While several nations, including much of Europe, remain closed to US travelers, a growing number of countries are reopening their borders to them.
Back in August, the US Department of State returned to its previous system of "country-specific levels of travel advice", which means it's once again rating individual countries from levels 1-4 based on their current health and security situations. The decision was made in line with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and advisories are updated regularly as situations evolve quickly. But despite the removal of the sweeping travel ban and the gradual roll-out of the vaccine, the department warns: "we continue to recommend US citizens exercise caution when traveling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic."
Canada and much of Europe, Asia and Oceania are pretty much off-limits to US travelers. But some countries have begun to relax their border restrictions and are now allowing US citizens to enter provided they follow local public health guidelines. However, it's important to note that anyone aaged two and over arriving into the US on an international flight must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. "If a passenger chooses not to present a test result or documentation of recovery, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger," the CDC says. Passengers are also required to self-isolate upon return, regardless of their result.
According to the CDC: "Get tested again with a viral test 3-5 days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel."
If you do plan to travel, below is a list of where you can go now. But it's important to note this is not a complete list and rules are quickly changing. Travelers are encouraged to download the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the Department of State to receive travel and emergency alerts.
Albania
US travelers can visit Albania without the need to quarantine or prevent a negative COVID-19 test result, but they will be required to submit to health screening at the airport. See more here.
Anguilla
Travelers must pre-register their visit on the country's tourism board website and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken three to five days before travel. Airport health screening is in place, and US arrivals are required to complete a quarantine of at least 10 days. However, if they'd like to extend their stay, the British Overseas Territory is currently accepting online applications for visitors who would like to work remotely with new visa programs. See more here.
Antigua and Barbuda
US travelers must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result, taken within seven days of their flight and are required to undergo quarantine. According to the US Embassy, the recommended quarantine period is 14 days but that may be reduced if visitors present a negative result from a Ministry of Health-approved COVID test. See more here.
Armenia
Armenia is open to US travelers who take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival or submit to testing upon arrival and self-isolate until test results are received, according to the US Embassy. See more here.
Aruba
Aruba is open to US travelers, but those over 14 must upload proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test result taken between 12 and 72 hours before flying. Those unable to get tested prior to travel can choose to be tested on arrival at a special airport facility, but must quarantine at their place of stay until results are received. They must prepay for this as part of the mandatory online ED Card process. Travelers must also take out requisite insurance coverage (which costs about US$30 and covers expenses up to US$75,000). Aruba has also introduced the "One Happy Workation" program, which allows visitors to stay for a maximum of 90 days, and offers a series of deals and discounted rates at local accommodations. See more here.
The Bahamas
US visitors over the age of 10 must complete an online health visa before travel and present a negative COVID-19-19 result from a test taken within five days of departure. Visitors must also take out mandatory medical insurance that covers COVID-19 expenses. Visitors staying longer than four nights and five days must undergo a rapid antigen test on the fifth day. If the result is negative, they can continue with their vacation as normal. See more here.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is open to US travelers but those over 10 years of age must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before travel. They are asked to self-isolate at their place of stay for 14 days, even with a negative test result. See more here.
Barbados
Barbados requires visitors over five years of age to present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within three days of departure. Visitors are also required to take a rapid antigen test upon arrival. Those with a negative result will be required to quarantine at a designated hotel or villa at their own expense, and will be monitored daily for the onset of symptoms. On the fifth day travelers will undergo a second COVID-19 PCR test. If that result is negative, they can leave quarantine and start their vacation. See more here.
Belize
Belize is open to visitors who book accommodation in a hotel that's part of the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program, i.e. hotels that meet enhanced health and safety regulations. Visitors must download the Belize Health App before travel and take ;a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of departure or, instead, take a rapid antigen test within 48 hours of departure. Travelers who don’t provide test results can be tested at the airport on arrival, but those who test positive will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days at their own expense. See more here.
Bermuda
US citizens must present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken no more than five days before depature. Visitors are required to wear a traveler wristband for the first 14 days of their stay or else quarantine for 14 days. Removal of the wristband can result in a fine of $500. See more here.
Chile
US citizens are permitted to enter but must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, as well as proof of a health insurance policy that provides coverage for COVID-19 and related health issues. Passengers must complete an obligatory 10-day quarantine upon their arrival to Chile, and a second test will be administered on or after the seventh day. Those with a negative result will be permitted to leave quarantine. American Airlines has recently made it easier for Americans to travel to Chile with this new app. See more here.
Colombia
US travelers are required to present negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 96 hours prior to departure. Airlines may allow the boarding of travelers who do not have this test, provided they state under oath that they were unable to take a test or obtain the result within the required timeframe. These travelers are expected to quarantine for 10 days, or else 7 days with a negative test taken 3-5 days after arrival. See more here.
Costa Rica
Travelers from the US don’t need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test and are not required to self-isolate or quarantine upon arrival. They must complete an online Health Pass 48 hours before travel and show proof of medical insurance that will cover COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine expenses. Anyone displaying COVID-19 related symptoms upon arrival will be tested at the airport. See more here.
Curaçao
The Dutch Caribbean island is open to US citizens. Travelers must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of arrival and complete an online immigration card and Passenger Locator Card within 48 hours of departure. See more here.
Djibouti
Travelers from the US must have an approved eVisa and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding a flight to the country. Upon arrival, passengers will be tested again with a saliva test at their own expense ($30). If a large percentage of a flight tests positive with the saliva test, the Government may require a follow-up nasal swab test.
Dominica
US arrivals must submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival. They must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken 24-72 hours prior to arrival and are required to quarantine upon arrival at a government-approved facility. A second COVID test will be administered on the fifth day of quarantine. If the result is negative, travelers are permitted to leave quarantine. See more here.
Dominican Republic
In August, the Dominican Republic introduced free COVID-19 insurance for travelers, including US citizens, and dropped mass testing at the borders. Travelers are not required to present a negative test result to enter, but should note that temperature checks are in place and COVID-19 rapid tests are performed on randomly selected travelers upon arrival. See more here.
Ecuador
US travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 10 days ahead of travel. Random rapid antigen testing may be conducted at the airport upon arrival. If traveling on to The Galápagos Islands, travelers must take another COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of arriving into Ecuador. See more here.
Egypt
Travelers must present paper copies (digital ones will not be accepted) of a negative COVID-19 test. It must be taken no later than 96 hours before arrival, due to the long travel and transit period from the US. Be aware that the US Embassy in Egypt has received anecdotal evidence of some travelers being denied entry when their PCR test was performed more than 96 hours prior to the departure of their connecting flight. See more here.
El Salvador
US travelers must present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken no more than 72 hours of departure. See more here.
Ethiopia
All visitors must present a negative COVID-19 test result conducted within 120 hours of boarding their flight. They are required to complete a seven-day quarantine at home or in a hotel upon their arrival. See more here.
Ghana
US citizens must present a negative COVID-19 result from a test conducted no more than 72 hours before travel. Health screenings are in place in airports, and travelers aged five and over must also undergo a second COVID-19 test upon arrival at a cost of $150 per person. The fee must be paid online before departure and passengers must present proof of payment prior to boarding. See more here.
Grenada
The Spice Island is open to US travelers but has some requirements. Visitors over the age of five must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, and obtain a Pure Safe Travel Certificate, which grants the approved applicant authorization to travel to Grenada. They must book a minimum 7-day reservation at an approved accommodation for observation and quarantine. Visitors are required to get tested on day 5 and bear the test fee of $150, and they must remain in quarantine until day 7, even if a negative result has been received. They are obliged to continue to monitor and report for seven days after being released from quarantine. See more here.
Guatemala
US travelers aged 10 and over are required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 96 hours before departure, and fill out an online immigration pre-check form and Health Pass before arrival. Passengers arriving without a test result can now receive a test at the La Aurora International Airport testing site upon arrival at a cost of $25. See more here.
Haiti
All international visitors to the country must present a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding, and they will get temperature screened upon arrival. Passengers who have had COVID previously may present a positive test together with documentation from their attending physician evidencing their recovery. See more here.
Honduras
Incoming travelers must complete an immigration precheck form and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken in the previous 72 hours. Health screening is in place at airports, and travelers should self-isolate for 14 days after arrival. See more here.
Ireland
US travelers aged seven and over are required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. Travelers must present a completed passenger locator form and quarantine for 14 days on arrival to Ireland at the address they’re staying at. The quarantine period can finish earlier if the passenger obtains a negative result of a RT-PCR test taken no less than five days after arrival in the country. See more here.
Jamaica
US travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result to their airline before boarding and fill out a travel authorization form within five days of departure. Health screenings are in place at airports. Visitors to the island are requested to quarantine at their location of arrival for up to 14 days, depending on their type of travel. See more here.
Kenya
Travelers must obtain an e-visa before boarding. They will be admitted if they don't have COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival and can present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no later than 96 hours before arrival that must be verified online. US travelers are not required to quarantine. See more here.
Lebanon
US travelers aged 12 and over must show a negative PCR test taken up to 96 hours before their arrival. COVID tests will be given to travelers at a cost of $50 per test upon arrival, to be paid by the traveler. They will also be required to quarantine at their place of residence or accommodation for three days after arrival in Lebanon, and undergo an additional PCR test at the end of their home quarantine period. Travelers will be required to use a government-approved app to show compliance with requirements. See more here.
Maldives
Incoming travelers aged one and over must present with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 96 hours of arrival and fill out an online health declaration. Those who exhibit symptoms on arrival and the group they’re traveling with will have to undergo a PCR test, and if they test positive or have been exposed to people who test positive, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days. See more here.
Mexico
Land crossings between the US and Mexico are restricted for non-essential travel, but visitors can arrive by plane. A negative COVID-19 test is not required for US travelers’ entry to Mexico, but they may be subjected to health screenings including temperature checks upon arrival. There is no quarantine requirement. See more here.
Morocco
Morocco is open to travelers who have confirmed hotel reservations, or travel agencies and business people invited by Moroccan companies. Visitors aged 11 and over are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel. There is no requirement to quarantine upon arrival. See more here.
Namibia
Namibia requires visitors aged five and over to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival that is not older than 7 days. There is no quarantine requirement. See more here.
Nicaragua
A negative COVID-19 test result is required for entry and health screening procedures are in place at airports. The Nicaraguan government has not officially imposed any quarantine policies. See more here.
Panama
US travelers must present negative COVID-19 results from a test taken no more than 48 hours before travel. If they haven't got a valid test, they'll have to undergo one at the airport for about $50. Visitors don't have to quarantine but must sign an electronic health form before entry. See more here.
Paraguay
Paraguay is open to US travelers who can present a negative PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours of departure. Those under the age of ten are not required to take a test, and those who had COVID-19 in the last 14-90 days also may enter with documentation and without a current test. All passengers will be subjected to temperature screening upon arrival at the airport. See more here.
Peru
US travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or a medical certificate of epidemiological discharge that is no more than 72 hours old. Children under the age of 12 can present a certificate of health issued by a medical doctor in lieu of a negative test. Health screening is in place at airports and passengers must also complete an affidavit of health. All travelers must quarantine for 14 days on arrival in a location of their choice, but those who plan to visit Peru for fewer than 14 days may take a PCR test after the sixth day of quarantine to be released. See more here.
Rwanda
Travelers must complete a Passenger Locator Form and upload a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before their initial flight. They must also take a second test at a cost of $60 and quarantine in a designated transit hotel for approximately 24 hours while awaiting their results. They are required to self-quarantine for seven days and take a final test that will be performed free of charge, prior to being released from quarantine. See more here.
St Lucia
Visitors must complete a pre-arrival travel form before entering Saint Lucia, and those aged five and over must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than five days before departure. Travelers must also have a pre-arranged stay confirmed at a Government-operated quarantine facility, or a confirmed reservation at a COVID-19 certified accommodation provider for the duration of their stay. See more here.
Sint Maarten
Visitors must present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within 120 hours of departure. Results must be uploaded on to an online immigration card and they must purchase mandatory health insurance before arrival. US travelers are not required to quarantine. See more here.
Senegal
US travelers over the age of two years must present negative PCR test on arrival taken no more than five days prior to departure. They'll also have to complete a passenger location form, and are not required to quarantine. See more here.
Serbia
Serbia is open to US citizens but they must fill out an online health assessment before traveling. Travelers aged 12 and over must present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 48 hours. They are not required to quarantine on arrival. See more here.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Travelers who arrive in the country must sign a pre-arrival form. All travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel. They may be retested on arrival and will need to quarantine in an approved location for 14 days at their own expense. They are required to be retested between day 4 and 7, before being released to spend the rest of the quarantine period in an approved hotel/accommodation. See more here.
South Korea
US citizens aged six and over must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of their departure. They must then complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government-designated facility, even if vaccinated. All arriving passengers are required to download and respond to daily questions through the Self-Diagnosis Mobile App for 14 days. See more here.
Tanzania
Travelers must fill in a Health Surveillance Form and submit it to health authorities upon arrival, and they may be subjected to health screening. There is no requirement for a negative COVID test on entry and no mandatory quarantine. See more here.
Thailand
US citizens must download the ThailandPlus application prior to arrival to use when traveling around the country. They must present a negative COVID-19 result upon arrival from a test and quarantine for 14 days in an Alternative State Quarantine hotel. See more here.
Turkey
Travelers aged six and over arriving in Turkey will be required to complete an information form and must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure. There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival. See more here.
Turks and Caicos
Arrivals must obtain travel pre-authorization via the TCI Assured Portal before traveling. Those aged 10 and over must present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken no more than five days before departure, and complete an online health screening questionnaire. Visitors must also take out health insurance that covers COVID-19 costs. See more here.
Uganda
Passengers aged four and over must arrive with a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate for a test conducted within 120 hours prior to arrival in Uganda. They must undergo a health screening upon arrival, including a temperature check and assessment for other signs or symptoms. There is no mandatory quarantine requirement. See more here.
United Arab Emirates
All travelers from the US to the UAE aged 12 and over are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 96 hours of arrival, and have medical travel insurance to cover any illness-related expenses. The rules are more strict in Abu Dhabi where visitors are also required to self-quarantine for 10 days. A COVID‑19 PCR test is required on arrival and on day 8, and travelers may have to wear an electronic wristband to ensure quarantine adherence. See more here.
United Kingdom
US citizens aged 11 and over are required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of to the UK and must also complete a passenger locator form. They are required to enter managed quarantine or self-isolation - the rules vary per country and you can check them out here - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most travelers will be required to take a test on days two and eight of quarantine of self-isolation. See more here.
Zambia
US travelers can visit Zambia but are required to present negative COVID-19 test results. The Zambian government recommends taking the test within seven days of departure but advises that some airlines may require a more recent test. US citizens are not required to enter quarantine. See more here.
This article was first published on September 22, 2020 and updated on February 28, 2021.
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