Safest International Travel Destinations This Summer

As more destinations reopen their borders to leisure travel and Americans grow more confident about venturing abroad, international travel is poised to begin its recovery this summer. While Mexico and the Caribbean will continue to be popular vacation destinations, it's possible some other places could lure travelers, especially those prioritizing safety in the time of COVID-19. Here are some of the safest international destinations travelers can visit this summer based on the latest U.S. State Department and CDC advice as well as the Global Peace Index.

Ranking atop the Global Peace Index, Iceland recently reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers. "Our experience and data so far indicate that there is very little risk of infection stemming from individuals who have acquired immunity against the disease, either by vaccination or by prior infection," said Thorolfur Gudnason, Iceland's chief epidemiologist. The U.S. State Department currently advises Americans to reconsider travel to Iceland due to COVID-19 related restrictions while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the island country due to the pandemic, indicating a high level of coronavirus. As of May 6, the country has reported fewer than 6,500 total cases and 29 deaths.

Belize is one of only 15 countries in the world to receive a Level 2 travel advisory (exercise increased caution due to COVID-19 and crime) from the U.S. State Department this spring. Meanwhile, the CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for the Central American country due to the pandemic, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country. Belize is currently open to international travelers who provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative antigen test result produced within 48 hours of travel. Visitors must also have proof of a reservation at a Gold Standard hotel or resort.

Grenada is another destination receiving one of the lowest travel advisories (Level 2) from the U.S. State Department this May. Additionally, the CDC has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for the island, indicating a low level of COVID-19. To visit the "Spice Isle," travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, download Grenada's contact tracing app and complete a travel authorization form. As of May 1, fully vaccinated travelers will be tested on arrival and quarantine for two days at a government-approved hotel until results come back.

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis received a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department on April 20, with officials encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution in the dual-island nation due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Meanwhile, the CDC has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for St. Kitts and Nevis due to COVID-19, indicating a low threat level. The destination recently implemented new rules for fully vaccinated visitors.

Thailand recently began a four-stage plan to welcome back tourists, easing restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers and shortening mandatory quarantine requirements. Currently, the Asian country is one of the few overseas destinations to receive a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department and has also received a Level 2 Travel Health Notice from the CDC noting an only moderate level of COVID-19 within the country's borders.

Both the U.S. State Department and CDC have listed Rwanda at a Level 2 on their respective travel advisory scales this spring, and the destination ranks just behind Jamaica on the Global Peace Index (81), still forty spots ahead of the United States (121). Currently, the African country renowned for its nature and wildlife is open to travelers who complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload a negative COVID-19 test certificate ahead of their trip.

The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to reconsider travel to the British Virgin Islands due to conditions surrounding the ongoing pandemic. However, the islands are listed at a Level 1 on the CDC's Travel Health Notice scale, with health experts reporting a low level of COVID-19 in the country. The territory has reported a total of 216 COVID-19 cases and only one death since the pandemic began. Beginning May 15, fully vaccinated travelers will only have to quarantine until their COVID-19 PCR test taken upon arrival comes back negative.

At number 32, Costa Rica is one of the highest-ranking non-European or Asia-Pacific countries on the Global Peace Index. The Central American country sits a whopping 89 spots higher than the United States. Costa Rica's Level 4 travel advisory (do not travel due to COVID-19) from the State Department and Level 4 Travel Health Notice from the CDC aren't insignificant but don't tell the whole story as the vast majority of countries around the world have received these labels. Costa Rica is currently open to visitors who complete an online health pass and acquire medical insurance.

Tahiti and Bora Bora reopened to international travelers on May 1 with protocols in place such as "virological testing, serological testing, vaccine and ETIS (Electronic Travel Information System)." Keep in mind that unvaccinated visitors must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. As of April 21, 2021, French Polynesia receives a Level 3 travel advisory (reconsider travel due to COVID-19) from the U.S. State Department and a Level 3 Travel Health Notice from the CDC, indicating a high level of COVID-19.

Like Costa Rica, Cyprus is listed at a Level 4 on both the U.S. State Department and CDC travel advisory scales. However, the Mediterranean hotspot ranks an impressive 64th on the Global Peace Index and experiences little in terms of violent crime against tourists. What's more, the country recently announced plans to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers from dozens of countries, including the United States, just in time for summer travel starting May 10.