Dusting Off Your Passport? Here's Where Americans Can Travel Now
Jon Shallbetter - April 30, 2021 July 27, 2022
Editor's note: We'll be regularly updating this post with the latest changes as more countries open up to U.S. travelers. It was last updated May 2, 2021.
This time last year, international travel was an afterthought. One by one, countries around the globe shut their borders down to outsiders. The outlook for a trip abroad was grim.
A year later, the news couldn't be more different. Wondering where can Americans travel now? It seems like the list of where American travelers can get is in growing each and every week – many with requirements for proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Suddenly, international travel is back on the menu.
It's constantly changing, but we've done our best to break down the list of countries where U.S. citizens can travel now. Whether you're ready for a big now or not until next year, use this as a guide to plan a realistic trip.
Keep in mind, you'll need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result no more than three days prior to your return to the U.S. – regardless of your vaccination status.
Countries that require a quarantine on arrival are not included in this article. Don't see the country you want to visit on this list? Check out our country-by-country guide on travel restrictions to see where things stand.
Sierra Leóne
Countries Opening Soon?
Proof of vaccination? No.
COVID-19 test for entry? No.
More info on U.S. Embassy in Albania site.
Albania reopened for tourists from most countries, including U.S. citizens, on July 1. There are few restrictions to enter the country. Neither a COVID-19 test nor a quarantine is required.
Proof of vaccination accepted? No.
COVID-19 test for entry? Yes.
More info on the U.S. embassy page.
Antigua and Barbuda were among the first to open their doors to travelers back on June 1. All arriving passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days of their flight.
Travelers must wear a mask during disembarkation and at all times in public during their stay. They must also complete a health declaration form and will be subjected to health screenings on arrival.
More info on the Aruba Tourism Board.
U.S. travelers may enter Aruba and will have the option to take a PCR test on arrival at the airport or provide their own certified test within 72 hours prior to travel. You must complete a traveler health assessment and also purchase travel insurance from Aruba's government for around $10 a day.
Proof of vaccination accepted? Yes
COVID-19 test for entry? Yes, if not vaccinated.
U.S. citizens are permitted entry into the Bahamas but must submit a Travel Health Visa Application which will require a negative COVID-19 test result. Testing must be performed within five days of travel. Mandatory COVID-19 health insurance is also required for about $10 a day depending on your length of stay.
Proof of vaccination accepted? Yes.
COVID-19 test for entry? Yes. If not fully vaccinated.
More info on the Belize Tourism Board
U.S. travelers are permitted entry if they have negative COVID-19 results taken within 96 hours of travel or take a test on arrival for about $50. As of mid-March, fully vaccinated travelers are welcome and can bypass the testing requirements. Travelers should have completed full immunization two weeks prior to travel.
Children under 5 aren't required to provide a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
COVID-19 test for entry? Yes, even if vaccinated.
On July 1, Americans were welcomed back to Bermuda. But getting in is a multi-step process.
For starters, you will need a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than five days prior to arrival. You'll also need to complete an online authorization process, including important health information. That online form costs $75, and that covers the cost of another COVID-19 test on arrival at Bermuda (BDA) airport. And then you'll need to quarantine for up to eight hours or more at your home or accommodation until the results from that second test come in.
Depending on how long you're staying in Bermuda, be prepared to take additional COVID-19 tests on day three, day seven, and day 14 after your arrival at pop-up testing stations scattered across the island. If you test positive, you'll need to self-quarantine for 14 days – on your dime. Vaccinated travelers still need to test before arrival and upon arrival but can skip the extended quarantine and additional testing.
More info on the Bolivian U.S. embassy site.
U.S. citizens are permitted entry into Bolivia if they have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days of travel. Temperature checks and health screenings will be performed at international airports.
More info on the Bonaire U.S. embassy site.
This small island, primarily known for incredible diving, is welcoming tourists again. Travelers may enter with a negative NAAT test taken no more than 24 hours before departure, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival AND a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours before arrival.
More info on the Botswana U.S. embassy site.
Tourists are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure for Botswana.
More info on the Brazilian U.S. embassy site.
Travelers are permitted to travel to Brazil by air with negative COVID-19 test results performed no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Proof of health insurance is no longer required – but still highly encouraged by the U.S. State Department, which warns strongly against traveling to Brazil as it struggles with a fast-spreading coronavirus variant and rising death rates.
More info on the Cabo Verde U.S. embassy site.
Travelers may enter Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde) but must present results of  a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival.
More info on the Colombian U.S. embassy site.
U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Colombia with a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours prior to departure. Health screenings are in place at the airport and travelers must follow other protocols upon arrival.
If you're planning a trip to Colombia this year be sure to check out our guide before your trip.
More info on the Costa Rica Tourism Board.
Costa Rica eliminated its COVID-19 testing requirements way back in October 2020, throwing the doors wide open for travel. It's one of the few countries in the world to allow most travelers in without a test before arrival. Travelers still need to fill out an official HEALTH PASS form and have appropriate travel insurance.
Finding a cheap flight to Costa Rica has been easier than ever in the past few months. Recently our Thrifty Traveler Premium members were delighted with a widespread sale with fares all under $300!
More info on the Cote d'Ivoire U.S. embassy site.
Travelers arriving at the international airport in Abidjan (ABJ) are required to fill out an air travel declaration form as well as follow all health measures related to travel. A negative COVID-19 test result must be provided, taken within five days of departure.
All foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, can enter Croatia for tourism and other purposes. You can enter with one of three following documents: You will need to provide negative results from a COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of your arrival. If you have a certificate of vaccination with a final dose more than 14 days prior, that will be accepted to enter Croatia. Finally, you can enter with a certificate showing a positive COVID-19 test and recovery 11 to 180 days prior to arrival.
More info on the Curacao U.S. embassy page.
A negative COVID-19 PCR test that was taken no more than 72 hours before arrival is required to enter Curaçao. Travelers are also required to take an antigen test on the third day after arrival in Curaçao.
More info on the Cyrpus U.S. embassy page.
United States citizens may travel to Cyprus without mandatory self-isolation if they have uploaded proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding a flight to Cyprus. They must also complete another test upon arrival at their own expense (about $30).
More info on the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism page.
Tourists are allowed entry to the Dominican Republican without any testing requirements. Health screenings and temperature checks will be administered.
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Proof of vaccination acceped? Yes.
More info on the Ecuadorian U.S. embassy page.
Travelers arriving in Ecuador must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (either an RT-PCR or rapid antigen test) taken no more than three days prior to entering the country. Otherwise, you can present a vaccination card showing a completed series of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Travelers who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 more than one month prior to the onset of symptoms may present a medical document from their country of origin declaring their recovery.
More info on the Egypt U.S. Embassy page.
Borders are open to U.S. citizens who can provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours prior to arrival. Health screenings and temperature checks will be administered upon arrival.
U.S. citizens are allowed to enter El Salvador with negative COVID-19 test results produced no later than 72 hours prior to arrival. But as of late March, visitors can bypass those testing requirements with a certificate showing they've completed a COVID-19 vaccination course.
More info on the Tahiti Tourism website.
Borders have reopened as of May 1, but some restrictions will remain in place. A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure will be required. Also, a mandatory quarantine is required for all travelers for 10 days who are not vaccinated or do not have proven immunity. They must test on day four and day eight. If both tests are negative they are released from quarantine on day 11. Vaccinated and previously infected travelers will still need to test prior to travel, on arrival, and on day 4.
More info on the Ghana U.S. embassy page.
Travelers are allowed to enter if they have a negative COVID-19 test result conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Each passenger arriving in Ghana over the age of 5 will be required to take another COVID-19 test at the airport at their own expense ($150). Test results are available within 30 minutes and no quarantine will be required for those who test negative.
More info on the Georgia U.S. embassy site.
Travelers who have completed all required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be required to show negative tests or quarantine on arrival in Georgia.
More info on the Greek government's travel page.
While the rest of Europe holds off amid a third wave of COVID-19 cases, Greece was prepared to go ahead without the rest of the continent and open to travelers sometime in May. And then it jumped the gun and opened even earlier.
As of April 19, Greece allows fully vaccinated travelers from a handful of countries (including the U.S., United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and others) to enter the country. All the vaccines approved for usage in the U.S. are allowed, but you must have received your final vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to arrival. You must arrive through one of nine major Greek airports, including Athens (ATH), Mykonos (JMK), or Santorini (JTR).
Otherwise, Greece will also allow travelers entry who provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. All travelers are required to fill out a Passenger Location Form the day before arrival, and some arrivals will be randomly screened with a rapid antigen test.
More info on the Guatemalan U.S. embassy page.
Travelers are permitted entry into Guatemala if they present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. If they've recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months and have a medical certificate proving it, they will be allowed to enter.
And now, evidence of a completed COVID-19 vaccination course that was finished at least two weeks prior to arrival will also be accepted for entry.
More info on the Honduras U.S. embassy page.
Honduras reopened its borders to American tourists back in August 2020. A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival is required for entry. Antigen and PCR tests are both acceptable.
COVID-19 test for entry? Also required upon arrival.
More info on the Iceland U.S. Embassy website.
Iceland's borders are now open to all travelers who have been fully vaccinated, with no quarantine requirements. However, a free PCR test is still required on arrival. Tourists who can provide proof of a previous COVID-19 infection and recovery are also welcome.
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Proof of vaccination? No
More info at Jamaica Tourism.
U.S. travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to their flight to Jamaica. Most hotels have reopened and many of them are offering free or discounted COVID-19 tests prior to your return to the U.S.
More info on the Jordan U.S. embassy page.
All travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Another PCR test is also required upon arrival at the traveler's own expense, about $40 U.S. dollars.
More info on the Kenya U.S. embassy page.
Travelers are permitted entry if they do not have a temperature over 99.5 F, do not have a cough or flu-like symptoms, and can present negative COVID-19 test results taken no more than 96 hours before travel.
Proof of vaccination? Yes.
More info on the Lebanon U.S. embassy page.
Travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival. A PCR test is also required within 72 hours of arrival at the traveler's own expense. (about $50 U.S. dollars). You will not need to test on arrival if you have proof of full vaccination more than 15 days prior to arrival.
More info on the Maldives Ministry of Tourism.
For many months, the Maldives has allowed travelers from the U.S. to visit by providing a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. That's still an option today.
But now fully vaccinated travelers who received their last dose at least two weeks prior to arrival are also allowed into the Maldives, without any additional testing requirements. The Maldives also plans to go even further by offering vaccines to visitors.
Children who aren't eligible for the vaccine still must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
More info on the Mexico U.S. embassy page.
While other countries shut down foreign tourism, Americans have been allowed to travel to Mexico by air throughout the entire pandemic – though land borders remain closed through at least April 21.
The lack of testing or vaccination requirements combined with its proximity to the U.S. have made Mexico a popular destination for sun-seekers for much of the last year. And airlines have capitalized on that demand with more and more flights – and cheap fares to Mexico, too.
Passengers arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks.
More info on the Moldova U.S. Embassy page.
Travelers are permitted to enter Moldova but must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to travel.
More info on the Montenegro U.S. Embassy page.
Tourists are allowed to enter Montenegro but must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to travel.
More info on the Morocco U.S. embassy page.
U.S. citizens are allowed entry if they have hotel reservations or tours booked with travel agencies. Travelers entering Morocco must also complete a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before travel and provide negative results on arrival.
More info on the Mozambique U.S. embassy page.
Travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken result no more than 72 hours before departure.
More info on the Namibia U.S. embassy page.
U.S. citizens are permitted entry with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days before travel.
More info on the Nepal U.S. embassy page.
Tourists entering Nepal must have a negative PCR test taken before 72 hours of boarding OR a document showing a complete vaccination against COVID-19. Other documents such as hotel booking confirmation, proof of travel insurance, and Online International Travel Arrival forms are all required to enter.
U.S. citizens are allowed entry with proof of negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
More info on the North Macedonia U.S. embassy page.
American travelers are welcome in North Macedonia. There are no requirements for a COVID-19 test or a quarantine, but social distancing measures remain in place throughout the country. If you are traveling from certain countries in Africa, a quarantine will be required.
More info on the Visit Panama site.
Panama reopened its borders to Americans and other travelers back in October 2020. A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival must be presented for entry. A rapid COVID-19 test is available at the airport at the traveler's own expense ($50).
More info on the Paraguayan U.S. embassy site.
Travelers are allowed to enter Paraguay with a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Temperature checks and other screening protocols are in place at the international Asunción (ASU) airport. Travelers who previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 to 90 days can bypass these testing requirements with documentation showing their recovery.
More info on the Peru U.S. embassy site.
U.S. citizens are allowed entry but must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken 72 hours prior to departure. All travelers arriving in Peru must quarantine for 14 days on arrival. However, the Government of Peru recently announced that travelers who take an antigen test and receive a negative result after their first day of arrival will no longer need to quarantine.
More info on Visit Rwanda.
All travelers are allowed entry but must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken with 72 hours of departure. They must also take another COVID-19 test upon arrival at the international airport with results available within 8-24 hours. Travelers must stay quarantined at their hotel until results are in.
More info on the Senegal U.S. embassy site.
Travelers arriving in Senegal must present a COVID-19 test certificate showing a negative result taken no more than five days prior to entry. Passengers may be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival at the airport if deemed necessary by health officials. Those who test positive will need to self-quarantine for 14 days.
More info on the Serbia U.S. embassy site.
Foreigner travelers seeking to enter Serbia will need to provide a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival.
More info on the Seychelles U.S. embassy site.
All travelers are permitted entry with a negative COVID-19 test result taken 72 hours prior to travel. Flight deals to Seychelles are rare, but sometimes there are diamonds in the rough.
More info on the Sierra Leóne U.S. embassy site.
U.S. citizens are permitted entry with negative COVID-19 test results taken no more than seven days prior to departure. Travelers must also test upon arrival – it will cost them $80.
More info on the South Africa U.S. embassy site.
Most travelers, including U.S. citizens, are allowed to enter South Africa. Visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
More info on the St. Kitts Tourism website.
Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. They must also submit a health form, complete a health screening upon arrival, and download a contact tracing app. There are currently eight approved hotels that international travelers must stay at during their trip with very few exceptions.
More info on the St. Lucia U.S. Embassy site
St. Lucia was one of the first countries to welcome back American travelers way back on June 4. Visitors must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of departure and will be subjected to screening and temperature checks at the airport. Face masks must be worn during the duration of your stay.
More info at St. Vincent and the Grenadines U.S. Embassy site
All arriving passengers in St. Vincent (SVD) will need a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. They may also be tested upon arrival for COVID-19, and need to quarantine until results come back. Travels then must be retested on days 4 and 7.
COVID-19 test for entry? No
More info at the Tanzania U.S. Embassy site.
Tanzania's borders are open for international travelers. All passengers should fill in a Health Surveillance Form prior to arrival. Travelers are subjected to health screenings. No testing or quarantines are currently required.
More info at the Turkey U.S. Embassy site.
Turkey has been open to tourists for months. But after months with no testing requirements, all travelers must now present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Read more: 6 Destinations in Eastern Europe to Put on Your Bucket List
More info at Visit Turks and Caicos.
Tourists are permitted entry with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken five days prior to arrival. Turks and Caicos became one of the first countries to reopen to Americans back in July.
More info at the Ukraine U.S. Embassy site.
U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Ukraine if they provide negative COVID-19 test results taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. All visitors must also have medical insurance covering all expenses related to COVID-19 treatment while on the territory of Ukraine.
More info at the Uganda U.S. Embassy site.
Travelers are allowed to enter with a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
The U.A.E. began allowing American travelers to enter again back in July. Travelers must produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of departure or agree to test upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
More info at the Zambia U.S. Embassy site.
U.S. citizens are permitted entry with a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Health screenings and procedures are in place at the international airport.
The list of countries welcoming Americans has grown over the last few months. And it will only grow longer.
A handful of popular countries around the globe have announced their plans to reopen to travel in the coming weeks and months. Just keep in mind that these timelines could change, so be sure to double- and triple-check before planning any travel.
Just this week, French President Emmanuel Macron laid out a tentative plan to allow foreign travelers – including Americans – back into France starting June 9, 2021. The current plans would require either proof of vaccination or a recent negative PCR test result.
Read more on France's plan to reopen to Americans
Spanish tourism officials have also said they hope to resume international travel sometime in June after a pilot project in May. However, Spanish Tourism Minister Fernando Valdés told BBC News its plan hinges on the European Union's broader efforts to reopen with a digital vaccine passport program.
Where can U.S. citizens travel now? That's a moving picture.
It's still not as easy as it once was, and the world is no longer wide-open to U.S. travelers. But new countries are continually reopening their borders. Many have testing requirements for entry – and a growing number will accept proof of vaccination.
We expect this list to continue growing, so keep checking.
Jon Shallbetter
Jon is our Chief Flight Analyst who joined Thrifty Traveler in March 2019. His favorite city in the world is Sydney, Australia. His goal is to help everyone see the world regardless of their income. He'd rather have a passport full of stamps than a house full of things.
Patrick Oh! says:
If you get into Croatia, Turkey or Macedonia, Would you be able to then enter Europe either through a Schengen zone country or a non-Schengen zone country like Scandinavian? I do have a residential visa for Portugal which allows me to legally live there the concern is being barred from entering.
Jonathan Shallbetter says:
Hey Patrick. In general, countries in the E.U. / Schengen zone will not permit entry to U.S. citizens even if they have entered through one of the countries listed above. The restrictions are typically based on your residence rather than the previous country you've visited. However, since you have a visa for Portugal I'd think it would be much easier for you to move around Europe. It would be worth checking into the power of your residential visa in regards to travel within Europe.
Cezanne Cross says:
You should add French Polynesia. It is opening to tourists from the USA only on May 1. We're going to the Society Islands in June for 3 weeks (Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti). Vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine but unvaccinated travelers will need to quarantine at their expense for 10 days. Negative COVID-19 tests are required within 72 hours of boarding the plan, upon arrival, and again in 4 days.
https://tahititourisme.com/en-us/covid-19/
Jon Shallbetter says:
Thank you, Cezanne.
Brandi Gutchess says:
Don't forget Peru. We are from Texas and just traveled there in April of 2021. Not a lot of other tourist, but they are open to Americans!
Thank you, Brandi.
Thomas Rasmussen says:
What about returning to the US? What is required and does it vary by which countries were visited?
Hey Thomas,
Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days prior to their return to the U.S. – regardless of their vaccination status or country they're traveling from.
Stephen Thorne says:
Good day! We are planning a trip to Scotland but are not clear on their entrance requirements for Americans. We are fully vaccinated and plan to leave the U.S. around the first of August 2021. What are the projected requirements for that time? Thanks so much for your help.
Hey Stephen. Currently, U.S. travelers are allowed into Scotland if they complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test within two days of arrival, and quarantine for 10 days with additional testing. We're hoping this changes before August!