When can you travel to dive again and where can you go?

Countries around the world are easing their covid-19 lockdowns. Which areas might soon be open for divers?

Bahamas

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has said officials were eyeing a possible opening date for commercial travel on or before July 1. He added that this date was not final, and will be adjusted if there is a deterioration of positive trends or if there are insufficient preventative measures in place.

Baja California, Mexico

Land border crossings from USA are prohibited for non-essential travel until November 2021. In the south masks must be worn in all public places.

Bali

Bali plans to begin reopening in July, as economic concerns have prevented full-scale lockdowns nationwide.

Cayman Islands

The borders of the Cayman Islands will remain officially closed, at least until 1 September.

Costa Rica

The Decree to close the borders to prevent the entry of foreigners has been extended until 15 June. It may be extended again.

Cuba

Fully-vaccinated divers will no longer need to present a negative PCR test or quarantine from 15 November 2021.

Egypt

Passengers holding a COVID-19 vaccination certificate are now exempt from presenting a negative PCR test on arrival.

Fiji

Fiji’s borders will open on 1 December 2021. But only to those on the “Green List”. Currently this comprises Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Spain, France, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan and most Pacific Island Countries and Territories.

Greece

Fully vaccinated travellers from designated countries or those with a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before arrival can entry without quarantining.

Italy

Travellers can enter Italy without quarantining if they have been fully vaccinated or have a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 48 hours before entering Italy.

Malta

The flight ban will be lifted on the first of July for countries on an approved list. This is not much help to the dive shops as divers from the countries on the list make up just 25% of those visiting in 2019. Those from the UK & Italy make up the biggest group, and they are not on the list. The approved countries are: Iceland, Slovakia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Estonia, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic, Finland and Ireland. Sardinia and Sicily are also being considered while the authorities might introduce flights to Portugal and Poland at a later stage, according to the Times of Malta. You will need to wear a facemask at the airport.

Spain

From 21 June, Spain is open to travellers from the EU (except Portugal) and the UK. This includes the Canary Islands. Visitors from Portugal have to wait until 1 July. Face masks are obligatory in public spaces. Social distancing of 1.5 m and other safety precautions must be observed at all times. All shops, businesses and transport companies have to keep passengers’ contact information (where provided) for up to 4 weeks for tracking and tracing purposes.

Thailand

From 1 October fully vaccinated foreign visitors from 10 countries – including the UK, USA, China, Germany and Singapore – can enter Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao without the need to quarantine. Visitors will have to show evidence of a negative PCR test taken in their home country before departing and then a second upon arrival in Thailand. More countries may be allowed to enter from December 1

Main photo credit: Aqua-tiki liveaboard in French Polynesia via liveaboard.com