As we sit idle with borders closed for incoming and outgoing international flights, other countries have or are opening up. This brings joy to travelling anglers and much needed relief to charter operators as they start accepting clients after 2 years of uncertainty. Here we take a look at the international fishing destinations that are open for those of you who are lucky enough to be able to travel!

Open for business

Oman

Oman has opened up to incoming international travelers from certain countries that pass their strict entry conditions – a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. This news brings relief to operators around the country that offer some of the most consistent fishing for some of the biggest giant trevally found around the world.

Just prior to the world pandemic that has shut down the fishing community worldwide, Ed Nicholas, the owner of No Boundaries Oman brought to the market liveaboards on his custom-built Arabian dhow to reach the giants in the outer reaches of the fishery that has had little to no fishing pressure.

Maldives

The archipelago of the Maldives is known for its overwater bungalows and deep reef edges where you can catch a vast selection of pelagics from wahoo to blue marlin. Since mid-2020 the small island nation has had its borders open to the world as long as you can show a negative Covid PCR test from a maximum of 4 days prior to flying.

Mauritius 

Tourism is the main resource of the East African Island nation of Mauritius with the main attraction being the fishing that is on offer. Species found in Mauritius range from giant trevally, yellowfin tuna, and big blue marlin. You can easily have a great fishing experience in Mauritius all year round!

This fishing destination opens its borders to the rest of the world from October 1st. All incoming passengers must present a negative PCR test from a maximum of 72 hours prior to departure along with two weeks of quarantine for the unvaccinated at their own cost.

Costa Rica

The fishing hub of Costa Rica where you cast flies at 100kg tarpon to chasing marlin in the same trip has fully opened up their borders with no requirements except for filling out a health pass unless you are fully vaccinated. This is an easy and one of the best fishing destinations to visit this year!

RELATED: Why International Anglers Flock to Fish in Costa Rica?

Madeira 

The volcanic island of Madeira is well known for its incredible wine and even better fishing, boasting 6 wins in the blue marlin world cup. This Portuguese Island is well known mainly for its XXL blue marlin. To travel to Madeira, you will need a Negative PCR test 72 hours prior to flying or to be vaccinated.

Panama 

Panama is the home of Tropic Star Lodge – one of the best fishing lodges in the northern hemisphere. Panama has opened its borders to anglers who show a negative PCR test. “Non-vaccinated travellers arriving from or that have transited through high-risk countries in the last 15 days will be required to quarantine for 72 hours in a hotel, and the cost of the stay must be fully covered by the traveller. However, travellers arriving from these countries that can present a complete vaccination scheme, equal to or greater than 14 days after the last dose, will be exempt from the 72-hour quarantine.” For more, read Panamas Safety Guide.

Bahamas

The fishing destination of the Bahamas known as the ex-pirate republic is welcoming back tourists to their pristine waters. Whether you fancy a crack at billfish or would rather chase bonefish and permit on the flats. All you need to enter the country is a negative PCR test 72 hours unless you are fully vaccinated.

Belize 

Fly fishing 

Having the ability to have shots at bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a day put Belize at the top of most anglers’ lists when looking for a fly fishing destination. Luckily for them, the government has opened their borders for all travelers where you will need a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to traveling whether you are vaccinated or not making this one of the easier fishing destinations to head to.

Bermuda

Bermuda is well known throughout the game fishing community as a go-to place when it comes to big blue marlin. Bermuda has opened its borders for tourists and anglers with only one catch – you will need to complete a Bermuda Travel Authorization process online. Since August 23rd, all vaccinated travelers have been given a red wristband upon arrival until producing a negative test. Unvaccinated travelers will quarantine for 14 days in a Government Approved Quarantine Hotel or apply for an exemption.

Likely Destinations to open in 2022

Although most islands in the South Pacific have had little to no cases of Covid-19 due to their strict border controls, the citizens of these islands rely heavily on the tourism industry. With Australia investing 500 million AUD to fully vaccinate the South Pacific, it’s only a matter of time until these small island nations open their borders to welcome tourists back.

Vanuatu

With only a few covid cases in hotel quarantine, Vanuatu has been covid free since the pandemic started. Their vaccine rollout began in the Capital, Port Vila, back in July this year. There is talk of a travel bubble between Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands that will kick things off once vaccinations hit that magic number. When travel does start, there are sure to still be restrictions and criteria in place for incoming passengers.

Fiji

Unlike Vanuatu, Fiji has been hit pretty hard by Covid and because of this, the vaccine rollout has become the governments’ main priority, making it mandatory for all eligible citizens to be vaccinated. On September 1st they had hit 96% of citizens to receive the first dose of the vaccine. With this news, they were able to announce that they will be opening their borders in early November. Prerequisites for entry are yet to be announced.

New Caledonia

The French island territory known as New Caledonia has remained closed to tourists since the outbreak. The government has made it mandatory for all citizens over the age of 18 to be vaccinated. The population is currently 32% with a deadline of December 31st, 2021. it’s safe to say there will be an announcement on border controls towards the end of the year.

Safe to say most, if not every country requires a negative PCR test before entering. Looks like this requirement is here to stay for the foreseeable future, but a small price to pay to be able to travel to these incredible fishing destinations. Where will you go first?

RELATED: Australia Launches ‘Four-Phase Plan’ to Escape Covid-19 Blues