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52 Countries You Can Travel to Right Now

A guide for those looking to get out.

[Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an earlier article that originally ran on June 30.]

Disclaimer: This is meant to be a general overview of how countries are reopening their borders for Americans. Rules differ for other passport holders. Information can and will change quickly, and new requirements (including some that must be completed in advance of travel) may be introduced without notice. Please refer to each country’s website for specifics.

We’re all dreaming of getting away again. We want to eat Thai street food from a cart in a Bangkok soi, admire South Africa’s wildlife and the sites commemorating Nelson Mandela’s fight for democracy and human rights, or just lounge on a Caribbean beach and forget all the stresses of COVID-19. While the U.S. isn’t on the European Union’s green list of permitted countries, each E.U. member state retains the right to determine their own entry rules. About 60 countries, including a few in Europe, have opened their borders—under certain conditions—to U.S. travelers.

Even though many of us are craving travel, the question remains: Yes, you CAN travel, but SHOULD you travel? When figuring out where and when to go, it’s essential to take not only your own safety into consideration but the safety of others, as we outline in Will it be safe to travel when this is all over? Will we even know? Regardless, Americans should follow the advice of the State Department and CDC—which still advise against travel to most of the world’s countries.

Information changes frequently, especially as some destinations base their rules on ever-changing infection rates and some on reciprocity with other countries. Some countries base their entry restrictions on the passport you carry and others base it on where you live or where you’re traveling from, so check government information carefully.

Almost all countries screen passengers for COVID symptoms on arrival and, if you exhibit any, may require you to take a COVID test and quarantine until the results are confirmed negative. Keep in mind that a few countries have reclosed their borders and airports and, with cases spiking again, others may follow suit with little or no notice. Repatriation flights are likely to be far less common than they were in the spring.

We outline below countries that are, as of this update, open to U.S. travelers as well as the countries with announced dates for reopening their borders to Americans, listed alphabetically.

 

 

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Albania

Albania’s alps and Riviera coast—and lower prices than neighboring countries—tempt many travelers, as do these 10 Fairy-Tale Towns You’ve Never Heard of in a Country You Rarely Think Of. Albania’s borders opened to all international travelers on July 1. Face masks are mandatory in indoor and outdoor public areas as of October 15, subject to fines for non-compliance. There are no COVID entry rules, other than people showing symptoms are subject to testing and may be quarantined if they test positive.

 

 

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Antigua and Barbuda

Known for its pink beaches and farm-to-table cuisine, Antigua and Barbuda opened to international travelers on June 4. Requirements, outlined on Antigua and Barbuda’s travel information page, have changed since the country first opened. All air passengers, including those in transit to other islands, must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction) test taken within seven days of departure. People arriving by sea must quarantine. All arrivals fill in a health declaration form and will be screened for fever and other symptoms on arrival and for their first 14 days in the country. If you show symptoms, you may be asked to take another COVID test at a cost of $100. Masks are required in all public areas.

 

 

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Aruba

Aruba’s phased reopening allowed visitors from a few nearby islands on June 15; Canada, Europe, and most other Caribbean countries were allowed as of July 1. Americans were eligible to enter Aruba as of July 10, although requirements vary depending on state of residence. Aruba.com details the latest safety protocols and requirements. Visitors need to complete all five steps of the Embarkation and Disembarkation process to receive permission to enter Aruba. A COVID test is required but can be done upon arrival (with quarantine until results are received). Purchasing Aruba Visitors Insurance is mandatory.

 

 

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Bahamas

Though private boats and planes were eligible to enter The Bahamas as of June 15, July 1 was the first date The Bahamas allowed international visitors arriving by commercial airlines. The Bahamas changed protocols to respond to outbreaks brought by travelers. As of November 1, the “Vacation in Place” measures—remaining within your resort for the duration of your stay—ended.

Instead, travelers need to provide a negative PCR test taken a maximum of seven days before arriving. An antigen test on arrival and on day five of stay is also required. Visitors need to apply in advance for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, the cost of which includes the fee for the antigen tests. As of November 14, travelers must also optin for health insurance ($40 for stays up to four nights, $60 for longer stays, free for kids aged 10 and younger). Visitors need to track their symptoms daily via an online health questionnaire. Detailed protocols are on The Bahamas’ website.

 

 

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Bahrain

Bahrain reopened its borders on September 4. Americans need a visa to visit the kingdom—applying in advance is best, though visas on arrival are available for U.S. passport holders. Travelers to Bahrain don’t need to bring proof of a negative COVID test with them; all travelers receive at least one COVID test on arrival, at a cost of about $80 each. A second test is required on day ten in Bahrain. Travelers must also complete a health questionnaire.

 

 

 

 

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Barbados

The island of Barbados reopened on July 12. Aiming to minimize COVID risk by having travelers stay long-term, Barbados has a new program—the Barbados Welcome Stamp—allowing non-Bajans to stay for one year without a visa. New entry protocols for travelers take effect on November 3. Rules depend on whether the country you’re coming from is classified as high-, medium-, low-, or very low-risk. Most countries, including the U.S., are in the high-risk category.

Travelers from high-risk countries need a certified PCR test taken within three days of their arrival. It must be uploaded in advance via an online immigration/customs form (you’ll receive two receipts; print them out to hand over to officials on arrival, with a copy of your PCR test result). Another PCR test is required four to five days after your first test, which generally means on day two or three of your stay (tests are free at government facilities; there may be a cost if done via your hotel). Other than going for your second test, travelers from high-risk countries need to stay at their hotel until the second test comes back negative. Travelers also need to report their symptoms—including their temperature, so bring a thermometer—daily for the first seven days of their stay. See details at Barbados Travel Protocols.

 

 

 

 

 

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Belize

The Belize Tourism Board’s website details COVID requirements and Belize’s Tourism Gold Standard Program. Travelers need to fill out required forms on the Belize Health App 72 hours in advance of their flight in order to receive a unique ID number and QR code to show officials upon arrival. Proof of reservations at an approved hotel is also needed. Travels who have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel are fast-tracked through arrivals. Others can take a test on arrival at a cost of $50, but a positive result means a 14-day quarantine at passenger expense. Travelers need to check-in daily with the Belize Health App to record their symptoms.

Travelers are encouraged to stay within the tourism safe corridors and to use approved Gold Standard hotels, restaurants, transportation, and tour companies. The safe corridors cover Belize’s most popular areas including offshore cays and private islands like Cayo Espanto.

 

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Bermuda

Bermuda reopened on July 1. Current rules for travelers to Bermuda include applying for a Bermuda travel authorization ($75; $30 for kids aged 9 and younger). Travelers need a certified negative PCR test, ideally taken within 72 hours of departure, but up to seven days is acceptable. A PCR test is also done on arrival, as well as on days four, eight, and 14 of stay. Face masks are required in public areas and visitors are required to take their own temperature—bring a thermometer—twice daily and report via an online form. Details are on the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s site.

 

 

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Brazil

Brazil is open to international travelers arriving by air (though keep in mind Brazil has the world’s third-highest COVID case count). Temperature screening takes place at the airport, but there are few other restrictions. At one point, travelers needed to show they had health insurance, but that requirement seems to have been lifted. U.S. citizens remain able to enter Brazil for 90-day stays without a visa. Land borders are still closed for nonessential travel, so if you want to see incredible Iguazu Falls, you’ll only be able to explore the Brazillian side for now. From August, here’s This Is What Post-Lockdown Life Is Like in Hard-Hit Rio de Janeiro.

 

 

 

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Cambodia

Cambodia, known for the Angkor archeological site, allowed U.S. travelers to enter as of June 11. However, the visa-on-arrival program is currently suspended, so visas must be obtained in advance of travel and are difficult to obtain for tourism purposes. Cambodia has strict COVID measures including that all foreigners buy insurance, pay a $2,000 deposit upon entry to cover costs of COVID testing, room, and board while awaiting test results, as well as related costs if test results are positive. A negative COVID test taken with 72 hours of travel is also now required. A COVID test is administered on arrival and all passengers on a flight can be quarantined if one person tests positive. Details are on the U.S. embassy’s website.

 

 

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Colombia

Colombia reopened borders to all international travelers on September 21. The requirement to quarantine for 14-days was removed for those arriving after October 1. Current COVID requirements include completing the Check-Mig online form for both arrival and departure and showing proof of a negative PCR test completed within 96 hours of your flight to Colombia. U.S. travelers remain able to visit Colombia without a visa. Colombia Tourism asks travelers to download the CORONAPP for symptom reporting and contact tracing.

 

 

 

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Costa Rica

Costa Rica first opened to Canadians, Europeans, and other nations deemed lower risk. Initially, whether Americans were able to enter Costa Rica depended on the state they lived in and how that state was managing its infection rates. By October 15, residents of 23 U.S. states had the green light.

As of November 1, though, Costa Rica removed all COVID restrictions based on the passport you carry and where you live— travelers from all over the world can now visit. Costa Rica also removed its requirement for proof of a negative COVID test as of October 26. Now, visitors to the pura vida country need to complete an online form to secure a Health Pass and QR code. That includes agreeing to abide by all COVID health rules and showing proof of travel health insurance valid in Costa Rica for a minimum of $50,000 in COVID medical costs and $2,000 in pandemic-related accommodations expenses. There are two options to buy it when completing the Health Pass form.

 

 

 

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Croatia

Although a member of the European Union, Croatia is not adhering to the E.U.’s green list guidelines that prohibit travel from all but eight non-E.U. countries. Croatia reopened to all international travelers on July 13. Tourists must have proof of paid accommodations and can either show a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departing flight or enter a two-week self-quarantine. Croatia’s tourism board outlines the country’s COVID entry rules. 

 

 

 

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Cuba

Cuba is open to Americans, still for 11 categories of travel other than tourism, as Via Hero outlines. Charter flights were allowed as of July 1 and Cuba slowly reopened parts of the country to foreigners. At first, foreign nationals were restricted to resort areas in offshore cays in Cayo Coco, Cayo Cruz, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Largo del Sur, and Cayo Santa Maria, as reported by the Havana Times.

Varadero reopened to foreigners on October 15; Havana is anticipated for November. New arrivals to the island are subject to temperature checks and PCR tests (no charge) and are required to quarantine at their hotel until negative results are received (Cuba says it takes a maximum of 24 hours to receive results).

 

 

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Curaçao

The rules for Americans to visit the Caribbean island of Curaçao depend on the state you live in. Details are on Curaçao’s website. Curaçao categorizes locations as low, medium, and high risk and allows a maximum of 20,000 travelers in a given period. Travelers from high-risk countries—and that includes the U.S. with the exception of four states—are required to quarantine for 14 days.

As of October 7, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida are categorized as medium risk. American travelers who wish to enter Curaçao without quarantine need to show state-issued identification to prove they live in one of these four states. Also required are a certified negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, filling out an immigration form, carrying a printed copy of your Passenger Locator Card with you, and travel health insurance.

 

 

 

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Dominica

The Nature Isle, Dominica, reopened on August 3. Dominica’s COVID rules include completing a comprehensive online health questionnaire in advance of travel, having a negative PCR test taken between 24 and 72 hours prior to arrival, and showing a doctor’s note that clears you for travel. Travelers from high-risk countries—which includes the U.S.—also need a rapid test on arrival and, even if negative, will have a “managed experience at a Safe in Nature certified property” (i.e. quarantine at government-certified accommodations) for at least five days. A PCR test is administered on day five of stay, which may release the traveler from quarantine. Medical professionals may also perform scheduled and unscheduled checks to ensure COVID requirements are being followed and may order re-testing. Travelers are responsible for fees.

 

 

 

 

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Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic allowed international arrivals via air, sea, and land as of July 1. GoDomincanRepublic.com details the requirements, which include an aleatory breath test for a random 3-10% of passengers. Everyone must complete a Traveler’s Health Affidavit. The Dominican Republic provides a free travel assistance plan to international tourists booking a hotel stay and arriving on international flights.

 

 

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Ecuador

Ecuador has ended its mandatory quarantine; currently, travelers need to show a negative PCR test taken within ten days of arrival. See the rules described on the Quito airport website. Passengers who don’t have test results can get a test on arrival but must quarantine until a negative result is confirmed. To enter the Galapagos Islands, a negative test taken within 96 hours prior to arriving is required. That means it’s easier to plan your trip to first visit the Galapagos followed by exploring mainland Ecuador’s beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and Amazon rainforests.

 

 

 

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Egypt

As of July 1, Egypt reopened its airports and began a gradual reopening of the country for tourism. Entrance fees at museums and archeological sites are at a 50% discount to encourage tourism. U.S. tourists, amongst others, need a visa, ideally applied for in advance but usually available on arrival. To enter Egypt, air passengers need to complete a Public Health Card and, as of August 15, provide certification (in English or Arabic) of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Print out documents rather than relying on digital versions.

 

 

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El Salvador

As of September 19, El Salvador is welcoming travelers back. A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure is required—ensure you have a paper copy of it. El Salvador hopes to revitalize its up-and-coming tourism scene which highlights surfing, volcano hiking, Mayan ruins, colonial towns like Suchitoto, and high-quality indigo products. Here are 15 Ultimate Things To Do In El Salvador.

 

 

 

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French Polynesia

French Polynesia’s 118 islands, which include Tahiti, Moorea, and the Marquesas, opened to international tourists as of July 15. Requirements include certification of a negative PCR test taken within three days of departure (ensure your test is on the list of approved ones). Travelers must complete a Sanitary Entry Form, which includes uploading the test to the Etis.pf platform, a declaration that they’ll follow the government’s health orders, and agree to either have travel health insurance or personally assume all expenses related to the cost of care. Approved travelers will receive an ETIS number; it and COVID test results must be shown to board flights and upon arrival. All islands require another COVID test on day four of stay.

 

 

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Grenada

The “Spice Islands” of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique reopened July 1, making Grand Anse Beach—one of the world’s most beautiful—and fresh nutmeg ice cream accessible again. Visas are required depending on citizenship (not country of residence;  U.S. citizens do not require a visa.

Grenada’s entry requirements vary based on whether the travel is from the CARICOM bubble, a designated low-risk country, or all other countries. The U.S. is in the latter category, requiring travelers to have a negative PCR test taken within seven days of travel and a minimum five-day reservation at approved accommodations. In order to leave their resort, visitors need a negative PCR test on day four of their stay. Details must be provided in advance via an online form. Grenada has a contact-tracing app which will be mandatory for all travelers once it’s available for Apple products.

 

 

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Guatemala

Guatemala’s borders reopened on September 18 when its main international airport started welcoming flights again. Americans were allowed as of October 5. Travelers to Guatemala need a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure and must complete an online Health Pass. Note that Guatemala can issue fines for not complying with health rules, including wearing masks.

 

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Honduras

Honduras reopened on August 17 to travelers from all countries. At least until November 8, a curfew and local restrictions remain in place. The Honduran government website provides COVID updates. A negative COVID test is needed to enter the country, taken within 72 hours of arrival, and air passengers need to complete an online immigration form in advance of arrival. Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are currently permitted. Check quarantine rules before booking: there’s inconsistent information on whether the requirement was lifted in October or is still in place. The Beach House boutique hotel, on the island of Roatán, provides useful COVID news on their website.

 

 

 

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Ireland

Ireland is open for tourism. However, most travelers, including those from the U.S, are subject to a 14-day self-isolation. All travelers must fill out the COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form (an exception is people arriving from Northern Ireland). Details are available on Ireland’s Health Services’ website and from the country’s tourism board. After reports of travelers ignoring health rules, Ireland increased checks on travelers and violators can be fined or jailed.

 

 

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Jamaica

As of June 15, visitors are again able to enjoy jerk and reggae in Jamaica. In advance of arriving, visitors must apply for a Travel Authorization where health risks are assessed on the day of application. The U.S. is deemed a high-risk location and therefore U.S. travelers need a negative COVID test from a certified lab taken within ten days before travel. Upon arrival, all travelers are screened for fever and other COVID symptoms, and, if needed, there’s additional testing and quarantine. Jamaica has a “resilient corridor” from Negril to Port Antonio and from Negril to Milk River; most tourists are restricted to hotels, resorts, and attractions within that corridor. Face masks in public are required. Detailed information is provided via Jamaica’s COVID-19 Ministry of Tourism: Health and Safety Protocols.

On October 26, Jamaica announced a new COVID protection program called Jamaica Cares, which launches in mid-November. All foreign visitors to Jamaica will be required to pay a $40 fee which will provide health insurance to visitors and fund an “all-hazards program” for medical emergencies including COVID-19.

 

 

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Jordan

Jordan categorizes countries as green, yellow, or red, and rules differ depending on where travelers are coming from. The U.S. is currently categorized as red. All travelers to Jordan must quarantine (at home or hotel) for at least seven days, with red countries an additional seven days. Testing is required on day seven and 14.

To enter Jordan, travelers need to complete a health declaration form, confirm they have a negative PCR test taken within five days of travel and that they have health insurance. Required to board flights to Jordan are the confirmation code from the health declaration form, certification of the negative PCR test, and proof you’ve been in the country of departure during the past 14 days. Upon arrival in Jordan, travelers take a PCR test at a cost of about $56, paid in advance. Travelers are also required to download Jordan’s contact tracing Aman app. U.S. travelers continue to need a visa, which can be purchased on arrival.

 

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Kenya

International flights to Kenya resumed on August 1. U.S. citizens are eligible to enter Kenya once they have an e-visa, provided they don’t have COVID symptoms and have proof of a negative PCR test conducted within 96 hours prior to arriving in Kenya. In August, residents of California, Florida, and Texas were required to quarantine for 14 days, but that rule seems to have been lifted. For more on Kenya, check out This Safari Lodge Will Make You Fall in Love With Kenya.

 

 

 

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Maldives

The 1,192 islands of the Maldives reopened to international tourism beginning on July 15. First, foreign nationals were allowed only on resort islands, such as Vakkaru Maldives and the Coco Collection, as well as on liveaboard boats. As of August 1, foreigners could stay in guest houses and hotels on inhabited islands as well.

Details of the evolving COVID situation and rules are on the Maldives’ COVID website, including the opening status of resorts and liveaboards. A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure is currently required, as is completing an online health declaration form. The Maldives has a new Maldives Border Miles program allowing travelers to earn loyalty points for visiting the country, including bonus points for special occasions.

 

 

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Mauritius

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius—which is almost completely encircled by coral reefs—reopened October 1, including to tourists wanting to stay for extended periods. Requirements are outlined on Mauritius’ tourism website. For example, travelers need a negative PCR test taken within seven days of departure and proof of purchase at a designated hotel for the mandatory 14-day in-room quarantine. Additional PCR tests are needed on arrival and on days seven and 14. Arriving passengers must complete two e-forms, a Passenger Health Self-Declaration Form and a Passenger Locator Form. 

 

 

 

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Mexico’s West Coast

While the U.S.-Mexico land border remains closed to nonessential travel, Americans can fly to several Mexican destinations for tourism purposes. Mexico doesn’t have any specific COVID entry requirements, but each Mexican state sets its own rules for measures like mandatory masks. Masks are required in public in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, for example. As of October 1, immigration officials have the authority to issue fines or jail time for non-compliance with health rules and can demand foreigners leave the country for violating them.

Many tourist spots along Mexico’s Pacific coast and the Sea of Cortez reopened June 15. This includes the Los Cabos area at the southern end of Baja California Sur, as well as the smaller cities of La Paz and Loreto on the Sea of Cortez. Further south along the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and the Riviera Nayarit are also open.

 

 

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Mexico’s Caribbean Coast

The Mexican Caribbean opened June 8 and was the first destination in the Americas to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Global Safety & Hygiene Stamp. The state of Quintana Roo covers much of the Yucatan peninsula’s top tourist areas, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya. Passengers get their temperature checked at the Cancun airport and need to fill in a questionnaire to identify health risks. Masks are required outside of resorts. Check Quintana Roo’s website for details.

 

 

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Morocco

Morocco reopened in October and travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, need a confirmed hotel reservation. A negative PCR taken within 48 hours and completing an online Public Health Passenger Form are also required. Depending on your travel plans, check the current status of domestic travel restrictions between Moroccan cities and whether ferries between Morocco and Europe are running.

 

 

 

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Namibia

Want to experience Namibia’s cultures and see its immense sand dunes, desert elephants, and other wildlife? Americans are allowed to visit for tourism purposes, and Namibia recently lightened quarantine rules. New rules were announced on October 23 in a statement by Namibia’s tourism minister. Note that current rules apply until November 30, and may be extended or changed at that time.

A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Namibia is required. If the negative test is older than 72 hours but not older than seven days, the passenger will need to self-isolate for seven days. Anyone showing symptoms may need to quarantine until they test negative. There’s no longer a requirement for a second test on day five. Namibia also requires passengers to submit a health declaration and their contact information while in the country and to have adequate health insurance. 

 

 

 

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Nicaragua

Technically Nicaragua didn’t close its borders, although airports were closed during the first several months of the pandemic. Flights have slowly been resuming as of the end of September. To enter Nicaragua, everyone—including flight crews and in-transit passengers—needs a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival (extended to 96 hours for travelers coming from further distances, such as from Asia). An e-form is also required to travel in and out of the country, which airlines provide to passengers. Expect monitoring for symptoms during your first 14 days in the country. Citizens of some countries need a visa to enter, but not the U.S.

 

 

 

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Panama

Panama reopened on October 12; detailed reopening information is on Visit Panama’s website. Ideally, you’ll arrive with a negative test (PCR or antigen) taken within 48 hours of arrival. Otherwise, a rapid test is available at the airport for $50. If you test positive, you’ll need to isolate at one of Panama’s COVID hospital hotels and you’ll get an antigen test on your seventh day to see if you’re cleared. Travelers are also required to submit an electronic affidavit showing they’ll comply with all of Panama’s COVID rules—including wearing a mask in public—and must provide contact tracing information.

 

 

 

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Peru

Some international travel into Peru was allowed as of October 5. In November, flights from several U.S. cities are resuming. Peru’s state of emergency is extended through November. Machu Picchu reopened November 1 and entry tickets are available at 30% capacity of pre-pandemic levels.

Currently, to enter Peru, travelers need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. They must also sign a sworn statement that they’re symptom-free and that they’ll abide by health rules, which currently include a 14-day quarantine. Both masks and face shields are required on flights. Details should be available on Peru Travel’s website once available. Note that, initially, a negative COVID test was required to board flights departing from Peru, but this requirement has been waived.

 

 

 

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Puerto Rico

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico was always open to Americans. The automatic 14-day quarantine is no longer required. Travelers to Puerto Rico must complete a Travel Declaration Form and provide a negative molecular COVID test taken within 72 hours of arrival. A QR code is provided upon completion of uploading test results. Face masks in public areas are mandatory, including on beaches except when in the water.

 

 

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Rwanda

Rwanda began reopening in June and restarted commercial flights on August 1. Visit Rwanda details COVID requirements. A PCR test is required within 120 hours of the first flight to Rwanda and another test is administered on arrival (cost of $60). Travelers are required to isolate at their designated hotel until a negative result is confirmed. People departing from Rwanda also need to show a negative PCR test. Details are at this FAQ.

Gorilla trekking permits are available at a discount and special measures are in place for Rwanda’s national parks, especially to protect the mountain gorillas given their genetic similarities to humans (Here’s How to See Mountain Gorillas in Their Natural Habitat).

 

 

 

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Saint Barthélemy

The French island opened to tourists in June. To enter Saint Barth, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival is needed. Anyone staying longer than seven days needs to take an additional test on the eighth day of their stay, at their own expense. Note that arrival is usually through Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, or Antigua and Barbuda, so check rules for transiting passengers there too.

 

 

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Saint Kitts and Nevis

The dual-island country of Saint Kitts and Nevis reopened on October 31, with entry rules varying depending on the traveler’s country of residency and where they’re traveling from. Requirements for U.S. travelers include providing certification of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, completing an entry form, and downloading a contact tracing app to be used for the first 14 days of stay. Visitors must stay within an approved resort for the first seven days. After another negative PCR test on day seven (at own expense, $100), travelers are cleared to book specific excursions. After a negative PCR test on day 14 (at own expense), visitors have the green light to integrate fully into Saint Kitts and Nevis.

 

 

 

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Saint Lucia

The U.S. was the first country eligible to enter St. Lucia, with U.S. flights allowed as of June 4. International travelers to Saint Lucia must complete an information form seven days prior to traveling and email the results of a PCR test taken within seven days prior to arrival. You’ll need to print out the authorization letter you’ll receive. Health screenings, such as fever checks, take place upon arrival. Face masks are needed in public areas. Details are on Saint Lucia’s website.

 

 

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Saint Martin and Sint Maarten

The French-Dutch island known as the Friendly Island officially reopened July 1, when the main airport, on the Dutch side, opened to commercial passenger flights. U.S. travelers were welcomed to the Dutch side as of August 1 and the border between the French and Dutch sides reopened to Americans on September 18. Information is on both the Saint Martin and Sint Maarten websites. Mask use in public is mandatory.

Sint Maarten requires new arrivals to complete an application through their Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS). The U.S. is considered a high-risk country, and therefore passengers from the U.S. need a negative PCR test (via nasopharyngeal swab only) taken within 120 hours of their flight’s arrival in Sint Maarten. You need to both upload the result to the EHAS and bring the original certification with you. Travel health insurance is also needed. Other requirements include providing an email address and monitoring yourself for symptoms for 14 days. Symptoms are checked at the airport and you may need an additional test at your expense; self-isolation at your hotel is mandatory until negative results are confirmed.

 

 

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The 32 islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were never officially closed, however, the country’s COVID rules have evolved during the pandemic. The U.S. is classified as a high-risk country and, as of October 14, travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test conducted no more than five days prior to arrival. You’ll be retested on arrival and must stay in an approved “transition/quarantine hotel” for five days (you’ll need to reserve it in advance and provide proof it’s fully paid). You’ll be re-tested between days four and five and, with the port health officer’s approval, can stay at approved accommodations for nine to 16 days. Monitoring and spot checks take place. See details at SVGs protocols updated on October 13. Details are on the health department’s website.

 

 

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Serbia

Serbia is known for its excellent café culture, spas, bustling capital Belgrade, and one of the prettiest spots on the Danube, near the town of Golubac. Serbia opened for international tourists on May 22, with the same rules as existed pre-pandemic (U.S. travelers don’t need a visa). While initially, negative COVID test results weren’t required, travelers from four countries currently need to provide a negative PCR test: Bulgaria, Croatia, Northern Macedonia, and Romania. Check to see if other countries are added. Masks are mandatory, indoors and outdoors, in public and there’s a fine for non-compliance. Serbia updates its COVID information, including new cases and testing during the past 24 hours, on its main COVID website. Curious about Serbia? Check out this mysterious 2,000-year-old archaeological find in Kostolac.

 

 

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Tanzania

According to reports, Tanzania was one of the first countries to reopen to tourism. As of August 1, a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of boarding and completing a health information form is required. Tanzania has temperature checks upon entry and asks that everyone wear masks. The government issued standard operating procedures for the tourism industry.

 

 

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Turkey

Flights between Turkey and the U.S. were allowed again as of mid-June, and Turkey is open to travelers of all nationalities. COVID symptoms are checked on arrival and information to allow contact tracing must be provided. Passengers may be tested for COVID and may be quarantined if they test positive. Face masks are required in public with fines in place for non-compliance. As before the pandemic, advance application for e-visas is required for U.S. passport holders. Turkey’s famous hammams are open, with new measures like physical distancing and face masks.

 

 

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Turks and Caicos

Private and commercial flights to Turks and Caicos’ main Providenciales Airport from the U.S., Europe, and Canada were allowed as of July 22.  COVID rules are detailed on VisitTCI.com and include applying for travel authorization via the TCI Assured portal. Travelers need a negative PCR test taken within five days of travel and travel health insurance. Face masks are required in public until at least December 31, with exceptions such as when physically distanced on the beach. Turks and Caicos has about 40 different islands, including eight main islands. Most U.S. visitors fly to the island of Providenciales, which has one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Grace Bay Beach. Beachfront accommodations there include Ocean Club Resorts.

 

 

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Uganda

Uganda opened on October 1 and, like Rwanda, has special provisions to protect its mountain gorillas. For example, trekkers need to have two masks, get checked for fever, and the distance humans must stay away from the endangered animals is now 32 feet, up from 23. Entry into Uganda requires certification of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival; a negative test is also required to board departing flights. Uganda continues to require a visa and certification of yellow fever vaccination.

 

 

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United Arab Emirates

For American travelers, entry rules for the UAE vary on which emirate you’re traveling to and on your state of residence. Note that not all emirates are issuing tourist visas yet; Dubai is and Abu Dhabi is under certain circumstances. Most tourists need a negative PCR test taken 96 hours prior to departure—bring the original copy, on paper, in English or Arabic. However, to visit Dubai some Americans (currently residents of California, Florida, and Texas) also need a second COVID test on arrival and must quarantine until the results are clear. The UAE website provides details.

 

 

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The United Kingdom

The U.K.’s borders are open, however, as of June 8, most people—including Americans— arriving into the U.K. must self-isolate (length of time depends on travel route). New arrivals are also required to provide border officials with contact details and the address of where they will spend their isolation period.

Each of the four U.K. countries has a green “travel corridor” list—people arriving from countries on the list are exempt from the quarantine period. Scotland’s and Wales’ lists are similar to, but not identical to, England’s. As of July 10, Northern Ireland uses the same list as England. The lists are updated frequently with countries added and removed, however, the U.S. has never been on an exempt list. A quarantine-free travel corridor is under discussion between New York City and London. Details are explained on Gov.UK’s COVID website.

Many parts of the U.K., including the whole of England, are under lockdown conditions in November. Restrictions apply to visitors as well as to U.K. residents (England’s national restrictions are in effect from November 5 to December 2, for example). Hotels are meant only for people traveling for essential purposes, not for tourists.

 

 

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U.S. Virgin Islands

Americans were always able to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands’ three islands. However, until June 1, visits were restricted for business purposes rather than for tourism and a 14-day quarantine was required. As of June 1, Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas are all open, although with the same restrictions that apply to the mainland United States (i.e. no entry to foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, Europe, the U.K., Ireland, and Brazil within the previous 14 days). As of September 19, a negative COVID test taken within five days of commencement of travel is required. Travelers are also allowed to submit a positive test for antibodies that is less than four months old. Travelers need to complete a Travel Screening Portal form five days before their trip. See details on Visit USVI‘s website. Wearing masks in public is required.

 

 

9 Comments
G
GregoryAlmatur November 6, 2020

There is also a small chance that few states in USA (Illinois, New York) will be alowed to send a direct flights to Poland and Central Europe. Decision will be taken by November 10th.

B
bcshelby1786 November 5, 2020

...well so far, Croatia, Ireland and Panama are the only ones that sound reasonable (considring retirement aborad).

A number of the others either are dealing with political stability issues, are are heading or have headed to the right, have questionable alliances, a few have authoritarian governments, and the UK is just bloody too expesnive. 

I
ihc77 November 5, 2020

Thanks for this list of 52!

Some additional on the African continent (and its coastal islands) that have also reopened include:

Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Chad
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ethiopia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Liberia
Mauritania
Nigeria
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Togo
Tunisia
Zambia
Zimbabwe 

J

I'm glad you are mentioning Puerto Rico and the USVI's.  Being part of the US it's a win-win as no pasport required and visitors are both getting a great Caribbean experience and helping these struggling tourism based economies.

P
pickle59 July 1, 2020

I am actually shocked that Americans can travel anywhere with Covid running rampant in the country.