Updated October 15, 2020

There is no doubt this pandemic has upended our lives completely, and travel is definitely no exception. From wanderlusting after summer holidays to daydreaming about taking our now-remote jobs on the road permanently as digital nomads, many are wondering when we can travel internationally again, myself included!

I understand the need to be cautious — and clean! — during this global pandemic. But the fact of the matter is, many of the COVID-19 containment efforts are also negatively impacting public health. Isolation, loneliness, the lack of human touch, constant stress and fear, unemployment…

The way I see it, we have to take calculated risks at some point if we want to live fully and enjoy our lives.

So when can we Americans get back on the wagon — er, airplane? What countries can Americans travel to in 2020? I am personally invested in answering these questions so I figured I would organize and publicize my research as this country-by-country reopening guide.

Things are changing fast so I will be updating this post as we go.

What to consider when traveling overseas again

Travel insurance

Even if your destination doesn’t require it, you will probably want some form of travel insurance to cover things like canceled flights or emergency medical care. I suggest looking into World Nomads.

Check out my post How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for COVID.

US Department of State travel warnings

First thing’s first: You should check the Department of State’s travel warning for the specific country you have in mind. They have recently downgraded the Worldwide Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory to Worldwide ‘Caution’. Each country now has its own advisory label instead.

How open is your destination?

Meaning, is there a curfew? Are hotels and sights and restaurants open? Definitely check on this beforehand or you could be very very disappointed when you land!

Your destination’s safety protocols

Many countries are requiring a negative PCR COVID-19 test from no more than a few days before departure. Are you okay with getting testing before flying if that’s what’s required?

A few countries are requiring a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. These probably aren’t the best places for a vacation if you have limited time.

I would also consider how the country in question is managing the pandemic once you arrive:

• What are the cases per 100,000?
• Will businesses be required to maintain certain disinfection and social distancing protocols?
• Do you feel comfortable with the quality of their health system should you fall ill and need to go to the hospital?

How to stay safe while traveling post-COVID

Lastly, you’ll want to consider what your vacation will look like. How can you maintain social distancing while still enjoying your time abroad?

Justin of JustIn Travel blog wrote up a post on How to Stay Safe: Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak.

Countries reopened to Americans

(click for country details below)

• A bunch of Caribbean islands
• Albania
• Armenia
• Belarus
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Costa Rica (for all Americans November 1)
• Croatia
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• French Polynesia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Kenya
• Kosovo
• The Maldives
• Mexico (only by air)
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Namibia
• Nicaragua
• North Macedonia
• Panama
• Rwanda
• Serbia
• Tanzania
• Turkey
• UAE
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• Zambia

Reopened with 14-day quarantine required:

• The Bahamas
• Ethiopia
• Haiti
• Ireland
• Peru
• South Korea
• The UK

The Americas

While Americans still can’t travel to Canada (and probably won’t be able to for a long time to come), Mexico is open and doesn’t have any requirements in place! A surprising number of other countries in Central and South America are also allowing American tourists to enter.

Belize

Belize previously announced it will reopen to international tourists presumably including Americans starting August 15 and later changed to October 1. You’ll need a negative PCR test from 72 hours or less before you fly and you might have to take a rapid test upon entry.

You can only patronize businesses (including hotels) with a Gold Standard certification.

Brazil

You can travel to Brazil as an American tourist. They opened their borders by air as of July 29. You need proof of health insurance that’s valid in Brazil and would cover your entire stay.

Canada

Can Americans travel to Canada right now? Americans cannot cross the border into Canada for tourism purposes until at least October 21 (and probably longer).

I thought maybe you could cross the land border into Canada but apparently that’s off-limits too until the restrictions let up according to Nat Geo.

Colombia

Americans can now travel to Colombia as tourists! You must have a negative PCR test from no more than 96 hours before departure. Their borders are open by air travel but not land or sea yet.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has reopened to American tourists in stages depending on your state of residence. But as of November 1, they will reopen to all Americans!

You will need a negative PCR-RT coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of departure as well as travel insurance that covers any costs associated with quarantine or COVID medical expenses.

Ecuador

Americans can now travel to Ecuador! You can either present proof of a negative PCR test from 10 days or less before departure or take a test on arrival at your own expense and quarantine while waiting for the results.

Guatemala

You can now travel to Guatemala as a US citizen. You’ll need a negative PCR test from 72 hours or less before departure. There is a nationwide curfew from 21:00 to 4:00.

Honduras

Honduras is open to American tourists as of August 17. You need to bring proof of a negative COVID test, which can be either PCR or rapid, from 72 hours or less beforehand.

Mexico

Can you travel to Mexico right now? Border restrictions for any non-essential travel between Mexico and the US are in place until at least October 21. These restrictions apply to land crossings. According to The New York Times, you can still enter Mexico by air.

Some states in Mexico are currently only allowing essential businesses to be open while others have opened hotels and restaurants, etc. Check with the specific place you’re interested in going first.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is now open to foreign tourists, including Americans. Reportedly, you will need a negative PCR test from 72 hours or less before your flight.

Panama

You can travel to Panama as an international tourist as of October 12. You need a negative COVID test (antigen or PCR) from no more than 48 hours beforehand. You are required to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when leaving your residence. There are curfews that vary by region.

Peru

I’m not really sure what’s going on in Peru…

It seems like you might be able to travel there but must quarantine for 14 days in addition to presenting a negative test. Check the US Embassy in Peru’s website for more.

The Caribbean

For the most part, Americans can travel to the Caribbean islands.

Two islands – Bermuda and Barbados – have even introduced long-stay ‘digital nomad visas’, which is very exciting! I hope to see more countries around the world following their lead.

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda have opened to international tourists. You must complete a health declaration form and present a negative test from 7 days or less before arrival. You are required to wear a mask while in transit and in public places.

Aruba

Aruba has been open to American tourists since July 10. You will need to either submit a negative COVID PCR test from 72 hours before travel or pay for a test once you arrive in Aruba. You need to have Aruba Visitors Insurance for your trip.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas have been open to international tourists since July 1. They flip-flopped a bit saying they were going to restrict Americans again but have now settled on a policy that allows Americans but you must quarantine for 14 days and take a COVID test at the end of quarantine.

Barbados

Barbados reopened to international travelers including Americans on July 12. You can either present a negative COVID test from 72 hours or less before you arrive or do a test in the airport and quarantine until the results are ready.

They have also announced a new visa called the Barbados Welcome Stamp that allows people to live and work remotely on the island for a year. This is basically a digital nomad visa and I’m so excited to see countries rolling this out! The program comes at a steep price though – you can get the stamp for $2,000.

Bermuda

Bermuda opened to American tourists on July 1. You’ll need to fill out an online travel authorization and pay $75, which includes the cost of testing when you arrive. You must also take a PCR COVID test no more than 7 days before departure and present negative results when you arrive.

You’ll have to take another test when you arrive.

Like Barbados, Bermuda has released a ‘digital nomad’ one-year residential certificate called ‘Work from Bermuda‘. It costs $263, which is waaaaay more affordable than its Bajan counterpart.

Curacao

Curacao is open to US residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. You need a negative PCR COVID-19 test from 72 hours or less beforehand.

Dominica

Dominica is open to US residents from August 7. They must bring a negative PCR COVID test from 72 hours or less before boarding and take a rapid test upon arrival.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic reopened on July 1 for all tourists. Visitors to the DR no longer need to present a negative test result. According to their tourism site, as of September 15, they will randomly spot test people in the airport upon arrival instead.

Grenada

Grenada opened to American tourists starting August 1. The US is considered a High-Risk country so the requirements for entry include using a contact tracing app, presenting a negative PCR test from 7 days or less beforehand, and taking another PCR test upon arrival.

Haiti

Haiti is open to American travelers. You must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival according to the US Embassy in Haiti.

Jamaica

Jamaica reopened for international travelers on June 15! You must submit a Travel Authorization along with a negative PCR test from 7 days or less beforehand. You will be tested for COVID upon arrival.

St Barths

Saint Barths opened to travelers from all countries including the US on June 22. You have to bring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from 72 hours or less beforehand or pay to get tested at the airport when you arrive. If you’re on the island for more than seven days, you have to get tested again.

St Lucia

Reportedly, Saint Lucia is open to tourists (since June 4).

You will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test from 7 days or less before flying to enter.

St Vincent and The Grenadines

St Vincent and The Grenadines reopened for international tourists. Americans are required to bring a negative PCR COVID test from within 7 days of arrival. They will be tested again upon arrival and must have proof of funds to quarantine for 5 days while waiting for results. They will be tested again on the 5th day and then must quarantine for 9-16 more days in lodging of their choice. (This is a lot. No thank you, St Vincent!)

Turks and Caicos

The islands reopened to international tourists on July 22. You need a negative COVID test from within 5 days of departure and proof of medical/travel insurance that covers medevac.

Europe

When can Americans travel to Europe? Well, the EU still isn’t letting us in but there are still some countries in Europe who have opened their borders to American tourists. Can I interest you in Croatia, Albania, or Montenegro?

A few European countries like the Netherlands and Denmark are now allowing foreign national long-term partners of residents to enter.

Albania

Albania has been open to American tourists since the start of July. There’s no testing requirement currently. You must wear a mask in public places.

Belarus

Americans can travel to Belarus. There’s no testing requirement currently.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

American tourists can travel to Bosnia & Herzegovina as of September 12. You’ll need a negative PCR test from 48 hours or less before departure.

Croatia

Woohoo Americans can travel to Croatia! You must provide proof of accommodation reservations. You must provide a negative COVID test from 48 hours before travel.

France

The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list.

Germany

The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list.

Germany is now allowing entry to unmarried partners of German citizens.

Georgia

US citizens cannot travel to Georgia as tourists. There are a few exemptions to the Georgian travel ban, however. One is travelers who plan to live in the country for at least 6 months through their new ‘digital nomad visa‘. They have said you will be able to apply for this visa online but haven’t released the online platform yet.

Greece

The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list. Earlier, Greece announced wanting to reopen sooner and would have taken Americans as long as they test negatively for COVID. Not sure what they will do now.

Iceland

The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list.

Italy

Can Americans travel to Italy in August? All signs point to no. The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list.

There are rumors the Sicilian government will pay for half of your ticket to visit the island once borders are open again.

Might I recommend Sardinia once the country opens?

Ireland

Is Ireland open to Americans? Actually, yes. Americans can enter Ireland but must quarantine for 14 days.

Kosovo

American tourists can enter Kosovo. There are no COVID-related requirements to enter.

Malta

US citizens residing in the States are not permitted to travel to Malta as tourists.

Montenegro

Americans can travel to Montenegro!

You must have a negative PCR test from 72 hours or less before departure or “or a positive coronavirus antibody test result (SARS-CoV-2) of the IgG class obtained by ELISA serologic test” whatever that means.

The Netherlands

The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list.

The Netherlands is now allowing entry to long-term partners of Dutch residents.

North Macedonia

Americans can travel to North Macedonia as of July 1.

Portugal

The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list. Before, Portugal was planning to reopen to foreign tourists in June, and Americans would have been allowed in. This gives me a reason to hope this will be one of the first European countries we’ll be allowed into. Fingers crossed.

Serbia

Americans can enter Serbia without proof of a negative test or need to quarantine. Masks are required in most places.

Spain

The EU has reopened its external borders to some countries since July 1 but the US is not on the list. It’s likely the Balearic and Canary Islands will reopen before mainland Spain. Overall, Americans cannot travel to Spain in August 2020.

Switzerland

As a Schengen-associated state, Switzerland appears to be included in the EU border restrictions. American tourists are not permitted to enter the country until further notice.

Unmarried partners of Swiss residents can now enter the country.

Ukraine

Americans can travel to Ukraine as of June 15. The US is considered a Red Zone, so you must either 1) bring a negative PCR test from no less than 48 hours before departure; 2) take a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine while waiting for the results; or 3) quarantine for 14 days.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom does not have border restrictions in place for international travelers. You must quarantine for 14 days after arriving and the government is allegedly planning spot checks to enforce this policy.

I spent 2 months quarantined in London and I can confirm the airlines are indeed flying but the airport was completely deserted when I went.

Asia & Oceania

Asia has been killin’ it in their response to COVID. Why did I ever leave Vietnam again??

That said, they aren’t letting Americans in so fast. Turkey, the Maldives, and Dubai seem to be the standouts so far. I think Australia and New Zealand will be the last of the countries in this region to open their borders since they are aiming for the elimination of the virus within their countries.

Armenia

US citizens can travel to Armenia by air as long as they have a negative Covid-19 test at airport or 14-day mandatory quarantine.

Australia

Borders are closed to all non-citizens and non-residents indefinitely. Some Australian economists have said they do not expect to open back up to international tourists until 2021.

China

Ah, coronavirus Ground Zero.

Their borders are closed to “almost all foreigners”. They might open up to nationals of certain countries soon but that probably won’t include the US.

India

It’s my understanding that you cannot travel to India as an American tourist right now but I am having trouble finding any sources with details on this.

Indonesia

The Indonesian island of Bali was supposed to reopen to international tourists on September 11 but that has been pushed back. It may not reopen until 2021.

Israel

Foreigners are not allowed to enter Israel. They are even talking about implementing a second lockdown because they can’t seem to keep cases down.

Here’s my favorite two-week itinerary if you wanna daydream while we wait.

Japan

Foreign nationals from a pretty long list of countries (including the US) are banned from entering Japan indefinitely.

Japan plans to reopen borders in stages: Business travelers and researchers will be allowed in first, followed by international students, and finally tourists. It will probably open to certain regions initially as well, like Taiwan, Vietnam, and some parts of Europe with low COVID rates.

There are rumors the Japanese government may cover half of your trip costs as an incentive to lure tourists back once borders are open. Wish they did that when I was there in October!

Here’s a 2-week Japan itinerary you can get excited about in the meantime.

The Maldives

The Maldives reopened to American tourists on July 15. Since September 10, they require a negative PCR test from no more than 72 hours before departure.

Philippines

The Philippines has banned foreigners from entering until further notice.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka previously announced reopening August 1 but is now delaying that. It’s unclear when they will reopen to international tourists.

South Korea

American tourists can travel to South Korea but must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at their own expense.

Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and other French Polynesian islands

Excellent news – These exotic tropical islands in the Pacific reopened to tourists from all countries on July 15th. They are not requiring a 14-day quarantine upon arrival but you must have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of departure, you must have travel insurance, and you might be selected for random testing.

Thailand

Thailand’s commercial flight ban has been lifted however they are only allowing entrance to “Thai nationals and their family members, residents, students, medical and wellness tourists and those with special permission to enter the country.”

Thailand probably won’t reopen its borders to foreign tourists until the “third or fourth quarter of 2020”.

Turkey

Turkey has reopened to international tourists from all countries, including the US. They are doing health screenings in the airports and you are required to wear a mask while in transit as well as during your stay while in public spaces.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai reopened to international tourists including Americans July 7. Visitors will need proof of health insurance and a negative PCR test from 96 hours or less before departure.

Vietnam

Foreigners are not allowed to enter Vietnam.

Africa

Egypt

I’m not really sure what’s going on with Egypt but it appears Americans CAN travel there, at least anecdotally. You must have proof of a negative COVID PCR test from 72 hours or less before departure as well as proof of health insurance.

Ethiopia

US citizens can travel to Ethiopia but will need a negative COVID-19 test result from 72 hours or less. You’ll also have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Ghana

American tourists can now travel to Ghana as long as you bring along a negative COVID test from 72 hours or less beforehand.

Kenya

Kenya opened its borders to international travel on August 1. You need a negative COVID test from within 96 hours of arrival.

Morocco

US citizens can travel to Morocco as long as they reservations with a Moroccan hotel or travel agency or be invited by a Moroccan company for business. Travelers entering Morocco must complete a PCR test (of less than 48 hours) and a serological test (can be outside 48 hours).

Namibia

US citizens can travel to Namibia but must present a negative COVID test from no more than 72 hours beforehand. You must stay in the same lodging (must be government-approved) for your first week there. You must register your arrival with the government.

Rwanda

Rwanda has opened its borders to international visitors, including Americans. You need a negative PCR test from no more than 72 hours beforehand. They will test you again at the airport and you must quarantine in a government-approved hotel at your own expense for 24 hours while waiting for the results.

Tanzania

Tanzania has opened its borders to international travelers, including those from the US, as of June. Woop woop. You must present a negative PCR test from 72 hours or less before travel.

Tunisia

Tunisia has opened its borders as of June 27 to many travelers but Americans are not on the list.

Uganda

Uganda is open to international tourists including Americans as of October 1. They require a negative PCR COVID test from no more than 72 hours before boarding. There is a nationwide curfew from 21:00 to 6:00, excluding travel from the airport when you arrive.

Zambia

Americans can travel to Zambia. There is currently no testing or quarantine requirement.

BONUS SECTION! US States and Territories

Hawaii

You can go to Hawaii but you must provide proof of a negative NAAT from 72 hours or less before travel to avoid the 2-week quarantine.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has been open for inbound tourism since July 15 but you must provide proof of a negative COVID test from 72 hours or less before arrival. Also apparently they really don’t want tourists coming right now.

USVI

The US Virgin Islands has gone back and forth a bit but is open again to travelers. You need a negative COVID test from within 5 days before travel or a positive antibody test from within 4 months before travel. Otherwise, you’ll have to quarantine for 14 days.