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The 15 countries still with Covid travel restrictions
A small number of countries still have Covid restrictions, three years on from the start of the pandemic
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After three years of ever-changing restrictions, Covid rules are now few and far between, with no European countries asking UK visitors to present either proof of vaccination or a negative test.
But the red tape has not disappeared entirely. A clutch of countries, including the Philippines and Bolivia, are still asking unvaccinated arrivals to take a Covid test before they travel, while one – China – requires this of all travellers.
Here are the 15 countries that still have Covid rules, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Note that the FCDO advises against travel to several of them, while for more obscure countries, its advice may not be up to date. We have cross-referenced its list against other sources, but if any of the information below is incorrect, please let us know in the comments, providing sources.
1. China
All travellers entering the country must undertake a lateral flow/rapid antigen test 48 hours before boarding their flight and declare their negative test result by filling in the Health Declaration Form via the China Customs website, or through the China Customs App or WeChat account. Airline officials will no longer check test results. However, upon arrival in China your test result may be checked by officials at customs.
Passengers entering China displaying symptoms of fever, or with an abnormal Health Declaration, may be asked to undertake a rapid antigen test on arrival. Those who test positive will be asked to wear a mask and may be advised to self-isolate whilst symptoms remain (although there is no mandatory self-isolation period).
2. Philippines
You can enter the Philippines provided you have registered for an e-TRAVEL Pass prior to your arrival, and have acceptable proof of vaccination or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours prior to departure. Anyone aged 15 years or older who fails to present a negative pre-departure test shall be required to take a test upon arrival at the airport. Any inbound traveller regardless of nationality who tests positive may be subject to the latest quarantine and isolation protocols set by the Philippines Department of Health.
3. Bolivia
You’ll need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken no more that 72 hours before boarding. This applies to everyone over five years of age. Alternatively, you’ll need to show proof of a negative antigen test, taken no more than 48 hours before boarding.
4. Cameroon
The British High Commission understands that the following requirements apply: “If you are not vaccinated or do not have proof of your Covid-19 vaccination, and are five years old or over, you must provide a recent (no older than 72 hours before first boarding) negative coronavirus PCR test to board your flight to Cameroon and to enter at Yaoundé or Douala Airports. (Some airlines demand a PCR test from travellers aged two and above, so check with your airline). Negative coronavirus test results should be in PDF format, clearly stating the date of the test and the type of test. Electronic copies are accepted.”
5. Nauru
All passengers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to their travel date. A negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) must be taken within 24 hours of flight departure. A PCR test will need to be taken whilst in the Pre-Travel Managed Accommodation Hotel. All passengers must complete a Nauru Health Declaration prior to travel and undertake five days mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Nauru.
6. Togo
Non-vaccinated passengers arriving in Togo must have a negative PCR test result dated no more than five days before departure. In addition, at least 24 hours before arrival non-vaccinated passengers (except for transit passengers who remain airside) must complete an online immigration and health form.
7. Angola
All passengers 12 years and above must show evidence of vaccination or a negative PCR test completed 48 hours before departure.
8. Democratic Republic of Congo
Travellers aged 11 and above need to provide proof of a full course of vaccination against or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.
9. Myanmar – FCDO advises against travel, with the exception of Yangon
On arrival in Myanmar, foreign travellers are expected to present printed copies of:
- proof of full vaccination with a vaccine recognised by the Ministry of Health (list below) at least 14 days before arrival in the country OR the negative result of a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival
- Travel insurance which covers Covid
You will also need to complete a health declaration form. This will be provided to you by either your airline or airport authorities.
Children under 12 years old are exempt from the requirement for proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test result, providing they are travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
10. Iran – note that the FCDO advises against travel
All non-Iranian nationals older than 12 years must present a valid Covid vaccine certificate on arrival. The vaccination certificate must be in English, showing full vaccination at least 14 days before departure. Alternatively, a negative PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure. You may also be subject to a Covid test upon arrival and required to quarantine at your own expense.
11. Chad – note that the FCDO advises against travel
You must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Chad, or a negative PCR test (taken no more than 96 hours before entry).
12. Niger – note that the FCDO advises against travel
Travellers who have not been vaccinated must present a negative PCR test certificate taken within 72 hours before arrival to the airport authorities. Before travelling, they should also register and upload their PCR test results online on the Trusted Travel site. Unvaccinated travellers will also need to quarantine for seven days.
13. Central African Republic – note that the FCDO advises against travel
Upon arrival, non-vaccinated passengers must provide a PCR test obtained within the previous 72 hours.
14. South Sudan – note that the FCDO advises against travel
If you’re not fully vaccinated, you must have a negative PCR test certificate issued no more than 72 hours in advance of your arrival.
15. Mali – note that the FCDO advises against travel
To enter Mali you will need proof of a “complete Covid vaccination” (i.e. usually at least two doses). If you do not have proof of a complete vaccination, you need to present a negative test (PCR) certificate less than 72 hours old.
This article is kept updated with the latest information.
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