Unlock Long Haul: The winter destinations we should be allowed to visit
The following countries are not included on the UK travel corridor list, as the FCDO considers visits unwise “based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks”. But Nicaragua, for example, has recorded just 157 deaths to date, while Mexico, which has a population of 129 million, saw 6,810 new infections on November 7; the UK reported 24,597 on the same day.
1. Costa Rica
Late November to April is the dry season in Costa Rica, with all-day sunshine, making it an ideal time to visit the beaches of Nicoya peninsula (with its lively surf scene), or to do hiking, kayaking or whitewater rafting; the rivers are in full flow early in the season. During the summer lockdown the country created its 30th national park – San Lucas, a former prison island just a 40-minute boat ride from Puntarenas that has a jungly habitat where visitors can see howler monkeys, deer, bats spiders and snakes and lots of marine fauna.
Entry requirements: You need to buy insurance with specific cover requirements and complete an advance epidemiological information form.
2. Tanzania
Tanzania’s “green season” falls between November and March. While there’s a fair chance of rain showers, these often take place at night. It’s a great time for birdwatching in Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park as migratory species arrive from Europe in large numbers. The Great Migration rolls on, with herds roaming alongside their newly born calves; the southern reaches of the Serengeti National Park are highly recommended.
Entry requirements: The Government of Tanzania is implementing temperature scanning for all international passengers arriving into Tanzania. If you show symptoms of Covid-19 on arrival, you may be required to take a test.
3. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Reopened to visitors in August following a 5-month lockdown, the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is just over an hour by air from Natal. The 21 islands have some lovely beaches – Baia do Sancho is routinely named among Brazil’s best beaches – while keen scuba divers from all over the world are drawn to the marine national park, where they can see green and hawksbill turtles, whales, lemon and reef sharks, clownfish, anemones and parrotfish.
Entry requirements: Foreign nationals are allowed to enter Brazil by air. This is subject to regular entry requirements.
4. Egypt
When in doubt in winter, head for the sand – not to put your head in it, but to see the eternally sun-blessed wonders of the Nile valley. With or without a cruise to cater to your every need, the riverbank is awash with Unesco-listed stunners, from the still-affecting Giza pyramids to the Valley of the Kings to the towering temple at Luxor. Modern civilisation is also easy on the eye, from the deep-green fields that border the watercourse to the towns, markets and bazaars. On the Red Sea, you can dive the most impressive reef system this side of Cairns.
Entry requirements: All persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas to any part of Egypt will be required to present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival.
5. Galapagos Islands
Giant tortoise eggs start to hatch in December, so there’s a chance of seeing baby turtles on Isabela island. Both marine and land iguanas begin their mating season, with the males showing aggressive behaviour; the marine variety often change colour, their normally black skin brightening and sometimes displaying rainbow hues. The weather is warm, though the sea here is not very tropical at all if you decide to go snorkelling with the hammerheads; as the rains return, the volcanic landscape bursts into life.
Entry requirements: You will need to provide contact details on arrival in Ecuador and present a negative PCR test result.
6. Botswana
Botswana began a “phased reopening” of its borders on November 9. As the first rains arrive round now – often with a bang – the dust clears from the air and the salt pans begin to fill, but most roads are still passable. It can be a great time to visit the Central Kalahari, where large herds of oryx and springbok are guarding their newborns from prowling cheetah and lion. The Okavango Delta is a year-round destination and while the famous horseback safaris are best suited to hot, dry September and October, rain turns the whole basin into a sensational setting for birdwatching – with lots of migrants arriving and residents displaying their colourful breeding plumage.
Entry requirements: Visitors must present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana, and undergo a health screening for symptoms. Updates via Facebook.
7. Nicaragua
When Covid-19 struck, Nicaragua had just emerged from social upheaval. The country never issued a decree to close its borders, but airport activity was close to zero till September when a few tourists began to trickle in. December-April is the dry season, and as of now the weather is pretty good on both coasts. The Emerald Coast is great for a beach holiday, with good waves still around for surfers – San Juan del Sur has four well-known surf beaches, and breaks suitable for all levels. The La Purisima festivities unfold from November 28 to December 8 (December 7 is the climax with the collective Gritería or “Shouting”), honouring the Immaculate Conception with processions in every small village, singing in the streets and fireworks displays. September 15, 2021, marks the bicentennial of Independence of the Central American republics (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala), created when the Viceroyalty of New Spain was broken up; all will be holding patriotic events and exhibitions.
Entry requirements: There is currently a requirement to have a “negative for Covid-19” certificate. The FCDO says: “You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.”
8. Mexico
The Atlantic hurricane season was busy this year, but the storms usually start to abate by November, and from December to April is officially the dry, “cool” season for the lowlands – 25-28C is normal in many places. Now’s a great time to visit any of the classic regions – Yucatan for the Mayan sites and haciendas, Baja Cal for the great drives, wine and beaches, Oaxaca for food and culture. If you fancy a beach holiday, the 200-mile Riviera Navarit on the Pacific side is sun-blessed and a good low-key option up the coast from Puerto Vallarta. The latter is the location of Casa Kimberly, which Richard Burton presented to Elizabeth Taylor on her 34th birthday; it’s now a small luxury hotel.
Entry requirements: On arrival in Mexico, travellers have to fill in a Health Declaration form. No PCR or other test is required. Masks are compulsory outside resorts; check with your travel agent or hotel for local rules. The land border between the US and Mexico is closed to all non-essential traffic; this is reviewed on a monthly basis. The FCDO notes: “There have been reports of disruptions and tensions at the Mexico-Guatemala border.”
9. Colombia
Tourists have been allowed to visit Colombia since September 19. Apart from the Andean uplands around Bogotá, most of Colombia is balmy year-round. It’s the only South American country with Pacific and Caribbean coasts, though the latter – with Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta as its two most alluring resorts – provides everything you’ll need for a lazy, luxurious beach holiday. Splice in some hiking, birding and exploring around the Tayrona National Park and try to squeeze in a stay at one of the coffee estates near Pereira either before or after your main holiday.
Entry requirements: All those arriving must present a negative PCR test result issued within 96 hours prior to your departure.
10. Cape Verde
Fifteen degrees north of the Equator and about the same south of the Canary Islands, this archipelago is volcanic, has beaches and is also superb for a family holiday in winter. The former Portuguese colony reopened its borders on October 12 and is receiving flights from Manchester. A basic package holiday will deliver pretty towns, cobbled streets, sugar-coloured sands, plenty of watersports and delicious Afro-Luso-Brazilian cuisine. If you want to add in some nature-watching, more than 280 bird species have been identified on the ten main islands and surrounding islets, including four species of petrels and two of shearwaters, as well as the greater flamingo, frigate bird, Egyptian vulture, endemic Cape Verde Buzzard and red-billed tropic bird.
Entry requirements: Cape Verde’s air and sea borders have now re-opened. You’ll need a test to enter, done in the last 72 hours before travel. Visitors must also fill in an online health questionnaire. A new test may be needed if inter-island travel is planned.
Unlock Long Haul
The Telegraph’s Unlock Long Haul campaign is calling for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to open up travel to more of the world after lockdown.
As things stand, only a few dozen ‘travel corridor’ countries can be visited by Britons without a requirement to self-isolate on their return. This list contains no nations in Africa or Latin America, despite all of them having far lower Covid infection rates than the UK. Britons may, after lockdown, still travel to these destinations, but the FCDO’s warning against all but essential travel to such place means insurance is harder to come by and tour operators cannot offer trips. We’re demanding that restrictions are lifted for all countries where the Covid risk is lower than in the UK.
The UK winter is long. A second lockdown means it will feel even longer. Just as exercise and green space were championed as partial cures during the first lockdown, so a sun-blessed foreign holiday could be a boost to people’s mental wellbeing after another one.
The UK government has applauded the idea of a happiness-oriented society. Its own health experts tell us that vitamin D is beneficial to the immune system. We will keep applying pressure on the Government to take urgent action, and our campaign will give travel businesses and tourist boards a platform to support the lifting of restrictions to safe winter sun destinations.
If you represent a travel business or overseas tourist board and wish to lend your support to the campaign, please email travelonline@telegraph.co.uk.
