What Countries Do and Don’t Require COVID Vaccinations to Enter in 2025?

So, you're planning to travel in 2025. You're excited, your bag is ready, but you're confused, do you still need the COVID vaccine to enter some countries?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Travel has changed a lot after the pandemic, and every country has its own rules now. Some are super relaxed. Some? Not so much.

Let’s break it all down for you, step by step, like we're planning a trip together. Here’s everything you need to know about which countries still require COVID vaccines to enter in 2025, and where you can go if you're unvaccinated too.

Travel in 2025 Feels Different

Let’s face it. COVID turned the travel world upside down. For nearly two years, most people barely left home, let alone crossed borders. But now, in 2025, borders are open again. Planes are flying. People are traveling.

Still, things are not exactly the same. Some countries have removed all COVID rules. Others still ask for vaccine proof. And a few places still want you to quarantine if you’re not vaccinated.

Global Travel: A Quick Overview

Since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 no longer a global emergency, almost every country opened its borders.

• Most travelers no longer need to quarantine.
• Many countries welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors.
• Some still require a negative PCR test.
• Others still ask for vaccine certificates, especially if you’re coming from a "high-risk" country.

Countries That Still Require COVID Vaccinations to Enter in 2025

Let’s get to the main point: What countries still require COVID vaccines in 2025?

Here’s a quick list of some places that still want proof of COVID vaccination before you enter:

• Indonesia
• Philippines
• China (also requires a COVID test)
• Hong Kong (pre-arrival testing required)
• Macau

These countries often change their rules depending on the situation. So before you fly, always check their official government websites.

Which Countries Still Have COVID Restrictions in 2025?

Even though most places have dropped travel restrictions, a few still have special rules, especially for unvaccinated travelers.

Some Asian and African countries still enforce partial or full entry restrictions, depending on where you're coming from.

They might ask for:

• Proof of vaccination
• Negative PCR test before flying
• Health declaration forms
• Or even short quarantine stays

Unvaccinated Travelers: What Are Your Options?

You’re not vaccinated? No problem. You’ve still got plenty of travel options.

Here are countries that allow unvaccinated tourists without quarantine:

• Mexico
• Norway
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador

These countries have been some of the most relaxed during the pandemic and continue to welcome travelers without many restrictions.

Countries That Allow Unvaccinated Visitors With Some Conditions

Some countries do allow unvaccinated travelers, but you'll have to meet extra rules like:

• 14-day quarantine
• Negative PCR test before arrival
• Health screening at the airport
• Filling out pre-arrival forms

Examples include:

• Thailand
• Sri Lanka
• UAE
• Fiji
• Singapore

So yeah, you can still go. Just be ready for a few extra steps.

Europe in 2025: Mostly Open and Easy

Europe has become one of the easiest regions to travel to in 2025.

Most European countries no longer require any kind of COVID vaccine proof or test.

Countries that are fully open include:

• France
• Spain
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Greece
• Denmark
• Italy
• Ireland
• United Kingdom

Even Germany, Portugal, and Turkey have relaxed their rules. Vaccinated or not, you can enter without too much hassle.

But always check for last-minute changes, especially if there's a local outbreak.

USA: Open, But With Some Rules

Can you enter the USA if you’re unvaccinated? In most cases, yes.

The United States no longer requires a COVID vaccine for entry as of mid-2025. But they do require a negative PCR test for some travelers—especially if you're coming from countries that are still high-risk.

For example, travelers from the UK still need to test before coming in. But no quarantine is needed.

Also, starting May 7, 2025, Americans will need a REAL ID or passport even for domestic flights. That’s not related to COVID, but still important.

British Travelers in 2025: Where Can You Go?

If you’re from the UK, you’ve got a lot of freedom to travel in 2025.

Here are some countries fully open to British tourists:

• Mexico
• Brazil
• France
• Austria
• Spain
• Morocco
• Norway
• Greece
• Germany

To visit places like USA, Turkey, Egypt, Canada, and South Africa, Brits need a negative COVID test.

Ireland, Thailand, and Russia still require UK travelers to quarantine for a few days.

What About Canada?

Canada is open to tourists as of June 2025.

Vaccinated or not, you can enter, but you might still need a PCR test depending on where you're flying from.

Some stricter rules still apply for Canadian tourists visiting countries in Eastern Asia, especially:

• Russia
• China
• Australia

Japan, Thailand & Asia-Pacific: What’s the Situation?

Most of Asia-Pacific is finally open, but the rules are mixed.

• Japan – Open for all travelers
• Thailand – Allows unvaccinated travelers with testing
• Singapore & Malaysia – No quarantine, but testing may apply
• South Korea, Laos, Cambodia – Open, few restrictions
• China & Macau – Still require COVID test before arrival

Check each country’s website before booking your trip, as these rules can change quickly.

List of Countries That Don’t Require COVID Vaccine in 2025

If you want a quick look, here’s a list of countries that do NOT require COVID vaccines as of July 2025:

Europe:

• UK
• France
• Norway
• Denmark
• Portugal
• Italy
• Ireland
• Turkey
• Greece
• Croatia

Americas:

• Mexico
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Bahamas
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Egypt

Asia-Pacific:

• Japan
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Cambodia
• Laos
• South Korea

Still, a negative PCR test might be required in some of these places.

Countries Still Strict in 2025

Some countries still have COVID rules in place, either for everyone or for people from specific regions.

This often includes parts of:

• Africa
• Asia (like China)
• Pacific Islands

In some cases, rules depend on your country of origin, so people from high-risk zones may have more entry restrictions.

Important Reminders Before You Travel

• Always check your destination’s government website for latest updates.
• Rules can change suddenly based on outbreaks.
• Some countries require extra documents like health declarations.
• Even if no vaccine is required, masks may still be needed indoors.
• Take personal precautions even if rules are relaxed.
• Consider volunteer travel programs, they often offer updated travel guidance

Final Thoughts

2025 is finally a good year for travel again. The world is open. Adventure is waiting. But COVID still exists, and so do some travel rules.

Some countries still require COVID vaccination. Others don’t. A few want negative tests. A few just want you to show up.

No matter where you go, just do a bit of homework first. And always pack a little extra patience, just in case rules change.

Your dream trip is possible. Just check the entry requirements, follow the health rules—and enjoy the journey.