Where is Safe to Travel Now - Updated September, 2022

We couldn't be more excited to see travel back on track. Of course, with some testing and specific entry requirements in place, this new holiday landscape can be a little confusing. That's where our experts come in. Day in, day out, they're hard at work collating the latest updates, travel tips, inspiration, safety advice and holiday deals so you can book with confidence.

Here we've pulled together a handy travel guide showcasing some of the safest holiday destinations, access information for our top destinations, and helpful links and advice on what travel documentation you might need. So, brush up on your COVID travel know-how and know where's best to visit before booking your next big trip with us. And, if you’re really stuck, be sure to give us a call on 0808 258 1177, check our COVID Travel Restrictions Map, or visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the most up-to-date guidance

Canada

After months of limited travel, sun, sea, sand, adventure and more are calling. Can you hear it? With New Zealand's borders fully reopened, we expect an uptick in visits to the Land of the Long White Cloud. Meanwhile, the USA has dropped most of its entry requirements. Key destinations like Canada and Australia remain great long-haul options for travel too. Crucially, England's red list continues to stay clear, meaning there's no need for travellers to quarantine when entering England. Find out more about testing and entry  requirements here.

It's also important to remember that travel is a two-way street, and it’s crucial to check the rules in your destination of choice. Many countries in Europe are waiving quarantine and testing for double-jabbed travellers who can prove their vaccination status, but there are exemptions to this rule. In some cases, quarantine has been removed entirely – regardless of your vaccination status.

Lisbon, Portugal

Many countries in Europe continue to welcome Brits with open arms! Some countries are still actively promoting social distancing, mask-wearing and regular hygiene/hand washing, however enforcement of face coverings has completely relaxed across most parts of Europe, and worldwide.

COVID-19 testing

For each of the four UK states, we recommend reviewing in-destination restrictions via our COVID restrictions checker. In England, travellers are able to travel to countries not on the red list, without any concerns over quarantine on their return home. At present there are no countries on England's red list. 

Yosemite National Park, USA

Mandatory testing, vaccination passports and quarantine requirements continue to play a big part of travel in 2022. That said, this primarily applies to unvaccinated travellers. Day by day we’re seeing more and more destinations reopening their borders and requirements around testing easing or being removed entirely. Indeed, destinations like Mexico and Slovenia have stripped away any previous restrictions related to COVID-19, for the vaccinated and unvaccinated. The USA is certainly one of our most popular destinations since reopening its borders late last year, while we're looking to New Zealand and Australia for long-haul getaways.

Of course we're keeping a watchful eye on the government's travel updates should any new variants arise. 

We are also monitoring the situation in Ukraine closely, and the news around flight cancellations for summer 2022.

Christmas market, Berlin, Germany

Like you, we love few things more than a last-minute getaway to celebrate the summer, which is why we’re thrilled that there are so many destinations with open borders right now. Indeed, we’re expecting our customers to be looking to destinations like Greece, Spain, Cyprus, the Caribbean & Mexico, and Indian Ocean for winter sun, or perhaps Iceland or New York for a quick getaway. Of course there’ll still be vaccine passports and COVID tests to consider in some cases, dependant on your destination of choice and vaccination status, but our experts will be on hand to help you navigate the changes.

Maldives

As we hurtle through 2022, our top five holiday travel destinations are: 

• USA
• Australia
• Dubai
• Maldives
• South Africa

We’re excited that these are not only open for travellers both ways, but also that they showcase a breadth of our world, and sure signs of travel recovering once more.

Kings Canyon, Australia

We're feeling exceptionally positive and excited for travel returning to normal as the year progresses – even with the flight cancellation woes at Gatwick and Heathrow. We do expect testing and vaccine passports to continue for a little longer, however, with big-hitters like New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA positive for reciprocal travel, we’re certainly seeing our customers excited for travel once more.

Coronavirus vaccinations

The best thing you can do to prepare for travel in 2022 is to know all the rules, and keep up-to-date with all the latest news and guidance. We recommend speaking to one of our expert Travel Consultants if you’re unsure, and for help booking a trip that works for you. It’s also crucial to get the right COVID travel insurance (we can help you with that), find a good testing provider (we can help with that, too!) and make sure you have all the relevant documentation and proof of vaccinations.

Visit our Help Centre and blog! We’ve got articles on COVID testing, vaccine passports and more to get you travel ready. You can also stay up-to-date on the latest travel news, announcements and inspiration when you sign up to the Flight Centre Newsletter.