International Travel with Unvaccinated Kids; Spain Lifts Vaccine Mandate for Teens

Traveling with kids and teens can be challenging, and the pandemic has only added to the complexities due to international travel restrictions. With Presidents' Day and spring break approaching, you might be eager to escape with your family.

While domestic travel is straightforward for U.S. citizens since there are no entry restrictions, many countries are now reopening their borders and relaxing rules, making international travel more appealing for families.

So where can you go, especially if your children aren’t vaccinated yet? One option is Spain, which recently announced that starting February 14, unvaccinated U.S. travelers aged 12-17 will be allowed to enter. They only need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Additionally, unvaccinated children under 12 can already visit if accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.

Parents must still adhere to Spain's COVID-19 regulations, which require proof of vaccination for U.S. tourists. Adult travelers must be fully vaccinated, with their final dose administered at least 14 days before departure and no more than 270 days prior to entry. If the second vaccine dose was given more than nine months prior to travel, a booster shot is necessary at least 14 days before arrival.

Travel planners should reconsider before booking a trip to Spain with unvaccinated children, as the country is currently classified by the CDC as "Level 4: Very High" risk for COVID-19. However, many countries share this designation due to the rapid spread of the highly contagious omicron variant. If you choose to travel, here are the CDC guidelines for traveling with children.

Vacation Destinations That Don’t Require Vaccines for Children

If you feel confident about taking an international trip with your family and your kids aren't vaccinated, there are various destinations to consider. Below is a brief list of places that do not require young children to be vaccinated, although many destinations mandate vaccinations for adults and children over 12, and most still require a negative COVID-19 test for anyone over 2 before arrival. Some may also ask for testing after you reach your destination. Vaccines for children under 5 have not yet been approved, so they do not have vaccine requirements.

If you're seeking a European alternative to Spain that welcomes unvaccinated children, Bulgaria permits entry for unvaccinated kids aged 12-18, provided they present a negative PCR test upon entry.

If you’re considering North America for your next family vacation, Canada is an option for families traveling with unvaccinated children under 12. However, they must still comply with testing requirements and submit their information electronically via ArriveCan.

Island Getaways Welcoming Unvaccinated Children

For those seeking to escape winter to a warm Caribbean spot with unvaccinated kids, Anguilla is a great choice as it doesn’t require vaccinations for children under 18. However, they will need authorization, proof of a negative PCR test taken between 48 to 120 hours before arrival, or a negative antigen test conducted no more than 48 hours prior to landing. Testing upon arrival is also necessary.

Another sunny option is the Bahamas, where unvaccinated travelers aged 12 and older must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. For children aged 2-11, either a negative PCR or a rapid antigen test result is accepted upon entry.

In Bermuda, all travelers aged 18 and older must be vaccinated; however, unvaccinated minors can enter if accompanied by vaccinated adults, who must present a negative test taken within three days prior to departure.

Children under 12 can enter St. Kitts and Nevis without additional testing as long as their parents have received their second vaccine dose at least two weeks before travel.

Some islands, such as St. Lucia, permit unvaccinated children aged 5-17 to visit, but they must undergo testing both before departure and upon arrival, and they will need to quarantine until their test results are negative.

Additional Regulations to Keep in Mind

These locations are merely a selection of those that permit minors without vaccinations. However, be aware that many destinations still impose restrictions on activities, so it's essential to conduct further research before planning a trip with your children.

Numerous destinations have reopened their borders, and regulations are evolving daily, so it's crucial to check the embassy website of the country for the latest information prior to making any bookings.

Remember that the CDC advises vaccinations for all travelers aged 5 and older to most international destinations. If you choose to travel abroad, current rules mandate a negative test result upon returning to the U.S. For the latest updates on the frequently changing regulations for international travel, refer to TPG's detailed guide to COVID-19 regulations by country.