Where Can I Go Right Now?
Lots countries currently allow U.S. citizens to visit - some with restrictions.
Since March 2020, the global travel landscape has found its self on ever-shifting sands that are challenging to navigate both physically and emotionally. Covid-19 has changed the way we travel - some changes may be temporary, others more permanent - and has made considerations of where, when and how we go more complicated than ever before. Wouldn't you agree?
Thanks to responsible behavior and vaccines, some feel more stability and a greater understanding of the pandemic’s impact. And therefore, the world is tentatively beginning to reopen. I fully expect fluctuations in regulations and conditionals all spring and summer. In the United States, widespread vaccination should be available by July, bringing hope for increased travels with continued caution, protocols and testing. Naturally, all of this can change and you have lots of questions!
Traveling in the time of Covid requires thoughtful consideration of your needs and of those around you. It is a deeply personal decision. I know many are waiting until they have had vaccines or until immunization is more widespread to travel, while others feel more comfortable traveling now, but closer to home. Because of my own recent traveling experiences, I firmly believe that responsible travel is possible. I define that as both host and guest acting responsibly and compassionately by following recommended guidelines for PPE and testing protocols.
Fully 10 percent of the world’s GDP comes from tourism, which employs millions of people. It is a viable - and often times overlooked - economic lifeline for vulnerable communities and is evolving as I type into an industry that embraces instead of deprioritizes environmental and heritage preservation.
This list is in alphabetical order:
Anguilla - U.S. citizens are permitted to enter Anguilla only after applying for pre-travel authorization and providing proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than five days before travel. Travelers must also provide proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs, doctor visits, prescriptions, air ambulance and hospitalization fees. Once on the island, visitors must take two more tests – one upon arrival and one on day 10. They also must quarantine in a government-approved facility for 14 days. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy in Anguilla website.
Antigua and Barbuda - Access to this Caribbean gem is contingent on a negative coronavirus test taken no more than seven days prior to arrival at the airport. American travelers will be subject to temperature checks and health screenings before being admitted into Antigua and Barbuda, no matter if they're coming from a plane, a cruise ship or another mode of transportation. Find more specific information on the country's tourism website.
Aruba - According to its website, which is updated frequently with information on travel restrictions, Aruba is welcoming U.S. vacationers to the island. However, entrance hinges on travelers' completion of an online embarkation/disembarkation card and a health assessment, plus a negative coronavirus test (for everyone 15 and older) taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers can get tested before arrival, upon arrival or both for extra precaution. Note that depending on what state you call home, you may be subject to more testing; for example, travelers from California are seen as higher risk than those from South Dakota. All U.S. travelers also must purchase Aruba Visitor Insurance to ensure they are covered if health issues arise during their stay. This insurance cost varies depending on each traveler's age and length of stay; to find out how much it costs, check out the Aruba Visitor Insurance calculator.
The Bahamas - A popular tourist destination among stateside citizens, the Bahamas are welcoming American visitors to the picturesque islands. Travelers must complete a Travel Health Visa application and provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than five days before departure. Visitors are also required to opt-in to health insurance that will cover them for the entirety of their stay (the cost of which is included in the Travel Health Visa application fee). While visitors are no longer required to vacation in place, they must comply with the islands’ health measures. Anyone planning to stay on the island for more than five days must take a rapid antigen test. Additionally, those who travel around the Bahamas without wearing face coverings will be subject to fines. Learn more about traveling details on the tourism website.
Barbados - As long as travelers complete a travel form online no less than 24 hours before their flight and provide a negative coronavirus test result taken within 72 hours of their entrance to the island, they can vacation in this Caribbean paradise. Test results will be screened for validity upon arrival in Barbados, and some passengers may be subject to additional rapid tests. U.S. citizens are then required to quarantine either at an approved hotel at their own expense or at a government facility for free. Travelers from medium- or high-risk countries (which includes the U.S.) must be retested five days after being on the island; if they have another negative result, they will then be permitted to move around the island freely. However, visitors should note there are mandatory mask policies in all public spaces as well as a daily curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Visit the Barbados website for more information regarding traveling during the pandemic.
Belize - American travelers will be required to present a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure to Belize. (Rapid antigen tests taken no more than 48 hours before arrival are also accepted.) If you don’t present a negative test, you’ll have to front a $50 fee and take a test upon arrival. A negative test means visitors can move freely around the country. U.S. visitors must also complete health forms on the Belize Health App to gain entry into the country. For more information, visit the Belize tourism website or the U.S. Embassy in Belize website.
Bermuda - This Atlantic paradise welcomes Americans to its pristine beaches as long as the travelers present negative results from a COVID-19 test taken no more than five days before departure from the U.S. Travelers will be tested again upon arrival and be forced to quarantine until negative results come back (normally takes 24 hours). Travelers will also be required to submit a travel authorization form and a $75 fee to be approved for entrance to Bermuda. Throughout the first 14 days of their stay, visitors must wear a traveler wristband; if they remove the wristband, they can face fines. Visit the U.S. Consulate in Bermuda website for additional information. The Bermuda tourism board also has a website that outlines how to travel safely and responsibly to the island.
Botswana - Americans who provide proof of negative coronavirus test results taken no more than 72 hours before departure can travel to Botswana. Those who fail to provide test results or those who show coronavirus symptoms will be forced to quarantine for 14 days at their own expense. Another test will be distributed on the 10th day. Visitors should expect some restrictions on interstate travel between the country's different zones. For more information visit the country’s U.S. Embassy website.
Chile - U.S. citizens can travel to Chile as long as they provide a completed “Affidavit of Travelers” electronic form, negative results from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel and proof of insurance coverage that will take care of any coronavirus-related health issues. Visitors should expect health screening measures in airports and differing quarantine requirements around the country. Americans will also have to complete a self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Chile, unless they arrive after Dec. 7. Visitors should expect health screening measures in airports, too. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Chile website.
Colombia - U.S. citizens can currently travel to Colombia only with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours before departure. However, travelers will have to complete an immigration form, and the U.S. Embassy in Colombia website also states travelers should be prepared for further health screening upon arrival.
Costa Rica - This Central American country, favored by Americans for its lush landscape and pristine beaches, will welcome all U.S. citizens beginning Nov. 1. (Previously, only residents of select states were allowed entry.) Costa Rica no longer requires visitors to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before their visit. However, visitors are required to purchase medical insurance to cover any possible coronavirus-related costs they may incur and complete health pass forms, according to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica website. Additional details are available on Costa Rica's tourism board website as well.
Curaçao - Americans are permitted to enter Curacao as long as they show negative test results taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers must also have insurance and complete an online immigration card as well as a Health Department passenger locator card before traveling. Keep in mind, a curfew is in pace between 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. Additional details are available on the U.S. Embassy in Curacao website.
Dominica - Americans are allowed to visit Dominica if they answer a health questionnaire and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Upon arrival in Dominica, travelers from the U.S. will be subject to a rapid test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Dominica website. Visitors who test negative can proceed on to immigration and customs; those who test positive or exhibit a fever must take a PCR test and stay in a mandatory quarantine in a government facility or hotel (at their expense) until results are returned. If the PCR test is positive, travelers must stay quarantined until released by authorized health officials. Additional info on health and safety protocols for travelers coming from high-risk countries, such as the United States, is available here.
Dominican Republic - American travelers are permitted to visit this island nation, whose popular tourism spots include Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, with few restrictions. While the country doesn't require a negative coronavirus test before visiting, travelers will be chosen at random for coronavirus tests upon arrival at the port of entry. Health screening procedures, such as temperature checks, are also in place. Travelers must also state they haven’t experienced any COVID-related symptoms in the last 72 hours and provide contact details for the next 30 days in the form of a Traveler’s Health Affidavit. Visitors should know there is a strict 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on weekdays and a 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on Saturdays and Sundays. The latest visitor information is available on the tourism board's website.
Ecuador - American travelers visiting Ecuador must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days of their arrival. Those who do not present a negative test must take a test upon arrival and are required to quarantine at an approved place of residence in Ecuador. If the test is negative, travelers can end their quarantine; if it is positive, they will continue quarantine and receive any necessary healthcare. Learn more about protocols in Ecuador at the U.S. Embassy website.
Ghana - Americans looking to travel to Ghana must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before leaving for their trip. Additional health screenings are in place upon arrival in Ghana, and all arriving passengers must take another rapid COVID-19 test for $150 to fully enter the country (paid for at their own expense). Learn more about what your trip to Ghana will look like on the U.S. Embassy website.
Grenada - According to its entry protocol website, Grenada is allowing the arrival of U.S. residents as long as any travelers over the age of 5 present proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of travel. All visitors must also apply for a Pure Safe Travel Certificate online to enter the country. Some of the requirements to obtain this certificate include staying at an approved hotelfor a minimum of seven nights. (Travelers whose stays are less than five days must remain at their accommodations for the duration of their trip.) Visitors will be tested again on the fifth day of their trip, which would determine whether they are free to move around Grenada.
Jamaica - Anyone over the age of 12 traveling to Jamaica from the U.S. will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from an accredited medical lab (can be a PCR test, a Nucleic Acid Amplification test, an RNA or molecular test, or an antigen test). A travel authorization application to enter the country is also required for American visitors and must be completed no more than five days before arrival, as stated on the tourism board website.
Kenya - As long as they can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of arriving in the country and arrive without a fever or cough, trouble breathing and flu-like symptons, Americans can travel to Kenya for touristic purposes. According to the embassy website, there are health screenings, including temperature checks, in place at the Kenyan airports as well.
Maldives - Many resorts and hotels have reopened in the Maldives, and American travelers can experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation here after providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers will have to show proof of paid accommodation in a tourist establishment to enter. If you plan to venture farther than the greater Malé area, you can only do so after a 10-day quarantine period. Travelers will have to show proof of paid accommodation in a tourist establishment to enter. Additionally, anyone exhibiting symptoms upon arrival will be tested and, if positive, be required to isolate. All others are free to explore with minimal restrictions, according to the country's tourism board updates page.
Malta - This picturesque Mediterranean island is a travel option for Americans who adhere to strict guidelines prior to travel. Travel directly from the United States is banned, but if U.S. tourists quarantine in a corridor country, such as Croatia or Turkey, for 14 days, they can then enter Malta. Check out the list of corridor countries and specific travel guidelines on the embassy website. Of course, there are screening measures in place upon arriving on the island as well.
Mexico - Americans can embark on a vacation in Mexico without taking a COVID-19 test prior to traveling. While travel across the land border between the U.S. and Mexico remains limited to essential trips, nonessential travel has resumed via air. Travelers will be subject to health screenings upon arrival and should note there are some cities around the country that have curfews and other health restrictions in place. Additionally, cases are on the rise in some Mexico states, so be sure to travel with caution. Learn more about traveling while in Mexico at the embassy website.
Montenegro - A negative COVID-19 test or a coronavirus antibody test taken no more than 72 prior to arrival is required for Americans visiting Montenegro. Visitors should be careful not to stop in any of the banned countries before arriving in Montenegro, though. They should also be aware of the daily curfew in place from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m., as well as the restrictions on dining and vacation rentals. Find the restricted countries on the Montenegro embassy's website.
Namibia - Tourists entering Namibia must provide a negative COVID-19 test performed no more than 72 hours before their initial flight, according to the embassy website. There are additional health screenings in place at airports but no restrictions on travel within the country once a tourist has passed all these tests.
Panama - This sunny Central American nation doesn't place specific restrictions on travel from any country, according to the tourism website. However, visitors must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 48 hours of their trip. If the test is expired, travelers will be subject to further testing at the airport. Note that upon arrival, there are additional health screening measures in place, including temperature checks, and a Ministry of Health worker can perform random rapid tests on any traveler.
Peru - Americans can enter Peru as long as they provide results of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 before departure to this South American nation. Health screenings are also in place at airports. For more information, visit the embassy website.
Puerto Rico - Travelers who are asymptomatic, take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in Puerto Ricoand offer proof of a negative result, and submit a completed Travel Declaration Form are free to explore the island, according to the tourism board website. However, travelers will have to follow rules in public spaces regarding social distancing and mask-wearing. There is also a curfew in place from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., except for emergencies.
Rwanda - While American tourists are allowed to visit Rwanda, the country's government goes to great lengths to reduce the spread of coronavirus from tourism, according to the embassy website. First, tourists must present negative coronavirus test results taken within 120 hours of their trip, and they must fill out a Passenger Locator Form, which details their passport information and travel plan. Upon arrival, Americans will partake in health screenings at their port of entry, and will then travel to a hotel or residence of their choice as they await the results of a second COVID-19 test (paid at their own expense). Self-isolation is required until the results of this second test prove to be negative. Our outfitters and suppliers in Rwanda will manage these steps for our clients.
Seychelles - This pristine group of islands off the coast of Africa has opened its doors to all travelers who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (as long as at least two weeks have passed since the second dose). Travelers must show proof of vaccination as well as proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. Visit the Seychelles tourism board website for more information.
St. Lucia - Armed with a negative coronavirus test taken no more than a week before their trip to St. Lucia, Americans can visit this picturesque island nation. Before arrival, travelers will have to disclose health information in a travel registration form and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than seven days before arrival in St. Lucia. The negative test result must be emailed ahead of time before traveling, and you should print and carry with you: copies of the test result, the travel authorization letter and the email response received from submitting the travel authorization form. Travelers must also adhere to the medical screening procedures at the country's airport and agree to stay in place at an approved facility for at least 14 days or the duration of their vacation. Visit the embassy website or the tourism board website before traveling to learn more specifics.
St Maarten - This Caribbean nation allows Americans to visit as long as they provide negative test results taken no more than 120 hours prior to departure. In addition, travelers must fill out a mandatory health authorization application prior to departure. St. Maarten also requires travelers to have health insurance coverage that will cover COVID-19 related expenses. Find more details on the country’s entrance website, which is frequently updated with the most recent travel entry requirements.
St Vincent and the Grenadines - Americans looking to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be subject to many coronavirus tests, according to the embassy website. The first must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the island nation. Another test will be administered upon arrival and, no matter the results, a five-day quarantine period is mandatory. Visitors must take another negative test approximately four to five days after arrival before continuing to vacation in place for the next 10 days in an approved location.
Tanzania - Commercial flights are operating to and from Tanzania. To enter Tanzania, passengers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, performed within the 72 hours prior to boarding their flight. Passengers should fill in Health Surveillance Form in the plane, or any other transport means and submit them to Port Health authorities upon arrival. 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 quarantine at a government-designated facility at your own expense. Travellers entering the country should be aware of possible health risks posed by inadequate protocols and facilities within the quarantine locations. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. The Government of Tanzania is collecting tracking information for all international passengers arriving into Tanzania. There are no restrictions on public gatherings or services. Some hotels, bars and restaurants remain closed for the time being. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania website before planning a trip here.
Turks & Caicos - A popular vacation spot among Americans, Turks and Caicos allows visitors from the states as long as those who are older than 10 provide negative coronavirus test results taken no more than five days before arrival. Travelers also must share health information in the form of a questionnaire prior to arrival. Learn more about COVID-19 in Turks and Caicos on the country's tourism website.
U.S. Virgin Islands - Americans can visit this U.S. territory in the Caribbean after showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within five days of travel and providing their travel authorization certificate from the USVI Travel Screening Portal. Tests are required for all travelers 5 and older. Upon arrival, all visitors will have their temperature taken and must complete a traveler screening questionnaire. Visit this website for more information on traveling here.
Zambia - Zambia now allows all international travelers to enter the country. Those visiting from America need to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken at least 14 days before arrival. If you exhibit coronavirus symptoms upon arrival, you'll be subject to a 14-day quarantine period in a government-appointed area. Learn more about travel to Zambia on the embassy website.
The United States! - Keep in mind, you don't need to leave the country to have a memorable vacation. While international destinations are tempting, there are plenty of enjoyable places to safely vacation around the U.S. Trade the Maldives for Maui, Hawaii, the Swiss Alps for Vail, Colorado, or an African safari for an adrenaline-filled Jeep ride through the desert of Sedona, Arizona. You can even find many lesser-known destinations around the country – such as St. Augustine, Florida; Leavenworth, Washington; or Holland, Michigan – that feel more like Europe than America.
Choosing a domestic vacation has its perks, especially during a pandemic. You won't have to worry about visa restrictions, issues with entry or last-minute country closures ruining your trip. (Though note some states are imposing their own travel restrictions and quarantine rules.) Not to mention, you might find a little slice of paradise close to home that you can continue to visit.
You can see the entire list at U.S. News & World Report. Published February 22, 2021.
Travel + C19 FAQ can be found in the highlights of my instagram @nashtravelmgmt.
Contact us to start a trip or simply to find out how we can work together.
Olivia loves hotels and is passionate about the transformative power of travel. She started Nash Travel Management because her goal is to make your bucket list come alive! She is one of fewer than 250 agents worldwide who is a certified Virtuoso Wanderlist Advisor and is a charter member of Virtuoso's Sustainability Community. Olivia holds degrees from The Ohio State University, New York University and an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from Vanderbilt University. She, her husband, and two daughters reside in Nashville.