Countries Are Reopening: Here’s a Helpful Timeline

Editor’s note: This post was updated on June 2nd, 2020.

Latest Updates By Country:

• The United States of America:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: No plan is in place to reopen the United States to tourists anytime soon. Senior U.S. officials stated that travelers from other countries will not be allowed into the United States if American citizens aren’t allowed into those nations.
• Australia:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Australia introduced a three-step plan in May that looks to slowly reintroduce gatherings and work, with hopes of getting Australia fully back to work by July. There are no plans to reopen to tourists at this time.
• Mexico:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Quintana Roo (home to popular tourist destinations Cancun and Tulum) looks to reopen to tourists June 8th. The Los Cabos Tourism Board has introduced a five-phase reopening plan that goes into 2021 with hopes of reopening the airport’s international terminal in July.
• China:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Tourists from outside China are not allowed in the country and there haven’t been any talks of reopening to tourists anytime soon.
• Italy:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Most businesses are back open throughout Italy, tourists coming from Europe are now allowed in Italy without restrictions, and travel between regions is now allowed.

The Coronavirus pandemic has put the world at a standstill for the past few months leaving millions across the globe uncertain. As countries are slowly beginning to open back up, many questions have surfaced such as what rules and safety measures are being put into place, and when travelers can begin to explore international waters once again. Though some countries have an idea of when they’ll reopen, others still aren’t sure when it’ll be safe enough to do so. 

That being said, here’s the latest information on how and when the United States, Australia, Mexico, China and Italy plan to reopen:

The United States of America:

• March 2020:
  • The U.S. Department of State issues a level 4 travel advisory meaning do not travel. 
  • The United States suspends entry for foreign nationals who stayed or went through the Schengen area of Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. 
  • U.S. residents returning from a restricted country must pass through specified airports on the way back into the United States.
• May 2020:
  • States slowly start to reopen but are not welcoming tourists.
  • The CDC highly advises against any nonessential travel within the United States.
• June 2020:
  • No plan is in place to reopen the United States to tourists anytime soon.
  • Senior U.S. officials stated that travelers from other countries will not be allowed into the United States if American citizens aren’t allowed in those nations. 

Australia:

• March 2020:
  • Australia banned non-essential travel and public gatherings, as well as implemented social distancing restrictions.
• April 2020:
  • Coronavirus restrictions ease-up in Queensland and Western Australia due to low numbers of reported cases. 
• May 2020:
  • A three-step plan is put into effect to slowly reopen territories and states with hopes of reaching step three by July.
    • Step one: COVID safe reopening commences with physical distancing and hygiene.
    • Step two: Most businesses reopen with physical distancing and hygiene.
    • Step three: All Australians will return to work with physical distancing and hygiene.
  • There are no plans to reopen for tourism at this time. 

Mexico:

• March 2020:
  • Mexico decides to keep air travel to Mexico open, but closes the ground border to non-essential travel through at least June 22.
• May 2020:
  • Some states opened up businesses, public spaces, and services, while other states plan to wait until June 1st.
  • The Los Cabos Tourism Board has introduced a five-phase reopening plan that goes into 2021 with hopes of reopening the airport’s international terminal in July.
• June 2020:
  • Quintana Roo (home of popular tourist destinations Cancun and Tulum) looks to reopen to tourists. 

China:

• March 2020:
  • Tourist attractions and stores begin to reopen.
• May 2020:
  • China is allowing South Koreans to travel to a few cities in China for business with strict rules.
• June 2020:
  • Tourists from outside China are not allowed in the country and there hasn’t been any talks of reopening anytime soon. 

Italy:

• May 2020:
  • Shops, bars, libraries, churches, museums, and hairdressers, gyms, and swimming pools reopen. 
  • Visiting friends is now allowed.
  • Travel within regions is now allowed.
• June 2020:
  • Travel between regions is allowed as of June 3rd.
  • Tourists from within Europe are allowed to visit Italy without restrictions.
  • Movie theatres, concert halls, and theatres can reopen on June 15th.
• September 2020:
  • Schools are set to reopen.

Editor’s note: This post was updated on June 2nd, 2020.

Latest Updates By Country:

• The United States of America:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: No plan is in place to reopen the United States to tourists anytime soon. Senior U.S. officials stated that travelers from other countries will not be allowed into the United States if American citizens aren’t allowed into those nations.
• Australia:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Australia introduced a three-step plan in May that looks to slowly reintroduce gatherings and work, with hopes of getting Australia fully back to work by July. There are no plans to reopen to tourists at this time.
• Mexico:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Quintana Roo (home to popular tourist destinations Cancun and Tulum) looks to reopen to tourists June 8th. The Los Cabos Tourism Board has introduced a five-phase reopening plan that goes into 2021 with hopes of reopening the airport’s international terminal in July.
• China:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Tourists from outside China are not allowed in the country and there haven’t been any talks of reopening to tourists anytime soon.
• Italy:
  • Update as of June 2nd, 2020: Most businesses are back open throughout Italy, tourists coming from Europe are now allowed in Italy without restrictions, and travel between regions is now allowed.

The Coronavirus pandemic has put the world at a standstill for the past few months leaving millions across the globe uncertain. As countries are slowly beginning to open back up, many questions have surfaced such as what rules and safety measures are being put into place, and when travelers can begin to explore international waters once again. Though some countries have an idea of when they’ll reopen, others still aren’t sure when it’ll be safe enough to do so. 

That being said, here’s the latest information on how and when the United States, Australia, Mexico, China and Italy plan to reopen:

The United States of America:

• March 2020:
  • The U.S. Department of State issues a level 4 travel advisory meaning do not travel. 
  • The United States suspends entry for foreign nationals who stayed or went through the Schengen area of Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. 
  • U.S. residents returning from a restricted country must pass through specified airports on the way back into the United States.
• May 2020:
  • States slowly start to reopen but are not welcoming tourists.
  • The CDC highly advises against any nonessential travel within the United States.
• June 2020:
  • No plan is in place to reopen the United States to tourists anytime soon.
  • Senior U.S. officials stated that travelers from other countries will not be allowed into the United States if American citizens aren’t allowed in those nations. 

Australia:

• March 2020:
  • Australia banned non-essential travel and public gatherings, as well as implemented social distancing restrictions.
• April 2020:
  • Coronavirus restrictions ease-up in Queensland and Western Australia due to low numbers of reported cases. 
• May 2020:
  • A three-step plan is put into effect to slowly reopen territories and states with hopes of reaching step three by July.
    • Step one: COVID safe reopening commences with physical distancing and hygiene.
    • Step two: Most businesses reopen with physical distancing and hygiene.
    • Step three: All Australians will return to work with physical distancing and hygiene.
  • There are no plans to reopen for tourism at this time. 

Mexico:

• March 2020:
  • Mexico decides to keep air travel to Mexico open, but closes the ground border to non-essential travel through at least June 22.
• May 2020:
  • Some states opened up businesses, public spaces, and services, while other states plan to wait until June 1st.
  • The Los Cabos Tourism Board has introduced a five-phase reopening plan that goes into 2021 with hopes of reopening the airport’s international terminal in July.
• June 2020:
  • Quintana Roo (home of popular tourist destinations Cancun and Tulum) looks to reopen to tourists. 

China:

• March 2020:
  • Tourist attractions and stores begin to reopen.
• May 2020:
  • China is allowing South Koreans to travel to a few cities in China for business with strict rules.
• June 2020:
  • Tourists from outside China are not allowed in the country and there hasn’t been any talks of reopening anytime soon. 

Italy:

• May 2020:
  • Shops, bars, libraries, churches, museums, and hairdressers, gyms, and swimming pools reopen. 
  • Visiting friends is now allowed.
  • Travel within regions is now allowed.
• June 2020:
  • Travel between regions is allowed as of June 3rd.
  • Tourists from within Europe are allowed to visit Italy without restrictions.
  • Movie theatres, concert halls, and theatres can reopen on June 15th.
• September 2020:
  • Schools are set to reopen.