When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery

by admin May 10, 2021

Editor’s note: This post was last updated on May 10, 2021 with new information.

Coronavirus has had many of us frozen in place and dreaming of when we can start booking travel again.

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Many countries are beginning to reopen their borders to travelers after more than a year of lockdowns due to COVID-19.

TPG is here to guide you through the latest in the ever-changing rules and regulations.

And if you want to find out where U.S. travelers can go right now, follow this link for our complete guide to which countries are allowing U.S. travelers.

In This Post

North America

United States

The United States was for many months the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. had more cases than any country in the world over the winter.

Important for travelers to the U.S. to know: As of Jan. 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all air passengers two years of age and older traveling to the U.S. from abroad to take a viral COVID-19 test within 72 hours (three days) of departure for the U.S. and provide documentation of a negative PCR or Antigen result to their airline before being allowed to board; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. This applies to both non-citizens as well as U.S. citizens, even those who are fully vaccinated, returning to the U.S. from any international destination (with the exception of U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

President Joseph R. Biden also signed an executive order soon after taking office in late January 2021 that mandates the wearing of masks on federal property and domestic public transportation, including planes and airports. It was recently extended through Sept. 13, 2021. The CDC currently recommends that non-vaccinated travelers get tested 3-5 days after any travel and isolate for seven days, or isolate for 10 days after travel without testing. It is advised that even fully vaccinated individuals get tested 3-5 days after returning from international travel, but they do not have to self-isolate.

All states are in various stages of reopening, but surging cases from November 2020 to early February 2021 forced many to resume closure of some public spaces, ban indoor dining at restaurants and bars, limit gatherings, mandate mask-wearing and require quarantines or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test for incoming travelers. Many of those restrictions have now been lifted or are being phased out as the U.S. vaccination program moves forward and case levels decline. Variants continue to be a cause for concern, however, especially because they have led to hospitalizations among younger Americans.

Our state-by-state guide to American re-openings is here.

The CDC has updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated travelers, but still strongly advises unvaccinated individuals test before and after travel (with self-isolation after travel) within the United States. Check the CDC website for the latest updates.

Additionally, the U.S. has restrictions on visitors, including a ban on tourists driving into the country from Canada and Mexico through at least May 21, 2021, as well as a ban on all tourists (but not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the U.S.) traveling from China, Iran, Europe’s Schengen Area, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales), the Republic of Ireland, Brazil and South Africa. See additional details here. On May 4, 2021, the U.S. also began banning entry by any foreign national who has been in India within the previous 14 days.

The U.S. State Department lifted its blanket “Level 4,” warning — the department’s highest warning — against any international travel in August 2020, but it is still not recommended. And in late April 2021, more than 80% of the world’s countries were again given Level 4 warnings to match the CDC’s advisories on COVID-19 spread in each country.

Canada

The border between the United States and Canada remains closed through at least May 21, 2021. In addition, most foreign nationals, including Americans, are not welcome except for those who have dual citizenship or are Canadian residents.

On Feb. 5, 2021, Canada also announced that it will ban all cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers from calling on Canadian ports through Feb. 28, 2022, thereby shutting down cruise tourism for summer and fall 2021 in the country’s Atlantic Provinces, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and British Columbia (Vancouver is an embarkation port for many summer cruises to Alaska).

On Jan. 29, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau placed greater restrictions on travel for Canadian citizens by banning all travel to the Caribbean and Mexico through April 30, 2021 (now extended through May 21, 2021). Canadian airlines, in turn, suspended flights to those destinations. As of Feb. 22, 2021, Canada also began requiring anyone returning to Canada to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and pay for a three-day quarantine at a government-approved hotel at a cost of 2,000 CAD (about $1,565) as they await their test result.

On Jan. 7, 2021, Canada began requiring all arriving airline passengers over the age of five to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days of arrival into Canada. All arrivals must still do that as well as undergo a required 14-day home quarantine after receiving a negative test during the three-day hotel quarantine. This is expected to remain in effect through at least May 21, 2021.

International flights are only being allowed to land at four Canadian airports: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. Any foreigner attempting to enter Canada for reasons of tourism, recreation or entertainment will be turned away. Certain immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens are able to enter Canada with government authorization for a stay of 15 days or more with the required testing, hotel quarantine and self-quarantine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Canada will need to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Canada has not banned province-to-province travel, although travel between some provinces is currently prohibited as dictated by individual provinces. Rising cases in Canada in December 2020 prompted lockdowns in Ontario and Quebec through early February, with phased regional re-openings. However, a variant-fueled surge has once again resulted in renewed restrictions and curfews in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia since early April 2021.

Mexico

Mexico began a slow regional reopening on June 29, 2020, and many coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. However, widespread community transmission remains a current concern and there is a federal “stoplight” system that limits activities in some regions.

Mexico eagerly flung open its doors to Americans — and has never required testing for entry. At first, it was just beach destinations like Cancun, but now even Mexico City is open for tourism.

Related: Mexico reopening its beaches

All Mexican airports are open to Americans. Tourists are advised that enhanced screening and cleaning procedures are in effect. There are also health checks at all airports, but no testing requirements. However, as of Jan. 26, 2021 everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Mexico is required to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Many Mexico resorts have begun to offer on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests for guests returning to the U.S.

Mexico saw a major surge in cases in late December 2020 and early January 2021 following an influx of tourists. The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, community transmission remains widespread. No states have been deemed “red” under Mexico’s stoplight system for the period of April 26-May 9, 2021, but six states—including Mexico City and Quintana Roo (home to Cancun and Riviera Maya)—are “orange,” requiring capacity restrictions of 50% in hotels and restaurants.

The U.S.–Mexico land border is closed to nonessential travel until at least May 21, 2021.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the U.S., has officially reopened to all international travelers. To enter Puerto Rico, all travelers (even those who have been vaccinated) must complete an online Travel Declaration available on the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal and present a negative molecular COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. To receive an Airport Exit Confirmation QR Code, they must upload their negative test to the online portal.

As of April 28, 2021, passengers who do not upload negative test results to the online portal before arrival face a $300 fine; those awaiting results have 48 hours to upload the results and the fine will be dismissed; those who arrive without having taken a test are required to test on the island within 48 hours to have the fine dismissed. Details are here.

Upon arrival at San Juan International Airport, travelers will be subject to health screenings, including additional COVID-19 testing if symptomatic.

Puerto Rico has been experiencing a surge in cases since late March 2021 and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19. Masks are required in all public spaces (and there is a $100 fine for non-compliance). Golf courses and beaches are open and water activities are allowed with appropriate social distancing. Casinos, museums and hotel pools are now operating at 30% capacity. Restaurants are also operating at 30% capacity, however, buffets are banned and restaurant staff serve meals wearing gloves and masks. Bars and nightclubs remain closed.

An island-wide curfew of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. is in effect and access to Old San Juan from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. is limited to residents and guests of hotels within the area. Common areas at all hotels must close at 10 p.m. For updates, check here.

If you’re thinking of bypassing hotel restrictions by booking an Airbnb, keep in mind that many of the same rules will apply.

A note for travelers returning from Puerto Rico: The U.S. began requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test on Jan. 26, 2021, for all international arrivals by air, but passengers traveling back to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico will not be required to have taken a test.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, began welcoming back tourists on June 1, 2020, with restrictions. After a surge in cases, the islands returned to a “stay at home” order on Aug. 13, 2020, but again reopened to tourism on Sept.19, 2020.

Every traveler five years of age or older, even those who are fully vaccinated, is currently required to submit to the U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Screening Portal a negative COVID-19 molecular test result (PCR or rapid Antigen) obtained within five days of commencement of travel to the Territory, or a positive COVID-19 antibody test taken and received within four months of their travel date. Visitors must produce the original test result as well as the travel certification from the portal upon arrival. As of Jan. 25, 2021, travelers age five and older may be denied boarding of flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands without travel certification from the portal. Details can be found here.

No quarantine is required for healthy visitors who have negative test results.

Travelers who are asked to quarantine will be expected to do so at their own expense, and according to the government, “are responsible for all associated costs, including transportation, lodging, food, and medical care.”

Related: U.S. Virgin Islands reopening

Masks are mandatory when going into businesses and attractions and when using public transportation. Beaches are open, but social distancing is required. Large gatherings remain prohibited. Hotels, guesthouses, villas, timeshares and Airbnb accommodations are all accepting bookings. COVID-19 guidelines are in place for retail businesses and attractions, taxi vans, safari vehicles and limo services. The CDC’s advisory for the U.S. Virgin Islands is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

A note for travelers returning from the U.S. Virgin Islands: The U.S. now requires proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test for all international arrivals by air, but passengers traveling back to the U.S. mainland from the U.S. Virgin Islands will not be required to have taken a test.

Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda reopened to tourists on June 4, 2020.

The government’s latest Travel Advisory requires all passengers age 12 and older who are arriving by air to have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result taken within seven days of their flight. This includes transiting passengers. Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health. All travelers are also subject to assessment by Port Health Authorities for signs and symptoms through a series of checks and the completion of a health declaration form upon arrival.

All arriving passengers are required to stay at a certified accommodation property and will be monitored for COVID-19 in accordance with the directions of local Health Authorities. Visitors may be required to undergo further testing for COVID-19 on arrival or at the hotel or place of lodging as determined by the Health Authorities. If so, travelers will have to pay for the test, which costs $100 per person.

Travelers will also have to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including face masks in public. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $5,000XCD (about $1,850) and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Hotels, beaches, excursions and restaurants (for takeout and delivery only); non-hotel bars remain closed and there is an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. island-wide curfew as of April 15, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Antigua will need to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly canceled an early June trip to Antigua. but e ventually, he was able to make the trip.

American Airlines resumed service to the Caribbean with flights to Antigua.

Per the U.S. Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean, the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Antigua is Level 4: Do Not Travel. The CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Anguilla

Anguilla had been welcoming travelers, but the island temporarily suspended entry through May 6, 2021 and has extended it through May 21, 2021. Once the suspension is lifted, step-by-step instructions involving authorization, hotel and transfer reservations and testing must be strictly followed.

The government recommends starting the application process at least seven days before your intended travel date. All visitors seeking a short-term stay or a work-from-Anguilla arrangement need to seek a Travel Authorization (each individual traveler, including children, must get an authorization), provide proof of a COVID-19 PCR test taken 3-5 days (72-120 hours) before departure and then undergo a temperature check and take another test upon arrival.

A third test on day 10 or 14 (depending on where the traveler is from is also required; the U.S. is a high-prevalence country, so a 14-day stay in your resort “bubble”) is required until the second on-island test results are received. Guests must stay in place at their accommodations until receiving their second on-island test result or use Safe Environment Approved ground transportation to visit Safe Environment Certified restaurants or participate in Safe Environment Approved activities. See FAQs here.

Travel health insurance that covers COVID-19 and is valid in Anguilla is also required. In addition, travelers entering/transferring via Dutch St. Maarten must complete St. Maarten’s health screening application form and pre-arrange boat or air travel to Anguilla.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Anguilla will need to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Anguilla is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, which oversees Anguilla, for additional information.

Aruba

Aruba reopened to tourists last summer and American visitors were welcomed back as of July 10, 2020. On Jan. 25, 2021, however, Aruba banned travelers from Brazil and on March 18, 2021, the island banned travelers from South Africa.

As of Nov. 1, 2020, all U.S. travelers to Aruba must complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation card process prior to travel and those 15 years of age and older are required to provide a certified negative molecular COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 12 to 72 hours of travel to Aruba or take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival ($75) and quarantine in their hotel room until receiving a negative result (typically within 8 hours). Testing requirements for U.S. residents can be found here.

All guests must also purchase visitors’ insurance from the nation of Aruba to cover up to $75,000 in health insurance. The cost is $30 for travelers aged 15 and older and $10 for those 14 and under.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Aruba must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

Visitors to Aruba are required to carry a mask with them at all times and wear one in the airport, in indoor public spaces (including casinos), and on public transport and tour buses. The country has also placed temporary capacity limits on some tourist spots, especially in popular destinations. Some bars are closed, but beach bars, hotel bars are open to guests and restaurant bars are open for table service only. Casinos are open with safety measures in place, including closure at 10 p.m. due to an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew as of April 26, 2021.

Visit the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, which oversees Aruba, for additional information. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Aruba is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For the latest updates related to travel, check Visit Aruba’s Entry Requirements page.

Bahamas

The Bahamas hit several road bumps in its reopening, first opening up in July 2020 and then shutting down again before reopening its borders to international travelers in October 2020. There are still a few hurdles for visitors, but the process is fairly straightforward.

Americans are allowed to visit, but non-vaccinated travelers over age 10 must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days of arrival. As of May 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers (two weeks or more past their final dose) do not have to present a test result to enter the Bahamas or travel inter-island. All visitors age 18 and older, however, must purchase a “Bahamas Health Visa” prior to arrival (the cost varies by length of stay, ranging from $40-$70 person, and includes local health insurance), and upload negative test results into that online form. Vaccinated travelers must upload documentation of their completed vaccination. Details on pre-travel testing requirements can be found here.

While in the Bahamas, all visitors are required to wear a mask in public spaces (under penalty of a $250 fine or one-month imprisonment). Non-vaccinated travelers must also take a rapid Antigen test if they display symptoms and test on day 5 if their stay is longer than five days/four nights. And non-vaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result no older than 5 days for inter-island travel while vaccinated travelers are exempt.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Bahamas must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

Related: Bahamas reopening

All Bahamas hotels were allowed to open by mid-October 2020; they are also allowed to let visitors use their beaches. There are nightly curfews from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Bahamas is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island was updated on April 19, 2021, to Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19.

Barbados

Barbados reopened to international travelers on July 12, 2020, and JetBlue resumed U.S. commercial flights on July 25, 2020, followed by American Airlines on Aug. 5, 2020. In mid-November 2020, the country announced a partnership with Stage Zero Life Sciences for pre-travel testing for travelers from the United States and Canada (although Canadians have since been banned by their own government from traveling to the Caribbean or Mexico through May 21, 2021).

Barbados, which has seen intermittent spikes in COVID cases, has also developed a BIMSAFE app designed to expedite the entry and quarantine process. The main caveat for travelers? The island continues to require unvaccinated visitors to not only test but also quarantine in their hotel rooms for seven days.

Barbados’s mandatory protocols, which were updated and expanded on Feb. 3, 2021, still apply to unvaccinated inbound travelers—but as of May 8, 2021 vaccinated travelers who are two weeks past vaccination completion and who have not traveled through countries of special consideration (South Africa, Brazil or India) within the past 21 days will have a shorter quarantine requirement.

As of May 8, 2021, all unvaccinated travelers must:

Have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within 72 hours prior to departure, which is required for travelers age five and older from countries of all risk levels.
Within 24 hours before traveling to Barbados, complete an online Immigration/Customs form (or use the BIMSAFE app) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms and upload their negative COVID-19 test results.
Board transport to their pre-approved accommodations (a minimum of seven nights is recommended) and agree to in-room quarantine (no beach or leaving the property) for five days until they take a second PCR test and receive a negative result (available within another 48 hours). They must also self-monitor for symptoms for seven days, including daily temperature checks (bring a thermometer) and report them via the app or to public health teams who will call or text.

As of May 8, 2021, all fully vaccinated travelers must:

Have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within 72 hours prior to departure, which is required for travelers age five and older from countries of all risk levels.
Within 24 hours before traveling to Barbados, complete an online Immigration/Customs form (or use the BIMSAFE app) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms and upload their negative COVID-19 test results.
Provide official proof of vaccination.
Take a COVID-19 rapid PCR test upon arrival in Barbados, either at the airport or at their pre-approved accommodation.
Board approved transport to their government-approved accommodations to await their arrival test results (typically within 48 hours) before ending their on-property quarantine.

Complete details on new protocols can be found here.

Social distancing and wearing face masks are mandatory in public spaces. There is an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.curfew from Thursday night to Monday morning. Violators of quarantine and curfew rules could face stiff fines for jail time.

On Feb. 3, 2021, Barbados strengthened its COVID-19 protocols after the United Kingdom variant was found on the island. Restaurants, bars and non-essential shops were closed and beaches had limited hours for swimming or exercise. These restrictions were eased beginning March 15, 2021, and retail shops and bars (at 50% capacity) were allowed to reopen and restaurants were allowed to open for in-person dining. Beach hours have now been expanded to 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. for swimming or exercise.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Barbados must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Barbados, the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Barbados is Level 4: Do Not Travel. The CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. More updates on Barbados’ response to coronavirus and any updates to its protocols can be found on the Barbados government website.

Bermuda

Bermuda reopened to travelers, including Americans, on July 1, 2020.

The island resumed international commercial air service for visitors as part of its fourth phase of economic reopening after what it calls its “successful management of COVID-19 to date.”

Related: Bermuda opening to Americans

In a news conference announcing the reopening, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism & Transport Zane DeSilva said, “As we work to finalize the protocols and requirements for travel to Bermuda, rest assured, we will always place the safety of our island and its people above all else.”

Here are the requirements posted by the government of Bermuda, which include a recent lifting of most quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers (see details below):

Pre-departure — A traveler must:

Within 72 to 25 hours of departure, complete the Bermuda travel authorization process online which gathers important information for the island’s health and immigration officials; a $75 fee per traveler is required, which includes the cost of all COVID-19 testing in Bermuda. Each passenger must have a form completed regardless of age. NOTE: Children 9 and younger do not have to be tested at any point, and their Travel Authorization fee is $30. For additional information, check the Travel authorization FAQ
Within five days of departure, visitors must take a COVID-19 PCR test and obtain a negative result. This applies to adults and children aged 10  and up. Children who are 9 and younger are exempt and are subject to their adult travel companion’s quarantine. Children 10-17 must receive parental consent to be tested. If consent is denied, the young traveler must quarantine for 14 days on arrival. Test results must be entered as part of the online travel authorization process and be presented upon arrival in Bermuda. As of July 11, 2020, such visitors without a pre-departure test will not be able to obtain Travel Authorization and enter Bermuda.
Acquire health insurance covering illness and injury outside of your home jurisdiction, including those related to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis while in Bermuda. If this is not obtained, a visitor will be responsible for all health and accommodation costs should they require treatment and/or quarantine, including costs related to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in Bermuda
Wear face masks when traveling to the departure airport
Wear face masks and practice physical distancing at the departure airport

Additionally, travelers are required to:

Take a mandatory second COVID-PCR test upon arrival in the airport and if non-vaccinated self-quarantine at their resort accommodation for four days (new protocol as of May 2, 2021) until they receive a negative result from their day 4 test; fully vaccinated travelers must only quarantine until receiving a negative result from their arrival test (generally 24 hours or less).
Submit to subsequent tests on days 4, 8 and 14 of their visit (if their stay is that long).
Wear a Traveller Wristband for the first 14 days (fully vaccinated travelers are exempt); they are color-coded and will remind them to be careful of their movements, which are restricted by color, and indicate the on-island tests completed. Removal of the wristband will result in a fine of $500 and home quarantine with an electronic monitoring bracelet.
Pack a thermometer

Note: Fully vaccinated travelers must quarantine only until receiving their arrival test results (generally 24 hours or less) and then are free to explore and do not have to wear wristbands—but they still must test on days 4, 8 and 14 (if their stay is that long). Details are here.

There are also longer quarantine requirements for all travelers to Bermuda who are arriving from Brazil, India or South Africa or who have visited Brazil, India or South Africa in the 14 days before they arrive in Bermuda. They must quarantine in their accommodation for fourteen days.

Bermuda currently has an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily curfew.

As of Jan. 26, 2021 everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Bermuda must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

Related: Visiting Bermuda with kids

According to the U.S. Consulate General in Bermuda, the U.S. State Department advisory for Bermuda is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

More information on coronavirus in Bermuda can be found here.

More reading: New resort and hotel options in Bermuda

Bonaire

Americans are welcome to visit Bonaire. But to avoid a 10-day quarantine at their own cost, all U.S. travelers age 13 and older must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours prior to their arrival, plus a negative Antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival, or a negative COVID-19 NAAT test taken 24 hours before departure. Additionally, travelers must complete a health declaration form for the Public Health Department within 48 hours of their departure for Bonaire.

As of Jan. 26, 2021 everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Bonaire must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

Delta Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines are all said to be resuming flights from several U.S. airports to Bonaire soon.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Bonaire is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High COVID-19. For more information, visit the website of the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, which oversees Bonaire, and for health and safety protocols in Bonaire, check here.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands began a soft reopening on Oct. 1, 2020.

Only Americans who own homes in the Cayman Islands, dual citizens or those hoping to move to the Cayman Islands under long-term work arrangements via the island’s Global Citizen Concierge Program are allowed in, and only 800 approvals will be offered during the early stages of reopening. Those who are approved also need to register with the TravelTime service before their trip, and as of Jan. 14, 2021, all travelers age 10 and older need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure for the Cayman Islands. Airlines will deny boarding to anyone without the required negative test results.

All arriving passengers will then need to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival (Day 0) in Cayman, and again on Day 15, and remain in isolation for a minimum of 14 days while wearing a tracking device, after which a PCR test will be required on Day 15. A negative test result and sign-off by the Medical Officer of Health is required for the quarantine period to cease. Visitors are advised to allow 24-72 hours for off-boarding process, this includes a negative test result and return of monitoring equipment.

The Cayman Islands is taking its mandatory quarantine very seriously and violators are being prosecuted. A Georgia college student who broke COVID-19 protocol in December 2020 was ordered to serve four months in a Grand Cayman prison before her sentence was reduced to one month served.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Cayman Islands must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Cayman Islands is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

Related: Cayman Islands reopening

Cuba

Cuba welcomed international visitors back in July 2020.

The U.S. State Department has a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory in place for Cuba. Politics limits Americans travel to Cuba more than COVID-19. Long-standing travel restrictions were tightened by the U.S. government in late 2019, eliminating many of the reasons Americans were allowed to visit Cuba in recent years.

There are a number of additional restrictions for U.S. travelers visiting Cuba that are not related to the pandemic, and which remain active.

Curacao

Curacao reopened to U.S. tourists in November 2020. The U.S. is considered a high-risk country and all American travelers are required to complete a digital immigration card and then, within 48 hours of travel, digitally fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) via the same portal and carry a printed copy with you. A negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Curacao must be uploaded to the portal and passengers are required to carry a copy of the results. Children six years and younger are exempt from testing and the PLC.

A second required test was recently added for travelers from high-risk countries (including the U.S.), who on day three after arrival must undergo an on-island Antigen test at a local lab. Travelers will be required to make an appointment for the test to complete their Passenger Locator Card prior to travel. Details can be found here.

Health insurance valid in Curacao is also required and travelers who test positive for COVID-19 while in Curacao will be quarantined at their own expense.

Hotels are open, but after a surge in cases Curacao mandated on March 24, 2021 (and then extended on April 7, 2021) that all non-essential shops are closed, all restaurants can offer take-out or delivery only between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. with some limited outside dining as of May 4, 2021 (there is a 9 p.m. island-wide curfew) and all tourist excursions and activities are canceled. Travelers are asked to check with the resort they have reserved about on-property restrictions, including at beaches. Details can be found here. Social distancing measures are in place island-wide and face masks are required when distancing is not possible.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Curacao must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Curacao was recently changed to Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Visit the U.S. Consulate in Curacao‘s website for additional information.

Dominica

Dominica has been open to travelers since Aug. 3, 2020. All eligible travelers arriving in the country are designated as coming from Low-Risk, Medium-Risk or High-Risk countries (the United States is currently considered High-Risk) and travelers must follow these procedures:

Submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival
Present notification of clearance to travel in the form of a doctor’s note or similar document
Submit a negative PCR test result recorded within 24-72 hours prior to arrival
Provide confirmation of a booking at a government-certified private property
Undergo a health assessment upon arrival, including a temperature check
Provide confirmation of the health questionnaire and negative PCR test results
Wear a color-coded wristband indicating they are a visitor
Undergo rapid COVID-19 test screening at Dominica’s airport with a negative test result (children under five are exempt).
After receiving a negative result, spend 5-7 days in a Managed Experience at a Safe in Nature certified property, with a COVID-19 PCR test on day 5.

Any traveler with a high temperature, high-risk alert from their questionnaire or positive rapid test will be given a PCR test, and be taken into mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility or hotel at their expense until results are available. If the follow-up test result is positive, the traveler may be quarantined until released by an authorized health professional.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Dominica must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

Visitors must also adhere to stringent on-site policies around social distancing and safe hygiene, which include wearing face masks at all times during the arrival process, up to and including departure from the airport; observing physical distancing guidelines; and following all instructions from local health care staff and officials.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Dominica is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

For more information, see check U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s website and Dominica’s Travel Advisory.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic reopened July 1, 2020, when Punta Cana International Airport restarted commercial operations, although only approximately 30% of its hotels opened at that time. Currently, most hotels and resorts have reopened or will reopen soon. U.S. travelers are welcome and there are no longer any pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements for visitors.

Travelers can expect mandatory temperature checks upon arrival, but as of October 2020, pre-travel testing has been replaced with spot checks. Airports and other ports of entry will administer a quick, aleatory breath test to between 3% and 15% of passengers upon arrival. Passengers who present symptoms or whose test results are positive will be isolated and attended at authorized locations.

All travelers are also required to fill out and submit a digital Electronic Entry Ticket (mandatory as of April 1, 2021) to declare they have not felt any COVID-19 related symptoms in the last 72 hours and provide contact details for the next 30 days.

Masks and social distancing guidelines are in place for indoor public spaces, public transportation and outdoor situations where distancing isn’t possible. There is also an island-wide curfew of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) and disobeying it can result in fines or jail time.

For the latest updates on restrictions in the Dominican Republic, check here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. State Department’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Do Not Travel. The CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Grenada

Like its Caribbean neighbors, Grenada began reopening to foreign tourists on Aug. 1, 2020 — with many health conditions attached. Strict protocols, including quarantine, are currently in place for all visitors, as the island is no longer dividing travelers into low-, medium- and high-risk, depending on their country of origin. But as of May 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers face a reduced quarantine.

Every visitor is required to obtain a Pure Safe Travel Certificate authorizing travel, present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days (72 hours) of arrival (children age 5 and under are exempt from testing), fill out online health forms in advance, have travel insurance valid in Grenada and download the RonaTrac contact tracing app (iPhone users are currently exempt). All visitors will additionally need to show a confirmed reservation for no fewer than seven nights at a Pure Safe Travel accommodation and quarantine there until taking a PCR test on day 5 (cost: $150, payable when obtaining the Pure Safe Travel Certificate) and getting official clearance to either go out into the community or return home. Complete travel requirements can be found here.

Effective May 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers (those who are two weeks or more past their final dose) are still required to provide a negative PCR test taken within three (3) days prior to travel, but with proof of vaccination will only be required to quarantine for 48 hours pending a negative result from a PCR test administered on arrival. Travelers will not be not allowed to leave quarantine until medical clearance is granted.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Grenada must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

For more information on requirements and restrictions, check the U.S. Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean’s COVID-19 page for Grenada. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Grenada is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

Haiti

Haiti has reopened its borders to regular international passenger traffic. It has also opened its land borders with the Dominican Republic.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, travelers visiting the country need to complete a health declaration form and submit it to immigration authorities upon arrival. They will need to keep this form for the purposes of self-quarantine and contact tracing as necessary. The embassy also reports that as of Feb. 9, 2021, all travelers to Haiti will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test taken within 72 hours of travel to their airline; proof of a prior COVID-19 infection (positive test and documentation from the attending physician) is also allowed.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Haiti will need to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Haiti is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Jamaica

Jamaica officially reopened for tourism on June 15, 2020, but anyone hoping to plan a vacation there, especially those from a high-risk country (such as the U.S.), needs to submit a pre-travel health authorization registration with a customs and immigration form within seven days the intended travel date and the government will issue a travel approval document based on those details. Travelers may be denied permission to visit depending on their risk for COVID-19 transmission.

All travelers age 12 and older must present negative results of a COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test taken within 3 days (72 hours) of the date of arrival.

All incoming travelers should expect thermal temperature checks upon arrival, and anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms or feels ill upon arrival will be quarantined. Even after all those procedures, travelers are expected to remain throughout their stay at accommodations within the “resilient corridors,” where hotels and resorts have been certified to accept tourists and adhere to social distancing and face mask policies in public. Travelers may leave their resort only to visit certified tourist attractions and are expected to follow any policies made by tourist and hospitality establishments.

For the latest updates on requirements for travel to Jamaica, check here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Jamaica must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica’s website for additional information. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Jamaica is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Martinique

Martinique’s borders have been closed to tourism by the French government as of Feb. 2, 2021. The French territory had been open for tourism, but only to citizens of France.

According to the U.S. Consulate for the Eastern Caribbean, Americans are not welcome, but the policy will be reviewed every two weeks. The U.S. State Department currently classifies Martinique, and the entire French West Indies, as Level 4: Do Not Travel. According to the Caribbean Journal, Air France has resumed flights to Martinique.

All arrivals over the age of 11 who are permitted must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for the island and must quarantine until taking another test on the seventh day after arrival.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Martinique must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Martinique is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

St. Barths

The French government on Feb. 2, 2021, closed the borders of its overseas territories, which include St. Barthelemy (St. Barths), halting inbound tourism until further notice. St. Barths had reopened to tourists on June 22, 2020.

The government has indicated a possibility that the island could reopen to tourism in mid-to-late May 2021 if a planned island-wide vaccination initiative is successful.

Those who were able to visit this Caribbean vacation spot before the ban had to do the following: All travelers age 11 and older needed proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered 72 hours or less before arrival or they were denied boarding by airlines. All U.S. travelers also had to quarantine for seven days, with a repeat PCR test on day seven (at a cost of 135 euros).

Travelers needed to plan carefully since there are no direct flights from the U.S. to St. Barths and it was necessary to make sure the transit country allowed American tourists.

U.S. citizens currently on St. Barths will be able to depart, but as of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from St. Barths must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so travelers should check their resort’s policy.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Barths is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19.

For updates on travel to St. Barths, check with the U.S. Consulate for the Eastern Caribbean.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis began a phased reopening on Oct. 31, 2020.

According to the St. Kitts and Nevis tourism board, Americans will need to take the following steps (with quarantine recently shortened for fully vaccinated travelers):

Complete the entry form here and submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test completed within 48 to 72 hours of arrival from an accredited laboratory as well as confirmation of a hotel reservation at a certified hotel.
Undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire.
Download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app (to be used for the first 14 days (or less) of travel.
Days 1-7: Visitors are free to move about the hotel property, interact with other guests and partake in hotel activities. Visitors staying 7 nights or less are required to take a PCR-test ($150) two days prior to departure at their hotel, at the nurse’s station, per a directive from the Ministry of Health. If positive before departure, the traveler will be required to stay in isolation at their cost at their respective hotel. If negative, travelers will proceed with departure on their respective date.
Days 8 -14: Visitors staying longer than 7 days will undergo a PCR-test (visitors’ cost is US $150) on day 7. If the traveler tests negative on day 7, they will be allowed, through the hotel’s tour desk, to book select excursions and access select destination sites.
Visitors staying 14 days or longer will also need to undergo a PCR-test (visitors’ cost is US $150) on day 14, and if they test negative the traveler will be allowed to integrate into the St. Kitts and Nevis community.

Note: As of May 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers (those who are at least two weeks past their final dose) are required to complete the entry form and upload negative PCR test results, but will be required to “vacation in place” at their approved resort for just nine days, with a test on day 9 allowing them to explore the island.

One other note: Americans will need to stay at one of eight approved hotels for international visitors. Good news? They include the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, the Four Seasons Nevis and the St. Kitts Marriot Resort.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from St. Kitts and Nevis must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Kitts and Nevis is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the islands is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

For complete details on travel requirements, visit the St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism website.

St. Lucia

Americans are welcome to visit St. Lucia, where flights to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) have resumed.

Visitors age five and older (from outside St. Lucia’s designated Travel Bubble) are required to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days of boarding their flights to UVF (this was reduced from seven days as of Feb. 10, 2021). All International travelers, including those from the United States, must also complete an online Travel Registration Form and upload the negative test results before travel, as well as present the Travel Authorization email they receive, or they may be denied boarding.

Once they arrive in St. Lucia, travelers will undergo health checks and temperatures will be taken. All international visitors from outside the St. Lucia Travel Bubble will be required to remain at their COVID-19-certified property and only participate in certified tours and activities for the duration of their stay. After 14 days, visitors will be able to move around the island freely. Masks and social distancing are required for the duration of the stay.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from St. Lucia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Lucia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For further details, visit the International Arrivals page on the St. Lucia Tourism website and the U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s website.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

An ongoing eruption of the La Soufrière volcano on the island of St. Vincent has forced the evacuation of some residents and spread a layer of ash over many parts of the island, including the capital of Kingstown, and even on the neighboring island of Barbados.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines began reopening on July 1, 2020. Visitors from all countries are welcome, but everyone must fill out a health form within 24 hours of departure for the islands. Americans face especially strict requirements, which were updated as of Feb. 8, 2021, and modified for fully vaccinated travelers as of April 27, 2021.

All travelers from High-Risk countries, which includes the U.S., will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours (three days) of arrival. All high-risk travelers who are non-vaccinated may also be tested on arrival. They are also required to quarantine at an approved hotel for 14 nights and show proof of a fully paid reservation for those 14 nights. Then, retesting is required between day four and day seven along with ongoing monitoring by a Port Health Officer.

All fully vaccinated travelers (two weeks or more past their final dose) must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours (three days) of arrival, be retested on arrival, complete mandatory quarantine for seven (7) days in an approved quarantine hotel at their own cost, and may be retested for COVID-19 on day seven (7) of quarantine.

For more information on entry requirements for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, click here.

Travelers from 11 Very High Risk countries (which include Brazil, India and South Africa) must undergo a second test upon arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, with tests on days 7 and 14.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from St. Vincent and the Grenadines must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the islands is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Check the website of the U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean for both COVID-19 and volcanic eruption updates.

Sint Maarten

Dutch Sint Maarten is open and welcoming U.S. and other travelers arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport.

Before arrival, travelers from high-risk countries (which includes the U.S.) are required to follow several protocols, including submitting the results of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of the day of travel. This was reduced from 120 hours as of Feb. 12, 2021, but both the St. Maarten Health Authorization System website and the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, which oversees Dutch St. Maarten, report the 120-hour requirement remains for Americans. Americans can also now opt to present the results of any FDA-approved rapid Antigen test done within 48 hours.

All travelers must also submit an online health declaration form in advance of travel (confirmation must be shown at immigration). And as of Jan. 11, 2021, all travelers must also apply for the St. Maarten Visitor Protection Plan, which provides health insurance covering COVID-19 testing and treatment while on the island and costs $30 for travelers age 15 and older and $10 for those 14 and under. As travelers from a high-risk country, Americans are also expected to practice daily self-monitoring and reporting of symptoms for 14 days.

A travel ban is in effect since Jan. 27, 2021, for persons who have been in a banned country (including South Africa, Brazil and a dozen South American countries) over the past 14 days.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from St. Maarten must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

U.S. tourists are currently allowed to cross the border from Dutch St. Maarten to French St. Martin.

The U.S. State Department advisory is Level 3: Reconsider Travel for Dutch St. Maarten and Level 4: Do Not Travel for French St. Martin. The CDC’s advisory for Dutch St. Maarten is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

For more information on travel requirements, check the St. Maarten Health Authorization website.

*Image courtesy St. Maarten Tourism Bureau.*

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad January 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Trinidad and Tobago issued a stay-at-home order in late March 2020 and banned tourists. The two islands began easing restrictions on May 12, 2020, but so have not begun to welcome tourists.

The country got high marks early on for keeping COVID-19 cases to a minimum, although cases rose in late summer and early fall 2020. And with the new variant that has emerged in the United Kingdom, the government of Trinidad and Tobago raised the mandatory quarantine for any returning residents or essential workers flying from the U.K. to 14 days in a government facility from seven days.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said in May 2020 that the borders will remain closed until the government is confident the virus is contained. The government also is giving hotels some $50 million to remodel and prepare for when tourists are welcomed back.

Caribbean Airlines has resumed some local flights and released a video on their new cleaning procedures in the wake of the outbreak.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Trinidad and Tobago is Level 4: Do Not Travel. Check the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago website for updates.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos, a group of 40 low-lying coral islands popular with tourists in the Caribbean, began welcoming international visitors to Providenciales Airport on July 22, 2020. This British Overseas Territory includes the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo.

More: What you have to know for Turks and Caicos reopening

Travelers age 10 and older to Turks and Caicos are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within five days of visiting the islands and obtain travel pre-authorization via the TCI Assured Portal. Masks are also required in public places and there’s an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew through at least June 30, 2021. Restaurants and bars are open but are restricted to 30% capacity.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Turks and Caicos must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in the Caribbean have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

For the latest information on restrictions, visit the Turks & Caicos Tourism website and check the website of the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, which overseas Turks & Caicos.

The U.S. State Department advisory for Turks & Caicos is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the islands is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Related coverage: Why I love Turks and Caicos

Europe

Albania

The Albanian government lifted all restrictions on tourism on July 1, 2020, and commercial flights have resumed, but some connections through major European hubs were reduced in December 2020.

Americans can visit, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania, but the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Albania is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

There are no testing requirements for visitors, but temperature checks on arriving passengers at the airport and wearing a mask in all public spaces are mandatory. If a passenger has COVID-19 symptoms and/or a fever they may be required to undergo a mandatory government quarantine. The U.S. Embassy also notes that travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Albania must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Albania has a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew until further notice and all bars, restaurants and fast-food outlets can offer delivery only during those hours.

Armenia

Armenia has reopened its borders to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan. All visitors are now required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with 72 hours of arrival or submit to a test in the public area of the arrivals hall of Zvartnots International Airport and quarantine until receiving the result. Masks are mandated in all public spaces and on public transportation.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Armenia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Armenia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Austria

Tourism is currently not allowed in Austria—but the reopening of the hospitality sector is expected by May 19, 2021 (although solely for EU travelers). Only Austrian and European Union citizens, along with travelers from countries deemed “safe” are currently allowed to enter the country, and only for essential business.

Austria entered a second lockdown in November 2020 and, as of March 14, 2021, stay-at-home restrictions are mandated for the national curfew hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Restrictions have also limited hotel occupancy to essential business travelers, closed bars and restaurants to all but take-out dining and canceled cultural events. These restrictions, along with entry regulations, are slated to begin being eased on May 19, 2021. Vienna and Lower Austria had previously extended additional restrictions through May 2, 2021, with all non-essential shops and museums closed. They reopened on May 3, but restaurants and hotels remain closed.

The country also now requires that medical-grade face masks (FFP2 or N95) be worn on public transportation and in all shops, museums and businesses. Testing is also required for travel between some regions. For details on travel restrictions, check here.

As of Jan. 15, 2021, all travelers entering Austria must register electronically for a pre-travel clearance. The Austrian government also now requires a negative COVID-19 PCR (taken within 72 hours of arrival) or rapid Antigen test (taken within 48 hours of arrival), which applies to third-party nationals who are allowed to enter Austria right now. This could include narrow exceptions for American travelers coming from within the Schengen area for “essential business,” according to the U.S Embassy in Austria. The test must be written in German or English and dated within 72 hours of the travel departure date.

All arrivals are also required to commit to a 10-day self-quarantine. Taking a second PCR test five days after arrival and receiving a negative result will end the quarantine.

Travelers from “safe countries” (as of April 30, 2021, they are Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the Vatican) do not need to present a test result or self-quarantine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Austria must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Austria is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Azerbaijan

According to the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, U.S. citizens with legal residence status in Azerbaijan are allowed to enter. Other Americans are currently not welcome. All travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test issued within 48 hours of arrival and everyone is subject to a 14-day self-quarantine. The country is under special quarantine restrictions through June 1, 2021. Restaurants, cafes and most other businesses are open, but all shopping malls remain closed.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Azerbaijan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Azerbaijan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Belarus

Belarus has been in the middle of a popular uprising against the man called the “last dictator in Europe,” the U.S. State Department’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19, so it may not be the best time to visit—but the country bordering Russia is open to tourism. According to the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, Americans are on a list of countries that were allowed to enter as of Aug. 15, 2020, but only through Minsk National Airport. Land borders are closed to American travelers.

If you can find a flight, you’ll need to get a visa. A COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours is required and travelers from a “red-zone” country (which includes the U.S.) must self-quarantine for 10 days—and complete the full quarantine in Belarus. You’ll also need to fill out a health questionnaire and submit to temperature/health checks on arrival.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Belarus must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Belgium

Belgium is not allowing Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium. Belgium, which has been hard hit by COVID-19, had been under a severe lockdown and restrictions remain.

On Jan. 25, 2021, Belgium banned all leisure/tourism travel for its own citizens and residents and severely restricted entry to just travelers entering the country for approved essential business, family or humanitarian purposes through April 18, 2021. Currently, travel to Belgium by Belgian/EU/Schengen citizens or long-term residents is permitted, but is discouraged. For all other citizens, travel for non-essential purposes remains prohibited. See details here.

Travelers who are permitted to enter must complete a passenger locator form at least 48 hours prior to arrival and present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. Those considered “high-risk” will receive a QR code via text message for testing and must quarantine upon arrival and test again on day seven.

Belgium has also instituted social distancing restrictions that remain in place, including outdoor terrace dining or take-out only services at restaurants. For more information, check the country’s Current Measures updates.

As of Jan. 26, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Belgium must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Belgium is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19.

Bulgaria

U.S. citizens are once allowed to enter the country as of May 1, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, but only under certain conditions.

Travelers currently allowed to enter are Bulgarian nationals, permanent residents and their family members; citizens of the European Union, the Schengen Agreement States (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and Vatican City); citizens of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Australia, Canada, the United States, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova, Israel, Kuwait, the Republic of Belarus, and Turkey.

To enter Bulgaria, a person from the above countries must present one of the following:

a vaccination certificate for a completed vaccination course against COVID-19; the vaccination certificate is considered valid 14 days after receiving the final dose and must include the full name of the vaccinated person as per the identification document, date of birth, dates the doses were administered, vaccine name and batch number, name of the producer, details of the vaccine certificate issuing authority and country
a positive result from a PCR or antigen test for immunity for COVID-19 for persons who had the infection not more than 6 months from the date they enter the country
a negative result from a PCR test performed within 72 hours of their entry into Bulgaria or a negative antigen test performed within 48 hours of their entry into the country

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Bulgaria must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Bulgaria is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Croatia

U.S. travelers can once again visit Croatia—but they must have proof of accommodation paid in full in advance of arrival. Croatia had reopened for tourists from all countries, but then on Dec. 1, 2020, the government restricted entry and border crossings and instituted varying levels of lockdown to help limit COVID-19 transmission, and as a result, entry for tourism purposes was not permitted for U.S. citizens. That changed as of April 1, 2021.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Croatia, U.S. tourists must fill out the Enter Croatia form and present one of the following:

a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR or rapid Antigen test taken less than 48 hours before arrival; those who provide a rapid Antigen test result and are staying in Croatia longer than 10 days must repeat the test within 10 days of the original test.
a vaccination certificate showing vaccination was completed at least 14 days before entry to Croatia
a certificate confirming recovery from a COVID-19 infection with a positive test result having been received within 11 and 180 days of arrival in Croatia

Unvaccinated travelers can also test upon arrival (at the traveler’s cost) and self-isolate until receiving a negative result. All travelers visiting for tourism purposes must also provide proof of accommodation paid in advance in full or they will not be permitted to enter the country.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that entry requirements are subject to change at any time without notice and that the Croatian Border Police have final authority regarding entry into Croatia.

Incoming travelers from the EU and Schengen Area “Green List” countries and those from limited other countries on the EU safe list can enter without producing a negative COVID-19 PCR test; EU and Schengen Area residents from countries not on the list must provide proof of vaccination, recovery from previous infection or a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of arrival or take a test upon arrival (at their own expense) and self-isolate under receiving the results.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Croatia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Croatia requires that masks be worn in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing can not be maintained. Current restrictions also mandate outdoor dining or take-out and delivery only by restaurants and bars.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Croatia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Cyprus

Cyprus, a small island nation off the coast of Turkey, is now open to Americans arriving directly from the United States.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, as of April 1, 2021, “the United States is classified as a ‘Red’ category country. Tourists may travel from the United States to the Republic of Cyprus without mandatory self-isolation provided they have uploaded proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding a flight to Cyprus, complete another test upon arrival at their own expense (30 euros), and have an approved Cyprus Flight Pass.” Children under the age of 12 do not require testing.

There is a 9 p.m. daily curfew in place and face coverings are required in all public spaces for people age 12 and older. Restaurants are open for outdoor service only.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Cyprus must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The CDC has issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 advisory for Cyprus, while the U.S. State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, which in early and mid-March 2021 experienced the fastest virus spread in Europe, was under an emergency lockdown through April 12, 2021. According to the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic , Americans were not welcome even before the country began banning all travelers, including those in the EU and Schengen zones, from visiting for tourism purposes.

The latest updates on restrictions, which now include wearing FFP2 masks (equivalent to N95 masks) or two surgical masks in public spaces such as buses, trains and shops, can be found here.

Only returning citizens or permanent residents and those coming to the country for essential reasons will be allowed in. Those from orange, red and dark red countries must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours (or an Antigen test taken with 24 hours) and take a test after five days in the country, while those from red and dark red also have to quarantine until receiving the second test results. For details, check here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Czech Republic must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Czech Republic is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Denmark

Copenhagen October 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Copenhagen, October 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Denmark is not open to most Americans. According to the U.S. Embassy in Denmark, the Danish border closure — imposed on March 14, 2020 — remains in place for tourism-related travel from the United States. Only Danish citizens or permanent residents or those traveling to Denmark for a “worthy purpose” may travel from the U.S. and they must follow the requirements for non-vaccinated travelers from “orange” and “red” EU countries, as listed below.

As of May 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers (14 days past completing vaccination with an EU-apprved vaccine) visiting from “yellow” or “orange” EU and Schengen countries no longer need to present a negative test, have a “worthy purpose” for their visit, test upon arrival or isolate.

Non-vaccinated travelers from “yellow” EU countries can visit Denmark without having a “worthy purpose,” but must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of both boarding their flight and arriving in Denmark and take a rapid Antigen test upon entry.

Non-vaccinated travelers from “orange” and “red” EU countries can only visit Denmark for a “worthy purpose,” and must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of both boarding their flight and arriving in Denmark, take a rapid Antigen test upon entry and isolate for 10 days (isolation can end after a negative PCR test on day 4).

Entry rules for Denmark can be found here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Denmark must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The government of Denmark implemented national lockdown restrictions in 38 municipalities, including Copenhagen, which remained in place through April 5, 2021, with a gradual easing every two weeks with the goal of opening fully by the end of May 2021 when all over-50 residents are expected to be vaccinated.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Denmark is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Estonia

Estonia is closed to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Estonia. It is open to passengers arriving from other countries in the European Union and the Schengen Zone — although those from countries with high infection rates (currently many EU countries) are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, which allows them to shorten a required 10-day quarantine with a second test taken within 6 days of the first. Permitted travelers who have proof of being within six months of being fully vaccinated or having recovered from COVID-19 can enter without having to quarantine. All travelers are required to complete an online declaration of health up to 72 hours prior to arrival. See information here.

Estonia entered a lockdown on March 11, 2021 to try to stem rising cases. The order has been eased with shops and museums allowed to reopen at 25% capacity, while restaurants can operate for outdoor dining or takeout and delivery.

Estonia is also open to residents of Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Rwanda, Thailand and Singapore.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Estonia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Estonia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Finland

Finland is closed to Americans. The country began allowing some tourism on Sept. 19, 2020, and uses a traffic light model to determine on a weekly basis who is allowed to enter, with testing and quarantine required. Finland is currently restricting entry from all Schengen countries except Iceland to only those traveling for essential purposes through at least May 25, 2021.

Citizens of countries considered low-risk (currently Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand) are allowed to visit, will be tested upon entry and do not need to quarantine. Those from high-risk countries traveling for essential purposes, even those who are fully vaccinated, must undergo a health check and COVID-19 test upon arrival arrival and self-isolate for 14 days, with quarantine allowed to end following a negative test no less than 72 hours after arrival. For the latest restrictions, check here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Finland must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Finland in Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

France

Paris June 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Paris, June 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Since Jan. 31, 2021, France has banned all but essential travel by anyone outside of the European Union and Schengen zone countries. In mid-March 2021, the country lifted the ban for travelers from the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea. Any traveler from the United States must show they are an essential traveler with a compelling reason to enter and must obtain a “travel attestation” from the Ministry of Interior website. Like all travelers arriving from EU or Schengen countries (except cross-border commuters), they must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR taken within 72 hours of arrival and self-isolate for seven days.

France, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus, extended lockdown measures and restrictions to all regions on April 3, 2021, with all non-essential services closed. There is currently a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and restaurants, cafes, bars, museums and other venues are closed. But France’s government recently announced a gradual reopening plan with some shops reopened on May 3, 2021 and museums, restaurant terraces and other venues set to reopen in the weeks that follow. The curfew will initially remain in place at 7 p.m. Details are available here.

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France resorts that the president of France has laid out a reopening plan that would allow “foreign tourists” with a health pass (tied to being fully vaccinated or having a negative COVID-19 PCR test) to enter France beginning June 9, 2021 if COVID-19 levels remain under control. It is not yet known if U.S. travelers will be included among the foreign tourists allowed to enter.

Per the U.S. Embassy, Americans were not permitted to travel to France even before the lockdown. Anyone arriving in France for essential purposes needs to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, self-isolate for seven days and take another test at the end of the self-isolation period. France is also now requiring that everyone in public spaces wear medical-grade face masks (FFP1 or more protective FFP2 filtering respirators) or fabric masks that meet “Category 1” specifications by blocking more than 90% of particles.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from France must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for France is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Georgia

Americans are welcome in the country of Georgia, according to the U.S. Embassy, including those who have documented proof of completed COVID-19 vaccinations and those willing to stay for six months and work from home in the country. However, the U.S. State Department’s current advisory for Georgia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. There is also a nationwide curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Unvaccinated U.S. citizens or residents arriving by air through permitted countries are required to complete an application form, present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel and take a second PCR test (at their own expense) on the third day after arrival in Georgia. Vaccinated U.S. citizens only need to present their vaccine certificate. Details and links to requirements are available on the U.S. Embassy website.

Georgia had hoped to attract freelancers and self-employed foreigners. Those interested in applying can expect to provide personal information, a certificate of employment and proof of travel insurance (valid for six months). Travelers must submit the application and obtain relevant confirmation documents prior to arriving in Georgia.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Georgia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Germany

Berlin August 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Berlin, August 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Germany remains closed to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Germany. Amid rising cases, the country entered a “hard lockdown” on Dec. 16, 2020, that has been extended through May 9, 2021, with some limited easing of restrictions in regions with low cases. There is limited entry for just E.U. citizens and residents, similar to the actions taken by other E.U. nations.

On Jan. 31, 2021, the German government also announced a ban on all non-German-citizen travelers from “areas of variant concern” through at least May 12, 2021; non-citizen permanent residents are excluded from the ban and must provide required pre-arrival testing.

As of Jan. 1, 2021, Germany added travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand to the list of countries approved for entry, but only if there is an urgent need for them to travel to Germany. Testing and quarantining are required for entry, depending on the traveler’s country of origin or where they have traveled in the past 14 days, with all travelers required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result taken within 48 hours of arrival. The latest updates for travel can be found here.

Currently, overnight hotel stays for tourism purposes are not allowed (through at least May 9, 2021) and Germany now requires that all people wear FFP1 or FFP2 medical-grade face masks when on public transport, at work or in shops.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Germany must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Germany is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Greece

Athens May 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Athens, May 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Greece began welcoming U.S. travelers on April 19, 2021, after accelerating its plans to reopen for tourism purposes, originally slated to happen on May 14, 2021. Several cruise lines, including Celebrity, have also said they plan to sail the Greek islands from Athens as early as late June 2021.

Tourists will, however, be subject to the country’s ongoing lockdown restrictions, which throughout April have involved a 24-hour lockdown (with travel outside one’s residence for essential purposes only) and an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew. Those restrictions are being eased over the next several weeks, beginning with the country’s cafes, bars and restaurants reopening for outside dining as of May 3, 2021 and museums reopening the week of May 10, 2021.

All travelers eligible to enter Greece without self-isolation—those from EU & Schengen Area countries, United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Serbia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore and the Russian Federation (Russian travelers must provide proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test)—should expect to adhere to Greece’s “five lines of defense” strategy. Those lines include:

All visitors must be fully vaccinated (14 days or more past completion) or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival (children age five and under are exempt from testing)
A checking system at Greece’s airports and borders, where passengers can be selected randomly to take a rapid test
Any visitor who tests positive for coronavirus will be isolated in a “quarantine hotel”
All tourism industry workers must be vaccinated (they will move up the priority list once the most vulnerable Greek citizens get the vaccine)
Strict adherence to safety protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing.

All travelers must also complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before their travel date. The requirement to self-isolate has been lifted for those with a negative test of proof of completed vaccination. Complete details on entry requirements can be found here.

Greece had been a rare bright spot for foreign tourists, but not for Americans until the Greek government announced stricter measures to combat rising COVID-19 cases. It began using a two-tiered system on Nov. 3, 2020, and entered a national lockdown on Nov. 7, 2020, with some minor easing of restrictions in late January 2021. But an uptick in cases in Athens throughout February delayed the city’s gradual reopening, which had been scheduled for March 2021, and lockdown measures have continued with only the limited reopening of some retail shops on April 5, 2021.

Check the U.S. Embassy in Greece website for additional information.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Greece must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Greece is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Hungary

Hungary banned foreigners entirely early in the pandemic and began lifting lockdown restrictions on its own citizens in May 2020. But last fall, the country again banned foreigners, including Americans.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Hungary, only Hungarian citizens and their relatives can enter Hungary, with a few exceptions, and all who do enter are subject to a 10-day quarantine after receiving a health screening at the border. An exception to this is if they can credibly show two negative coronavirus tests taken at least 48 hours apart and taken in Hungary (or one can be taken before arriving in Hungary from a Schengen country, the U.S. or Canada and the other after arrival).

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Hungary must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

As of May 1, 2021, Hungary has begun a reopening, with most indoor hospitality venues limited to those who are vaccinated or immune after a previous infection. There is a nightly curfew beginning at 12 a.m. Hotels are currently only allowed to accept guests traveling for business purposes, not tourism (unless the guests has proof of vaccination/immunity), and restaurants have reopened for both indoor (for vaccinated or immune guests only) and outdoor dining. Shops are open with capacity restrictions. Museums, theaters, zoos and other leisure facilities have also reopened, but only to those who have proof of vaccination or immunity and their underaged family members.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Hungary is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Iceland

Iceland is once again welcoming U.S. travelers—but only if they’ve completed their COVID-19 vaccination or can present proof of a previous infection via a positive antibody test.

Iceland had discussed welcoming back American tourists as early as June 2020 but then changed its mind and a ban on American tourists remained in effect through March 2021. TPG’s Andrew Kunesh booked a last-minute flight shortly after the ban was lifted, but before Iceland’s government decided it needed more time to ensure procedures were in place. You can read his account here.

As of April 6, 2021, all U.S. visitors are welcome, assuming they meet one of two criteria:

A completed AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
A previous COVID-19 infection, as confirmed with a positive antibody test or positive PCR test older than 14 days

Visitors need to pre-register before travel and can present an official paper or electronic COVID-19 vaccine certificate that includes the traveler’s name, date of birth, date and location of vaccination, vaccine administered and the manufacturer and batch or lot number, as outlined on this page. Per the revised April 6, 2021 guidelines, vaccinated U.S. travelers will be required to take a test upon arrival, free of charge. Details are here and FAQs for travelers are here.

Travelers not meeting the above criteria must be visiting from eligible countries, will need to fill out a pre-registration form and get a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport upon arrival. Then, four to five days after this initial test, they are required to get a second COVID-19 test. During that time frame between tests, travelers must self-quarantine until the results of both tests come back negative.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Iceland must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

There is an active volcanic eruption taking place on the Reykjanes Peninsula near the capital, Reykjavik, and the Blue Lagoon, a major tourist attraction, is closed through at least April 16, 2021.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Iceland is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Check the U.S. Embassy in Iceland website for additional information.

Ireland

Ireland is technically open to Americans, but the Irish government advises against it and an ongoing lockdown and the country’s response to surging cases since mid-January 2021 has made travel there complicated. All arrivals from the U.S. and certain other countries must also undergo mandatory hotel quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

On Oct. 21, 2020, Ireland decided to reinstitute lockdown, which meant the entire country had been placed on Level 5 lockdown. And Ireland is now back to Level 5 with restaurants operating on take-out and delivery only. Hotels are open, but with strict restrictions (essential travelers only) in place. A gradual lifting of restrictions has begun as of April 12, 2021 and will continue through May and June.

As of Jan. 16, 2021, all arrivals from outside Ireland over the age of six are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and self-isolate for 14 days. As of March 26, 2021, travelers from countries listed as “designated states” (which includes the United States) are subject to a 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine, which must be pre-booked and paid for before departure for arrival. This stay can be reduced to 10 days by taking a COVID-19 PCR test on day 10 and receiving a negative result. Travelers must then finish their quarantine at home or another accommodation.

All visitors also need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form saying where they will be quarantining. There is a fine of up to $2,860 or six months in jail for arriving without the proper test result upon arrival or for not fulfilling the required quarantine. Details on the latest restrictions can be found here.

Some TPG readers have also reported that Americans are going to Ireland, skipping quarantine and visiting other parts of Europe. Not only is that illegal, but it’s also unethical and endangers other humans. Don’t do that.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Ireland must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

For additional information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Ireland’s website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Ireland is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Italy

Milan March 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Milan, March 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Americans are currently not allowed to visit Italy, except for some essential reasons, according to the U.S. Embassy in Italy. The country has been among the hardest hit in Europe and the government imposed an Easter lockdown through April 6, 2021, with some restrictions in certain regions eased since then as infections have slowed.

However, Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on May 5, 2021 that the country will reopen to vaccinated travelers as soon as later in May. The exact timing and whether vaccinated U.S. travelers will be among the first to be allowed entry has yet to be announced

Italy has a curfew in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. According to the U.S. Embassy, regions in Italy are divided in a color-coded system—white (very low risk), yellow (low risk), orange (high risk) and red (very high risk)—depending on transmission rates, availability of hospital and ICU beds and other parameters. Different restrictive measures apply to each zone.

Related: Dreaming of Italy

Italy is currently open to some Europeans for essential travel but not tourism. Travelers from certain countries are restricted from visiting and others (divided into groups of List A, B, C, D and E) must fill out a self-declaration form and provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 48 hours of entering Italy. The new rules also require anyone visiting or transiting from List D and E countries (the U.S. is a List E country) to undergo an isolation period of 10 days before taking a second test. Updates on restrictions can be found here.

Rome-Ciampino Airport (CIA), Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) in Florence and other Italian airports are all open.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Italy must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Italy is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Kosovo

Kosovo has reopened its borders to Americans — but the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo urges citizens not to visit, the U.S. State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

All foreign citizens entering Kosovo who come from high-risk countries, according to the official list of ECDC, must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel; those permitted to enter Kosovo without a test must self-isolate for seven days. While testing is currently not required for those traveling from the United States, the U.S. Embassy nonetheless recommends a test for all air travelers to Kosovo: “A COVID-19 test is not required when departing the U.S en route to Kosovo. However, due to quickly evolving COVID-19 testing requirements worldwide, we strongly recommend that all travelers obtain a COVID-19 test prior to air travel. Airlines, transit points, and destination countries impose a patchwork of different testing requirements and airlines have recently refused boarding to some passengers (including U.S. citizens and Kosovo residents). Airlines have the sole authority to decide who they allow to board their aircraft. Pre-travel testing can help avoid expensive and time-consuming delays or cancellations.”

Pristina International Airport is open to all travelers, according to the embassy. There is a curfew in place and intercity movement restrictions in some high-risk municipalities.

Here’s the heath advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: “The health situation continues to deteriorate. U.S. citizens report equipment shortages and a lack of space available at local and regional hospitals. It is possible that regional and European land and/or air border restrictions could be re-imposed with little notice.”

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Kosovo must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Latvia

Latvia, which began a gradual lifting of its state of emergency on April 7, 2021, had gone several months with only essential businesses open and restaurants limited to take-out and delivery only. The country is not currently welcoming American tourists but has reopened to essential travel from EU countries, as well as to non-EU passport holders that hold EU permanent residence permits.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Latvia, U.S. residents residing in the United States are banned from entering Latvia for non-essential travel (which includes tourism). They are also not allowed to enter by arriving from a country on the approved list. Several exceptions exist, one of which is to enter with an EU passport if you have one.

Since Jan. 15, 2021, all travelers to Latvia are required to complete an electronic confirmation form no earlier than 48 hours before entering the country or possibly face a fine of up to €2,000, and everyone age 12 and over is required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Self-isolation for 10 days is also required for anyone arriving from a country with a high number of cases.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Latvia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Latvia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Liechtenstein

Switzerland handles immigration and customs matters for Liechtenstein, meaning that as long as you are qualified to enter Switzerland, you are able to enter Liechtenstein. There is an open border between the two countries. Americans are not allowed in for tourism at this time, according to the U.S. Embassy. Switzerland/Liechtenstein has also banned entry from the United Kingdom and South Africa. Shops and museums in the two countries reopened on March 1, 2021, and restaurants and bars (for outdoor seating only) and some indoor cultural and leisure facilities reopened April 19, 2021.

At this time, entry to Switzerland (and Liechtenstein) is permitted for EU nationals and residents of other countries that are not deemed high-risk. If you hold those passports but are traveling from the United States or any other country listed as high-risk, you may be denied entry or be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Liechtenstein must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Liechtenstein is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Lithuania

Lithuania has reopened its borders to other EU members, but not to Americans. It does, however, have different entry requirements for countries depending on their COVID-19 cases (the list is here). Most travelers must complete a registration form, present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test taken within 72 hours of departure and self-isolate for 10 days (with a shortening of time after a negative test on day 6). Lithuania entered a national lockdown that is in effect until May 31, 2021, with citizens urged to avoid non-essential travel and work from home.

U.S. passport holders and residents are not currently allowed to enter, according to the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania. The country continually updates its rules for all arrivals from abroad and details can be found here and here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Lithuania must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Lithuania is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg currently only allows EU citizens, EU residents, and residents of certain other specific countries to enter for essential reasons only and a negative COVID-19 PCR or viral Antigen test taken within 72 hours of travel is required. Third-country nationals, which includes American travelers, are still prohibited from visiting.

More information about restrictions can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg website. On Oct. 29, 2020, the country adopted new COVID-19 safety measures that limited gatherings, set restrictions for shops and closed restaurants (outside dining has been allowed as of April 7, 2021). An 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and other restrictions are in effect until at least May 15, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Luxembourg must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Luxembourg is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Malta

U.S. citizens are banned from entering Malta for non-essential travel, according to the U.S. Embassy in Malta.

As of March 28, 2021, all travelers from Amber List countries can visit but must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of boarding a flight. Residents of countries on the Red List (as the U.S. currently is) can visit, but only after having spent 14 days in a safe corridor country (such as Turkey, Greece or Croatia, where Americans can travel) and showing a negative test result taken within 72 hours of arrival in Malta. See the latest details here and check the U.S. Embassy website for the list of safe corridor countries.

According to the U.S. Embassy, non-essential shops were allowed to reopen as of April 26, 2021 and restaurants (which may now only serve takeaway) will reopen on May 10, 2021 with a 5 p.m. closing time. Hotels may only provide room service.

Tourism in Malta is scheduled to reopen on June 1, 2021.

Malta is a small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean, and it began its initial reopening on May 1, 2020. At the time, the country’s Prime Minister Robert Abela said at a news conference, “I am pleased we have managed to weather the storm without having succumbed to pressure to order a total lockdown.” As you can see in the video below, the county had an advertising campaign with the tagline, “Dream Malta now, visit later.”

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Malta must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Malta is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Moldova

Moldova declared a public healthcare emergency on May 15, 2020, and it has been extended until at least May 31, 2021. The country is, however, open to tourism from some countries. According to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova, Americans can now enter Moldova, but the embassy doesn’t specify if that applies to travel for tourism purposes. As of March 5, 2021, travelers age five and older who do enter Moldova must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Moldova must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Malta is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Monaco

Monaco’s reigning monarch Prince Albert tested positive and recovered from COVID-19 in 2020 after going into self-quarantine. The tiny principality had begun to reopen to tourists, although not to Americans, but currently, non-essential travel is not permitted.

France handles immigration and customs for Monaco and will allow entrance to citizens of the EU and other select nations, but all travelers must report their plans to Monaco’s Health authorities and arrange for a COVID-19 PCR test taken in their country of origin within 72 hours of travel, Without a test, visitors will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Monaco must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for France/Monaco is Level 4: Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19.

Montenegro

Montenegro is open to Americans. The U.S. Embassy in Montenegro notes that the country now requires travelers to provide one of the following: a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival; a positive antibody test not older than 30 days; or proof that seven days have elapsed since completing a COVID-19 vaccination (one shot or second of two shots). However, there are heavy restrictions on intercity travel and the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Montenegro is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Face masks, social distancing and capacity limits in shops, restaurants and public places are in effect. There is a nightly curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. and restaurants or bars must close by 11 p.m. New measures were expected to be announced on May 1, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Montenegro must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherland (Photo by Liz Hund/The Points Guy) — Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Liz Hund/The Points Guy)

In November 2020, the Netherlands announced tightened measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and then entered a tough national lockdown on Dec. 14, 2020; some restrictions have recently been eased, and shops and restaurants with outdoor seating areas were allowed to open as of April 28, 2021, and a 10 p.m. curfew was lifted.

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands, Americans are currently not allowed to visit.

On Jan. 20, 2021, the Netherlands instituted tough new testing measures that require all non-EU/EEA nationals to not only present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of boarding a flight to the country but also provide a negative rapid test result taken no more than four hours prior to departure. This caused national carrier KLM to announce it would cancel all of its long-haul flights, although the airline later said it has reached a rapid testing deal for its crew.

Those who can enter from “safe countries,” in addition to the required testing, are also required to self-quarantine for 10 days (with a test after day 5 ending self-quarantine). The country has a “checklist” for incoming travelers and for the latest updates on who is allowed to visit, check here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Netherlands must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure and fill out a health declaration before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Netherlands is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is now open to all tourists. Skopje International Airport (SKP) and Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) reopened on July 1, 2020. But as of March 10, 2021, North Macedonia has mandated a 14-day quarantine for all travelers arriving from countries in Africa.

All arriving passengers will face temperature screening, but there are no quarantine or testing requirements. Check the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia website for updates.

There are nationwide restrictions on public gatherings and social distancing as well as a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew through at least May 15, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from North Macedonia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for North Macedonia Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Norway

Norway is closed to most travelers from outside the EU, including Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy. The country’s travel ban, enacted on Jan. 29, 2021, is now extended until at least May 15, 2021, and only foreign nationals with a Norwegian residency can enter. The government also recently enacted strict new regulations regarding activities and capacities in effect until further notice.

All travelers to Norway over the age of 12 who are allowed to enter must now complete a registration form prior to traveling, present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 24 hours of travel and also be tested again for COVID-19 as soon as possible after arrival (usually at the airport and it must take place within one day) and enter and pay for a 10-day quarantine in a quarantine hotel (reduced to 7 days with two negative tests, one upon arrival and a PCR test no earlier than day 7).

On April 29, 2021, Norway also introduced stricter testing requirements for travelers who have been outside the EEA/Schengen area.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Norway must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Norway is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Poland

Poland is open only to citizens or legal residents (and their spouses and children) of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia, and Australia who meet current exemptions.

Any traveler entering Poland from within the Schengen Zone must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test taken at least 48 hours prior to arrival or enter a 10-day quarantine. Travelers arriving from outside the Schengen Zone must quarantine for 10 days or until they receive a negative result from a test taken within 48 hours of arrival in Poland; those who can show a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 are exempt from quarantine.

Americans are not allowed, with the exception of U.S. citizens who have dual citizenship or fall within certain other categories. Check with the U.S. Embassy for specifics. Additional information is also available here.

Poland entered a period of restrictions in late December 2020 that closed hotels to tourists, closed ski resorts and shopping malls, and limited restaurants to take-out and delivery only. Restrictions began to be eased on May 1, 2021, hotels reopen on May 8, 2021 at 50% capacity and outdoor dining will be allowed as of May 15, 2021. Face masks are mandatory in public and social distancing restrictions are required in public spaces.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Poland must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Poland is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Portugal

Portugal is still not open to most Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Portugal. People who reside in the EU, including U.S. citizens who are lawful residents of EU member states, can visit Portugal for essential travel and must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 72 hours of departure for Portugal. Travelers also face a health screening and those from certain countries must self-quarantine for 14 days. Details are available on the TAP Air Portugal website.

Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces and outside when social distancing isn’t possible.

On Feb. 1, 2021, amid rising cases and spiking death rates in the country and the threat of imported cases of COVID-19 variants from abroad, Portugal implemented a lockdown and banned all non-essential international travel for its own citizens for two weeks. The general stay-at-home measures were extended, but as of April 5, 202, are being eased via a phased reopening (see the U.S. Embassy website for details). The country’s state of emergency ended on April 30, 2021 with the reopening of shops, museums, cafes and restaurants with hour and capacity restrictions. There are also regional curfews.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Portugal must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Portugal is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Related: What are travel bubbles?

Romania

Romania remains closed to most Americans. Travels who are permitted for essential business or family reasons, if traveling from a country of high epidemiological risk, are required to fill in an online questionnaire and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival and undergo a health screening upon arrival.

Without a test, travelers are required to quarantine for 14 days, per the U.S. Embassy in Romania and some travelers face quarantine requirements depending on whether the traveler’s point of departure is in a yellow zone or green zone. Surging cases in the country have resulted in increased restrictions that have limited store hours and imposed a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, with an 8 p.m. curfew in certain regions.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Romania must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Romania is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Russia

Americans are not currently allowed to travel to Russia, even as the country has mostly reopened businesses and transportation after many restrictions were eased in June 2020.

Since March 18, 2020, the Government of the Russian Federation banned the entry of all foreign nationals, however on Jan. 25, 2021, Russia lifted its travel ban for Finland, Vietnam, India and Qatar. Anyone who is granted permission to enter the country, including those with valid residence permits, must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and complete a health form.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Russia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Russia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Serbia

According to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia, Americans can visit, but they will need to provide a negative PCR test taken within the previous 48 hours. If a U.S. citizen’s travel originates in the U.S., they can provide either a negative PCR or Antigen test.

There was unrest in Serbia in July 2020 as protests against coronavirus restrictions turned violent, but it seems to have quieted. COVID-19 cases remain problematic and face mask and social distancing measures are in place. On March 22, 2021, all shopping malls, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and bars (except for takeout and delivery) were ordered to close, but outdoor dining has been allowed to resume. Cultural institutions and public transportation are open but at limited capacity.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Serbia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Serbia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Slovakia

Slovakia has opened its borders to a few countries in Europe but remains shut out to everyone else. That includes most Americans, per the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia. Only Americans who are immediate family members of a Slovak citizen or receive special permission from the government are permitted to enter.

All passengers age 10 and older who do not fall into a specific exemption category must fill out an electronic monitoring form and remain in home quarantine until receiving a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken on day 8. Those arriving from countries within the EU or from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Northern Ireland and Liechtenstein must register and quarantine for 14 days without having to test. As of April 19, 2021, those who are two weeks past being fully vaccinated or within 180 days of recovery from COVID-19—and who have been physically present only within the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom for the prior 14 days—do not have to quarantine. Details can be found here.

The country entered a new partial lockdown in December 2020 that was in effect through Feb. 7, 2021. On Feb. 8, 2021, it adopted a new “traffic light” system using regional controls based on the number of hospitalizations. Slovakia also began requiring the use of FFP2 masks in all indoor spaces and on public transportation as of March 15, 2021, and as of March 20, 2021, its citizens and permanent residents are not allowed to travel outside the country for tourism, leisure or recreational purposes.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Slovakia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Slovakia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Slovenia

Slovenia has reportedly reopened its borders to some EU travelers, but it has a traffic light system of entry requirements. Travelers from countries on the red list must test, be immunized or fully recovered from COVID-19 or they face a mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival.

The U.S. Embassy in Slovenia confirms Americans still aren’t being welcomed because of the EU ban on U.S. citizens, but there may be exceptions for family members of Slovenian citizens and for Americans who spend two weeks in another country not on the red list before traveling to Slovenia. Travelers from the United States who are permitted entry are subject to a 10-day quarantine unless they present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken in the EU no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Slovenia.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the following are also accepted:

Tests performed in the U.S. by certain laboratories (naccho.org, cdc.gov, cms.gov)
Proof of vaccination, which means 14 days since the second dose of Moderna, seven days since the second dose of Pfizer, or twenty-one days since the first dose of Astra Zeneca
Proof of a prior COVID-19 infection: a certificate of a positive result of a PCR test, older than 21 days but not older than 6 months, or an EU doctor’s certificate that the person has recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months

Hotels in Slovakia have been permitted to reopen with a maximum of 30 occupied guest rooms. Museums and shops are open with social distancing restrictions. Restaurants with outdoor terraces are open (and indoor dining is allowed in some regions).

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Slovenia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The State Department’s advisory for Slovenia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Spain

Madrid June 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Madrid, June 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Spain has been among the hardest-hit countries in Europe. Americans are still not welcome to visit, according to the U.S. Embassy in Spain, and the country suspended entry for travelers from the United Kingdom (except for Spanish citizens and residents). A ban on flights from Brazil and South Africa also remains in effect.

Travelers from the EU, from a country in the Schengen area, or from another country that has a reciprocal agreement with Spain for accepting travelers are allowed to enter Spain. Residents of non-European nations are being allowed to visit from Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. For updates, check here.

Anyone entering Spain from a high-risk country must complete a digital health form within 48 hours of arrival in Spain and then provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival in Spain. Travelers will also undergo temperature checks upon arrival.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Spain must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Spain is Level 4:Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Sweden

Sweden has become well-known during the coronavirus crisis for not shutting down, instead hoping the population would develop “herd immunity” without hurting the economy or killing too many people. Unfortunately, Sweden has the highest number of deaths and cases in Scandinavia, and cases soared in December 2020 and January 2021, leading to a critical shortage of hospital beds. A third wave of infections is slowing but still ongoing as of late April 2021.

On Dec. 14, 2020, the country did enact stricter regulations pertaining to public gatherings and restaurant capacity, including that face masks be worn on public transportation. Face masks had not required and are generally not worn. Sweden also passed a law that as of Jan. 10, 2021, allows the government to use tougher emergency lockdown-type restrictions, including closing certain businesses.

All non-essential travel to Sweden for non-EU visitors has been banned through at least May 31, 2021. Testing is required as of Feb. 6, 2021, for entry for essential travel and all visitors must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result taken within 48 hours of travel. Requirements also say that arriving travelers should get tested as soon as possible after arrival and again five days later.

There is no timeline for when Americans will be able to visit.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Sweden must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Sweden is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Switzerland

At this time, entry to Switzerland is permitted for residents of countries in the EU and those around the world that are not deemed high-risk. Travelers who hold those passports and are traveling to Switzerland for essential reasons must fill out an entry form and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test results taken within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers from non-high-risk countries no longer have to quarantine; all other travelers are required to self-quarantine for 10 days, with an opportunity to shorten quarantine after 7 days with testing.

Travel for tourism purposes is not allowed that this time. According to the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland, American tourists are not welcome, but exceptions may be made for business travel.

To combat rising cases in early 2021, the Swiss government put in place additional restrictions. Shops and museums reopened on March 1, 2021, while restaurants and bars (for outdoor dining only) and other indoor cultural and leisure facilities were allowed to reopen on April 19, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Switzerland must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Switzerland is Level 4; Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19.

Turkey

Turkey’s international borders are open for travelers from a number of countries, including the U.S., according to the U.S. Embassy in Turkey. However, cases have been surging in Turkey and on April 29, 2021, the country entered a nationwide lockdown through May 17, 2021, which prohibits the movements of citizens not tourists, but limits shop hours and restricts restaurants to delivery only. Check the U.S. Embassy website for details.

Only passengers who are Turkish citizens and holders of residency cards or blue cards are allowed to travel to Turkey from Brazil and South Africa and they must undergo a 14-day quarantine (with testing on day 10) and any passenger who has visited India in the past 10 days will be required to quarantine for 14 days in a government-selection accommodation and get tested on day 14. Full details are on the Turkish Airlines website.

Related: Turkey is open to Americans

Since Dec. 30, 2020, all international travelers six years of age and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCT test result taken within 72 hours of travel and submit it at airline check-in. Travelers without the required test results will not be allowed to board flights or enter the country. (But As of May 15, 2021, a PCR test will not be requested from passengers arriving to Turkey from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Israel, Japan, United Kingdom, Latvia, Luxembourg, Ukraine and Estonia). And since March 15, 2021, all travelers six years of age and older must also complete a Turkey Entrance Form within 72 hours of their flight (a printout or mobile screenshot of the completed form must be presented before boarding).

Upon arrival, travelers will be asked to fill out a passenger information form and undergo medical screenings for infection, and anyone showing symptoms upon arrival will be tested for coronavirus. Anyone who tests positive will be referred to a Turkish hospital for quarantine and treatment.

Restrictions put into place in September 2020 mandate the wearing of face masks at all times when in public. On March 1, 2021, Turkey’s government announced a four-tier system for local COVID-19 related restrictions. Provinces are now divided into 4 risk groups: low (blue), medium (yellow), high (orange), and very high (red) based on infection and vaccination rates.

Travelers should note a couple of precautions unrelated to COVID-19:

The U.S. State Department currently advises against travel to Turkey due to concerns over COVID-19, terrorism and arbitrary detention. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid the areas bordering Iraq and Syria due to terrorist activity.
U.S. travelers will still need to apply for a visa before entering Turkey. You can do so via e-visa application, which takes about three minutes.

The State Department’s travelers’ checklist is here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Turkey must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Turkey is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Ukraine

Per the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine’s website, U.S. citizens are currently able to enter the country. All U.S. citizens age 12 and older entering Ukraine from the U.S. or another “Red Zone” country are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival.

U.S. citizens traveling to Ukraine must also demonstrate that they have medical insurance covering all expenses related to COVID-19 treatment while in Ukraine.

Ukraine is under adaptive quarantine until June 30, 2021, and mask-wearing is mandatory on public transportation and in indoor public spaces.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Ukraine must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Ukraine is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

United Kingdom

London November 2016. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Americans can travel to the United Kingdom but are strongly advised not to. Those who do visit will face pre-travel testing, a 10-day quarantine, and in most cases, additional tests on days 2 and 8. In England only, quarantine can be reduced after one negative COVID-19 PCR test taken on day 5 under its Test to Release scheme. The U.K. also now requires all arriving travelers to fill out a passenger locator form within 48 hours of travel and to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure for the U.K. Lists of red, amber (the U.S. is amber) and green countries, which dictates requirements, can be found here.

On Feb. 8, 2021, the U.K. also increased the fine for non-compliance and anyone who fails to comply will be subject to a fine of 1,000 pounds ($1,360). The government also revealed stiff fines and even jail time for those who try to circumvent the mandates or lie on their required passenger locator forms; the latter could be a 10,000 pound ($13,789) fine or 10 years in jail. Details are here.

COVID-19 infections and deaths have begun to level off in the U.K., after hitting record highs in January 2021. Lockdown measures are gradually being eased in England and Wales with some shops having reopened and restaurants and pubs permitted to open for outdoor dining on April 12, 2021; Scotland has also begun to lift its restrictions in phases. All four nations that comprise the U.K. have separate testing and quarantine requirement: England’s are here, Scotland’s are here, Northern Ireland’s are here and Wales’s are here.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his team announced on April 5, 2021, that the country will introduce a “traffic light” system for international travel beginning as early as May 17, 2021. Passengers coming from so-called “green” countries will not need to quarantine on their arrival in the U.K., but they will need to test prior to entry and on their return from travel. But on May 7, 2021, it was announced that U.S. citizens would not be among that group. This includes fully vaccinated Americans.

The U.K. has been especially hard-hit by the coronavirus and the new restrictions are a result of the chaos that erupted in December 2020 when a more infectious COVID-19 variant was found to be widely circulating in London and southeastern England. As a result, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 advisory for the U.K. The U.S. State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Any American citizen or resident age two and older returning from the U.K. to the U.S. must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of flying (now a requirement for all international travelers to the U.S., effective Jan. 26, 2021) or documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days.

The quarantine rules do not apply to international passengers transiting U.K. airports.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom for regular updates.

Central America

Belize

(Photo by Lomingen / Getty Images) — (Photo by Lomingen/Getty Images)

Philip Goldson International Airport (BEZ) reopened on Aug. 15, 2020, and the return of tourism began Oct. 1, 2020, with travel requirements in place. Americans are welcome to visit Belize and as of March 13, 2021, anyone who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can visit without pre-travel testing by presenting proof of vaccine completion at least two weeks prior to arrival.

Visitors and returning citizens are required to download the Belize Health App within 72 hours of their scheduled arrival and those yet to be vaccinated must submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours or a Rapid Antigen test (by Sophia, SD Biosensor or Abbott/Panblo) taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight or they will be tested on arrival for $50. If a passenger tests positive and is notified by the Belize authorities, they must quarantine at a government-approved hotel for 14 days.

All visitors will have to stay at one of the country’s full-service hotels or resorts that have received the Belize Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition. Among the requirements for this designation: The hotels must have private transportation to and from the airport, a restaurant on-property, and strict cleanliness protocols.

Belize currently has a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. to 4:59 a.m., but no regional travel restrictions. Tourists are, however, encouraged to remain within established “safe corridors.” Restaurants are open for outdoor dining, takeout and delivery only.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Belize must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in Belize have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Belize is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica began its reopening in September 2020, and on Nov. 1, 2020, began welcoming visitors from all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico — without the need for a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

To enter Costa Rica, all travelers must complete a digital form called HEALTH PASS, available within 48 hours of travel. A form needs to be submitted for each individual traveler, including minors. It is also mandatory that all travelers have travel insurance that will cover accommodations (minimum of $2,000) in case of quarantine and medical expenses (minimum of $50,000) due to COVID-19 illness. For details, click here.

Most businesses are open and face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public settings.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Costa Rica must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. Many resorts in Costa Rica have begun offering on-property rapid Antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S., so check your resort’s policy before traveling.

Travelers can also check the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica website for information.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Costa Rica is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

El Salvador

The country of El Salvador reopened for commercial flights on Sept. 19, 2020, to Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador. The country has, however, recently banned visitors from both the United Kingdom and South Africa, or anyone who has visited either country in the past 30 days, because of the new COVID-19 variants in both countries.

Local businesses are open with no restrictions. According to the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, entering visitors (aged two and older) must adhere to the following guidelines:

Produce a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of departure for El Salvador; the 72 hours, in this case, refers to the time the test results were issued, not when the sample was collected. Those without the proper test results will be denied boarding.
As of March 29, 2021, adult travelers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations can present proof of vaccination instead of a negative PCR test, but the embassy cautions travelers to check with their airline to ensure that it will allow you to board without a negative test.
Wear face masks and practice social distancing in all public settings, including at the airport.

The country has said arriving passengers will face temperature checks. A curfew is currently not in place and there are no quarantine requirements for visitors. The U.S. Embassy notes, however, that the Salvadoran Ministry of Health can place municipalities under special quarantine with little or no prior notice when a high number of COVID-19 cases is detected.

Beginning Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from El Salvador will need to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for El Salvador is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Guatemala

Guatemala began slowly reopening to tourism on Sept. 18, 2020, and Aurora International Airport is accepting international arrivals. Americans are welcome to visit. The country is, however, prepared to deny entry to any traveler (including U.S. citizens) who have been in the United Kingdom or South Africa over the past 14 days, and/or require those allowed in to quarantine.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, arriving passengers age 10 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test conducted within 72 hours of arrival, proof of vaccination completion no less than two weeks before arrival, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within three months of arrival. They must also complete a Heath Pass . Any non-resident foreigners presenting symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival may be denied entry to Guatemala.

Current protocols for travelers require airlines to confirm the entering visitor’s negative coronavirus test result, completed vaccination or recovery from infection or boarding will be denied. Upon arrival, travelers must pass through health checkpoints and soldiers are enforcing the mandatory use of masks. There are also pretty substantial restrictions on hotels and other lodging. Not all hotels and restaurants are open.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Guatemala must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Guatemala is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Honduras

Honduras reopened for tourists from all countries on Aug. 17, 2020, with its international airports in operation. Spirit Airlines has resumed service from Fort Lauderdale and Houston, and American Airlines is flying from Miami.

Entering visitors must complete a government registration form and have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. They will also be required to sign an affidavit and complete customs forms. Masks are required in all public spaces. Updates on guidelines can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Honduras website.

Non-resident Hondurans and tourists from the United Kingdom and South Africa, or anyone who has visited or transited through those countries within the past 21 days, are banned from entering Honduras. The local health authority maintains the right to grant or deny final approval for entry, based on their determination of risk of COVID-19 from any visiting travelers. Exiting travelers must also complete another pre-check form online.

There is a national curfew of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through at least May 9, 2021. Bars, nightclubs and theaters are closed and most businesses are required to operate at 50% capacity.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Honduras must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Honduras is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua never really shut down. There were never any stay-at-home or social-distancing orders and because of these relaxed rules, there have been questions about how many cases Nicaragua actually has. The Nicaraguan government also never officially implemented any travel restrictions, but its borders and airports effectively closed until October 2020; only limited flights have since resumed (on Avianca and Copa) and U.S. carriers have not set dates for flights to resume.

The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua notes that the Nicaraguan government has yet to officially impose any domestic travel restrictions or national quarantine policies. The embassy also states that U.S. travelers are allowed to enter Nicaragua, and a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 72 hours of travel is required for entry. Travelers should also be prepared for additional health screenings and may be asked to produce their negative test. Anyone entering Nicaragua from a country with a known yellow fever risk must also show proof of vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Nicaragua must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The CDC’s health advisory for Nicaragua is Level: Unknown (U.S. travelers should avoid all travel to the country) and U.S. State Department’s advisory for Nicaragua is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Panama

Panama began reopening its airport back in late August 2020 and reopened to tourism on Oct. 12, 2020, with one of the most comprehensive reopening guides. But widespread infections in late 2020 and early 2021 and a phased reopening plan have slowed progress. The U.S. Embassy in Panama notes on its website that the CDC has issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 and the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.

Panama currently requires travelers to register via an online health affidavit and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Anyone unable to obtain a negative coronavirus test within that time frame can take a COVID-19 rapid Antigen test at the airport upon arrival (cost: $50), but if the result is positive they must quarantine for 14 days in a hotel.

On Dec. 21, 2020, Panama also announced it was temporarily banning anyone who has stayed in or transited through the United Kingdom and South Africa within the past 20 days due to the COVID-19 variants in both countries. The ban remains in effect. And as of March 31, 2021, any traveler who has been in or transited through any country in South America must not only present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen taken within 48 hours of arrival, but also test upon arrival and quarantine at home or in their hotel room for three days before testing again.

Panama has also instituted a 12 a.m. nationwide curfew and movement restrictions that vary by region.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Panama must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

South America

Argentina

(Photo by Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images)

Argentina has one of the world’s strictest travel bans, restricting all international visitors indefinitely, according to the U.S. Embassy in Argentina. Some international flights have resumed, but they are limited and only Argentine citizens and foreign residents of Argentina, along with some essential and government workers, are allowed at this time.

No tourists can visit, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

All permitted arrivals (who have received a port of entry letter) must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel, be tested by Argentine authorities upon arrival, have proof of health insurance valid for COVID-19 treatment in Argentina, and self-isolate for seven days.

The country, which like much of South America is still battling high levels of COVID-19, has extended current restrictions through at least May 21, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Argentina must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Bolivia

Bolivia had been off-limits to tourists, but the country is now open to visitors, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia. However, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Bolivia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

U.S. citizens will need to obtain a tourist visa ($160 and valid for 30 days). Entry rules recently changed and now travelers to Bolivia, regardless of their country of origin, must:

Submit a certified negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight (children five years old and younger are exempt)
Quarantine for at least 10 days after entering Bolivia (diplomats are exempt)
Submit a sworn statement of location of stay within Bolivia
Take another PCR test 7 days after arrival (the cost of this test must be covered by the traveler)
Those who do not have permanent residence in Bolivia must have health insurance with coverage for COVID-19 upon entry to Bolivia

Face masks are required in all public spaces and social distancing rules are in place.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Bolivia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. Embassy reports that commercial flights have resumed—Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) airline has flights between La Paz and Miami—but that travelers should expect that additional restrictions affecting international travel could be put in place with little advance notice.

Brazil

Brazil has the most coronavirus cases in South America as well as a COVID-19 variant that has caused many countries to ban entry of travelers from Brazil and continues to spike cases to record levels in the country (roughly 2 million monthly cases both March and April) and many hospitals have been at or close to capacity in recent weeks.

A travel ban on foreigners entering Brazil, however, was lifted at the end of July 2020. Tourists are currently welcome and while Brazil no longer requires proof of health insurance for entry, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Brazil and continues to recommend that all travelers purchase insurance before departing the United States. The CDC’s advisory for Brazil is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For updates, check the U.S. Embassy in Brazil’s website.

Since Dec. 30, 2020, all travelers age 12 and older arriving in Brazil by air, both tourists and residents, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding and complete a Traveler’s Health Declaration form.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that international flights to Brazil originating in or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are currently prohibited and foreign travelers coming from or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the last 14 days will not be permitted to board flights to Brazil.

Despite ongoing surges in infections, the Brazilian government has not officially imposed any quarantine restrictions and President Jair Bolsonaro has denied the need for them, insisting that only the elderly and other high-risk populations should stay home. There is a recommendation, however, that anyone experiencing symptoms enter a voluntary self-quarantine for 15 days.

Brazilians are currently not allowed to travel to the U.S., which has also banned entry by foreign nationals who have been to Brazil in the past 14 days.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, every U.S. citizen or permanent resident age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Brazil must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Chile

A trip to Chile is no longer possible, at least not right now, as the country has temporarily suspended entry by all non-resident foreigners until further notice. Americans had been allowed to visit Chile since Nov. 23, 2020, according to the U.S. Embassy in Chile, when the country began to gradually reopen its borders to foreign visitors via Santiago Airport.

All travelers had been required to present three documents: a completed Affidavit of Travelers electronic form (done within 48 hours of travel); proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure; and proof of a health insurance policy that provides coverage for COVID-19 and related health issues during the traveler’s stay in Chile.

Since Dec. 31, 2020, anyone entering Chile with the three documents described above had also been required to undergo a 10-day quarantine, with a test taken on the 7th day and a negative result releasing them from quarantine. But as of March 31, 2021, the government said the first five days of quarantine had to be spent in a “transit hotel” (at the traveler’s cost) and after receiving a negative test, travelers would be released to finish their quarantine at their chosen hotel or residence. All non-resident foreigners were also required to complete a 14-day “Period of Vigilance for Travelers,” by reporting their location and health condition to authorities daily via email.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Chile must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Chile is under a State of Emergency through June 2021 and much of the country is under mandatory quarantine restrictions, which vary by region and neighborhood; some movement between regions if restricted, there is a nationwide 9 p.m. curfew and face masks are required in public.

LATAM resumed flights between Santiago and the U.S., but before November 2020 they had been used mostly for humanitarian and repatriation flights.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Chile is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Colombia

Americans are allowed to travel to Colombia, where international flights resumed on Sept. 21, 2020, and according to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, that appears to now include tourists. But cases have been surging since mid-March 2021 and regional curfews and restrictions were put in place as of April 5, 2021. Depending on reported ICU capacity data, curfews can start as early as 6 p.m. or as late as midnight and end at 5 a.m. Anti-government protests also broke out in Bogota in late April 2021.

Since Jan. 7, 2021, all travelers to Colombia are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of their departure flight. Passengers also face health screenings at their point of arrival and if they have been allowed to enter the country without the required PCR test (if they sign an affidavit that they were unable to obtain a result in the required timeframe), they are required to test upon arrival and quarantine until getting a negative result. Testing and/or quarantine upon arrival is mandatory for all travelers who were unable to obtain a test before their flights.

Current requirements also call for all visitors to complete the online pre-travel registration form “Check-Mig” within one to 24 hours of their flight departure time; download CoronApp to self-report their health throughout the duration of their trip, wear a mask at all times in public and wash their hands on a consistent basis. Further details are available here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Colombia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Colombia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Ecuador

Ecuador is again open for Americans. All arriving passengers age three and older are now required to present results of a negative COVID-19 PCR tor rapid Antigen test taken within three days (72 hours) prior to arrival or a vaccination card showing completion of COVID-19 vaccination (or proof/medical certificate from their country of origin documenting recovery from COVID-19 at least 30 days prior to arrival), per the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador. Note: This is a change, as of March 22, 2021; the previous requirement for a negative test result had been 10 days.

There are special requirements for the Galapagos Islands, where a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours must be presented by all travelers (even if vaccinated) upon arrival in Galapagos; this can be the same test if you are transiting directly to the Galapagos upon arrival in Ecuador and your test is within required the timeframe. According to the U.S. Embassy, travelers to the Galapagos also need a “salvoconducto” from their tour operator, and should contact the operator directly for that document.

Quito and Guayaquil airports are open and airlines are now required to verify that all travelers traveling to Ecuador have a negative test result (or proof of vaccination) before allowing them to board. Rapid Antigen testing may also be conducted upon arrival and if the test is positive the traveler will be required to isolate in a government shelter for 10 days. As long as the traveler has a negative test result and doesn’t display any symptoms upon arrival, quarantine is not required. Ecuador has instituted some regional curfews.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Ecuador must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Related: Ecuador ditches quarantine

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Ecuador is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Guyana

Americans can visit Guyana, according to the U.S. Embassy. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel to avoid a second test upon arrival (those with tests dated within 4-7 days of travel will need to test again in Guyana) and upload it electronically via an online Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours before arrival. Passengers must also provide a copy of the test result (in English) to their airline at check-in. Details can be found here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Guyana must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

There is a nationwide curfew from 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Restaurants are open for outdoor dining, delivery, drive-thru, curbside pickup and take-out until 9:30 p.m.; indoor dining is allowed at 40% capacity with additional restrictions.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Guyana is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Paraguay

Paraguay had been under strict quarantine and was closed to tourism. But the government began easing its internal lockdown last fall and on Oct. 2, 2020, reopened Silvio Pettirossi International Airport. Some regular commercial flights then resumed in November 2020. However, COVID-19 cases in the country surged throughout March and April 2021, reaching record highs, and restrictions on gatherings and dining capacity remain through at least May 10, 2021.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay, the country ended its required quarantine for foreigners on Nov. 16, 2020, but everyone over the age of 10 entering Paraguay must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 14-90 days may enter without a test. Paraguay requires a visa, which for Americans is available upon arrival.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Paraguay must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Paraguay is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Peru

After a prolonged state of emergency, Peru began Phase 4 of its economic reactivation on Oct. 1, 2020, including the resumption of a limited number of international flights. The U.S. Embassy in Peru reports that direct flights from the U.S. have resumed and Americans are welcome to enter Peru, although pre-travel testing is required for all visitors, getting a negative Antigen test result upon arrival is required to avoid a 14-day quarantine, regional restrictions are in effect, domestic flights are currently limited and the CDC maintains a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 health advisory for the country while the State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

All passengers age 12 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result taken within 72 hours of departure for Peru (children under 12 can provide a “certificate of health issued by a medical doctor” in lieu of a test) and complete an online electronic Affidavit of Health and Geolocation Authorization administered by Migraciones. To avoid a 14-day quarantine, arriving travelers can submit to an Antigen test upon arrival in Peru; if negative, they don’t have to quarantine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Peru must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

With cases rising, Peru instituted regional risk metrics of High, Very High and Extreme, based on COVID-19 risk—Lima and Cusco have been listed as Extreme through at least May 9, 2021— subject to review every 21 days. Nightly curfews of 8 p.m. or 9.p.m. remain in effect in many regions, where restaurants are open at reduced capacity and bars and cinemas remain closed.

Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s top tourist destinations, is open at reduced capacity with strict social distancing measures in place.

The Peruvian government continues to ban any traveler who has been in Europe or South Africa over the past two weeks until further notice.

Uruguay

Foreigners and non-residents are barred from visiting the country, according to the U.S. Embassy in Uruguay, although an online application system introduced on Oct. 26, 2020, allows for limited entry of some non-citizen family members and essential workers. Limited commercial flights have resumed.

Arriving passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, carried out up to 72 hours before the start of the trip and conducted by a laboratory in the country of origin or another country in transit. Also required: an affidavit stating the absence of symptoms and contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases in the 14 days prior to admission; proof of medical insurance with specific coverage for COVID-19; contact information (phone number) in Uruguay for traceability. Visitors are also required to self-isolate for seven days and take a second COVID-19 test or self-isolate for 14 days.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Uruguay must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Uruguay is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Venezuela

This South American country has been one of the world’s most at-risk nations amid the coronavirus pandemic. PBS reports that the humanitarian crisis currently being exasperated by the coronavirus pandemic.

All international travel — suspension of commercial flights and closure of land and sea borders — had been shut down, but according to the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, limited flights resumed in early November 2020.

The U.S. State Department, which has been operating its embassy in Venezuela virtually because of unrest in the country, strongly advises against travel to Venezuela. As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Venezuela must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Asia

Cambodia

Cambodia has opened back up to visitors, including Americans, but not for tourism purposes. Per the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, there are still severe restrictions.

All visitors allowed to enter the country need to provide a test result proving they are COVID-19 free taken within 72 hours of their arrival in Cambodia. They will also need to pay a deposit of $2,000 upon arrival for mandatory COVID-19 testing and potential treatment, purchase a local health insurance package for $90 (valid for 20 days) and quarantine in official facilities/hotels until getting a second test result on Day 13.

Also complicating travel to Cambodia: The country has suspended e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs until further notice and the U.S. Embassy reports that only applications for “diplomatic, official and sponsored business-like visas” are being issued.

Cambodia has once again imposed some regional business closures and restrictions on travel due to outbreaks in late February and March 2021. There are regional curfews, including in Siem Reap from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through May 7, 2021. There are also travel restrictions in certain provinces that have been deemed “Red Zones” and there is s a lockdown in Phnom Penh through May 12, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Cambodia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Cambodia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

China

China was where COVID-19 emerged, and the country suspended entry for nearly all foreigners and slashed the volume of international passenger flights to and from the country in March 2020. Strict anti-travel measures remain in place. Flights began to resume last summer and in September 2020 the State Department eased its travel advisory for China, lowering it from Level 4: Do Not Travel to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, mainly due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The CDC’s advisory for China is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

The U.S. Embassy in China says that U.S. citizens with valid resident permits and visas can enter China “under certain conditions.” On Dec. 23, 2020, Chinese authorities increased the requirements for passengers seeking to enter China from the United States. Both COVID-19 PCR testing, as well as IGM antibody tests (with special requirements for individuals vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines), must be performed in the departure city, and a 14-day quarantine after arrival is required. Details can be found here.

China has indefinitely suspended flights from the United Kingdom.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from China must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Airport began allowing transit passengers back in June 2020, but there is no fixed timeline for tourism at this time. Transit passengers are international travelers who are only flying into Hong Kong in order to catch another flight. Transit passengers cannot leave the airport.

As of April 9, 2021, regulations state that all non-Hong Kong residents arriving by plane from anywhere other than Mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand or Singapore—and they must have been in those countries for the previous 21 days—will be denied entry.

The U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau says that “only U.S. citizens with Hong Kong residency, diplomats, and U.S. citizens that have not traveled outside of mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau in the past 21 days are permitted to enter Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong has banned passengers from Group A1 countries (South Africa, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines) who have been there in the past 21 days or who transited through those countries for more than two hours, from even boarding flights to Hong Kong until further notice.

Passengers from Group A2 (United Kingdom and Ireland) are now allowed to board flights but must present a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test taken within 72 hours of flight departure and quarantine, show a reservation for 21 days at a designated quarantine hotel and quarantine for 21 days upon arrival with self monitoring for seven days after that and compulsory testing on day 26 after arrival.

Passengers from 20 Group B countries (including U.S. citizens who have Hong Kong residency or have been in mainland China, Taiwan or Macau for the past 14 days) must present a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test taken within 72 hours of flight departure along with a designated quarantine hotel reservation and quarantine there for 21 days upon arrival.

All non-Hong Kong residents coming from mainland China, Macau and Taiwan will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine after entering Hong Kong, but entry will be denied if the non-Hong Kong resident has traveled to any overseas countries or regions in the 21 days prior to arrival in Hong Kong.

Complete details on entry requirements and quarantine for travelers by country (Groups A to D) are here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Hong Kong must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Hong Kong is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

India

India has been experiencing a devastating surge in COVID-19 cases since mid-March 2021 and recently overtook Brazil as the country with the second-highest number of infections, after the United States. The death rate has soared and hospital beds and oxygen supplies are scarce. A number of countries have sent aid and supplies in recent weeks.

As of May 4, 2021, the U.S. has banned all foreign nationals from entering the U.S. if they have been in India over the previous 14 days. A number of other countries have also banned travel from India.

India announced in March 2020 that it was not allowing foreigners into the country and there is no word yet on when foreign tourists might be welcome again. Some international flights are operating, but only for humanitarian or essential travel. Some business travelers are also being allowed in. Americans must have an emergency authorization or business visa to visit.

According to the U.S. Embassy in India, all international passengers must upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel to the Air Suvidha portal and submit a self-declaration form 72 hours proper to travel. Passengers may be tested again upon arrival (at their own cost), depending on where they have traveled from or transited through (the U.S. Embassy website has details) and must self-monitor for 14 days. U.S. citizens who must travel to India are strongly urged to get fully vaccinated before travel and continue to take personal health safety measures to protect themselves.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from India must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Visit the New Delhi Airport website for the latest updates to COVID-19 protocols, which vary by Indian state.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for India is currently Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Indonesia

Indonesia had been reopening gradually in 2020, but in August it canceled plans to reopen Bali until a yet-to-be-determined date. And in January 2021, as cases in the country topped one million (they now number more than 1.6 million), Indonesia also restricted foreigners from traveling to or transiting through Indonesian territory until further notice, unless they have a valid residence permit.

The Indonesian government has allowed airlines to resume domestic flights with certain restrictions. International travel for tourism is still banned, but there are a limited number of exceptions for entry. According to the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia, all foreign visitors must already have an existing valid visa or residence permit. Visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry for all foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, remains suspended. Visitors must also have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel and are required to undergo a health screening upon arrival (which will include another test) and mandatory quarantine in a government-designated hotel for five days, followed by a third test. A negative result is required for release.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Indonesia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Indonesia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Japan

Tokyo April 2017. — Tokyo, April 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

On Dec. 28, 2020, Japan banned all foreign nationals who are not legal residents from entering the country until further notice, after several cases of the COVID-19 variant first reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa were detected. Currently, the ban applies to travelers who have spent the past 14 days in 152 countries, including the United States.

On Jan. 7, 2021, with cases spiking in Tokyo, which is scheduled to host the delayed Olympic Games this July, Japan declared a state of emergency in the city and three surrounding prefectures; an additional eight prefectures were added a week later. The emergency measures were extended through March 21, 2021, before being lifted. But with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic Games just three months away, cases surged throughout April 2021and Japanese authorities declared a third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures. With cases still on the rise, the country on May 7, 2021 extended restrictions through the end of the month.

Japan originally lifted its nationwide state of emergency in late May 2020 and the country had experienced a reopening of its economy, but it maintained its entry ban for nearly 111 countries and regions — including the United States. Some Americans with dual citizenship and/or who were cleared by the government in advance were able to visit until December 2020. Limited business travel had been allowed to resume, but no tourism had been allowed, according to the U.S. Embassy in Japan. Visa-free travel remains suspended.

The Japanese government is currently requiring all returning citizens or residents as well as foreign travelers with permission to enter to submit a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their departure, be tested upon their arrival in Japan, submit a detailed itinerary that includes accommodations, and quarantine for 14 days. Visitors also need to pledge to refrain from using public transportation for 14 days. Those who violate these measures face deportation. Details are available here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Japan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Japan was set to host the Olympic Summer Games in July 2020, but that date was pushed back to late July 2021. Olympic organizers recently announced that no foreigners will be allowed into Japan to attend the Games as spectators.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Japan is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Kazakhstan

The land-locked central Asian nation of Kazakhstan is closed to most Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan. International flights from Azerbaijan, China, South Korea, Czech Republic, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates have resumed.

U.S. citizens are not allowed except in rare cases and require a pre-approval and a visa. Tourism is not welcome.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Kazakhstan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Kazakhstan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Kyrgyzstan

The U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan says the entry ban for U.S. citizens was lifted in December 2020 but advises citizens to avoid travel to the country due to limited healthcare services. Those who do visit Kyrgyzstan via airports in Bishkek, Osh and Issyk Kul will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. If a traveler’s PCR test expires en route due to flight delays or cancellations, they will be required to test again upon arrival at their own expense. Land border entry by Americans is not allowed at this time

Kyrgyzstan reopened some of its businesses in May 2020 and allowed the national curfew to be lifted. Malls and markets were able to open their doors and public transportation and commercial flights resumed.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Kyrgyzstan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Kyrgyzstan is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Macau

Most Americans cannot travel to Macau. According to the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau, only U.S. citizens with Macau residency (or those who have spent the preceding 21 days in Mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan) are permitted to enter Macau. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours is required before boarding a flight to Macau.

As of Dec. 21, 2020, all travelers to Macau who have been to an overseas territory or Hong Kong (but not including Mainland China or Taiwan) in the past 21 days are subject to a 21-day compulsory quarantine at a designated location, followed by another 7 days of health monitoring. As of April 1, 2021, quarantine for travelers from Hong Kong has been reduced to 14 days of isolated medical observation and seven days of self-management.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Macau must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Macau is Level 4: Do Not Travel but the CDC’s advisory is Level: Unknown and it recommends avoiding travel there.

Malaysia

Malaysia is still not allowing tourists. In fact, travel restrictions on all foreign nationals — with very limited exceptions for certain long-term pass holders and pre-approved short-term business travelers — have been extended until further notice. Those who are permitted to enter must use a portal called MyTravelPass to request permission and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Malaysia and quarantine for 10 days (14 days for travelers from 40 countries with variants of concern, or VOC, which includes the United States). There will be a test on day 5 or day 10 of quarantine depending on the traveler’s country of origin.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia, the entire country remains under a “Recovery Movement Control Order” with restrictions that can vary by region.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Malaysia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Malaysia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

The Maldives

The Maldives had announced one of the most liberal opening policies in the world in July 2020, but according to the U.S. Mission to the Maldives, the island nation has since placed restrictions on tourists. Cases have been increasing and certain islands with confirmed COVID-19 cases have been placed under lockdown.

International visitors, including Americans, must now have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of their departure and complete a Traveler Health Declaration within 24 hours prior to travel. A free 30-day tourist visa will be issued upon arrival and travelers may be subject to random testing. Further details can be found here.

Related: Maldives reopening

Tourists also need proof of reservation with an approved hotel or resort. And tourists are now allowed to transfer from one resort to another but only if their is no community transfer happening on either island. The latest update on resort openings can be found here.

The U.S. Mission reports that islands with cases are placed under travel lockdown and that travelers who test positive are routinely separated from their travel companions and forced to isolate at their expense. Anyone who is exposed to someone with a positive test for COVID-19 is required to quarantine for 14 days at their expense.

Emirates Airlines is offering connections through Dubai from major global cities including Chicago. Etihad resumed flights from Abu Dhabi to the Maldives starting in July 2020. Turkish Airlines also started flights in July 2020.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Maldives must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Maldives is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Nepal

Nepal, which had remained mostly closed to tourism, has begun to reopen to travelers arriving via air, according to the Kathmandu Post. Americans are now allowed to visit. However, cases of COVD-19 have surged throughout April 2021, topping 6,000 a day, and on April 29, 2021 Kathmandu entered a 15-day lockdown through May 14, 2021 that limits the opening of grocery stores and other essential services, including public and private transportation. International and domestic fights have also been suspended through at least May 14, 2021.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, the government of Nepal has resumed issuing tourist visas. The embassy reports that all travelers should obtain a tourist entry visa from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad or obtain a pre-approval/recommendation from the concerned ministry for ensuring their on-arrival visa. For more information, contact the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. Further information on obtaining a tourist visa is also available from Nepal’s Department of Immigration.

The U.S. Embassy website notes that U.S. travelers to Nepal need the following:

Results of a negative COVID-19 PCR negative taken within 72 hours of boarding or a document showing complete vaccination against COVID-19 (children five and under age five are exempt from testing)
A visa to Nepal or recommendation letter from the Department of Tourism or Nepal Tourism Board to participate in tourism activities within Nepal
A hotel booking confirmation or guarantee of accommodation
Proof of travel insurance that covers emergency search, rescue and treatment, among others, for the duration of their travel
The barcode generated from the online application of the Online International Travel Arrival Form.

The U.S. Embassy also reports that all international travelers are required to quarantine for 10 days and all travelers arriving into the Kathmandu Valley from other areas of Nepal must also quarantine for 10 days. Failure to wear a mask when outdoors may result in arrest and a fine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Nepal must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Nepal is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Pakistan

Pakistan has reopened for Americans, however, the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 advisory says, “Do not travel to Pakistan due to COVID-19. Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence.” The CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Embassy website, Americans wishing to travel to Pakistan will need a visa, and as visitors from a Category B country, upon arrival, they will need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure from the U.S. They will also need to download and install a Pass Track app and face health screenings on arrival. Guidelines can be found here.

Pakistan has suspended all travel from the United Kingdom, whether direct or indirect, until further notice.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Pakistan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The Philippines

Cebu, Philippines. (Photo by KrisCav/Getty Images)

According to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, on March 22, 2021, the Philippine government suspended the entry of all foreign nationals through at least April 30, 2021 (those who meet certain criteria have been allowed to enter since May 1, 2021—see the U.S. Embassy website) and has banned travelers from India or who have visited India within the previous 14 days through May 14, 2021. The government also extended a lockdown in Manila through May 14, 2021.

Americans are only allowed into the Philippines if they meet certain requirements, such as being foreign spouses or children of Philippine citizens who are traveling with the Philippine citizen, and already have a Philippine visa. All travelers must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Manila and are required to have pre-booked a stay of at least seven nights in an accredited quarantine hotel or facility. A second test will occur on day six.

On Jan. 3, 2021, the Philippines had added the United States to the list of 20 nations already banned from entering the county. The ban, which was in response to the new COVID-19 variants, was in place through Jan. 31, 2021, when it was lifted.

Due to rising COVID-19 cases within certain regions of the country, there are currently regional curfews and/or quarantines as well as restrictions on intercity and interstate travel in effect throughout the Philippines.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Philippines must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Philippines is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Singapore

Sinapore September 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Point Guy) — Sinapore, September 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Point Guy)

Singapore remains mostly closed for short-term visitors (including tourism). Americans are not allowed except for those who are dual citizens, residents of Singapore or are long-term pass holders who have received government permission. Singapore has developed reciprocal “Safe Travel Lanes” with several countries for official/business travel.

As of Jan. 24, 2021, all travelers must take a test upon arrival and all non-citizens or permanent residents must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers are also tested again upon arrival and are required to quarantine for two weeks in what Singapore terms a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and have a minimum of $30,000 in travel insurance (as of Jan. 31, 2021). Full requirements can be found here.

In addition, only Singaporean citizens and permanent residents traveling from the United Kingdom and South Africa are allowed to enter the country and they will be subject to an additional seven days of self-isolation, following the 14-day SHN. A summary of requirements can be found here.

The country has relaxed transit restrictions at Changi Airport. Unfortunately, transit restrictions vary by country of departure; check the Singapore Airlines website to see who can transit beautiful Singapore airport.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Singapore must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Singapore is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

South Korea

Americans can go to South Korea, but a mandatory two-week quarantine will make it undesirable for most travelers.

While the country is technically open to foreigners on short-term visits, most (with limited exceptions) are subject to a mandatory quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own expense for 14 days. The U.S. Embassy in South Korea notes that this will cost approximately $100-$150 USD per night, and passengers will be required to sign a release form agreeing to these conditions before departing. As of Jan. 8, 2021, all travelers (even those who are fully vaccinated) are also required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from South Korea must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

South Korea has agreed with China and Singapore to allow some business travel between the countries. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for South Korea is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, which has been closed to tourists since March 2020, reopened its two international airports — Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala International Airport (HRI) — in early 2021 and is beginning to allow tourism to resume. The reopening began in December 2020 with a pilot program with Ukraine, in which tourists are allowed to visit in a “travel bubble.” After a review, the country extended the reopening to other countries, beginning Jan. 21, 2021. However, flights to Sri Lanka remain extremely limited and a record rise in cases in late April and early May 2021 has resulted in preventative measures, including curfews and some travel restrictions, to be enacted.

Travelers wishing to visit Sri Lanka need to be tested (COVID-19 PCR test) in their own country within 72 hours of their flight and then again when they check-in at their hotel and a third time seven days later. They will also need to remain within a “travel bubble” in 14 designated tourism zones—about 180 hotels are participating—and not mix with the local population.

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka now says that travel by Americans to Sri Lanka is allowed but on a very limited basis. A valid visa is required (visa upon arrival remains suspended), along with a mandatory 14-day quarantine. As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Sri Lanka must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Sri Lanka is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Taiwan

Taiwan banned international tourism as of March 19, 2020. That ban remains in place.

Americans are allowed to go to Taiwan under certain very strict circumstances. They must have permission from the Taiwan government beforehand. All arrivals must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and are subject to a 14-day home quarantine (with proof of a place of quarantine).

Transiting by foreigners through Taiwan was banned, but is now subject to restrictions.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Taiwan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Taiwan is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan never did have a full lockdown, and most businesses, hotels and restaurants reopened on June 15, 2020. The U.S. State Department has a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory in effect for Tajikistan related to both COVID-19 and the potential for terrorism and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level: Unknown (with advice to avoid travel there).

According to the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, all Americans need a Tajik visa for entry and must show results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours of arrival when boarding flights to Dushanbe; they are also subject to PCR testing at the airport upon arrival. Travelers must provide contact information and will be allowed to leave the airport, but if the result is positive for COVID-19, travelers will be transferred to a government quarantine facility.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that access to medical care in the country may be limited and that “the Government of Tajikistan frequently adjusts its entry and exit requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes to policy are not immediately made available to the public.” A non-expired visa is also required to leave Tajikistan.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Tajikistan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Thailand

Bangkok December 2018. — Bangkok, December 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

As of April 1, 2021, U.S. passport holders are no longer required to obtain a visa for a tourist visit of up to 45 days (valid through September 30, 2021) in Thailand. They still need to obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE). Details are here.

Thailand had remained closed to most foreign tourists, but in late 2020 began offering 60-day long-stay visas to residents of low-risk and medium-risk countries, including the United States.

Travelers do, however, need to quarantine by booking a reservation at one of Thailand’s Alternative State Quarantine hotels. As of May 1, 2021, U.S. passport holders (and all international arrivals and regardless of vaccination status) must once again quarantine for 14 days. The most recent updates on travel to Thailand can be found here.

To enter Thailand, unvaccinated U.S. travelers need a Certificate of Entry (COE) issued by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate; a COVID-19 health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of US$100,000; confirmation of Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotel booking, and a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR laboratory result issued no more than 72 hours before departure.

During quarantine in Thailand, travelers must undergo a PCR tests. For a 14-day quarantine, three tests are required: on the day of arrival and on days 6-7 and days 12-13.

For further information on visiting Thailand, check the U.S. Embassy in Thailand’s website.

Thailand had also recently announced that it plans to waive quarantine requirements for travelers who have been vaccinated, beginning with travel to Phuket as of July 1, 2021. However, that was before it suddenly reversed its reduced quarantine requirements after a surge in cases in late April 2021. Thailand has also promoted six resorts offering a “golf quarantine.”

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Thailand must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Thailand is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Turkmenistan

According to the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan, U.S. citizens are allowed to visit the country, but the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and the CDC’s advisory id Level: Unknown (with advice not to travel there). In addition, the country’s suspension of all international flights has been extended until further notice.

Turkmenistan claims it doesn’t have any cases of COVID-19, but the embassy casts doubt on those claims. Any private U.S. citizen seeking to enter Turkmenistan will be required to present both a negative COVID-19 PCR test and a serology certificate confirming the presence of antibodies taken within 24 hours of departure from the U.S. or other point of origin. All travelers will also undergo a PCR test upon arrival ($43), followed by 21-day quarantine in a government facility for unvaccinated travelers and a 7-day self-isolation Under medical supervision for those who present a certificate of vaccination. Another PCR test ($43) is required to exit quarantine or self-isolation.

The U.S. Embassy notes: “The government of Turkmenistan can and does change quarantine requirements and arrival procedures for private citizens with little advance notice.”

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Turkmenistan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is open to Americans. In fact, it promises to compensate tourists up to $3,000 if they catch COVID-19.

U.S. citizens need a visa for entry, and a negative COVID-19 PCR test is required within 72 hours of departure to Uzbekistan. Tourists face health screenings as well as a rapid Antigen test (cost: $9) upon arrival. Passengers must wait for results and if they test positive, they will be taken to a health facility for treatment and quarantine. After two weeks and a negative test, they will be released from quarantine.

Radio Free Europe reports Uzbekistan lifted its ban on international flights from Oct. 1, 2020.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Uzbekistan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State department’s advisory for Uzbekistan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level Unknown (with advice not to travel there).

Vietnam

Vietnam resumed international flights in September 2020 from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia and Laos for Vietnamese nationals, diplomats, experts, managers and skilled workers.

Foreign tourists were originally banned as of March 22, 2020, and it is uncertain when the Vietnamese government will lift this restriction. According to the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, U.S. citizens are not permitted into Vietnam, with “limited exemptions for diplomatic, official duty, and special cases, including experts, business managers, foreign investors, and high-tech workers of businesses involved in important projects as determined by the Government of Vietnam.” Those who are allowed to enter are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undergo health screenings upon arrival and follow the country’s quarantine protocols, including quarantine for 21 days and medical surveillance for at least 28 days.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Vietnam must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Several regions of Vietnam entered lockdowns in February 2021 and the country increased restrictions on large gatherings, events and festivals. The government has also said that individuals who refuse to wear face masks will be subject to severe penalties.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Vietnam is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

Oceania

Australia

Sydney March 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Sydney, March 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Australia remains closed to most foreign visitors. Additionally, on Jan. 8, 2021, the government announced that it was reducing flight arrivals and will now require all returning citizens, legal residents and permitted essential workers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding any international flight to the country.

Americans are banned except for a few emergency exemptions that must be cleared in advance, and all arriving citizens, permanent residents and non-citizens are subject to a 14-day stay in quarantine hotels. Check the U.S. Embassy in Australia website for details on restrictions and exemptions for entry. The site also has details on travel restrictions between Australia’s states, which have varying bans and requirements and a subject to last-minute lockdowns.

In October 2020, Australia and New Zealand created a “travel bubble” allowing anyone who has been in New Zealand for the past 14 days and is traveling on a quarantine-free flight to travel to Australia quarantine-free. The bubble was suspended on Feb. 14, 2021, for one week after New Zealand went into a lockdown after discovering cases of the U.K. variant in Auckland.

A reciprocal plan for travelers from Australia to New Zealand began on April 19, 2021.

Australians are currently banned from all other international travel, with limited exceptions. In January 2021, Qantas announced it was accepting international flight bookings for travel beginning July 1, 2021, but on Feb. 24, 2021, pushed the start date to late October 2021. In mid-January 2021, Australian government officials had suggested that international travel for Australians might not be possible until 2022. On May 6, 2021, officials also indicated the countries borders wouldn’t open until mid-to-late-2022.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Australia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Australia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

French Polynesia

The South Pacific island nation had originally officially reopened on July 15, 2020. Since Feb. 3, 2021, however, French Polynesia banned entry by international tourists until further notice — but on April 15, 2021 announced a gradual return to tourism set to begin on May 1, 2021, with an initial opening to countries with “limited epidemic risk.” Americans are among the travelers who can once again visit for tourism. Updates can be found here.

Related coverage: French Polynesia will reopen

Enhanced protocols have been announced based on whether the traveler has completed vaccination, has antibodies from a prior infection or remains unvaccinated. Everyone six years of age and older is required to present a negative COVID-19 (RT-PCR) test taken 72 hours before departure. Travelers also must present the receipt of an online health registration from the Electronic Travel Information System (ETIS) platform, which must be filled out with their itinerary and uploaded vaccination certificates or positive serology (antibody tests) before travel commences. Unvaccinated travelers who have not recovered from COVID-19 must also register on ETIS, since ETIS receipts, negative PCR test results and boarding authorization must be presented at boarding.

Upon arrival, all passengers must take an Antigen test. Fully vaccinated (in this case at least 8 days past the final dose) and antibody positive travelers do not have to quarantine, but do have to take another test on day 4. Non-vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days at their chosen accommodation with PCR tests taken on day 4 and day 8. Children under six are exempt from testing and quarantine, but unvaccinated children age six and older who are not vaccinated or do not have antibodies must quarantine and the quarantine will be imposed on the entire family. Testing costs are 5,000 XPF ($50) for vaccinated and immune travelers and 12,000 XPF ($121) for non-vaccinated travelers. Details can be found here.

Additionally, all incoming travelers (residents excluded) must provide proof of international travel insurance. Luckily, credit card travel insurance satisfy this requirement. Travelers could use a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card to pay for their airfare and hotel, then provide a copy of the card’s Guide to Benefits as proof of coverage.

All travelers are also advised to wear a mask throughout their stay and abide by specific sanitary measures. Travelers exhibiting symptoms during their stay were told to self-report and self-isolate in their room until further instruction from local emergency operators.

Related: An ill-fated trip to Tahiti

If you’re itching to travel to French Polynesia, there are lots of options for getting there. Be sure to check out our guide on the best way to get to Tahiti using points and miles. The destination is home to some famous hotels, such as the Conrad Bora Bora Nui and the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from French Polynesia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for French Polynesia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Fiji

Fiji has had a strict lockdown in place since March 2020—and has reported just 129 COVID-19 cases as of May 6, 2021—but now the U.S. Embassy in Fiji is reporting that some people can enter the country from the U.S. by seeking advance permission from the government for repatriation purposes.

The country has been closed to tourism and reopening plans have yet to be announced. Fiji Airways grounded 95% of its flights; the only flights had been repatriation flights for Australian and New Zealand citizens seeking to return home. The country also canceled all international and doestic flights between April 22 and at least May 6, 2021 to combat a recent rise in cases. Check for updates here.

The U.S. Embassy notes that travelers should contact Fiji Immigration with specific inquiries.

Any visitor to Fiji who is approved needs to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test and then quarantine for 14 days in a Nadi-area hotel and pay the full cost of quarantine and testing.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Fiji must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Interestingly, Fiji does allow visitors by private yacht. Arriving tourists must quarantine for two weeks at sea before being allowed ashore.

Fiji had been in talks with Australia and New Zealand about entering into a so-called “travel bubble” that would allow citizens of the three countries to travel freely, but nothing has been finalized. Obviously, Americans would not be included in that agreement.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Fiji is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

New Zealand

New Zealand has been praised for its early and tough restrictions that kept cases of coronavirus low in the country. It restricted travel from Wuhan, China, on February 3, 2020. In fact, New Zealand is being hailed as one of the shining stars of dealing with COVID-19. Americans are not allowed to travel there.

A complete ban on foreigners remains in effect and the border is effectively closed to foreign tourists. From the government website: “Entry to New Zealand from all countries remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.” And on Jan. 26, 2021, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the country’s borders “will be impacted for much of this year.”

New Zealand reacted quickly on Feb. 14, 2021, when it ordered a temporary lockdown in Auckland after three cases of the U.K. variant were detected. The lockdown was lifted on Feb. 17, 2021.

The government had previously announced that starting Jan. 15, 2021 anyone who is granted permission to travel to New Zealand and will be arriving in the country from the United States or United Kingdom must provide a negative COVID-19 test (PCR, LAMP or Antigen) taken 72 hours prior to departure. All travelers from any destination must also complete a 14-day stay in managed isolation or quarantine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021 everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from New Zealand must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern okayed a travel bubble with Australia, and the initial roll-out began in October 2020 with a one-way program to select Australian destinations with travelers able to forgo Australia’s 14-day quarantine. It was temporarily suspended by Australia for one week due to an Auckland lockdown in February 2021 but has since resumed. A reciprocal plan for travelers from Australia to New Zealand began on April 19, 2021.Quarantine-free travel between the Australian state of New South Wales (home to Sydney) was paused on May 6, 2021 as authorities investigate two locally transmitted cases in Sydney.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for New Zealand is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

Middle East

Bahrain

According to the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, U.S. travelers have been permitted to receive a visa upon arrival and enter Bahrain since Sept. 4, 2020. Visitors do not need to bring a negative COVID-19 PCR test when traveling to Bahrain as all arrivals will be tested at the airport and must self-isolate until receiving the results of their first test.

All travelers must also download the BeAware Bahrain app in advance of travel and travelers staying in Bahrain for more than five days must submit to and pay for a second test on day 5 and a third on day 10 (with steep fines and possible jail time for non-compliance). The fee is 36 BD ($95) for the three tests. Any positive test results will result in quarantine at a government facility until a clean bill of health is received.

The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain reports that flight schedules are reduced and remain subject to cancellation and that visitors should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into place with little or no advance notice. Face masks are mandatory in all public spaces with a 20 Bahraini dinar ($53) fine for non-compliance. People who break public health rules face either a minimum of three months in jail, a fine ranging from 1,000 Bahraini Dinars ($2,645) to 10,000 dinars ($26,500), or a combination of both. Indoor dining was suspended in Bahrain through March 14, 2021, but has been allowed to resume with capacity restrictions in place.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Bahrain must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Bahrain is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Israel

In March 2020, the government of Israel announced that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, would not be allowed to enter the country. On April 6, 2021, Israel announced it would begin allowing non-citizens who are fully vaccinated into the country, however, those permitted in will be limited to those who can prove they have an Israeli family member or fall into very specific categories. Details can be found here.

Israel hopes to begin allowing others to visit in the coming months as vaccinations continue to roll out.

Israel went into a third lockdown in early January 2021 as the country tried to control a COVID-19 surge while rolling out a massive vaccination program. The lockdown was lifted on Feb. 6, 2021.

After initially banning flights from the United Kingdom, Denmark and South Africa due to the spread of new COVID-19 variants on Jan. 25, 2021, the Israeli government also halted all international travel and temporarily closed Tel Aviv Ben Gurion through Feb. 7, 2021. Limited flights are now allowed.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Israel, non-nationals whose lives are based in Israel are being allowed to return, flights permitting. Non-citizen travelers must apply for permission to enter the country.

All arriving passengers must fill out an inbound passenger statement and present an entry clearance from the government. As of Jan. 23, 2021, everyone over the age of two traveling to Israel must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight’s departure or confirmation of a completed vaccination. The U.S. Embassy also notes that those who have already recovered from a COVID-19 infection must provide the airline with a copy of a positive COVID-19 test and a letter from their medical provider documenting recovery and clearance to travel.

Arriving travelers must also quarantine for 10 days (with two tests) or 14 days in a government quarantine center or approved hotel or private residence. Those who have valid proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 can test out of quarantine with a negative result.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Israel must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Israel’s Ministry of Health updated its COVID-19 restrictions, which include the requirement to wear a protective mask over the nose and mouth in public.

Luxury hotel company Dan hotels have reopened all of its hotels, including the King David Jerusalem.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Israel is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Jordan

Jordan is open to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Jordan. All arriving passengers must fill out an arrivals form before the flight, provide results of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Jordan, have health insurance and take and pay for another coronavirus test on arrival ($39; children under age five are exempt).

Once in Jordan, U.S. travelers who test negative upon arrival no longer need to undergo mandatory home quarantine; those who test positive upon arrival will be subject to at least 10 days of home isolation. Masks are mandatory in business establishments, public transportation and government facilities. There is a 7 .p.m. curfew (6 p.m. for businesses) nationwide.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Jordan must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Jordan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Kuwait

Kuwait is not welcoming foreign tourists, and since Feb. 7, 2021, has banned all non-Kuwaiti citizens (with very limited exceptions, namely first-degree relatives of Kuwaiti citizens and domestic employees traveling with them) from entering the country until further notice, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.

Travelers who are able to enter Kuwait will only be permitted in with either a valid visa or a residency permit. Visitor visas are not being issued upon arrival at the airport, nor are visas available electronically in advance; they can only be requested from a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate.

Arriving passengers over the age of six must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result administered by a health clinic within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Kuwait. Results must be in English and do not need to be translated. As of Jan. 3, 2021, all passengers will also be given another PCR test upon arrival in Kuwait.

Travelers arriving must register with the Kuwait Mosafer platform and the Shlonik app prior to boarding the aircraft, and as of Feb. 21, 2021, all arriving passengers must undergo seven days of institutional quarantine at a hotel in Kuwait at their own expense (booked via the Mosafer platform), with a negative test (on day six) allowing for seven additional days of home quarantine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Kuwait must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The use of face masks is mandatory in all public areas, and the Ministry of Health is randomly testing residents and citizens daily. There is a 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily curfew and capacity restrictions and early closures of business remain in effect. Restaurants are not allowed to offer dine-in service until further notice. Kuwait has reduced all flights to 30% of their normal capacity.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Kuwait is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Lebanon

Lebanon imposed a 24-hour countrywide lockdown, which closed all but essential businesses, through Feb. 8, 2021, when some restrictions were eased—but the 24-hour curfew was extended through March 8, 2021 with allowances only for essential activities. The curfew is currently 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Cases have plateaued, but remain high, despite the lockdown.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, Americans can travel to the country. With exceptions for those who are 15 days past their completed COVID-19 vaccination or 15 days past recovery from infection, all travelers over the age of 12 must produce a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival in order to enter the country, take a second PCR test at their own expense (about $50), self-quarantine for three days at their hotel and take a third PCR test after that.

All travelers to Lebanon who do not meet any of the above exceptions must also complete a medical form issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health before boarding their flight and download the CovidLebTrack app.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Lebanon must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Masks are required at all times outdoors and in public spaces, and all violators will be fined $33 per violation. There is a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nationwide curfew throughout the month of Ramadan. There are limited capacity (permission is needed) and opening hours for supermarkets, banks, malls and large stores.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Lebanon is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Oman

International flights to Oman have resumed and Americans can again visit, according to the U.S. Embassy in Oman. Oman has suspended flights from 10 countries (South Africa, Brazil, Sudan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia) until further notice.

Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of entering the Sultanate through Muscat International Airport (MCT), Salalah Airport (SLL), Sohar Airport (OHS), and Duqm Airport (DQM) is required. Travelers must also be tested upon arrival (cost: OMR25 or $65), quarantine in a pre-arranged hotel for seven days and take another PCR test (cost: OMR25 or $65) on day 8 before quarantine can end.

PCR tests and hotel quarantine accommodations must be pre-booked separately. Mandatory PCR tests will have to be pre-booked on the Tarassud+ mobile app prior to arrival in Oman. The app serves to gather all relevant passenger details and gives the users secure and easy access to pay for their PCR tests online. Quarantine hotel accommodations must be booked on the Sahala platform before arrival in Oman; airlines are required to check that travelers hold a confirmed hotel booking. All travelers are also required to have travel health insurance that is valid in Oman.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Oman must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

From April 14, 2021, through the month of Ramadan, there is a 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Oman is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Qatar

Qatar is not welcoming foreign tourists. According to the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, only limited non-Qatari citizens can enter Qatar.

U.S. travelers are allowed to enter Qatar under specific circumstances, but not for tourism. Entering travelers from high-risk countries (which includes the U.S.) must produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of travel, quarantine in a hotel booked via the Discover Qatar website for seven days upon arrival and take another test after that; if negative the remaining seven days of quarantine can be done at home. Those requirements were recently extended through May 31, 2021.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Qatar must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Qatar is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia

On Feb. 3, 2021, Saudi Arabia suspended entry for all travelers from 20 counties—the United States, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India and Japan—with the exception of Saudi citizens, diplomats and medical practitioners and their families.

The ban also applies to any traveler who has been in any of the 20 countries in the 14 days prior to travel to Saudi Arabia. The government has said that international flights will be allowed to return to normal operations on May 17, 2021, but only that Saudi citizens who have completed their vaccination or recovered from COVID-19 will be able to travel outside the Kingdom. The ban on entry by travelers from the 20 countries will remain in effect. Americans

According to the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia, certain U.S. travelers can enter Saudi Arabia if they have not been in the U.S. or any of the other 19 banned countries over the past 14 days and can only enter Saudi Arabia with current residence permits as well as valid entry/exit visas.

Any traveler eight years of age and older who is permitted to enter must produce a negative COVID-19 test, with results obtained within 72 hours of arrival time. Upon arrival, travelers must download an app and quarantine for up to 14 days depending on their country of origin.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Face masks are mandatory in all public venues, and violations are subject to a fine of $2,666.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Saudi Arabia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Syria

U.S. travelers are not able to enter Syria at this time. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Syria is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. May 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

The United Arab Emirates is open to tourism and Americans are welcome. However, a recent spike in cases of both the U.K. and South African variants linked to travel resulted in Dubai closing all bars and pubs and limited certain activities through mid-April, 2021.

Dubai reopened to tourists on July 7, 2020, and tourist visas (required for U.S. travelers) are being issued in all emirates, including Abu Dhabi, which began welcoming back international travelers on Dec. 24, 2020, with testing and quarantine protocols in place.

To enter Abu Dhabi, tourists over the age of 12 will be required to present a COVID-19 PCR test negative certificate done within 96 hours of departure and undergo a second test upon arrival, with results delivered in 90 minutes. If the traveler is from from “green list” country (the U.S. is not on the list) and receives two negative tests, they are not required to quarantine. All other travelers, even if they test negative, are required to self-isolate for 10 days. And all travelers will be required to take a third COVID-19 PCR test on day 6 if staying six days or more and day 12 if staying 12 days or more. Details are available here.

Tourists over the age of 12 traveling to Dubai are also required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure (changed from 96 hours) and some travelers, depending on their country of origin, will be tested again upon arrival. All travelers must also download the COVID-19 DXB app and register their details. However, unless they are traveling from or have transited through India in the past 14 days, visitors entering Dubai are not required to quarantine. For additional information on traveling to Dubai, check the Emirates airline website.

According to the U.S. Embassy, anyone traveling from Dubai (or any other emirate) to Abu Dhabi must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours. If staying for more than four consecutive days, individuals must take an additional PCR test on the fourth day. Those staying in Abu Dhabi for more than eight consecutive days must take an additional COVID-19 PCR test on the eighth day.

All test results for both emirates must be presented either in English or Arabic in original, physical form. Digital copies will not be accepted. Travelers with severe and moderate disabilities may be exempted from the test requirement.

Tourists must comply with preventive measures and safety procedures and must self-isolate for 14 days if they test positive. The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority of the UAE (NCEMA), as well as the official website of the UAE, has stated that anyone entering the UAE from another country who receives a positive test result upon arrival must undergo a self-quarantine of 14 days. Violating home quarantine is punishable with fines of AED 50,000 ($13,600).

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All arrivals will also be subject to thermal screenings. If a traveler is suspected to have COVID-19 symptoms, Dubai airports have the right to re-test to ensure the tourist is free of the virus.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from the United Arab Emirates must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the UAE is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Related: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are open

Yemen

The U.S. State Department has maintained a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory on Yemen for some time, even before COVID-19 became a threat, due to issues with terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines. The embassy in Sana’a suspended operations in early 2015, and U.S. citizens in Yemen will not be able to rely on emergency services from the U.S. government.

All travelers entering on U.S. documents are required to have a visa from the Yemeni government before entering the country, and passports must have an additional six months’ validity from the date of departure.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Yemen must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo reopened its borders in August 2020. It is perhaps best known for Virunga National Park, which reopened on April 1, 2021, and for being home to the mountain gorilla. Important to know: Conflict is ongoing in the DRC and six park rangers were ambushed and killed by militia inside the park in January 2021. In February 2021, the Italian ambassador to the DRC was killed along with two others in an ambush.

According to the U.S. Embassy, all arriving international travelers age 11 and older must arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days (72 hours) of their departure to DRC. Upon arrival, travelers age 11 and older must take a second COVID-19 test at the airport. Travelers should register their information and pay for the test at INRBCOVID.com before they begin their travel. The cost of the required test is US$45. After testing at the airport, arriving passengers must self-quarantine until they receive a negative test result, usually within 24 hours.

Americans also need a visa to visit as well as a World Health Organization (WHO) card with proof of yellow fever vaccination and proof of health and medical evacuation insurance valid in the DRC. Travelers may also need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days for travel between certain provinces.

To exit the DRC, all travelers age 11 and older must pay for and present a negative COVID-19 test from an approved lab taken within 72 hours of travel. This parallels a Jan. 26, 2021 requirement by the U.S. government that everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of Congo must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights.

Masks are required in public spaces and the DRC has a nationwide curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Testing is required for travel between some provinces.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Democratic Republic of Congo is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Egypt

International tourism resumed in Egypt in July 2020, although tourism at sites such as Luxor has reportedly been quite slow. The Great Pyramids of Giza, for example, reopened on July 1, 2020, after being closed since March 2020 and undergoing a deep cleaning, reported Reuters.

Egypt is now open for Americans, but the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. There are also some important things to know before you go.

Related: Egypt reopening

Americans will need a tourist visa available on arrival or before arrival via online enrollment. There are no quarantine requirements although you will need a negative COVID-19 PCR test. According to the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, while most travelers over the age of six, including Egyptians, will require results of tests taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Egypt, passengers traveling from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, London Heathrow, Paris, and Frankfurt will be allowed to provide the test certificate performed at a maximum of 96 hours prior to flight departure, due to the long travel and transit period from these airports. You also have to have the physical (printed) test results. No digital documents are being accepted. Proof of health insurance valid in Egypt is also required.

As of Jan. 3, 2021, anyone not following mask requirements may be subject to fines or prosecution and restaurants have been ordered to operate at 50% capacity.

As of Jan. 26, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Egypt must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Related: Dreaming of visiting Egypt

Ghana

Ghana’s Accra Kotoka International Airport reopened for regular international service on Sept. 1, 2020, although the country’s land and sea borders remain closed. According to the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Americans are allowed to enter the country and all passengers arriving by air must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted by an accredited laboratory in the country of origin not more than 72 hours prior to departure.

In addition, upon arrival, each traveler age five and older must undergo a COVID-19 test conducted at the airport. There is a $150 fee per person. Travelers can pay the fee online before departure or pay upon arrival at the airport in Accra. Ghana’s Ministry of Public Health has mandated the use of face masks in public.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Ghana must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Ghana is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Kenya

Kenya reopened to tourism on August 1, 2020, and Americans are welcome to visit. However, the U.S. State Department recently changed its advisory to Level 4: Do Not Visit and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said at the time of reopening that the country had reached enough preparedness to lessen restrictions but precautions should still be taken, reported Reuters. But cases have surged in the country in March 2021 and a nightly curfew starting at 10 p.m. was just extended through at least May 12, 2021.

Travel in and out of Nairobi is allowed and all visitors need to obtain an e-visa, fill out an online health form (to obtain a QR code for scanning upon arrival) and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of arrival, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. They’ll also face a health screening on arrival. Americans are currently exempt from quarantine requirements. Entry requirements can be found here.

The embassy reports that Kenya is also planning to implement policies that all departing travelers whose destination requires a test must visit an authorized laboratory in the Trusted Traveler initiative and obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test before they will be allowed to board flights to depart Kenya. This parallels a new U.S. government requirement that as of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Kenya must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

A mandatory face mask requirement while in public remains in effect.

Mauritius

The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius has suspended all incoming flights to the country until further notice. On March 10, 2021, Mauritius also went into an island-wide lockdown that closed beaches, shops and restaurants through April 30, 2021. Restaurants are now open for delivery and takeout only.

Mauritius originally began lifting restrictions on June 15, 2020, and according to the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius, as of Oct. 1, 2020 Americans had been allowed to visit—but only long-stay arrivals who purchased a travel package will be approved. They also needed to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 5 and 7 days of travel and undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine in-room at an establishment recognized by the authorities. Travelers must also undergo multiple COVID-19 PCR tests. These rules are expected to be in effect through at least May 31, 2021, and all travel alerts can be found here.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Mauritius must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Mauritius is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Morocco

Morocco recently extended its strict state of emergency until May 10, 2021, and also has suspended flights from more than two dozen countries, making tourism here challenging. According to the U.S. Embassy in Morocco, Americans are among citizens of several dozen countries currently allowed to enter the country without a visa, but all travelers over the age of 11 must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure and present it in printed form at airport check-in and upon arrival in Morocco.

Most commercial flights to and from Morocco remain suspended; limited Royal Air Maroc flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Casablanca are operating. Masks are mandatory in flight and in all public spaces. The U.S. Embassy cautions that Moroccan authorities could put into place new flight restrictions with little notice. It may be difficult to enter or leave Morocco and travelers should expect delays entering Morocco and/or returning to the United States.

The U.S. Embassy also reports that travel is limited to those who have confirmed reservations with a Moroccan hotel or travel agency or an invitation from a Moroccan company for business purposes. Be aware that domestic travel within Morocco requires a travel authorization letter from local officials. Apparently, a hotel reservation can be all the documentation you may need.

The government of Morocco also announced additional measures designed to curb the spread of COVID-19: a nationwide curfew between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. through the month of Ramadan; a daily closing of cafes, restaurants, shops and grocery stores at 7 p.m.; and a ban on all public and private gatherings and parties.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Morocco must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Related: Guide to Morocco reopening

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Morocco is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Namibia

Namibia has been open for tourism since Sept. 1, 2020, although most of its land borders are currently closed. Most businesses (hotels, safari lodges and camps, restaurants, shops) are open and public transportation is running.

Tourists, including Americans, are allowed to fly to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), but according to the U.S. Embassy in Namibia, they must have a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result taken within 7 days of arrival and fill out a health questionnaire. Even travelers who have proof of vaccination must provide a negative test result. Those whose test result is more than 7 days old will need to undergo a day-of-arrival quarantine until getting a negative result on an arrival test before being allowed to move freely in the country.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Namibia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights;

There is a nationwide curfew in Namibia from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

When the country re-opened in late August 2020, President Hage Geingob said in a televised address, “The virus is likely to remain in our midst for a prolonged time and we must learn to live with it … learning to live with the virus means adapting our attitudes and behaviors so that we can reduce the damage it can do to our country.”

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Namibia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Nigeria

Nigeria reopened its airports on July 8, 2020, after months of closure. Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri airports all reopened for domestic flights in July 2020, and international flights resumed in August 2020.

All tourists are again welcome, including Americans, however, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory even though the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, arriving international passengers over the age of 10 must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours (four days) of departure. A Quarantine Protocol issued in September requires all international visitors to register via the Nigeria International Travel Portal, upload test results prior to travel, self-isolate and pay for another test seven days after arrival in Nigeria, and continue self-isolating until receiving a negative result (typically in 24-48 hours).

Nigeria saw a surge in COVID-19 cases in December 2020 and January 2021, when restrictions were increased. There is currently a curfew in place from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Mask wearing is inconsistent and the government’s national identification registration policy has recently created crowds and chaos, according to reporting by CNN. And in early March 2021, a new COVID-19 variant was detected in the country.

According to the U.S. Embassy, all passengers departing Abuja International airport are currently being asked to provide negative COVID tests taken within 3 days (72 hours) prior to boarding.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Nigeria must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Rwanda

Rwanda is open to American tourists. The country had been doing a relatively good job controlling the coronavirus outbreak since reopening to commercial flights on Aug. 1, 2020, (see details on the Johns Hopkins University website), although cases did spike in early 2021. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Rwanda is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

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According to the U.S. Embassy in Rwanda, all arriving passengers are required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form and upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours (three days) of departure for Rwanda. All travelers are also subject to testing upon arrival (at a cost of $60) and must spend 24 hours in a designated transit hotel; some travelers (but not business travelers or tourists headed to national parks) may need to undergo a seven-night quarantine.

VisitRwanda’s reopening guidance says, “For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered within 24 hours, during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost.” Some travelers then need to continue quarantining at the designated hotel or at home for seven days until receiving a text message to appear for a final test. But business travelers who plan to be in Rwanda for a short stay (less than seven days) and international tourists scheduled to visit national parks will not be required to undergo the seven-day quarantine.

For information on testing in Rwanda, check this FAQ section on VisitRwanda.com.

Travelers departing Rwanda must also test negative within 72 hours (three days) of departure for home. They are encouraged to book and pay for their tests at least two days prior to their return flight. As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Rwanda must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Rwanda is offering visas on arrival as well for all nationalities. There are a number of additional planning resources available at VisitRwanda.com. All three major national parks in the country are open but visitors will have to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of visiting. You can even book a trip to see the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.

Face masks are required nationwide in public spaces and there is a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Senegal

International flights have resumed to Senegal, but land and sea borders remain closed. Americans can enter the country, according to the U.S. Embassy, and must follow entry protocols. The Embassy notes, however, that it has received reports from some Americans who report difficulty booking travel to Senegal because of current restrictions.

Senegal requires the original certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken with five days (120 hours) of arrival and only from the country where you started your trip. The West African country also requires all arrivals to submit a ‘Public Health Passenger Locator’ form. Arriving passengers face health screenings.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Senegal must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Hotels are open, as are restaurants and casinos, with social distancing in place. A mandatory mask order remains in effect countrywide.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Senegal is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Seychelles

The Seychelles, which has gone to extremes to protect itself from coronavirus (in May 2020, TPG cruise reporter Gene Sloan wrote about the small island nation off the coast of Africa banning cruise ships until 2022), began by welcoming vaccinated Americans, and as of March 25, 2021, even non-vaccinated U.S. travelers can visit. Details can be found here.

In February 2021, the country announced that fully vaccinated U.S. travelers can visit and enjoy free movement throughout the island nation but must have a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight and show a valid certificate of vaccination, with the vaccination completed at least two weeks prior to travel, and upload the test results to obtain a Travel Health Authorization. The latest requirements can be found here.

Travel opened to all U.S. travelers on March 25, 2021, and both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors must obtain a Travel Health Authorization via the online portal. All travelers must also present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight and have valid travel health insurance that covers, at a minimum, COVID-19 related isolation, quarantine and clinical care. Note: Visitors may only stay at licensed establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Public Health Authority.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Seychelles must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Seychelles is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High High Level of COVID-19. Check the the U.S. Embassy website for updates.

South Africa

South Africa reopened to tourism on Oct. 1, 2020, and, according to the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, as of Nov. 11, 2020, U.S. citizens can enter the country for tourism purposes, but they need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours from the time of departure, or they must test upon arrival and remain in mandatory quarantine for 10 days at their own cost. Details can be found here.

In December 2020, both South Africa and the United Kingdom began reporting troubling new COVID-19 variants, which resulted in the widespread suspension of flights and travel to and from both the U.K. and South Africa. The U.S. government on Jan. 26, 2021 then banned travel from South Africa, with the exceptions of U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents.

South Africa suffered a dangerous second wave in December 2020 and January 2021, surpassing 1.5 million total cases and forcing a return to a Level 3 lockdown alert with restrictions that were eased back to Level 1 on March 1, 2021 as cases declined. Still, many questions remain about the COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa, including its potential resistance to current vaccines.

All arriving travelers will face a health screening. If a passenger has a negative test result, they will not have to quarantine. Those who don’t bring tests will need to quarantine for two weeks at their own expense. Travelers must also download the South Africa coronavirus mobile tracing app, and fill in all the information on that app.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, any U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident age two and older traveling to the U.S. from South Africa must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for South Africa was recently changed to Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19.

Tanzania

Tanzania, which had been accepting tourists with no testing or quarantine conditions attached, as of May 3, 2021 requires all travelers to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival and to complete an online Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours prior to arrival to receive a unique health code (UHC). Travelers will undergo screening upon arrival and those arriving from countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases (or those who have been in those countries within the past 14 days) will also be required to take a rapid test ($25) upon arrival in Tanzania, followed by a 14-day quarantine at their own cost.

The new requirements were put into effect by the country’s new president Samia Saluhu Hassan to try to curb the spread of new variants.

Tanzania’s late president John Magufuli had until shortly before his death denied widespread COVID-19 transmission (the government had not been reporting cases). Magufuli, 61, died on March 18, 2021, after not being seen in public for more than two weeks.

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania is reporting that it has seen an increase in the number of cases reported to it since January 2021 and that the use of masks, social distancing and other prevention strategies are largely absent throughout the country. The chance of contracting COVID-19 through community spread remains elevated and the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Tanzania is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

U.S. tourists also need a visa to visit Tanzania. See details here.

Related: Dreaming of Tanzania.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Tanzania must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

Tanzania has received a lot of criticism on how it has handled the coronavirus pandemic. The government hasn’t actively revealed data about infection rates or death. President Magufuli had said that releasing the data was “causing panic” and at the start of the pandemic declined to close churches, saying that the virus “cannot survive in the body of Christ — it will burn.” He also claimed Tanzania was free of coronavirus as of June 2020 due to prayer and the work of front-line workers. He even celebrated citizens who weren’t wearing masks as a sign that people were no longer afraid and the virus was gone.

Uganda

Americans can currently travel to Uganda, known as one of the top destinations for gorilla trekking. The country’s national parks reopened to tourists in October 2020. However, the U.S. Embassy reports that as of May 1, 2021 the government of Uganda recommends that all travelers from the United States (and all Category 2 countries, which also includes the United Kingdom, UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania) who are not vaccinated postpone any non-essential travel to Uganda.

According to the U.S. Embassy, arriving passengers must have a negative PCR COVID-19 test from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin taken not more than 120 hours before departure for Uganda. Any traveler from the Category 2 countries, including the United States, will be subjected to a PCR COVID-19 test, at the traveler’s expense, at all points of entry into Uganda, including Entebbe International Airport. These travelers will have to wait for their negative results before proceeding to their final destination in Uganda. Individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are asymptomatic will be allowed into Uganda without the need for testing on arrival. Such travelers will be required to show evidence of their vaccination.

Travelers who test positive will be taken to a Ministry of Health facility for treatment.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that the Government of Uganda also requires that all departing passengers present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken not more than 120 hours before departure. This requirement is mandatory for all departing passengers out of Uganda even if the destination country does not require it. But the U.S. now does, just with a tighter time frame: As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone aged two and older traveling to the U.S. from Uganda must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights.

Uganda has eased some of its lockdown restrictions, allowing some businesses like restaurants and wholesale stores to reopen. There is a nightly 9 p.m. curfew and masks are required in public.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Uganda is Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to COVID-19 and the risk of kidnapping but the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

Zambia

Zambia, home to Victoria Falls and known as a top safari destination, is open to international travelers, including Americans. However, according to the U.S. Embassy in Zambia, non-essential travel to Zambia is not reccommended at the moment as the country’s second wave of cases winds down.

Zambia now requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel. Tourists also need a visa (apply online for an e-visa here). There are no quarantine requirements right now, but there are reports of some health screenings and symptomatic individuals may be required to submit to testing and/or quarantine.

As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Zambia must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Zambia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe reopened its borders to international flights on Oct. 1, 2020. In a statement, the government said, “All travelers will be required to have a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 clearance certificate issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure.”

Quarantine is no longer required if a negative test is presented. Those who arrive without the required test or who are displaying symptoms must get tested upon arrival and quarantine in a government holding facility until getting a negative result.

U.S. citizens can travel to Zimbabwe, according to the U.S. Embassy. However, as cases surged in January 2021, a nationwide lockdown with a curfew (now 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.) was put into place and extended with slightly relaxed restrictions on March 1, 2021. Cases have greatly declined, but amid the January surge four officials in the Zimbabwe government died of COVID-19.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Zimbabwe is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Travelers departing Zimbabwe must present a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours of departure. As of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Zimbabwe must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights, so having the 48-hour result required by Tanzania will also meet U.S. requirements.

Additional reporting by Katherine Fan, Jordyn Fields, Jane Frye, Donna Heiderstadt, Liz Hund, Brian Kim, Stella Shon and Mimi Wright.