Right now it’s less “where do I want to go” and “where CAN I go” when it comes to travel, so I hope this post on how to find travel restrictions by country in 2022 is helpful for you!
I have been traveling safely, and frequently since I was released from one of the world’s strictest lockdowns in Spain in 2020. Each time I spend several hours trying to figure out what the next country’s current travel restrictions are, and yes, it is exhausting! But there’s some ways to make it a bit easier for you.
Please remember that if you’re going to travel right now, you should always adhere to that destinations safety mandates. I would highly recommend getting the jab for the sake of others, especially locals in areas where they don’t have the privilege of getting it.
Here’s my tips for how to find travel restrictions by country in 2022, and also some general current maps of which countries are open for travel:
*NOTE: I am using France as an example because that’s where I currently am
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Start With a General Google Search
I know that sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many DM’s I get asking me if I know what a country’s travel restrictions are. Google can answer that question, likely better than I can.
One of my main reasons for mentioning this tip first, is because a Google search will give you the most up to date news about travel restrictions by country.
Some of the websites I’m going to mention that offer those travel restriction maps are not up to date. I know because I just checked one for D.R.Congo and it said they require a quarantine, so I texted someone actually there, and they said that was almost a year ago.
So, Google “Current travel restrictions in (insert country here)”, and see what the latest news articles say first.
Check the Country’s Government and Embassy Website
The government of the country you want to go to is the safest bet for accurate travel restrictions by country. However, we all know they tend to not always be on top of updates. Some may also be hard to navigate if there isn’t an English translation.
It’s still your most accurate source though! Try the embassy’s website first, since those are geared more towards visitors and foreign residents.
Also, I know many people use the U.S. government’s travel website, which will also give you updates, and also a link to the country your inquiring about’s government website.
My only qualm with the U.S. gov’s travel website is that it basically lists every country as a “high risk, do not travel” country.
While you’re there though, you may want to enroll in STEP (smart traveler enrollment program) for your trip. It basically keeps track of your info in case you go missing or get in an accident or something.
Check the Local Airline’s Website
Here’s a highly underestimated tip for how to find travel restrictions by country in 2022; check the local airline’s website. They usually either have the current travel restrictions posted, or they have links to resources that do.
It’s also super important to check airline websites, because some airlines have their own travel restrictions and requirements!
For example, in many countries, you need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form! Sometimes you even need to fill it out and present it in order to get your ticket, and if you happen to not have service or something at the airport, it can be a bit of a hassle.
Some airlines also require specific kinds of masks! On my trip from Portugal to Greece, we had a layover in a country who has a mandatory travel restriction of wearing N95 masks on the plane there! We of course didn’t have them, and had to run around the airport looking for one just to get on the plane!
Ask Someone Who is Currently in That Country
If you REALLY cannot figure out what the travel restrictions are in a country you want to go to, try to ask someone who is actually there. Again, this is if you really cannot get a clear answer after trying the methods above.
Keep in mind that if it’s someone who lives there, they may not be up to date on the travel restrictions since they haven’t had to enter the country. But if it’s someone visiting, or in the travel industry, they may know.
If you don’t personally know anyone in that country, try asking online (there are usually Facebook groups for foreigners), or email a tour company!
Use a Travel Restrictions by Country Website
Again, full warning that some of these awesome websites aren’t always up to date. It’s really hard to be when there’s 196 countries, and all of them are constantly changing their travel restrictions!
A popular way for how to find travel restrictions by country in 2022, is using the website Sherpa. It lets you put in your info, like if your vaccinated or not, and what your nationality is. You can then select the country you’re wondering about, and it will show you their restrictions.
IATA Travel Centre has an even more useful travel restrictions and requirements map. It lists every thing you need to enter, including links to the locator forms. It’s powered by one of the top airline recommended travel information companies.
How to Find Out What Countries Are Open in General
Just like above, you can see maps of the entire world that are colored according to how open they are. You can easily see which countries are completely open, which ones have partial restrictions, severe restrictions (like quarantine), and which are just straight up closed.
I’d recommend checking a few different sites to make sure the information matches. The CDC also has this map, but that one basically has every country listed as having restrictions, so it’s not super helpful.
I hope this post on how to find travel restrictions by country in 2022 has helped you out a bit! If you did find it helpful, please help me out by dropping a commend and/or sharing this post on social media!
Please don’t forget! I work extremely hard to produce these free travel guides and posts! If it helped you, or you enjoyed it, PLEASE give it a share on social media, and follow me to keep up with more posts! You’re two minutes of effort truly helps keep my business running! Thank ya!
xx, Alyssa
Just found your website. Love all the information. I’ve managed to travel to 4 countries in 2020, 14 countries and 7 Greek Islands in 2021, and 7 countries so far in 2022. I can tell from reading your stuff that you’re the real deal! From one traveler to another… Respect ✊🏾
Thanks Robert! And that’s awesome! Sounds like we have a similar travel momentum!
This is great, super helpful. Thank you Alyssa! Travelbans.org is also a helpful website but like you said on airline websites, I’ve found that Emirates has a great up to date list as well on requirements.
Asking locals on Couchsurfing can help a lot too ! They’re aware of the situation “inside” : are shops open, if it’s easy to get a test, if people follow the rules, and how the restrictions are likely to evolve because they watch the local news.
Yes! Great tip!!
Thank you for this!
Thanks for reading!