In 2020, Covid-19 brought the world practically to a standstill. Shutdowns occurred all over the globe. Gradually, in the three years since then, the world has cautiously started to get back to normal.
Covid is still out there. If you have had to look into the PCR vs. rapid test method to see if you have it, you know it’s still a potential danger. In fact, some countries still have Covid-related restrictions in place in 2023 out of an abundance of caution. Let’s look at a few of them right now.
Nicaragua
If you plan on traveling to Nicaragua this year, you should know that for the moment, at least, it still has some Covid-related restrictions in place. You must take a pre-arrival test that comes back negative before you are allowed in. You can also show that you have taken the vaccine, though. If you have, the country will let you in without taking the test.
Bolivia
Bolivia seems to be following this same model. You can get into the country from elsewhere, but if you have not received the vaccine and can show proof of that, you must take a test that comes back negative before government officials let you in. If you take the vaccine and can show you’ve received it, the test is unnecessary.
China
China has proven to be fairly cautious about its approach to the Covid-19 pandemic. They were among the last to allow foreign citizens in, even after they eased their initial lockdowns.
At the moment, if you’re trying to get into China as a foreign national, you must take a pre-arrival test that comes back negative. However, since April of this year, you’ve been allowed to take the relatively noninvasive rapid antigen test. This is considered to be quicker and simpler than the PCR test.
Macau
In that same area of the world, you might decide you’d like to visit Macau. Like China, Macau has shown an abundance of caution, and they’re not all the way back to pre-pandemic policies for foreign nationals who are trying to enter.
To enter Macau, you will need to submit to a rapid antigen test. If you pass, you can enter. It’s a bit of a pain, but most people agree it’s still better than the PCR test.
Indonesia
Of all the countries in the world, Indonesia has remained one of the most stringent when it comes to testing, vaccinating, and letting in foreign visitors. At the moment, if you want to visit there and you’re over the age of 18, you must show proof that you’re fully vaccinated. You can also show proof of recent recovery from Covid-19 in some instances.
As more time passes, it seems likely that even these countries will ease their travel restrictions. Covid-19 gave the world a wake-up call, though, and hopefully, many countries will be more prepared if anything similar happens in the future. Some experts are already warning us of future pandemics and regard them as virtually inevitable.