The Top Destinations With the Lowest Travel Advisories

After announcing it would reduce the number of Level 4 or "Do Not Travel" advisories for international destinations following changes in how public health officials assess the COVID-19 threat back in April, the U.S. State Department currently lists a majority of countries and territories around the world at its lowest level, Level 1, which simply advises travelers to exercise normal precautions in their destination. Nearly 90 destinations have received the State Department's lowest travel advisory or risk level heading into August but some of those places stand out from the rest. Here's a look at some of the top tourist-friendly destinations with the lowest risk level heading into the final stretch of summer.

As of April 19, the State Department advises Americans to exercise normal precautions in Greece. What's more, as of May 1, travelers no longer require a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, nor do they need proof of a negative test result. That means visitors can island hop this Mediterranean paradise with ease this summer.

The serene islands of Fiji remain safe to visit, based on the State Department's latest threat assessment. Plus, travelers can get there with minimal restrictions given the distance this August. Fiji requires proof of full vaccination for all travelers aged 16 years and older as well as travel insurance and a pre-booked in-country rapid antigen test.

Travelers seeking a sunny escape to Aruba in the second half of 2022 can do so with peace of mind as the Level 1 country has eased entry protocols in recent months, eliminating COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements as well as making travel insurance optional. Aruba is a diverse tropical destination offering visitors a wide range of activities, from lounging on beautiful beaches and exploring nature to vibrant nightlife and local arts and culture.

While the State Department does advise Americans to reconsider travel to Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest, Thailand as a whole is listed at Level 1 this summer, meaning visitors can exercise normal precautions in most cases. The country did away with its Thailand pass requirement at the start of July 1 so vaccinated travelers can visit with proof while unvaccinated individuals will require a negative test result produced within 72 hours of departure.

Travelers can venture Down Under without worry as Australia fully reopened to international travel in March and subsequently lifted all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in July. "Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination," Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Neil, said in a statement last month.

Like Australia, New Zealand's borders have fully reopened to international tourism. However, travelers should still anticipate COVID-related requirements despite the relatively low risk. While most visitors don't need to test prior to departure, the majority of travelers age 17 and up need to be fully vaccinated and submit to two rapid antigen tests after arriving in the country.

America's neighbor to the north, Canada has been listed at Level 1 on the State Department's four-tier scale since May 24. The country extended pandemic-related restrictions through the summer but is open to fully vaccinated travelers who enter their information through the ArriveCAN app. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under the age of 12 are not required to test negative if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult while children under age 5 are not required to test, regardless of their vaccination status.

The Emerald Isle dropped COVID-related testing, vaccination and proof of recovery requirements way back in early March, making it easier for Americans to traverse the Atlantic Ocean to experience iconic sites and attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, the Blarney Castle and Guinness Storehouse.

Just one of several coveted Caribbean destinations to receive a Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department this summer, the eye-popping island nation of Saint Lucia is open to fully vaccinated travelers who complete the Health Screening Form. In addition to the form, unvaccinated visitors age 5 and older will require a valid negative PCR test completed within five days of arrival.

Iceland, which lifted COVID-related entry restrictions in late winter, is not only accessible but safe as it joins the lengthy list of Level 1 destinations this summer. That's excellent news for travelers hoping to jump the pond to experience this burgeoning country's unparalleled natural beauty and unmistakable culture.