With what feels like an unexplainable “end” to the pandemic, many American’s across the country are gearing up for a semi-normal summer which includes traveling. The Centers for Disease Control released this week that if you’re fully vaccinated you can opt-out of wearing a mask. “Today, CDC is updating our guidance for fully vaccinated people,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Thursday at a White House COVID-19 briefing. “Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
“The science demonstrates that if you are fully vaccinated, you are protected,” Walensky continues. “It is the people who are not fully vaccinated in those settings, who might not be wearing a mask, who are not protected. And it is those people that we are encouraging to get vaccinated and to wear a mask and to physically distance. So if you are vaccinated in those settings, you certainly could wear a mask if you wanted to, but we are saying in those settings, based on the science, that it is safe.” As of May 5, 32% of the total U.S. population, or more than 107 million people, had been fully vaccinated, and about 45 percent of the population had received at least one dose. President Joe Biden, excited about the steps into a post-pandemic world says “It’s a good day for the country.” The president praised those who have gotten vaccinated for doing their “patriotic duty.” “For more than a year, you’ve endured so much, and so many lost jobs, so many businesses lost, so many lives upended, and so many months that our kids couldn’t be in school. You couldn’t see your friends and family,” the president says.
This news attached to many cities’ announcement of full reopenings starting May 15 now rings the question: Where is it safe to travel if you’re fully vaccinated? The CDC has a travel recommendation categorized by levels. Level 1: Low — Travelers should wear masks, avoid crowds, etc; Level 2: Moderate — Avoid all nonessential travel; Level 3: High — Avoid all nonessential travel; Level 4: Very high — Avoid all travel. GRAZIA compiled a list of places that are open to travel, especially if you’re fully vaccinated.
British Virgin Islands
Starting May 15, travelers can avoid quarantine in the British Virgin Islands for four days if they test negative before and after arriving (results are estimated to take 24 hours), according to a press release. They must also provide evidence of an “approved” vaccine — such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson.
Grenada
From May 1, vaccinated travelers will still need to test negative before and after arriving in Grenada and its dependent territories of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Quarantine periods will be reduced from a week to no more than 48 hours if they are vaccinated.
Barbados
As of May 8, vaccinated individuals can visit Barbados as long as they show proof of vaccination and proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than three days before travel. Upon arrival in Barbados, they must also submit to a second test (either at the airport or their accommodation). They must quarantine until they receive negative results which could be the same day as arrival or one to two days after. Because the country’s protocols can change at any time, visit Barbados’ protocol website before planning a trip.
Croatia
This tourist hot spot in Eastern Europe now allows vaccinated visitors to enter without a negative coronavirus test. Visitors must present a certificate of vaccination that proves their final dose was administered at least 14 days prior. All visitors to Croatia, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must present proof of paid accommodation in the country. For more information, see Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior website.
Cyprus
Vaccinated travelers visiting Cyprus can bypass the country’s testing and quarantine requirements as long as they provide proof in the form of a vaccination card. However, they will still be required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass which details each traveler’s personal information. After arrival in Cyprus, travelers may also be randomly tested, even if they are vaccinated. For more information, visit the tourism board website or read the government regulations here.
French Polynesia
As of May 1, vaccinated travelers can enter French Polynesia and bypass the 10-day quarantine requirement. According to the country’s tourism board, vaccinated travelers must have been in the U.S. for “30 consecutive days prior to departure” to skip quarantine. They must also present their vaccination certificate, obtain a negative coronavirus test before traveling, submit to an antigen test upon arrival and take a self-administered PCR test on day four. For more information, visit the tourism website.
Greece
Vaccinated travelers from designated countries, including the U.S., can now enter this tourism hotspot without providing a negative coronavirus test result as long as they present a vaccination card proving it has been 14 days since they received their final dose. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers over the age of 5 must present a negative coronavirus test result. Everyone must complete a Passenger Locator Form before entering the country. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Greece website.
It is vital to still take precautions when traveling and follow any necessary safety measures to prevent contracting and spreading the coronavirus.
