Here's Where You Can Travel Internationally Right Now
I know, I know, with summer around the corner and vaccinations ramping up, everyone is itching to travel again. Even as more vacationers are getting vaccinated, there are still countries that are wary of foreign travelers as COVID-19 cases in the U.S. recently reached 31.6 million. If you are one of those people who is itching to travel and you've deemed traveling internationally a good idea, I've compiled a list of the countries that are open to tourists right now, as well as any specific details required to enter the country, like negative test results or vaccination cards.
This list is subject to change and will be updated regularly, and you can always find the latest up-to-date information on the U.S. Department of State website. Remember, certain countries will require travelers to adhere to certain guidelines like curfews or mask mandates, and violating those rules could involve fines or even jail time. If you need expert input regarding your travel decisions, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites provide risk assessments for each country listed below.
Expect a health screening, but there are no COVID-19 test requirements and a quarantine is not required to enter.
Anguilla
You can travel to Anguilla, but you have to be accepted first. There are COVID-19 testing requirements, entry fees, insurance, and mandatory quarantines depending on your vaccination status.
Antigua and Barbuda
Any traveler age 12+ must present a negative COVID-19-RT-PCR test within 7 days of the flight. Tourists are subject to monitoring by health officials.
Armenia
Armenia is open to U.S. travelers as long as you present a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in the country - or you can take a test at the airport for $40 USD and self-isolate at the airport until getting the result.
Aruba
Visitors 15+ must fill out a health assessment and have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. An embarkation and disembarkation card must be filled out and Aruba Visitors Insurance must be purchased.
The Bahamas
Visitors age 11+ must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than 5 days old before arriving. Once you have that negative result, you apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and opt in for the COVID-19 health insurance. You also have to take a rapid test on day 5, unless you're leaving before then.
Bangladesh
Tourists can travel to Bangladesh with a medical certificate in English stating that you've tested negative for COVID-19 (the test must be taken within 72 hours of travel). But you have to "home quarantine" for 14 days regardless of a negative test result.
Barbados
As of now, U.S. citizens can travel to Barbados after completing an online travel form 24 hours before leaving for the country. Once in the country, you must present a valid COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival, and you're required to take a rapid antigen test on arrival. Barbados is a high-risk country according to the U.S., and therefore you must still quarantine at an approved accommodation until you get a second test and negative result (a minimum of five nights) and you must wear an electronic tracking bracelet.
Belize
To enter, you must download the Belize Health App and input your personal information at least 72 hours before arriving. If you can prove you've been vaccinated at least two weeks before arrival (bring your vaccination card), you don't have to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test. If not, you need to have a test result within 96 hours of arrival, a rapid test within 48 hours of arrival, or you can be tested at the airport upon arrival for $50.
Bermuda
Any passenger traveling to the island age 10+ must apply for a $75 travel authorization per adult and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival that's been taken no more than five days before departure. You'll be tested and quarantined at the airport until the results arrive, and more tests are required on days 4, 9, and 14 of your trip.
Bolivia
Bolivia recently tightened its security measures, but Americans can still visit. Those 6+ must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, and you must quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on day seven.
Bonaire
Travelers must fill out an online declaration form and provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Visitors can enter with a negative COVID-19 PCR test that's been taken no more than 48 hours before the trip.
Botswana
Visitors can travel to Botswana with a negative COVID-19 PCR test from no more than 72 hours before departure - and if you don't provide those results or are asymptomatic, you will have to quarantine for two weeks at your own expense.
British Virgin Islands
Visitors must have a travel certificate to enter the British Virgin Islands, and there's a $175 entry fee. You must have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than five days prior to travel, and you'll get another test at the airport upon arrival and must quarantine while waiting for those results.
Colombia
Travelers arriving in Colombia must provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 96 hours before departing. You'll be tested upon arrival at the airport and will quarantine while waiting for a negative result - or you'll go into a mandatory quarantine for two weeks.
Costa Rica
Visitors from the United States must complete a health form, but you don't need to take a COVID-19 PCR test. You must have proof of travel medical insurance, though, which you can acquire in Costa Rica.
Côte d'Ivoire
Tourists must have a negative COVID-19 test result that's no more than five days old upon arrival, a travel declaration form must be filled out, and there's a fee that must be paid online. There is an encouragement to quarantine for 14 days, although that's not required.
Croatia
Americans can visit Croatia, but they have tightened their restrictions a bit - you must prove a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test that's no older than 48 hours old upon arrival. You can also take a test immediately upon arriving and self-isolate until getting a negative result. You also must have evidence of an accommodation paid in advance and in full (a reservation is not enough).
Curaçao
Visitors must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours of traveling, and they also must fill out a digital immigration card and passenger locator card. People from high-risk countries (which includes the United States) must take a rapid antigen test on day three of their visit, and a curfew that can affect tourist activities.
Dominica
This island is open to Americans who present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken 24-72 hours before arrival. Tourists must fill out an electronic immigration and Customs form 24 hours before traveling, and they must take a rapid test upon arrival. This is another country that the United States has deemed high-risk, so it's safe to expect further testing.
Dominican Republic
Passengers arriving in and departing from the Dominican Republic must fill out an electronic form. COVID-19 tests aren't required, although if you're showing symptoms, authorities may give breath tests. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism offers free viral antigen testing to all international visitors staying in hotels.
Ecuador
Travelers aged 3+ must show a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test taken within three days of arrival to avoid quarantining, or they can present a full vaccination card. Testing is available for anyone who doesn't arrive with a negative result, but they must quarantine while waiting for results.
Egypt
Travelers aged 5+ from the U.S. need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, and it should be no longer than 96 hours before departure. They must present paper copies of those results, no digital copies. Passengers may be asked to show proof of health insurance.
Ethiopia
Arriving U.S. citizens must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test before boarding their flight that's no more than 120 hours old, and there is a week-long quarantine.
Georgia
Fully vaccinated U.S. tourists can visit Georgia with documentation, and anyone who is not inoculated must complete an application form and show negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours. A passenger will need to get a follow-up test on the third day of the trip if not fully vaccinated.
Ghana
Ghana is open to travelers with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Any passenger arriving in the country must take a second test that costs $150 and have their temperature screened.
Grenada
The Caribbean island is welcoming tourists who have health insurance that covers COVID-19 illnesses, who present a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of departure, and who apply for travel authorization with the Ministry of Health. They'll be required to take a second test on day five of a trip to be allowed to move freely about - if not, they'll have to remain at their accommodation for the entirety of the vacation.
Guatemala
Anyone 10+ entering Guatemala must have one of the three: either a negative test result from a COVID-19 PCR test or antigen test taken 72 hours or less upon arrival, evidence of a COVID-19 vaccine completed at least two weeks before arrival, or evidence they've had COVID-19 and recovered in the past 3 months. There isn't a quarantine, but travelers must fill out an online health pass.
Honduras
Travelers to Honduras are permitted with a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or serology test, and they must fill out an online precheck form.
Iceland
U.S. travelers who can prove they're fully vaccinated or those with proof of contracting and recovering from COVID-19 can enter the country - that exempts visitors from testing and quarantine requirements.
Ireland
Visitors are allowed into Iceland, but with the restrictions in place, this may not be the dreamiest vacation. Anyone must fill out a passenger locator form (if you don't, there could be a fine or jail time involved). There also must be a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, and there's a mandatory two-week quarantine for all arriving passengers whether they've been vaccinated or not.
Jamaica
Jamaica requires tourists to fill out an online travel authorization form, and they may be tested upon arrival. Anyone arriving from the U.S. aged 12+ are required to upload negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test or antigen test within three days of the travel date.
Kenya
Kenya is open to U.S. travelers who present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival, and they must pass a health screening.
The Maldives
Tourists arriving in The Maldives who are aged 1+ must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 96 hours of arrival in the country, and there is no mandatory quarantine.
Malta
A tourist can transit to Malta through a "safe corridor country" that allows visitors from the United States after two weeks. For example, a traveler from the U.S. can stay for two weeks in Turkey or Ireland, and then they're eligible to enter Malta after filling out a Public Health Declaration and the Passenger Locator forms before departing.
Mexico
U.S. travelers can fly to Mexico without any testing requirements to enter. Do expect temperature checks and other health screenings upon arrival.
Montenegro
Americans can enter Montenegro if they meet any of the following requirements: having a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test that's no more than 72 hours old upon arrival, a positive test result for IgG antibodies not older than 30 days, or proof of a second vaccine dose received seven days ago or longer.
Morocco
Only Americans can enter this North African country - but it's recommended to fly direct from the United States to Morocco as the country has suspended flights from many other countries until at least May. You must show reservations with a hotel or travel agency, or you must be invited by a Moroccan company. You also must show a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure, and there are local curfews.
Namibia
Passengers must show a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test that's not older than 7 days before departure - and if the test presented is too old, you'll be tested and placed in quarantine at your own expense until results come in.
Nepal
U.S. citizens can visit Nepal with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than 72 hours old or proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Regardless, passengers will be tested again upon arrival and must quarantine until results come in. Proof of accommodations and of travel insurance that covers rescues and treatment is also necessary.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is open to tourists with a negative COVID-19 PCR or serology test - and there's no time frame as to how old the test must be.
North Macedonia
No test are required to visit North Macedonia, and there are no quarantine rules unless a passenger arrives through Africa. The airport does conduct thermal screenings.
Panama
Travelers must show a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken 48 hours or less before arriving in the country, and if test results are older than that cutoff, a passenger must take a rapid test at the airport. All travelers must fill out an online health affidavit.
Peru
Travelers from the United States aged 12+ must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, antigen test result, or a medical certificate of epidemiological discharge, all taken within 72 hours of departure. The two-week quarantine isn't required for passengers who present a negative test.
Rwanda
U.S. citizens visiting Rwanda must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, and every traveler must take a second test at the airport and quarantine until test results are received (typically within 24 hours). All national parks are open to tourists with a negative test result less than 72 hours old.
Senegal
Senegal is welcoming tourists aged 2+ who present an original negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's five or less days old - there's no quarantine.
Serbia
Serbia requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within the last 48 hours.
Seychelles
Travelers must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than 72 hours old before traveling to Seychelles, and passengers must have valid health insurance that covers COVID-19 related costs. Inoculation isn't required for entry and travelers must apply for a travel authorization.
Sint Marteen
To visit this autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, U.S. visitors must fill out a mandatory health authorization application and show a negative test result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 120 hours or less, or from an antigen test that's taken within 48 hours of departure. COVID-19 health insurance is also mandatory.
South Africa
South Africa recently reopened to tourists with a negative COVID-19 PCR or serology test result that's no more than 72 hours old - and it's important to note that the US embassy is getting reports of PCR test shortages and long result wait times for results that are required for the return flight to the United States.
South Korea
Visitors to South Korea must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of entering the country. There is also a two-week quarantine requirement even if a passenger shows a negative test or shows full vaccination status. There is also a health screening requirement and a self-diagnosis app must be downloaded for daily health reporting.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has recently opened back up to tourists with a negative COVID-19 test result, but travelers must stay for at least two weeks at an approved accommodation.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Travelers must fill out an authorization form before arriving in St. Kitts and Nevis and must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test that's no older than 72 hours before the trip. Every passenger must stay at an approved accommodation for the first week of the trip, and after day seven, travelers must take another test that's negative to allow freer movement about the country. For stays longer than two weeks, a third test is required.
St. Lucia
American citizens aged 5+ must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than five days old, and they must print and complete a travel registration form. Anyone visiting the country must show confirmed reservations at an approved accommodation for the entirety of the trip.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test that's no older than 72 hours, a pre-arrival form, and everyone will be retested upon arrival. The United States is considered a high-risk country, and therefore there is a mandatory two-week quarantine. The volcano there has also been erupting in recent days, and so evacuations are happening.
Tanzania
Tanzania is open to tourists who fill out a health surveillance form and who are willing to take a health screening at the airport. Some airlines may also require to have a negative COVID-19 test result.
Thailand
U.S. citizens must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than 72 hours old, and there's a mandatory 10 day quarantine.
Tunisia
Tunisia is open to U.S. citizens who complete an online questionnaire and show a negative COVID-19 PCR or serology test that's no more than 72 hours old. There is also a five day quarantine, followed by a second test.
Turkey
Turkey requires visitors aged 6+ to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than 72 hours old, and they must fill out an entry form. Expect to be screened for coronavirus symptoms.
Turks and Caicos
Visitors aged 10+ have to fill out an authorization form and show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no older than five days. Anyone entering the country must fill out an online health questionnaire and prove travel medical insurance that covers any COVID-19-related costs.
Uganda
Uganda is open to tourists who show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than 120 hours old.
United Arab Emirates
Tourists must acquire a visa issued at either the Abu Dhabi airport or Dubai airport. Travelers aged 12+ must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than 96 hours old, and even with that negative test, there's still a quarantine and follow-up test.
United Kingdom
Technically speaking, U.S. citizens can travel to the United Kingdom, but restrictions are strict and change often based on variant news. It's recommended to get the most up-to-date information from the U.S. Embassy before making any plans to visit the UK. If plans move forward, a passenger must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that's no more than 72 hours old, fill out a declaration form, and there is a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
Zambia
Zambia is welcoming tourists who can show a negative COVID-19 PCR test that's taken at least two weeks before arrival, and there's a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
There you have it - as an avid traveler, the past year has been so frustrating, and even though there are ample restrictions for each of the above countries, it's worth it to hop on a plane and get back to the hobby I love (and you likely do, too, if you're reading this). This is the most recent information as of Tuesday, April 20th, and this document will be updated every three days. Remember to check the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information.
Do you have any travel plans for the summer to any of the above countries? Comment below!