From the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat to the vibrant energy of Havana, travel destinations are preparing for a grand reopening

After enduring 260 days of lockdown, Melbourne residents marked the end of restrictions on October 21. The streets came alive with celebrations—bars, hugs, and spontaneous dances.

1. Anguilla: A top pick from Lonely Planet

Only fully vaccinated, pre-approved visitors can access its pristine waters, luxurious resorts, 33 public beaches, and 80-degree temperatures (with exceptions for those under 18 and pregnant individuals).

These strict entry requirements might be well worth it: On Wednesday, Anguilla was recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the “Best Destinations to Visit in 2022,” being the sole Caribbean island to make the list.

2. Australia: Travel restrictions are easing for residents

Beginning November 1, fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can travel abroad once again, without the need for special exemptions.

Two states within Australia are adopting slightly different approaches to relaxing Covid-related restrictions.

For those fully vaccinated, most of Victoria’s Covid restrictions will be lifted in November, though unvaccinated adults and older children will still face limitations.

In New South Wales, the vaccinated have already seen restrictions eased, while unvaccinated residents must continue adhering to lockdown measures until December 1.

3. Barbados: Fully vaccinated travelers don’t need quarantine

Barbados, the eastern Caribbean island, recently appointed its first president, Sandra Mason, who will succeed Queen Elizabeth II as the country's head of state. She'll be sworn in on November 30, the 55th anniversary of Barbados' independence from Britain.

For those looking to celebrate with the Bajans, the best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest. This week, the island lifted its quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers and removed the mandatory second PCR test. Check out more details on their website.

4. Cambodia: Reopening to international travelers

Before the pandemic, Cambodia was quickly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.

Vaccinated international tourists will soon be able to visit once again, starting with the lively beaches and party hotspots of Sihanoukville and Koh Rong Island, as well as the China-backed resort of Dara Sakor, which will reopen on November 30.

The country’s top attraction, however, remains Siem Reap and the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex. Foreign visitors will have to wait until January 2022 to experience this ancient wonder.

5. Cuba: Welcomes tourists starting next month

Having vaccinated the majority of its population with domestically produced vaccines (which are still pending approval by the World Health Organization), Cuba is set to reopen its borders and relax entry requirements by November 15, according to Reuters.

Visitors will only need to provide proof of vaccination or a recent PCR test to enter the country, as reported by the news agency.

6. Easter Island: Voted against reopening

Easter Island, the remote Chilean territory famous for its giant stone head statues, has been closed to tourists since the pandemic began, and its residents wish to keep it that way.

On October 24, the island’s population, mostly indigenous Rapa Nui people, voted against reopening its borders in January 2022, according to French news agency RFI, though the final decision rests with Chilean health authorities on the mainland.

7. Iran: Borders are open again

Iran is home to an impressive collection of archaeological wonders, including 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and boasts a stunning array of mosques.

However, it remains on the travel warning list for US and UK citizens due to security risks, including the potential for "kidnapping and arbitrary arrest."

For those willing to take the risk, the Tehran Times reports that Iran has reopened its borders to international tourists. More information is available here.

8. Israel: Reopening to vaccinated tourists

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism announced on Thursday that starting November 1, the country will welcome individual vaccinated tourists. At present, only organized groups are allowed to enter. Full details are available here.

If you’re traveling for scuba diving, you may have a stroke of luck. Earlier this month, a diver discovered a 900-year-old Crusader sword off the coast of Israel.

9. New Zealand: New easing measures

Similar to its neighbor Australia, New Zealand is shifting away from its zero-Covid strategy and is getting ready to reopen to the world.

Chris Hipkins, the minister overseeing New Zealand’s Covid-19 response, announced on Thursday that from November, travelers from Pacific nations such as Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu will no longer need to quarantine upon arrival.

For fully vaccinated travelers from abroad who still face quarantine, the mandatory 14-day hotel stay will be reduced to seven days. A plan is in place to transition to home isolation for vaccinated arrivals later in 2022.

10. UK: Cleared its red list

Only seven countries remain on England’s once lengthy “red list” – Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela – and all of them will be removed on November 1.

This change means travelers from any country can now enter England, although they may still need to meet testing or quarantine requirements based on their vaccination status.

Regulations vary across the other UK nations, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For more details, refer to our UK Covid travel guide.