Thousands of entrepreneurs, managers and freelancers flee from North America and Europe to the seashore every winter. But the pandemic has put their plans in jeopardy: closed borders and mandatory quarantine have done their job. For example, the previously popular Southeast Asia has become completely inaccessible. Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Philippines, India clearly do not welcome tourists in the coming months.
In which countries can you spend a few months of the coming winter, and what do you need to do for this? Let us tell you.
The information will be updated as news about the opening of the borders comes!
Mexico
Beautiful azure beaches, eternal summer, fast internet and inexpensive accommodation. Mexico has long been a popular country, and now it promises to become even more popular: its borders are open, and the visa regime is still relaxed.
The most popular destination for wintering in Mexico is the Mayan Riviera. Cancun and the Mayan Riviera is a carefully planned tourist coastal zone of the Caribbean Sea, which is about 150 kilometers long. Here you will find entertainment for every taste: beautiful beaches, night life, amusement parks, Mayan pyramids. Prices here are moderate: an apartment in Cancun costs $300-$1000 per month when renting through Airbnb. The cost of lunch in a typical cafe will be $10, and in a good restaurant – $40.
Conditions of entry: Mexico’s international air borders are open without restrictions. No quarantine is required upon arrival.
Visa requirements: for a one-time tourist trip no longer than 6 months you can get the so-called electronic permit. You can get it for free and it takes only a few minutes. All you have to do is to fill in the electronic form on the website of the Mexican consulate and print it out. If you plan to spend there more than six months, you must apply for a visa through the consulate and pay a $36 visa fee.
Tanzania
African beauty with an island of eternal summer: Zanzibar. This region of Tanzania combines Arab, Indian and African heritage with Caribbean charm. The pandemic has not actually affected the island, and life on it takes its course. Rental of housing in Zanzibar ranges between $400-$2000 per month on Airbnb.
And from here you can also go to the mainland and see the beauty and wonders of Africa. Among other things, you can visit a safari and the Kilimanjaro mountain.
The problem may be quite slow WiFi, which is mainly present only in good restaurants and hotels.
Conditions of entry: borders are open to citizens of all countries. It is obligatory to demonstrate negative results of the coronavirus test.
Visa requirements: a 90-day tourist visa is issued at the airport upon arrival. The cost of the visa is $50.
Indonesia (Bali)
The gorgeous island of Bali has long been one of the most popular destinations among digital nomads. Travellers from all over the world were attracted by the ideal climate, the best surf spots, rich culture, amazing views, well-developed infrastructure and very reasonable prices. The year 2020 made its adjustments: for a long time Indonesia was closed to all visitors. Now the rules have been slightly relaxed. Mass tourism in Bali is still inaccessible, but for those who want to come here for a long time there is a way: a business visa, which can be arranged independently or through an agency. Visa costs are compensated by prices on the island itself: they fell on average by 30%-50% compared to 2019.
Conditions of entry: only holders of business visas can come to the country (see below). The only functioning international airport in Indonesia is in Jakarta, from which you can get to Bali by local airlines.
Visa: visiting Bali is possible only with a special business visa, which is issued electronically and requires sponsorship of a local company. Currently, obtaining such an entry permit, made through an authorized agency, can cost from $400 to $1500. Such a visa is issued for 60 days, but it can be extended for another 30 days four times.
Egypt
In mass tourism, Egypt is known for its All Inclusive holidays. But there are also places for those who want to spend more than 1-2 weeks at the Red Sea. First of all it is Dahab: a small settlement near Sharm el-Sheikh. Huge hotels here give way to the available private sector. Among the entertainments are great diving and kite surfing: local sports attract sportsmen from all over the world. Prices in Dahab will be suitable even for budget travelers: modest accommodation can be rented even for $250-$300.
Conditions of entry: Egypt is open to citizens of all countries. All travelers must submit negative PCR test results. Tourists arriving directly at the Red Sea, South Sinai and Marsa Matrukh are free to travel within these provinces. However, there are restrictions that prevent further travel to other parts of Egypt without a negative PCR test certificate.
Visa: visas for 30 days can be obtained on arrival for $25. Then it can be extended free of charge for another 1 month. By the end of the second month you can extend it for another 2 months. Further extension depends on the decision of the Migration Service. To extend your visa, you will need photographs. It is more convenient if you immediately take and bring photos for documents with you from your home country.
Turkey
It is a good choice for those who do not like heat. In wintertime, the flow of tourists falls, and you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. From November to April it is warm and sunny. There are a lot of activities from cycling to fishing, great cuisine, and friendly locals. Even in the hinterland, there are excellent roads and infrastructure. The warmest touristic cities are Alanya and Antalya: the air temperature in January-February here is 18-20 degrees. Comfortable apartment can be found for only $300 a month.
Conditions of entry: citizens of all countries can come to Turkey. It is not necessary to pass the coronavirus test before departure.
Visa: citizens of most countries can stay in Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days. For a longer stay, you should apply for a visa at the Turkish consulate. If there is a long-term contract for renting accommodation can also be issued a tourist residence permit for 1 year.
