In the current environment where travel is restricted and totally prohibited in some countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you must be aware of countries that are still allowing American travelers access to visit.
We’ll provide a detailed list of countries that are currently accepting American travelers and highlight any restrictions that are in place in these destinations.
Caribbean
Several Caribbean islands are open and welcoming tourists from the United States. These islands include Antigua, Barbados, the Bahamas, Aruba, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Saint Maarten, Turks and Caicos, US Virgin Islands, and Dominica.
The protocols for each Island is different, and you must visit the official tourism website of each Island to confirm regulations before booking your vacation.
The Island of Jamaica has slightly more open protocols. All American visitors are required to receive travel authorization before been allowed to visit the Island.
Please see the website to apply for travel authorization to Jamaica https://travelauth.visitjamaica.com/.
After receiving the approval, you will be allowed to enter the Island. If you are a tourist, you are required to stay at an approved hotel or accommodation facility in one of the resort towns of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, or Negril.
Guests are also not permitted to leave the hotel or resort during their stay; this might change shortly as the tourism stakeholders on the Island are working on a plan to open some of the major attractions to international tourists in a controlled manner.
The tranquil island of Aruba is also welcoming US visitors; however, they require travelers from 24 States, which they have deemed high risk to submit a negative COVID-19 test before traveling to the Island.
See the link that gives details on the affected states and general information about the requirements for visiting Aruba. https://travelauth.visitjamaica.com/
For Antigua, a tiny island better known for having 365 beaches, the government has mandated all international travelers, including Americans, to complete a health declaration form and provide a certified negative COVID-19 test.
The authorities also can conduct additional testing on incoming visitors to the Island as deemed necessary. Antigua also has a maximum penalty of $USD3700 or six (6) months in prison for failure to comply with protocols.
See details of the Island’s protocols here https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/.
All the other Caribbean islands that are open to American visitors mentioned above require some form of travel authorization or documentation confirming that visitors are COVID-19 negative. Some islands do a test on arrival, while others require that testing be done before arrival.
Each of these islands has detailed protocols that we recommend you review carefully before considering booking your trip.
South America
The South American countries of Brazil and Ecuador are currently accepting American tourists.
Guests are also not permitted to leave the hotel or resort during their stay; this might change shortly as the tourism stakeholders on the Island are working on a plan to open some of the major attractions to international tourists in a controlled manner.
The required documents must be recent; medical declarations that were done more than two weeks before your travel date will not be accepted.
Ecuador requires all American visitors to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test; this test should not be taken more than ten (10) days before coming to Ecuador.
Mexico
America’s great neighbors Mexico are accepting tourists from American. They also have protocols in place to guide and manage travel in the best possible way during this pandemic.
A negative PCR test is a requirement. Most resorts on the Island are in the initial stages of reopening, so it is imperative that you do your research on your options before considering Mexico for your vacation at this time.
Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the few Asian countries that are accepting American visitors right now. Cambodia has stringent protocols in place that must be adhered to by all visitors.
Firstly, a negative COVID-19 test result that was done no longer than 72-hours before arrival must be presented. Additionally, all travelers must take another COVID-19 test on arrival at their own expense.
If you are traveling with a group of people and any group member tests positive, the entire group will be quarantined in a government facility for fourteen (14) days.
A fee of $USD 2000 must be paid upon arrival at any airport in Cambodia; this fee is to cover testing and any other treatment services that might be necessary during your stay in Cambodia.
French Polynesia
The French Polynesian islands are welcoming American tourists with open arms. They, however, have protocols in place to keep everyone safe when they visit. All visitors are required to present a negative PCR test done no more than three days before their arrival date.
The test results must be updated on this platform https://www.etis.pf/. While you are vacation in French Polynesia, the wearing of masks is mandatory in outdoor spaces where large numbers of people gather. Also, all discos and nightclubs are closed.
Restaurants must maintain a minimum of one meter or 3 feet between each table, and all patrons in restaurants must be seated. Failure to comply with these COVID-19 protocols will attract a fine of up 745 Euros or USD $889.
These are some of the countries that have opened their borders to travelers from the United States. Please note that the COVID-19 situation is fluent and continuously evolving.
The list of approved countries can change at short notice, and the onus is on you, the traveler, to do your research before you book your next trip during this pandemic.
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