Where Can Americans Travel Right Now?
By Katherine LaGrave @ Afar.com | Oct. 5 2020
With all of the rules and regulations, figuring out where Americans can travel at the moment is no easy task—so we’ve done the work for you. Here are the countries that are open to U.S. travelers right now.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update as the world changes. For the latest information on traveling during the coronavirus outbreak, visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
The European Union has barred U.S. travelers, and Canada and Mexico have closed their land borders until at least October 21: It’s understandable, then, that with all of the rules and restrictions about which countries allow what, one of the biggest questions on American travelers’ minds is where can I go, if anywhere?
On August 6, the U.S. lifted its global coronavirus travel advisory, which had been in place since March and recommended U.S. citizens avoid all international travel due to the global coronavirus pandemic. In a press release about the decision, the U.S. State Department said it would be “returning to our previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice (with levels from 1-4 depending on country-specific conditions), in order to give travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions.” The decision to lift the sweeping travel advisory was made with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the most up-to-date country-specific advisories are listed on the State Department website.
As AFAR’s Michelle Baran reports, State Department travel advisories are recommendations, and “travelers are not required to abide by them.” Still, they’re worth paying attention to, as this government-backed advice can affect everything from travel insurance policies to destinations travel companies will decide to tour.
While the following countries are open to U.S. travelers, it’s worth doing your homework and reading up on the advisories and rules before booking, and asking the following questions:
Are the activities and services I’m interested in available?
Do the hotels have any new cleaning protocols?
Is there a country-wide curfew that will prevent me from experiencing what I want to?
Is there any political instability that could disrupt my trip?
Will I be tested for COVID-19 at the airport or have to quarantine when I arrive?
How has this country handled COVID-19 spikes in the past?
Do I have travel insurance that will cover me if I cancel or get sick while on vacation?
Has the travel advisory changed recently?
As of October 5, Americans are allowed to travel to these countries:
Albania Level 3: Reconsider Travel
On June 15, Albania opened its land borders and commercial airports to international travel. Although travelers do not have to show a negative COVID test upon arrival, they should expect heightened screening and quarantine measures, per the U.S. Embassy in Albania. Read more about the rules for visiting Albania.
Anguilla Level 3: Reconsider Travel
As of August 21, travelers can pre-register to visit Anguilla via the Anguilla Tourist Board’s website. To be eligible for travel, among other things, visitors will be asked to fill out their home address and proposed travel dates, and submit negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results taken within three to five days prior to arrival. Though those from low-risk countries will be given preference, travelers from high-risk countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Read more about Anguilla’s approval process for visitors.
Antigua and Barbuda Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Antigua has been welcoming American travelers since the beginning of June. To be allowed into the country, all visitors will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test. Read more about Antigua and Barbuda’s rules for entry.
Armenia Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Travelers entering Armenia must quarantine for 14 days or agree to take a COVID-19 test at one of the approved testing labs. Read more about the rules for traveling to Armenia.
Aruba Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Aruba opened to U.S. travelers on July 10, but those residing in 24 U.S. states—including California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin—cannot travel to Aruba without proof of a negative PCR test. Read more about Aruba’s health requirements.
Bahamas Level 4: Do Not Travel
After opening (and then closing) to Americans in July, the Bahamas is once again open to travelers from the United States—with some fine print. All travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test and quarantine for two weeks upon arrival in the country. Read more about the Bahamas’ rules for entry.
Barbados Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Barbados reopened its international airport to commercial flights on July 12, and as of August 5, has been enforcing new travel protocols for all arriving visitors: All travelers must submit an Embarkation/Disembarkation form at travelform.gov.bb 24 hours prior to departure, wear face masks at the airport, and undergo a health screening upon arrival. Read more about Barbados’s COVID travel guidelines.
Belarus Level 3: Reconsider Travel
U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Belarus, and no negative COVID test is required. According to the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, there are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry. Read more about traveling to Belarus.
Belize Level 4: Do Not Travel
On October 1, Belize officially reopened to international visitors for leisure travel for the first time since late March. All inbound travelers must provide proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test results within 72 hours of arrival and have reservations at hotels that have been approved by Belize’s new Safe Corridor program. Read more about Belize’s rules for entry.
Bermuda Level 3: Reconsider Travel
As of July 1, Bermuda has been open to international travelers. Visitors will need to be tested at least twice for COVID-19: once no more than five days before departing for the country and another upon arrival. Read more about Bermuda’s rules.
Cambodia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
U.S. citizens are permitted to enter Cambodia, but the rules are myriad: In addition to presenting a valid visa, travelers must pay a $2,000 deposit upon arrival for mandatory COVID-19 testing and potential treatment. They must also show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours upon landing and undergo another test at arrival, which they pay for themselves. Read more about Cambodia’s rules for travelers entering the country.
Costa Rica Level 4: Do Not Travel
On September 1, Costa Rica began allowing travelers from certain states in the United States to fly into the country. Travelers from the following states are allowed: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Virgina, Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, Wyoming, California, and Washington, D.C. Travelers must provide a driver’s license or a state I.D. as proof that they live in one of the authorized states, as well as a negative COVID-19 test result. Read more about traveling to Costa Rica.
Croatia Level 3: Reconsider Travel
As we’ve reported, the European Union has said it will not allow U.S. travelers. But according to the fine print, countries within the EU can decide to ignore the recommendation—and Croatia has done just that. Visitors do not have to quarantine but do have to present confirmation of accommodation. Read more about Croatia’s rules for traveling to the country.
Dominica Level 3: Reconsider Travel
As of August 7, Dominica is open to all international travelers—with stipulations in place: Before departing, all travelers must submit a health questionnaire online at domcovid.19.dominica.gov.dm at least 24 hours before arrival along with negative PCR test results recorded 24–72 hours prior to arrival. Once in Dominica, travelers will also need to undergo a health assessment, including a temperature check and a rapid test screening. Read more about Dominica’s rules for visiting.
Dominican Republic Level 4: Do Not Travel
Visitors to the Dominican Republic must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no later than five days before arrival. Passengers arriving in the Dominican Republic will also have their temperature taken as they disembark the plane, and anyone with a temperature higher than 100.6 degrees Fahrenheit will be given a COVID test. Passengers must also fill out a Traveler’s Health Affadavit. Read more about the Dominican Republic’s rules for entry.
Ecuador Level 3: Reconsider Travel
To avoid quarantine, U.S. travelers to Ecuador must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than ten days before entering the country. To visit the Galápagos, travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 96 hours of entry into the province. Read more about traveling to Ecuador.
Egypt Level 4: Do Not Travel
In July, Egypt reopened major tourist sites, and as of August 15, travelers are allowed in the country with proof of a negative COVID test taken no later than 72 hours before arrival. Arriving travelers must also show proof of health insurance, according to the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. Read more about Egypt’s rules and restrictions for travelers.
Ethiopia Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Upon arrival in Ethiopia, U.S. citizens must present a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 120 hours (five days). They must also quarantine for 14 days. Read more about guidelines for visiting Ethiopia.
French Polynesia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Comprising 118 islands, including Tahiti and Bora Bora, French Polynesia is a popular destination in the South Pacific. As of July 15, French Polynesia has reopened to travelers from all countries. Travelers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no later than 72 hours before their flight. They must also register with the country’s Electronic Travel Information System and take another test four days after their arrival. Read more about traveling to French Polynesia.
Ghana Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Passengers arriving in Ghana must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no later than 72 hours before departure. Upon arrival, travelers must also take a second COVID-19 test; those who test negative will be able to enter the country with no quarantine requirement. Read more about Ghana’s rules for entry.
Grenada Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
U.S. travelers must submit a negative COVID-19 test, taken within seven days of travel. They must also have a minimum four-day reservation at an approved Pure Safe accomodation “for observation and quarantine” and download a contact tracing app. Read more about Grenada’s rules for travel.
Haiti Level 4: Do Not Travel
All passengers arriving in Haiti must quarantine for 14 days; the Ministry of Public Health will check in with passengers three times after arrival. Read more about Haiti’s rules for visiting.
Honduras Level 4: Do Not Travel
Those traveling to Honduras must show a negative COVID-19 test to be allowed entry into the country. Anyone with symptoms may be required to quarantine. Read more about traveling to Honduras.
Ireland Level 3: Reconsider Travel
All visitors to Ireland are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Though there are no restrictions on flights from the United States to Ireland, the Irish government advises against “all non-essential foreign travel” and that “travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.” Read more about Ireland’s rules for travelers.
Jamaica Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Jamaica has welcomed international travelers back since June 15. Arriving visitors will be subject to temperature screenings and health checks at the airport. Read more about Jamaica’s guidelines for travelers.
Kenya Level 3: Reconsider Travel
American travelers are allowed into Kenya, but they must produce a negative COVID test taken no later than 96 hours before arrival. They must also not have a temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or have a persistent cough or difficulty breathing. Read more about Kenya’s rules for entry.
Maldives Level 3: Reconsider Travel
As of July 15, this island country in the Indian Ocean has been open to international tourism. There are no testing or quarantine requirements, but guests are only allowed on “resort” islands and must have a stay confirmed with one. See a list of approved tourist establishments.
Mexico Level 4: Do Not Travel
Land borders between Mexico and the U.S. are technically closed until October 21, but American travelers have been allowed to arrive by plane. Mexican states have different timelines for reopening, so be sure to check which ones are open to nonessential—that is, leisure—travel. (The state of Quintana Roo and Los Cabos are on that list.) Read more about Mexico’s travel restrictions.
Montenegro Level 3: Reconsider Travel
U.S. citizens are able to enter Montenegro with proof of a negative COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours. Fifteen days prior to arrival, travelers must also not have stopped in or transited through countries that are not permitted to enter Montenegro. Read more about travel to Montenegro.
Namibia Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. citizens may visit Namibia under the Tourism Revival Initiative. Those entering as tourists must present a negative COVID-19 test result, valid for 72 hours before boarding their flight to Namibia. Travelers do not have to quarantine, but must take a COVID test on the fifth day of their stay in the country, and be available on the seventh day to receive the results of their COVID-19 test. Read more about Namibia’s guidelines for visitors.
Rwanda Level 3: Reconsider Travel
As of August 1, Rwanda has been open to American travelers. Anyone arriving in the country must present a negative COVID-19 test, “taken within 72 hours of arriving in Rwanda,” and must undergo a second COVID test upon arrival, with “results delivered within 8-24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost.” Read more about Rwanda’s rules for entry.
St. Bart’s Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Visitors have been welcome in St. Bart’s since June 22. Travelers are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test, obtained at least 72 hours before arrival. Read more about St. Bart’s guidelines for travelers.
St. Lucia Level 3: Reconsider Travel
As of early July, St. Lucia reopened to American travelers. Visitors are required to show a negative COVID-19 test and should expect to undergo temperature checks. Read more about St. Lucia’s rules for visiting.
St. Maarten/St. Martin Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Visitors arriving from the United States must complete a self health declaration form online. All travelers arriving from outside the Caribbean will also need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, except for children ages 10 and under. Read more about the travel entry requirements to St. Maarten/St. Martin.
Serbia Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Serbia dropped all of its COVID-19 entry restrictions earlier this year, but it warns that new measures can be adopted at any time. Read more about Serbia’s guidelines for visiting.
South Korea Level 3: Reconsider Travel
U.S. citizens traveling to South Korea under the 90-day visa-waiver program do not need a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country, but will be tested upon arrival in South Korea. All visitors to Korea are subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own expense. Read more about the rules for travel to South Korea.
Tanzania Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Tanzania lifted all entry requirements on June 1, and travelers are required to fill out a Health Surveillance Form to submit to Port Authority officials. All visitors can expect “intensive” screening, according to the government. Read more about Tanzania’s travel guidelines.
Turkey Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Turkey has been welcoming international travelers since June 12. Visitors will be subject to thermal screening upon arrival, and anyone with a high temperature may be subject to more testing. Read more about Turkey’s rules for visiting.
Turks and Caicos Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Since July 22, Turks and Caicos has been open to international visitors. To be allowed to enter the country, all international travelers (visitors and residents) must have preauthorization through the Turks and Caicos “TCI Assured Portal.” The following information must be submitted: a negative COVID-19 test, taken within five days of arrival in Turks and Caicos; medical insurance that covers the cost of quarantine or local care; a completed online health screening. Read more about the travel preauthorization requirements for Turks and Caicos.
United Arab Emirates Level 3: Reconsider Travel
On July 7, Dubai began welcoming back foreign travelers. Travelers must take a COVID-19 test within 96 hours of their flight and show their airline a negative result, or they will be tested on arrival and required to isolate while awaiting the results. Read more about Dubai’s guidelines for travel.
United Kingdom Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Anyone arriving from the United States must quarantine for 14 days. Those who fail to do so can be fined up to £1,000 (or approximately US$1,270). Read more about the rules for travel to the United Kingdom.
Zambia Level 3: Reconsider Travel
All travelers entering Zambia must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 14 days of arrival in the country. Symptomatic individuals will also be tested at airports. U.S. citizens must also quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. Read more about Zambia’s rules for entry.
Read the complete article here