Travel Tips
Summer is here, and with the pandemic still raging, many of us are stuck at home day-dreaming about international travel. But where can Americans travel right now?
The pandemic has canceled countless travel plans this year, and its looking like travel won’t be the same again anytime soon for many people.
While I’m not about to go into the ethics of traveling as a tourist during a pandemic, I know many Americans are wondering where they can go right now, as the list of countries open to US citizens is rapidly shrinking.
Some of us have been going on domestic road trips, renting RVs, and even buying campervans to explore our own country, but others were hoping to go overseas.
As a long-time digital nomad, I also know many nomadic types without a real home are looking for somewhere to lay low until the pandemic is over.
Thousands of remote workers who practice nomadic lifestyles and previously called places like Thailand, Spain, or Bali their temporary home now need to relocate.
Some countries like Georgia and Bermuda have even created special visas to entice these types of remote workers, which I’ll explain below.
So where can Americans legally travel right now during the pandemic?
Europe Travel Ban
Much of Europe has started the process of re-opening up for international tourism again, but not to Americans, as the virus continues to spiral out of control in large parts of the United States.
The European Union has banned most US tourists from the region to help prevent the spread of the virus, as well as because the United States has banned European tourists. It’s called “reciprocity“, something countries often do to each other. If you treat my citizens well, I’ll treat yours well. Or not.
Iceland Closed To Americans
Unfortunately while Iceland was hoping to open up to American tourists on July 15th, they decided to stick with the European Union rules, which means no US passport holders. European Union citizens and Canadians can visit Iceland right now though.
United Kingdom Exception
Americans can travel to the United Kingdom if they provide their journey & contact details, as well as self-isolate for 14-days. Breaking the quarantine could result in fines up to $1,200 per day!
You can find more information about traveling to the UK here.
Canada Travel Ban
Canada has closed its borders to most international tourists, including Americans. This is to prevent the spread of Corona virus within the country.
Only foreign nationals who are immediate family members to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident are allowed to travel to Canada, provided they stay in the country for at least 15 days to observe quarantine.
You can find more information about travel restrictions in Canada here.
New Zealand & Australia Closed
Both New Zealand and Australia have closed their borders to foreign travelers, except under very specific circumstances.
You can find more information about travel restrictions in New Zealand here.
You can find more information about travel restrictions in Australia here.
Countries Open To Americans
Keep in mind that each country in this list has specific restrictions, that are constantly changing in some situations. It is important to check back with local governments and tourism boards before leaving on a trip.
In many cases, countries are requiring Americans to show proof of a negative COVID test within 48-72 hours of your departure to avoid a 14-day quarantine.
But due to the horrible testing situation in the United States, getting a COVID test result just a few days before your departure (when results can sometimes take over 7-days) may be very difficult depending on your state…
The CDC also advises against all nonessential international travel.
I’ll try to update this list as I learn of any new information.
Aruba
Aruba is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries. Visitors will be screened with temperature checks and COVID-19 testing on arrival. However if you’re flying from one of 20 American states considered high-risk, you will need to upload proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of flying.
If you’re tested on arrival, you’ll have to quarantine in a hotel for 24 hours while waiting for the test results. You’ll also have to pay for the test.
You can find more information about traveling to Aruba here.
Bahamas
The Bahamas WAS allowing American tourists to visit, however on Wednesday July 22nd they are shutting down the country to US Citizens. Visitors from Canada, the United Kingdom and European Union will still be allowed to travel to the islands with proof of a negative COVID test at least 10 days before arrival.
You can find more information about traveling to the Bahamas here.
Barbados
Barbados is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
If traveling from a high-risk country, like the United States, you’ll be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of flying. You’ll also be required to take another test on arrival and quarantine at your hotel until the results are returned.
You can find more information about traveling to Barbados here.
Barbados Remote Work Visa
Barbados has gone one step further, however, and is inviting digital nomads and remote workers to come wait out the pandemic while working from their white-sand beaches.
The Barbados Welcome Stamp will soon allow visitors to stay on the Caribbean island visa-free for up to one year. The aim is to attract remote workers to live and work on the island while contributing to its economy. Sounds like a great deal!
Belize
Belize is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Americans will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of flying, or be tested on arrival and quarantine at your hotel until the results are returned.
Visitors will also be required to download and check in daily on the Belize Health App (NAC Belize).
You can find more information about traveling to Belize here.
Bermuda
Bermuda is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Americans, Canadians, British and other tourists from high-risk countries will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 7-days of flying in order to receive a Travel Authorization.
You can find more information about traveling to Bermuda here.
Cambodia
Cambodia is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries, provided they pay a $3000 deposit to cover the cost of COVID testing on arrival and possible quarantine if needed.
You can find more information about traveling to Cambodia here.
Croatia
Croatia is allowing tourists from all countries to enter, including the United States. Croatia has decided to ignore the European Union restrictions, which is ultimately decided by each individual country.
Incoming travelers from the United States must show a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 48-hours before departure, or else submit to a 14-day self-quarantine on arrival.
You can find more information about traveling to Croatia here.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, and will have to fill out a Health Affidavit to confirm they haven’t had any COVID symptoms.
Travelers with symptoms will have to be tested and isolated on arrival.
You can find more information about traveling to Dominican Republic here.
Egypt
Egypt is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Incoming travelers from the United States and other COVID hot spots must show a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 48-hours before departure, or else submit to a 14-day self-quarantine on arrival.
You can find more information about traveling to Egypt here.
Georgia
Georgia is currently NOT allowing most international tourists to visit, unless they happen to be remote workers looking to stay in the country long-term (at least 6-months). These people will have to apply online for advance permission to enter.
Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks, as well as a 14-day self-quarantine on arrival.
You can find more information about traveling to Georgia here.
The Maldives
The Maldives is currently allowing American tourists to visit, as well as tourists from other countries. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Travelers will not be required to take a COVID test on arrival unless they show symptoms. If they need a PCR test, they’ll have to wait in quarantine until the results come in.
You can find more information about traveling to the Maldives here.
Mexico
The US-Mexico land border is closed to all but “essential crossings.” Non-essential crossings are prohibited until at least July 21, 2020. Some towns in Mexico near the border have also set up roadblocks to keep Americans out.
What about flying? Some Mexican states are open for tourism if arriving by airplane, like Quintana Roo, Oaxaca, Yucatan, Campeche, Mexico City, Jalisco, and Baja California Sur. They are desginated “orange” under the Mexican system, which means there are some restrictions, but it’s not a total lock-down.
You can find more information about traveling to Mexico here.
Puerto Rico
Yes, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, but because the American President thinks it’s a country (seriously, WTF), I thought I’d include it here.
Puerto Rico is currently allowing international travelers to visit. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Incoming travelers must show a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 72-hours before arrival, or else submit to a 14-day self-quarantine on arrival while you wait for test results.
You can find more information about traveling to Puerto Rico here.
Serbia
Serbia is currently allowing Americans and other international travelers to visit. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
There is no mandatory quarantine at this time. Serbia is located in southeast Europe, but is not part of the European Union.
However travelers should be aware that the country is currently in the middle of mass protests against the government.
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St. Barts
St. Barts is currently allowing Americans and other international travelers to visit. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Incoming travelers must show a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 72-hours before arrival, or else submit to a 14-day self-quarantine on arrival while you wait for test results.
Those staying longer than a week will need to pay $150 for another COVID test on the 8th day. The only way to fly to the island is via Antigua or San Juan Puerto Rico — their main international airport (Princess Juliana) is closed to flights from the United States.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is currently allowing Americans and other international travelers to visit. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Incoming travelers from the United States must show a negative COVID PCR test taken within 7 days of travel, and complete a Pre-Arrival Registration Form before traveling.
You must also have confirmed reservations from a COVID certified accommodation provider.
You can find more information about traveling to St. Lucia here.
Tanzania
Tanzania is currently allowing Americans and other international travelers to visit. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Travelers will be required to fill out a Health Surveillance Form on arrival.
However while this is the official Tanzanian government stance, locals are urging tourists to stay away, as they believe the virus is not under control in their country.
Tanzania is not releasing its COVID data to the public, so there is no clear picture of what the situation is like on the ground.
You can find more information about traveling to Tanzania here.
Turkey
Turkey is open to Americans at the moment. Passengers arriving in Turkey will be required to complete an information form and will be checked for symptoms.
Anyone suspected of having COVID-19 will be transported to a hospital for examination. You could be subject to 14-day isolation/quarantine if someone else in the plane tests positive.
You can find more information about traveling to Turkey here.
US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands, also a territory of the United States which includes the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix, is currently allowing other Americans to visit. Visitors will be subject to temperature checks, social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Incoming travelers with symptoms will need to be tested and quarantined on arrival.
Healthy visitors will be free to leave their hotel and explore the rest of the islands.
You can find more information about traveling to the US Virgin Islands here.
Traveling During The Pandemic
It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading around the world. Most experts warn against traveling internationally for tourism.
Whether traveling during a pandemic is responsible is up for individuals to decide. Everyone will have to make their own choices and live with the consequences.
I simply wanted to put together a list of options for people traveling on US passports, because this information is scattered around online and pretty confusing at the moment as regulations continue to change on week-to-week basis.
If you think I’m missing any countries in this list, feel free to comment below so I can look into the latest restrictions and re-openings.
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
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