20 Countries Americans Can Travel to This Winter

PHOTO: Traveling internationally during the coronavirus pandemic. (photo via MariuszBlach/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 6:00 AM ET, Tue November 17, 2020

Winter Wanderlust

1/21
Although it may not feel like the world is open to travel, there are actually dozens of international destinations ready to welcome Americans this winter. In many cases, travelers will need to complete a health form and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to gain entry but requirements vary based on the country. Here are 20 places open to U.S. citizens right now.

Antigua and Barbuda

2/21
One of several coveted Caribbean destinations open to U.S. travelers this holiday season, entry to Antigua and Barbuda requires a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) test result taken within seven days of the traveler's (age 12 and up) flight. Visitors will be monitored for COVID-19 for periods of up to 14 days and may be required to undergo additional testing on arrival or at their hotel.

Aruba

3/21
Visitors to Aruba must complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation card process, which includes the following five components: Basic Traveler Information; Personal Health Assessment; Negative Molecular COVID-19 Test Result; Mandatory Aruba Visitors Insurance and Compliance with Government Mandates.

The Bahamas

4/21
Americans can visit the Bahamas this winter so long as they obtain a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival. Visitors must also apply for their Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. If staying for longer than four nights and five days, travelers will also need to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

Belize

5/21
U.S. citizens can also vacation in Belize right now. However, they'll be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure and download the Belize Health application on their mobile device to complete the necessary health forms. If their test result is older than three days, travelers can take a rapid test at the airport at a cost of $50 per passenger.

Bermuda

6/21
Bermuda is requiring travelers (age 10 and up) to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days before departure as part of the $75 Bermuda travel authorization process. Additional tests will be carried out on days four, eight and 14 if still visiting. Travel authorization costs $30 for children age 9 and under.

Costa Rica

7/21
Costa Rica recently eliminated RT-PCR testing requirements but still mandates that travelers complete the digital HEALTH PASS form and purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses due to COVID-19 illness as well as accommodations for potential quarantine.

Croatia

8/21
Croatia is one of the few exceptions when it comes to Europe's ban on travel from the U.S. Americans can visit this Adriatic gem with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of their arrival.

Dominican Republic

9/21
The Dominican Republic is among the most accessible international destinations for Americans this winter. Visitors are required to submit a Traveler's Health Affidavit but do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test result. Instead, officials will randomly administer breath tests to between 3 percent and 10 percent of arriving passengers as well as those who show symptoms of the coronavirus.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

10/21
Americans are eligible to visit Dubai this winter with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 96 hours prior to travel and medical travel insurance. Meanwhile, travelers flying Emirates will automatically receive free global coverage for COVID-19 health expenses and quarantine costs through December 31, 2020.

Egypt

11/21
Egypt is allowing Americans to visit if they're able to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Keep in mind that the test result must be a paper copy as digital copies aren't accepted. Children under the age of 6 do not require a test for entry.

French Polynesia

12/21
Americans seeking an exotic getaway to Tahiti or Bora Bora this winter can make it happen with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure and completion of a "sanitary entry form." Visitors to Tahiti will also need to undergo a self-test four days after arrival in French Polynesia.

Jamaica

13/21
Travelers age 12 and older will need proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 10 days prior to arrival to gain authorization to enter Jamaica this winter. The test must be done by a medical laboratory with a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registration or ISO 15189 certification.

The Maldives

14/21
The inviting Maldives are open to Americans who can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. Travelers exhibiting coronavirus symptoms upon arrival will undergo an additional PCR test.

Mexico

15/21
Americans can currently fly to Mexico without securing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. However, visitors should expect to be met with health screenings over the course of their travels, including temperature checks.

Panama

16/21
Visitors to Panama are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to their arrival. If the time frame has expired visitors will undergo a rapid test at the airport at a cost of $50. Travelers are also subject to temperature screening upon arrival at the airport.

St Barts

17/21
The white-sand paradise of St. Barts sounds awfully inviting this time of year and, fortunately, it's open to Americans (age 11 and up) who can produce a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival. Visitors staying longer than seven days will be required to take another PCR test at a cost of about $160.

St Kitts & Nevis

18/21
Prospective visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis will get the green light so long as they complete the dual-island nation's Travel Authorization Form along with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure and reservations at approved accommodations.

Saint Lucia

19/21
To visit Saint Lucia this winter, travelers (age 5 and over) will need a negative COVID -19 PCR test taken no more than seven days before arrival. Visitors age 18 and over must also complete Travel Registration and Health Screening Forms and have verified reservations at a COVID-19 certified property.

Turkey

20/21
Americans do not need a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Turkey at the moment. However, they will need to answer some questions about their health on an information form and be prepared to undergo screening for potential coronavirus symptoms. A COVID-19 test may be required if symptoms are discovered.

Turks & Caicos

21/21
Americans vacationing in sunny Turks and Caicos this winter will need to obtain pre-travel authorization via the TCI Assured portal, which includes proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than five days before arrival, completion of a health screening questionnaire and insurance that covers coronavirus-related medical and travel expenses.

Travelers can still see the world safely in the time of COVID-19.


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