Travel is becoming feasible again for most people, but the rules differ sharply depending on vaccination status and destination. Below is a concise overview of which countries are currently open, what entry requirements apply, and how a second passport can add flexibility for both travel and wealth‑protection strategies.
Where vaccinated travelers can go
- Open without restrictions (≈137 countries) – Most of the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe (all nations except Russia), Central and South Asia, and Southeast Asia (except Brunei).
- Test‑required on arrival (≈52 countries) – United States, Nicaragua, Iran, Myanmar, Japan and a handful of others.
- Test + quarantine (≈4 countries) – Not named specifically, but these should be avoided if a smooth trip is desired.
- Closed (≈34 countries) – Russia, China, Taiwan, North Korea, Yemen, Lesotho, French Guiana, New Zealand and a few other isolated jurisdictions.
Key points for the vaccinated
- Visa requirements are unchanged; a passport that normally needs a visa still does.
- In most open destinations you can “show up” with a negative COVID‑19 test (if required) and no additional paperwork.
- The United States remains the only major market that still mandates a test for fully vaccinated travelers.
Where unvaccinated travelers can go
- Open without testing – Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, most of Central and Eastern Europe (e.g., Serbia, Montenegro), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and many Middle‑East hubs such as Dubai.
- Open with a test – Colombia, several Southeast Asian nations that may also impose a short home quarantine.
- Closed – Canada, United States, Brazil, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, China and a few other jurisdictions.
Practical tips
- Verify the latest entry rules on official government or airline sites before booking.
- For destinations that require a test, arrange a PCR or rapid antigen test within the time window specified by the host country (usually 48–72 hours).
- Keep a digital copy of test results and vaccination proof handy for border officials.
Using second passports for travel and asset protection
A second (or additional) passport can:
- Bypass restrictions – If your primary passport faces entry bans, a citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) passport from a Caribbean nation, Turkey, or another CBI program can grant visa‑free access to many more countries.
- Provide strategic residency – Some programs allow you to obtain residence permits or citizenship without leaving your home country, using embassy channels or investment routes. Processing times range from six months to several years.
- Diversify risk – Holding passports from jurisdictions with differing political climates reduces exposure to authoritarian policies or sudden travel bans.
- Facilitate banking and investment – Certain passports come with access to more robust banking infrastructure, which can be useful for high‑net‑worth individuals seeking to move capital abroad.
Choosing a “six‑country” shortlist
Many consultants advise clients to identify a short list of nations that meet the following criteria:
- High personal freedom – Low government intrusion, strong rule of law.
- Low tax burden – Favorable personal and corporate tax regimes.
- Affordable cost of living – Warm climate, reasonable housing prices.
- Residency or citizenship pathways – Investment, descent, or marriage options.
- Stable banking system – Access to international accounts and financial services.
- Business‑friendly environment – Ability to hire locally or set up a subsidiary.
Typical candidates that often appear on such lists include:
- Georgia – Low taxes, inexpensive real estate, friendly to digital nomads.
- Portugal – Golden Visa program, EU membership, high quality of life.
- Serbia – Simple residency process, low cost of living, growing tech scene.
- Mexico – Visa‑free for many passports, warm climate, strong expat community.
- Turkey – Citizenship‑by‑investment program, strategic location between Europe and Asia.
- Caribbean CBI nations (e.g., Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis) – Visa‑free travel to many countries, including limited access to South Korea for certain passports.
Bottom line
The pandemic has lifted many travel barriers, especially for fully vaccinated travelers who now have access to over a hundred countries with minimal hassle. Unvaccinated travelers still face more restrictions but can still move freely within large parts of Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Leveraging a second passport—whether through investment, descent, or marriage—adds a layer of flexibility that can protect against sudden policy changes, simplify international banking, and open up additional residency or citizenship options. As borders continue to normalize, reviewing your travel and residency strategy now can position you to take advantage of the expanding global mobility landscape.
