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There’s much talk at the moment of which countries around the world are starting to lift travel restrictions, as nations try to reboot their tourist economies and millions of travellers wonder whether they’ll be able to squeeze in a quick vacay this July or August. Many countries in Europe, including Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey, have already started welcoming visitors again. But there are also promising signs from way beyond the Mediterranean region.
On the borders of Europe and Asia, the nation of Georgia has announced it, too, will be reopening its borders to travellers of all nationalities from July.
Tourists will have to stick to set ‘green zones’ where infection rates are low, and land border crossings are still being negotiated, according to The National. The regions reopening to tourists are still to be confirmed.
Prime minister Giorgi Gakharia had previously said that domestic tourism would restart on June 15, and that international tourists would be admitted from July 1. However, the government has since pushed back the reopening date due to a ‘rapid increase in the number of new cases in neighbouring countries’.
Georgia has seen a huge rise in overseas tourism over the past decade or so, drawing in travellers with its seductive (and highly affordable) combo of wild mountains, delicious cheesebreads, hot thermal springs, traditional natural wines, Black Sea beaches and eclectic, unique architecture. It’s quite the place.
If you’re already familiar with the country’s many charms, then you’ll know its reopening to the world is great news. If you’re not, then congratulations – you’ve just found your new dream destination for 2020.
Remember, many countries are still warning against all non-essential travel and some are quarantining all overseas arrivals, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about travelling.
When will you be able to travel again? Here’s what we know so far.
Where can you go on holiday right now? These are all the countries that have already reopened their borders.