Where can Digital Nomads currently travel?9 min read
Where can Digital Nomads currently travel?9 min read
Reading Time: 6 minutes
I was planning to spend this spring in Lisbon, summer in Japan and autumn in Bali, however 2020 brought me back to my country, Slovakia. I can imagine that this happened to many digital nomads out there and currently they are eager to start to travel again! So, in case you have itchy feet let’s have a look at places/countries you could still go!
Croatia
Croatia is simply paradise. When contemplating a summer holiday in Europe many of us imagine countries such as Italy or Spain, but believe me there is something truly amazing about travelling to Croatia. What I most adore about this country are its rocky beaches (if you are a fan of sandy beaches then this is not a top destination for you) combined with its pine trees that line up alongside large sections of its coast. If you are fond of seafood and fish you will fall in love with the local food, both for its taste as well as its relatively cheap price compared to Italy or France for instance. So enjoy exploring this beautiful paradise!
Who can get in: All EU/EEA nationals and persons with permanent residence in EU/EEA countries, plus their family members, can enter Croatia freely (no covid test neither obligatory quarantine needed).
Non EU/EEA countries: Free entry for tourism and business with the negative PRC test or self isolation for 7-14 days.
Slovenia
Slovenia was the first European Union country to declare victory over the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak. Slovenia is a very beautiful, calm and peaceful country. It has nice beaches, gorgeous mountains; in particular it being famous for its lake Bled – that is considered to be one of the most recognisable icons of Slovenia. Slovenia is also a perfect destination if you like hiking, cycling or even rafting. So if you like adventure, nature and would like to avoid mass tourism – Slovenia is a perfect destination for you!
Who can get in: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Uruguay, Vatican, Uk and Northern Ireland (no covid test neither obligatory quarantine needed).
Greece
Greece is another true paradise, no more words needed. Greece is a country of a thousand Islands with gorgeous sandy beaches and crystal-clear water; all of these make it one of the top, most attractive destinations in Europe. However, you have to be prepared for one thing – Greece’s summer temperatures are quite high, so maybe, it would be wise to pay a visit during late summer, early autumn when temperatures are more pleasant. Having recently spoken to a good friend of mine in Athens, the usually crowded islands are currently deserted with few tourists if any, so this might present a unique opportunity to explore some of the islands; enjoy nature at its best and most authentic forms. Believe me, now is the best time to discover places such as Santorini, Zakintos, Crete or even Athens.
Who can get in: As of 1/7/20, Residents from EU+ countries are allowed to travel to Greece. EU+ consists of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland (no covid test neither obligatory quarantine needed).
Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, **Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, **Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China*.
*In the case of China, it is on the list but this subject to a reciprocal agreement which is still pending (i.e. that China also allow EU citizens to enter for non-essential travel).
**Since this list was released temporary bans on tourism from Serbia and Montenegro have been implemented that will last at least until July 31, due to the worsening epidemiological situation in those countries.
For all other non-EU+ countries not on the above list, travel bans remain in place until at least until July 31.
Spain
Spain has it all – amazing cities such as Valencia, Barcelona or Salamanca, long sandy beaches such as Playa de La Malvarrosa, (a ‘playa’ that is considered to be one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe) amazing food and tapas, tasty red wine and flamenco. Spain is a country full of passion; a top destination where so many different traditions and tastes blend. At one end of the spectrum, you can visit the coastal and windy Galicia, where you might feel like in Scotland. At the other end, you can experience hot and sunny Andalucia; reminding you more of Latin America, or you can just hop on a boat and go to Mallorca, Ibiza or the Canary islands.
Who can get in: As of 21/6/20, Spain has opened borders without quarantine requirements and travel restrictions for residents in the European Union, countries that are parties to the Schengen Agreement, Andorra, Monaco, The Vatican City and San Marino (no covid test neither obbligatory quaranteene needed.).
Furthermore, citizens of these countries can access Greece: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Citizens of Algeria, China, and Morocco are subject to the reciprocity principle.
France
The French language is one of the most beautiful languages in the world as well as France being considered a romantic country full of wine lovers. Wine is very much an integral part of its cultural heritage, so in case you are a wine lover like me, a visit to France and especially places such as Bordeaux is kind of obligatory. This place is also ideal in case you are looking for a not typical beachy destination – you can enjoy hiking in places such as Grenoble – located close to the highest European Mountain – Mont Blanc.
Who can get in: No compulsory quarantine/covid test needed for travellers from EU, Schengen area and UK.
Travellers arriving in France from the UK, European Area, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay are no longer required to self-isolate, to demonstrate their travel is essential or to hold an international travel certificate.
Arrivals from other countries are asked to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in mainland France.
Maldives
Maldives If you love snorkeling, diving or surfing this place must be on your bucket list. The islands are ideal for demanding travelers that enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. You can just take a speedboat and transfer from the airport to your resort, and settle in for a holiday filled with kayaking, diving, night fishing and more.
Who can get in: At the moment, everyone can travel to Maldives. Maldives has recently re-opened its borders for international tourists on 15th July 2020, However, (as of 16th July 2020) incoming tourists are required to stay in specially designated, scarcely populated islands in order to reduce the risk of a possible Covid-19 outbreak.
Tourists are not required to pay an additional fee, produce a certificate or test result indicative of negative status for COVID-19 prior to entry into Maldives. For tourists without symptoms, there is no requirement for quarantine either.
Jamaica
This tropical English speaking island is ideal for you, if you just want to chill, enjoy some good rum and listen to Bob Marley. The island is the birthplace of the Rastafari religion and reggae music. It´s capital city Kingston has been an official Unesco city of music since 2015. It is a birthplace of 6 distinct musical genres: mento, ska, reggae, rocksteady, dub and dancehall. This is also the reason why there are so many cultural events happening in Jamaica.The city is hosting large-scale international events such as Reggae Month, Grand Gala Emancipation/Independence celebrations and International Reggae Day, therefore if you are a fan of music you should not miss this island!
Who can get in: A Travel Authorization is now required (in certain cases a negative test is needed, such for example all non-business travelers who are over the age of 12 from high-risk places including Arizona, Florida, New York and Texas in the USA will be required to upload a negative COVID-19 test result.)
Note: This article was written on July 16th, 2020. Please take in consideration, that the world’s travel restrictions are currently changing very fast.
Written by: Kristina Lukacova, a DN that enjoys good food, good wine and good vibes.
