Warm Weather Destinations Open to Americans This Winter

Months of travel restrictions, the upcoming holiday season and encouraging news regarding a COVID-19 vaccine have Americans ready to act on their pent-up desire to travel. With winter setting in, many will be eyeing warm-weather destinations. Here are some of the most notable summery escapes open to travelers as of December.

With an average high temperature of 87 degrees between December and March, Aruba is a no-brainer for Americans looking to escape the cold this winter. The Caribbean island is open to travelers who 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.

Located just a few dozen miles off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas is one of the closest international destinations open to Americans this winter. It also doesn't hurt that the average high temperature here hovers around 80 degrees all winter long. Visiting the Bahamas requires a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival and completing an application for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs.

Balmy Belize is another ideal winter destination for Americans seeking a break from the cold. Visitors are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure and will also need to download the Belize Health application on their mobile device in order to complete the necessary health forms. Travelers with test results older than three days can take a rapid test at the airport for $50 and await the results at their designated hotel or resort, which must have earned Belize's "Tourism Gold Standard" certification.

The recently-reopened British Virgin Islands has implemented an extensive list of COVID protocols that will require visitors to apply for a BVI Gateway Traveler Authorization Certificate and submit proof of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result within five days of travel as well as provide proof of travel insurance. Travelers are also required to download a contact-tracing system on their phones and wear a government-issued wristband monitoring device. What's more, visitors will need to quarantine at their hotel, resort or villa for at least four days until they are tested again.

Costa Rica is one of the few countries travelers can visit without requiring a negative COVID-19 test result. However, the tropical destination renowned for its nature and wildlife still requires visitors to complete the digital HEALTH PASS form and purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for medical expenses due to COVID-19 illness and accommodations in the event that they are forced to quarantine.

The sun-kissed beaches of the Dominican Republic figure to be a popular getaway this winter as the Caribbean country is not requiring visitors to take a COVID-19 test to enter. Travelers will still need to submit a Traveler's Health Affidavit and breath tests will be administered randomly to between 3 percent and 10 percent of arriving passengers in addition to those who show coronavirus symptoms. Last month, the U.S. State Department lowered its Level 4 travel advisory (do not travel) to a Level 3 (reconsider travel).

Americans can visit Dubai this winter but they'll need proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 96 hours of travel as well as medical travel insurance. Gulf carrier Emirates is giving travelers added incentive to visit this winter though by providing free global coverage for COVID-19 health expenses and quarantine costs through December 31, 2020.

Those in search of a quintessential paradise this winter should look no further than French Polynesia. Home to bucket-list destinations like Tahiti and Bora Bora, this South Pacific gem welcomes summer in December, meaning there's plenty of warmth and sunshine to go around. Visiting French Polynesia right now will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure and completion of a "sanitary entry form." Meanwhile, visitors to Tahiti should also be prepared to undergo a self-test four days after arrival.

Lively Jamaica will be a popular winter stop for many Americans in 2020-21. The country is currently requiring that travelers age 12 and older show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 10 days prior to arrival to gain Travel Authorization. Visitors will also be restricted to the country's "Resilient Corridors," which fortunately include a majority of Jamaica's top tourism sites.

The picturesque Maldives are open to travelers who can provide proof of a negative PCR test conducted within 96 hours of departure and submit an online Health Declaration Form within 24 hours of travel through the IMUGA portal.

From Cancun to Los Cabos, Mexico is home to some of the world's most sought-after and tourist-friendly warm-weather destinations. This winter, Americans can fly to Mexico without needing a negative COVID-19 test result. Visitors should still anticipate health screenings, including temperature checks and elevated safety measures such as face masks and social distancing requirements.

Stunning beaches, unparalleled nature and rich culture make Panama a worthwhile warm weather destination this winter and visiting shouldn't be too difficult for those willing to get tested for coronavirus. Panama is currently requiring travelers to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to their arrival. A rapid test will be given at the airport at a cost of $50 if the time frame has expired. Health insurance is not a requirement for entry but is highly recommended.

The captivating Caribbean island of Saint Lucia boasts an average high temperature in the mid-80s during the winter months and was one of the first countries to reopen to Americans this past summer. Currently, travelers (age 5 and over) are required to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than seven days before arrival. Additionally, visitors age 18 and over must complete Travel Registration and Health Screening Forms. Verified reservations at a COVID-19 certified property are also necessary to visit this winter.

While travelers to the African safari hotspot of Tanzania won't need to be tested for COVID-19 unless it's required by their origin country or airline they should anticipate filling out a Health Surveillance Form and undergoing health screening for coronavirus symptoms upon arrival that could result in additional COVID-19 testing.

Like the rest of the Caribbean, the winter months typically mark peak tourist season in Turks and Caicos, which lures travelers from all over the world with its enticingly warm and tropical climate, gorgeous beaches and world-class scuba diving, among other draws. Visitors to the archipelago this winter will need to secure pre-travel authorization via the TCI Assured portal. This 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 COVID-related medical and travel expenses.