By Caitlin Hornik
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, you may be getting ready for your triumphant return to travel!
But you may feel confused about what countries are allowing Americans and with what stipulations. Every country has varied rules and regulations, with the guidelines changing regularly as more people around the world receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Read on to learn more about where you can travel to now, and which trips to book for later this year or next.
Travel Sooner!
USA
If you’ve received any of the COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC states that it is safe to travel domestically within the United States. This includes the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Those who are fully vaccinated do not need to get tested prior to or after their travels, unless required by their destination, nor do they need to self-quarantine. The CDC encourages all of the current practices in your travel destination, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand washing.
The CDC is currently advising against domestic travel for those who are not fully vaccinated. However, the CDC website outlines precautions that should be taken if you find that you need to travel out of necessity. Read more from the CDC here.
Mexico
While the land border remains closed for non-essential travel through the end of April, Americans wishing to visit Mexico by plane may do so. A negative COVID-19 test is not required to enter the country, nor is any version of quarantine, though travelers will likely be asked to fill out a health questionnaire upon arrival to Mexico. However, a negative test is required to reenter the United States. The test must be completed 72 hours or less before traveling back to the United States. For more information on travel to Mexico, click here.
Caribbean
Certain islands, including Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Bahamas, Aruba, and Bermuda, have reopened to American travelers. While individual rules and regulations vary, it’s safe to bet that travelers will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 upon re-entry into the U.S.
Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico all require proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travel from the U.S. Be sure to check with your airline and hotel for updates on COVID-19 policies prior to travel.
Greece
As of April 19th, Greece is allowing Americans to enter the country. A negative COVID-19 test must be shown upon entry unless travelers have been fully vaccinated for more than 14 days. Greece currently recognizes the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Click here for more.
Croatia
Croatia recently announced that those who have been fully vaccinated for more than 14 days will not need to show a negative test nor will they need to quarantine. However, a negative COVID-19 PCR test is required for those who are not vaccinated.
United States citizens will need to show proof of a fully-paid accommodation. A reservation alone will not suffice. Be sure to have the appropriate documentation proving a fully-paid accommodation upon arrival! For more on rules and regulations for traveling to Croatia, click here.
Iceland
As of April 6th, 2021, fully vaccinated Americans may visit Iceland. Documentation, including a vaccination card, is required to enter the country. Iceland recognizes the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
If you haven’t been vaccinated, you may be able to show proof of previous COVID-19 infection. Rules on testing vary, so be sure to consult your airline and hotel before you leave!
For more information on official guidance from the Iceland government, click here.
Travel Later
France
If you are a United States citizen, you cannot currently enter France unless you have an exemption. France is aiming to be able to welcome United States citizens by the summer. We recommend booking travel to France later this year or in 2022.
Australia
A travel ban is still in effect for United States citizens trying to visit Australia. Current regulations include proof of a negative COVID-19 test and 14 days of quarantine. We recommend looking into traveling to Australia in 2022.
Portugal
While Portugal’s State of Emergency is set to end April 30th, a general Stay at Home order remains in place. Only essential travel is being permitted. When the country does allow United States citizens, it is likely they’ll require a negative COVID-19 test. We recommend booking travel for late 2021 into 2022.
UK destinations
With the rapidly changing situation in the UK, they continue to update their “red list.”
This includes countries from which entry to the UK is banned. While the United States is not on this list, there is no concrete date for tourism to resume. The latest guidance has suggested that United States citizens may be able to enter the UK this summer. We recommend keeping an eye on the news, and booking travel for Fall 2021 and beyond.
Italy
New guidance was released earlier in May from Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Visitors who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, have had the virus and recovered, or who have tested negative 48 hours before traveling will be able to enter the country without having to quarantine. We recommend keeping a close eye on the news as Italy plans for a follow-up announcement with more details. Read more about Italy's restrictions here.
Spain
It's been announced that Spain is preparing to reopen to tourists in June. A digital certificate, or vaccine passport, will be required to show proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19, or proof of a negative test. We recommend booking travel to Spain in late June and beyond, and keeping a close eye on the news for updates.
