10 Countries That Don’t Make You Quarantine When You Travel There

Mexico has long been a go-to destination for Canadians looking for an affordable beach break while everyone else at home is shovelling snow. The land border between Mexico and the United States is currently closed to non-essential travel, so forget about that road trip. However, you can fly in. Upon arrival you may be screened and will only be quarantined if you show symptoms of Covid-19. But of course, travelers should take note that Mexico is one of the world’s hardest hit countries as far as coronavirus cases and deaths are concerned.

Back in the day, Colombia used to be a no-go because of guerrilla war and drug cartels like the infamous Medellín Cartel, which brought wealth to some of the world’s richest criminals. Then peace came and the drug kingpins either died or are now securely behind bars and Colombia became a fascinating, cheap and warm travel destination. To visit, you only need to show a negative Covid-19 PCR test result issued within 96 hours before your departure. However, Colombia is once again a deadly destination, having skyrocketed to fifth place for number of Covid-19 cases at the time of writing.

To enter Colombia’s neighbour Ecuador, you only need to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test issued within ten days prior to arrival. If you show Covid-19 symptoms, you’ll be placed in quarantine. However, there are stricter regulations for visiting the unique Galápagos Islands, which belong to Ecuador. Among these is a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before your departure date, and possibly being tested again – at your own expense – upon arrival.

Bolivia is a gorgeous destination and to enter, you only need to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test result issued within seven days before arrival and certified by a Bolivian consulate. However, it’s well worth it to remember that Bolivia has a very high rate of Covid deaths per population: the fourth highest in the world at the time of writing. It may be better to wait a few months – Bolivia is one of the best places to travel in April – and see whether the situation improves before you go.

Brazil’s leadership has had a notoriously gung-ho attitude towards Covid, even after the president himself contracted the virus. In fact, to enter the country, you only need to meet the regular travel requirements. In the case of Canadian citizens, that means having a valid Canadian passport. It’s probably no wonder that Brazil had the third highest number of coronavirus cases in the world and the fifth highest death rate per population at the time of writing. And this probably explains why, to be admitted into the country, you also need to have proof of medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. It might be safer to wait until summer and celebrate Carnival Toronto style.

Gabon is the perfect destination if you want a rainforest adventure completely off the beaten path. To visit this magic little West African country, you only need a negative Covid-19 PCR test result issued within fourteen days before arrival and, if you’re travelling with a Canadian passport, a valid tourist visa. However, self-quarantining upon arrival in Gabon is the responsible thing to do: the country has largely been spared the ravages of coronavirus and its case numbers are still relatively low. Do you want to be the person who changes all that? Also remember that there are no direct flights between Canada and Gabon, so you may put yourself at extra risk while waiting in airports.

Whether you want to go on safari or watch one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets on Zanzibar, it’s well worth saving up for a trip to Tanzania. The country also has one of the world’s lowest numbers of reported cases – although it’s worth remembering that Tanzania’s test rates are virtually non-existent too. To enter Tanzania, you need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before boarding your flight. Remember too that because there are no direct flights between Canada and Tanzania, you’ll be at increased risk as you make your airport transfers.

If you’ve never been to Africa, Ghana is a great gateway to the continent. It offers a good mix of culture and history, unspoiled nature, vibrant nightlife, tasty food and some of the best souvenir shopping. Like so many other African countries, Ghana has had a surprisingly low rate of coronavirus cases. To enter, you need to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours prior to departure, as well as a valid tourist visa if you’re travelling with a Canadian passport. However, you also need to budget for the mandatory extra Covid-19 test you need to undergo at the airport and which you have to pay for yourself. Take extra care as you transit at other airports to get to Ghana, since if you test positive upon arrival, you may be quarantined.

Known for ancient sights like the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt is also a popular destination for those who are looking for sun, sea, sand and excellent scuba diving. To visit, you need to show a negative Covid-19 PCR test result issued within 96 hours prior to departure. While Egypt had the first registered case of coronavirus on the African continent, it has managed to keep the numbers quite low. This, however, includes the numbers of tests, so there’s no knowing just how safe it is to visit.

To enter the country, you need to show a negative Covid-19 PCR test result issued within 48 hours before arrival. Serbia has managed to keep its Covid case numbers low, with only a handful of active cases at the time of writing, but part of that is also due to the way the government has administered its testing.