18/22) is now open to travelers with proof of vaccination. Learn more.

Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Vietnam (UPDATE 7/6/22) is now welcoming vaccinated travelers from the US with no testing requirement. Learn more.

Cambodia (UPDATE 3/18/22) is now open to travelers with proof of vaccination. Learn more.

Laos (UPDATE 5/13/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements.

THE MIDDLE EAST

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

Israel & Jordan

Israel (UPDATE 5/26/22) is open to all travelers that fill out an entry statement form prior to arrival, and show proof of health insurance. Israel also requires travelers to have a green pass when entering a public space (including hotels and restaurants), and the green pass requires proof of vaccination, so all guests on our Israel trips need to be vaccinated. Learn more.

As of May 20, 2022, travelers are no longer required to test upon entry in Israel. 

Jordan (UPDATE 3/1/22) has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors from the US with no special requirements. Learn more.

Israel

Israel (UPDATE 5/26/22) is open to all travelers that fill out an entry statement form prior to arrival, and show proof of health insurance. Israel also requires travelers to have a green pass when entering a public space (including hotels and restaurants), and the green pass requires proof of vaccination, so all guests on our Israel trips need to be vaccinated. Learn more.

As of May 20, 2022, travelers are no longer required to test upon entry in Israel.

Oman

Oman is open to vaccinated travelers with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Visitors must have health/travel insurance that would cover one month’s treatment for COVID-19. Learn more.

For all international departures, in the event that borders are not 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 or testing requirements, they may 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 7am – 5pm PT and weekends 7am – 3pm PT.