This week, a pair of vacation hotspots have announced that they’re now easier to travel to than ever, with both Greece and the British Virgin Islands ending all COVID-19 entry requirements. They join an ever-growing list of destinations where COVID is now considered an endemic disease, and have eliminated entry restrictions to increase tourism.

Greece

Although Greece ended most of their COVID-19 mandates back in April, they held on to one in particular: Tourists who were infected with COVID-19 were still required to quarantine at a government-approved hotel. However, this requirement has now ended as well, and tourists are free to visit Greece just as they did before the pandemic, with no additional insurance, vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.

The travel insurance requirement for Greece depends upon your country of residence. Many visitors require a Schengen visa to travel to Greece, and thus require Schengen-compliant insurance. 

If you’re from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, the UAE, and many other countries, you can travel to Greece or any other Schengen nation visa-free for up to 90 days, and are exempt from mandatory travel insurance requirements. Still, since travel mishaps don’t go on vacation just because you do, it is highly recommended that all visitors to Greece get travel medical insurance or travel insurance. 

British Virgin Islands

Like Greece, the British Virgin Islands have been slowly relaxing their COVID-19 measures recently. As of July 15, 2022, the last of those rules have been scrapped, and visitors are now free to travel to the BVI with no restrictions whatsoever.

This means there is no longer a requirement to be vaccinated for COVID-19, no pre-departure or post-arrival testing, no quarantine requirement, and no need to wear a mask in or outdoors to visit the British Virgin Islands. 

Previously, the British Virgin Islands had a mandate in place that required all visitors to provide proof of travel medical insurance covering COVID-19. However, this requirement has now ended, and insurance coverage is optional to go to the BVI.

Still, it’s important to consider that there is only one major medical facility in the British Virgin Islands. Many serious conditions require emergency medical evacuation to the United States. As you can imagine, the cost of emergency medical transport is astronomically high. You could be stuck with a bill in excess of $100,000 if you do not have insurance coverage. It isn’t worth the risk to your health or your bank account. Be prepared for the unexpected with travel medical insurance, and enjoy your fun in the sun.