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It is with great pleasure that we share with you the 9th edition of the UNWTO COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Report. The publication provides an overview of the available entry rules in 217 destinations around the world.

While the previous edition indicated the gradual easing and / or lifting of travel restrictions, this edition reflects the fact that, due to the persisting difficult epidemiological situation, governments are forced to turn to more cautious measures.

Below are the main indicators of the European region (as of February 1, 2021):

• 15 destinations in Europe (28% of the total number of destinations in the region) maintain completely closed borders;
• 3 destinations (8% of the total number of destinations in the region) keep their borders completely closed for at least 40
• weeks;borders of 29 destinations (53% of the total number of destinations in the region) are partially closed;

• Europe, like the Middle East, is a region where the proportion of partially closed borders exceeds the global average. Moreover, the Schengen countries remain closed to third countries;
• starting from November 1, 2020, an increase in the number of closed borders can be observed, namely from 7 to 28% among all 54 destinations in the European region.

In addition, UNWTO research indicates a trend towards a more detailed risk-based approach when imposing restrictions on international movement. The number of destinations requiring international travelers to have a negative PCR or antibody test on arrival, and to provide contact details for tracking movements, is on the rise. In 32% of all destinations in the world, this requirement is the main one, which is often applied together with the need for quarantine, while for the same number of destinations, these requirements are secondary or tertiary.

UNWTO also notes that relevant government guidance will play an important role in the recovery and restart of tourism in the future.

Source: UNWTO Report