(CNN) — For much of 2021, US passport holders have seen an ever-changing list of international travel options as the world adapted first to vaccines and then to the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
Total US cases are around the 42.3 million mark since the pandemic started. Some nations are overwhelmed by Covid cases as well as some US states.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether travel to international destinations is a good idea. The health risks are obvious if you’re not fully vaccinated. Nations might change their rules at any time. You may have to adhere to strict curfews and mask mandates. Violations could involve big fines and even jail time.
If you want expert input into your decision, the US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide Covid-19 risk assessments by country. Both agencies rate many of the countries open to US travelers at Level 4, the highest risk for Covid-19. Also, remember that all air passengers 2 and older must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test that’s no more than three days old to enter the United States.
List of nations
What follows is a curated, alphabetical list of countries and territories where it’s still possible for US passport holders to go for a vacation. Click the links at the end of each destination for important information on:
— Presenting negative results from Covid-19 tests to enter (including time limits to take the test, types of tests allowed and additional tests upon arrival).
— Quarantines (if any) and health screenings.
— Possible exemptions from the rules for the fully vaccinated, people recovered from a recent case of Covid-19 or children.
— Health insurance requirements, curfews and lockdowns.
— Different rules if you’re arriving from a third country vs. the United States.
These are all things you need to research before you book your trip. People testing positive for Covid-19 upon arrival or while visiting can expect to go into quarantine. Rules for land entry may be different.
Albania
This southeastern European country has a gorgeous Adriatic coastline. Testing required; exceptions for the fully vaccinated or with proof of Covid-19 recovery. No quarantine. US Embassy.
Anguilla
This upscale British island in the Eastern Caribbean is open only to the fully vaccinated. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy | Anguilla International Travelers.
Antigua and Barbuda
This independent nation in the eastern Caribbean, known for sheltered bays and historical sites, is open. Testing required. Quarantine requirements differ based on vaccination status. US Embassy | Antigua and Barbuda government website.
Armenia
From the historic capital of Yerevan to wild national parks, Armenia is open. Testing or proof of vaccination required; quarantines in some circumstances. US Embassy | Armenia’s official Covid-19 travel website.
Aruba
Scroll down to the Dutch Caribbean entry below for information on Aruba and other islands in this group.
Austria
UPDATE: US citizens can now visit this Alpine nation renowned for its culture and food. Testing required to enter unless fully vaccinated or proof of past infection. Quarantine unless fully vaccinated.. US Embassy | Austria Entry Requirements.
The Bahamas
UPDATE: Off the coast of Florida, this large chain of islands is loved for its many beaches. Testing required, even for the fully vaccinated. No quarantine in place. Only fully vaccinated may disembark a cruise ship with limited exceptions through at least November 1. US Embassy | Bahamas travel website | Bahamas Travel Health Visa.
Bahrain
NEW: Open to US citizens. Testing and quarantine required unless fully vaccinated. US Embassy | Bahrain International Airport | BeAware Bahrain app.
Bangladesh
On offer: beaches, interesting architecture and cultural experiences. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy.
Barbados
This is the most easterly island in the Caribbean. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy | Visit Barbados website | Rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers | BIMSafe travel app
Belgium
Home to historic Bruges and busy Brussels, Belgium is open only if you’re fully vaccinated. No pre-travel test needed. Testing and quarantine required upon arrival. US Embassy | Belgium Embassy | Belgium color codes for nations | Passenger Locator Form
Belize
English is spoken in this Central American nation filled with wildlife spotting opportunities and stunning barrier reefs. Testing required, even for the fully vaccinated. No quarantine. US Embassy | Belize Tourism Board.
Bermuda
This island in the mid-Atlantic is renowned for its pink beaches and British flair. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place, with stricter rules if you’re not fully vaccinated. US Embassy | Bermuda Tourism Authority
Bolivia
This landlocked South American country offers surreal landscapes from Andean to jungle. Testing and quarantine requirements in place. US Embassy.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina features cosmopolitan Sarajevo and gorgeous lakes. Testing required unless fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. No quarantine in place. US Embassy | Bosnia Border Police
Botswana
This southern African nation is famed for its wildlife in the Okavango Delta. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
Brazil
South America’s largest country is open. Testing required; quarantines are not. US Embassy | Health declaration.
British Virgin Islands
This pretty island group lies just to the east of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Testing required. Quarantine unless fully vaccinated. US Embassy | BVI government website | BVI Gateway website.
Canada
UPDATE: Canada has opened up to US leisure travelers. You must be fully vaccinated to enter or recently recovered from Covid-19. Testing required. US Embassy | Canada Services Border Agency.
Chile
NEW: Chile reopens on October 1. Testing and quarantine required. US Embassy | C19 health passport | Mobility pass.
Colombia
Colombia offers Medellin, “the city of eternal spring,” and lush landscapes throughout. No testing or quarantine required. US Embassy | Colombia’s travel website | Check Mig entry portal.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes draw visitors. No testing or quarantines are required. US Embassy | Visit Costa Rica website | Health pass form.
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Côte d’Ivoire is a popular destination for people wanting to enjoy West African culture and food. Testing required; quarantine encouraged but not required. US Embassy | Travel declaration and fee.
Croatia
Croatia, the jewel of the Adriatic, is open. Testing required to enter; exemptions for the fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 infection. No standard quarantine in place. US Embassy | Croatia official entry form.
Cyprus
Both parts of this politically divided Mediterranean island are open to US tourists. The Republic of Cyprus and the northern third of the island administered by Turkish Cypriots (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) each have their own rules of entry and testing. US Embassy in Nicosia | Visit Cyprus.
Czech Republic
UPDATE: Czech Republic, home to enchanting Prague, is open. Testing required; quarantine unless fully vaccinated. US Embassy | Czech Ministry of the Interior | Passenger Locator Form.
Denmark
UPDATE: Often at the top of “happiest countries” lists, Denmark accepts fully vaccinated US leisure travelers. No testing or quarantine required. Stricter rules for Greenland and Faroe Islands. US Embassy | Denmark tourist information.
Dominica
UPDATE: This rugged Eastern Caribbean island with deep valleys and 365 rivers has testing requirements. Quarantine for unvaccinated visitors arriving from US. US Embassy | Discover Dominica | Online registration portal.
Dominican Republic
This Caribbean nation, popular for its resorts and beaches, doesn’t require tests or quarantines. US Embassy | GoDominicanRepublic.com | Electronic entry and exit form.
Dubai
Scroll down to the United Arab Emirates entry below.
Dutch Caribbean islands
Find out the important details on these various Dutch islands in the Caribbean — renowned for their hospitality and ocean life — by clicking on the links:
Aruba: Testing required. No quarantine. Aruba’s official tourism site | embarkation and disembarkation card | Aruba Visitors Insurance.
Bonaire (update): Testing required. No quarantine. US is labeled high risk; read the requirements closely. Bonaire Crisis | Health declaration form.
Curaçao: Testing required. No quarantine. US is labeled very high risk; read the requirements closely. Traveling to Curaçao | Curaçao news bulletins | Passenger locator card.
Saba: Known more for its rugged landscape and hiking than beaches, little Saba is open. Click on links for latest requirements. Saba Tourism | Saba EHAS application.
Sint Maarten: An autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it shares an island with the French collectivity of Saint-Martin. Testing required. No quarantine. Sint Maarten | Health authorization application | Covid-19 health insurance.
Get more US consulate information on all of these islands here.
Ecuador
This Andean country at the equator also owns the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific. Testing required; fully vaccinated exempted. Quarantine required in some circumstances. US Embassy.
Egypt
The Nile River nation has been attracting people to see its wonders since antiquity. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
Estonia
UPDATE: Leisure travel is open to this Baltic nation only for fully vaccinated Americans. No testing or quarantine. US Embassy | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Health form | Zone list.
France
US leisure travelers may enter France only if fully vaccinated. No testing required. US Embassy | French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
French Polynesia
UPDATE: French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, is the idealized South Pacific destination. Leisure travel allowed only for the fully vaccinated. Testing required; quarantine is not. Islands of Tahiti | FAQ document | Online ETIS form.
French West Indies
NEW: Find out the important details on these various ritzy French islands in the Caribbean by clicking on the links:
Guadeloupe: Open to fully vaccinated vacationers. Testing required; quarantine is not. Guadeloupe Islands
Martinique: Testing required; exemption to quarantine if fully vaccinated. Martinique requirements.
St. Barts: Open to fully vaccinated Americans. Testing required; quarantine is not. St. Barts entry protocols | St. Barts tourism | St. Barts requirements (PDF)
St. Martin: (See Sint Maarten in Dutch Caribbean entry above)
Get more US consulate information on all of these islands here.
Georgia
Georgia is a geographical and cultural crossroads at the Caucasus Mountains. Testing required unless you’re fully vaccinated. No self-isolation for the unvaccinated under certain conditions. US Embassy | Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Entry registration.
Germany
Germany has labeled the US a high-risk nation and is open to only the fully vaccinated or those recovered from Covid-19. Testing and quarantine required. US Embassy | German Missions in the US | Germany digital registration.
Ghana
This West African cultural jewel offers historical sites, delicious food and surfing. Testing required. No quarantine. US Embassy.
Greece
Greece, with its many ancient ruins and islands, is open to US travelers. Testing required; exception for the fully vaccinated or those recovered from Covid. No quarantine. US Embassy | Ministry of Tourism | Passenger locator form.
Grenada
This Caribbean island with lush rainforests is welcoming US visitors if fully vaccinated. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy | Grenada’s Ministry of Health | Travel authorization application.
Guatemala
This Central American country offers historical sites and stunning volcano landscapes. Testing required; exceptions for the fully vaccinated or those fully recovered from Covid-19. No quarantine. US Embassy | Online health pass.
Honduras
Honduras has epic diving off Roatan Island and other locations. Testing required; fully vaccinated travelers are exempt. Conditional quarantine in some circumstances. US Embassy | Online precheck form.
Iceland
Geysers, glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls await in Iceland. You must be fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid to enter. Testing required. US Embassy | Iceland travel rules | Iceland travel registration.
Ireland
UPDATE: Leisure travel to Ireland is open. Testing and quarantine required unless you’re fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19. US Embassy | Irish government travel page | Passenger locator form.
Israel
UPDATE: Israel is still closed to individual tourists but now open to groups of five or more if fully vaccinated. US Embassy | Israel Ministry of Health | Entry form
Italy
Through October 25, US travelers can visit Italy if either fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19. Testing required. US Embassy | Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation | Italy’s rules for Americans | Entry form | Digital passenger locator form.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s music, laid-back vibe, beaches and food draw visitors. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy in Jamaica | Visit Jamaica website | Online travel authorization form.
Jordan
Home to the amazing ruins of Petra, Dead Sea coastline and the dazzling landscape of the Wadi Rum, Jordan is open to US vacationers. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Declaration form | Health form (PDF).
Kenya
Kenya is a favorite African safari destination, but Nairobi’s urban beat attracts tourists, too. Testing required; no quarantine. US Embassy | Health form | Trusted Travel initiative.
Latvia
UPDATE: Leisure travel to Latvia is open to only the fully vaccinated. No testing or quarantine required. US Embassy.
Liechtenstein
This tiny nation is open. Scroll to Switzerland below for details.
Lithuania
UPDATE: This Baltic nation is made for history buffs. It is open to fully vaccinated Americans. No testing or quarantine required. US Embassy | Travel Lithuania | Ministry of Health | Travel questionnaire.
Luxembourg
US citizens can visit. Testing required to enter; exemptions for fully vaccinated or proof of Covid recovery. No quarantine in place. US Embassy.
The Maldives
These Indian Ocean islands are a favorite among luxury travelers. Testing is required, including for vaccinated travelers. US Embassy | Maldives’ official tourism website.
Malta
These sun-soaked Mediterranean islands are open to only US citizens who are fully vaccinated. No testing or quarantine required. US Embassy | Visit Malta | Public Health Travel Declaration and the Passenger Locator forms.
Mexico
The land border between the US and Mexico remains closed through at least September 21, but US travelers can still fly there. No testing or quarantine requirements are in place. The US State Department lists numerous states to avoid because of crime. US Embassy.
Monaco
US jet-setters can visit the Mediterranean city-state without a test if they are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. Otherwise, testing is required. Embassy of Monaco | Principaute de Monaco.
Montenegro
This Balkan nation is allowing US travelers. Testing required; exemptions if fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. US Embassy | Institute of Public Health of Montenegro.
Morocco
This North African favorite is open to US travelers. Testing required; even the fully vaccinated are suggested to get one. No quarantines in place. US Embassy | Visit Morocco.
Namibia
US citizens can visit this southern African desert nation that appeals to adventure travelers. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
Nepal
US travelers can visit the landlocked Himalayan nation. Testing required. Quarantine requirements in place, regardless of vaccination status. US Embassy.
Netherlands
The Netherlands will accept only fully vaccinated US citizens. Testing and quarantine required. US Embassy | Government of Netherlands | Quarantine declaration.
Nicaragua
Home to historical sites such as Granada and tropical beaches, Nicaragua is open. Testing required; quarantines are not. US Embassy | Avianca Airlines.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia has a part-Balkan, part-Mediterranean feel. Testing required; exemptions for fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. US Embassy | TAV Macedonia.
Panama
UPDATE: Wildlife, beaches, mountain towns and a canal are Panama’s calling cards. Testing and quarantine required unless you’re fully vaccinated. US Embassy | Visit Panama | Online health affidavit.
Peru
UPDATE: Peru offers up Incan history, mind-blowing scenery and delicious food. Testing required unless fully vaccinated; quarantine is conditional. US Embassy | Lima airport protocols | Affidavit of health.
Poland
UPDATE: US passport holders can now see Krakow and Poland’s other wonders. No testing required, but quarantine is unless fully vaccinated. US Embassy | Polish Tourism Organisation.
Portugal
UPDATE: Portugal is currently open to US citizens. Testing or a valid EU digital Covid certificate is required; quarantine is a possibility. Azores and Madeira may have different requirements. US Embassy | Visit Portugal.
Qatar
NEW: This Persian Gulf nation on the Arabian Peninsula is open for leisure travel only to the fully vaccinated. Testing required. US Embassy | Visit Qatar | Entry portal to Qatar
Romania
Romania offers mystique, wooded and mountainous landscapes and lots of history. No testing required. Quarantine in place with exceptions. US Embassy | Romanian Embassy.
Rwanda
Rwanda’s green hills and mountains are home to rare gorillas. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy | Visit Rwanda | Passenger locator form.
Russia
UPDATE: US citizens can once again visit Russia. Testing required; local jurisdictions set quarantine rules. US Embassy | Covid form (PDF) | Visa to Russia
Saudi Arabia
UPDATE: This desert wonderland is open only to fully vaccinated travelers. Testing and quarantine required. US Embassy | Health disclaimer | Tawakkalna application form.
Senegal
Senegal, known for its West African beaches and music, welcomes US tourists. Testing is required; no quarantine in place. US Embassy | Passenger location form.
Serbia
UPDATE: Serbia is steeped in historical sites and dramatic Eastern European scenery. Testing is required regardless of vaccination status, but quarantines is not. US Embassy.
Seychelles
These picture-perfect Indian Ocean islands way off the east coast of Africa are open. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Seychelles Travel Advisory Updates | Travel authorization
Slovakia
NEW: This Central European nation is open. No testing if fully vaccinated. Mandatory quarantine for unvaccinated. US Embassy | Slovakie Information Centre | Registration to enter
Slovenia
This Central European nation of gorgeous lakes is open only to the fully vaccinated or those recovered from Covid-19. No testing or quarantine required. US Embassy | Government of Slovenia
South Africa
With superb national parks, wineries and the allure of Cape Town, one of the most popular destinations in Africa is open. Testing is required; quarantine is not. Be aware some nations aren’t allowing entry to tourists who have recently been to South Africa. US Embassy.
South Korea
From busy Seoul to relaxing Jeju Island, South Korea is open. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy | Self-diagnosis app
Spain
Spain is open to US leisure travelers only if they’re fully vaccinated. You must fill out a form and then generate a QR code to enter. US Embassy | Ministry of Health | Spain Travel Health portal | Spain travel FAQs
Sri Lanka
UPDATE: Sri Lanka is open to US leisure travelers. Testing and quarantine required; shorter isolation if fully vaccinated. US Embassy.
St. Kitts and Nevis
This Caribbean escape allows only fully vaccinated tourists to visit. Age exemptions for children 17 and younger traveling with vaccinated parents. Testing and quarantine required. US Embassy | St. Kitts Tourism | Travel authorization form.
St. Lucia
Home of the steep and towering Pitons, waterfalls and volcanic beaches, the independent Caribbean nation of St. Lucia is open. Testing required. Quarantine for nonvaccinated travelers outside Caribbean travel bubble. US Embassy | St. Lucia travel website.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
UPDATE: The Caribbean nation is open. Testing required; no exemptions for the fully vaccinated. Mandatory quarantine, but shorter if fully vaccinated. US Embassy | Covid-19 protocol documents | Official prearrival form.
Switzerland
UPDATE: The country’s famed Alps are open to US leisure travelers only if fully vaccinated. No quarantine. US Embassy | Swiss Travel Check | Swiss travel FAQs
Tanzania
A favorite for big-game safaris, Indian Ocean beaches and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is open. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Health surveillance form.
Thailand
US passport holders can visit this Southeast Asian destination famed for its temples, beautiful beaches and spicy cuisine. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy | Royal Thai Embassy | Certificate of entry.
Tunisia
UPDATE: Tunisia offers ancient ruins, desert scenery and sunny Mediterranean beaches. Testing required; no exemption for the fully vaccinated. Stricter quarantine for unvaccinated. US Embassy | Online questionnaire.
Turkey
From cosmopolitan Istanbul to rural coastal escapes, Turkey is open. Testing is required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Form for entry.
Turks and Caicos
This British overseas territory northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas is known for coral reefs, ripsaw music and a low-key vibe. All visitors 16 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Visit Turks and Caicos | Travel authorization form.
Uganda
This lush nation in Central Africa offers gorilla trekking, Nile River rafting and beautiful lakes. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, with its glittering towers and luxury resorts, has emerged as a major world destination in the 21st century. Testing required. Quarantine protocols depend on the emirate. US Embassy.
United Kingdom
UPDATE: Leisure travel to the UK is open. Rules through October 3: Testing required. Quarantine in place for the unvaccinated. Rules may vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Starting October 4, new system goes into effect. US Embassy | UK government | Passenger locator form | Declaration form.
Zambia
Known for Victoria Falls and wildlife, Zambia is allowing visitors. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy.
Recently removed from the open list
The following countries had been allowing US citizens to enter but have closed again or were removed by CNN Travel for other reasons:
— Bulgaria. Latest rules make direct visits difficult. US Embassy.
— Cambodia: The US Embassy reports the Southeast Asian nation has stopped issuing tourist visas; you can still apply for business-linked visas. US Embassy.
— Ethiopia: CNN Travel has removed because of ongoing warfare in parts of the country. US Embassy.
— Sweden: US tourists can’t visit directly for vacation but can go via another Nordic or European country. US Embassy | Swedish Police Authority.
Omitted countries
This is a curated list and not a full listing. CNN Travel has omitted certain open countries if they had very limited numbers of US travelers before the pandemic; have ongoing or recent armed conflicts, terrorism or rampant crime and unrest; or have entry requirements so extensive and complicated that they put the country out of reach of almost all US citizens. However, you can click here to check for the status and entry requirements of any country or territory in the world you wish to visit.
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