Travel has been anything but easy these last two years. As more and more countries ease their pre-arrival testing restrictions (not looking at you, Canada!), it’s slowly becoming more possible to take a vacation.
Below are some of the latest countries for fun and bucket-list crushing cold weather vacations that have made it a little bit easier to travel to for vaccinated travellers:
1. Finland
If Helsinki or a breathtaking Finnish hiking trip is on your list, you’ll be happy to know that Finland has recently eased their entry restrictions for travellers from abroad. If you can provide proof of vaccination, proof of a positive COVID test + one vaccine shot, or a EU Digital COVID Certificate for a COVID-19 disease in the last six months, you may enter the country.
Entry requirements differ depending on the country you are travelling from.
For the most up-to-date information for travellers to Finland, please see the resources below:
Finnish Institute For Health and Welfare : Travel and Coronavirus Pandemic
Finnish Border Guard
2. Greenland
If Greenland wasn’t on your radar before the pandemic, this is the perfect time to make plans to visit this often-overlooked country in the North Atlantic Ocean. On January 26, 2022 Greenland lifted some of their restrictions and now vaccinated travellers (or travellers with a recent positive COVID test result) can enter the country without a pre-arrival PCR test. As with all current international government restrictions, there is a list of government approved vaccines and list of countries that Greenland is currently denying entry to.
Please see below link for the most updated info:
Greenland Travel: Covid-19 Latest Updates
While we’re here, don’t forget that time Conan went to Greenland:
3. Sweden
As of this writing, there is still an entry ban in effect for non-EU citizens until March 31, 2022. There are some exemptions to this rule (if you have an urgent family situation in Sweden, if your work involves transporting goods etc). If you are a citizen of an EU/EAA country, you can currently enter Sweden with proof of vaccination and do not need a pre-arrival PCR test.
For more information please see links below for more info:
Travel to and From Sweden: Swedish Police Authority
4. Norway
A dream destination for cold weather and adventure enthusiasts, Norway is a gorgeous and stunning land to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. On February 12, 2022, Norway lifted its restrictions and is now allowing entry to international travellers without the requirement of a pre-arrival PCR test. There is currently no quarantine or registration upon arrival required either. Face mask and social distancing rules have also been lifted throughout the country.
For more information, see the below link:
VisitNorway.com: Coronavirus and Travelling to Norway
5. Estonia
Estonia is one of the lesser-hyped European countries, which makes it all the more better to visit! This tiny Baltic country is just a ferry ride from either Sweden or Finland. As of February 12, 2022, Estonia has eased its restrictions and is allowing vaccinated travellers to enter the country without the need for a PCR test pre or post-arrival. They mention that these rules can change if the numbers rise again, but this has become the norm for most countries over the last two years.
For more information, see the below link:
Estonia Gov: Travel Restrictions
As always, please make sure to check the government requirements for each country you’re visiting as regular visa rules and exemptions may not be in place yet. The entry requirements are changing frequently and keeping up-to-date is essential. For a quick reference on any country you’re visiting, check out Sherpa Travel Restrictions tool.
Travelling like we did in the old days of 2019 may still not be possible, but life is slowly trying to inch back in that direction. Perhaps the current restrictions will take you to a new country that you never considered before. Stay safe and warm!
Useful links:
Manulife Pandemic Travel Insurance (Canadians only)
World Nomads Travel Insurance