Where Can Americans Travel Right Now?
Note: Updated on November 4, 2020
Once upon a time, in a pre-Covid world, the American passport was pretty darn powerful. That eagle-stamped little blue book used to gain Americans visa-free entry into 171 countries (out of 195 total countries). Today, that number is a little less impressive because our passport has lost a bit of its sparkle.
As of October 5th, the US has reported approximately 7.45 million Covid-19 cases. So, you can imagine most of the world isn’t interested in welcoming germ-infested American tourists.
More than six months after coronavirus came to international attention, many countries have maintained their travel restrictions, often specifically targeting American travelers. The European Union — one of America’s favorite travel regions — is still blocking Americans, and we can’t even drive north to Canada! But these travel restrictions are changing every single day.
In early August, the State Department lifted its level 4 “do not travel” advisory which warned Americans against international travel. This travel advisory was lifted partially because many countries have managed to control the spread of coronavirus, but you shouldn’t see that as an invitation to fly around the world. Proceed with caution!
I’ve compiled a list of countries that are currently accepting American travelers. I’ve included the country, basic requirements for entry, and a link to learn more about the travel restrictions. Sure, these international destinations are “open” but use your best judgment before booking a trip for the end of this year and the beginning of 2021.
Countries currently accepting American travelers
The following list of countries are currently accepting US passport-holders. I’ve organized the list by continent and then alphabetically. This list is constantly being updated, so if you notice a mistake or a country missing, let me know via email.
Africa
Benin - Two COVID-19 tests, a TDR rapid test, and a PCR test is required upon arrival at the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport.
Burkina Faso - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 5 days of arrival.
Cape Verde - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Cote d’Ivoire - A negative COVID-19 PCR test results dated no more than 7 days before arrival.
Djibouti - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Egypt - A negative COVID-19 test taken at a maximum of 72 hours before their flight departure time.
Equatorial Guinea - A negative COVID-19 test not older than 48 hours from the moment of entry. If you do not have a negative test result or you test positive, your passport will be taken from you and returned after a mandatory quarantine.
Ethiopia - A 14-day quarantine is required upon arrival.
Gabon - Health screening measures upon arrival.
Ghana - A negative COVID-19 test taken not more than 72 hours prior to departure.
Guinea - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Kenya - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of arrival.
Mauritania - A negative COVID-19 test.
Morocco - Must have reservations with Moroccan hotels or travel agencies. A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel.
Namibia - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel.
Rwanda - A negative COVID-19 test, a second COVID-19 test upon arrival, and hotel quarantine until results are available.
Sao Tome and Principe - A negative COVID-19 test.
Senegal - A negative COVID-19 test within 7 days of entry.
Somalia - A negative RT-PCR test result not older than 96 hours prior to travel.
Tanzania - A negative COVID-19 test and a Health Surveillance Form.
Togo - A negative COVID-19 test within 5 days of traveling, Togolese Visa, and a Yellow Fever vaccination are required. Travelers should plan to spend one or two days in quarantine.
Zambia - A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 2 weeks of arrival, and a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Asia
Armenia - Self-quarantine or self-monitor for 14 days or submit to a negative COVID-19 test.
Bangladesh - A negative COVID-19 test and a 14-day quarantine.
Cambodia - Valid travel visa, a COVID-19 negative medical certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of arrival, a local health insurance package, and a deposit of $2,000 upon arrival at airports for mandatory COVID-19 testing and potential treatment services.
Dubai - A negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours prior to their departure.
Lebanon - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of arrival, and a second test taken upon arrival.
The Maldives - A negative COVID-19 test.
Pakistan - A negative RT-PCR test result not older than 96 hours prior to travel.
South Korea - A negative COVID-19 test and a 14-day quarantine.
Tajikistan - A negative COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours of arrival.
Turkey - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Uzbekistan - Visa, negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival, and a 14-day quarantine.
Europe
Albania - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Belarus - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - A negative COVID-19 test not older than 48 hours from the moment of entry.
Croatia - A negative PCR test not older than 48 hours (starting from the time of taking the swab until arrival at the border crossing).
Estonia - Must have the Republic of Estonia’s digital nomad visa which has salary requirements and a 14-day quarantine.
Georgia - Must have a long-term remote work visa, proof of employment, and a 14-day quarantine.
Ireland - A 14-day quarantine is required upon arrival.
Kosovo - No requirements.
Malta - Americans can only enter Malta is the quarantine for 14 days in a “corridor country.” The full list of corridor countries is available online.
Montenegro - A negative COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours or a positive coronavirus antibody test result (SARS-CoV-2) of the IgG class obtained by ELISA serologic test not older than 72 hours.
North Macedonia - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Serbia - A negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 48 hours.
Turkey - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
United Kingdom - A 14-day quarantine is required upon arrival.
North America
Anguilla - A completed travel authorization application, a negative PCR test within 3 to 5 days prior to arrival along with proof of health insurance that would cover medical expenses related to the treatment of COVID-19.
Antigua and Barbuda - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 7 days of your flight, and American visitors will be monitored for COVID-19 for up to 14 days (and may be subject to quarantine).
The Bahamas - A negative COVID-19 test taken more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival and a 14-day quarantine.
Barbados - A negative COVID-19 test submitted within 72 hours prior to arrival in order to enter Barbados and a 14-day quarantine.
Belize - A negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours ahead of departure and special contact-tracing app.
Bermuda - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure, but no more than 7 days.
Cayman Islands - Remote workers must acquire a Global Citizen Certificate which includes a salary requirement, a valid passport, a reference from a bank, a letter of employment from a company outside of the Cayman Islands, and proof of health insurance coverage.
Costa Rica - No testing is required to enter, but travelers will be screened at the airport, and Americans are required to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica.
Dominica - Submit a negative PCR test result recorded within 24-72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers must also present notification of clearance to travel in the form of a doctor’s note or similar document.
Dominican Republic - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
El Salvador - A negative COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours of departure.
Grenada - A negative COVID-19 test and second test upon arrival.
Guatemala - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Haiti - A 14-day quarantine is required upon arrival.
Honduras - A negative COVID-19 test and a 14-day quarantine.
Jamaica - Travel Authorization application and COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Mexico - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Nicaragua - A negative COVID-19 test.
Puerto Rico - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
St. Barts - A negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours or less prior to arrival.
St. Lucia - A negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 7 days before arriving in Saint Lucia and you must stay on hotel property for the duration of stay.
St. Maarten - A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 120 hours of arrival.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - A negative COVID-19 result within 7 days of arrival, test upon arrival, 5 days of quarantine, and q third test before release from quarantine.
Turks and Caicos - A negative COVID-19 test taken within 5 days prior to travel, proof of health insurance, and completed online health screening questionnaire.
South America
Aruba - Requirements vary by state. A negative COVID-19 test and Aruba Visitors Insurance.
Bolivia - A negative COVID-19 test dated within 7 days of the return flight.
Bonaire - Travelers are allowed to enter Bonaire after transiting through Curacao and complying with Curacao’s entry requirements.
Brazil - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Curacao - Only residents of Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), New Jersey (NJ), or New York (NY) will be allowed entry. A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival is required for entry.
Ecuador - A negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 10 days prior to arrival in Ecuador.
Oceania
French Polynesia - A negative COVID-19 test within 3 days before the flight.
Tuvalu - Entry restrictions for travelers who have been in China within 30 days of travel to Tuvalu.
Is your next travel destination on this list? Let’s start planning!
Destinations with Zero Restrictions
Can’t be bothered to take any precautions before traveling? Here are the destinations that ask nothing of its visitors, simply book your trip and show up!
Albania - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Belarus - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Brazil - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Djibouti - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Dominican Republic - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Gabon - Health screening measures upon arrival.
Kosovo - No requirements.
Mexico - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
Turkey - Health screening at the airport, but no negative COVID-19 test or quarantine needed.
What to consider before booking
Bottomline: leaving your house increases your chances of getting and spreading Covid-19. This is just the germed-up world we live in, friends. Things have gotten so wild that Americans can’t even easily travel across state lines. Visitors who skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine in Hawaii risk being fined $5,000!
Before booking a trip to any of the countries listed above, do some research (or email me!) and ask yourself the following questions:
What activities and services are open at my destination?
Is there a country-wide curfew in place?
If a negative Covid-19 test is required for entry, how easily can I get one?
What are the requirements of a mandatory quarantine?
If I get sick abroad, what is the healthcare system like at my destination?
Does my health insurance cover the cost of care?
Should I get travel insurance? If yes, what does it cost and cover?
Ready to travel?
American travelers are facing closed borders, strict travel restrictions, and a pretty short list of “open” destinations. BUT! International travel is possible and safe if done right. Ready to book your next trip? Start planning now or reach out to me directly for one-on-one help planning.