I don’t know about you, but I need a vacation! And with vaccinations against COVID-19 now a reality across the United States, one of the inevitable questions is, “does that mean I can travel?” The answer to that questions really depends on where you’d like to go. The CDC lifted its restrictions on domestic travel in the U.S. for those who have had their full course of vaccinations for more than two weeks. Traveling internationally, however, can be a bit more complicate.
While entry requirements are changing all the time, and often without notice, most of the world remains either off limits or difficult to get to for Americans, even those who have been vaccinated. Encouragingly, the head of the European Union recently announced that the EU plans to welcome vaccinated Americans this summer, but no official date has been set. Nonetheless, some countries in the EU are already welcoming vaccinated Americans (see below) and others, like France, claim they will shortly. While some people are taking advantage of the airline industry’s more flexible cancellation and rebooking policies to roll the dice and book European travel now, remember that it’s still a gamble until something more concrete is announced.
Note: this article was posted on April 28, 2021. Travelers should always do further research or work with a travel agent before making final plans on any international trip.
Entry vs. Entry with Testing & Quarantining
Just because a country is allowing visitors to cross their boarders, does not mean that the entry is restriction-free. Many countries allow travelers to enter but require they have negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival and/or require they submit to a mandatory quarantining period upon arrival. And these requirements can vary based on which country the traveler calls home or which countries they recently visited.
At this point, there are 6 countries that do not require any testing or quarantining for visitors from the U.S. – whether or not the traveler is vaccinated:
1. Albania
Fantastically blue waters, incredible mountain hiking, and a fascinating history that mixes Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet-era Communism makes Albania the new hot spot for travelers looking for something new in Europe. While arriving by air means there is no need for a test or vaccine, the country just announced that if you’re entering from North Macedonia or Greece, there may is a mandatory self-quarantine requirement. See the U.S. Embassy website for more info.
2. Costa Rica
Jungles, volcanoes, beaches … what more can a nature lover want? Oh ya, how about easy entry requirements? While arriving from the US means there’s no testing or vaccine requirement, visitors must still have proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-related care, should you need it. For more info, see the U.S. Embassy website.
3. Dominican Republic
Great beaches, a fascinating history, and some of the Caribbean’s most welcoming people make the Dominican Republic well worth the visit. While vaccines and pre-travel testing are not required, passengers may be subject to random testing upon arrival. See the U.S. Embassy website for more info.
4. Mexico
From the beaches of Cancun to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is one of the most popular international destinations for American travelers. While COVID testing and vaccines are not required for entry into Mexico for U.S. citizens, entry through land boarders may still be restricted in places. So, arrival by air is the key for visiting Mexico right now. For more information, visit the website for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
5. North Macedonia
Little known to most American travelers, Macedonia has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years. (Ever heard of Alexander the Great?!?). From its quirky capital to the shores and mountains surrounding one of Europe’s oldest lakes, there’s a lot to capture a traveler’s interest. While testing and vaccines are not required for entry, if you are arriving from Africa, you may be subject to mandatory quarantine. See the U.S. Embassy’s website for more information.
6. Tanzania
Safaris may draw travelers to Tanzania but getting back may be a bit of a challenge. While there are no COVID-related entry restrictions, effective testing within Tanzania may be a challenge. So, while the US maintains a pre-return testing requirement, Tanzania could be a risk option. While it’s on the list of places people can travel, it’s not a place we’d recommend while U.S. return travel restrictions continue.
Travel Options for Vaccinated Americans
The following countries allow Americans who can prove they have received a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccination to enter without any testing or quarantine requirements. While countries may differ, most consider a “full course” of vaccination being complete 2 weeks after the final vaccine dose. While more and more countries now allow for restriction-free entry for those who are vaccinated, some may still require pre-registration. Keep in mind that many of these countries still also have internal restrictions, including possible curfews, limits on restaurants and museums, or other constraints. So, it’s still important to do some research once you settle on the country you want to visit.
1. Barbados
Starting May 8, 2021, this fun-in-the sun Caribbean destination will begin accepting vaccinated travelers from the U.S. without any testing or quarantine requirements. Being a short flight from the U.S., this is an attractive option for beach lovers looking to unwind. See Barbados’ tourism website for more information.
2. Belize
The only English-speaking country on the Central American mainland, Belize is fully of Mayan ruins, eco-tourism, beach resorts, and world-renowned snorkeling. Travelers are required to download that Ministry of Health’s app prior to and during their visit.
3. Croatia
Eastern Europe’s beach and boating hotspot is open again for vaccinated travelers. Great food, plenty of sunshine, dramatic coasts, and ancient ruins are all great reasons to visit. For details on entry requirements, visit the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
4. Cyprus
This eastern Mediterranean destination is renown by travelers in the know for its beaches, ancient ruins, and overall relaxed vibe. As of the May 25, 2021 update from the Deputy Minister of Tourism, vaccinated Americans, along with those for about three dozen other countries, may now visit Cyprus without testing or quarantine requirements. Travelers must preregister to travel to Cyprus using the Cyprus Flight Pass, and by uploading their vaccination information to directly to their Flight Pass account.
5. Ecuador
Whether you want to explore the country’s colonial capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand astride the equator, or visit the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is for you. If you’re two weeks past your final vaccination dose, you just need to show proof before boarding the flight and you’re good to go.
6. Georgia
Georgians have been making wine for 8,000 years, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the many reasons to visit this ancient culture set amid dramatic scenery in the Caucasus Mountains along the southern border with Russia. The capital, Tbilisi, is a quirky mix of old and new that’s drawing rave reviews from travelers looking for the perfect blend of Europe and Asia. If you’re vaccinated, there’s no need to test or quarantine upon arrival. For details, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
7. Greece
After much discussion, Greece has become the latest member of the European Union to open its doors to vaccinated Americans looking to travel. With several major cruise lines operating out of Athens this summer, this is a welcome development for those addicted to big ship travel. For those looking for a more relaxed and intimate experience, there are still hundreds of islands to visit. Note that Greece still has some significant internal restrictions on travel and public gathering, but there is talk these could change. Vaccinated travelers to Greece still need fill out a passenger locator form prior to arriving.
8. Guatemala
Mayan ruins and eco-tourism make Guatemala a popular destination of travelers. While anyone with a negative COVID test can visit, proof of vaccination eliminates that testing requirement. While there may be health screening at the airport, there are few, if any, internal restrictions once you get to Guatemala. For more information, check out the website of the Guatemala embassy in the U.S.
9. Iceland
The land of ice and fire was the first country in the EU to start welcoming back vaccinated American travelers. Proof of a valid full-course vaccine allows unfettered entry Iceland. In a country famous for dramatic scenery and wide-open natural spaces, it may just be the breath of fresh air Americans suffering from cabin fever need right now. Iceland maintains and regularly updates a list of countries that are considered extremely high-risk. Vaccinated travelers from counties on the list are allowed to enter but must still go through a mandatory quarantine period. While the U.S. is not currently on the list, it’s important to keep an eye on these updates.
10. Montenegro
Travelers to Montenegro, the newest gem along Europe’s Adriatic coast, are free to enter without restriction as long as they have proof of a valid vaccination course. More details are available on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
11. Romania
Charming medieval cities and the mysteries of Transylvania beckon travelers to this Eastern European country. Those who’ve completed the full vaccination course at least 10 days prior to arrival may enter Romania without any testing or quarantine requirements, according the to the Romania Tourism Board.
While new countries could open up any time, others may create new restrictions as circumstances change. So, this list is to help plan, but you should always do your own research or work with a travel agent to make sure you’re getting all the most up-to-date information. And, as always, you should buy travel insurance in case things change beyond your control. The right travel insurance will not only help guard against losses due to cancelled trips but can also protect you if you get sick overseas, including if you need to unexpectedly extend your trip because health concerns make it impossible to return on time.
Do I need to get tested before I return home?
Just because vaccinated Americans can travel to some countries without any testing requirements, it is currently not that simple to come home. In January 2021, the U.S. Government announced that anyone who wished to cross the U.S. boarder from abroad must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test that was taken 3 calendar days prior to boarding the flight to the U.S. This is a blanket rule to enter the U.S., regardless of your citizenship. While it is always possible that as vaccine coverage increases this requirement could be relaxed, the U.S. Government has made no indication that such a change is imminent. Therefore, any trip planning for a destination outside of the U.S. this summer should include a plan to get a COVID-19 test on the 3rd-to-last day of the trip. This means, you should plan to be in a place where such testing is possible (don’t get stuck in a rural location where options may not be available). The websites for the U.S. Embassy in the country you plan to visit will typically list information and/or links to sites explaining how and where to get tested before boarding a flight to the U.S. At the time of this post, all of the countries listed above had locations where non-citizen travelers could obtain a test with results available within 72 hours. Travelers should expect to pay for the tests locally at the time they are tested.
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