Summer Travel Update: Where Can Americans Go?
While America’s vaccine program is progressing well, many US residents are longing to make up for the vacations they couldn’t take last year. Currently, there are several destinations welcoming travelers from the US. However, each country has its own rules and regulations to follow. Americans must also bear in mind that they will have to follow US rules and regulations when they return home.
Is it safe to travel?
Impatient travelers must bear in mind that, just because a country is ready to welcome them, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk in traveling there. Currently, the State Department advises Americans not to travel to almost all international destinations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is a good idea to always check the latest travel advisories on the State Department website before booking that trip.
On the website, you can find the latest entry requirements for each country, from the US embassy pages for that country. Each has a section titled “Entry and Exit Requirements,” along with information about the coronavirus situation in each country.
Returning home to the US
Should you choose to travel internationally, bear in mind that you will have to get a negative COVID-19 test within three days of the country you are returning from. Alternatively, you need to prove you have recovered from the virus within the last 90 days.
As things stand right now, the fact that you have been vaccinated does not exempt you from requiring this negative test to return home.
Where can Americans go?
The following is a brief overview of various parts of the world and their current travel restrictions as per CBS News.
Africa
Most African countries are welcoming American tourists as long as they test negative for COVID-19 within three days of travel from the US. Some, like Ghana, do require a second test on arrival. Morocco is limiting travelers to only those who have reservations at Moroccan hotels, or business people invited by a Moroccan company.
However, Americans should bear in mind that the State Department does warn against travel to certain African countries for reasons other than the virus, including civil unrest and terrorism. Always check the State Department’s website before making any plans.
Asia
Asia is a difficult one at the moment. At present, South Korea and Thailand are welcoming American tourists, but they must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test and will be required to quarantine on arrival. China is open to US travelers who have valid residence permits and visas, but the country has specific requirements, with testing and quarantine protocols firmly in place.
However, multiple other countries in Asia are closed to US tourists including Japan and India, the latter of which is currently facing one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks with the new variant of the virus.
Australia and New Zealand
Currently, neither Australia nor New Zealand is allowing US tourists to enter.
Canada
When it comes to Canada, only essential travel is allowed, which means that tourism and recreation are currently out.
Europe
Europe is gradually easting up on restrictions and the European Commission is working on the digital green certificate to allow vaccinated travelers in. At present, each country has its own restrictions. For instance, Greece is welcoming travelers from the US who test negative for COVID-19 before arriving, or can prove they have been fully vaccinated. Other countries have testing and quarantine requirements in place. Currently, Germany is not allowing US citizens to enter.
Spain is preparing to welcome international travelers who have been fully vaccinated in June, while Italy is welcoming US travelers on Delta’s COVID-tested flights.
Iceland, a non-EU member state, is welcoming any traveler who has been fully vaccinated against the virus without the need for testing or quarantine.
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
Currently, non-essential travel is restricted along the US-Mexico border until around June 21, 2021. However, Americans can travel to Mexico by plane and a negative COVID-19 test is not required.
Costa Rica is open to Americans with no testing required. However, other Central American countries do require negative COVID-19 tests prior to arrival.
Most of the Caribbean nations require visitors to test negative for COVID-19 before arriving. Some, including The Bahamas and Aruba, also require travelers to purchase COVID-19 health insurance. The only country not requiring testing is the Dominican Republic.
South America
Each South American country has a “Do Not Travel” advisory from the State Department, including Brazil, which has suffered one of the deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks. Some countries, including Argentina and Chile, are closed to US tourists. Others, like Peru and Bolivia, allow American visitors, but have testing and quarantine protocols in place.
Middle East
American travelers, who meet certain requirements, including negative COVID-19 tests, are allowed to visit Israel and some parts of the United Arab Emirates.
However, as well as COVID-19 travel advisories, the State Department warns against traveling to certain countries in the Middle East due to civil unrest and terrorism.
Russia
Currently, Russia’s borders are closed to US citizens, with a few exceptions.
As a reminder, always check with the latest travel advisories on the State Department website before making reservations.
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