COVID-19 travel update: Which countries can Americans visit?

A wave breaks at Clifton Beach, Cape Town, a surfing spot at the southern tip of South Africa. Photo taken in 2017.

Published Nov. 17, 2020 Updated Nov. 20, 2020 9:06 AM PT

Dozens of countries in Europe and Asia remain off-limits for American travelers as the world continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, local, state and federal officials in the U.S. are urging Americans to stay as close to home as possible, because travel increases risk.

Yet many other countries do remain open, with and without quarantine, to Americans who can meet certain conditions.

Many, such as Albania, are off the beaten path for most Americans. Others, such as Mexico, are more familiar.

Mexico requires no test and no quarantine for those traveling by air. Under a pact the two countries have been renewing monthly, U.S. travelers are forbidden from traveling by land across the border for nonessential reasons, but no such ban applies to those who fly.

The U.S.’ other neighbor, Canada, has banned most foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, from entering its territory. There are exceptions for some students and people with Canadian family, but otherwise, the ban on nonessential travel is firm.

Regarding Europe: If you aren’t familiar with the term “Schengen countries,” you should be. The term refers to 26 European Union nations that are acting collectively when it comes to allowing travelers to safely cross their borders without spreading COVID-19. Many have been tightening internal restrictions in recent days in hopes of thwarting a new surge of cases. Americans currently are not allowed in; residents of Canada, New Zealand and Japan are. The list is reviewed every two weeks.

In the Asia-Pacific region too, many doors are closed. American tourists are not allowed to visit Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. The same goes for Australia and New Zealand.

Also, Israel is telling American tourists to stay away except for exceptional cases (which would require a 14-day quarantine).

What to consider before you go

Before you make plans to go abroad, bear in mind that travel increases your risk of infection and the chance that you might unknowingly pass infection to others, worsening a catastrophe that has already claimed more than 1.3 million lives. Since March, local, state and national health officials have all urged Americans to stay close to home — preferably within their neighborhoods — and defer any nonessential travel.

Masked passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight on June 3

The U.S. State Department has detailed nation-by-nation information on COVID-19 conditions abroad. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has information on COVID-19 cases and deaths (with countries assessed at four levels of risk), and the World Health Organization maintains an updated dashboard. For another perspective, you can also check which countries the British government believes are safe to visit. (As of late October, more than 50 countries were on that list, but the U.S. was not one of them.)

Travelers should remember that restrictions may depend not only on the destination but also on airports you pass through on the way to your destination. Temperature testing, mask requirements and social distancing are the rule globally, not the exception. Also, if you need a new or renewed passport, federal officials say the usual wait is now 10 to 12 weeks. The agency had a processing backlog of more than 923,000 passports as of Sept. 30.

Finally, remember that as infection rates and geopolitics change, entry requirements and State Department advice change. Check websites from the State Department about your destination.

Until more is known about reopening on a global scale, here are countries that might let you in — if you know the rules.

No tests or quarantines required

Albania

You don’t need a COVID-19 test to get into the country, but you may be subject to health screenings at airports and other ports of entry, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania. Flights to the country resumed June 15. Note there are no direct flights to Albania from the U.S., meaning you’ll have to consider what country you will pass through and what restrictions apply. Face coverings are required for indoor spaces, including public transportation. Find U.S. Embassy information here.

Brazil

You can fly into Brazil but land borders and ports remain closed to foreign travelers at least through Oct. 23, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil. As of Sept. 24, those who arrive by plane are required to have proof of health insurance for a short stay of up to 90 days. The insurance must be valid for the time you’re in the country, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Brazilian reals, or about $5,314. Several states and regions require face coverings. Find U.S. Embassy updates here.

Colombia

Commercial flights recently returned to Bogota, Cartagena and other cities. As of Nov. 5, Americans don’t need a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country, according to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. However travelers will have to fill out a check-in immigration form and submit to other protocols. Find U.S. Embassy updates here.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has discontinued its requirement that Americans show negative COVID-19 test results. But those arriving from the U.S. do need to show proof of insurance. Visitors also need a health pass form, as detailed on the website Visit Costa Rica.

Dominican Republic

You may be subject to a COVID-19 rapid test and/or a temperature check when you arrive, according to the U.S. Embassy. COVID-19 tests are performed on “randomly selected travelers.” Also, the Dominican Republic on Sept. 28 issued a nationwide curfew that’s strictly enforced from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Go here for U.S. Embassy updates and here for Dominican Republic government information in English and Spanish.

Kosovo

The country is open to all travelers. Commercial flights are operating at Pristina International Airport in the capital. The country imposes curfews on businesses such as restaurants from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo. Click here for embassy updates.

Mexico

American tourists who arrive by air face no COVID-19 testing or quarantine requirements. An agreement between the two countries bans most Americans from crossing into Mexico by land for nonessential reasons.

North Macedonia

Americans are allowed to enter the Republic of North Macedonia without COVID-19 restrictions or test required, according to the U.S. Embassy. Arriving passengers are subject to a thermal screening at passport control.

Serbia

Americans are allowed to enter the country without restrictions. Face coverings are required for indoor locations and recommended for outdoors. Find U.S. Embassy updates here.

Tanzania

No quarantine requirements. Visitors may have to present COVID-19 test results on arrival.

Turkey

Americans are allowed, with no COVID-19 test or quarantine required if they are free of symptoms.

Tests required

Antigua and Barbuda
Passengers arriving by air must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test (real-time polymerase chain reaction) taken within the seven days before their flights.

Aruba
Aruba sets restrictions on American visitors depending on virus rates in the state they’re coming from. As of Sept. 24, visitors from California were urged to get a COVID-19 test 12 to 72 hours ahead of the flight that will deliver them to Aruba. There is a second option, however: Take a molecular (nasal swab) PCR COVID-19 test at the airport on arrival and wait up to 24 hours for results in your hotel room.

Armenia

The U.S. Embassy reports that Americans are permitted to enter Armenia by air and are required to “complete health questionnaires and self-quarantine or self-monitor for 14 days or submit to a PCR test. Individuals who choose to take a PCR [COVID-19] test and receive a negative result may be exempted from self-quarantine requirements.” Armenia’s government website has more details.

Barbados

Americans are permitted, but as residents of a country currently defined as high-risk for the novel coronavirus (as of Sept. 24), they must pass a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before arrival. They then must stay in approved accommodations and submit to further testing and seven days of monitoring after arrival.

Bermuda
American visitors to Bermuda are permitted if they get a negative result on a PCR COVID-19 test administered no more than seven days before flying to the island. On arrival, visitors will be tested again at the airport and quarantined in their lodgings until results are back (typically 24 hours).

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Americans are allowed to visit Bosnia-Herzegovina if they can show a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) not older than 48 hours from the moment of entry. The country’s Border Police agency has more details (but unless you speak Bosnian, you’ll need to use language-translation software).

Chile

Under a policy change effective Dec. 7, travelers from high-risk countries (including Americans) can enter the country via the Santiago airport and avoid quarantine if they produce evidence of health insurance, fill out an affidavit and show negative results of a COVID-19 test (PCR) taken within 72 hours of departure for Chile. Those visitors will, however, have to report their location and condition daily throughout a 14-day “period of vigilance.” (That change follows an intermediate step, effective Nov. 23, when foreign visitors can enter with negative test results, affidavit and insurance but still must quarantine in Chile for 14 days.)

Croatia

Since July, Americans have been allowed to visit Croatia, as long as they can show a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test administered less than 48 hours before arrival.  If you arrive with no test result, you will be ordered to quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test. Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior has more details.

Dominica

Because the U.S. is considered a high-risk country of origin, Americans are allowed in Dominica only if they answer a health questionnaire and upload and submit COVID-19 test results (PCR) that are no more than 72 hours old. Americans also must submit to a rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test upon arrival. If the result is negative, the visitor is allowed to head to a quarantine facility or government-certified private property for at least five days. After five days on the island, visitors take another COVID-19 test (PCR).

Ecuador
Americans are allowed in Ecuador if they can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 10 days before entering the country. If you want to visit the Galapagos Islands, you may need a second test taken within 96 hours of arrival.

Egypt

Americans may enter Egypt with a negative COVID-19 test (specifically a PCR and/or serology test) taken no more than 96 hours before their flight (children ages 6 and younger are exempt). You must show a printed copy of the test; digital results will not be accepted. You must show proof of health insurance when you arrive. Also, health screenings are in place at airports and ports. Find U.S. Embassy updates here.

French Polynesia

Americans may enter with a test, but strict rules are enforced. The region, which includes Tahiti, provides a list of approved and nonapproved RT-PCR tests, which must be taken within three days of your departure date. Also, you must enter the results on an electronic platform. During your stay in Tahiti, you have to test four days after your arrival. Discos and nightclubs are closed, gatherings of more than 10 people aren’t allowed, and strict rules apply to restaurants and bars. You must wear a mask or face a stiff fine. Find updates from French Polynesia’s Tourism Office here.

Grenada

Anyone 5 and older must have a negative PCR test taken within seven days of travel. Visitors must have a reservation at approved lodgings and must take a PCR test on the fourth day of their visit to be allowed into the community. Also, visitors will have to test negative before they are cleared to leave. Here are the Ministry of Health’s rules.

Honduras

Americans may travel to Honduras. You’ll need a PCR or rapid test to enter the country, and you can expect health screening procedures at the airport and ports. Shopping and other activities are allowed on alternating days, depending on the last digit of your U.S. passport number. Find more information at the U.S. Embassy’s website.

Jamaica

Americans 12 and older must take a COVID-19 test (PCR) that has been approved by specific health officials (antigen and self-test kits won’t be accepted). You must take the test less than 10 days before you travel to Jamaica and apply to enter the country (applications are accepted up to five days — but no later than two days — before your departure). Find updates at VisitJamaica.com.

Kenya

Americans may enter with a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) taken within 96 hours of arriving in the country. Also, your temperature must be under 99.5 degrees, and you have to fill out a health form. Find updates at the U.S. Embassy site here and the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The Maldives

All tourists must present a COVID-19 test (specifically a PCR or nucleic acid test) that shows you are negative for the novel coronavirus. It must be taken no later than 72 hours before your departure. (Babies under a year old are exempt.) You also must fill out and file a health declaration form (found here) within 24 hours of your departure and undergo a temperature check when you arrive. Also, travelers must have a confirmed reservation at a hotel or resort. Check the Ministry of Tourism for the Republic of Maldives for updates.

Montenegro

Americans may enter with a negative PCR test or a novel coronavirus antibody test that meets certain health standards. Tests must be taken no later than 72 hours before you arrive (children age 5 and younger are exempt). Here’s the catch: Within 15 days before your arrival, you can’t have stopped in or traveled through countries whose residents are banned from Montenegro. Find more information at the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro.

Panama

Panama is open to visitors from all countries as of Oct. 12. Incoming travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. There’s an online portal you will need to use to transfer the information. The tourism website explains how it works; find more information at the U.S. Embassy

Peru

The Sacsayhuaman ruins attract travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.

Air passengers flying into Peru are required to show negative results of a COVID test less than 72 hours old. More information at the U.S. Embassy in Peru. Machu Picchu reopened at about 30% capacity on Nov. 1.

Rwanda

You must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken no more than 120 hours (five days) before your initial flight. You should carry a printed copy of your negative test results during your stay in Rwanda, according to the U.S. Embassy. When you arrive, you will be taken to a hotel to quarantine and be tested again (at your own expense). Travelers need to stay quarantined until they receive a negative test, which should take about 24 hours. Also, you must complete a passenger locator form with details of your travel in the country, test results, etc. For details go to the U.S. Embassy’s website.

South Africa

Tourists wearing face masks look at a lioness at the Dinokeng Game Reserve outside Pretoria, on August 7, 2020.

South Africa has reopened its airports serving Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban to international travelers who can show negative results to a COVID-19 test (PCR) taken less than 72 hours before departure for South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the reopening Nov. 11.

St. Barts

St. Barts requires Americans 12 and older to present the results of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken within 72 hours of their arrival. You also have to give a statement that you have no symptoms and that you haven’t been in touch with anyone who has in the previous 14 days. Travelers also may be required to take a second test, depending on how long they stay. Expect to be screened when you arrive; masks are required in the airport and other indoor locations. Learn more at the U.S. Embassy’s site.

St. Kitts & Nevis

Americans must fill out an entry form and submit a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival. Then visitors will be confined to six approved hotels during their visit for up to seven days. After that, if you pass a second PCR test (at your own expense, $150 for international travelers), you may be permitted to book some excursions and access other areas. Visitors also must download a contact-tracing mobile app and undergo temperature check/health questionnaire when you arrive. Find more information at the government’s website.

Also, expect to undergo a health screening at the airport, which includes a temperature check and health questionnaire.

St. Lucia

Americans must have a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) conducted no more than seven days before they arrive in Saint Lucia. Also, passengers ages 18 and older must register and provide personal information at least three days before they arrive. Expect temperature checks too. But the most limiting factor: You must book a reservation at a COVID-19-certified resort, where you must stay for your entire vacation (unless you transfer to another COVID-19 quarantine property). Learn more at the country’s website.

St. Maarten

The Dutch side of the island shared with France requires travelers to file an application with the Electronic Health Authorization online before they arrive, which includes a negative COVID-19 test (rt-PCR) within 120 hours of arriving in the country (children ages 10 and younger are exempt). You may be required to have another test, depending on your departure destination. The U.S. Embassy breaks down the requirements here. You’ll find portals and links to St. Maarten’s requirements here.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Americans can travel to this eastern Caribbean destination, but it requires some work. First, passengers who arrive by air must have a negative COVID-19 test taken no less than five days before arrival. Then you are retested when you land and must quarantine for five days in an approved hotel (which you have already reserved and paid for). You are then tested again at intervals during your stay. You’ll also have to monitor your temperature for 14 days and report to local authorities if you have a fever. Find more at the U.S. Embassy’s website.

Turks and Caicos

Americans who want to visit this destination will need to apply for preauthorization, which requires a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) within five days of departure, proof of insurance, an online health screening questionnaire and other details. Children younger than age 10 are exempt from the test. Note that antigen and antibody tests won’t be accepted. Turks & Caicos tourism website walks you through the process.

United Arab Emirates

In the Emirates (which include Abu Dhabi and Dubai), all travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours of their departure. (Children younger than age 12 and those with disabilities may be exempted.) After arrival, requirements may include another COVID-19 PCR test and a 14-day quarantine at a hotel or suitable private address. The U.S. Embassy also reports that travelers in Abu Dhabi must wear a GPS bracelet for 14 days.

Quarantines required

China

Travelers will be screened upon arrival and subject to a 14-day quarantine in “a government-selected facility or hotel at their own expense, with no control over the amenities,” the U.S. Embassy website says. Also, you may be required to use location-tracking apps on your phones to be able to visit some businesses. Find information here.

United Kingdom

Travelers to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (which are parting from the European Union) must file journey and contact details online before they leave home. Find more information here.

You’ll also need to self-quarantine to enter England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (check each area, as they may have slightly different requirements).

COVID-19 travel update: Which countries can Americans visit?

What to consider before you go

No tests or quarantines required

Tests required

Quarantines required

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