Open International Destinations for U.S. Travelers Amid COVID-19 (As of January 15, 2021)
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a U.S. passport granted access to destinations worldwide with relative ease. Restrictions have since transformed global travel. This guide outlines countries open to non-essential travel by American citizens, as of January 15, 2021. Important: This is historical information—verify current rules via official government sources, U.S. State Department advisories, and airline requirements before booking. Policies change frequently.
If a destination is not listed, it remains closed to non-essential U.S. travel. Dual citizens should consult the country's tourism board for second-passport options. Always recheck policies closer to your trip date.
Note: Starting January 26, 2021, air passengers returning to the U.S. must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure. See the CDC website for details.
North America
March 2020 restrictions continue to limit non-essential land travel to Canada and Mexico. Air travel to Mexico is permitted without a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
Europe
The European Union (including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain) closed external borders on March 17, 2020, gradually lifting restrictions for select nations. Individual EU members may vary.
Enter Ireland without a pre-arrival COVID-19 test, but self-isolate for five days (reduced from 14). Take a PCR test on day five: negative results end isolation; positive requires full quarantine.
For Croatia, provide proof of pre-paid accommodation, a negative PCR test (no older than 72 hours), and undergo testing upon arrival.
Non-EU countries: The United Kingdom allows entry with a 14-day self-isolation requirement (fines up to £1,000 for non-compliance). Test on day five for potential early release if negative.
Albania reopened July 1: temperature check at airport; no test or quarantine required.
Serbia welcomes Americans without health proof or quarantine. Bosnia and Herzegovina requires a negative test (within seven days). Montenegro and North Macedonia need tests within 72 hours.
Ukraine is open but classifies the U.S. as a Red Zone: 14-day quarantine, or negative PCR (within 48 hours of arrival), or test in-country within 24 hours via app and self-isolate 24-48 hours.
Asia
Cambodia: Negative test within 72 hours, $3,000 USD deposit (covers testing, isolation, healthcare, including $1,500 funeral costs), and $50,000 health insurance.
Maldives fully reopened August 1: confirmed Ministry-registered booking, health declaration, negative test within 72 hours.
Sri Lanka (from August 1): Negative test within 72 hours, plus tests on arrival and days 4 and 10.
South Korea: Mandatory 14-day quarantine in designated facility ($100–$500/night, self-paid).
Caribbean
Anguilla (from August 21): Online application, negative test (3–5 days prior), COVID-covering insurance; 10-day resort quarantine with exit test.
Antigua and Barbuda (June 4): Negative PCR (within 7 days), $100 airport test fee.
Aruba: Negative PCR within 72 hours (or airport test), required "Aruba Visitors Insurance" (some hotels include).
Bahamas: Online health visa, negative PCR (within 5 days), $40–$60 travel insurance.
Barbados (July): Negative test within 72 hours or airport test/quarantine. Complete health questionnaire.
Bermuda (July 1): Negative test within 3 days, health insurance, screening forms.
Curacao: Negative test within 72 hours, passenger locator form.
Dominica (August 7): Negative PCR (24–72 hours prior), online questionnaire, airport test.
Dominican Republic: Open without test; free hotel COVID insurance.
Grenada: Negative test within 10 days, arrival test, 14-day quarantine (hotel-chosen unless positive).
Turks and Caicos (July 22): Online pre-authorization with negative test (within 5 days).
Jamaica (June 15): Online authorization, negative test within 10 days, arrival test/quarantine if needed.
St. Barts (June 22): Negative RT-PCR within 72 hours (ages 11+); second test after 7 days for longer stays.
St. Kitts & Nevis (October 31): Online form, negative PCR within 72 hours, health screening, contact-tracing app; weekly tests for extended stays.
Saint Lucia: Negative PCR within 7 days, screening; symptomatic isolated and tested.
St. Maarten (Dutch side, August 1): Negative test within 120 hours, entry form 12 hours pre-departure.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Negative test within 7 days, 5-night paid hotel quarantine, arrival/exit tests.
Central & South America
Belize (October 1): Belize Health App, Gold Standard Hotel, PCR within 72 hours, sanitized transport, daily monitoring.
Costa Rica (November 1): Negative test within 72 hours, arrival test, health form, insurance.
Panama (October 12): Negative test within 48 hours or rapid test on arrival.
Ecuador (June 1): Negative PCR within 10 days or test/quarantine on arrival (no quarantine if asymptomatic). Galapagos closed.
Brazil: Open without test. Chile: Negative test within 72 hours, insurance. Peru: Negative test within 72 hours, health affidavit.
Colombia: Negative test within 96 hours. Guatemala and Honduras: Within 72 hours.
Africa & the Middle East
Turkey: No test or quarantine.
Egypt: Negative test within 72 hours, temperature check, health card, insurance.
UAE: Mostly closed; Dubai (July 7) requires test within 48 hours. Emirates offers free insurance until Jan 31, 2021.
South Africa and Ethiopia: Negative test within 72 hours. Kenya: Within 96 hours, health screening. Morocco: Within 48 hours, hotel reservation.
Australia & Pacific
French Polynesia (July 15): Negative RT-PCR within 3 days pre-departure (electronic form), test 4 days post-arrival.
