Popular Destinations That Are Still Closed
Travel demand is rebounding and getting close to pre-pandemic levels. TSA checkpoint travel numbers are at about 90% compared to 2019. More people are traveling domestically and internationally as Covid-19 entry requirements and restrictions are dropped.
Airlines and hotels are gearing up for a big summer, and are in fact having staffing issues as they ramp up operations to match the demand.
But while you have many destinations to choose from for your next getaway, there are still some that are off-limits and have yet to welcome back visitors. Most of them are in the Asia-Pacific region.
One of these destinations is Japan. They have relaxed their rules in recent months, but leisure tourists are still not allowed in the country. For the moment, citizens, residents, researchers, students, residents’ family members and business travelers with prior approval are the only ones allowed to enter. And they still face restrictions, depending on where they’re coming from, CNN reports.
China is in a similar position. Foreign nationals are not permitted to enter for leisure tourism at this time. China was expected to open its borders once it vaccinated over 85% of its population, but that didn’t happen. The country has a zero-Covid strategy, and recent outbreaks in several cities have delayed reopening plans.
Macau will not open its borders to tourists anytime soon either, so you will have to wait to gamble at some of the world’s most famous casinos. Only visitors from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are allowed in, and most of them have to quarantine for two weeks.
Taiwan is another popular destination that is closed off for leisure travelers. Foreign business travelers were allowed in on March 7, and since April 12, foreign relatives and Taiwan residents, those with work/study visa and select others are able to visit as well. But they are all subjected to 10 days of hotel or home quarantine.
Several Pacific islands also remain closed. That includes Samoa, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Tonga and the Solomon Islands.
Check out this UNWTO map for more information.
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Who wants to go to China these days. You risk not being able to leave the country.