15 Key Travel Advisories Announced in January 2021

The first month of 2021 saw significant impacts to travel. In addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a new president took office and immediately announced new requirements for travelers. Throughout January 2021, the U.S. State Department was hard at work assessing the various threat levels for Americans traveling abroad, issuing more than two dozen updated travel advisories. Here's a look at some of the most important pieces of advice from the past month.

In one of the first updates issued in January, the U.S. State Department advised Americans to reconsider travel to Belize due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution if they do visit, citing the threat of crime in some places. The picturesque Central American country renowned for its ancient ruins, marine life and the laid-back vibe is currently open to travelers who download the Belize Health App, produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 96 hours of travel or a negative rapid antigen test within 48 hours of travel and have a reservation at a Gold Standard hotel or resort.

As of January 12, it's recommended that travelers reconsider any plans to visit the Caribbean island of Grenada due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The Spice Isle is currently open to international travelers who can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Panama is among the many destinations listed at a Level 3 due to COVID-19 heading into February. The State Department warns travelers of reduced transportation options and significant restrictions on businesses as well as quarantine measures, mandatory COVID-19 testing and other entry restrictions for certain U.S. travelers. The country is currently open to Americans who test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of travel.

The State Department is urging U.S. travelers to Turks and Caicos to reconsider their plans due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions as well as advising that they exercise increased caution in the British territory due to crime. The islands, which have recently ramped up COVID-19 testing, are requiring travelers to produce negative COVID-19 PCR test results within five days of arrival, complete a health screening questionnaire and show proof of medical insurance as a part of the TCI Assured pre-travel program and portal.

The U.S. government continues to recommend Americans reconsider travel plans to the United Kingdom amid the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing out that the CDC issued a Level 4 (Very High) Travel Health Notice for the destination due to COVID-19 in December 2020. Travelers to the U.K. are currently faced with plenty of restrictions, including a mandatory 10-day self-isolation upon arrival.

Indonesia was one of only five Level 4 travel advisory updates issued in January. "Indonesia has reimposed border restrictions due to COVID-19 and is closed to international travelers with limited exceptions," the State Department wrote in its January 12 update. "Government-run quarantine measures are in place for all foreigners. COVID-19 is a serious concern in Indonesia."

Barbados is yet another Caribbean country open to Americans this winter to receive a Level 3 travel advisory from the State Department, which cites health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions as the reasons travelers should postpone their plans to visit the island.

The State Department followed up its travel advisory update for the U.K. with another for Ireland a week later on January 19, encouraging Americans to reconsider travel to the Emerald Isle this winter. As of January 16, 2021, travelers are required to have a negative or "not detected" COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines are open to foreign travelers with strict requirements, including negative COVID-19 test results and mandatory 14-day quarantine in a Tourism Authority/Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment (TA/ MOHWE) approved hotel.

Travelers are encouraged to reconsider travel to South Africa due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution in the country due to crime, civil unrest, health and drought. The destination reopened to international travelers last year but visitors are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure to avoid mandatory quarantine upon arrival.

The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Singapore on January 25, warning of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and entry restrictions. "U.S. citizens seeking to enter Singapore as short-term visitors will generally not be permitted to enter Singapore unless they have been issued a SafeTravel Pass or have an approval letter of entry from the relevant government agency in Singapore," the U.S. Embassy in Singapore states.

Like Singapore, Thailand is among the few countries listed lower than a Level 3 as of January 2021. The country is accessible at the moment but visitors should exercise increased caution amid the pandemic. Travelers also face some obstacles, including mandatory 14-day quarantine and multiple COVID-19 PCR tests.

The State Department updated its Level 3 travel advisory for the British Virgin Islands on January 25, advising Americans to reconsider travel to the Caribbean destination because of health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. The islands reopened to tourism in December. However, visitors will need to secure a BVI Gateway Traveler Authorization Certificate and submit to multiple COVID-19 tests.

Jamaica was one of the first international destinations to reopen last year but the State Department continues to warn of health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions and also advises Americans to exercise increased caution in some parts of the country due to crime. Jamaica's resilient corridors have been key to the island's recovery, allowing travelers to safely experience a majority of the country's tourism offerings.

The Bahamas, which is open with some travel restrictions and requirements, is at a Level 3 on the State Department's travel advisory scale as of January 25. Heading into February, Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the islands due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions.