Where can I travel now from the United States?

Many people are ready to pack their bags and travel for the first time since the start of the pandemic. While most of the United States is easily accessible again, international travel is slower to return to its pre-pandemic normal. Here’s where you can fly right now from the United States.

Mexico

Mexico was one of the first international destinations to reopen to Americans. This neighboring nation to the south remains one of the top tourist travel destinations in 2021.

There are no pre-travel tests, proof of vaccination or quarantine requirements to enter the country. However, anyone entering the United States from a foreign country must obtain a negative pre-travel test to re-enter the United States.

Some of the popular vacation spots include Cancun and the adjacent Riviera Maya. Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are also worth exploring as you can relax on the beach and enjoy the great outdoors.

The land border between Mexico and the United States remains closed until further notice. Therefore, you will have to fly to this country.

Latin America

Several countries in Central and South America are open to US residents. Entry requirements may vary by destination, but are more stringent than flights to Mexico. Here are some of the countries to consider flying to first.

Belize

Belize requires adult travelers to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test prior to travel to waive a mandatory quarantine. Children aged five or older only need to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test.

All tourists must stay at a registered Gold Standard hotel during their stay in Belize. It is possible to stay at more than one Gold Standard resort during the same stay. It is the nation’s program to promote health security between tourists and locals.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) accept international travelers.

There are no mandatory tests or quarantine protocols, but travelers may need to take several other steps:

• Complete an online health questionnaire within 72 hours of your arrival
• Purchase medical travel insurance

Mandatory travel insurance must cover accommodation if the tourist has to self-quarantine due to a positive test for COVID-19 in Costa Rica. This requirement also applies to fully vaccinated travelers.

Ecuador

Travelers to Ecuador will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test before travel. It is possible to visit the Galapagos Islands, but additional testing may be required.

Panama

Panama is open to US tourists who are fully vaccinated or who may test negative before travel. Unvaccinated travelers will receive a second diagnostic test when going through customs to enter the country.

Brazil

Americans can travel to Brazil after completing a traveler’s health form and getting a negative diagnostic test before travel. This country tends to have a higher number of active cases than other Latin American destinations. You may decide to go to another country that presents a lower health risk.

Caribbean

The Caribbean is also open to flights. You could come here to laze on the beach or potentially take one of the first post-COVID cruises that restart from non-U.S. Ports.

Bahamas

Entry requirements to the Bahamas depend on whether or not you are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people need only show proof of vaccination to enter. However, the unvaccinated will need to get a negative pre-travel test to enter. All travelers will be required to complete a traveler’s health form.

Curacao

Curacao has these current requirements when traveling from the United States:

• Complete the immigration card online before arrival
• Have a negative pre-travel test
• Obtain a negative antigen test on day 3 of travel
• Have adequate medical insurance

The nation does not currently exempt fully vaccinated travelers from these requirements. In addition, all travelers should have printed documents of the necessary steps with them at all times.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has some of the most lenient entry requirements in the Caribbean. All travelers will be required to complete a travel form but will not be required to undergo pre-travel testing. However, airport authorities will conduct random entry tests. The presentation of proof of vaccination or a negative test before arrival cancels the airport control.

Other open Caribbean destinations

You can also fly to these Caribbean destinations with relative ease, but entry requirements vary:

• Aruba
• Grenade
• Jamaica
• Porto Rico
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• US Virgin Islands

Europe

Europe is the most anticipated reopening yet as it is a popular international getaway for many reasons. Only a few nations are open, but Americans can visit the Old World again.

France

Fully vaccinated travelers can travel to France for tourism by showing proof of vaccination and a negative pre-travel test. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers may only travel for essential travel reasons. Unfortunately, tourism is not an essential reason.

Greece

Greece is open to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers without mandatory quarantine. Travelers must show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to enter.

Italy

Americans arriving on a “COVID-tested” flight can waive the mandatory 10-day quarantine to travel to Italy. Arriving on another flight requires a 10-day quarantine regardless of your vaccination status.

Iceland

Fully vaccinated persons can fly to and enter Iceland upon presentation of proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated travelers from the United States cannot enter the country.

Spain

Spain now welcomes vaccinated adults and their minor children from the United States. To enter, travelers will need to obtain a QR code from the Spain Travel Health portal and show proof of vaccination. Children 12 years of age or older will also need to show proof of vaccination.

Maldives

The Maldives is one of the few places Americans can travel for leisure outside of the Americas and Europe. Travelers will be required to test negative before travel and complete a traveler’s health form.

It may also be necessary to stay at an approved resort for the stay. Travelers can stay at multiple resorts, but prior authorization may be required. Inter-island travel restrictions depend on current infection rates.

Summary

While the whole world is not open to tourism, more and more destinations are opening up this summer. It is essential to review the entry requirements before booking your flight to complete all the necessary steps before travel. Knowing what to expect and completing all the mandatory steps in advance can help to have a great trip abroad.

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