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Corrections & clarifications: Germany’s, Spain’s and Italy’s entry requirements have been updated.
As vaccination levels continue to rise in the U.S. and around the world, countries that had been off limits to foreigners for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic are beginning to reopen.
On June 18, the European Union added the U.S. to a list of countries for which travel restrictions should gradually be lifted. The list applies to all American tourists, vaccinated or not, for nonessential travel.
The recommendation is not legally binding, and the decision on how and when to reopen borders is up to each individual member country.
► Europe travel restrictions for vaccinated visitors:Making sense of rules in France, Spain, Italy
► Spain reopens: Vaccinated Americans can now visit
In April, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated Americans could resume travel at low risk to themselves, though the agency still recommended against travel due to rising COVID case counts. On June 7, the agency softened its guidance for dozens of destinations, and now says travelers should make sure they are fully vaccinated before entering these countries.
Federal travel guidance:CDC, State Department downgrade travel alerts for dozens of countries
You’ll still need a negative COVID test to fly back to the US
If Americans do decide to travel abroad, no matter which country they decide to visit, they’ll still need to be tested for COVID within three days of an international flight back to the U.S. – even vaccinated travelers. You can find available testing sites in your destination country and turnaround times on the website for the U.S. embassy there.
Some resorts are also offering COVID testing on site to help satisfy the U.S. requirement.
► Beware: These Americans were stranded in Mexico after testing positive for COVID
About the list of countries allowing vaccinated travelers
Rules are evolving, so we’ve chosen to focus on countries that did not admit Americans before COVID-19 vaccines began to roll out and now are open or opening to vaccinated Americans. Keep in mind that countries’ rules and plans may shift quickly, so before planning, check with your destination to find out the latest requirements.
The information below pertaining to vaccination and testing requirements comes from official sources such as government agencies (such as embassies and immigration ministries and the U.S. State Department) or official tourism websites.
If you would like to find out how much of the local population is at least partially vaccinated in a country you plan to visit, you can find the latest data on USA TODAY. Johns Hopkins University, which has tracked COVID infection and death statistics since the earliest days of the pandemic, drills down even further, with percentages for both the partially and fully vaccinated.
Europe
When will Americans be allowed back in Europe? The European Union on June 18 added the U.S. to a list of countries for which travel restrictions should gradually be lifted. The list applies to all American tourists, vaccinated or not, for nonessential travel.
The recommendation is non-binding, and national governments have authority to require test results or vaccination records and to set other entry conditions.
However, some countries had announced their own plans before the EU’s recommendation, including Portugal, Spain, Austria and Greece.
And finally, while the United Kingdom does admit Americans with a negative COVID test, travelers must have a negative test result from within 72 hours of travel and quarantine for 10 days. They must also schedule follow-up tests for days 2 and 8 of their visit, though they can arrange a private test after five days to be released from quarantine early. This is required even for people who have been vaccinated. Failure to be tested can result in a fine of up to £1,000 ($1,418).
Earlier this month, airlines reiterated their plea for the U.S. and U.K. to rescind their respective travel restrictions, citing rising vaccination rates in both countries. At the G7 conference, President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a travel task force that will make policy recommendations about safely reopening international travel between the U.K. and the U.S. But no specific timing was announced.
Countries that allow Americans in with a negative COVID test (and other conditions: Italy
Portugal announced June 15 that travelers 2 years and older must take a nucleic acid amplification test – such as a PCR test – within the last 72 hours before boarding, or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of boarding.
Italy has said that Americans can enter and bypass quarantine with a negative COVID test taken no more than 48 hours prior to entry. Italy also noted visitors would be allowed to enter the country even if they’ve recently been in other EU countries.
Austria travel
Vaccine requirements: Vaccinated travelers need a certificate or vaccine passport. Certificates for people who received their first of two shots at least 22 days prior to entry are valid for three months; documents for people who have had both shots or are considered fully vaccinated after a single dose are good for an additional six months.
Testing requirements: Visitors who are unvaccinated or who have not had COVID need a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours. If you arrive without a valid negative test, you will have to take one at your own expense within 24 hours after arriving. People who have proof they have recovered from COVID in the past six months or a positive COVID antibodies test no more than three months old may enter.
Other restrictions: Travelers who arrive without a vaccination certificate, proof of recovery or negative COVID test result must complete an advance clearance form to get permission to enter.
Details: Austria official travel portal
Bulgaria travel
Vaccine requirements: Visitors need to show proof that their final dose was administered at least 14 days prior to entry may enter Bulgaria.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated visitors over the age of 5 need a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours. People who have recovered from COVID need a positive PCR or antigen test taken between 15 days and 180 days prior.
Other restrictions: Look for businesses with a Safe Travels stamp from World Travel & Tourism Council
Details: U.S. Embassy, Sofia; Bulgarian government tourism site
Croatia travel
Vaccination requirements: Tourists must present a vaccine certificate showing they received their final dose or single dose at least 14 days prior to entering the country.
Testing requirements: Individuals who have not been vaccinated yet must have a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within the last 48 hours or proof they have recovered from COVID-19.
Other restrictions: Tourists must pay lodging fully in advance and provide proof. They must also complete an arrival form with their contact-tracing information.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Zagreb
Cyprus travel
Vaccine requirements: Though COVID vaccinations are not required to enter Cyprus, Americans who can prove they are fully vaccinated will not be subject to testing or quarantine as long as their vaccine is approved by the European Medicines Agency.
Prior to travel, visitors must upload a copy of their vaccination certificate to the Cyprus Fight Pass platform. Verification is the responsibility of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Cyprus reserves the right to randomly test passengers on any arriving flight, including vaccinated travelers.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated visitors from countries classified as red must have a PCR test from a certified lab taken within 72 hours prior of departure.
Other restrictions: Visitors must present their Cyprus Flight Pass to enter crowded venues. In addition, there is a curfew in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Details: Cyprus Flight Pass
France travel
Vaccine requirements: Americans may enter as of June 9, provided they have proof they’ve had their final dose of an approved vaccine at least two weeks prior to travel. They will also need a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or a rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated Americans may not visit France for tourism purposes, according to the French Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Other restrictions: Travelers must complete a sworn document saying they do not have symptoms of COVID-19, nor have they been exposed to it. They must also be willing to be tested upon arrival, quarantine if deemed necessary and undergo retesting afterward.
Details: French Embassy, Washington; U.S. Embassy, Paris
Germany travel
Vaccination requirements: American tourists with proof of vaccination of an approved vaccine may enter Germany via air and bypass testing. They must be two weeks past their final dose.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated visitors from the U.S. will also be allowed, but they must have proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or antigen test no older than 48 hours prior to entry. Alternately, people who have recovered from COVID can provide a positive PCR test carried out at least 28 days prior but not more than six months prior.
Other restrictions: Regardless of vaccination or test status, all visitors must complete a digital entry registration prior to travel. Americans who enter Germany from a variant concern area need a negative PCR test and must quarantine for 10 days. Travelers are also advised to check the rules for each German state they plan to visit.
Details: German Foreign Office; U.S. Embassy, Berlin
Greece travel
Vaccine requirements: The country announced it is reopening to international tourists on May 15. Fully vaccinated individuals may bypass the testing requirement if they they present a vaccination certificate issued by a public authority showing their second shot occurred at least 14 days prior to arrival in Greece.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated visitors must have a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to entering the country.
Other restrictions: All visitors must complete Greece’s online Passenger Locator Form at least 48 hours before entering the country.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Athens
Non EU-member countries that allow Americans in with a negative COVID test (or other conditions):
Iceland travel
Vaccine requirements: Individuals who can provide proof they are fully vaccinated are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements. Iceland will also accept a yellow card issued by the World Health Organization.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated Americans need a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure and must quarantine at an official facility for five days upon arrival. People who can provide proof they’ve recovered from COVID are exempt from quarantine requirements.
Other restrictions: Visitors must pre-register online; however, this does not count as a travel authorization.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Reykjavik; covid.is
Ireland travel
Vaccine requirements: Vaccinated Americans will be welcome in Ireland beginning July 19. They will need proof of vaccination to bypass quarantine and testing requirements.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated adult travelers are still required to undergo testing and quarantine, per the Irish government.
Other restrictions: Travelers need to complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival in Ireland.
Details: Irish government website
Italy travel
Vaccine requirements: Travelers from the U.S. can enter Italy without a quarantine period, so long as they submit a passenger locator form and present a COVID-19 Green Pass or CDC vaccination certificate.
In order to obtain a Green Pass, travelers must either become fully vaccinated against COVID-19; recover from COVID-19 and pass the medical isolation period, or provide a negative COVID-19 test result performed in the 48 hours prior to entering the country.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Italian National Tourist Board
Romania travel
Vaccine requirements: Travelers with proof of vaccination can bypass the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated travelers need a negative test taken no sooner than 72 hours prior to departure to bypass quarantine. People who enter without one must quarantine and won’t be allowed to test out until day 10.
Other restrictions: Visitors may be asked to complete a questionnaire upon entry.
Details: RomaniaTourism.com
Slovenia travel
Vaccine requirements: Vaccinated Americans need to show proof they are at least 14 days past their final dose.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated Americans need a negative PCR test result no older than 48 hours. Travelers who have recovered from COVID need either a positive test that is at least 10 days old but no older than six months or a certificate attesting to the same. Children under 15 who cross the border with a direct family member or organized group are exempt from testing.
Details: Republic of Slovenia
Spain travel
Vaccine requirements: U.S. citizens can travel to Spain, regardless of vaccination status, as long as they present a QR code from the Spain Travel Health portal upon arrival. There is no requirement to bring proof of vaccination. This applies to all U.S. citizens, including those who visited another country before making their way to Spain.
Information required to complete the health portal form includes travelers’ identity document number (which can be found on passports) and details such as a traveler’s arrival date and flight number.
Testing requirements: U.S. citizens are not required to show a negative COVID test to enter Spain.
Details: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; TravelSafe Spain, U.S. Embassy
Caribbean
Countries that allow Americans to bypass quarantine if they present a negative COVID test and meet other conditions:
Countries where Americans don’t need proof of vaccine, negative COVID test or quarantine: Dominican Republic
Bahamas travel
Vaccine requirements: Travelers who are two weeks past their last vaccination are exempt from the testing requirements for entry and inter-island travel.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated travelers must have a negative PCR test result no older than five days prior to entry. (Children 10 and under are exempt.)
Other restrictions: Visitors must complete a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application.
Details: Bahamas.com
Saint Lucia
Vaccine requirements: Americans who have documentation proving they are at least 14 days past their final dose will be given a wristband and granted freer access to the island as long as they obey mask and social-distancing requirements. Unvaccinated minor children will be granted the same freedom of movement as their vaccinated parents.
Testing requirements: All travelers ages 5 and up, regardless of vaccination status, need a negative PCR test result from within the past five days and can only partake in approved activities and eat at COVID-certified restaurants.
Other restrictions: All visitors must use COVID-certified lodging regardless of vaccination status.
Details: StLucia.org
North America
Canada remains off limits to American leisure travelers, unless they meet certain exemptions. On May 11, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that his government prefers to keep its border closed until 75% of the population has had at least their first vaccine dose.
“My gut tells me it’s going to be (closed) at least well into the fall of 2021,” he predicted a week earlier.
Countries where Americans don’t need proof of vaccine, negative COVID test or quarantine: Mexico
In mid-May, the governor of Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, home to the Caribbean tourist meccas of Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum, warned that the area faced “imminent risk” of returning to lockdown conditions due to surging COVID cases there.
►Border closures extended: Canada, Mexico land border closed to nonessential travel through June 21
► Trouble in paradise: Mexico’s Caribbean coast including Cancún, Cozumel, Tulum at ‘imminent risk’ of lockdown
Central America
Countries where Americans don’t need proof of vaccine, negative COVID test or quarantine:
►Costa Rica during COVID: What’s it like to vacation there during the pandemic?
Countries where Americans can bypass quarantine with a negative COVID test result:
Belize travel
Vaccine requirements: Individuals who are at least two weeks past their second shot and bring their official vaccination card must bring their official certificate. If two weeks have not passed, a negative PCR test no older than 96 hours or a rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours old are required.
Testing requirements: Anyone over the age of 4 who is not vaccinated needs a negative test result.
Other restrictions: It’s recommended that visitors stay within the Tourism Safe Corridor, and a curfew is in effect from 10 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. daily.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Belmopan; Belize Tourism Board
El Salvador travel
Vaccination requirements: Visitors who have completed their shots may present their vaccine certificate in lieu of a negative test. However, it is still recommended that you contact your airline to confirm whether you also need a negative test to board your flight.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated visitors ages 2 and up need a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours of their scheduled arrival time.
Other restrictions: The U.S. Embassy notes that El Salvador strictly enforces the policies and cannot assist anyone who arrives without testing or vaccine documentation.
Details: U.S. Embassy, San Salvador
Guatemala travel
Vaccine requirements: Vaccinated individuals ages 10 and up may enter Guatemala by air or land but need proof the last shot was administered at least two weeks before arrival.
Testing requirements: Guatemala will also accept proof of a negative test completed within 72 hours prior to check-in at the airport or documentation from a licensed health care provider attesting the visitor recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days prior to travel.
Other restrictions: All visitors must complete a Health Pass form prior to arrival.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Guatemala City
South America
Countries where Americans can bypass quarantine with a negative COVID test:
Ecuador travel
Vaccine requirements: Travelers must have a certificate showing they have received their full course of vaccinations.
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated visitors need a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than three days before entering Ecuador. Children 2 years of age and younger, as well as airline crew, are exempt from this requirement. People who have had COVID-19 but are at least one month past the onset of symptoms may also present a medical certificate attesting to their recovery.
Other restrictions: International visitors transiting en route to the Galapagos Islands must arrive with a negative PCR test taken within the last three days.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Quito
Middle East and North Africa
Countries where Americans can bypass quarantine with a negative COVID test:
- Djibouti (Visa required)
- Egypt
- Iran (However, no visas are being issued currently.)
- Iraq (Visa required)
- Morocco (Tourists must have reservation at approved hotel or resort.)
- United Arab Emirates (All visitors to Dubai and Abu Dhabi still need PCR tests to enter the country; Abu Dhabi also requires a second PCR test on days 6 and 12, regardless of vaccination status.)
Bahrain travel
Vaccine requirements: Inbound airline passengers vaccinated in the U.S. with approved certificates will be provided with a card for use in Bahrain. However, vaccinated visitors are still required to undergo PCR tests on arrival as well as days 5 and 10 of their stays (at a cost of $95).
Testing requirements: Unvaccinated visitors must test on arrival as well as on days 5 and 10. (Children 6 and younger are exempt.)
Other restrictions: Visitors must download the BeAware Bahrain app prior to arrival.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Manama
Israel travel
Vaccine requirements: Visitors vaccinated outside of Israel must undergo testing at an approved Israeli lab at their own expense to prove their status. They then will be allowed to apply to be exempted from quarantine. They must provide their vaccination certificate and their negative test result along with their exemption application.
Testing requirements: All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, need a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure to Israel.Unvaccinated people will be required to quarantine for at least 10 days. People who have recovered from COVID must provide medical documentation of their recovery.
Other restrictions: Major U.S airlines have suspended flights to Israel amid the current unrest there.
Details: Israeli Ministry of Health; U.S. Embassy, Jerusalem
Lebanon travel
Vaccine requirements: Americans who can prove they are fully vaccinated, have an antibody test showing sufficient antibodies or proof of testing positive for COVID more than 15 days prior to arrival can bypass quarantine.
Testing requirements: All arriving travelers who do not qualify for one of the exemptions need a negative PCR test no older than 96 hours. In addition, travelerswill be tested at the airport at their own expense ($50). They will also have to quarantine for 72 hours and download the CovidLebTracker app.
Other restrictions: Tourists must request permission to enter certain establishments.
Details:U.S. Embassy, Beirut
Africa
Countries where Americans can bypass quarantine with a negative COVID test:
Western and Central Asia
Countries that allow Americans to bypass quarantine if they present a negative COVID test and meet other conditions:
Georgia travel
Vaccine requirements: Vaccinated tourists can enter by air if they present a certificate proving they have received the full round of shots.
Testing requirements: Upon arrival, unvaccinated visitors can avoid quarantine by presenting a negative result from a PCR test conducted 72 hours or less before arrival in Georgia. They will also need to undergo a second test at their own expense on day 3 of their stay.
Other restrictions: Before crossing into Georgia, tourists must complete an authorization form detailing their contact information and their travel history for the previous 14 days.
Details: U.S. Embassy, Tbilisi; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
South and East Asia
Much of Asia either still remains off limits to American tourists (including Olympic host nation Japan and Indonesia) or requires them to quarantine (as is the case in Cambodia, China, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nepal, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam).
Destinations where Americans can bypass quarantine with a negative COVID test:
Oceania/South Pacific
Most South Pacific countries remain off limits to American tourists, most notably Australia, which has indicated it may not reopen its borders until 2022. In addition, New Zealand and Fiji have both been reluctant to speculate about a reopening timeline. Other island destinations either require a lengthy quarantine (Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu) or special permission to visit (Samoa), One notable exception: the U.S. territory of Guam.
Countries that admit Americans who can provide a negative COVID test and meet other conditions:
Guam travel
Vaccine requirements: Travelers to the U.S. territory who are two weeks past their last dose of an FDA-approved vaccine who can provide a vaccine record card and a secondary form of vaccine verification (such as a letter from the provider) may bypass quarantine.
Testing requirements: Tourists who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of visiting Guam and are no longer symptomatic may be eligible to bypass quarantine if they can present a positive PCR test between 10 and 90 days old and a negative PCR test collected within 10 days prior to arrival and clearance from their medical provider attesting to their recovery. Visitors who arrive without a vaccine certificate or proof of recovery must spend five days at a quarantine facility but can test out on day 6 with a negative result.
Additional requirements: Vaccinated individuals must sign a declaration attesting to their COVID status (under penalty of perjury).
Details: VisitGuam.com; Guam Department of Health and Social Services
Contributing: Matthew Brown, Dawn Gilbertson, Maureen Groppe, Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY
