International Travel Tips 2023: Travel Restrictions and Entry Requirements

Have you spent the last few years asking yourself, “Is it safe to travel right now?” “When will it be safe to travel again?” Have you been thinking 2023 will be your year of international travel? We’ll make sure you’re prepped for the experience with international travel tips 2023 so you’ll know what to expect when the time is right for you. There's still a whole wide world out there waiting to be discovered, and 2023 may be the year you finally visit a dream destination or two. If you are unsure where it is that you want to travel in 2023, we have some suggestions too.

We’ll also explore some of the most efficient ways to stay on top of entry requirements as a foreign visitor and tips for health and safety as you travel abroad.

First, Here Are Some of the Best Places to Travel in 2023

Let's take a closer look at some of the best places to travel in 2023 post Coronavirus:

• Porto, Portugal – Porto includes the UNESCO heritage site of Ribeira, located in the hills above the port. This charming old-world town is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing holiday with a little culture thrown into the mix. Visit during the dry months of May, June, and September. Portugal is somewhat less traveled than other locations in Europe, so it is a great tourist spot for those who would prefer fewer crowds.
  
  
• Barbados – Consider this island nation if you’re looking for some sea and sand! Whether you want to relax on the beach or experience some outdoor adventure, this beautiful island has something for everyone. Hurricane season lasts from July to November, but hurricanes rarely hit Barbados and typically strike further north.
  
  
• Tuscany, Italy – Tuscany is a dream destination for many people, and with good reason! This region of Italy is known for its beautiful vistas, Renaissance architecture, and amazing food. Rent a villa and enjoy all that the area has to offer.
  
  
• Napa Valley, California – Napa Valley is one of the best places to travel right now in the USA. Many folks are looking for travel destinations where they can spend a lot of time outdoors. Because of the mild climate in the Valley, Napa is a popular destination for both wine enthusiasts and nondrinkers. Yountville is a popular place to stay due to its convenient location and the huge amount of charm that it possesses.
  
  
• Nashville, Tennessee – Nashville is another of the best places to travel right now in the U.S. – especially for music lovers. There are tons of things to do and see in this unique destination. The hop-on-hop-off trolley is a great way to get an overview of the city, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see! Food is another big draw in Music City, and food lovers of all types won't be disappointed.

Though COVID-19 travel restrictions have largely disappeared, it continues to be a health risk in some countries around the world – like China. If you are a traveler with pre-existing health risks that make COVID-19 more dangerous for you, make sure your destination is part of the safest places to travel right now according to the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce your risk of infection. Thankfully, many of the best places to travel in 2023 also have far fewer COVID-19 cases than in the past few years.

5 Quick Tips for Travel in 2023

We know international travel can be overwhelming, so here are five quick tips for traveling internationally:

• Notify your bank of upcoming foreign transactions.
• Make sure your passport isn’t expired. Some countries require you to have 3 to 6 months remaining on your passport.
• Purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance for your trip.
• Download Google Translate or another translation app to help translate menus, street signs, and more.
• Research tipping customers. This can vary by country and by city.

International Travel Restrictions

It can be hard to navigate entry requirements for different countries and find answers to questions like “Is a COVID vaccine required for international travel?” or “Do I need a negative COVID test for international travel?” (which could still be a requirement for some countries).

Fortunately, there are many excellent resources that can be used to determine entry requirements for your destinations when planning an international trip. For example, this interactive travel restrictions map from Kayak allows you to select each of your destination countries to learn whether it requires a COVID-19 test, vaccinations, certain travel documents, and more.

While passports are a standard requirement for most international travel, you will also need to be informed of any visa requirements the country you are visiting may have. Also visit the U.S. Department of State website to find up-to-date information and travel warnings for your destinations.

U.S. International Travel Restrictions

If you plan on visiting the United States this year, you will need to be aware of United States travel restrictions.

As of November 8^th, 2021, USA entry requirements for COVID necessitate that all foreign national air travelers (non-immigrants and non-citizens) provide proof that they are fully vaccinated prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the U.S.

To stay up-to-date with countrywide restrictions, use our travel restrictions map and frequently check updates via the U.S. Department of State. Also be aware of any restrictions that the state, county, or city that you are visiting may have in place. Find information for individual states here.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Another very helpful resource comes from the U.S. Department of State. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, provides travelers with safe travel registration for their time outside of the U.S. American citizens can visit step.state.gov for new registration.

By enrolling in the U.S. Department of State travel registration program, U.S. citizens are "on the radar" of the American embassy in the country they are visiting. Sign-up is very straightforward and provides travelers with an extra layer of assistance should something go wrong during their travels.

For example, if you or someone in your party loses their passport or has it stolen, the embassy can help issue a replacement passport. The staff can also assist with any medical emergencies or situations where an evacuation is required.

International Travel Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC international travel guidelines are another great resource to gather helpful information when you are planning an international trip.

The CDC advises that you take the following precautions:

• Check your destination for country-specific health risks and safety concerns.
• Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and advice.
• Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines.
• Plan for unexpected health and travel issues.
• Prepare a travel health kit with items you might need.

Remember: With the right preparation and attitude, it is still possible to get out there and see the world! Bon voyage!