How to Use the Interactive COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map

Alisha McDarrisJuly 10, 2020
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Note: As you plan travel during the coronavirus pandemic, please check the CDC and State Department websites for current guidance and travel restrictions.

With the spread of the coronavirus, travel restrictions around the world are in constant flux. Some international destinations have closed borders, implemented new visa restrictions and require travelers to quarantine after entry. Meanwhile, other countries are loosening restrictions.

The International Air Transport Association has created an interactive COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map to help travelers stay abreast of travel restrictions and requirements around the world.

What is the COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map?

The new map shows the countries that are open to foreign travelers and the restrictions in place. You can see what documents you need to enter the country, who is exempt from the restrictions, and what tests, screenings or quarantines are required.

The map is powered by Timatic, a database used by airlines and travel agents to ensure their customers are compliant with border control rules and regulations. IATA and Timatic are in constant communication with airlines and government agencies around the world to ensure that information and details regarding travel documentation and health checks, requirements and rules are up to date. The agencies also communicate with the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to further ensure the information published on the map is accurate.

The map is continually updated, but IATA recommends that before booking air travel to double-check the accuracy of the information listed. Start by visiting websites at your intended destination or a site like travelbans.org.

» Learn more: Coronavirus flight cancellation and change policies

How to use the COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map

Wondering where you’re allowed to go and what hoops you’ll have to jump through to get there? Visit iatatravelcenter.com, where you’ll see a color-coded map. Dark blue means travel to that country is totally restricted. At the other end of the spectrum, light gray indicates countries where the latest updates are currently under review. In between, two other shades of blue indicate "partially restrictive" or "not restrictive" rules in place for that country.

You can zoom in and out of the world map.

Click on the country you’re interested in and a sidebar will appear with details about its current COVID-19 travel policies. If a country’s borders are completely closed to foreign travelers, the box has that information. If there are special exceptions or regulations, the site lists them in detail.

In many cases, you’ll also see information about what the restrictions mean, who is excluded from restrictions (like residents or medical workers traveling for humanitarian aid purposes), whether quarantine will be required for passengers upon arrival and whether you’ll be subjected to medical screening.

What it means for travel

The rapidly changing world travel situation means that information must be updated just as quickly, and the interactive COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map provides the latest details, which helps when you're making plans.

As restrictions change and are lifted, the map is an invaluable way to get a quick, accurate and complete picture of which destinations are lifting bans, which are taking cautious steps to allow travelers to cross their borders again and where you might be able to visit again soon.

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