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Updated: A country-by-country guide to coronavirus reopenings

Mar 05, 2022 admin

Editor’s note: This post was last updated on March 5, 2022 with new information.

While the U.S. omicron surge is subsiding, ever-changing testing and vaccination requirements for international travel continue to make it challenging for Americans to figure out what’s required for entry into specific countries. The European Council, for example, recommended in late February that its member countries open more broadly to travelers from outside the EU, but individual countries are setting specific dates for easing their restrictions, with Italy dropping its pre-travel test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers on March 1 and Iceland dropping all COVID-19 entry requirements for all travelers on Feb. 25.

These requirements also continue to change and evolve as countries around the world begin to move past the omicron surge. The big news in early February was that Australia opened to tourists on Feb. 21 for the first time in two years. Vietnam also said it plans to reopen to tourists by late March or the end of April at the latest.

The U.S. continues to require day-before testing for all arrivals by air. President Joe Biden announced that as of Dec. 6, all international airline passengers age 2 and older traveling to the U.S., even those who are fully vaccinated, need to present the result of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of boarding their flight. Travelers who can present documented proof of having recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days are exempt from the required test. For details, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Warnings from the CDC continued into early February, with travelers urged not to visit as many as 140 countries, including many popular Caribbean islands, which were given Level 4 warnings.

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TPG is here to guide you through the latest in the ever-changing rules and regulations. To make sure you have the latest information, please follow the provided links to government, tourism and U.S. Embassy and U.S. State Department websites for the most recent updates.

In This Post

North America

United States

In response to the emergence of the omicron variant, President Biden announced that as of Dec. 6, 2021, all international arrivals by air to the United States, even American citizens who are fully vaccinated, need to present the result of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of boarding their flight. This was a change for fully vaccinated travelers, both U.S. citizens and international visitors, who had been given a three-day window since the U.S. reopened to fully vaccinated international travelers on Nov. 8, 2021; unvaccinated U.S. citizens had already been required to test within one day of travel. Travelers who can present documented proof of having recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days are exempt from the required test.

The White House announcement can be found here and complete details are on the CDC’s website.

All U.S. states are open, but proof of vaccination has been required for many indoor activities in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and other cities. Now, many of those requirements — including in New York, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia — are being eased through late February and March, so check local government websites for updates.

Through March 26, Hawaii also has additional restrictions, requiring either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of your flight to be uploaded to Safe Travels Hawaii to avoid a five-day quarantine upon arrival. When the requirements are dropped, it will apply only to domestic travelers; international arrivals will still be subject to the U.S. government’s vaccination and pre-travel testing rules.

President Biden signed an executive order soon after taking office in late January 2021 that mandates the wearing of masks on federal property and domestic public transportation, including planes, airports, buses, subways, trains and train stations. It has been extended through March 18, 2022.

The CDC has updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated travelers, but still strongly advises unvaccinated individuals to test before and after travel (with self-isolation after travel) within the United States. Check the CDC website for the latest updates.

Long-standing U.S. restrictions on visitors, including a ban on tourists driving into the country from Canada and Mexico, were lifted on Nov. 8, 2021, but only for fully vaccinated travelers (at least 14 days past their final dose). The vaccination requirement does not include children under age 18. As of Dec. 6, all travelers to the U.S. by air who are over the age of 2 are required to show results of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within one day of departure for the U.S.

Canada

Americans are allowed to go to Canada but must be fully vaccinated and have a negative COVID-19 test result. As of March 1, Canada has loosened its testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors and will now accept a negative rapid antigen test (professionally administered or observed) taken within 24 hours of arrival. Travelers can also still present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of entry.

Unvaccinated children under 12 are allowed to enter Canada if accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult, but must submit their information electronically through ArriveCan and meet all testing requirements. Children under age 5 are exempt from testing.

In addition, as of Nov. 30, 2021, all passengers age 12 and older traveling domestically in Canada by air or by rail need to be fully vaccinated.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau originally announced the country would begin welcoming fully vaccinated American tourists on Aug. 9, 2021, after a 17-month border closure. Canada subsequently reopened to fully vaccinated travelers from other countries on Sept. 7.

Fully vaccinated Americans (14 days past their final dose) and fully vaccinated residents of other countries who meet the vaccination requirements are able to visit Canada without the need to quarantine. All fully vaccinated travelers seeking to enter Canada by air or land must also provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCan (app or web portal), including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada, meet the pre-entry testing requirements, be asymptomatic upon arrival, and have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or a certified translation, along with the original) ready to show a government official on request.

According to the ArriveCan website, travelers may be asked to take an arrival test (selection is random) and self-isolate at a suitable place (such as a home or hotel room) until receiving a negative arrival test result. Arrival testing could be on-site at the airport, offsite, or travelers may be given a self-swab test kit at the border to take home.

Details on the latest restrictions can be found here.

Some provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, have required proof of vaccination for dining in restaurants, entering museums and other activities. Ontario’s requirement ended March 1 (masks are still required in indoor public spaces, however), while Quebec’s remains in place. Quebec also now requires anyone seeking to buy alcohol or cannabis at a province-run store to be fully vaccinated. Both provinces also reinstituted curfews and other restrictions in response to fast-spreading omicron infections, which are now being gradually lifted.

Fully vaccinated Canadians are again able to enter the U.S. via a land crossing at the border as of Nov. 8, 2021, and like Americans returning to the United States from Canada via land borders, are not required to have a negative COVID-19 test result.

Note: U.S. entry testing requirements changed on Dec. 6 for U.S. citizens returning from Canada by air. All international arrivals to the U.S. by air, even American citizens who are fully vaccinated, will need to present the result of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of boarding their flight.

For more information and updates, visit the U.S. Embassy in Canada website.

The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Canada is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Mexico

Mexico eagerly flung open its doors to Americans, has never required testing for entry and has lifted most coronavirus restrictions. However, widespread community transmission remains a current concern and there is a federal “stoplight” system that limits activities in some regions.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, travelers entering Mexico by land from Belize, Guatemala or the United States may be denied admission if the purpose of their visit is considered nonessential. The embassy advises travelers to carry evidence of the essential nature of their visit and evidence of their resident status in Mexico, if applicable.

Several states popular with tourists, including those that are home to Cancun and Los Cabos, are considered “green” under Mexico’s color-coded stoplight system, and no states are deemed “red” through March 2.

However, a recent increase in crime against tourists in Cancun and Riviera Maya has made the U.S. Consulate General in Merida issue a security alert for Americans traveling in the region.

The U.S.-Mexico land border reopened on Nov. 8, 2021, and fully vaccinated travelers are once again allowed to enter the U.S. from Mexico by land. Proof of vaccination is required, but a negative COVID-19 test is not required for a land-border crossing.

U.S. entry testing requirements changed on Dec. 6 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from Mexico by air. All international arrivals to the U.S., even American citizens who are fully vaccinated, need to present the result of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of boarding their flight.

Many Mexican resorts are offering on-property rapid antigen and PCR tests for guests returning to the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Mexico is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the U.S., is open to all international travelers. To enter Puerto Rico, passengers must complete an online travel declaration available on the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.

All fully vaccinated domestic travelers (U.S. citizens and residents) no longer need to provide a negative pre-travel test result to enter Puerto Rico as of Feb. 2, but they must upload their vaccination certificate to the online portal.

International visitors must be fully vaccinated and present a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within one day of arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers entering on domestic flights are still required to show a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 48 hours of arrival in Puerto Rico or take a test within 48 hours after arrival and quarantine while awaiting results. Once they have a negative test, they can end their quarantine.

If unvaccinated travelers do not arrive with a negative test or test negative after arrival, they are subject to a fine and must quarantine for seven days.

Travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of their entry to Puerto Rico are permitted entry if they can present a certified medical health certificate from a doctor stating that they have fully recovered from COVID-19, along with proof of the positive test from their previous diagnosis.

To receive an Airport Exit Confirmation QR code, all travelers must upload their negative test result or their vaccination card (if vaccinated) to the online portal. Upon arrival at San Juan International Airport (SJU), travelers will be subject to health screenings, including additional COVID-19 testing if symptomatic.

As of Aug. 5, all lodging facilities in Puerto Rico are required to see visitors’ vaccination records or negative test results (taken within 48 hours) at check-in. Any unvaccinated traveler staying in Puerto Rico for more than one week must show negative test results on a weekly basis.

All establishments serving food or drinks must also require proof of vaccination or a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. All venues serving food or drinks are open at 75% capacity indoors and 100% outdoors. Bars and other venues primarily serving alcohol are operating at 75% capacity.

Masks are required in all indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status (and there is a $100 fine for noncompliance). Golf courses and beaches are open. Casinos, museums and hotel pools are now operating at full capacity.

Through March 31, anyone attending mass events (both indoors and outdoors taking place at theaters, amphitheaters, coliseums, stadiums and convention centers) will be required to present proof of vaccination with a Food and Drug Administration- or World Health Organization-approved vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test taken in the 48 hours prior to the event. This includes children ages 5-11. Children under age 5 are not allowed to attend mass events.

For updates, check here.

A note for travelers returning from Puerto Rico: The U.S. began requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test on Jan. 26 for all international arrivals by air, but passengers traveling back to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico have not been required to have taken a test.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, has been open to tourism since Sept. 19, 2020.

Every U.S. traveler 5 years of age or older, even those who are fully vaccinated, and every international traveler 2 years of age and older is now required to use the U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Screening Portal to be cleared for entry. This applies to those entering by air or sea as well as those transiting.

Domestic travelers (U.S. citizens from the mainland and other U.S. territories) must upload a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result taken within five days of commencement of travel. Visitors must produce the original test result as well as the travel certification from the portal upon arrival. Travelers age 5 and older may be denied boarding of flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands without travel certification from the portal.

International travelers (including travelers from the British Virgin Islands) must also submit a negative antigen or NAAT COVID-19 test result, but test requirements depend on vaccination and citizenship status and mode of travel, as well as age.

Travel by air: All non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. immigrants must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. (Travelers ages 2-17 are exempt from the vaccine requirement.) International travelers must also present a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT test result taken within one day of travel.
Travel by ferry: Tests must be taken within five days of travel. Non-U.S. citizens/non-U.S. immigrants traveling for nonessential reasons (e.g., tourism) must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status. Travelers ages 2-17 are exempt from the vaccine requirement.

Details can be found here.

Related: US Virgin Islands reopening

Masks are mandatory when going into businesses and attractions and when using public transportation. COVID-19 guidelines are in place for retail businesses and attractions, taxi vans, safari vehicles and limo services.

A note for travelers returning from the U.S. Virgin Islands: The U.S. now requires proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test for all international arrivals by air, but passengers traveling back to the U.S. mainland from the U.S. Virgin Islands have not been required to present a test.

Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda reopened to tourists on June 4, 2020 and the government’s latest travel advisory requires all arriving passengers age 18 and older to be fully vaccinated and everyone age 5 and older (even those who are transiting) to have a negative result of an approved COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within four days of their flight. Fully vaccinated passengers with valid rapid antigen test negative results may be required to submit to a PCR test upon arrival at their own expense ($50 for nationals and $100 for non-nationals, including U.S. citizens) and follow instructions from Port Health officials on permissible activities while awaiting results.

Unvaccinated minors between the ages of 5 and 18 must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within four days of arrival. Unvaccinated minors who are not staying at a certified resort/accommodation are required to quarantine at home for a period of 14 days. Children below the age of 5 are not required to test.

Regarding vaccination requirements, all arriving passengers age 18 and older, including returning nationals and residents, are required to present verifiable documentation of full vaccination using World Health Organization- or Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment-approved two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a single-dose vaccine (completed 14 days or more before entry). Check for updates here.

Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health. All travelers are also subject to assessment by Port Health authorities for signs and symptoms through a series of checks and the completion of a health declaration form upon arrival.

All arriving passengers must complete a health declaration and stay at a COVID-19 Certified or Bio Safe Certified property while being able to enjoy certified activities. Currently, travelers who are two weeks past having completed vaccination can stay at Bio Safe Certified accommodations and do not have to quarantine. Any testing upon arrival or at the place of lodging will be determined by the health authorities (cost: $100 per person).

Travelers will also have to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including face masks in public. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to 5,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars (about $1,850) and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Beaches and excursions are open (with limitations on certain activities); restaurants are open for dine-in for travelers who have been vaccinated; non-hotel bars reopened as of Nov. 15 and there is an islandwide curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Per the U.S. Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean, the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Antigua is Level 4: Do Not Travel. The CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Anguilla

Anguilla began welcoming preapproved travelers as of May 25, 2021, after a monthslong suspension of all entries. However, as of July 1, only fully vaccinated travelers (with a final dose at least three weeks before arrival) are allowed and they must follow step-by-step instructions involving authorization, hotel and transfer reservations and testing (for which there is now a $50-per-person fee as part of the application process). Pregnant women and children under age 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirement.

The government recommends starting the application process at least seven days before your intended travel date. All visitors seeking a short-term stay or a work-from-Anguilla arrangement need to seek a travel authorization (each individual traveler, including children, must get an authorization), provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken three days before arrival or a negative antigen test from an accredited lab taken no more than two days prior to arrival and then undergo a temperature check and take another test upon arrival. If staying eight days or more, travelers may need to test again on day four.

Guests must stay in place at their accommodations until receiving their on-island test result, typically within 24 hours. Travel insurance is not required but is recommended. See FAQ here. In addition, travelers entering/transferring via Dutch St. Maarten must complete St. Maarten’s health screening application form and prearrange boat or air travel to Anguilla.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Anguilla is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, which oversees Anguilla, for additional information.

Aruba

Aruba reopened to tourists in the summer of 2020 and American visitors were welcomed back on July 10, 2020. As of Nov. 1, 2020, all U.S. travelers to Aruba must complete an online embarkation/disembarkation card process within 72 to four hours prior to travel (and download the Aruba Health app) and those 12 years of age and older are required to provide a certified negative COVID-19 test result. As of Feb. 3, travelers (except children age 11 and younger, who are exempt) can provide a negative PCR test taken within three days, a negative antigen test taken within one day or show digitally verifiable QR-code proof of COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster dose for travelers aged 18 and older), what Aruba calls a Smart Health Card. Paper CDC cards are not accepted.

Details can be found here.

All guests must also purchase visitors insurance from the nation of Aruba to cover up to $75,000 in health insurance. The cost is $15 for travelers age 15 and older and free for those 14 and under.

Visitors are required to carry a mask with them and wear one in the airport and in businesses that require them. As of Feb. 17, all other safety measures have been eased.

Visit the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, which oversees Aruba, for additional information. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Aruba is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For the latest updates related to travel, check Visit Aruba’s entry requirements page.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is open to tourism and Americans are allowed to visit, but pre-travel testing requirements and post-arrival testing are back for all visitors, regardless of vaccination status. As of Dec. 27, 2021, all fully vaccinated visitors over the age of 2 must present results of a negative COVID-19 test, either rapid antigen or PCR, taken within three days (72 hours) of arrival, while a PCR test taken within three days (72 hours) of arrival is required for unvaccinated travelers 12 and older. Unvaccinated children ages 2-11 can show results of either a negative PCR or rapid antigen test.

Negative test results must be uploaded when applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa required for entry. While travelers under 17 years old do not need to complete an individual Travel Health Visa application, they should add a profile within the account of their accompanying parent or guardian.

As of Feb. 20, all travelers age 12 and older, regardless of vaccination status, must also take a day 5 rapid antigen test at an approved test center. If unvaccinated, they must also complete a short daily health questionnaire. Additional details on pre-travel testing, travel insurance requirements and day five testing can be found here.

While in the Bahamas, all visitors are required to wear a mask in public spaces (under penalty of a $250 fine or one-month imprisonment).To travel between islands, vaccinated travelers must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test (if fully vaccinated) or PCR test (if unvaccinated) within three days (72 hours) of their travel date from New Providence (Nassau and Paradise Island), Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera (including Harbour Island) and add it to their Travel Health Visa profile.

As of Nov. 13, nightly curfews have been lifted. Updates are available here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Bahamas is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Barbados

Barbados, which reopened to international travelers on July 12, 2020, requires visitors to download the BIMSafe app designed to expedite the entry and quarantine process. There’s also one main caveat for unvaccinated travelers: They must not only test but also quarantine in their hotel rooms at approved accommodations for at least five days.

Barbados’ mandatory protocols, which were updated as of Jan. 30, require all arriving visitors to provide the results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days of arrival or a negative rapid antigen or rapid PCR test taken within one day of arrival, with testing and quarantine upon arrival for some. Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to quarantine and are not subject to mandatory testing at the airport upon arrival, although they may be selected for a random rapid antigen test.

All fully vaccinated travelers must:

Have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative rapid PCR test taken within one day of arrival, which is required for travelers age 5 and older from countries of all risk levels.
Within 24 hours before traveling to Barbados, complete an online immigration and customs form (and download the BIMSafe app) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms and upload their negative COVID-19 test results.
Provide official proof of vaccination.
Possibly be asked to take a COVID-19 rapid PCR test upon arrival in Barbados.
Once their vaccination certificate and pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test are approved upon arrival, they are free to explore Barbados.

All unvaccinated travelers must:

Have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative rapid antigen or rapid PCR test taken within one day of arrival, which is required for travelers age 5 and older from countries of all risk levels.
Within 24 hours before traveling to Barbados, complete an online immigration and customs form (and download the BIMSafe app) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms and upload their negative COVID-19 test results.
Wear a monitoring bracelet and board transport to their preapproved and prebooked accommodations (a minimum of five nights is required) and undergo an in-room quarantine (no beach or leaving the property) for three days with a second PCR test on day four to receive a negative result (available within another 36-48 hours).

Children under age 18 traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians will be able to adhere to the same guidelines as their parents or guardians. Complete details on protocols can be found here.

Social distancing and wearing face masks are mandatory in public spaces. Beach hours are now 5 a.m.-7 p.m. for swimming or exercise.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Barbados, the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Barbados is Level 4: Do Not Travel. The CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. More updates on Barbados’ response to coronavirus and any updates to its protocols can be found on the Barbados government website.

Bermuda

Bermuda, which reopened to travelers on July 1, 2020, requires pre-travel authorization (with a fee reduced from $75 to $40 as of March 7, 2022) and testing. While requirements for fully vaccinated visitors with proof of vaccination are being eased, unvaccinated travelers age 18 and older are not currently allowed to enter Bermuda. Unvaccinated minor children may enter.

Bermuda’s tourism officials have provided the following guidelines and requirements for fully vaccinated tourists.

Predeparture:

Apply for a Bermuda Travel Authorization.
Present a certified negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within four days of departure or a negative antigen test taken within two days of arrival (as of March 7, 2022), along with proof of vaccination.
Provide proof of health insurance.
Wear face masks and practice physical distancing at the departure airport.
Complete a traveler screening form and arrival card.

On the plane:

Wear a face mask.
Practice social distancing to the extent possible.

As of March 7, 2022, no additional on-island testing will be required. Until then, upon arrival, travelers must:

Take a PCR test and quarantine until receiving a negative result.
All vaccinated travelers will be given a red wristband upon arrival.
Vaccinated travelers with a pretest must wear the wristband until receiving a negative result from the arrival PCR test.
Vaccinated travelers without a valid pretest must wear it until receiving the negative fourth-day test.
Children under the age of 2 do not need to have a COVID-19 PCR test or a travel authorization to travel to Bermuda.
Vaccinated travelers only need to quarantine until receiving their arrival test results, but must still test on day four.

The Bermuda government launched the WeHealth Bermuda app, which provides anonymous COVID-19 exposure notifications and is encouraged for all visitors to download.

There are also special requirements for adults traveling with a minor.

According to the U.S. Consulate General in Bermuda, the U.S. State Department advisory for Bermuda is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

More information on coronavirus in Bermuda can be found here.

More reading: New resort and hotel options in Bermuda

Bonaire

Americans are welcome to visit Bonaire. Testing requirements for those age 12 and older depend on whether they are fully vaccinated or unvaccinated. Fully vaccinated travelers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours.

All travelers must complete a health declaration form for the Public Health Department before their departure for Bonaire.

For the latest details, check here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Bonaire is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. For more information, visit the website of the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, which oversees Bonaire, and for health and safety protocols in Bonaire, check here.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands officially reopened to tourism on Dec. 1, 2020. Americans can visit, but all travelers, especially those who are not yet vaccinated and must receive authorization to visit, need to follow strict protocols. As of Oct. 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers who can provide valid proof of vaccination no longer need to register for authorization on the BVI Gateway portal.

Requirements for entry now include:

Providing a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within five days of departure for the British Virgin Islands and proof of vaccination if fully or partially vaccinated. Fully vaccinated travelers can present an approved negative rapid antigen test or a PCR test.
Registering (if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated) on the BVI Gateway five days (and no later than 24 hours) before travel, and completing the application no later than 24 hours before travel (the cost is $175 for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers).
Obtaining COVID-19 health insurance valid in the British Virgin Islands.
All travelers are required to take a second test upon arrival in the British Virgin Islands (and to preregister at a charge of $50 for a rapid antigen test for those who are fully vaccinated and didn’t pay the portal fee). Vaccinated travelers can skip the entry test if their pre-travel test was taken within 48 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test upon arrival as part of their application process/fee.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must also quarantine at their resort for seven days or four days, respectively, while using an activated tracking system on their phones and wearing a wristband monitoring device.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must take a third PCR test on day seven or day four, respectively, and await the results (typically given within 24 hours) before being able to move freely around the islands.

Complete details on travel requirements and restrictions can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the British Virgin Islands is Level 4: Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Check the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, which oversees the BVI, for additional information.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands only recently began welcoming fully vaccinated tourists. The country entered Phase 5 of its reopening on Jan. 20, 2022 and now allows fully vaccinated U.S. travelers, although no cruise travelers or unvaccinated tourists over the age of 12 can enter at this time.

Those with a securely verified vaccination record that is electronic with a QR code, such as a Smart Health Card or the New York State Excelsior Pass, and those with a nondigital record (such as a CDC card) are now no longer required to quarantine as long as they have spent the past 14 days in a country with vaccination rates that are 60% or higher for the first dose of the vaccine (the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom all qualify). Anyone traveling from a country with a vaccination rate lower than 60% for the first dose of the vaccine is required to quarantine for seven days while wearing a tracking device with a day seven PCR test required for exit. Details are here.

When traveling to the Cayman Islands with children, unvaccinated children under the age of 12 will assume the vaccination status of their adult travel companions. Unaccompanied, unvaccinated children under the age of 12 will be subject to the 60% rule for rate of vaccination of the country from which they are traveling. All children age 12 and over are required to be vaccinated to be exempt from quarantine.

All travelers must be approved for entry and those who are approved need to register with the TravelTime service before their trip. And all arriving passengers must present a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test; since Dec. 17, 2021, it needs to be a PCR or rapid antigen test taken within one day of departure for the Cayman Islands. Submitting to rapid antigen test (also known as a lateral flow test) is no longer required post-arrival. Details are here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Cayman Islands is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Related: Cayman Islands reopening

Cuba

Cuba has begun welcoming international tourists back as of Nov. 15, with entry requirements of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and proof of full vaccination. Tourists are not required to quarantine.

The U.S. State Department has a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory in place for Cuba and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Politics limits Americans’ travel to Cuba more than COVID-19. Long-standing travel restrictions were tightened by the U.S. government in late 2019, eliminating many of the reasons Americans were allowed to visit Cuba in recent years. For information on exemptions that allow Americans to travel to Cuba, visit the U.S. Embassy in Cuba’s COVID-19 page and “Traveling to Cuba” page.

There are a number of additional restrictions for U.S. travelers visiting Cuba that are not related to the pandemic, and which remain active.

Curacao

Curacao reopened to U.S. tourists in November 2020. All travelers are required to complete a digital immigration card and then, within 48 hours of travel, digitally fill out the passenger locator card via the same portal and carry a printed copy. A negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of your flight to Curacao must be uploaded to the portal and passengers are also required to carry a copy of the results and have travel/health insurance to cover care or quarantine costs. Children 6 years old and younger are exempt from testing and the passenger locator card. Details are here.

Health insurance valid in Curacao is also required and travelers who test positive for COVID-19 while in Curacao will be quarantined at their own expense.

Retail shops are open; restaurants can offer outdoor seating and some indoor dining; beaches, beach club bars and casinos are open. Social distancing measures are in place islandwide and face masks are required when distancing is not possible.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Curacao is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Visit the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao’s website for additional information.

Dominica

Dominica has been open to travelers since Aug. 3, 2020. All travelers arriving in the country are designated as coming from low-risk, medium-risk or high-risk countries (the United States is currently considered high-risk) and travelers must follow these updated procedures, with quarantine no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers:

Submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival.
Upload vaccination certificate (if fully vaccinated).
Submit a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (fully vaccinated U.S travelers can now also submit a negative rapid antigen test from a certified facility taken within 48 hours of arrival in Dominica).
Provide confirmation of the health questionnaire and negative PCR test results to the airline upon boarding.
Take a rapid antigen test upon arrival at the airport (if not fully vaccinated).
Unvaccinated travelers must also provide confirmation of a booking at a government-certified Safe in Nature property.
Begin your vacation (if fully vaccinated) or spend seven days (if not vaccinated) in a Managed Experience at a Safe in Nature-certified property, with a COVID-19 PCR test on day five and results returned within 48 hours.

Visitors must wear face masks at all times during the arrival process, up to and including departure from the airport, observe physical distancing guidelines and follow all instructions from local health care staff and officials.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Dominica is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For more information, see the U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s website and Dominica’s travel advisory.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic reopened July 1, 2020 and most hotels and resorts have reopened. U.S. travelers are welcome and there are no pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements for visitors.

Travelers can expect temperature checks upon arrival as well as a quick, random breath test to a percentage of passengers (travelers who present a vaccination card showing the final dose was given at least three weeks prior to arrival or who present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival are exempt from random testing). Passengers who present symptoms or whose test results are positive will be isolated and attended at authorized locations.

The Dominican Republic does have additional measures in place for travelers from certain countries. Check for updates here.

All travelers are also required to fill out and submit an electronic entry ticket (mandatory as of May 1, 2021, for both arrival into and departure from the Dominican Republic) to declare they have not felt any COVID-19-related symptoms in the last 72 hours and provide contact details for the next 30 days.

As of Feb. 16, 2022, COVID-19 measures have been suspended and the use of masks and social distancing measures in public spaces is the responsibility of the individual.

For the latest updates on restrictions in the Dominican Republic, check here.

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. State Department’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Grenada

Grenada began reopening to foreign tourists on Aug. 1, 2020 with strict protocols, including quarantine, in place for all visitors. But as of Jan. 19, Grenada removed the 48-hour quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers, who are now the only visitors allowed to enter.

Every fully vaccinated visitor age 12 and older is required to fill out a health declaration form, present a physical copy of their vaccine certificate along with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days (72 hours) of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within one day of arrival (children age 5 and under are exempt from testing) and have travel insurance valid in Grenada.

Children under 12 are considered fully vaccinated when traveling with fully vaccinated parents/guardians. Children 12 and over must show their own proof of vaccination to be considered fully vaccinated.

Complete travel requirements can be found here.

The island’s curfew has been lifted, but inside dining at restaurants is only allowed for fully vaccinated travelers.

For more information on requirements and restrictions, check the U.S. Embassy in the Eastern Caribbean’s COVID-19 page for Grenada. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Grenada is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Haiti

Haiti, which remains in political turmoil following the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moise, on July 7, 2021, and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake two weeks later, has reopened its borders to regular international passenger traffic. It has also opened its land borders with the Dominican Republic.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, travelers visiting the country need to complete a health declaration form and submit it to immigration authorities upon arrival. They will need to keep this form for the purposes of self-quarantine and contact tracing as necessary. The embassy also reports that as of Feb. 9, 2021, all travelers to Haiti will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of travel to their airline; proof of prior COVID-19 infection (positive test and documentation from the attending physician) is also allowed.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Haiti is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Jamaica

Jamaica officially reopened for tourism on June 15, 2020, and as of March 1, 2022, has removed its travel authorization requirement. All travelers age 12 and older must now only present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within three days (72 hours) of boarding their flight to Jamaica.

Travelers had been expected to remain throughout their stay at accommodations within the “resilient corridors,” where hotels and resorts have been certified to accept tourists and adhere to social distancing and face mask policies in public. But now, all travelers can explore the island as long as they have entered with have a negative PCR test taken within three days of departure to Jamaica.

For faster processing upon arrival at the airport, travelers are encouraged to submit their Immigration/Customs C5 card online any time before arrival. If the card has not been submitted online, passengers may complete the paper form issued in-flight by the airline.

For the latest updates on requirements for travel to Jamaica, check here.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica’s website for additional information. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Jamaica is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Martinique

Martinique’s borders had been closed to tourism by the French government since Feb. 2, 2021, but Americans are now able to visit for tourism — if they are fully vaccinated.

According to the U.S. Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean, fully vaccinated travelers from green and orange countries (the U.S. is currently green) may enter if it has been more than two weeks since their second injection of the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine or more than four weeks since the single-injection Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Travel is prohibited for unvaccinated persons unless it is based on an overriding personal or family reason, an emergency health reason or a professional reason that cannot be postponed.

All arrivals over the age of 11 who are permitted must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure or rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure for Martinique and sign a sworn statement that they have no symptoms and have not been in contact over the past 14 days with a person confirmed to have COVID-19. Unvaccinated travelers granted permission to enter for a justified reason must quarantine for seven days until taking another test.

There is currently a curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Martinique is Level 4:Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

St. Barts

As of June 9, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. are once again allowed to visit St. Barts, after a four-month period when France closed down tourism to this and other overseas territories. All Americans age 18 and older planning to visit St. Barts must provide proof of being at least two weeks past their final vaccination (and four weeks past the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine) and all travelers age 10 and older must present a negative result of COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival.

U.S. travelers arriving in St. Barts via St. Martin will need to register in advance through the St. Martin Electronic Health Authorization System and upload negative PCR results as well as pay a fee.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Barts is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For updates on travel to St. Barts, check with the U.S. Embassy in the Eastern Caribbean.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis began a phased reopening on Oct. 31, 2020, but on May 29, 2021, changed its protocols to allow only fully vaccinated travelers to visit. Unvaccinated children under 12 accompanied by fully vaccinated parents (who are two weeks or more past their final vaccination) can enter without additional testing or quarantine.

All fully vaccinated travelers are required to:

Complete the entry form here no later than 24 hours before arrival and submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within 72 hours of arrival as well as proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate) and confirmation of a hotel reservation at a certified hotel. Testing is required for all travelers.
Undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire.

Unvaccinated children age 11 and under can follow the same protocols as their fully vaccinated parents. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 12 and 17 who are traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians must undergo a PCR test ($150 for nonnationals and nonresidents) within 24 hours of arrival. Parents are to “vacation in place” (quarantine) with the child until receipt of negative RT-PCR test results.

Details can be found here.

One other note: Americans will need to stay at one of 13 approved hotels for international visitors. The good news? They include the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, the Four Seasons Nevis and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Kitts and Nevis is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the islands is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For complete details on travel requirements, visit the St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism website.

St. Lucia

Americans are welcome to visit St. Lucia, where flights to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) have resumed and on-island activities are available for fully vaccinated travelers.

As of March 5, 2022:

Fully vaccinated travelers and in-transit passengers aged 5 and over must have a negative rapid Covid-19 antigen test or a Rapid COVID-19 PCR test taken one day prior to entering Saint Lucia. Travelers may also provide a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken up to five days prior to arrival.
All unvaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test, taken up to five days prior to entering Saint Lucia.
All travelers must register their information and upload test results online prior to travel on www.stlucia.org/covid-19. On completion, they will receive an automatic “ready to go” email. The previous two-step approval process is no longer required for boarding.

Travelers must have printed and signed copy of the St. Lucia Health Screening form.

Once they arrive in St. Lucia, travelers will undergo health checks and temperatures will be taken. All unvaccinated international visitors from outside the St. Lucia travel bubble will be required to remain at their certified property and only participate in certified tours and activities and visit only certified restaurants for the duration of their stay. Fully vaccinated travelers (those who are two weeks or more past their final dose) can enjoy expanded access to the island, according to St. Lucia’s tourism website. After 14 days, unvaccinated visitors will be able to move around the island freely.

If you are traveling with unvaccinated children ages 5-17 and you would like them to also be exempt from quarantine they will need to be retested on arrival at your cost, and they must remain in quarantine until the results of the test are known. Once the test is negative they will not be required to quarantine.

Masks and social distancing are required for the duration of the stay. Restaurants are open for indoor dining for fully vaccinated travelers only. There is also an islandwide curfew from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Lucia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the island is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For further details, visit the international arrivals page on the St. Lucia Tourism website and the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s website.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines began reopening on July 1, 2020. Some of the islands’ stricter protocols have been eased for fully vaccinated travelers, and visitors from all countries are welcome, but everyone must fill out a health form within 24 hours of departure for the islands.

All fully vaccinated travelers from high-risk countries, including the U.S., need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours (three days) of arrival but will no longer be tested again upon arrival or required to undergo a mandatory 48-hour quarantine at a Tourism Authority-approved transition/quarantine hotel. Details are here.

There are also new protocols as of Jan. 15, 2022, for fully vaccinated travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days to two months. Check here for details.

All high-risk travelers who are unvaccinated must test again upon arrival and quarantine at an approved hotel for 10 nights and show proof of a fully paid reservation for those 10 nights. Then, retesting is required on day seven and day 10, along with ongoing monitoring by a Port Health officer.

An April 2021 eruption of La Soufriere volcano on the island of St. Vincent forced the evacuation of some residents and spread a layer of ash over many parts of the island, including the capital of Kingstown, and even on the neighboring island of Barbados.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the islands is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Check the website of the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean for both COVID-19 and volcanic eruption updates.

St. Maarten

Sint Maarten January 2017. Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — St. Maarten in January 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Dutch St. Maarten is open and welcoming U.S. and other travelers arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). As of March 1, 2022, testing protocols are based on vaccination and booster status:

Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers no longer need to pretest to enter St. Maarten as long as they have proof of full vaccination or full vaccination plus a booster dose taken at least two weeks prior to arrival (and within nine months of arrival). Travelers with proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past nine months also do not need a pre-travel test.
Unvaccinated travelers age 5 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel.
No test is required for children under 5.

As of Jan. 26, 2022, all travelers to St. Maarten must also apply for a pre-authorization health form online, in addition to purchasing a St. Maarten Visitors Protection Plan, which provides health insurance covering COVID-19 testing and treatment while on the island. The plan is free for those travelers under the age of 14 and $15 for everyone else. Travelers should expect health checks upon arrival.

More details are available from the St. Maarten Health Authorization System and the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, which oversees Dutch St. Maarten.

As travelers from a high-risk country, Americans are also expected to practice daily self-monitoring and reporting of symptoms for five days.

U.S. tourists are currently allowed to cross the border from Dutch St. Maarten to French Saint-Martin.

The U.S. State Department advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel for both Dutch St. Maarten and French Saint-Martin. The CDC’s advisory for Dutch St. Maarten is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad January 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Trinidad in January 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Trinidad and Tobago issued a stay-at-home order in late March 2020 and banned tourists. The country’s borders reopened on July 17, 2021, but a travel advisory prohibits unvaccinated non-nationals, meaning only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter at this time.

All visitors are also required to apply for a TTravel Pass within 72 hours of arrival in the country, in addition to submitting a negative PCR test taken within the same time frame.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Trinidad and Tobago is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Check the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago website for updates.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos, a group of 40 low-lying coral islands popular with tourists in the Caribbean, began welcoming international visitors to Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on July 22, 2020. This British overseas territory includes the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo.

Turks and Caicos now requires all visitors 18 years of age or older to be fully vaccinated, meaning 14 days must have passed after receiving a single-dose vaccine or your second dose of a two-dose vaccine. Vaccines currently approved are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson and others.

To show proof of vaccination, you’ll need to provide:

A digital or paper vaccination record, including the CDC-issued card.
A vaccination letter signed by a medical professional (physician or registered nurse with license number), or one printed from an electronic vaccination database.

Travelers to Turks and Caicos age 2 and older are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within three days of visiting the islands. Take note that antibody tests and at-home test kits are not accepted.

Also, travelers must have medical insurance valid for the treatment of COVID-19 in Turks and Caicos and obtain travel preauthorization via the TCI Assured Portal. Masks are required in public places, but the islands’ curfew was lifted Dec. 1 and restaurants and bars are open at full capacity.

For the latest information, visit the Turks and Caicos tourism website and check the website of the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, which oversees Turks and Caicos.

The U.S. State Department advisory for Turks and Caicos is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the islands is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Related coverage: Why I love Turks and Caicos

Europe

As of early March, most of Europe continues to experience a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, although cases are easing. Several Scandinavian countries and England have opted to relax COVID-19 restrictions; however, the U.S. State Department and CDC continue to classify most countries in Europe as Level 4: Do Not Travel and Level: 4 Very High Level of COVID-19.

Many European countries also now require digital proof of vaccination to access indoor spaces such as restaurants, hotels and museums. U.S.-based travelers may be able to convert their CDC-issued vaccination card into a digital certificate to comply with the European Union’s Digital COVID Certificate Regulation by visiting local pharmacies. However, it is not available in every European country. It could serve as digital proof that one has been tested, vaccinated or has recovered from COVID-19. It is only valid for travel within the EU.

The European Council recommended in late February that its member countries open more broadly to travelers from outside the EU, but individual countries are setting specific dates for easing their restrictions, with Italy dropping its pre-travel test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers on March 1 and Iceland dropping testing and vaccination requirements for all travelers on Feb. 25.

Albania

The Albanian government lifted all restrictions on tourism on July 1, 2020, and Americans can visit, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania.

Effective Sept. 6, 2021, all arriving passengers age 6 and older must meet one of the following three conditions, per the U.S. Embassy:

Submit a vaccination passport where the date of full vaccination is no later than two weeks from the date of entry in Albania.
Show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours.
Provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the six months preceding travel.

There is enhanced health screening at all airports and mask-wearing in all indoor public spaces is mandatory for everyone age 11 and older. The U.S. Embassy also notes that travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

Albania has a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice and all bars, restaurants and fast-food outlets can offer only delivery during those hours. Masks are required in all indoor public spaces.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Albania is now Level 4: Do Not Travel while the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Armenia

Armenia has reopened its borders to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan. All visitors over the age of 6 are now required to present either documentation of a completed vaccination at least 14 days prior or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or submit to a test (cost: $40) in the public area of the arrivals hall of Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) and self-isolate until receiving the result, usually within 24 hours. Masks are mandated in public spaces and on public transportation.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Armenia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Austria

Austria has just made it easier to enter the country with proof of vaccination, recovery or a pre-travel negative test.

After experiencing its highest number of cases of the entire pandemic, Austria reentered lockdown and enacted a nationwide stay-at-home order on Nov. 22, 2021, that shut down tourism through Dec. 20, 2021, when tourism and hospitality venues reopened to vaccinated individuals only, according to the U.S. Embassy in Austria. The embassy notes that COVID-19 rules and protocols in the country change frequently and with little advance notice, as they recently did.

Entry rules for Austria since Dec. 20 had depended on a combination of vaccination, boosters, testing and quarantine known as “2-G+” rules, but as of Feb. 22, 2022, those were replaced by a “3-G” rule. This means that travelers seeking to enter Austria need to be vaccinated, recovered or tested.

Travelers who cannot provide proof of vaccination or recovery must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Detailed updates on vaccination, booster and testing requirements (and how long vaccination is valid) can be found here.

Austria also announced that it will ease some of its social protocols as of March 5.

Entry tests — proof of vaccination (two-dose vaccine and last dose administered within 270 days or a booster is required), recovery or a recent COVID-19 test — required to enter certain businesses, including restaurants, bars, hotels, museums, cinemas, theaters and other cultural facilities, will be relaxed as of March 5, with a testing option added. For those vaccinated in the U.S., most businesses will accept a photo of your CDC vaccination card or WHO yellow vaccination card on your phone.

The country does still require that FFP2 or KN95 face masks be worn on public transportation, in essential shops and pharmacies, and in restaurants when one is not seated and eating. For details on current restrictions, check here.

Check the U.S. Embassy in Austria for additional information. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Austria is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Azerbaijan

According to the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, as of June 21, 2021, U.S. citizens can fly to Azerbaijan. Entry by land is not permitted, however, and all travelers over the age of 18 must have proof of having completed vaccination or proof of immunity from a previous infection, as well as a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours of departure for Azerbaijan (for passengers over the age of 1). The 14-day quarantine for travelers was lifted on June 2, 2021.

The country is under special restrictions through at least May 1, 2022, to require proof of vaccination for those 18 and older to enter indoor venues, including restaurants, cafes and malls. Restaurants, cafes and most other businesses are open, beaches and shopping centers reopened on June 10, 2021, and the Baku metro is open for daily service. Masks are required in all indoor spaces.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Azerbaijan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Belarus

Belarus is on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The country has also been in the midst of a popular uprising against Alexander Lukashenko, called the “last dictator in Europe,” and the country’s government set off an international furor on May 23, 2021, when it ordered the diversion of a Ryanair flight traveling from Greece to Lithuania in order to arrest opposition journalist Raman Pratasevich.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Do Not Travel (“due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions”) and the CDC’s is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

It isn’t wise to visit—the embassy has suspended operations in Minsk and has asked American to depart Belarus if they are there—but the country bordering Russia and Ukraine is open. According to the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, Americans are on a list of countries that were allowed to enter as of Aug. 15, 2020, but only through Minsk National Airport (MSQ). Land borders are closed to American travelers.

Americans require a visa. A COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours is also required and unvaccinated travelers from a “red zone” country (including the U.S.) must self-quarantine for seven days — and complete the full quarantine in Belarus. Travelers also need to fill out a health questionnaire and submit to temperature and health checks on arrival.

Note: On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation prohibited the sale of direct passenger air transportation, including tickets booked through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines, between the U.S. and Belarus. Once this order becomes final, only direct air transportation deemed to be in the national interest of the United States, including on humanitarian or national security grounds, will be allowed, per the U.S. Embassy.

Belgium

According to the Embassy and Consulates of Belgium in the U.S., fully vaccinated Americans can now travel to Belgium without testing or quarantine..

Travelers age 12 and older who do not reside in Belgium must present a valid and recognized vaccination certificate. Both the CDC vaccination card and — when available — state-issued vaccination certificates are accepted as valid proofs of vaccination. Upon arrival in Belgium, vaccinated travelers no longer need to test or quarantine.

Unvaccinated travelers can only travel in exceptional circumstances with an essential travel certificate and must present a negative COVID-19 test. PCR tests must be performed no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and rapid antigen tests must be performed no more than 24 hours prior to arrival. Further information about testing and quarantine can be found here.

All travelers to Belgium must also fill out a Passenger Locator Form.

According to the Embassy and Consulates of Belgium in the U.S., fully vaccinated means the final dose was given within 270 days or a booster dose is needed.

Belgium, which has been hit hard by COVID-19, had been under a severe lockdown and some restrictions remain. Additional info is available on the U.S. Embassy in Belgium’s website.

Americans are urged to check Belgium’s list of countries by color status before travel. The U.S. is currently a dark red/grey country. All travelers to Belgium must fill out a passenger locator form at least 48 hours ahead of arrival. Details and updates are here and here.

Belgium has also instituted social distancing restrictions, which are being tossed. Face masks are still required on public transit. The COVID Safe Ticket (CST), required for entry into public venues in Belgium, will no longer be required for bars and restaurants as of March 7, 2022. A CST shows that the holder is either fully vaccinated, has had a recent negative PCR test, or has recovered from the COVID disease within the last six months. For more information, check the country’s Current Measures updates.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Belgium is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Americans can travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina and, according to the U.S. Embassy, all visitors over the age of 7 must present one of the following: a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) not older than 48 hours if coming from Europe and not older than 72 hours if arriving from other countries (including the United States), a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing full vaccination completed 10 days prior to arrival, or a doctor’s certificate of COVID-19 recovery in the period 10 to 180 days prior to arrival.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Bosnia and Herzegovina is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Bulgaria

Americans traveling from the U.S. can once again enter Bulgaria for tourism, although the U.S. remains designated a red-zone country, per the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria.

According to the embassy, all travelers arriving in Bulgaria from a red-zone country, regardless of their citizenship, can enter without quarantine if they present an EU Digital COVID Certificate showing vaccination against COVID-19, have received a negative COVID-19 test result or have recovered from COVID-19. Similar documents which contain the same data as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, such as a CDC-issued vaccination record card, are also accepted. The validity of a two-dose vaccination for entry without a booster or pre-travel testing is 270 days.

Travelers arriving from a dark-red zone country as well as those arriving without proof of vaccination or COVID-19 recovery from a green, orange, or red-zone country must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Unvaccinated children ages 12-18 also need to present a negative PCR test to enter.

According to the U.S. Embassy, as of Oct. 21, 2021, all visitors over the age of 18 at indoor public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, cinemas, gyms, shopping malls, hotels, concert halls, museums and swimming pools, must present a valid digital or paper COVID-19 certificate showing they have been fully vaccinated (again, valid for up to 270 days after the final dose and then a booster dose is required), have recently recovered from COVID-19 or have had a negative result of a PCR (no older than 72 hours) or antigen (no older than 48 hours) test.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Bulgaria is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Croatia

U.S. travelers can visit Croatia — but they must have proof of a reserved or fully paid accommodation.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Croatia, U.S. tourists must fill out the Enter Croatia form and present one of the following:

A negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or an approved rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival.
A vaccination certificate showing vaccination was completed at least 14 days before entry to Croatia but not earlier than 270 days before entry (or a booster dose is required).
A certificate of vaccination for people who recovered from COVID-19 and have received one dose of the vaccine within eight months of contracting the virus provided the vaccine was administered within the last 270 days.
A positive PCR test result or rapid antigen test result, confirming that the holder recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, which was performed in the previous 180 days, and which is older than 11 days from the date of arrival at the border crossing point, or a medical certificate of recovery.

Unvaccinated travelers in some cases may also test upon arrival (at the traveler’s cost) and self-isolate until receiving a negative result. All travelers visiting for tourism purposes must also provide proof of a reservation or accommodation paid in advance.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that entry requirements are subject to change at any time without notice and that the Croatian Border Police have final authority regarding entry into Croatia.

Croatia requires that masks be worn in indoor public spaces and outdoors when social distancing can not be maintained.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Croatia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Cyprus

Cyprus, a small island nation off the coast of Turkey, is now open to Americans arriving directly from the United States.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, tourists may travel from the United States to the Republic of Cyprus provided they have an approved “Cyprus Flight Pass.” The country changed its entry requirements as of Feb. 21, 2022, based on new green, red and grey country categories (the U.S. is currently red):

If fully vaccinated (which means a booster for those 18 and older if it has been more than nine months since completing vaccination, but a booster is not required for those under age 18), a U.S. traveler does not need to upload a pre-travel negative test result.
If not fully vaccinated or in possession of a valid certificate of recovery from COVID-19, passengers age 12 and older arriving from a red country (which the U.S. currently is) must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result (taken within 72 hours or 24 hours, respectively) and undergo a PCR test upon arrival at their own expense.

Face coverings are required in all public spaces for people age 12 and older. According to the U.S. Embassy, many venues, such as malls and retail centers, are restricted to those with a valid “Safepass,” defined as a negative test (PCR or rapid antigen) in the previous 72 hours, proof of at least one dose of vaccination at least three weeks prior, or proof of having contracted coronavirus in the previous six months. But for tourists, proof of a Cyprus Flight Pass suffices. Only the police or health officials have the right to request these proofs. Restaurants are open for both indoor and outdoor service, with indoor seating open only to those with a valid Safepass or Flight Pass.

The CDC has issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 advisory for Cyprus, while the U.S. State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Czech Republic

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic, only fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. are currently allowed to enter for tourism. Vaccinated travelers (which means boosted if they completed vaccination more than nine months earlier) need a passenger locator form as well as proof of vaccination; as of Feb. 15, 2022, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel is no longer required but is recommended. Children under 12, as well as children ages 12-18 who have both shots but are not boosted, are exempt from testing.

Travelers entering the Czech Republic for essential business who are not vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months must complete the passenger locator form as well as provide a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of beginning travel and take a PCR test between the fifth and seventh day after arrival in the Czech Republic.

As of Feb. 1, 2022, the Czech government considers the validity of COVID-19 vaccinations to be nine months from the date of the second dose. A booster shot extends the validity indefinitely. The rule will apply to everyone, including visitors to the Czech Republic.

Check for updates here and here.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic both note that direct flights between the U.S. and the Czech Republic do not currently exist and advise travelers from the U.S. to be cognizant of transit travel measures and testing requirements by checking transit measures for the counties they will transit prior to travel.

The latest updates on restrictions, which now include wearing FFP2 masks (equivalent to N95 masks) on public transport, can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Czech Republic is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Denmark

Copenhagen October 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Copenhagen, Denmark, in October 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Americans who are fully vaccinated (at least 14 days but no more than 270 days past their final dose of Pfizer or Moderna or 284 days past their single dose of Johnson & Johnson; a booster dose extends the validity) or who can prove recovery from a COVID-19 infection within the past 11-180 days can currently visit Denmark without pre-travel testing or quarantine, according to the U.S. Embassy in Denmark.

Unvaccinated and previously uninfected people entering Denmark from countries Denmark considers very high risk (including the U.S.) must be tested within the first 24 hours of arrival in Denmark (children age 14 and under traveling with a fully vaccinated parent are exempt) and self-isolate for 10 days, with a negative PCR test taken at least six days after arrival ending isolation.

As of Feb. 1, 2022, Denmark has dropped all COVID-19 restrictions within the country, although private business and cultural institutions may continue to require certain things and there will be recommendations for the use of masks and corona passports in certain limited situations; face masks are required in airports.

Updated travel restrictions for Denmark can be found here.

Entry rules and FAQs for entry into Denmark can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Denmark is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Estonia

Estonia reopened to Americans as of June 21, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy in Estonia, including for tourism. But as of September, only U.S. travelers who have proof of being fully vaccinated can enter for tourism and must fill out an online declaration of health form within 72 hours before arrival in Estonia.

Only unvaccinated U.S. travelers deemed to be visiting for a worthy purpose (work, study or family reasons) can enter and are required to complete the declaration of health form, present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel and complete a seven-day quarantine. Unvaccinated Americans who have proof of recovery from a previous infection must do a pre-travel test (taken within 72 hours for a PCR test and 24 hours for a rapid antigen test), but do not have to quarantine. See more information here.

As of Jan. 17, 2022, all countries in the EU, with the exception of the Vatican, have been moved to the “red” list, meaning unvaccinated visitors from within the EU must quarantine seven days upon arrival. The list of countries by color status can be found here.

As of Aug. 26, 2021, a COVID-19 certificate showing proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or evidence of having recovered from the coronavirus is required for most indoor spaces. Masks are still required.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Estonia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Finland

Americans are once again allowed to visit Finland, as the country has reopened its borders to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers on July 26, 2021, per the Visit Finland tourism board. However, the country is prohibiting unvaccinated U.S. visitors traveling for tourism through at least March 13, 2022.

Travelers from all countries, including the U.S., are now permitted to enter Finland, as long as they have been fully vaccinated for at least seven days (and within 270 days or a booster is required) prior to travel to Finland. Travelers can also present a certificate showing they have recovered from COVID-19 and have also received one COVID-19 vaccine shot at least seven days prior to arrival. The Finnish government will accept vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency and/or World Health Organization. Acceptable vaccination certificates include the EU Digital COVID Certificate as well as those written in English, Finnish or Swedish.

All these requirements apply to any traveler born in 2006 and earlier.

Unvaccinated travelers from the United States are permitted to enter Finland for essential reasons only. Details on entry requirements can be found here.

The U.S. Embassy in Finland also notes that as of Dec. 21, 2021, U.S. citizens can use their CDC vaccination cards to access restaurants, bars, tourist attractions and/or recreational facilities; previously, U.S. citizens have reported being refused entry into private and public establishments in Finland without an EU Digital COVID Certificate.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Finland in Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

France

Paris June 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Paris in June 2015. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

France just made it easier for fully vaccinated (and boosted) U.S. travelers to enter — without pre-travel testing required.

Since Jan. 31, 2021, France had banned all but essential travel by anyone outside of the European Union and Schengen Area countries—until June 9, 2021, when it reopened to tourists from select countries, including the United States. Then, on Sept.10, 2021, unvaccinated U.S. travelers were no longer allowed to enter France for tourism and the U.S. was been re-designated as a “red” country due to elevated COVID-19 cases.

The U.S. is now designated “orange” and as of Feb. 12, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers (who are seven days past but within 270 days of the second injection of the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine or 28 days past but within 270 days of the single-injection Johnson & Johnson vaccine — or who have been boosted at least one week before travel) no longer need to provide a negative test (PCR or antigen) taken within 48 hours of departure for France. They do need to provide a sworn statement attesting they do not have COVID-19 symptoms nor have they been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

Related: Updated France entry rules

Unvaccinated people approved for essential travel due to pressing reasons must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or antigen test taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight, and may be tested again upon arrival. Quarantine requirements have ended unless the traveler tests positive upon arrival.

Updates to entry restrictions can be found here.

France also announced restrictions on travel between the United Kingdom and France on Dec. 18, 2021. The U.S. Embassy cautions Americans to carefully consult the Embassy of France in the UK website before planning any travel between the U.K. and France.

Check the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in France for additional updates; details on current restrictions are available here.

As of Aug. 1, 2021, a digital health pass has been required for visitors to do almost anything, including airplane, train and long-distance car trips as well as visiting cafes, restaurants, medical facilities and shopping centers, in response to new mandates implemented by President Emmanuel Macron. French authorities have been accepting the CDC card as acceptable evidence of vaccination for entry into France, but it is not accepted as a French vaccine pass required for domestic travel within France or to enter cultural sites, museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, etc.

The French government last summer released a new procedure for visitors vaccinated outside of the EU to obtain the French health pass, but as of Oct. 31, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy, the French government has changed the method for obtaining what is now called a vaccine pass. Under the new system, the vaccine pass can be obtained from designated pharmacies for a fee of 36 euros. The map of designated pharmacies is available here.

Now, anyone 16 or older, either a tourist or a resident of France, who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 but more than four months have passed since their final dose (two months for Johnson & Johnson), will need to show proof of a booster shot to get a vaccine pass.

Those ages 12-15 need to show proof of vaccination but not a booster. Children ages 12-15 also require a health pass (proof of vaccination but no booster) and those who are not fully vaccinated can obtain a temporary, 24-hour pass by taking a negative antigen or PCR test on the ground in France.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for France is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Georgia

Americans are welcome in the country of Georgia, according to the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, including those who have documented proof of completed COVID-19 vaccinations with no additional testing required.

Travelers must provide either proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test result conducted 72 hours or less before arrival in Georgia

Travelers under 10 years old are exempt from testing obligations.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the COVID-19 “green pass” system created Dec. 1, 2021, requiring all individuals age 18 and older to have “green status” to enter most public venues, has been lifted as of Feb. 1.

The U.S. State Department’s current advisory for Georgia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Germany

Berlin August 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Berlin in August 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

The German government confirmed that Americans are welcome as of June 20, 2021. And with omicron-wave cases in the country having peaked after a two-month surge, the government announced on Feb.16, 2022, that it will begin lifting some capacity and gathering restrictions over the coming weeks, with a goal of lifting them by March 20.

Germany dropped all countries from its “high-risk” list on March 3, 2022, but according to the U.S. Embassy in Germany, travelers from the U.S. still need to be fully vaccinated or demonstrate an important reason for entering Germany and approved by the government.

U.S. travelers age 6 and older entering Germany must present proof of vaccination (if with Johnson & Johnson, a second dose with Pfizer is required and all vaccines are valid for 270 days, then a booster dose is required), proof of recovery in the past 90 days or, (if unvaccinated and approved) a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of boarding a flight.

According to the U.S. Embassy, people entering Germany who have spent time in a Robert Koch Institute-designated high-risk area (the U.S. is no longer high risk) in the 10 days prior to entry are also required to submit a digital registration for entry and unvaccinated U.S. travelers who have not had a previous infection must quarantine for 10 days, with a negative test after day five ending quarantine. Children under the age of 12 can end quarantine automatically after the same time, without a test.

The latest updates for travel can be found here. Updates on risk areas are provided by the Robert Koch Institute.

Currently, Germany requires that all people wear FFP1 or FFP2 medical-grade face masks when on public transport.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Germany is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Greece

Athens May 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Athens in May 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Greece began welcoming U.S. travelers on April 19, 2021 and several cruise lines, including Celebrity, also spent the summer sailing the Greek islands from Athens.

But the spread of the delta and the omicron variants this winter renewed COVID-19 testing restrictions as of Dec. 19, 2021. However, as of Feb. 21, 2022, entry requirements were eased slightly for U.S. travelers, who are now required to present just one of the following:

A vaccination certificate indicating a final dose administered less than nine months ago; a booster dose extends validity without a time limit.
Proof of recovery from COVID-19 issued at least 14 days after the first positive test result and valid for 180 days thereafter.
A negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival.

Regardless of vaccination status, travelers may be subject to random tests upon arrival. They must also complete an online passenger locator form.

By testing, unvaccinated U.S. travelers can still enter Greece, but the new rules make it difficult to do much of anything since the government has restricted access to many categories of businesses and public services. During their stay in Greece, foreign visitors must follow all measures that apply to Greek citizens. In particular, access to indoor areas of restaurants and leisure and sports facilities is allowed only after showing a vaccination certificate valid for seven months after the completion of the basic vaccination; a booster dose extends validity without a time limit.

The CDC card issued to those vaccinated in the U.S. is acceptable as proof of vaccination and booster doses.

Non-EU residents are advised to book a direct flight to Greece. Check the U.S. Embassy in Greece website for additional information.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Greece is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Hungary

Hungary banned foreigners entirely early in the pandemic and began lifting lockdown restrictions on its own citizens in May 2020. But then the country again banned foreigners, including Americans, until Aug. 8, 2021, when U.S. citizens were again permitted to visit.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Hungary, Americans traveling to Hungary by air must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, while testing is not required for those arriving by road, railway or waterway from most neighboring countries. Arriving travelers may also expect to undergo health checks upon arrival.

On May 1, 2021, Hungary began easing restrictions; however, as of Nov. 20, 2021, masks are again required in most indoor spaces, including retail establishments, hotels, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, government buildings, medical facilities and on public transport, according to the U.S. Embassy. Immunity certificates continue to be required for large gatherings, such as sporting events and music festivals.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Hungary is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Iceland

Iceland is welcoming U.S. travelers — and as of Feb. 25, 2022, there are no longer any testing or vaccination requirements to enter from any country.

Read the latest updates on the Icelandic government site and on Icelandair’s website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Iceland is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Check the U.S. Embassy in Iceland website for additional information.

Ireland

The temporary requirement that vaccinated or recovered U.S. travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Ireland was lifted as of Jan. 6, 2022. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and older, however, must still present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

As of Feb.1, 2022, to be considered vaccinated, travelers must have received their final dose of their primary vaccination within the past 270 days, or have received a booster dose. All travelers must also fill out a passenger locator form.

Requirements for traveling to Ireland are here. Details on restrictions and their recent loosening can be found here and here.

A person arriving in Ireland without a negative PCR test or valid proof of vaccination or recovery faces a fine of 2,500 euros or six months in jail. Aer Lingus also offers helpful information on travel requirements.

For additional information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Ireland’s website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Ireland is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Italy

Milan March 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Milan in March 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Americans are allowed to visit Italy for tourism. As of March 1, 2022, all travelers need to be asymptomatic and show proof of full vaccination, have proof of recovery from a COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days or provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival to avoid self-isolation.

Those who are vaccinated must have had their final dose within the past 270 days or they must be boosted. The white CDC card is accepted.

All unvaccinated travelers unable to prove recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 or 48 hours, respectively, or they will be required to self-isolate for five days and undergo a PCR or antigen test at the end of isolation.

Children age 6 and older accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent/caregiver must take the predeparture COVID-19 test; children under age 6 are exempt.

All passengers traveling to Italy also need to fill out the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form. And all arrivals may be subject to random swab tests.

In addition, as of Aug. 6, 2021, Italy requires proof of vaccination to visit museums, dine in restaurants, use public transportation and access most other indoor venues. And, according to the U.S. Embassy in Italy, the Italian government has added more restrictive rules, which will be in effect from Dec. 6, 2021, to at least March 31, 2022. The decree defines a “Super Green Pass” which will be granted only to people who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19. Individuals will be able to continue receiving a “Basic Green Pass” by testing negative for coronavirus.

The Super Green Pass is now required to stay in hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, to use all public transportation (including local buses, metros and trains and to board airplanes and high-speed trains), as well as some social activities such as museums, indoor dining, theaters and sporting and entertainment events. The latest decree also decreases the validity of the Green Pass from nine months to six months.

The CDC vaccination card and a government-issued photo ID are accepted for Americans to access indoor venues. Unvaccinated travelers may be able to gain access by showing results of a negative COVID-19 test within the last 48 hours.

Until March 31, 2022, the use of more protective FFP2 and KN95 masks is mandatory to participate in all indoor and outdoor cultural and recreational events, and on all transportation. The requirement to wear masks outdoors throughout all of Italy, except in congested areas where social distancing isn’t possible, expired on Feb. 10.

Check the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy for additional information. Details for U.S. travelers can be found here. The latest updates by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Italy is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Kosovo

Kosovo has reopened its borders to Americans and Pristina International Airport (PRN) is open. According to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, as of March 1, 2022, everyone who enters Kosovo must present one of the following:

Full vaccination certificate with two (2) doses (or a single-dose of Janssen vaccine) not exceeding more than 12 months after receiving the last dose
Vaccination certificate with a single dose, together with a negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19, not older than 48 hours
Evidence that the person has recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days (positive RT-PCR test issued in the last 21–90 days)
Evidence that the person has received the third/booster dose
Evidence of negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19, not older than 48 hours
This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 12. Children from 12 to 16 years of age must have a negative RT-PCR test not older than 48 hours.

But the embassy also notes: “Airlines, transit points, and destination countries impose a patchwork of different testing requirements and airlines may refuse boarding for some passengers (including U.S. citizens and Kosovo residents). Airlines have the sole authority to decide who they allow to board their aircraft. Generally, pre-travel testing is recommended.”

To dine inside restaurants or enter museums, malls or public institutions, you must show evidence of vaccination or a negative PRC or rapid negative antigen test.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Latvia

Americans can visit Latvia. According to the U.S. Embassy in Latvia, new regulations for travelers entering Latvia went into effect as of March 1, 2022. Travelers from the U.S. and other non-high-risk countries can now enter Latvia by presenting any of the following:

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) paper vaccine certificate
An interoperable digital EU certificate (either in an electronic smart device or printed out) or a vaccination certificate issued in specific other countries including the EU, the EEA countries, Switzerland or the United Kingdom
A recovery from Covid 19 certificate
A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken not more than 48 hours before boarding the flight or entering Latvia.

The prior requirement to provide essential reason to enter Latvia and register entry is cancelled as of March 1.

As of Feb.15, 2022, the validity of a COVID-19 vaccination certificate is nine months after completing the vaccination course with Pfizer or Moderna and five months after receiving Johnson & Johnson ( a booster extends validity). This requirement doesn’t apply to entry into Latvia, but does apply to places and businesses where it is necessary to present a vaccination certificate and does not apply to children until 18 years of age.

As of Jan. 25, only medical masks and/or masks marked as FPP2, FFP3 or KN95 can be worn indoors/outdoors regardless of persons` vaccination status. This requirement does not apply to children until 12 years of age.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Latvia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Liechtenstein

Switzerland handles immigration and customs matters for Liechtenstein, meaning that as long as you are qualified to enter Switzerland, you are able to enter Liechtenstein since there’s an open border between the two countries.

All Americans had been allowed in for tourism as of June 28, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy, but now only fully vaccinated U.S. travelers are permitted. Those arriving by airplane must fill out a digital entry form and present proof of being fully vaccinated within the past 270 days (or boosted) or having recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months. No additional testing is required.

Unvaccinated Americans can no longer visit for nonessential purposes, but those residing in non-high-risk countries can enter Switzerland by following the required protocols for that country.

Travelers can check their eligibility to enter Switzerland and Liechtenstein at the countries’ online TravelCheck. They can also check with the Swiss Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but masks are still required on public transit and inside hospitals, clinics and retirement homes. Additional details are here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Liechtenstein is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Lithuania

Americans can visit Lithuania for any purpose, according tot he U.S. Embassy in Lithuania, and must provide one of the following enter:

Proof of full vaccination (with the final shot within the past 270 days or a booster is required; a booster is not required for vaccinated people under age 18.
Proof (medical letter) of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days.
A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours (if age 16 or older); the negative test must be presented to board a flight.

Anyone who is not fully vaccinated or can show proof of recovery is also required to undergo seven days of self-isolation.

Information on all requirements for entry to Lithuania can be found here. All travelers from outside the EEA must complete a registration form to receive a QR code to present before boarding.

Most tourist attractions are now open in Lithuania. According to the U.S. Embassy, individuals need to wear medical masks or respirators — not cloth masks — in public places where masks are required, regardless of vaccination status. Information about the current restrictions can be found on the Ministry of Health’s web page.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Lithuania is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Luxembourg

According to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, as of Nov. 7, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. are again allowed to enter Luxembourg and the CDC card is accepted as proof of vaccination.

As of September 2021, a curfew is no longer in place and restaurants and cafes are open — but there is a “3G” system that is standard for leisure activities, including eating out, cinemas, sports and culture. With the 3G system, individuals must show they are either fully vaccinated with a booster vaccination or have received their second vaccine dose less than 270 days ago or have recovered from COVID-19 less than six months ago. Individuals who do not fall into these exemption categories must present the result of a NAAT test (PCR, TMA or LAMP) or present a valid certified rapid antigen test. Details are available here.

The embassy notes that although the U.S. CDC card is accepted as proof of vaccination to enter Luxembourg, it does not have a QR code and is therefore not accepted in place of a CovidCheck certificate/QR code for entrance to restaurants, bars or events. Travelers with a U.S. CDC card may request a CovidCheck certificate from the Luxembourg government to allow access to these venues. Read more about Luxembourg’s restrictions here.

More information can also be found on the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg’s website here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Luxembourg is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Malta

Vaccinated Americans from all 50 states can travel to Malta with a CDC-issued COVID-19 vaccination record. Unvaccinated U.S. travelers are no longer allowed to enter as the U.S. is a “Red List” country, per the Maltese government. The regularly updated list can be found here.

American travelers must verify their CDC card through the VeriFly app by uploading vaccine information and other required travel documentation to activate their “Trip to Malta” pass, per the U.S. Embassy in Malta.

Vaccinated U.S. residents can currently visit directly from the U.S. and must fill out the digital EU passenger locator form. Pre-travel testing is not required with proof of vaccination, but that could be subject to change and travelers heading to Malta to board a cruise ship are likely required to take a COVID-19 PCR test before departure.

In addition, the U.S. Embassy notes that as of Jan. 17, 2022, vaccination certificates will expire on fixed dates based on the date of a person’s last vaccine dose. Individuals without a booster shot may no longer be recognized as fully vaccinated by the government of Malta. Those who are not considered to be fully vaccinated may not be able to enter Malta, or may be required to undergo mandatory quarantine. Currently, vaccination is accepted if the last dose was within three months; booster doses extend validity for nine months. Details are available on the Ministry of Health website.

Updates on entry requirements can be found here.

Masks are required in all indoor public spaces and mass gatherings.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Malta is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Moldova

As of Aug. 16, 2021, Americans are permitted to enter Moldova, but the country’s proximity to Ukraine makes travel there inadvisable at this time; airspace is currently closed..

Per the U.S. Embassy in Moldova, as of Jan. 17, 2022, Moldova requires anyone entering the country to present one of the following:

A negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours.
A COVID-19 vaccine certificate, valid 14 days after the second dose.
A medical certificate attesting recovery from COVID-19 in the previous six months.
A COVID-19 antibodies certificate valid for 90 days from the exam date.

There are exceptions for children 12 and under and other travelers. The U.S. Embassy website has details, or consult the Moldovan Border Police for more information.

Face masks are required in all indoor public spaces. In addition, anyone over the age of 18 eating in a restaurant or cafe or attending any show, concert, festival, theater, cinema, concert hall, nightclub, dance floor, etc., must present one of the following documents: a negative COVID-19 PCR test (taken in the last 72 hours) or antigen test (taken in the last 48 hours), a COVID-19 vaccination certificate (valid 14 days after the second dose), a medical certificate attesting the person had COVID-19 in the previous six months, or a COVID-19 antibodies certificate valid for 90 days from the exam date.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Moldova is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Monaco

The Embassy of Monaco in Washington, D.C., reports that as of Feb. 12, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers over the age of 11 from the U.S. and Canada are permitted to travel to Monaco (whose immigration is overseen by France) for tourism with proof of full vaccination (a booster is required for those age 18 and older if the final dose was more than nine months ago) and no required pre-travel test. Children under age 12 are exempt from testing. They must also sign a sworn statement attesting to an absence of symptoms and no contact with an infected individual.

Unvaccinated U.S. travelers age 12 and older must have an essential reason to visit and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of boarding. Unvaccinated travelers are also required to submit to random antigen testing upon arrival and seven days of self-isolation.

France handles immigration and customs for Monaco. Details are here.

As is the case for France, a digital health pass is required to access public venues, including restaurants, bars and museums, but Monaco will accept the official CDC card as proof of vaccination (as long as it shows a final dose within 270 days or a booster dose).

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for France/Monaco is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Montenegro

Montenegro is open to Americans. The U.S. Embassy in Montenegro notes that fully vaccinated U.S. citizens age 18 and older who are at least 14 days (but less than six months, or a booster dose is required) past their final dose can enter Montenegro without presenting a pre-travel COVID-19 test, while those who are unvaccinated must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test (taken within 72 hours) or antigen test (taken within 48 hours) or proof of recovery with a positive PCR test that was taken within 10 to 180 days.

As of Sept. 3, 2021, face masks must be worn indoors and in all public transportation, airports, stations and taxis. Entry to museums and other cultural institutions is restricted to those that are fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours, a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 14-180 days. Similarly, restaurants are restricted to fully vaccinated people, those who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or those with a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Montenegro is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherland (Photo by Liz Hund/The Points Guy) — Amsterdam. (Photo by Liz Hund/The Points Guy)

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands, all passengers age 12 and older arriving from outside of the EU/Schengen Area must provide a negative COVID-19 test (a PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight or an antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure) in addition to proof of vaccination (validity ends after 270 days after the final dose but is extended indefinitely by a booster dose) or recovery from COVID-19. The white CDC card is accepted proof of vaccination and boosting.

Additionally, all travelers age 13 and up must complete an online health declaration form before traveling to the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has a checklist for incoming travelers. For the latest updates on who is allowed to visit and what the testing and/or self-isolation requirements are, check here.

The country also lifted COVID-19 restrictions on social venues as of Feb. 25.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Netherlands is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

North Macedonia

(Screenshot courtesy TAV Airports) — (Screenshot from TAV Airports)

North Macedonia is now open to all tourists, including Americans, with vaccine and testing requirements as of Sept. 1, 2021. All travelers over 18 entering and exiting the country must provide one of the following: proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to travel, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 45 days.

Otherwise, you will be subject to a seven-day quarantine, to be shortened by taking a PCR test after day five.

The same vaccination, testing or proof of recovery requirements are in effect to exit North Macedonia, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for North Macedonia Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Norway

As of Feb. 12, 2022, Norway’s travel restrictions have been lifted. The same rules as prior to the COVID-19 pandemic now apply. There are no requirements for testing, quarantine or registration upon arrival in Norway.

Testing before and after arrival in Svalbard will continue.

Visit the Norwegian government website for further updates.

Detailed information about travel to Norway and national and local COVID-19 prevention measures are available on  Health Norway’s website.

Norway reopened to U.S. travelers as of Nov. 26, 2021, after being closed to most Americans since Sept. 12, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy.

More information is available from the Norwegian government.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Norway is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Poland

U.S. citizens are now permitted to visit if they arrive on an international flight. They are, however, only allowed to travel to Poland by land or sea if they meet one of the below entry restrictions, per the U.S. Embassy:

Foreigners who are spouses/children of Polish citizens or remain under the constant care of Polish citizens.
Foreigners holding an ID card for those with a claim to Polish heritage through ancestry.
Foreigners who have permanent or temporary residence in Poland.
Foreigners who are authorized to employment under the same rules as Polish citizens, who perform work in Poland or will take up employment immediately after entering Poland.
Students enrolled in Polish educational institutions.
Scientists conducting research or developmental work in Poland.
Foreigners participating in international sports competitions, including media.
Foreigners who transport goods.
People with Polish diplomatic status.
Other humanitarian cases approved by the chief of the Border Guard.

Reader Jackson Wilhelm told TPG that he was able to visit Poland easily as a vaccinated American. You will need to be able to show proof of vaccination and fill out a passenger locater form.

As of Dec. 15, 2021, all travelers age 5 years and older arriving from outside the Schengen Area, whether they are vaccinated or not, must present a negative PCR or antigen test result take within 24 hours of arrival. Those who are unvaccinated and have not recovered from COVID-19 must quarantine for seven days; those who can show a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 with an EU-approved vaccine or recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months are exempt from quarantine. Details are here.

To avoid a mandatory seven-day hotel or home quarantine (with release possible after taking a COVID-19 test after 48 hours with a negative result), any traveler entering Poland from within the Schengen Area must also present one of the following: proof of full vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months, or a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken at least 48 hours prior. Travelers under age 12 who are accompanied by a vaccinated parent or one presenting a negative test are exempt from quarantine.

Check with the U.S. Embassy for specifics. Additional information is also available here.

Face masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces and public transportation.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Poland is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Portugal

All travelers 12 and older arriving in Portugal from the United States must fill out a passenger locator card within 48 hours of travel and present a negative COVID-19 test result.

The mandatory negative test requirement is a PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding or a laboratory antigen test taken within 24 hours of boarding for passengers age 12 and older arriving via air in Portugal. This is required even for those who are fully vaccinated but do not have an approved EU Digital COVID Certificate (Portugal currently only accepts certificates from countries that accept the EU Digital COVID Certificate), regardless of the point of origin of the flight or the passenger’s nationality.

For entry into the Azores — Ponta Delgada (PDL) and Terceira (TER) airports — you must show results of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before boarding (or antigen test approved by EU and taken within 48 hours of boarding) or proof of a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate. Alternatively, travelers can present a Declaration of Immunity for those who already had COVID-19, or they may test upon arrival and self-isolate for 12-24 hours as they await results.

For entry to Madeira, travelers must present one of the following: a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding or a vaccination certificate or EU Digital COVID Certificate. Travelers can also perform a free test upon arrival.

More information is available at Visit Portugal and through the U.S. Embassy in Portugal.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Portugal is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Romania

Romania has reopened to Americans, but the U.S. has been on the “red list” since Aug. 15, 2021. According to the U.S. Embassy in Romania, foreign citizens entering Romania must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their flight. Travelers who have proof of being fully vaccinated (the CDC card will be accepted) do not have to present a negative pre-travel test to avoid quarantine.

Travelers who are unvaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days and do not present a negative pre-travel PCR test must quarantine for five days at home, a chosen location or a state quarantine facility. Children under 12 are excepted from quarantine requirements.

The embassy cautions that regulations continue to change, so before traveling to Romania travelers are advised to consult their airline as well as the Embassy of Romania in Washington, D.C., for entry requirements.

Travelers will also be asked to undergo a health screening upon arrival at Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) and to complete an online questionnaire.

According to the U.S. Embassy, as of Oct. 22, 2021, an EU Digital COVID Certificate or Romanian-issued “Digital Green Certificate/Green Pass” is necessary to access many public locations and to participate in certain activities such as indoor or outdoor seated dining at restaurants, access to shopping malls, museums, exhibitions, cultural sites, nonessential stores, swimming pools, gyms and other venues. The Green Pass is not required for locations that provide essential services, such as food stores, pharmacies with direct access, or religious services.

While the Romanian authorities will accept a CDC vaccination card as proof of vaccination upon entry into Romania to avoid quarantine, it may not be accepted by all the venues within the country. The Romanian government has not issued an explicit policy for acceptance of vaccine documentation issued outside of the European Union, so the decision has been left to individual venues to verify the vaccination status to avoid a fine. The U.S. Embassy notes that if you are told that you cannot enter the venue, consider asking if there is another staff member who might recognize and accept your vaccination card.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Romania is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Russia

Travel to Russia at this time is not advised due to the geopolitical conflict and invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, which has limited international transportation options as airlines have canceled flights to and from the country. In addition, most cruise lines have canceled scheduled port calls on St. Petersburg during the 2022 Baltic cruise season.

Americans had not been allowed to travel to Russia, even as the country mostly reopened businesses and transportation after many restrictions were eased in June 2020. However, the U.S. Embassy says that according to the Decree of the Russian Federation No. 1745-r, U.S. citizens are now permitted to travel to the Russian Federation under certain conditions. For more information, visit the website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the USA.

The Russian government requires that all foreign travelers present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result upon arrival, dated within two days prior to arrival in Russia, along with completion of a digital form that must be printed out and presented to customs in Russia.

The U.S. Embassy Moscow advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia as it is one of the countries “most affected” by COVID-19. Cases and deaths have surged, hitting record highs through mid-February.

The embassy in Moscow also reports that it has received reports that U.S. citizens transiting through certain third countries to the Russian Federation have been denied entry. It appears that U.S. citizens are permitted to enter the Russian Federation only from countries with which the Russian Federation has officially resumed flight connections. A list of countries can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Russia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Serbia

All U.S. travelers older than 12 entering Serbia need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia. If a U.S. citizen’s travel originates in the U.S., they can provide either a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours.

Most pandemic-related restrictions have gradually been lifted, although social distancing remains in public places and face masks are required on public transit.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Serbia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Slovakia

According to the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia, travel for tourism or regular business from the United States to Slovakia is permitted, as long as the traveler is vaccinated or is unvaccinated and has already legally entered the Schengen Area through a country that permits unvaccinated travelers.

The government is expected to lift remaining restrictions in phases, beginning at the end of February.

Per the U.S. Embassy, travelers entering Slovakia are divided into two groups: fully vaccinated and unvaccinated. Under the new requirements, all eligible travelers age 12 and older must register online in advance at korona.gov.sk/ehranica.

As of Feb. 4, travelers eligible to enter Slovakia follow one of two sets of regulations: “fully vaccinated and recently recovered” or “unvaccinated.” Fully vaccinated travelers age 12 and older do not need COVID-19 test results to enter Slovakia and do not need to self-quarantine if they are arriving on direct flights from certain countries, including the U.S. Fully vaccinated means at least 14 days (but not more than nine months) have passed since the second dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna); at least 21 days (but not more than nine months) have passed since vaccination with a single-dose vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), or at least 14 days (but not more than nine months) have passed since the first dose of either an mRNA or vector vaccine if a person has also recovered from COVID-19 within the last 180 days.

Vaccinated travelers age 12 and older who arrive in Slovakia by air from countries not on the list need to present negative results of a PCR test less than 72 hours old, in addition to their korona.gov.sk/ehranica registration and vaccination card in Slovak, Czech or English.

Fully vaccinated travelers must carry proof of vaccination. Vaccination cards from all countries are accepted as long as they are in Slovak, English or Czech. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must self-quarantine for 10 days as of Oct. 15 or apply for a COVID-19 test on the fifth day of quarantine, and if the test result is negative the self-quarantine can end.

Face masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces. Slovakia has also divided countries into three groups for border entry requirements: green, red and black. The U.S. is currently a red country. Details can be found here.

The U.S. Embassy notes that there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Slovakia and if you fly into an airport in a neighboring country, you need to comply with all requirements for transiting passengers for the country where the airport is located.

The embassy also notes that flights to the Schengen Area through Vienna and Prague permit transit as long as the traveler has documentation to prove that the final destination in the EU will allow their entry. All travelers who arrive in Slovakia by airplane are required to fill out the passenger locator form and to obey all epidemiological measures as ordered by the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic.

For details on transiting from neighboring countries by means other than air, also check the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Slovakia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Slovenia

Slovenia has reopened its borders to some EU travelers as well as Americans, but it has a traffic light system of entry requirements. Travelers from countries on the red list, which includes the U.S., must be immunized or fully recovered from COVID-19 to enter for tourism.

The U.S. Embassy in Slovenia confirms Americans are now welcome for tourism, but they must be fully vaccinated (at least seven days past their second dose of Pfizer or 14 days for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson). Children under age 12 accompanying their parents can enter Slovenia without quarantine and do not require proof of a negative test.

Americans visiting Slovenia for essential travel (not tourism) are permitted to do so with proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel. Otherwise, travelers are subject to a 10-day quarantine. Additional details are available via the U.S. Embassy.

Museums and shops are open with social distancing restrictions. Restaurants are open and indoor dining is allowed with restrictions. FP2 (N95) face masks or surgical masks are required in indoor public spaces. Proof of vaccination, a negative test (taken within 48 hours if an antigen test and 72 hours if a PCR test) or proof of recovery from COVID-19 between 10 days and six months is required to enter all indoor cultural and sporting events in Slovenia.

The State Department’s advisory for Slovenia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Spain

Madrid June 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Madrid in June 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

As of Sept. 6, 2021, Spain is requiring proof of vaccination for U.S. tourists or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival for unvaccinated travelers who meet exceptional situations to enter the country, following the EU’s recommendation to reimplement travel restrictions on Americans.

Visitors arriving for tourism must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival, with the last shot no more than 270 days prior to arrival or a booster shot is required at least 14 days before entry.

Unvaccinated travelers who meet exceptional situations must present results of a negative COVID-19 test (a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival).

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 may accompany fully vaccinated adults.

As of June 24, 2021, all U.S. travelers must present a QR code upon arrival in Spain, generated through the Spain Travel Health portal. The Spanish government requires all passengers coming to Spain from outside the country to complete the Health Control Form portion via the Spain Health Portal at least 48 hours prior to departure to the country, including international transits. You may begin to fill out the form at any time prior to your trip, excluding sections that are limited to two days prior to your arrival. Both the form and associated QR code are necessary for entry.

Travelers will also undergo temperature checks upon arrival. The Spanish Ministry of Health maintains a list of countries by risk designation.

Further details on entry requirements can be found here or on the U.S. Embassy in Spain’s website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Spain is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Sweden

As of Jan. 21, Sweden is once again allowing foreign visitors from outside the European Union/European Economic Area as long as they have a vaccination certificate from an approved country, according to the Swedish Border Police. The United States is an approved country — Americans can visit and the CDC vaccination card is accepted.

Some foreign travelers entering Sweden also need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of entry, even if they are fully vaccinated, depending on whether they are arriving from an approved country, per the U.S. Embassy in Sweden.

Unvaccinated travelers entering Sweden from a non-EEA country must be covered by at least one exemption to the general entry ban and present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entry in Sweden. Visit the Swedish Border Police website for more details.

As of Feb. 9, Sweden has dropped all domestic COVID-19 restrictions, including the wearing of face masks on public transit and capacity limits and vaccine requirements for restaurants.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Sweden is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Switzerland

All Americans had been allowed in for tourism as of June 28, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland, but now only fully vaccinated U.S. travelers are permitted. Those arriving by airplane must fill out a digital entry form and present proof of being fully vaccinated within the past 270 days (or boosted) or having recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months. No additional testing is required.

Unvaccinated Americans can no longer visit for nonessential purposes, but those residing in non-high-risk countries can enter Switzerland by following the required protocols for that country.

Travelers can check their eligibility to enter Switzerland at the country’s online TravelCheck. They can also check with the Swiss Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted as of Feb. 17, 2022, but masks are still required on public transit and inside hospitals, clinics and retirement homes. Additional details are here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Switzerland is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Levels of COVID-19.

Turkey

Turkey’s international borders are open for travelers from a number of countries, including the U.S., according to the U.S. Embassy in Turkey.

Related: Turkey is open to Americans

According to the U.S Embassy, arriving passengers age 12 or older must have one of the following:

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before arrival.
A COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival.
A COVID-19 recovery certificate issued at most six months before arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers without the required test results will not be allowed to board flights or enter the country.

All travelers 6 years of age and older must also complete a Turkey Entrance Form within 72 hours of their flight (a printout or mobile screenshot of the completed form must be presented before boarding). Full details are on the Turkish Airlines website.

Upon arrival, travelers will be asked to fill out a passenger information form and undergo medical screenings (including a random PCR test), and anyone showing symptoms upon arrival will be tested for coronavirus. Anyone who tests positive will be referred to a Turkish hospital for quarantine and treatment.

The Turkish Ministry of Health announced on March 2, 2022 that masks are no longer required outdoors and indoors if air circulation and social distancing are adequate. HES code requirement has been lifted in all institutions and entities and restaurants are open without restrictions. PCR tests will not be requested from those who have no symptoms.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Turkey is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Ukraine

Due to heavy and sustained armed conflict with Russia within Ukraine, the government’s state of emergency and COVID-19, any travel to Ukraine at this time is not advised. Those U.S. citizens currently in Ukraine should depart immediately, per the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine .

Prior to the tensions, all U.S. citizens age 12 and older entering Ukraine from the U.S. or another “Red Zone” country were required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a document confirming the receipt of a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 with vaccines on the WHO’s list of approved vaccines.

U.S. citizens traveling to Ukraine must also demonstrate that they have medical insurance covering all expenses related to COVID-19 treatment while in Ukraine.

Since Aug. 5, 2021, all foreign tourists over 18 years old who have not been vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days and monitor such via the Vdoma mobile app, to be shortened by testing negative within three days. Quarantine is not required if you are in the country for less than 72 hours.

Cases have been surging and Ukraine is under adaptive quarantine until March 31, 2022. Mask-wearing is mandatory on public transportation and in indoor public spaces.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Ukraine is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

United Kingdom

London November 2016. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — London in November 2016. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

The United Kingdom has as of Jan. 6, 2022, lifted its requirement that all international travelers arriving by air test before travel, regardless of vaccination status. However, the requirement to pretest within two days of departure for the U.K. remains in effect for unvaccinated travelers.

The requirement to prebook and take a PCR test two days after arrival in the U.K. and self-isolate until receiving a negative result also ended for fully vaccinated travelers from qualified countries (the U.S. is one of them) on Feb. 11, 2022. Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to test or quarantine at all.

However, as of Feb. 11, unvaccinated travelers to the U.K. must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days of travel and book and pay for a PCR test to be taken upon arrival in the U.K. There is no quarantine required unless the PCR test is positive.

All travelers must complete an online passenger locator form within 48 hours of boarding their flight. See here for all testing requirements.

All four nations that comprise the U.K. have separate COVID-19 regulations: England’s are here, Scotland’s are here, Northern Ireland’s are here and Wales’ are here.

Lockdown measures have been fully lifted in England, where pretty much everything has reopened to full capacity, indoors and out. Following the omicron surge, there are gradual easing of restrictions for certain businesses and venues in Scotland and Wales, while proof of vaccination or a negative test is still required for others.

The CDC has issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 advisory for the U.K. The U.S. State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom for regular updates.

Central America

Belize

(Photo by Lomingen / Getty Images) — (Photo by Lomingen/Getty Images)

Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) reopened on Aug. 15, 2020, and the return of tourism began Oct. 1, 2020, with travel requirements in place. Americans are welcome to visit Belize. As of March 1, 2022, travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to present a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test or take one on arrival.

All visitors to Belize must complete a customs and immigration form given to them on their flight and unvaccinated travelers age 12 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours or a rapid antigen test (by Sophia, SD Biosensor or Abbott/Panbio) taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight or they will be tested on arrival for $50 (only cash is accepted). If a passenger tests positive and is notified by the Belize authorities, they must quarantine at a government-approved hotel.

All visitors will have to stay at one of the country’s full-service hotels or resorts that have received the Belize Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition. Among the requirements for this designation: The hotels must have private transportation to and from the airport, a restaurant on property and strict cleanliness protocols.

As of Feb. 15, 2022, all travelers to Belize are also required to purchase local travel health insurance (cost: $18 per person for a visit lasting up to 21 days) from Belize Travel Insurance.

Belize currently has a nationwide daily curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and midnight to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tourists are encouraged to remain within established “safe corridors.” Restaurants are open with capacity restrictions as well as for outdoor dining, takeout and delivery. Masks are required in all public spaces.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Belize is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica began its reopening in September 2020, and on Nov. 1, 2020, began welcoming Americans — without the need for a negative COVID-19 PCR test. However, COVID-19 cases surged during the omicron wave and there remains a moderately high level of transmission in the country.

To enter Costa Rica, all foreign nationals must complete a digital form called Health Pass within 48 hours of travel (this will be in effect through March 31). A form needs to be submitted for each individual traveler, including minors. It is also mandatory that all unvaccinated travelers (excluding those under age 18) have travel insurance that will cover accommodations (a minimum of $2,000) in case of quarantine and medical expenses (a minimum of $50,000) due to COVID-19 illness. Travelers are considered fully vaccinated if they have received full doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson or certain other vaccines.

The mandatory insurance for the unvaccinated and Health Passes to access business establishments will be dropped as of April 1, 2022. Until then, all commercial establishments seeking to operate at full capacity in Costa Rica (including hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos and museums) can request anyone older than 18 entering them to be fully vaccinated and present a verifiable QR code indicating they are fully vaccinated.

Through March 31, fully vaccinated tourists will now receive a QR code upon completion of their Health Pass that they can use as proof of vaccination for entry into these establishments. They can also use a physical vaccine card, such as the CDC vaccine card.

Complete entry and vaccination requirement details are available here.

Most businesses are open and face masks are mandatory in all indoor public settings and outdoors when social distancing isn’t possible. Beaches are open and national parks are welcoming visitors at 100% capacity.

Travelers can also check the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica website for information.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Costa Rica is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

El Salvador

The country of El Salvador reopened for commercial flights on Sept. 19, 2020, to Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador.

Local businesses are open with no restrictions. According to the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, as of Nov. 17, 2021, the government of El Salvador removed the COVID-19 test and/or vaccination requirements for entry. Travelers are advised to confirm with their airlines that the airline understands and has implemented this change to avoid complications at their departure airport.

The country has said arriving passengers will face temperature checks. A curfew is currently not in place and there are no quarantine requirements for visitors.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for El Salvador is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Guatemala

Guatemala began slowly reopening to tourism on Sept. 18, 2020, and Aurora International Airport (GUA) is accepting international arrivals. Vaccinated Americans are welcome to visit. The country is, however, prepared to deny entry to any traveler (including U.S. citizens) who have been in certain South African countries over the past 14 days, and/or require those allowed in to quarantine.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, arriving passengers age 10 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test conducted within 72 hours of arrival and as of Jan. 10, 2022, visitors age 12 and older must also show proof of vaccination completed no less than two weeks before arrival. They must also complete a health pass . Any nonresident foreigners presenting symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival may be denied entry to Guatemala.

Upon arrival, travelers must pass through health checkpoints and soldiers are enforcing the mandatory use of masks.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Guatemala is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Honduras

Honduras reopened for tourists from all countries on Aug. 17, 2020, with its international airports in operation. Spirit Airlines has resumed service from Fort Lauderdale and Houston, and American Airlines is flying from Miami.

Entering visitors must complete a government registration form and print it as well as present a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test result taken within 72 hours of check-in at the airport or their original vaccination certificate indicating they are 14 days or more past completing their vaccination. They will also be required to sign an affidavit and complete customs forms. Masks are required in all public spaces. Updates on guidelines can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Honduras website.

The local health authority maintains the right to grant or deny final approval for entry, based on their determination of risk of COVID-19 from any visiting travelers.

Individuals remaining out after 10 p.m. are required to carry their COVID-19 vaccination card. Bars and nightclubs remain closed and most businesses are required to operate with limited hours and reduced capacity.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Honduras is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua never really shut down. There were never any stay-at-home or social distancing orders and because of these relaxed rules, there have been questions about how many cases Nicaragua actually has. The Nicaraguan government also never officially implemented any travel restrictions, but its borders and airports effectively closed until October 2020; only limited flights have since resumed (on Avianca and Copa) and American Airlines has set tentative dates for resumption of flights beginning in May 2022.

The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua notes that the Nicaraguan government has yet to officially impose any domestic travel restrictions or national quarantine policies. The embassy also states that U.S. travelers are allowed to enter Nicaragua, and a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 72 hours of travel is required for entry. Travelers should also be prepared for additional health screenings and may be asked to produce their negative test. Anyone entering Nicaragua from a country with a known yellow fever risk must also show proof of vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival.

The CDC’s health advisory for Nicaragua is Level Unknown and U.S. State Department’s advisory for Nicaragua is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Panama

Panama began reopening its airport back in late August 2020 and reopened to tourism on Oct. 12, 2020. The country currently requires all travelers to register via an online health affidavit and unvaccinated travelers to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival; those from high-risk countries must also quarantine.

Travelers who are at least two weeks past being fully vaccinated can show their vaccination certificate to avoid testing and quarantine—but as of Feb. 20, 2022, Panama defines fully vaccinated as having received three doses of vaccine, or two doses of Johnson & Johnson.

Details are available here.

All unvaccinated travelers arriving in Panama must provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within the last 72 hours. Any unvaccinated traveler that’s not from a high-risk country who was unable to obtain a negative coronavirus test within that time frame can take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test at the airport upon arrival (the cost is $50), but if the result is positive they must quarantine for 14 days in a hotel.

Unvaccinated travelers who have been in or who transited through a high-risk country (which doesn’t currently include the U.S.) in the past 15 days must also undergo a 72-hour hotel quarantine at their own expense. Passengers who test positive after the 72-hour quarantine will be transferred directly to a hotel hospital for a 14-day quarantine; those who test negative will be released from quarantine.

Face masks are required in public spaces.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama notes on its website that the CDC has issued a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 advisory and the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.

South America

Argentina

(Photo by Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images)

Argentina had one of the world’s strictest travel bans, restricting all international visitors, but that changed as of Nov. 1, 2021, and fully vaccinated foreigners (including Americans) are now able to enter the country. See details here.

All permitted arrivals must present proof of completed vaccination and a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel, a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel or a medical discharge certificate indicating recovery from COVID-19 in the past 10-90 days. They must also sign a sworn electronic statement within 48 hours before their arrival and have proof of health insurance valid for COVID-19 treatment in Argentina.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, minors (under age 18) who are not fully vaccinated are allowed to enter the country and will not have to quarantine. However, the Argentine government recommends that minors do not attend social activities or mass events for a period of seven days starting from the day of arrival.

Some unvaccinated U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Argentina, according to the U.S. Embassy, but only if they are a direct relative of an Argentine citizen or resident (children, parent, spouse or civil union partner) and the purpose of the trip is to visit such family member. Any unvaccinated traveler wishing to visit a family member must obtain prior authorization from the Argentine Consulate in the United States. Unvaccinated U.S. citizens traveling for business must also seek authorization.

Masks are mandatory countrywide in indoor public spaces and transportation.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Bolivia

Bolivia had been off-limits to tourists, but the country is now open to visitors, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia, with a notation that travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions affecting international travel to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Bolivia is now Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

U.S. citizens will need to obtain a tourist visa ($160 and valid for 30 days). Entry rules recently changed and now travelers to Bolivia, regardless of their country of origin, must:

Submit a certified negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight (children 5 years old and younger are exempt).
Submit a sworn statement of the location of stay within Bolivia.
Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine after entering Bolivia (diplomats are exempt) and take another PCR test 72 hours after arrival (the cost of quarantine and testing must be covered by the traveler).
Those who do not have permanent residence in Bolivia must have health insurance with coverage for COVID-19 upon entry to Bolivia.

Face masks are required in all public spaces and social distancing rules are in place.

The U.S. Embassy reports that commercial flights have resumed — Boliviana de Aviacion has flights between La Paz and Miami — but travelers should expect that additional restrictions affecting international travel could be put in place with little advance notice.

Brazil

Brazil has had the most coronavirus cases in South America as well as a COVID-19 variant that caused many countries to ban entry of travelers from Brazil. Cases peaked from March to June 2021, but weekly cases due to the omicron surge hit a record 1.3 million in late January 2022. Cases have since eased, but the country recently surpassed 650,000 deaths.

Fully vaccinated tourists are currently welcome and while Brazil no longer requires proof of health insurance for entry, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Brazil and continues to recommend that all travelers purchase insurance before departing the United States. The CDC’s advisory for Brazil is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

For updates, check the U.S. Embassy in Brazil’s website.

Since Dec. 30, 2020, all travelers age 12 and older arriving in Brazil by air, both tourists and residents, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of boarding and complete a health declaration form. Brazil also requires that anyone age 12 and older present proof of full vaccination (electronic or printed, but proof in the form of just a QR code will not be accepted).

Brazilians had not been allowed to travel to the U.S., which had also banned entry by any foreign nationals who have been to Brazil in the past 14 days. However, that changed as of Nov. 8, and fully vaccinated Brazilians are able to travel to the U.S.

Chile

Chile once again allows fully vaccinated travelers to visit — although all travelers are required to test again upon arrival and quarantine until receiving a negative result.

According to both the U.S. Embassy in Chile and the Chile Tourism website, any noncitizen or nonresident planning to enter Chile after Nov. 1, 2021, is required to do the following:

Be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine (if age 6 and older) and register at mevacuno.gob.cl to obtain a 30-day mobility pass (this process might take more than four weeks).
Present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of the boarding time for your flight (for the last leg of your journey if booking a connecting flight).
Fill out the Affidavit for Travelers form online, up to 48 hours before departure, in which you will provide your contact and health information and your travel details. The form will issue a QR code as a means of verification.
Have medical insurance with coverage of at least $30,000 for COVID-19 related care.
Take a PCR test upon arrival (if older then age 2) and remain in quarantine until getting a negative result.
Complete a daily tracking form sent via email for the first 10 days in the country.

LATAM resumed flights between Santiago and the U.S., but before November 2020 they had been used mostly for humanitarian and repatriation flights.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Chile is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Colombia

Americans are allowed to travel to Colombia, where international flights resumed on Sept. 21, 2020, and according to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, that now includes tourists. But as of Dec. 14, 2021, all visitors age 18 and older need to provide proof of full vaccination to enter.

According to the U.S. Embassy, visitors age 18 and older who have had their first vaccine but are not fully vaccinated (or who were fully vaccinated less than 14 days before arriving in Colombia) are required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of their departure to Colombia. Unvaccinated travelers age 18 and older are not allowed to enter.

Current requirements call for all visitors to complete the online pre-travel registration form “Check-Mig” within one to 24 hours of their flight departure time, wear a mask at all times in public and wash their hands on a consistent basis. Further details are available here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Colombia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Ecuador

Ecuador is again open for Americans, but its entry rules recently changed. As of Feb. 11, 2022, all arriving passengers over 3 years old are now required to present a vaccination card showing completion of COVID-19 vaccination (at least 14 days prior to travel) or results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding their flight, per the Ecuador Tourism website. All visitors must also fill out an online health declaration form.

Requirements for the Galapagos Islands are now the same as entry into Ecuador; travelers who aren’t fully vaccinated can use the same PCR test result if they are transiting directly to the Galapagos upon arrival in Ecuador and their test is still within the required 72-hour time frame at the time of boarding their flight to the Galapagos. If not, travelers need to test again in Ecuador. Travelers to the Galapagos also need a “salvoconducto” (transit control card) from their tour operator and should contact the operator directly for that document.

Related: Ecuador ditches quarantine

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Ecuador is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador website for additional information.

Guyana

According to the U.S. Embassy, Americans can visit Guyana. As of Feb. 11, 2022, all travelers age 18 and older must present proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks past their final shot) and all travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of travel. Passengers must also provide a copy of the test result (in English) and their proof of vaccination to their airline at check-in and to Port Health officials upon arrival.

Restaurants are open for indoor and outdoor dining is allowed at 60% capacity for fully vaccinated persons.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Guyana is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Paraguay

Paraguay had been under strict quarantine and was closed to tourism. But the government began easing its internal lockdown and on Oct. 2, 2020, reopened Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU). Some regular commercial flights then resumed in November 2020. However, COVID-19 cases in the country surged into early June 2021, reaching record highs.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay, the country ended its required quarantine for foreigners on Nov. 16, 2020, but as of Jan. 10, 2022, all individuals age 18 and older must present proof of full vaccination and those 12 and older must take an RT-PCR/LAMP/NAAT test 48 hours before boarding their flight or an antigen test 24 hours before boarding. Within 24 hours before entering the country, travelers must also complete a Ministry of Health form and foreigners not residing in Paraguay or another Mercosur country must have travel/health insurance valid in Paraguay for coverage of COVID-19. In addition, all travelers age 12 and older (except those arriving from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia) must take another RT-PCR/LAMP/NAAT test on day five after entering Paraguay.

The U.S. Embassy says that U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days for tourism or business.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Paraguay is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Peru

Peru began Phase 4 of its economic reactivation on Oct. 1, 2020, including the resumption of international flights. The U.S. Embassy in Peru reports that direct flights from the U.S. have resumed and Americans are welcome to enter Peru, although testing is required for all unvaccinated visitors to enter the country (as well as most public transportation and businesses) and the country’s health emergency has been extended through Aug. 28, 2022. The CDC’s advisory is currently Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 and the State Department’s advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

All passengers age 12 and older must present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 48 hours of departure for Peru (children under 12 must only be asymptomatic to board) and complete an online electronic Affidavit of Health and Geolocation Authorization administered by Migraciones.

Peru instituted regional risk metrics of High, Very High and Extreme, based on COVID-19 risk, subject to review every 21 days. KN95 or double face masks are now required to enter indoor spaces.

According to the U.S. Embassy, all passengers older than 18 years of age using commercial transportation to travel domestically in Peru by land or air must present proof of vaccination or a negative molecular test taken within 48 hours. As of Feb. 28, 2022, everyone age 40 and older must present proof of having had a booster.

People over 18 years old are are also not allowed to enter the premises of public businesses without their physical or virtual ID card that proves they have completed, in Peru or abroad, their COVID-19 vaccination schedule. As of Feb. 28, 2022, a third booster dose will be required for people over 40 years old.

Check the Peru Tourism website for additional updates.

Uruguay

Foreigners and nonresidents had been barred from visiting the country, but according to the U.S. Embassy in Uruguay, Uruguay has reopened to fully vaccinated international travelers as of Nov. 1, 2021. Commercial flights have resumed.

According to the U.S. Embassy, here’s what’s required to enter Uruguay:

Vaccinated travelers require proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test within 72 hours before initiating travel. (Minors under age 6 are exempt.)
Unvaccinated travelers may only enter Uruguay if they have been granted specific permission because they fall into special exception groups and require a negative PCR test within 72 hours before initiating travel, and an additional PCR test seven days after arrival ($100 cost to the traveler) or they need complete self-quarantine for 14 days. (Minors under age 6 are exempt.)
All travelers will be screened for body temperature at the port of entry.
Proof of health insurance effective in Uruguay for the duration of your stay is required for all foreign travelers entering Uruguay.
A signed declaration of health completed within 48 hours before initiating travel is required. This online form can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Uruguay is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Venezuela

All international travel to Venezuela had been shut down, but according to the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, limited flights resumed in early November 2020. According to the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority, commercial flights are limited to Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, Russia, Spain and Bolivia. Limited flights to Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Cuba, and Argentina began in December 2021.

The U.S. State Department, which has been operating its embassy in Venezuela virtually because of unrest in the country and strongly advises against travel to Venezuela, has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory. Current entry requirements are that U.S. travelers must apply for and obtain a visa and all arriving passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival (but the embassy notes that this could be subject to change by the Maduro regime). There are health screenings upon arrival, but no quarantine is currently required.

Asia

Bangladesh

Bangladesh requires international visitors, including those from the United States, to be fully vaccinated to avoid a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh.

U.S. citizens need a valid visa to enter Bangladesh and those age 12 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours. All travelers departing the country must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel.

Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR test result to enter and then undergo a 14-day home quarantine.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Bangladesh is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Cambodia

Cambodia has been open to visitors, including Americans, but not for tourism purposes. Per the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, tourism is once again allowed, but there are still severe restrictions, including that travelers must already have a visa as the issuing of visas upon arrival has been suspended.

As of Nov. 15, 2021, Cambodia reopened its tourism sector ahead of plan after initially reporting that as of Nov. 30 it would begin allowing fully vaccinated travelers to enter quarantine-free by first spending five days in specific regions: Sihanoukville and Koh Kong. The new rules allow travelers to visit any place in the country as long as they follow entry protocols.

Flights are now available to Phnom Penh, and very limited flights to tourist hot spot Siem Reap. The U.S. Embassy continues to caution against travel to Cambodia and says that travel through specific areas, known as “Red Zones,” remains prohibited.

Currently, all visitors allowed to enter the country need to be fully vaccinated and provide a test result proving they are COVID-19 free taken within 72 hours of their arrival in Cambodia. They will also need to undergo a rapid test upon arrival and await the results. The U.S. Embassy says that any unvaccinated traveler who arrives will be required to undergo a PCR COVID-19 test and quarantine for a period of 14 days, according to the Cambodia Ministry of Health regulation.

A visa is also required: The country has suspended e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs until further notice and the U.S. Embassy reports that all visitors must present a valid visa issued by a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Cambodia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level Unknown.

China

China was where COVID-19 emerged, and the country suspended entry for nearly all foreigners — including all foreign spectators for the Beijing Winter Olympics, which took place Feb. 4-19 — and slashed the volume of international passenger flights to and from the country in March 2020. An outbreak in Xian in December 2021 and January 2022 resulted in a monthlong lockdown of the city’s 13 million residents.

Strict antitravel measures remain in place. Flights have resumed and in September 2020 the State Department eased its travel advisory for China, lowering it from Level 4: Do Not Travel to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, mainly due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The CDC’s advisory for China is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

The U.S. Embassy in China says that U.S. citizens with valid resident permits and visas can enter China “under certain conditions.” On Dec. 23, 2020, Chinese authorities increased the requirements for passengers seeking to enter China from the United States. Both COVID-19 PCR testing and IgM antibody tests (with special requirements for individuals vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines) must be performed in the departure city, and a 14-day quarantine after arrival followed by more testing is required. The U.S. Embassy notes that testing upon arrival and for release from quarantine may include blood tests, as well as oral, nasal and anal swab tests.

Hong Kong

The government in Hong Kong said on Jan 5, 2022, that it was banning all direct flights from eight countries, including the United States, from Jan. 8-20 (now extended to April 20) due to the spread of the omicron variant. The other countries are Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

The government announced that it has banned international transit passengers from more than 150 countries from transiting through its airport from Jan. 16 to Feb. 15 (now extended to March 15). Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) began allowing transit passengers back in June 2020, but there is no fixed timeline for tourism at this time. Transit passengers are international travelers who are only flying into Hong Kong in order to catch another flight. Transit passengers cannot leave the airport.

Currently, all non-Hong Kong residents, with the exception of those who are arriving from mainland China, are still denied entry.

According to the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau, Hong Kong residents returning from any overseas location must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and hold a recognized vaccination record. In addition, to board their flights, they must show a booking at a designated quarantine hotel for 14 days after arrival, and they must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR-based nucleic acid test taken within 48 hours of their arrival in Hong Kong.

Complete details on entry requirements and quarantine for travelers are here and here. FAQs can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Hong Kong is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

India

India experienced a devastating surge in COVID-19 cases from mid-March 2021 until early summer and overtook Brazil as the country with the second-highest number of infections (42.9 million as of March 3, 2022), after the United States.

Travelers visiting for tourism purposes had been banned from entry, but as of October 2021, India has begun issuing fresh tourist visas and welcoming select tourists on chartered flights, followed by other travelers on non-chartered flights.

The U.S. Embassy in India notes that travel to India for tourism and other short-term purposes resumed fully on Nov. 15, 2021, for individuals holding tourist or e-tourist visas issued on or after Oct. 6, 2021. Tourist visas issued before October 2021 will not be honored and travelers attempting to enter India using one of these visas are likely to be detained and returned to their point of origin.

According to the U.S. Embassy, as of Feb. 14, 2022 all international passengers age 5 and older must upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel or a vaccination certificate proving full vaccination (India recognizes the CDC vaccination card) to the Air Suvidha portal and submit a self-declaration form detailing their past 14 days of travel 72 hours prior to the start of travel to India. Vaccinated passengers must also upload a copy of their vaccination certificate.

Passengers may be tested again upon arrival (2% will be selected at random) and must self-monitor for 14 days. U.S. citizens who must travel to India are strongly urged to get fully vaccinated before travel and continue to take personal health safety measures to protect themselves.

Some Indian states also require testing upon arrival and/or quarantine for all individuals arriving from outside the state’s borders.

Visit the Indira Gandhi International Airport website for the latest updates to COVID-19 protocols, which vary by Indian state.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for India is currently Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Indonesia

Bali is finally open again for tourism, after months of stops and starts.

Indonesia had been reopening gradually in 2020, but in August 2020 the country canceled plans to reopen Bali until a yet-to-be-determined date. That date turned out to be Oct. 14, 2021, for select foreign travelers from 19 countries — but not the United States — who would be allowed to visit Bali for tourism. But without international flights, the process was slow to roll out. International flights to Bali had been expected to resume by late October, but that didn’t begin to happen until early February.

On Feb. 4, 2022, Bali reopened to all international visitors. According to the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia, travelers entering through the airport in Bali or the port of Riau Island must be fully vaccinated and show negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. They are also required to quarantine for five days (three days of boosted) at a government-certified hotel (at their own expense) with PCR tests upon arrival and on day two or four. Travelers to Bali must also have a short-visit visa or other entry permit; proof of international health insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 including but not limited to COVID-19-related treatment and hospitalization in Indonesia; and proof of booking confirmation and payment for accommodations.

Only Americans currently holding valid Indonesian visas can enter the rest of Indonesia at this time. They must be fully or partially vaccinated and show proof via the PeduliLindungi digital app (children under age 12 are exempt), have insurance that covers coronavirus treatment (up to $100,000) and a hotel reservation for the entirety of their stay, provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel, take a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine for three days (if vaccinated and boosted), five days (if fully vaccinated) or seven days (if partially vaccinated) with another PCR test on day two, four or day six, according to the U.S. Embassy. Proof of full vaccination is also required to board domestic flights.

Visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry for all foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, remains suspended. The embassy says that travel to Indonesia is highly discouraged at this time.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Indonesia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Japan

Tokyo April 2017. — Tokyo, April 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Japan, which had begun allowing limited business travel and entry for some students as it eased into a gradual reopening, banned entry by all foreign nationals on Nov. 29, 2021, in response to the omicron variant before announcing on Feb. 17, 2022, that it will begin phasing in non-tourist entry as of March 1.

Since March 1, according to the U.S. Embassy in Japan, foreign students, technical trainees and business travelers are allowed to enter Japan in limited numbers. The embassy advises travelers who believe they qualify for entry to monitor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare’s website, or contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for additional information. Students and technical trainees should contact their educational institutions directly for guidance.

Japan experienced record-high cases into early February 2022.

The Japanese government requires all returning citizens or residents as well as foreign travelers with permission to enter to be fully vaccinated, submit a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their international departure, download several smartphone apps, and if they are not boosted, quarantine for seven days (or three days with an antigen test on day 3) at home or a government-designated hotel. Details are available here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Japan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Kazakhstan

The landlocked Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan has reopened to Americans arriving via its international airports (visa-free for 30 days), according to the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan. International flights from Azerbaijan, China, South Korea, Czech Republic, Germany and the United Arab Emirates have resumed. Overland travel into Kazakhstan is limited and requires approval by the government.

A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours (three days) of arrival is required for all travelers age 5 and older. The U.S. Embassy notes that travelers who enter with an elevated temperature will be isolated in a facility for infectious diseases. Masks are required in all indoor and outdoor public settings.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Kazakhstan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is COVID-19 Level Unknown.

Kyrgyzstan

The U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan says the entry ban for U.S. citizens was lifted in December 2020, but advises citizens to avoid travel to the country due to limited health care services. Those who do visit Kyrgyzstan via airports in Bishkek, Osh and Issyk Kul (land borders remain closed) will need to present either their original vaccine card showing full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. If a traveler’s PCR test expires en route due to flight delays or cancellations, they will be required to test again upon arrival at their own expense. Children under age 5 are exempt from testing requirements.

Kyrgyzstan reopened some of its businesses in May 2020 and allowed the national curfew to be lifted. Malls and markets were able to open their doors and public transportation and commercial flights resumed.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Kyrgyzstan is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Macau

Most Americans cannot travel to Macau. According to the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau, only U.S. citizens with Macau, mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan residency (or those who have spent the preceding 21 days in mainland China) and have the appropriate visa are permitted to enter Macau.

According to the U.S. Consulate General, travelers who have been in mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan 21 days before entry must present proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test conducted within the past seven days, 48 hours or 24 hours, depending on their point of origin; quarantine also depends on the traveler’s point of origin. Details can be found here. Nonresident Americans who have been outside mainland China or Macau in the past 21 days must prove their entrance into Macau would be in Macau’s public interest.

The U.S.Consulate General also says that as of Jan. 6, 2022, individuals entering Macau whose trips originated in high-risk countries (which includes the U.S.) must present proof of three consecutive negative COVID-19 tests (each at least 24 hours apart) taken within five days of travel. They must also quarantine for 28 days.

See links on the U.S.Consulate General website for full details.

All outbound travelers from Macau must also test negative within seven days of departure.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Macau is Level 4: Do Not Travel but the CDC’s advisory is Level Unknown and it recommends avoiding travel there.

Malaysia

Malaysia is still not allowing most tourists. In fact, travel restrictions on all foreign nationals — with very limited exceptions for certain long-term pass holders and preapproved short-term business travelers — have been extended until further notice.

However, according to the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia, some international tourists traveling to Langkawi Island may now participate in the International Tourism Pilot Project, which exempts vaccinated, preapproved travelers booking travel through licensed tour operators from quarantine restrictions. See the U.S. Embassy website for details and links.

Those who are permitted to enter must use a portal called MyTravelPass to request permission and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within two days of departure for Malaysia. Those not covered under the Tourism Pilot Project or other exemption plans must pay for a five-day quarantine (fully vaccinated and boosted travelers), seven-day quarantine (fully vaccinated travelers) or 10-day quarantine (unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers) at an assigned location with testing on day four, five or eight of quarantine, respectively.

As of Dec. 27, 2021, all travelers arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) must also pay for a mandatory arrival COVID-19 test in advance through a website designated by the Malaysian government to receive a QR code. Travelers are also required to download the MySejahtera app and wear a wristband.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the country has maintained movement restrictions for unvaccinated people and has entered Phase 1 of a four-phase National Recovery Plan.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Malaysia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

The Maldives

The Maldives had announced one of the most liberal opening policies in the world in July 2020, but according to the U.S. Mission to the Maldives, the island nation has since placed restrictions on tourists. Cases rose in late April and May 2021 and certain islands with confirmed COVID-19 cases were placed under lockdown.

International visitors, including Americans, must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of their departure and complete a health declaration within 24 hours prior to travel. A free 30-day tourist visa will be issued upon arrival and travelers may be subject to random testing. Further details can be found here.

Related: Maldives reopening

Tourists also need proof of a reservation with an approved hotel or resort. And tourists are now allowed to transfer from one resort to another, but only if there is no community transmission happening on either island. In addition, all tourists should hold a negative PCR test result from a test taken within 72 hours of checking out of a guesthouse from any inhabited island.

The latest update on resort openings can be found here.

The U.S. Mission reports that islands with cases are placed under travel lockdown and that travelers who test positive are routinely separated from their travel companions and forced to isolate at their expense. Anyone who is exposed to someone with a positive test for COVID-19 is required to quarantine for 14 days at their expense.

Emirates is offering connections through Dubai from major global cities including Chicago. Etihad resumed flights from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to the Maldives starting in July 2020. Turkish Airlines also started flights in July 2020.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Maldives is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Mongolia

Mongolia, which experienced record-high cases of COVID-19 from August to early October 2021, lifted its restrictions on outbound and inbound travel in June 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia.

U.S. citizens are allowed to visit, according to the U.S. Embassy, and do not need a visa for a stay of under 90 days (but for stays of more than 30 days, travelers are required to register and failure to do so will incur a fine of $100-$300).

COVID-19 requirements for travelers include both a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of scheduled arrival in Mongolia and a possible PCR test upon arrival at Ulaanbaatar’s international airport. Quarantine was eliminated as of Jan. 13, 2022.

Proof of being at least 14 days past full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours is required for travel out of and back into Ulaanbaatar from surrounding provinces.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Mongolia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Nepal

Nepal, which had remained mostly closed to tourism until early 2021, has reopened to travelers arriving via air. Americans are allowed to visit (and those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to quarantine).

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, as of Jan. 21, 2022, a number of new public health measures also went into effect at both local and national levels across Nepal. Some of these orders regard travel and transit within the country, requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination by all people in most public spaces, mandatory mask-wearing in public, and limited movements for certain vehicles based on registration numbers. The Department of Immigration has clarified that travelers will not be denied essential tourist services, including access to airports, based on their vaccination status.

The embassy notes that amendments to existing orders and new orders “may be promulgated with little notice. Please continue to monitor this space and local media for additional information.”

According to the embassy, the government of Nepal has resumed issuing tourist visas and as of Sept. 24, all fully vaccinated travelers can receive an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. For more information, check the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C., or Nepal’s Department of Immigration.

The U.S. Embassy website notes that fully vaccinated U.S. travelers to Nepal need the following:

Proof of being 14 days past completing vaccination for COVD-19 (not required for minors age 5-18, but they will be subject to the same health protocols as unvaccinated adults).
Results of a negative COVID-19 PCR negative taken within 72 hours of boarding (children 5 and under are exempt from testing).
Printed copy of International Traveler Online Arrival Form obtained after registration at ccmc.gov.np.
A hotel booking confirmation or guarantee of accommodation.

All foreigners without complete vaccination against COVID-19 arriving by air must do the above steps but must obtain their visa from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad. In addition, all unvaccinated arrivals must test upon arrival undergo five days of hotel quarantine at their own cost, with a PCR test on day six.

All foreigners departing from Nepal must submit a COVID-19 negative report (RT-PCR, Gene Expert, True NAAR or WHO-accredited test) obtained within 48 hours prior to their departure or a COVID-19 test as specified by their destination country.

Failure to wear a mask when outdoors may result in arrest and a fine.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Nepal is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Pakistan

Pakistan has reopened for Americans, however, the U.S. State Department’s Level 3 advisory says, “Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence. Some areas have increased risk.” The CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19, but the U.S. Embassy notes that the country is undergoing its fifth wave of infections, fueled by the omicron variant.

According to the U.S. Embassy, as of Oct. 1, 2021, all travelers age 18 and older need to be fully vaccinated to enter Pakistan. Americans wishing to travel to Pakistan will also need a visa, and as visitors from a “Category B” country, any unvaccinated traveler age 12 or older needs to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure from the U.S. and may be required to take another rapid antigen test upon arrival. They will also need to download and install the Pass Track app. Guidelines can be found here.

There are few remaining COVID-19 restrictions and there is no curfew at this time.

The Philippines

Cebu, Philippines. (Photo by KrisCav/Getty Images)

According to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, the Philippines is now granting entry to fully vaccinated visitors from countries that are permitted visa-free travel, including the United States.

Fully vaccinated travelers who have completed their vaccination series more than 14 days prior to travel will no longer be subject to facility-based quarantine upon arrival. Travelers must also present negative COVID-19 PCR results from a test taken within 48 hours of departure from their country of origin, must have health insurance valid in the Philippines for COVID-19 care up to $35,000 and must self-monitor for symptoms for seven days after arrival, reporting to local government authorities if they begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers are not allowed entry into the Philippines. Travelers who are unable to present acceptable proof of vaccination will be subject to quarantine in a government facility until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day, followed by home quarantine until the 14th day.

Children below the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirements.

Details can be found here. Also check the Philippines Airlines website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Philippines is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Singapore

Sinapore September 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Point Guy) — Singapore, September 2019. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Point Guy)

Singapore, which has been gradually opening to tourists since October 2021, is now making it easier for those who visit. As of Feb. 22, 2022, passengers arriving at Changi Airport (SIN) will no longer need to take a PCR test nor isolate upon arrival. Instead, travelers will need to only take one supervised self-swab at an official testing center within 24 hours of arrival in the city-state — a great deal easier than the recently implemented daily rapid tests across the first week.

Singapore had remained mostly closed for short-term visitors (including tourism) until Oct. 19, 2021, when fully vaccinated travelers from eight countries (including the United States) were once again allowed to enter via the Vaccinated Travel Lane program. Over 30 countries are currently allowed entry — Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the Unites Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Fully vaccinated visitors must have been present in a VTL country over the past seven days and are required to present a digital, verifiable vaccination certificate with a QR code as well as a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within two days of departure to Singapore and then go directly to their hotel or home and take a supervised self-swab at a designated center within 24 hours of arrival. Travelers must also have a minimum of 30,000 Singapore dollars in travel insurance (as of Jan. 31, 2021). Details are here. All tourists must also use the TraceTogether app for contact tracing.

Anyone traveling from these Safe Travel Lane countries first needs to apply online for a vaccinated travel pass (as accepted proof of vaccination) and they must have remained within the countries under the vaccinated travel lanes for 14 consecutive days prior to departure.

Details on Singapore’s Safe Travel Lane requirements can be found here. And the process for U.S. tourists, including the accepted Smart Health Cards to validate vaccination, can be found here.

Designated VTL flights include services on Singapore Airlines between Singapore and the following cities: Amsterdam (AMS), Barcelona (BCN), Copenhagen (CPH), London (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Milan (MXP), New York (JFK), Paris (CDG), Seoul (ICN) and Rome (FCO). Additionally, travelers will now be allowed to transit through Singapore as long as COVID-19 requirements are met and they are on a designated VTL flight.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Singapore website for additional information.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Singapore is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

South Korea

Americans can go to South Korea, but a mandatory seven-day quarantine will make it undesirable for most travelers. And as of September 2021, all U.S. citizens visiting South Korea are required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization form to get K-ETA approval before traveling.

While the country is technically open to foreigners on short-term visits, most (with limited exceptions) are subject to a mandatory quarantine for seven days (recently reduced from 10 days) and must download a self-diagnosis mobile app and answer daily questions. According to the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, as of July 1, 2021, limited categories of vaccinated travelers may apply for a quarantine exemption certificate at an overseas Korean Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. However, exemptions were halted indefinitely as of Jan. 28.

All travelers (even those who are fully vaccinated) are also required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. Those entering South Korea from abroad will not be permitted to board domestic connecting flights (i.e., to Jeju or Busan) until completing government-mandated quarantine.

But according to the U.S. Embassy, passengers originating from the U.S. who transit through Korean airports (who do not pass through immigration) do not require a negative PCR COVID-19 test and have no quarantine requirement for stays less than 24 hours. Passengers originating from other countries should consult the ROK Embassy in the country of their departure to find out whether a negative PCR COVID-19 test is required to transit through Korean airports.

Cases rose in August and September and the U.S. State Department’s advisory for South Korea is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka reopened to limited international flights on June 1, 2021, after a 10-day ban to control a surge of cases in the country. Sri Lanka had been closed to tourists since March 2020, but reopened its two international airports — Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala International Airport (HRI) — in early 2021 and has begun to allow tourism to resume.

Travelers who can visit — which, according to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, again includes Americans for tourism purposes — must be fully vaccinated to avoid pre-traveling testing and limited movement (as of March 1, 2022); unvaccinated travelers must be tested (a COVID-19 PCR test) in their own country within 72 hours of their flight and remain in a “Tourism Bio Bubble” for seven nights/eight days and undergo testing ($40 per test). The U.S. Embassy notes that those who are allowed in require a valid visa and an Electronic Travel Authorization. As of Sept. 15, 2021, proof of vaccination is required to enter public spaces, including hotels.

As of Jan. 1, 2022, all visitors to Sri Lanka (whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) must purchase COVID-19 insurance, currently set at $12 per month.

Visit the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United States COVID-19 page for updates.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Sri Lanka is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Taiwan

Taiwan banned international tourism as of March 19, 2020. That ban remains in place, but as of March 7, 2022, the country is allowing the entry of international business travelers. They must apply for a special entry permit.

Aside from those entering for the purposes of business visits, investment, the fulfillment of contractual obligations and employment, only those with a valid Alien Resident Certificate or a special entry permit are allowed entry.

All arrivals must show a negative PCR test taken within two calendar days of arrival and are subject to a 10-day quarantine (reduced from 14 days as of March 7) in a hotel, home or a combination thereof. For additional information see the American Institute in Taiwan’s website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Taiwan is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan never did have a full lockdown, and most businesses, hotels and restaurants reopened on June 15, 2020. The U.S. State Department has a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory in effect for Tajikistan related to both COVID-19 and the potential for terrorism and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level Unknown (with advice to avoid travel there).

According to the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, all Americans need a Tajik visa for entry (as well as government permission in advance if seeking to enter via a land border) and must show results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours of arrival when boarding flights to Dushanbe International Airport (DYU); they also may be subject to PCR testing at the airport upon arrival. Travelers must provide contact information and will be allowed to leave the airport, but if the result is positive for COVID-19, travelers will be transferred to a government quarantine facility.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that access to medical care in the country may be limited and that “the Government of Tajikistan frequently adjusts its entry and exit requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes to policy are not immediately made available to the public.” An unexpired visa is also required to leave Tajikistan.

Thailand

Bangkok December 2018. — Bangkok, December 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

After suspending its Test and Go program in December 2021 due to the omicron variant, Thailand has resumed its quarantine waiver for vaccinated travelers as of Feb. 1, 2022 (and for travelers from all countries as of March 1), although a one-day stay in a government-designated hotel after testing upon arrival is required.

All travelers to Thailand are required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight (or a medical certificate of recovery from COVID within 14 to 90 days), have a fully paid SHA Extra+/AQ hotel reservation and PCR test reservation for day one, and have travel health insurance coverage no less than $50,000.

Under the revamped Test and Go guidelines, travelers will have to obtain a free Thai Pass from the government, take a PCR test on arrival and then test again five days later. Travelers will then have to isolate themselves in an approved hotel for at least one day following the first test while awaiting their results, and then use a self-test kit to test on day 5. Travelers are also able to stay at different hotel locations for the day one and day five tests.

As of Jan. 11, 2022, travelers from all countries are also welcome to enter Thailand by participating in the “Phuket Sandbox” program and the new programs in Krabi, Phang-Nga and Surat Thani (only Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao), where testing and isolating are not required.

Details and updates can be found here.

Since April 1, 2021, U.S. passport holders have not been required to obtain a visa for a tourist visit of up to 45 days in Thailand. Thailand began a phased reopening for vaccinated tourists without the need to quarantine, starting with Phuket Sandbox on July 1, 2021, then with the Samui Plus program.

The most recent updates on travel to Thailand by Americans can be found here.

For further information on visiting Thailand, check the U.S. Embassy in Thailand’s website and the Royal Thai Embassy.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Thailand is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Turkmenistan

According to the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan, U.S. citizens are allowed to visit the country, but the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and the CDC’s advisory is Level Unknown (with advice not to travel there). In addition, the country’s suspension of all international flights has been extended until further notice.

Turkmenistan claims it doesn’t have any cases of COVID-19, but the embassy casts doubt on those claims. Any private U.S. citizen seeking to enter Turkmenistan will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test and a serology certificate confirming the presence of antibodies, both taken within 48 hours of departure from the U.S. or other point of origin. All travelers will also undergo a PCR test upon arrival ($44), followed by a 21-day quarantine in a government facility. Another PCR test ($44) is required to exit quarantine.

The U.S. Embassy notes: “The government of Turkmenistan can and does change quarantine requirements and arrival procedures for private citizens with little advance notice.”

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is open to Americans. U.S. citizens need a visa for entry, and a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an approved lab (see the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan website) is required within 48 hours of arrival. Tourists face health screenings and those arriving via a land border will be required to take a rapid antigen test even if they have the required negative pre-travel test. Passengers must wait for results and if they test positive, they will be taken to a health facility for treatment and quarantine.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Uzbekistan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level Unknown (with advice not to travel there).

Vietnam

Foreign tourists were originally banned from entering Vietnam as of March 22, 2020, and it had been uncertain when the Vietnamese government would lift this restriction. However, according to the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government on Dec. 10, 2021, announced plans to resume regular international flights starting in January 2022 on a pilot basis to and from several territories, including Beijing/Guangzhou, Tokyo, Seoul, Taiwan, Bangkok, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Effective Jan. 18, 2022, vaccinated travelers with a valid Vietnamese resident card, visa or visa exemption certificate may enter Vietnam. Further details are available here. According to the Vietnamese government website, those wishing to enter Vietnam for tourism purposes can do so by joining tour groups under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s pilot inbound tourism program.

The Vietnamese government continues to allow preapproved foreigners and their families in exempted categories, including diplomats, officials, experts, business managers, foreign investors, high-tech workers and other business travelers to enter Vietnam.

According to the U.S.Embassy, on Feb. 16, the Vietnamese government announced its goal to fully resume visa issuance and visa waiver programs by March 15. And with the new tourism resumption plan, incoming tourists may only be required to have proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 and a negative test result certificate issued within 24 hours (rapid antigen test) or 72 hours (PCR) of departure (currently, only a PCR test is accepted). Most travelers will only be required to take a COVID-19 test prior to boarding and pay an insurance fee of approximately $30.

As of Jan. 1, 2022, passengers currently allowed to enter Vietnam are required to self-isolate at their residence for three days if they meet certain conditions specified by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. Quarantine is not required for visitors staying in Vietnam for less than 14 days.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Vietnam is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Oceania

Australia

Sydney March 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Sydney, March 2018. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Australia had remained closed to most foreign visitors for the past two years, although that changed on Feb. 21, 2022, when the country finally reopened to fully vaccinated international visitors — just as its omicron wave begins to subside. In early February, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison originally said he would like to see the country begin to reopen by April.

All international arrivals to Australia, who also need to apply for a visa, must be fully vaccinated and show a negative COVID-19 test result from either a PCR or rapid antigen test before boarding their flight. PCR tests must be taken within 72 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure, while rapid antigen tests must be done within 24 hours.

Eligible visitors are also required to complete an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departure, which includes a declaration regarding their vaccination status. They will also be asked to upload their vaccination certificate. And since states control quarantine requirements, some travelers may be required to quarantine upon arrival.

Unvaccinated travelers who qualify for a travel exemption application will be required to quarantine at a hotel.

Details can be found here..

Check the U.S. Embassy in Australia website for details on restrictions and exemptions for entry..

Qantas has resumed international flights between Sydney and Los Angeles, London and other cities. American, Delta and United are also offering flights from the U.S. to Australia.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Australia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

French Polynesia

After easing border restrictions on June 9, 2021, the Islands of Tahiti on Aug. 13 restricted quarantine-free tourism to fully vaccinated visitors from certain countries, including the United States.

To travel to French Polynesia, vaccinated travelers must have had a booster shot (if your last dose was more than nine months before your travel date), complete an online health registration within six to 30 days of departing for the islands and as of Dec. 30, 2021, submit a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 24 hours prior to departure.

Currently, all travelers will also undergo compulsory testing upon arrival and receive their results via email, to be used as proof of a negative test throughout the islands.

Travelers must also complete and print an online sworn statement and bring proof of vaccination to the islands. Unvaccinated children under 18 can enter when accompanied by a vaccinated parent or legal guardian, but they are subjected to additional COVID-19 self-tests on days two and five.

Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. can enter French Polynesia, but they must present a compelling reason to travel that is approved by the Tahitian government, specifically related to health, business or family. They must follow all the same procedures as vaccinated travelers, but also must quarantine for seven days with a negative PCR test taken upon arrival and negative self-tests on days two and five.

Current updates can be found here. Additional information is available on the Air Tahiti Nui website.

Related coverage: French Polynesia will reopen

Additionally, all incoming travelers (residents excluded) must provide proof of international travel insurance or agree to assume responsibility for all costs while in Tahiti. Luckily, some credit card travel insurance satisfies this requirement. Travelers could use a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card to pay for their airfare and hotel, then provide a copy of the card’s Guide to Benefits as proof of coverage.

All travelers are also advised to wear a mask throughout their stay and abide by specific sanitary measures. Travelers exhibiting symptoms during their stay were told to self-report and self-isolate in their room until further instruction from local emergency operators.

Related: An ill-fated trip to Tahiti

If you’re itching to travel to French Polynesia, there are lots of options for getting there. Be sure to check out our guide on the best way to get to Tahiti using points and miles. The destination is home to some famous hotels, such as the Conrad Bora Bora Nui and the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for French Polynesia is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Fiji

Fiji began allowing fully vaccinated travelers from select countries, including the United States, for tourism as of Dec. 1, 2021. The island nation had a strict lockdown in place since March 2020, but saw cases rise exponentially this past summer, reporting record highs in July before seeing a decline.

As it reopened, Fiji also simultaneously tightened its border regulations in response to the omicron variant. Southern African countries were already on its “red list,” but now only Fijian citizens can enter Fiji from a red-list country and they must undergo a 14-day quarantine, with PCR tests on days five and 12.

According to Fiji Tourism, the country has begun offering quarantine-free travel to fully vaccinated travelers from Travel Partner countries. Currently, these are: American Samoa, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong SAR, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norfolk Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.

To enter Fiji, fully vaccinated travelers age 18 and older (who have received both doses of Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson) and their accompanying minors from the above countries need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken two calendar days before boarding their flight or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of their flight’s departure (minors, when accompanied by a vaccinated adult, do not need to be vaccinated and children 11 and younger are exempt from testing).

Any traveler who tested positive within 30 days of travel to Fiji and has recovered can provide proof of an isolation period served by a credible institution or a fit-to-fly certificate/letter from a medical practitioner. The certificate/letter exempts them from testing requirements pre (PCR two days ahead of travel) and post-arrival (rapid antigen on day two) in Fiji..

All travelers must also have booked a three-night stay at a Care Fiji Committed accommodation and download the careFiji app to be able to enter/access businesses once in Fiji. Travelers must also have travel/health insurance valid for COVID-19 care in Fiji and take a rapid antigen test at their resort two days after arrival. Check for updates here.

The country had been closed to tourism since the beginning of the pandemic and initially Fiji Airways grounded 95% of its flights.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Fiji website for additional information. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Fiji is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

New Zealand

New Zealand has been praised for its early and tough restrictions that kept cases of coronavirus low in the country. In fact, New Zealand is being hailed as one of the shining stars of dealing with COVID-19—although cases have recently reached record highs in February and early March. Americans are not allowed to travel there — and it’s now looking like they won’t be until sometime in July 2022.

The country’s government in early February announced a five-step reopening plan that begins with fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens living in Australia being allowed to return home as of Feb. 27 and isolate for 10 days at home. New Zealand citizens living in all other countries will follow on March 13. Step 4, set to take place sometime in July, is when Australia and all other visitors who can normally travel visa-free to New Zealand (which includes Americans), is when tourism will presumably resume.

A complete ban on foreigners remained in effect until just recently and the country’s border remains effectively closed to most foreigners. New Zealand did announce that it would open to quarantine-free travel by visitors from Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and other South Pacific island nations and that as of Nov. 1, 2021, all foreign travelers age 17 and older need to be fully vaccinated. Details can be found here.

Anyone who is granted permission to travel to New Zealand must provide a negative COVID-19 test (PCR, LAMP or antigen) taken 48 hours prior to departure. All travelers from most destinations must also complete a 10-day stay in managed isolation or quarantine.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for New Zealand is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Middle East

Bahrain

According to the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, U.S. travelers have been permitted to receive a visa upon arrival and enter Bahrain since Sept. 4, 2020. As of Feb. 20, 2022, Bahrain no longer requires pre-travel testing or testing upon arrival for COVID-19, no matter a traveler’s vaccination status, per the Bahrain airport website.

Face masks are mandatory in all public spaces with a 20 Bahraini dinar ($53) fine for noncompliance. People who break public health rules face either a minimum of three months in jail, a fine ranging from 1,000 dinars ($2,645) to 10,000 dinars ($26,500), or a combination of both. Indoor dining was temporarily suspended in Bahrain but now has been allowed to resume for fully vaccinated people only; outdoor dining is open to those who are unvaccinated. Many other indoor recreation activities are also limited to the fully vaccinated.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Bahrain is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Israel

Americans have been able to Israel if fully vaccinated, and as of March 1, 2022, even unvaccinated travelers can enter the country.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Israel, as of March 1, unvaccinated travelers may enter Israel by following the same protocols as vaccinated travelers. All arriving passengers must fill out an inbound passenger statement within 48 hours of their flight’s departure and have medical insurance valid in Israel. Everyone over the age of two traveling to Israel must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight’s departure or a professionally administered rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours. All arriving travelers will also be PCR tested (at their own expense) upon arrival and must undergo isolation for 24 hours.

Information on all requirements for foreign nationals entering Israel are available here.

Israel’s Ministry of Health updated its COVID-19 restrictions, which include the requirement to wear a protective mask over the nose and mouth in public.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Israel is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Jordan

Jordan is open to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Jordan. All arriving passengers must register online before the flight, but pre-travel and arrival COVID-19 test requirements were dropped as of March 1, 2022. All travelers must, however, have travel health insurance valid in Jordan and must complete their online Gateway2Jordan registration to receive a QR code to be presented upon boarding their flight.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Jordan is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Kuwait

Fully vaccinated Americans can once again travel to Kuwait with the need to test or quarantine, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.Travelers seeking to enter will only be permitted in with either a valid visa or a residency permit. Electronic visas (eVisas) are available for U.S. citizens on the MOI website.

According to the U.S. Embassy, current guidance from the Kuwaiti government indicates that individuals traveling to Kuwait who received a COVID-19 vaccination from a non-Kuwaiti government authority must register their vaccine record on the Ministry of Health website for record validation. Vaccinated individuals with records approved by the Kuwaiti Public Health Department may then download the Kuwait Mobile ID or Immune App to access their vaccination details. Proof of vaccination status can only be established via the Immune or Mobile ID apps. The Embassy is not aware of additional guidance on acceptable alternatives for proof of vaccination status.

Full vaccination means two doses of the Pfizer, Oxford Astra Zeneca, or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and a booster shot within 9 months of the last vaccine you received. Unvaccinated children below 16 can enter with an eligible parent.

As of Feb. 20, 2022, according to the U.S Embassy:

Fully vaccinated (meaning they have been boosted) arriving travelers will no longer need a pre-departure or arrival PCR test, and they will no longer have any quarantine requirements.
Partially vaccinated travelers (not boosted) will no longer need a PCR test on arrival, but they will be required to quarantine for seven days, with the possibility to end quarantine early by presenting a negative PCR test after arrival.
Unvaccinated travelers may travel, but they must carry a negative PCR test within at least 72 hours before arrival to Kuwait, they must stay in home quarantine for seven days after arrival, and they must conduct a PCR test on the seventh day to end the quarantine.
The quarantine is monitored using the Shlonik app. The negative PCR test must be entered into Shlonik to exit quarantine early.

The use of face masks is mandatory in all public areas, and the Ministry of Health is randomly testing residents and citizens daily. Capacity restrictions remain in effect, but restaurants have reopened for in-person dining. As of June 27, 2021 only individuals who have received at least one dose of a vaccine approved by the Government of Kuwait or those exempt from the vaccine may enter certain public spaces including restaurants, cafes, gyms, salons, and malls. Individuals seeking entry into these spaces may present the Kuwait Mobile ID or Immune applications as proof of vaccination or COVID-19 recovery.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Kuwait is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Lebanon

As of Dec. 15, 2021, all travelers to Lebanon must register on the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) PASS platform and show their enrollment before being permitted to board a flight bound for Lebanon. Vaccinated travelers need to upload their vaccination records and unvaccinated travelers their PCR test results tot the MoPH platform.

As of March 1, 2022, passengers who received their last dose of a COVID vaccine within the past six months are exempt from performing a PCR test (or Rapid Antigen test) in their country of departure and from being tested upon arrival at Beirut’s airport.

All unvaccinated travelers to Lebanon over the age of 12 must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight to enter the country, per the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon. All unvaccinated passengers, except those under the age of 12, are also now required to take a PCR test upon arrival at Beirut Airport and refrain from going out in public for 24 hours until receiving a negative result. And effective Jan. 10, a $30 payment by credit card is required via the MoPH PASS platform for administrative costs and the on-arrival PCR.

Masks are no longer mandated by the government, but individual businesses and establishments may have their own requirements.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Lebanon is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Oman

International flights to Oman have resumed and Americans who have received a two-dose vaccine (those age 17 and younger are exempt) can visit, according to the U.S. Embassy in Oman. The Sultanate is currently accepting eight approved vaccines which include: Oxford-AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca-Covshield, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Sputnik V.

Oman had not been allowing tourists, however, the Royal Oman Police resumed all visa operations and services on Sept. 1, 2021.

Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of entering the Sultanate by air (if the flight is under 8 hours) or within 96 hours (if the flight is over eight hours) is only required for travelers who are not fully vaccinated (minors accompanying vaccinated adults)

All travelers are also required to have travel health insurance that is valid in Oman.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Oman is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Qatar

Qatar is welcoming foreign tourists, but they need to have proof of being fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 to avoid a five-day quarantine. According to the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, entry requirements, including quarantine, are based on the MOPH green and red list of countries. The U.S. is currently on the green list). Details can be found here.

U.S. travelers are allowed to enter Qatar. All travelers must register prior to travel, upload their vaccination certificate if vaccinated as well as produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel. Those who are fully vaccinated (14 days past final dose but within nine months) with an approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or Astra-Zeneca) are now exempt from quarantine.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated U.S. travelers must do all of the above (register and undergo a pre-travel PCR test within 48 hours of travel), and then undergo home quarantine or quarantine in a hotel booked via the Discover Qatar website for five days and take a rapid antigen test on day 5 to end quarantine.

U.S. citizens also need a visa to enter Qatar.

Details on entry requirements are available on Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Qatar is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia

Americans can once again travel to Saudi Arabia as of May 30, 2021, although the U.S. State Department’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced that travel directly from 11 previously restricted countries, including the United States, could resume as of May 30, 2021, but non-Saudi citizens must be fully vaccinated and upload their certificate to the Muqeem registration system to be able to board flights, have health insurance valid for COVID-19 treatment in Saudi Arabia and follow existing entry requirements. These countries are the United States, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

All travelers must also obtain a visa and have health insurance valid in Saudi Arabia. Any traveler eight years of age and older who is permitted to enter must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test, with results obtained within 48 hours of arrival time (changed from 72 hours as of Feb. 9, 2022). Travelers must download the Tawakkalna app and if traveling from certain countries must undergo institutional quarantine for at least five days.

Face masks are mandatory in all public venues, and violations are subject to a fine of $2,666. According to the U.S. Embassy, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced that beginning Oct. 10, 2021 all persons in Saudi Arabia will have to show proof of vaccination via the Tawakkalna app by a Ministry of Health-approved vaccine to enter all government and private establishments, as well as to use public transportation and air travel. As of Feb. 1, to enter all public spaces in Saudi Arabia, a booster dose is required for anyone age 18 or older who completed vaccination at least eight months ago.

Syria

U.S. travelers are not able to enter Syria at this time. The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Syria is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. May 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy) — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in May 2017. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

The United Arab Emirates is open to tourism and Americans are welcome — without the need to test or quarantine.

As of Feb. 26, the UAE will no longer require PCR tests for visitors. The country posted the new relaxed guidelines on the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) website. The new policy says vaccinated passengers only need to show a vaccine certificate with an approved QR code.

Unvaccinated travelers can enter the UAE, but they “have to present an approved negative PCR test result received within 48 hours of departure or a QR code-accompanied certificate of recovery from a COVID-19 infection obtained within one month from the date of travel.”

Tourist visas (required for U.S. travelers) are being issued in all emirates, including Abu Dhabi. In addition, Abu Dhabi has dropped its quarantine mandate for all international travelers regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated visitors have been able to bypass the self-isolation requirement since last September. Because it has dropped the quarantine, Abu Dhabi is also eliminating its green list system, which allowed citizens of certain countries to avoid quarantine upon arrival. Details are available here.

For complete information on traveling to Dubai, check the Emirates website.

Fully vaccinated travelers entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai or another emirate need to download the ICA app, complete the registration, and then download the Al Hosn app, which is the Green Pass gateway to all of Abu Dhabi’s attractions. Details are available here.

All test results for both emirates must be presented either in English or Arabic in original, physical form. Digital copies will not be accepted.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the UAE is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Yemen

The U.S. State Department has maintained a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory on Yemen for some time, even before COVID-19 became a threat, due to issues with terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines. The embassy in Sanaa suspended operations in early 2015, and U.S. citizens in Yemen will not be able to rely on emergency services from the U.S. government.

All travelers entering on U.S. documents are required to have a visa from the Yemeni government before entering the country, and passports must have an additional six months’ validity from the date of departure.

Africa

Botswana

According to the U.S. Embassy in Botswana, fully vaccinated Americans are permitted to enter without testing; those who are not vaccinated must provide the result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival — and then submit to a COVID-19 vaccination at the port of entry.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Botswana is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo reopened its borders in August 2020. It is perhaps best known for Virunga National Park, which reopened on April 1, 2021, and for being home to the mountain gorilla. Important to know: Conflict is ongoing in the DRC and six park rangers were ambushed and killed by militia inside the park in January 2021. In February 2021, the Italian ambassador to the DRC was killed along with two others in an ambush.

According to the U.S. Embassy, as of Feb. 14, 2022, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has updated its COVID-19 restrictions. Fully vaccinated travelers no longer require a COVID-19 test to enter DRC, provided they have proof of vaccination. The same measure applies to fully vaccinated visitors traveling within the DRC. A negative PCR test is still required to depart the DRC, regardless of vaccination status.

All unvaccinated international travelers age 11 and older must arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their departure to DRC. Upon arrival, travelers age 11 and older must take a second COVID-19 test at the airport. Travelers should register their information and pay for the test at inrbcovid.com before they begin their travel. The cost of the required test is $45. After testing at the airport, arriving passengers must self-quarantine until they receive a negative test result, usually within 24 hours.

Americans need a visa to visit as well as a WHO card with proof of yellow fever vaccination and proof of health and medical evacuation insurance valid in the DRC. Unvaccinated travelers may also need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days for travel between certain provinces.

Masks are required in public spaces and the DRC has a number of regional curfews in place from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

To exit the DRC, all travelers age 11 and older, no matter their vaccination status, must pay for and present a negative COVID-19 test from an approved lab taken within three days of travel ($30), but to reenter the U.S., the test now needs to be taken within one day of travel.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Democratic Republic of Congo is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Egypt

International tourism resumed in Egypt in July 2020 and the country is now open for Americans, but the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. There are also some important things to know before you go.

Related: Egypt reopening

Americans will need a tourist visa available on arrival or before arrival via online enrollment. There are no quarantine requirements, although you will need a negative COVID-19 PCR test with a QR code. According to the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, travelers over the age of 6, including Egyptians, must present results of tests taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Egypt, but passengers traveling from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, London Heathrow, Paris and Frankfurt will be allowed to provide a test certificate performed at a maximum of 96 hours prior to flight departure. You also have to have the physical (printed/paper) test results. No digital documents are being accepted. Proof of health insurance valid in Egypt is also required.

The U.S. Embassy website also notes that it is reported that the government of Egypt will also allow travelers to enter with proof of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccination instead of a negative test. However, the vaccination certificate must comply with the rules of the issuing country and contain a QR code. Note: Most U.S. vaccination cards, including those issued by the CDC, do not include the QR code required by the government of Egypt, and, as a result, most U.S. vaccination cards are not accepted by Egyptian authorities.

Anyone not following mask requirements may be subject to fines or prosecution and restaurants are operating at 70% capacity.

Related: Dreaming of visiting Egypt

Ghana

Ghana’s Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC) reopened for regular international service on Sept. 1, 2020, although the country’s land and sea borders remain closed. According to the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Americans are allowed to enter the country and all passengers arriving by air must be fully vaccinated (if age 18 or older) and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted by an accredited laboratory in the country of origin not more than 72 hours prior to departure.

In addition, upon arrival, each traveler age 5 and older must undergo a COVID-19 test conducted at the airport. There is a $150 fee per person with results usually available in 30 minutes. Travelers can pay the fee online before departure or pay upon arrival at the airport in Accra. Travelers who test negative do not need to quarantine; those who test positive will be required to undergo a seven-day quarantine at a government health facility or isolation center and have a repeat test 24 hours later.

Ghana’s Ministry of Public Health has mandated the use of face masks in public.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Ghana is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Kenya

Kenya reopened to tourism on Aug. 1, 2020, and Americans are currently welcome to visit. The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory is now Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Travel in and out of Nairobi is allowed and all visitors need to obtain an e-visa, fill out a mandatory online health form (to obtain a QR code for scanning upon arrival) and present a valid vaccination certificate (if age 18 or older) and a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. Both vaccination and test results documents must be uploaded prior to travel into the Global Haven portal. Passengers also face a health screening on arrival and may be subject to random testing.

Americans are currently exempt from quarantine requirements. Entry requirements can be found here.

The Kenya Ministry of Health launched the Trusted Travel Initiative; at this time, the QR code is for arriving passengers and the TT code is for those departing. Travelers can get the TT code with their test results from an accredited lab at any major hospital. Everyone departing Kenya needs to present a negative result of a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure (but the time frame to enter the U.S. is now a test taken within one day).

A mandatory face mask requirement while in public remains in effect and proof of vaccination is required for admission to public spaces. There is no longer a nationwide curfew.

Malawi

According to the U.S. Embassy in Malawi, Americans are allowed to enter and as of Dec. 6, 2021, the government of Malawi requires a visa and a negative PCR COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours on the day of arrival or departure to enter or exit the country.

As of Dec. 10, 2021, the government also requires a valid COVID-19 full vaccination certificate to enter Malawi. The U.S. Embassy says that arriving travelers unable to show a vaccination certificate at the point of entry shall be expected to access COVID-19 vaccines for free at the point of entry before being allowed to enter or reenter Malawi. Travelers unable to produce a valid immunization certificate and who refuse to access the vaccines offered at the point of entry will be required to undergo institutional quarantine for 10 days at their cost. At this time, the embassy says it does not have further information on the cost or location of the institutional quarantine. Travelers will not have a choice in where they are placed.

Details are also available on the Malawi Tourism website.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Malawi is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Mauritius

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius, as of Oct. 1, 2021, the Indian Ocean island is only allowing vaccinated international travelers to enter without restrictions. Fully vaccinated visitors who present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours before their departure and have mandatory health insurance that covers COVID-19 will be able to explore the island freely but must take a test upon arrival and on day five.

Unvaccinated guests must also provide a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours before travel and have health insurance, but they must also book a certified COVID-19 safe resort and quarantine in their room there for 14 days with tests on arrival day and days seven and 14.

Details of travel requirements and travel alerts for Mauritius can be found here.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Mauritius is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Morocco

Morocco’s Foreign Ministry announced a ban on all air travel to the country for two weeks beginning Nov. 29, 2021, in response to the spread of the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus; the ban was extended before the country reopened again to foreign visitors on Feb. 7.

Entry requirements listed by the Moroccan National Tourist Office include:

A vaccination certificate or pass for anyone age 12 and older (the CDC card is accepted).
A negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of the date of entry (children age 6 and under are exempt).
Completion of a health form.
Submit to rapid antigen testing upon arrival.
Submit, if requested, to random PCR testing (those age 6 and under are exempt) after arrival in Morocco.

Upon arrival at airports, passengers will be screened by rapid tests. Random PCR tests will also be conducted for several groups of travelers and results will be communicated at a later date.

Morocco remains under a health state of emergency and the Moroccan government requires proof of vaccination to enter most private and public establishments, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, gyms, hammams, grocery stores and public modes of transportation. According to the U.S. Embassy in Morocco, “If vaccinated in Morocco, U.S. citizens should carry the vaccine pass (“pass vaccinal”) issued by the Moroccan government and available at the Ministry of Health vaccination website. If vaccinated in the United States, we recommend U.S. citizens carry their white CDC card as proof of vaccination.”

Flights were allowed to resume on Feb. 7, 2022. to and from Morocco on Royal Air Maroc, between New York’s JFK Airport and Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Casablanca (CMN). Masks are mandatory in flight and in all public spaces.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Morocco is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Mozambique

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique, the following applies to U.S. citizens who want to enter Mozambique:

Non-Mozambican citizens, including U.S. citizens, who have a valid DIRE (residence permit) and/or required visa(s) are able to enter Mozambique, subject to the COVID-19 testing requirement below, without seeking specific authorization from the Ministry of Interior.
Travelers arriving for tourism purposes only can get visas upon arrival with proof of a return ticket and hotel booking. Please be aware that U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not having obtained the proper type of visa in advance. Obtaining your visa in advance from the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, D.C., is strongly encouraged.
Business travelers who are non-Mozambican citizens and who do not have a valid DIRE and/or visa(s) and are traveling for work or business purposes are required to seek authorization to enter Mozambique from the Ministry of Interior.

Travelers who are able to enter Mozambique are required to provide proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test results administered in their country of origin within 72 hours of departure. Children up to age 10 are exempt from this requirement. Travelers should expect health screenings upon arrival and there are many regulations and restrictions in effect for commercial business and gatherings.

Currently, the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Mozambique is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Namibia

Namibia has been open for tourism since Sept. 1, 2020 and most hotels, safari lodges and camps, restaurants and shops are open and public transportation is running.

Tourists, including Americans, are allowed to fly to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), but according to the U.S. Embassy in Namibia, they must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival and fill out a health questionnaire. Even travelers who have proof of vaccination must provide a negative test result.

According to the U.S. Embassy, as of Dec. 1, 2021, only COVID-19 certificates obtained from providers participating in the Trusted Travel platform or verified on the Global Haven system will be valid for entry into and exit from Namibia. To supplement your certificate(s), the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends travelers also bring paper copies of all COVID-19 test results to the airport or port of departure.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Namibia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Nigeria

Nigeria reopened its airports on July 8, 2020, after months of closure. Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri airports all reopened for domestic flights in July 2020, and international flights resumed in August 2020.

All tourists are again welcome, including Americans. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, arriving international passengers age 10 and older must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure on the first leg of their journey or proof of being fully vaccinated. A quarantine protocol issued in September requires all international visitors to register via the Nigeria International Travel Portal and upload test results or vaccine certificates prior to travel.

In addition to being fully vaccinated or providing the negative COVID-19 PCR test result not more than 48 hours prior to boarding, all passengers are required to take an additional COVID-19 PCR test on day two after arrival (and they must register and pay for it beforehand to obtain a QR code).

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated inbound passengers are still required to observe a mandatory seven-day self-isolation in addition to a COVID-19 PCR test on days two and seven after arrival.

Arrival testing details can be found here.

Passengers over the age of 10 departing from Nigeria must show a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of departure, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo, located in Central Africa between Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is allowing U.S. travelers to visit. According to the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of the Congo, all arriving passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test (check with your airline for the time frame), undergo a health screening and test upon arrival.

The U.S. Embassy notes that a mandatory rapid test (RT-PCR) is also now being implemented at the international airports for all incoming passengers as of Oct. 18, 2021. The cost is 4,000 Central African francs ($7) and is at the visitor’s expense. Visitors must then quarantine until they receive their results by email. In the case of a positive test result, they will be assisted by the Ministry of Health. To preregister for the test and process the payment ahead of time, travelers need to visit voyage-congo.com.

In addition, according to the U.S. Embassy, people must present a certificate of vaccination for internal travel between large cities and to access public administrative offices, banks, government offices, etc., as of Nov. 1, 2021.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for the Republic of the Congo is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Rwanda

Rwanda is open to American tourists. The country had been doing a relatively good job controlling the coronavirus outbreak since reopening to commercial flights on Aug. 1, 2020, but cases hit record highs this past summer and began to surge again in early January before declining again (see details on the Johns Hopkins University website).

As the new omicron variant has spread, Rwanda has imposed new measures.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Rwanda is now Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Rwanda, all arriving passengers are required to fill out a passenger locator form and upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours (three days) of departure for Rwanda (children under 5 are exempt from testing). All travelers are also subject to testing upon arrival (at a cost of $60), per the instructions on Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s website. An additional rapid antigen test will be performed on day three after arrival at a designated testing site.

Arrival protocols and additional information can be found in the FAQ section on VisitRwanda.com. Rwanda is offering visas on arrival as well for all nationalities. There are a number of additional planning resources available at VisitRwanda.com.

All major national parks in the country are open, but according to VisitRwanda.com, there are specific measures for tourists visiting them: All international tourists visiting national parks are required to schedule their visit within 72 hours of receiving a negative test result. The only accepted test for tourists visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura national parks is the RT-PCR. A negative rapid antigen test will be accepted for Akagera National Park. If your visit falls more than 72 hours after the initial test on arrival, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test before visiting the parks.

Travelers departing Rwanda must also test negative with a PCR test within 72 hours of departure for home (but the U.S. now requires a negative test result within one day of travel, so U.S travelers might need to get both a PCR test to depart and a rapid antigen test to satisfy U.S. requirements).

Face masks are required nationwide in public spaces and there is a curfew from midnight to 4 a.m., with businesses closing at 11 p.m.

Senegal

International flights have resumed to Senegal, but land and sea borders remain closed. Americans can enter the country, according to the U.S. Embassy, and must follow entry protocols.

Senegal requires travelers over the age of 2 to present either a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated with the AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccine at least 14 days before departure or the original certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within five days of arrival and issued in English or French. The West African country also requires all arrivals to submit a passenger locator form. Arriving passengers face health screenings.

Hotels are open, as are restaurants and casinos, with social distancing in place. A mandatory mask order remains in effect countrywide.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Senegal is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Seychelles

The Seychelles, which had gone to extremes to protect itself from coronavirus (in May 2020, TPG cruise reporter Gene Sloan wrote about the small island nation off the coast of Africa banning cruise ships until 2022), began by welcoming vaccinated Americans in February 2021. As of March 25, 2021, unvaccinated U.S. travelers can visit.

Details can be found here and the latest travel advisory is here.

To enter, travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight and upload the test results to the online portal to obtain a Travel Health Authorization. All travelers must also present valid travel and health insurance that covers, at a minimum, COVID-19-related isolation, quarantine and clinical care. Note: Visitors may only stay at licensed establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Public Health Authority.

There is also now a curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. until further notice and retail shops, bars, casinos and other businesses have limited hours of operation.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Seychelles is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19. Check the U.S. Embassy website for updates.

South Africa

South Africa reopened to tourism on Oct. 1, 2020, and as of Nov. 11, 2020, U.S. citizens can enter for tourism purposes, according to the U.S Embassy in South Africa. They need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours from the time of departure (children under five are exempt). Those arriving without the proper negative test must test upon arrival and if they receive a positive result remain in mandatory quarantine for 10 days at their own cost. All arriving travelers must also fill out a health questionnaire.

Details can be found here. Additional information is available on South African Airways website.

Cases in South Africa have now surpassed 3.6 million. The country has been on adjusted alert Level 1 since Oct. 1, 2021, allowing most normal activity to resume, although masks are required in public spaces. After peaking the week of Dec. 12-16, omicron cases quickly declined.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for South Africa is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Tanzania

Tanzania currently requires all travelers to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 96 hours of their flight to Tanzania and to complete an online Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours prior to arrival to receive a unique health code.

Travelers will undergo screening upon arrival and passengers from countries with high levels of COVID-19 will also be required to take a rapid test ($10; $25 in Zanzibar) upon arrival in Tanzania. Travelers arriving from certain high-risk countries (not the U.S.) are also required to undergo a 14-day quarantine at their own cost.

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania says community spread of COVID-19 continues across the country and the U.S. State Department’s advisory for Tanzania is Level 4: Do Not Travel.

U.S. tourists also need a visa to visit Tanzania. See details here.

Related: Dreaming of Tanzania

Uganda

Americans can currently travel to Uganda, known as one of the top destinations for gorilla trekking. The country’s national parks reopened to tourists in October 2020. However, the U.S. Embassy says travelers from the United States should exercise caution because of COVID-19. Crime and kidnappings also remain a concern.

According to the U.S. Embassy, arriving passengers must have a visa applied for online and approved by the Ugandan government as well as a negative PCR COVID-19 test from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin taken not more than 72 hours before boarding their flight for Uganda.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that the government of Uganda also requires that all departing passengers present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. This requirement is mandatory for all departing passengers out of Uganda even if the destination country does not require it. But the U.S. does, although it is now mandated to have been taken within one day of travel.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Uganda is Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to COVID-19 and the risk of kidnapping but the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19.

Zambia

Zambia, home to Victoria Falls and known as a top safari destination, is open to international travelers, including Americans.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Zambia, the country requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel. Tourists also need a visa (apply online for an e-visa here). There are no quarantine requirements for U.S. travelers right now, but there are health screenings upon arrival and symptomatic individuals may be required to submit to testing and/or quarantine.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory for Zambia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe reopened its borders to international flights on Oct. 1, 2020 and Americans can visit for tourism. All travelers are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued by a recognized facility and taken within 48 hours of departure. Quarantine after arrival is not required for travelers who are fully vaccinated.

A yellow fever vaccination is also required.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe, as of Aug. 5, all visitors are required to use an authorized Trusted Travel lab partner in their country of departure or, if there is no partner in their country, upload negative test results into the Trusted Travel platform. If the traveler is entering from a country that is not part of the Trusted Travel Initiative, the traveler will upload their negative COVID-19 test result to globalhaven.org (account creation required).

Travelers departing Zimbabwe are also required to test negative within 48 hours of departure and use a Trusted Travel lab for testing. Note, however, that the U.S. now requires a test taken within one day of departure to reenter the U.S.

Currently, there is a curfew from midnight to 5:30 a.m.

U.S. citizens can travel to Zimbabwe and the U.S. State Department’s advisory for the country is now Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory for the country is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Additional reporting by Katherine Fan, Jordyn Fields, Jane Frye, Jacob Harrison, Donna Heiderstadt, Liz Hund, Brian Kim, Stella Shon, Caroline Tanner and Mimi Wright.

Featured photo by wilar/Shutterstock.

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