The pandemic proved that international travel is still possible for those who plan ahead and diversify their legal ties. By holding several passports, securing long‑term residence permits, and owning property in key locations, a traveler can bypass many of the restrictions that halted ordinary tourists.
Countries that stayed largely open
- Eastern Europe: Serbia, Turkey, Albania kept borders open for most of 2020‑2021, allowing regular flights and limited quarantine requirements.
- Southeast Asia: Malaysia maintained relatively open internal travel, with domestic flights and resort stays resuming quickly after the initial lockdown.
- Americas: Colombia required a negative COVID‑19 test but otherwise allowed entry, and business‑class service returned to near‑normal standards.
- Other regions: Parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean began reopening later in the year, offering additional options for itinerant entrepreneurs.
Why multiple citizenships and residence permits matter
- Avoid “naughty‑list” bans – Some countries (e.g., Malaysia) publish lists of nationalities that cannot re‑enter even with a residence permit. Holding a passport from a country not on that list lets you return without extra hurdles.
- Flexibility in quarantine rules – Certain nations imposed stricter measures on citizens versus foreign residents. A non‑U.S. passport, for example, could sidestep blanket bans on American travelers.
- Access to long‑term visas – A Malaysian residence permit allowed the speaker to stay for extended periods without needing a tourist visa, while European residence permits opened the door to the Schengen area even for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- Business continuity – With a legal base in a country that welcomes foreign investment, you can keep operating while other jurisdictions shut down.
Owning homes versus renting short‑term
- Control over environment – Owning a property means you can arrange repairs, manage utilities, and ensure reliable internet—critical for remote work during lockdowns.
- Cost efficiency – Renting a Mercedes‑class van in Malaysia for a few hours cost less than a hotel stay, and owning a home eliminates the uncertainty of Airbnb cancellations.
- Psychological safety – Having a “home base” ready to receive you reduces the stress of being stranded in a hotel with limited amenities.
Travel logistics that worked
- Airline choice – Turkish Airlines proved reliable for trans‑continental routes (Kuala Lumpur → Istanbul → Belgrade) and honored refunds more consistently than some carriers.
- Flight experience – Even in business class, meals were limited early in the pandemic, so travelers prepared their own food. The lack of full service did not prevent long‑haul flights.
- Local lockdown nuances – In Montenegro, police enforced a 7 p.m. curfew for residents, but foreign visitors were exempt, allowing evening walks and dining on the seaside.
- Testing requirements – Colombia required a negative COVID‑19 test at entry; the test was checked but no quarantine was imposed once cleared.
Practical steps for future‑proof travel
- Secure at least two passports – Aim for a combination that includes a passport from a country with a strong visa‑free travel list (e.g., EU, Caribbean, or Asian nations).
- Obtain long‑term residence permits – Target countries with investor‑friendly programs (Malaysia, Portugal, Georgia) that grant multi‑year stays and easier re‑entry.
- Invest in property abroad – Purchase or lease a home that you can manage remotely; this provides a stable base and can be used as a “home office” during crises.
- Monitor travel advisories – Keep an eye on each country’s “naughty‑list” updates and quarantine policies; adjust itineraries accordingly.
- Plan routes through open hubs – Use airports in nations that maintain regular international service (e.g., Istanbul) to connect to less‑served destinations.
By diversifying citizenship, residency, and real‑estate holdings, a digital nomad can maintain mobility even when global travel faces sudden restrictions. The key is proactive preparation—securing legal status and property before a crisis hits—so that when borders close, you already have the passports and homes needed to keep moving.
