US passport holders have more international travel options now than at any point during the Covid-19 pandemic, says an article published in CNN.
US vaccination drive
Total US cases are nearing the 33.6 million mark since the pandemic started, but the rate of new cases has been slowing down recently. The United States is one of the world leaders in vaccination rates and has been leading among nations with a population of over 100 million.
But we’re not out of the woods — the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said June 15 that the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus, also known as B.1.617.2, is a “variant of concern.”
US leisure travelers
Still, more and more of Europe is opening up to US leisure travelers in time for summer — especially the fully vaccinated. Germany and Austria are just two of the latest to open their doors. The global situation is in flux, though. Even as some places reopen for the first time, others are closing back up.
How are violations dealt?
In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether travel to international destinations is a good idea. The health risks are obvious if you’re not fully vaccinated. Nations might change their rules at any time. You may have to adhere to strict curfews and mask mandates. Violations could involve big fines and even jail time.
Expert input for travel
If you want expert input into your decision, the US State Department and the CDC provide Covid-19 risk assessments by country. Both agencies rate many of the countries open to US travelers at Level 4, the highest risk for Covid-19.
Also, remember that all air passengers 2 and older must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test that’s no more than three days old to enter the United States.
Travel possibility for US passport holders
What follows is an alphabetical list of countries and territories where it’s still possible for US passport holders to go for a vacation.
- Presenting negative results from Covid-19 tests to enter (including time limits to take the test, types of tests allowed, and additional tests upon arrival).
- Quarantines (if any) and health screenings.
- Possible exemptions from the rules for the fully vaccinated or people recovered from a recent case of Covid-19.
- Health insurance requirements, curfews, and lockdowns.
These are all things you need to research before you book your trip. People testing positive for Covid-19 upon arrival or while visiting can expect to go into quarantine. Rules for land entry may be different.
Albania
Blessed with a gorgeous Adriatic Sea coastline, this southeastern European country has no test requirements or quarantine. Details and updates: US Embassy.
Anguilla
From the historic capital of Yerevan to wild national parks, Armenia is open to US tourists. Testing required; quarantines in some circumstances. Details and updates: US Embassy | Armenia’s official Covid-19 travel website.
Aruba
Scroll down to the Dutch Caribbean entry below for information on Aruba and other islands in this group.
Austria
US citizens can now visit this Alpine nation renowned for its culture and food. You must have a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination or proof of past infection to enter. No quarantine in place.
The Bahamas
Off the coast of Florida, this large chain of islands is loved for its many beaches. Testing required; exemptions for the fully vaccinated. No quarantine in place.Bangladesh
This populous South Asian nation offers beaches, interesting architecture and cultural experiences. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Barbados
This British island, the most easterly one in the Caribbean, is set to become an independent republic later in 2021. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
This southern African nation is famed for its wildlife in the Okavango Delta and elsewhere. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. Details and updates: US Embassy.
Brazil
South America’s largest country has the lure of Rio’s party atmosphere and the Amazon River’s mystique. It also has a very high daily number of Covid-19 cases. Testing required; quarantines are not.
British Virgin Islands
This pretty island group lies just to the east of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Bulgaria
Historic towns and natural landscapes are Bulgaria’s calling cards. Testing required; exemptions for fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 infection.
Colombia
Colombia offers Medellin, “the city of eternal spring,” and lush landscapes throughout. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes draw visitors. No testing or quarantines are required.
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Côte d’Ivoire is a popular destination for people wanting to enjoy West African culture and food. Testing required; quarantine encouraged but not required.
Croatia
Croatia, the jewel of the Adriatic, is once again open to US leisure travelers. Testing required to enter; exemptions for the fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 infection. No standard quarantine in place.
Cyprus
Both parts of this politically divided Mediterranean island are open to US tourists. The Republic of Cyprus and the northern third of the island administered by Turkish Cypriots (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) each have their own rules of entry and testing.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic– home to enchanting Prague — has reopened to US citizens. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Denmark
Often at the top of “happiest countries” lists, Denmark now accepts US travelers only if they are fully vaccinated.
Dominica
This rugged Eastern Caribbean island with deep valleys and 365 rivers has testing and quarantine requirements.
Dominican Republic
This Caribbean nation, popular for its resorts and beaches, doesn’t require tests or quarantines. Random health screenings upon arrival.
Dubai
Scroll down to the United Arab Emirates entry below.
Dutch Caribbean islands
Find out the important details on these various Dutch islands in the Caribbean — renowned for their hospitality and ocean life — by clicking on the links:
Aruba: Testing required. No quarantine.
Bonaire: Testing required. No quarantine.
Curaçao: Testing required. No quarantine.
Saba: Known more for its rugged landscape and hiking than beaches, little Saba is open. Testing required. Quarantine in place; exemption for fully vaccinated.
Sint Maarten: An autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it shares an island with the French collectivity of Saint-Martin. Testing required. No quarantine.
Ecuador
This Andean country at the equator also owns the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific. Testing required; fully vaccinated exempted. Quarantine required in some circumstances.
Egypt
The Nile River nation has been attracting people to see its wonders for many centuries. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Estonia
This quaint Baltic nation is now open to Americans. No testing required. Quarantine is in place, but with exceptions.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a unique and ancient culture and rugged, otherworldly landscapes. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
France
There are reportedly more than 6,000 named streets in the French capital — Paris’ great appeal is that it always leaves room for discovery, even for those who think they’ve seen it all.
French Polynesia
Georgia
Georgia is a geographical and cultural crossroads at the Caucasus Mountains. Testing required unless you’re fully vaccinated. No self-isolation for the unvaccinated under certain conditions.
Germany
From edgy Berlin to picturesque Bavaria, Germany is now open. Testing required; quarantine depends on vaccination status and nation from which you’ve arrived.
Ghana
This West African cultural jewel offers historical sites, delicious food, and surfing. Testing required. No quarantine.
Greece
Greece, with its many ancient ruins and islands, is now open to US travelers. Testing required; except for the fully vaccinated. No quarantine.
Grenada
This Caribbean island with lush rainforests is welcoming US visitors. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Guatemala
This Central American country offers historical sites and stunning volcano landscapes. Testing required; exceptions for the fully vaccinated or those fully recovered from Covid-19. No quarantine.
Honduras
Honduras has epic diving off Roatan Island and other locations. Testing required; fully vaccinated travelers are exempt. Conditional quarantine in some circumstances.
Iceland
Geysers, glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls await in Iceland. You must be fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery from Covid-19 to enter. Testing and quarantine requirements in place as well.
Ireland
Leisure travel to Ireland is discouraged but not forbidden. Testing and quarantine requirements in place.
Israel
From ancient Jerusalem to modern Tel Aviv, Israel now allows US tourists. Testing required. Quarantine in place for those not fully vaccinated or recovered from a case of Covid-19. You should keep a close watch on developments as you plan your trip regarding the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Italy
US travelers can finally return to Rome, Venice and the rest of the country. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s music, laid-back vibe, beaches and food draw visitors. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Jordan
Home to the amazing ruins of Petra, Dead Sea coastline and the dazzling landscape of the Wadi Rum, Jordan is open to US vacationers. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Kenya
Kenya is the definitive African safari destination, but Nairobi’s urban beat attracts tourists too. Testing required; no quarantine.
Latvia
Latvia — with a walkable capital city, Art Nouveau architecture and surprising wildlife — is open. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Liechtenstein
This tiny nation is open. Scroll to the Switzerland entry below for details.
Lithuania
This Baltic nation is made for history buffs and is open to fully vaccinated Americans only. No testing or quarantine.
The Maldives
These Indian Ocean islands are a favorite among luxury travelers. Testing is required, including for vaccinated travelers. No mandatory quarantine.
Malta
These sun-soaked Mediterranean islands are open to US citizens under certain restrictive conditions.
Mexico
The land border between the US and Mexico remains closed through at least June 21, but US travelers can still fly there. No testing or quarantine requirements are in place. The US State Department lists numerous states to avoid because of crime.
Monaco
US jet-setters can visit the Mediterranean city-state if they are fully vaccinated. Testing also required.
Montenegro
This Balkan nation is allowing US travelers. Testing under most circumstances required; exceptions for the fully vaccinated or the naturally immune because of previous Covid-19 illness.
Morocco
Starting June 15, this North African favorite is open leisure travelers from the United States without special invitations. Testing required, but no quarantines in place.
Namibia
US citizens can visit this southern African desert nation that appeals to adventure travelers. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Nepal
US travelers can visit the landlocked Himalayan nation. Testing and quarantine requirements in place, regardless of vaccination status.
Netherlands
US travelers can now visit Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. No testing or quarantine is required as the US is deemed a safe country.
Nicaragua
Home to historical sites such as Granada and tropical beaches, Nicaragua is open. Testing required; quarantines are not.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia has a part Balkan, part Mediterranean feel and its natural wonders are relatively unknown. No testing or quarantine required.
Panama
Wildlife, beaches, mountain towns, and a canal are Panama’s calling cards. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Peru
Peru offers up Incan history, mind-blowing scenery, and delicious food. Testing required; quarantine is conditional.
Poland
US passport holders can now see Krakow and Poland’s other wonders. No testing is required, but quarantine is.
Portugal
Romania
Romania offers mystique, wooded and mountainous landscapes and lots of history. No testing required. Quarantine in place with exceptions for fully vaccinated and those recovered from Covid-19.
Rwanda
Senegal
Senegal, known for its West African beaches and music, welcomes US tourists. Testing is required; no quarantine in place.
Serbia
Serbia is steeped in historical sites and dramatic Eastern European scenery. Testing is required but quarantines are not.
Seychelles
These picture-perfect Indian Ocean islands way off the east coast of Africa are open. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Slovenia
This European nation of gorgeous lakes is open only to the fully vaccinated or those recovered from Covid-19. No testing or quarantine required.
South Africa
With superb national parks, wineries and the allure of Cape Town, one of the most popular destinations in Africa is open. Testing is required; quarantine is not. Be aware some nations aren’t allowing entry to tourists who have recently been to South Africa.
South Korea
From busy Seoul to relaxing Jeju Island, South Korea is open. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Spain
Spain is now open to US leisure travelers who are fully vaccinated. Testing required.
St. Barts
After an extended closure, this French island is allowing fully vaccinated travelers from the United States. Testing required.
St. Kitts and Nevis
This Caribbean escape allows only fully vaccinated tourists to visit. Exemptions are in place for children 17 and younger traveling with vaccinated parents.
St. Lucia
Home of the steep and towering Pitons, waterfalls and volcanic beaches, the independent Caribbean nation of St. Lucia is open. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The aftermath of recent eruptions at La Soufrière volcano on St. Vincent could make travel to that island difficult. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Switzerland
The country’s famed Alps are once again open to Americans. Testing required with exemptions for the fully vaccinated or those recovered from Covid-19.
Tanzania
A favorite for big-game safaris, Indian Ocean beaches and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is open. Testing required; quarantine is not.
Thailand
US passport holders can again visit this fascinating Southeast Asian destination famed for its beautiful beaches and spicy cuisine. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Tunisia
Tunisia offers ancient ruins, desert scenery and sunny Mediterranean beaches. Testing and quarantine requirements in place. Fully vaccinated visitors are exempt from both.
Turkey
From cosmopolitan Istanbul to rural coastal escapes, Turkey is open. Testing is required; quarantine is not.
Turks and Caicos
This British overseas territory northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas is known for its coral reefs, ripsaw music, and low-key vibe. Testing is required; quarantine is not.
Uganda
This lush nation in Central Africa offers gorilla trekking, Nile River rafting, and beautiful lakes. Testing required; quarantine is not.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, with its glittering towers and luxury resorts, has emerged as a major world destination in the 21st century. Testing required. Quarantine protocols depend on the emirate.
United Kingdom
Leisure travel to the UK is highly discouraged but not banned. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. Rules may vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Zambia
Known for Victoria Falls and wildlife, Zambia is allowing visitors. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place.
Omitted countries
This is a curated list and not a full listing. CNN Travel has omitted certain open countries if they had very limited numbers of US travelers before the pandemic; have ongoing or recent armed conflicts, terrorism or rampant crime and unrest; or have entry requirements so extensive and complicated that they put the country out of reach of almost all US citizens.
