5 nations you can visit with evidence of COVID-19 recovery

While no one wishes to test positive for COVID-19, the ongoing spread of the omicron variant makes it a genuine concern.

Additionally, travelers who have recently recovered from the virus might find it challenging to obtain a negative COVID-19 test if they have travel plans ahead. Positive results can persist for up to three months post-infection.

Currently, numerous countries worldwide mandate proof of a negative COVID-19 test (with some also imposing vaccination mandates) for entry.

However, certain destinations permit entry for travelers with proof of recovery from the coronavirus instead of requiring a negative COVID-19 test.

If you're getting back on the road after recovering from COVID-19, you might be curious about the travel documents required – and whether proof of recovery suffices. Here are five popular destinations where you can travel with COVID-19 recovery proof, along with what qualifies as valid documentation.

What constitutes proof of recovery?

The definition of proof of recovery can differ based on the country you’re visiting. It’s wise to consult the respective country's embassy or tourism website to determine what documents you need to provide as evidence of your recovery from the virus.

For example, travelers heading to Argentina only need to present their positive PCR test results indicating they were infected within the last 90 days. They must present this proof at least 10 days after the test. In the U.S., travelers are required to have a signed letter from a licensed healthcare provider confirming their clearance to return to the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the combination of a positive test result and an accompanying letter is known as "documentation of recovery," although the specifics may differ based on your travel destination.

Argentina

U.S. travelers are permitted to enter Argentina if they are fully vaccinated, with the second dose administered at least 14 days prior to their arrival. Unvaccinated U.S. citizens may also enter if they are immediate family members of an Argentine citizen or resident.

Alongside proof of vaccination, travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within 72 hours before travel, submit a sworn electronic declaration within 48 hours of their arrival, and present health insurance coverage that is valid for COVID-19 treatment in Argentina.

If you have recently recovered from the virus and cannot provide a negative test before your trip, Argentina permits travelers to present a certificate proving their recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days. This means a COVID-19 test is not necessary, as your recovery certificate will suffice.

Canada

All travelers aged 5 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter Canada. However, those who have recovered from COVID-19 can instead present proof of a positive molecular test for entry.

The Canadian government states that the positive test must be conducted no earlier than 15 days and no later than 180 days before arrival. The test must be an accepted molecular type, such as a PCR, nucleic acid test, or RT-LAMP. Travelers with a positive result will not be required to take a test upon arrival in Canada.

Currently, fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can visit Canada, and all travelers must present negative COVID-19 test results obtained within 72 hours prior to departure or proof of recovery.

Germany

Germany classifies the U.S. as a "high risk" area. This designation means that travelers who have been in the U.S. within the 10 days before entering Germany must be fully vaccinated or provide a valid reason for their entry into the country.

Germany defines fully vaccinated travelers as those who received their last vaccine dose at least 14 days prior. Similar to Argentina, Germany allows exceptions for individuals who have recovered from the virus. Those who can provide proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months may enter the country. This document must be in written or digital format in German, English, French, Italian, or Spanish.

Furthermore, proof of recovery must adhere to the following criteria:

• The positive test date should be at least 28 days old.
• The acceptance date of the positive test should not exceed 90 days.

Germany announced a reduction in the recovery status period from six months to 90 days after discovering scientific evidence suggesting that unvaccinated individuals who have previously been infected have "diminished and more short-lived protection against reinfection" with the omicron variant compared to the delta variant.

Ireland

Travelers heading to Ireland who possess proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 are not required to present a negative test result.

Ireland has become one of the most accessible destinations for Americans, having recently eliminated the requirement for vaccinated travelers or those with proof of recovery to undergo a pre-departure COVID-19 test. Those intending to use recovery documentation should ensure their certificate indicates recovery from the virus within the last six months prior to their trip to Ireland.

The Irish government states that the document must include the following information:

• Name and date of birth.
• Illness from which the individual has recovered.
• Date of the individual's first positive NAAT test result.
• Country or state where the test was conducted.
• Issuer of the certificate.
• Validity period of the certificate.

United States

The U.S. enforces some of the strictest entry requirements for international travelers; however, it permits those who have had COVID-19 to provide proof of recovery instead of a negative test result.

All travelers aged 2 and older flying to the U.S. from other countries must present negative COVID-19 test results obtained within one day of their departure. (Non-U.S. citizens are also required to provide proof of vaccination.)

Travelers who have recently recovered from COVID-19 can return to the U.S. with documentation of their recovery from the virus instead of a negative test result. As previously mentioned, this proof can include a positive COVID-19 viral test result, as long as it was taken no more than 90 days prior to their flight from abroad.

Additionally, travelers must obtain a signed letter from a licensed healthcare professional confirming their clearance to travel back to the U.S. This letter should include the individual's name and date of birth, and it must be signed, dated, and printed on official letterhead that features the name, address, and phone number of the healthcare provider or public health official who issued it.