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By Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler
Many Americans are eager to start planning travel after receiving their full COVID vaccine and booster shots. And countries are once again open to international visitors—typically, with fewer entry requirements for those who are fully vaccinated. Some destinations, like Greece and Iceland, have welcomed vaccinated travelers since this spring, while others, like Chile and Singapore, are just beginning to reopen.
But there’s still a lot to consider before deciding to travel to another part of the world, especially as the Delta variant continues to spread and new variants like Omicron continue to emerge. With the health and safety of local communities in mind, for now, avoid traveling to countries with high infection rates, low vaccination rates, and overwhelmed medical infrastructure—all factors that can fluctuate rapidly. The CDC regularly updates its list of travel recommendations by destination, which categorizes countries by their local COVID-19 risk level: low, moderate, high, and very high.
Those considerations in mind, we've rounded up some of the destinations that are currently open and welcoming vaccinated visitors with no quarantine requirement. Travel guidelines continue to change, so travelers should check their destination country’s official government websites—and the CDC website—regularly before and during any trip. You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance. In addition to rules about COVID-19 vaccination and testing, all of the below countries require travelers to follow local public health guidelines.
Read on for the places to travel after your COVID vaccine.
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Newly reopened countries
Fiji
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Fiji, which encompasses more than 300 islands in the South Pacific, reopened its borders to vaccinated travelers starting Dec. 1. The U.S. is one of Fiji’s “travel partner” countries, which means that visitors do not have to quarantine once they arrive (visitors from non-travel partner countries must quarantine for 10 nights).
Travelers from all countries need to produce a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure, show proof of vaccination, and show proof of at least three nights of paid accommodations at an approved hotel or resort. They must also have medical travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Once in the country, visitors must download the country’s contact tracing app and leave their Bluetooth turned on at all times, plus take a rapid test 48 hours after arriving at their hotel.
Unvaccinated travelers are not allowed to travel to Fiji right now.
Cayman Islands
As of Nov. 20, vaccinated travelers can enjoy quarantine-free travel to the Cayman Islands. The Caribbean nation has entered the fourth phase of its reopening plan, which means vaccinated travelers from countries in which at least 60 percent of the population has received one dose of the vaccine can move around the islands freely (the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. fit that criteria). Vaccinated travelers must request a certificate to travel, get a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, have medical and travel insurance that covers COVID, and take a rapid test on the second, fifth, and 10th days of their stay.Unvaccinated travelers are not allowed to visit the islands unless they have a close family tie, own property, or run a business there.
Madagascar
Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are permitted to enter Madagascar, so long as they meet all of the East African island nation’s requirements for visiting: a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure, confirmation of a two-night hotel reservation (and proof of payment for at least one night), an airport-hotel transfer by an approved company, an in-country travel tracking form, a PCR test upon arrival, and a letter of commitment that the traveler will self-isolate for at least one night or until the test result comes back.Uruguay
Vaccinated travelers can now enter Uruguay, but will need to show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure and test again on the seventh day in the country. Travelers must also have health coverage (the country’s guidelines don’t note further specifics) and complete an online health declaration.Travelers who can prove they have recovered from the virus within the last 90 days are exempt from the pre- and post-travel tests, but still must have health coverage and complete the health declaration.
Unvaccinated travelers may only enter the country for very specific reasons as outlined by the government.
Cambodia
Vaccinated travelers can once again visit Cambodia while adhering to a list of requirements. In addition to showing proof of vaccination, travelers must also show a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure and undergo a rapid test on arrival, then wait for the results (typically 15 to 20 minutes) at the point of entry.Unvaccinated travelers can also enter the country, but they must quarantine for 14 days.
India
India reopened its borders to U.S. tourists on Nov. 15. The country has not included the U.S. on its list of at-risk countries (though that list is being updated regularly), which means that, for now, all U.S. travelers, regardless of vaccination status, do not need to quarantine or test upon arrival. U.S. travelers must show a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure and complete an online self-declaration form.Malaysia
Vaccinated U.S. travelers can visit the Malaysian island of Langkawi as part of a new reopening pilot program (the country aims to fully reopen its borders to international travelers on Jan. 1). Visitors must work with an approved Malaysian tour operator or travel agent to book their trip and purchase travel health insurance with coverage of at least $80,000. They also need to take a PCR test within 72 hours of departure, then take another upon arrival; they must also complete a health declaration form and download the MySejahtera app to their phones.Unvaccinated travelers are not permitted to enter the country.
Cuba
As of Nov. 15, vaccinated travelers can enter Cuba without needing to quarantine or test upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must show a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure. All travelers must complete a health declaration and may be subject to random PCR tests at the airport.Vietnam
Certain destinations in Vietnam are now open to vaccinated travelers under a reopening pilot program. For now, travelers can visit Phu Quoc island, Da Nang city, and Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam,, and Quang Ninh provinces if they are vaccinated or have recovered from the virus in the past 12 months. Travelers must show a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure.Unvaccinated travelers are not currently allowed to visit the country.
Grenada
As of Nov. 15, vaccinated travelers can travel to Grenada without needing to quarantine. Vaccinated travelers will need to provide a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure and complete and print out a health declaration form. Unvaccinated travelers can visit the country but they must take a PCR test upon arrival, quarantine at an approved facility for seven days, and test again.Read More: 16 Summer Vacation Spots That Are Amazingly Beautiful in Winter
Countries that are already open to vaccinated travelers
Europe
Croatia
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Croatia is open to U.S. travelers who can show proof of vaccination. The country is also open to unvaccinated travelers who have recovered from the virus between 11 and 365 days before their visit and those who can show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 to 72 hours (depending on the type of test) of arrival.
Unvaccinated visitors are also permitted to enter Croatia if they take a COVID-19 test immediately upon arrival, then isolate until a negative result comes back; travelers who cannot get a test upon arrival must self-isolate for 10 days.
All travelers with an E.U. digital COVID certificate can enter the country without requirements or restrictions.
Tourists from outside the E.U. must also show proof that they have paid for or booked their accommodations in advance. The country is also asking all visitors to register online in advance of their trip.
Denmark
Vaccinated U.S. travelers, as well as those who have recovered from the virus within the last year, can travel to Denmark without needing to quarantine or test upon arrival.Unvaccinated U.S. travelers can enter Denmark if they test within 24 hours of arrival, then self-isolate for 10 days. Unvaccinated travelers can end their quarantine early by getting a negative PCR test after the fourth day.
The U.S. Embassy in Denmark recommends printing out the Danish government’s requirements and carrying them with you during your trip in case any issues arise.
France
U.S. travelers can visit France with proof of vaccination and a sworn statement confirming they do not have symptoms and have not been in recent contact with anyone who has COVID-19.Unvaccinated travelers can enter the country if they have a compelling reason for travel and can present a negative COVID-19 test from within 48 to 72 hours of departure (depending on the type of test) and the same sworn statement. These travelers must also agree to self-isolate for seven days and may be subject to random testing.
Greece
Vaccinated travelers from the U.S., as well as people who have recovered from the virus in the last 30 to 180 days, can travel to Greece without additional requirements. All other travelers over the age of 12 will need to show a negative test result from within 72 hours before arrival. The Greek government requires all travelers to complete a passenger locator form; all tourists may be subjected to random health screenings.Georgia
Georgia is now open to vaccinated citizens of many countries, including the U.S. Vaccinated travelers arriving by land or sea must show proof of vaccination, plus a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours of arrival. Travelers arriving by air just need to show proof of vaccination.Unvaccinated visitors must travel directly to Georgia from approved countries, including the U.S.. Unvaccinated travelers must also have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival, and are required to take a follow-up test on their third day in the country. Unvaccinated travelers also must complete an online registration form.
Iceland
Travelers from all countries, including the U.S., can once again visit Iceland. Visitors with proof of vaccination must also provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before boarding a flight or ship to Iceland, but they are not required to take a test or quarantine when they arrive in the country. Travelers who have recovered from the virus within 14 to 180 days prior to the trip do not have to test before traveling to Iceland.Unvaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of departure, take a test upon arrival, quarantine for five days, then take another test that produces a negative result before they can travel freely around the country. Visitors can quarantine in a home or approved lodging facility.
The country is also asking all travelers to pre-register before their trip.
Italy
Italy is welcoming vaccinated travelers from the U.S. with proof of vaccination and a PCR or antigen test from within 72 hours of departure. The country is also open to travelers with proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months.Unvaccinated travelers and those without proof of recovery must quarantine for five days after arriving, then test again.
All visitors to Italy must also complete a digital passenger locator form.
The Netherlands
Vaccinated U.S. travelers can visit the Netherlands without quarantining or testing.Unvaccinated travelers arriving from the U.S. must show a negative test result from within 24 to 48 hours before departure, depending on the type of test.
All travelers must complete a health declaration.
United Kingdom
Vaccinated U.S. travelers can visit England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland without quarantining, so long as they book and pay for a test to be taken on or before the second day in the country and complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before arriving.Unvaccinated travelers must take a COVID-19 test within three days prior to departure, book and pay for two COVID-19 tests to be taken after arriving (on or before the second day and on or after the eighth day), and complete a passenger locator form, in addition to quarantining for 10 days.
Slovakia
Vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can visit the Central European country of Slovakia with no quarantine or test requirement. Travelers must register online before their trip and, if arriving by air, complete a separate passenger locator form; they also need to show proof of vaccination.Unvaccinated visitors also must register, and then quarantine for up to 10 days upon arrival (they can end their quarantine after five days with a negative test result).
Other European countries open to Americans include Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Switzerland.
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Asia
Armenia
Armenia is once again welcoming visitors from the U.S. Vaccinated travelers can enter without restriction; all other travelers must show a negative test result from within 72 hours of departure or take a test upon arrival.Nepal
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Nepal’s borders are once again open to travelers from the U.S. Vaccinated visitors do not need to quarantine, but must show proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure. They also need to show proof of lodging reservations and complete and print out an online international arrival form. If applicable, travelers also need to bring copies of any trekking or mountaineering permits needed for their trip.
Unvaccinated travelers can also enter Nepal with the same requirements but, in addition, they must also quarantine for 10 days upon arrival and get a negative test result on the 11th day before they’re free to move about the country. These travelers also need to get a letter of recommendation from a tour or trekking agent in Nepal and obtain a visa before the trip (vaccinated travelers can get visas upon arrival).
Singapore
Vaccinated travelers from the U.S. and several other countries can now visit Singapore without quarantining. Seven to 30 days before their trip, vaccinated travelers need to obtain a travel pass by providing proof of vaccination and other personal information. They must also get a negative PCR test result within 48 hours of departure, then test again at Singapore Changi Airport and isolate until the results come back negative. Travelers must also download the country’s contact tracing app, arrive on a designated flight, and purchase insurance with a minimum of $30,000 worth of COVID-19-related medical coverage.Singapore is not allowing unvaccinated travelers to enter the country, with the exception of unvaccinated children under the age of 12 who are traveling with a vaccinated adult.
Turkey
Vaccinated travelers from the U.S. and other countries, as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months, can enter Turkey without any additional requirements or restrictions.Unvaccinated and not previously infected travelers can enter Turkey with a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of departure. Travelers from certain high-risk countries must follow additional testing and quarantine requirements. All travelers must complete an entry form.
Thailand
Vaccinated U.S. travelers can visit Thailand without needing to quarantine. Vaccinated visitors must produce a negative PCR result within 72 hours of departure, then test twice once in the country: on the day of arrival and again on the sixth or seventh day. Vaccinated travelers must show proof of payment for at least one night in an approved hotel, then agree to wait at the hotel for at least one night or until the in-country test result comes back. They must also have an insurance policy that covers at least $50,000.Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine at an approved lodging facility for 10 days if they arrive by air or sea, or 14 days if they arrive by land.
Other Asian countries open to Americans include Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
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Africa
Egypt
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Travelers from many countries—including the U.S.—can now visit Egypt. Vaccinated travelers can enter with no testing or quarantine requirement, if their proof of vaccination includes a QR code or has been previously approved by the Egyptian embassy in the U.S. (as such, CDC vaccination cards alone will not be accepted).
Travelers without the above are required to present a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours of arrival for entry.
Ghana
Ghana’s land and sea borders remain closed, however, Accra Kotoka International Airport is open for international travel. All visitors to Ghana must show proof of a negative PCR test from within 72 hours of departure and complete an online health declaration form. Travelers must also test upon arrival in Accra.Tanzania
All travelers from the U.S. can visit Tanzania, regardless of their vaccination status. Within 24 hours prior to arrival, all visitors must fill out a health surveillance questionnaire online, then present their health code when they arrive in the country. All travelers to Tanzania must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from within 96 hours of departure; travelers from high-risk countries must also test upon arrival.Seychelles
Seychelles, the small Indian Ocean nation made up of more than 100 islands off the east coast of Africa, is now open to U.S. travelers, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike.All visitors must produce a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours of departure, apply for a health travel authorization online, and have travel and health insurance coverage for any potential COVID-19 costs. Travelers can only stay at government-approved hotels, but they’re not required to quarantine after arrival in Seychelles.
Other African countries open to Americans include South Africa, Senegal, Botswana, Rwanda, Kenya, Namibia, and Morocco.
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Caribbean
St. Barts
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The French-controlled Caribbean island of Saint-Barthélemy—St. Barts for short—is now open to vaccinated U.S. travelers. In addition to proof of vaccination, visitors must show a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure or an antigen test from within 48 hours. Unvaccinated travelers must also test within 48 to 72 hours before departure, isolate for seven days upon arrival, then test again.
Bahamas
All U.S. travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can visit the Bahamas if they can show a negative test result from within five days of departure and apply for a travel health visa online. Unvaccinated travelers must take a daily health questionnaire for up to 14 days. All visitors must have COVID-19 health insurance for the entirety of their stay.Other Caribbean destinations open to Americans include Anguilla, Bermuda, and the Dominican Republic.
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Americas
Argentina
Vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can once again travel to Argentina. Vaccinated travelers to the South American country must also produce a negative PCR result within 72 hours of departure, complete a sworn statement online, and purchase health insurance that covers COVID.Unvaccinated travelers must also quarantine for seven days, then test negative in order to move freely in the country.
Chile
Vaccinated travelers can enter Chile without quarantining if they obtain a mobility pass ahead of their trip (a process that can take two to three weeks). Vaccinated travelers must also test upon arrival, then wait at their hotel until the negative result comes back. Travelers who have received booster shots do not have to test when they arrive in Chile.In addition, vaccinated travelers must complete an online traveler affidavit at least 48 hours before departure and show proof of insurance that covers at least $30,000 of COVID-19 related medical expenses. Visitors to Chile must also engage in a 10-day follow-up process that involves checking in daily via email to report their health status and current location.
Unvaccinated travelers are not allowed to travel to Chile.
Costa Rica
Vaccinated travelers from the U.S. can visit Costa Rica by showing their vaccine card. Unvaccinated travelers still need to show proof of a health insurance policy that will cover up to $50,000 worth of COVID-19 medical treatments and $2,000 for quarantine lodging in case they get sick while in the country.All travelers need to complete an online health pass and show proof that they will leave Costa Rica within 90 days (such as a return flight or onward travel ticket).
Belize
Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers visiting this nation on the Caribbean coast of Central America must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of arrival (48 hours for a rapid test). Visitors can also take a COVID-19 test after arriving at the airport for $50.Ecuador
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Vaccinated travelers can visit Ecuador without additional COVID-19 entry requirements. The country is also open to unvaccinated travelers with a negative COVID-19 test taken up to three days before arrival, as well as travelers previously diagnosed with COVID-19 (so long as 1 month has passed since they first developed symptoms). Ecuador only accepts RT-PCR tests and will not accept antigen tests.
To visit the Galápagos Islands, travelers must also present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Visitors to the islands also need to apply online for a $20 transit control card issued by Galápagos authorities; the U.S. Embassy says travelers can also work with Galápagos tour operators to get a transit control card.
Guatemala
Guatemala is open to vaccinated U.S. travelers. The Central American country is also open to unvaccinated visitors with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, as well as those who have recovered from the virus within the last three months.Other countries in the Americas that are currently open include Mexico, Colombia, and Canada.
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