These 7 key tourist spots now require COVID-19 booster shots

The highly contagious omicron variant is still spreading globally, prompting destinations to adapt in order to maintain travel amid the pandemic.

Some locations have revised their definition of "fully vaccinated"—which previously included two doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine—to now mandate a booster dose. This means that travelers deemed fully vaccinated in certain areas may need to receive a booster shot to visit specific tourist spots in 2022.

Much has evolved since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., but here’s what you should be aware of regarding booster shot requirements at popular destinations before traveling this year.

Austria

According to the Austrian government, vaccine certificates will become invalid 270 days after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or 270 days following a single-dose vaccination. However, if a booster is administered at least 120 days after the second dose (or 14 days after a single dose), the validity extends for an additional 270 days.

Travelers who have received a booster shot are exempt from presenting a negative PCR test for entry into Austria.

France

France is implementing a booster requirement for visitors. All travelers aged 18 and older must present proof of a COVID-19 booster shot received five to seven months after their last vaccine dose to utilize France's health pass. Securing a booster is crucial, as the country’s health pass (also referred to as a "pass sanitaire" or "pass vaccinal") restricts access for travelers who do not have it.

Maui

Hawaii's "Safe Travels" initiative mandates that travelers upload vaccination proof to avoid quarantine. Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to undergo pre-travel testing or quarantine upon arrival, while unvaccinated individuals can bypass quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test from an authorized facility.

Beyond the statewide regulations, individual islands have established their own measures to control virus transmission. Simply being vaccinated against COVID-19 may not suffice on one island.

Diners and gym-goers at Maui venues must present a negative COVID-19 test or receive a booster shot "as soon as they are eligible." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a booster for those who have waited five months since their second Pfizer dose, six months since their second Moderna dose, or two months after a Johnson & Johnson shot.

However, Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino states that patrons can still dine outdoors without needing a COVID-19 booster or negative test; this requirement may soon extend to other islands, such as Oahu, and potentially statewide, according to Hawaii News Now.

The Netherlands

As I mentioned last month, the Netherlands declared that only vaccine certificates indicating the holder has received a COVID-19 booster will be accepted. If you haven’t received a booster yet, it shouldn’t hinder your travel within other parts of the European Union. Travelers without a booster must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. This policy from the Netherlands is anticipated to take effect in February.

Singapore

Beginning February 14, Singapore will classify travelers aged 18 and older as fully vaccinated only if they received their final COVID-19 vaccine dose within the past 270 days. This requirement will extend to travelers aged 12 and up starting March 14. According to Singapore's Ministry of Health, individuals who receive a booster "will continue to be recognized as fully vaccinated beyond the 270-day limit."

Spain

Starting February 1, tourists heading to Spain must provide evidence of a COVID-19 booster shot administered within 14 to 270 days before their arrival. Holders of the fully vaccinated EU Digital COVID Certificate will be permitted to enter freely across the 27 EU member states without needing a negative COVID-19 test starting next month.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Spain, if more than 270 days (or 9 months) have elapsed since receiving the final dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. citizens must present proof of having received a booster shot at least 14 days before entering Spain.

Spain is joining several other European nations in implementing a booster dose requirement following the European Union's decision to recognize the EU Digital COVID Certificate for 270 days post the holder's first dose.

United Arab Emirates

Unlike other countries on this list, the United Arab Emirates does not mandate that foreigners or even expatriates follow its new booster requirement.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, only residents will need to obtain a booster dose to travel internationally. However, this suggests that more travelers may be required to get boosted in the future.

Currently, tourists aged 12 and older visiting Dubai must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Fully vaccinated travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi from Dubai or another emirate need to fill out a registration form and download an app to verify that they meet the "Green Pass" criteria for accessing attractions in Abu Dhabi.

Unvaccinated travelers entering Abu Dhabi from another emirate still face quarantine and testing requirements if coming from countries not listed on its "green" list.

How to demonstrate proof of a booster dose

If you've received a booster shot, you might be curious about how to prove your compliance with a destination's requirements. Here are several ways to provide evidence that you've been vaccinated with a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine:

• CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card: Just like with your initial vaccine series, your healthcare provider can document your booster shot details, including the lot number and date of your dose, on your CDC vaccine card.
• Excelsior Pass Plus: This is an updated version of New York state's vaccine passport. This app version includes information about booster doses. Individuals who have received a booster shot will see this information on their Excelsior Vaccination Pass Plus within three to four days after their dose, with no expiration date.
• Clear Health Pass: Clear's Health Pass feature is already being utilized to confirm negative tests at certain sports venues and can store test results along with vaccine and booster status.