Where Americans Can Travel: The Definitive Guide [UPDATED]
Check out our definitive guide to the places where Americans can travel during 2020. Spoiler Alert: There aren’t many.
This guide includes the latest info on:
- U.S. states that require some visitors to quarantine
- Restrictions on travel to U.S. territories
- Countries that allow tourist visits from the U.S. and their additional entry protocols, such as Covid-19 testing and health declarations.
UPDATES: This post was last fully updated on 8/25. Spot updates are continuing, but it’s imperative that travelers check for specific information from the places they want to visit. Check our new post with “The Latest Global Travel Restrictions” for more. New info on Costa Rica, Panama, The Bahamas, Belize, Hawaii, and New Mexico
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The U.S. passport is technically among the world’s best. The Henley Passport Index says it offers visa-free access to 185 countries, making it the 7th most powerful passport on the planet. (Japan is #1, with visa-free access to 191 countries).
But thanks to an explosion in Covid-19 cases, the reality is altogether different. At present, few countries allow U.S. residents to visit for non-essential travel — most notably Canada and the European Union. Those that do allow U.S. visitors often require a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. That amounts to a de facto ban on non-essential travel by U.S. residents.
Even some U.S. states require out-of-state arrivals to self-quarantine, including New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. The City of Chicago has its own set of quarantine rules.
Travel vs. Staying Home
It’s a confusing patchwork that would make all but the most determined travelers decide to stay home. Travel during a global pandemic raises its own set of questions and can be a bit of a moral dilemma. Truthfully, it’s a very good idea to avoid any serious travel this year. Debby and I had been planning our trip to Ireland since Christmas. Now that those plans have fallen apart, we won’t schedule another international trip this year.
But for those with an uncontrollable wanderlust, there is no such thing as non-essential travel. I totally get it, especially now. Quarantine fatigue is real. And as our own country struggles with Covid-19, it might be nice to go somewhere, anywhere that puts you at a lower risk of being infected.
A Guide to Permitted Travel
With that in mind, this is our Planes, Trains and Travel guide to the places that allow Americans to travel without long quarantines. It’s nearly impossible to create a guide of this magnitude. There are more than 200 independent countries (including those not legally recognized) and about 50 dependent territories in the world. Some communicate this type of information well. Others, not so much. A few other countries just aren’t safe to visit; thus, there’s little reason to include them.
Limited U.S. Domestic Travel
If you can’t travel internationally this year, you could at least travel within the United States. In fact, this could be a great year to take a road trip.Before you head out on the highway, check out our 5 Tips for a Great Road Trip.
But even domestic travel has become problematic. First, many states are suffering under the weight of their soaring Covid-19 outbreaks.
Second, many states require new arrivals to quarantine for two weeks, what I’ve been describing as de facto travel bans. States mostly apply these quarantine rules to those arriving from states with large outbreaks of Covid-19.
State-By-State Travel Restrictions
Most states do not restrict people arriving from out-of-state. Visitors must follow local rules, of course, but people arriving in the vast majority of states will not need to quarantine.
States cannot legally prevent interstate travel from other states. But state officials view quarantine as a health regulation, designed to promote safety within their borders. The states listed here want visitors from certain other states to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.
If a state isn’t mentioned here, then no out-of-state travel restrictions apply.
Alaska
All visitors must fill out a Traveler Declaration Form and then choose their option:
- quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
- provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
- provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to departure, and then take another test 7-14 days after arrival.
- (residents only) get tested upon arrival and quarantine until the results are in.
Travelers who get tested before departing to Alaska, but have not yet received the results, must quarantine in Alaska until they can provide negative results to the state.
Alaska further tightened its restrictions on August 11th. The state now requires visitors to undergo testing before arriving in the state. Residents can still undergo testing on arrival.
Connecticut
NY/NJ/CT are working from the same template, and each requires people arriving from a unified list of states to self-quarantine for two weeks. The list is based on current case numbers and changes weekly (on Tuesdays). Learn more and get the current list HERE.
District of Columbia
As of July 27th, DC has enacted a mandatory quarantine rule for travelers arriving from states with an infection rate above 10 daily cases per 100,000 residents, based on a 7-day rolling average. The order applies to non-essential travel only, whether that’s a vacation to DC or residents returning from vacation in a high-risk state.
Because DC’s surroundings suburbs are in Maryland and Virginia, the District has excluded both states from these restrictions. As of 8/24/2020, the order applies to people arriving to the District from 30 states.
Hawaii
UPDATE: See “The Latest Global Travel Restrictions” for new information regarding travel to Hawaii.
Hawaii continues to kick the re-opening can down the road. Now it will be October 15th, at the earliest, when the state will allow out-of-state visitors to skip quarantine by providing proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Again, that’s a tentative date. It was September 1st and August 1st before that. So until something actually happens, assume the 14-day quarantine for incoming passengers to remain in place.
On August 11th, the state added additional quarantine restrictions for most inter-island travel. Travelers must quarantine for 14-days once they arrive on Kauai, Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.
Inter-island travelers arriving on Oahu must fill out THIS form and present it prior to boarding their flight.
Idaho
All of Idaho, except Ada County, is in Stage 4 of the state’s reopening plan. For those arriving in Ada Country, which includes Boise and remains in Stage 3, the state encourages new arrivals to quarantine for two weeks. There is a suggestion, and there is no requirement to do so.
Illinois
There is no quarantine for the state, but the City of Chicago enforces its own quarantine at a local level.
The states impacted by this ruling are determined by current case levels in each state. A state with a daily rate of more than 15 cases per 100,000 population would make the quarantine list. It would remain there until its rate dips below that threshold for two consecutive weeks. Again, this rule applies only within the city limits of Chicago. Learn more and find which states are impacted HERE.
Kansas
As of 10/22, the Sunflower State requires arrivals from Andorra and North Dakota to quarantine for two weeks.
Kansas has the strangest way of determining who should be quarantined. As cases in the state rise, their rules actually reduce the number of states on the quarantine list. That’s because Kansas compares each U.S. state’s 14-day infection rate to its own rate. Thus, Kansas includes all states with three times more cases per capita than its own case load on the quarantine list. Officials update the list every two weeks.
In the past couple of months, Kansas has added a mass gatherings quarantine, which applies to out-of-state mass gatherings from August 11th onward. Anyone who’d been to a gathering of 500 or more people would join the list of those requiring quarantine. (This rule seems tied directly to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, a potential superspreader event that was happening at the time).
In addition, anyone who’s been on a sea or river cruise since March 15th would need to quarantine for the two weeks following.
Maine
Most out-of-state visitors must either quarantine upon arrival or be able to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test within the 72 hours prior to arrival. Residents of these states are exempt: New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Keep checking HERE for the latest exemptions.
Maryland
There are no restrictions in Maryland, but the state now strongly discourages travel to/from states with a Covid-19 testing postivity rate of 10% or more, as listed by the CDC. As of 8/26, twelve states would be included: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
State officials want all travelers from those states to test for Covid-19 promptly on arrival or within 72 hours prior to arrival. There are no quarantine restrictions.
Massachusetts
Effective August 1st, Massachusetts changed its rules to allow travelers to bypass quarantine restrictions. There are two main ways to claim an exemption:
- Travelers arriving from states designated “lower risk.” As of 8/26/2020, these states include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
- Travelers can provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Certain types of travelers are also exempt, including those who are simply transiting the state on their way to somewhere else.
Travelers must complete an online Massachusetts Travel Form, except those on the exempt list and those coming from a lower risk state. The form requires travelers to certify their Covid-19 test and quarantine status, and affirm they have no symptoms of the virus.
New Hampshire
The state permits visitors from Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut to skip the 14-day quarantine. They ask all other travelers to quarantine upon arrival.
When checking in at any commercial lodging, registered guests must affirm that they’ve quarantined at home for the previous 14 days prior to arrival in the state. This is not as bad as it sounds. New Hampshire defines quarantine as going out only for essential items, and wearing a mask when unable to maintain six feet of distance.
New Jersey
NY/NJ/CT are working from the same template, and each requires people arriving from a unified list of states to self-quarantine for two weeks. The list is based on current case numbers and changes weekly (on Tuesdays). Learn more and get the current list HERE.
New Mexico
UPDATE: See “The Latest Global Travel Restrictions” for new information regarding travel to New Mexico.
On July 1st, the state implemented a 14-day quarantine covering all travelers arriving from out-of-state. The usual exemptions apply, including essential travel and people transiting the state.
New York
NY/NJ/CT are working from the same template, and each requires people arriving from a unified list of states to self-quarantine for two weeks. The list is based on current case numbers and changes weekly (on Tuesdays).
Governor Cuomo has said the state is posting “peace officers” at New York State’s airports to enforce the rules. Those who do not submit the required declaration before leaving the airport will receive a $2000 fine. Learn more HERE.
Ohio
State officials ask anyone who enters Ohio after traveling to a state with a testing positivity rate of 15% or higher to quarantine for 14 days. The list is updated regularly and (as of 8/25) includes these states: Florida, Idaho, Mississippi and Nevada.
Pennsylvania
The state recommends that arriving travelers from several high-risk states quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. As of 8/27/2020, the list includes 16 states.
Rhode Island
The smallest state in America will let you visit without quarantine if you are able to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours prior to arrival. Visitors arriving from the few states NOT on this list are exempt from testing or quarantine.
United States Territories
The U.S. has five inhabited territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
American Samoa has suspended flights and is not open for tourists at this time. Guam requires its arrivals to quarantine, even if they arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test. The remaining territories are open, with restrictions.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has further restricted its entry procedures, effective August 14th. They now require a minimum 5 days of quarantine at a Designated Government Quarantine Facility upon arrival.
Travelers must also fill out a mandatory declaration form at least three days before arrival.
After 5 days in quarantine, health authorities require travelers to undergo a Covid-19 PCR test. Quarantine will continue until the test comes back with a negative result, which should be no more than 72 hours longer.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is open for tourist travel. Visitors must complete an online Travel Declaration Form and show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival on the island.
U.S. Virgin Islands
As of September 19, 2020, the U.S. Virgin Islands requires all visitors from 5-years-old and up to submit a COVID-19 test result. They offer a couple of different options:
- A negative Covid-19 test (molecular/PCR/rapid) taken within 5 days of arrival
- A positive Covid-19 antibody test taken within 4 months of arrival.
Visitors will include their test data on a travel health questionnaire. Travelers can fill out the form online within 5 days of travel. But it less the 24 hours before travel, visitors should print out a hard copy of the form and bring it with them.
Determining Where Americans Can Travel Internationally
It is a daunting task to determine all the international destinations that will allow American travelers without a long quarantine. Your first stop should always be the U.S. State Department’s country information pages. It is their job to ensure American citizens have the most accurate information possible.
The State Department uses a simple numeric code to identify the security situation in a particular country or specific part of a country. Its rankings are rarely political.
In this guide, I’ll primarily cover the countries that allow U.S. residents to visit without major quarantine requirements.
I will mention places that allow people to undergo testing in lieu of quarantine. But Covid-19 testing has its own set of problems. Most nations require you to arrive with recent negative test results, usually less than 72 hours old. Many states are experiencing delays in getting test results, and that could very well ruin your plans if you’re not careful.
This guide does not include countries that are normally tough to visit or simply too dangerous to visit — i.e., most that are typically defined by the U.S. State Department with a Level 4 designation.
Finally, keep this in mind: While we believe that getting there is half the fun, international flight schedules have been significantly reduced. Travel rules are changing quickly. Unless you have plenty of time and patience, getting there in 2020… may be more trouble than it’s worth.
International Travel Guide
Here is the definitive country-by-country guide to where Americans are allowed (or able) to travel at this time.
If a country is not listed, it is likely still closed to American tourist visits, or requires quarantine without exception. As the situation evolves, information will change rapidly and become out of date. In most cases, you should be able to follow the links in the headers for the latest updates.
Albania
There are no quarantine or other special restrictions for entering Albania. Once there, Americans need only present a valid passport for visits up to one year.
The real fun begins when it is time to leave. According to the U.S. State Department, Albanian officials will allow only European Union residents and nationals to board outbound flights to the E.U. at this time. There are no direct flights to the United States. Thus, you will need to transit through a country that’s neither in the E.U. or Schengen Area. It seems London would work, because Brexit. The State Department says Americans will be permitted to board flights to Turkey and Serbia.
Antigua and Barbuda
There is no guarantee you won’t be asked to quarantine upon arrival in this Caribbean island nation. All passengers arriving by air must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within seven days prior to arrival. This rule applies to everyone, even transit passengers. The negative test isn’t required of visitors arriving by sea, but those arrivals are subject to quarantine.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Antigua and Barbuda health officials will conduct temperature checks and health screenings upon arrival, whether by air or sea. You may be required to take another test, costing $100 US, and you may be required to quarantine until the results are in. However, most people staying in prebooked accommodations will be permitted to proceed to their hotel.
Aruba
As of August 25th, Aruba leads the world in new Covid-19 cases per capita in the 7 days prior. Be forewarned.
Americans may travel in Aruba with proof of a negative Covid-19 test within the 72 hours prior to arrival. Americans must also purchase an Aruba visitors health insurance policy. For most adults, the cost of insurance will add another $15/day to the cost of your trip.
Visitors from several U.S. states MUST upload their negative Covid-19 test results a minimum of 12 hours before their flight departs. This makes for a tight window, because again, you cannot take the test until 72 hours before you arrive. Check HERE to see which states’ residents are impacted. Check again 3-4 days before you leave, as the list is subject to change.
Travelers who reside in states not on the list can undergo testing on arrival in Aruba. But just because you can wait doesn’t mean you should. Unless you absolutely can’t test beforehand, I would advise you to upload your negative test results before you go. Visitors opting to test upon arrival must still pay for the test online in plenty of time before departure.
This payment and all other fees are part of the Embarkation/Debarkation card process. All visitors must fill out this card online and pay fees before leaving. You cannot purchase the mandatory health insurance until you’re within 72 hours of arrival, but you must pay for it a minimum of 4 hours before you arrive.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas had just 104 cases of Covid-19 total when it re-opened to tourism on July 1st. It’s been an awful mess ever since.
UPDATE 8/4/2020: The Bahamas has removed nearly all exceptions for those arriving in the country. Visitors and residents alike must quarantine for 14 days at their own expense upon arrival, which effectively removed The Bahamas from this guide to the places Americans can visit. According to the new rules:
- Arrivals must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 10 days of arrival.
- Arrivals must complete a travel health visa and obtain approval to travel. The online visa application requires applicants to upload their Covid-19 test results and may take up to 72 hours to process.
- Arrivals must self-isolate at their own expense for 14 daysand submit to monitoring.
- After 14 days, anyone wishing to remain in the country must undergo another Covid-19 PCR test.
There is no longer an exception for people arriving on private transport. The only exceptions to Covid-19 testing are children under 10 years old and pilots/crew who remain overnight.
Additional internal measures include nightly curfews, weekend lockdowns, and discontinuation of inter-island air transport.
The situation has evolved rapidly in The Bahamas. For the very latest, always check the country’s tourism re-opening page.
Bangladesh
While Americans are allowed to travel in Bangladesh, all arrivals must provide a medical certificate (in English) indicating they are free of Covid-19 and have tested negative for the virus in the past 72 hours. Citizens of the United States must have a visa, obtained in advance. The visa on arrival program has been suspended during the pandemic.
Barbados
UPDATE 7/29/2020: Barbados lists countries as high, medium or low risk. No surprise, the United States is in the high risk category. So U.S. residents and anyone who has transited through the U.S. in the past 21 days will be quarantined at their expense upon arrival. Yes, even if they arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test.
Those who arrive from high risk countries can be tested again after 7 days; and if there’s a negative result, they can leave quarantine.
These measures effectively amount to a de facto ban on travel from the United States. U.S. visitors would need to quarantine for at least 7 days upon arrival.
Belarus
Americans are allowed to travel in a few Eastern European countries outside the E.U. and Schengen Area. Belarus is a good example. They allow American citizens to visit for up to 30 days without a visa, provided they arrive/depart from Minsk National Airport (MSQ). But with massive protests against the government amid accusations of a rigged election, it’s probably not the best time to go anyway.
On June 25th, the United States was removed from the list of countries from which arriving visitors would be required to quarantine.
One other thing: Visitors must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to crossing the Belarussian border. That is a really tight window. I don’t quite know how you’d accomplish it if traveling directly from the United States.
For what it’s worth, Belarus was one of the only countries NOT to shut down sports in the face of the pandemic. They continued to play games with fans present. For a while, Belarussian soccer was about the only sports available to watch.
Belize
After a hiccup, Belize reopened the country’s main airport for tourist travel on October 1st.
Visitors will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Alternately, visitors can test for Covid-19 when they arrive.
Visitors must download a Belize Health App and fill in the required information before departure. In addition, visitors will need to check-in on the app each day.
The Belize Tourism Board has indicated that the country will limit tourists to approved “Gold Standard” hotels and tour operators.
Bermuda
Bermuda is where the Covid-19 test is so nice, you’ll take it twice. Actually, up to 5 times, depending on the length of your stay! Visitors will arrive with test results in hand AND get tested again at the airport. Then undergo additional tests on days 4, 8 and 14. Wow!
Before leaving, travelers must complete an online Travel Authorization form and pay a $75 fee. The fee is $30 for kids 9 and under. Visitors to Bermuda must also obtain a Covid-19 test taken no more than 7 days prior to arrival, but preferably just 3 days prior.
When you land in Bermuda, you will show the negative result of that first test, then take another Covid-19 test at the airport. At least you’ve already paid for it; the test is included in the fee structure. After being tested, you’ll be released to quarantine in your accommodations until the results are in — usually 12-24 hours.
Brazil
Like the United States, Brazil has done a poor job handling the Covid-19 crisis and is one of the world’s hot spots. But the government has reopened the country to travelers arriving by air, while extending the ban on arrival by land or sea for another 30 days.
Travelers must have health insurance to cover their stay in Brazil. But there are no restrictions otherwise. Brazil has not required American tourists to obtain a visa since mid-2019.
Canada
The U.S. and Canada have closed their borders to non-essential travel. It’s an unprecedented move between two nations that share the world’s longest unprotected border.
Border authorities will allow Americans to enter Canada for travel between the Lower 48 and Alaska, but with special rules meant to close the “Alaska loophole.”
Costa Rica
UPDATE: See “The Latest Global Travel Restrictions” for new information regarding travel to Costa Rica.
Croatia
As of July 10th, Americans are allowed to travel to Croatia for tourism. But they need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken in the 48 hours prior to their arrival.
While that’s not much time to take the test and get results back, even an expired Covid-19 PCR test offers some hope for a short quarantine. Visitors would present the results of the test, and then be released with a self-isolation order and instructions to be tested locally. Once those results come back negative, quarantine is over.
U.S. visitors who arrive without any Covid-19 PCR test result must quarantine for 7 days and then get tested. Or simply self-quarantine for a full two weeks.
Tourist visitors from outside the European Union/Schengen Area will need to show proof of paid accommodations upon arrival.
Dominica
At the moment, travelers from the United States and other “high risk” countries would have to quarantine for 5 days at minimum.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic reopened on July 1st. There are a couple of new protocols, but this is one of the easiest countries to visit right now.
New arrivals will fill out a Traveler Health Affidavit, basically a document declaring whether or not they have any symptoms of Covid-19.
In addition, authorities require arriving passengers to undergo Covid-19 PCR testing within 5 days of their arrival and present the negative test result on arrival.
But test results are not technically required. Travelers who arrive at the airport without test results will undergo Covid-19 rapid testing free of charge. It should take about 10 minutes to get the results. Health officials will also conduct a health screening.
Of course, it is always preferable to know you don’t have the virus before you travel abroad. Because if you test positive at the airport (or display symptoms of the virus), the Dominican Republic says you’ll “be isolated and attended at authorized locations.”
Ecuador
Americans are allowed to visit Ecuador, but must submit results of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 10 days are travel. Unless arriving passengers show signs of Covid-19, they will not have to quarantine. Any travelers arriving without test results must be tested on arrival and remain in quarantine until the results are in (and negative).
There are special rules for travel to the Galapagos Islands. Travelers to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as a “living museum and showcase of evolution,” must be tested twice: (1) Before arrival in Ecuador; and (2) upon arrival. Visitors must quarantine at local lodging in mainland Ecuador until they receive their second negative test results, a minimum of 48 hours. With results in hand, travelers can proceed to the Galapagos Islands provided the results were obtained no more than 96 hours before arriving on the islands.
Egypt
The Egyptian government allowed air traffic to resume on July 1st. Visitors will undergo temperature screening and complete a health monitoring card. In addition, visitors must provide proof of valid health insurance that covers them while in Egypt.
Visitors must submit proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken in the preceding 72 hours before arrival. However, authorities waive this requirement for travel in the coastal governates of the Red Sea, South Sinai and Marsa Matrouh. Onward travel is restricted.
Egypt requires visitors from the United States to obtain a visa. They are available on arrival for $25, or online via the Egypt e-visa portal.
French Polynesia
Tourism has returned to the islands of Tahiti. Visitors from across the globe, including Americans, are now allowed to travel to French Polynesia. All arriving passengers (6 and up) must present proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. The test receipt must be uploaded HERE.
Visitors will be given a test kit upon arrival. Four days later, they will need to administer a self-test and send it in.
Gabon
It’s not exactly easy to reach Gabon, and you’ll need to obtain a visa if you want to visit. The West African nation has relaxed some of its quarantine rules and international air travel is now permitted.
Health screening measures are in effect upon arrival. In addition, arriving travelers must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 5 days prior to arriving.
Haiti
The U.S. State Department has given Haiti a Level 4 advisory. So you should strongly consider your plans to travel there. But it’s also very close to the United States, which is home to a large expat and immigrant community.
Haiti has taken tentative steps to reopen its borders. Americans are allowed to travel to Haiti, and there are flights again between the two countries. Arriving passengers must fill out a health declaration form and present it to immigration authorities upon arrival.
Travelers must submit to a temperature screening upon arrival and provide their address while in the country. The Haitian government said it would impose 14-day quarantine requirements at some point, but it is has so far not happened.
Ireland
Unlike other European Union and Schengen countries, Americans are permitted to visit Ireland. But unless the United States can earn a spot on Ireland’s “green list,” visitors from the U.S. must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Essentially, a de facto travel ban.
Jamaica
UPDATED 8/18/2020: Americans can once again visit Jamaica, with some restrictions. All non-resident visitors must register for a Travel Authorization. Travelers can only apply for this within 72 hours of their arrival, and must present the approved authorization when they check-in at the airport. Without it, the airline will not issue a boarding pass.
As of August 20th, all U.S. residents must upload proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test. You must get the test from a CAP-accredited lab within 10 days of your trip to Jamaica.
Travelers arriving at the airport in Jamaica will undergo a temperature check and health screening. If that goes well, enjoy your vacation in what’s being called the “Resiliant Corridor” — the popular tourist corridor on the north side of the island, between Negril and Port Antonio. No, you’re not free to just stay anywhere. In fact, if you stay in a private residence, you will have to quarantine.
If you seem to be sick or your temp is too high when you arrive in Jamaica, you will be asked to take a Covid-19 test and quarantine until the results are in.
Kenya
Kenya is now open, even to American tourists. According to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, arriving passengers must submit the results of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within the previous 96 hours. There will also be a small health screening and temp checks. Those with a temp above 99.5, a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms will be denied entry.
Kosovo
Few restrictions await visitors to Kosovo, at least upon entry. The airport in Pristina is open, as are most land borders. You can travel in Kosovo without a quarantine, and you do not need to take a Covid-19 test before you arrive.
Everyone is required to wear a mask, and they impose hefty fines on violators. Authorities have also placed curfews on businesses from 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM each day.
Lebanon
Beirut’s airport has reopened to international travel and is accepting visitors from the United States and other countries.
Officials have made some changes to their protocols for arriving visitors. All arriving visitors to Lebanon must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 96 hours prior to their arrival.
Once in Lebanon, arriving passengers will undergo another round of testing at the airport. The cost is $50. Visitors from a country where PCR tests are considered reliable will be asked to self-isolate until the results of that second test come back, a quarantine of up to 48 hours. Lebanon considers test results from the Americas, Europe, Asia (except Iraq), Australia, New Zealand, and 6 countries in Africa to be reliable.
Maldives
UPDATE: The Maldives has seen a spike in cases since its re-opening. To get that under control, One Mile at a Time reports that they will now require proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. This new policy takes effect on September 10th.
The Maldives has reopened to tourists, as of July 15th. The country’s official tourism website says their “islands and resorts are naturally self-isolated.” With that in mind, resorts on uninhabited islands are open now. Resorts and hotels on inhabited islands reopened August 1st.
Tourists do not have to quarantine. But they must arrive with a reservation and will need to fill out both a Health Declaration card and Immigration Arrival card before their arrival. Visitors will undergo health screenings and temperature checks at the airport. Those with symptoms of Covid-19 will be tested at their expense. Authorities will also conduct random Covid-19 screenings at government expense.
Mexico
The land borders between the United States and Mexico remain closed for non-essential travel. Yes, that means tourism.
In Mexico, these regulations have been somewhat loosely enforced by immigration officials. But there have been instances where state authorities and everyday Mexicans have taken matters into their own hands.
Tourists can still fly to Mexico, and there aren’t any serious restrictions. Mexican authorities reserve the right to conduct health screenings, including temperature checks. They’ll ask people exhibiting symptoms to undergo additional screening or quarantine in Mexico.
North Macedonia
Greece and North Macedonia finally settled their dispute over the name of this country in 2019. The name Macedonia describes a historically large region in the Balkans. The name was given to an adminsitrative region in Greece more than 100 years ago. So when the upstart nation of Macedonia formed from the carcass of Yugoslavia, the Greeks were not happy.
But today, Covid-19 restrictions mean U.S. residents cannot visit Greece. They can, however, visit North Macedonia.
Authorities re-opened most land borders to this small landlocked nation on June 26th; although some borders with neighboring countries remain closed. The government permitted the resumption of commercial flights on July 1st.
Americans face no special restrictions on travel.
Panama
UPDATE: See “The Latest Global Travel Restrictions” for new information regarding travel to Panama.
Rwanda
The Rwandan genocide made global headlines in the 1990s. For many, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when you say Rwanda. But the country is on a winning streak. Rwanda has become a hot travel destination primarily for its wildlife. And now, it is among a handful of African countries to allow American visitors.
Rwanda will require two negative Covid-19 tests. Visitors take the first within 72 hours prior to your arrival. Then they undergo a second test on arrival. Travelers must quarantine in designated hotels until the results are in.
St. Barts
Saint Barthélemy is a French territory in the Caribbean. It’s known as a luxury travel destination. The island opened again for tourists on June 22nd. Americans can visit without quarantine, assuming negative test results.
Visitors to St. Barts must arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR swab test, taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival. As of July 18th, airlines must deny boarding to any traveler age 11 and up who does not present a negative PCR test result and a sworn statement. The statement verifies that the traveler has no Covid-19 symptoms and has not been in contact with a positive Covid-19 case in the past 14 days.
Those staying longer than 7 nights must take another Covid-19 PCR test on the 8th day of their stay. Testing is at the visitor’s expense and costs €135 ($155 USD).
St. Lucia
This small Caribbean island has a strong tourism sector and is slowly reopening to guests. Travelers do not need to quarantine, but the government requires they remain at approved accommodations throughout their stay.
Travelers must take a Covid-19 PCR test within 7 days of their arrival and present the negative results upon entry.
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
UPDATE 8/1/2020: We’ll make a long story short. St. Vincent & The Grenadines (SVG) has shown us how quickly things can change. SVG was planning to re-open to U.S. visitors on August 1st. But not so fast!
Currently, U.S. visitors must quarantine at an approved hotel for a minimum of 5 days. They should arrive with a reservation for that hotel in hand, as well as a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken with 7 days of arrival. U.S. residents (and even passengers transiting through the U.S.) will also be tested on arrival.
That’s when the quarantine starts — again, five days at minimum. Travelers must take a 3rd PCR test and get a a negative result to be released from quarantine. SVG officials say the quarantine would last up to 21 days!
Sint Maarten
We wrote about Sint Maarten’s plans a few weeks ago. Dutch Sint Maarten shares an island with French St. Martin. The airport is on the Dutch side of the island.
There are normally no border formalities between the two sides, and that’s how Sint Maarten’s reopening plan became a controversy. French St. Martin did not respond well to Dutch Sint Maarten’s plan to allow direct flights from the United States. So on July 31st, French St. Martin closed its border with the Dutch side of the island.
French St. Martin currently allows visitors arriving directly from the European Union and Schengen Area, French Antilles and those countries on Europe’s “safe list.”
Americans can visit Dutch Sint Maarten only. All travelers must fill out an online health declaration no more than 72 hour prior to their arrival. They must also undergo a Covid-19 PCR test in the 72 hours prior to arrival and present a negative result. Immigration officials will want to see both the completed health declaration form and the negative test results. Children under the age of 10 are exempt from the testing requirement.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Among the world’s least visited countries, São Tomé and Príncipe is slowly and methodically reopening. Phase 3 of its plan allows for the resumption of regular international flights into the country.
For those who decide to go, São Tomé and Príncipe will require all visitors to show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure to the country.
Senegal
International commercial flights resumed on July 15th, although land and sea borders remain closed.
Visitors must present proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 7 days of arrival in Senegal. This applies to all travelers from the age of 2 and up. The same rules apply to transit passengers staying longer than 24 hours.
Those unable to obtain a Covid-19 test before arrival must sign a health declaration, stating they have no symptoms of the virus. In addition, health officials will require them to undergo a risk assessment and possibly take a Covid-19 test at the airport.
All travelers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Serbia
Serbia ranks among the few European countries that will allow Americans and other nationalities to visit the Balkan country with little fuss. They generally do not require a Covid-19 test or quarantine.
But there is one exception.
As of August 14th, Serbia requires anyone crossing land borders with North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria, or Romania to provide negative test results from a Covid-19 PCR test. Travelers must undergo testing within 48 hours of arrival.
Tanzania
The Covid-19 restrictions for visiting Tanzania are straightforward and simple. Americans are allowed to travel to Tanzania with few issues. Visitors will be handed a Health Surveillance form to fill out during their inbound flight. Passengers can expect an intensive screening process at the arrival airport and may be asked to undergo a Covid-19 rapid test.
Tanzania requires American travelers to obtain a visa, either online or upon arrival at the airport.
Turkey
Turkey is one of the largest countries that allows American visitors without requiring quarantine. Turkish Ministry of Health officials screen incoming passengers using thermal cameras. They may administer a Covid-19 PCR test to anyone displaying symptoms, and visitors could be subject to a mandatory hospital stay or hospital quarantine.
Turks and Caicos
As of August 27th, the Turks and Caicos ranks among the highest rates of Covid-19 transmission in the world. The islands re-opened for tourism on July 22nd.
All arrivals will fill out an online pre-authorization form no more than 72 hours before travel. Travelers will present the airline with a printed or electronic copy of the approval document at check-in.
Visitors must provide the following info on the pre-authorization form:
- Negative results from a Covid-19 PCR test taken within five days of arrival
- Details of medical or travel insurance that would cover health care costs on the islands
- A completed health screening questionnaire
Children under the age of 10 are exempt from Covid-19 testing, but must have a completed travel authorization.
Upon arrival, immigration officials will need to see the approved travel authorization document and the original copy of the negative Covid-19 test. All arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks and additional health screenings.
Ukraine
Visitors from the United States must undergo a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival. The results should be available within 24 hours, and visitors will self-quarantine until the results are in.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is open for tourist visitors, including those from the United States. The remaining six emirates within the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, essentially remain closed. People wishing to travel to visit one of the other emirates will need to apply for permission.
But Dubai started welcoming guests on July 7th. Arriving visitors will need to present proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken in the 96 hours prior to their arrival. If documentation is unavailable, arriving passengers will undergo a Covid-19 PCR screening at the airport.
In addition, Dubai requires the following from its visitors:
- Download the COVID-19 DXB app, and register traveler details
- Fill out a Health Declaration before boarding the flight to Dubai, affirming the traveler is free of symptoms.
- Valid health insurance.
United Kingdom
Great Britain allows U.S. residents to visit, but imposes a 14-day quarantine to all visitors not on their “travel corridors” list.
Zambia
Zambia allows American travel, with minimal restrictions. They require visas, available in advance or upon arrival. The country has implemented some limited screening at arrival airports, including temperature checks and a health assessment. Health officials may test or quarantine anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19.
Recommended Sources
My first stop in researching this post is the travel advice provided by the U.S. State Department. They offer detailed entry/exit information for any country you’d like to visit. But their Covid-19 pages aren’t always very clear, nor are they always up-to-date. To bring you the most accurate guide to Covid-19 travel restrictions, I supplemented that info with direct sources when possible — official tourism bureaus or government agencies.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is another fantastic source. They deliver succinct, usually up-to-date information. Much of the information they provide applies to anyone visiting a particular country. But keep in mind that this is a British site, for U.K. passport holders. It’s a great resource, but Americans should get their specific entry and exit requirements from the U.S. State Department.
Canada does a great job with its travel advice and advisories, and similar advisories (in English) are available from Australia and New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
Covid-19 and its handling in the U.S. has severely limited Americans’ travel options. This list includes fewer than 35 foreign countries that U.S. residents can visit. Even one U.S. territory (American Samoa) is now off limits… to Americans. And let’s not forget about the additional restrictions many U.S. states have put in place.
Also, most of the states and countries that offer a quarantine exemption require you to submit negative results from a Covid-19 PCR test. It is not easy to get results in time for travel, not in the United States. The delay in getting test results could ruin your travel plans as easily as an outright ban on U.S. residents.
But I hope this guide to the places you can visit is helpful. Just be mindful that things change, often quickly and without notice. While I believe this guide is the single best available resource, there are almost certainly omissions and mistakes. If you see an error, drop a note via the contact page.
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Unless otherwise noted, all photos via Shutterstock