Airports are busy again, as is the passport office. The list of countries available for Americans to be able to travel to this year is changing rapidly in the wake of COVID, and 60% of Americans say they are ready to get out of town. If you’re considering heading out of the country, you’ll want to check out resources like this one to stay current on the latest places to open up and the requirements to be able to enter various countries.

While there have always been vaccine requirements for international travelers, it’s important to thoroughly research what vaccines you need, particularly in light of new mandates regarding COVID testing and vaccines. For many years, it was recommended that Americans traveling overseas should make sure they had received what are known as ‘routine’ vaccines, many of which they would have received as children.

This list includes:
  • diphtheria
  • tetanus
  • pertussis
  • measles
  • mumps
  • rubella
  • varicella
  • poliomyelitis
  • hepatitis B
  • hepatitis A
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b
  • rotavirus
  • meningococcus
  • human papillomavirus
  • pneumococcus

These vaccines have typically not been required to enter foreign countries, but are intended to protect the traveler. 

The yellow fever vaccine has been the one required vaccine to enter several countries on the continent of Africa. However, since 2020’s pandemic of the coronavirus, many countries have now made a COVID vaccine a requirement, along with COVID test results taken within a certain window before entering. If you are planning an international trip, it is critical to research what the newest requirements are for entering your destination. Also note that several cruise lines are requiring vaccines and testing for their passengers, even if those cruises are U.S. based.

France and Belgium are the newest countries to open up to COVID-vaccinated Americans. As you look forward to planning time out of the country, stay educated and informed on the requirements of your destination to make your travel time as smooth as possible.

Altrua HealthShare members have COVID tests and vaccines shared in by the Membership.

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
1https://www.medicinenet.com/do_you_need_vaccinations_before_traveling_abroad/views.htm
2https://whyy.org/articles/which-places-will-require-proof-of-a-covid-19-vaccine-and-should-they/
3https://www.afar.com/magazine/travelers-with-covid-vaccines-can-visit-these-countries