The Best Places to Travel As An American Right Now & What are the Restrictions for Each Destination?

There are actually quite a few places Americans can travel right now, but travel planning gets complicated and confusing when each different country has its own unique requirements and restrictions. Some countries will allow U.S. citizens to enter after they quarantine in a “corridor” country prior, some require another COVID-19 test 3-5 days after arrival, some countries only allow entry if you stay in pre-approved hotels, and many places have curfews, so I wanted to create a hub list of all of the different rules to enter each destination so you can easily see what places you might want to travel to in 2021

I’m sure many of you have been wondering, like I have, if there are any places you can travel right now where the hassle of getting there and complying with the restrictions doesn’t outweigh or over-shadow the vacation itself. So I wanted to compile a list of destinations that are doing the best when it comes to safety but also don’t necessarily require a quarantine/PCR test upon arrival, making it easy to get there from the USA. (I still recommend doing one before ANY travel! You can read my other tips for traveling during the pandemic here).

Most destinations do require negative test results before entry, and beginning this week, the U.S will require negative tests 72 hours prior to re-entry (with the exception of Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Foreign countries typically accept both PCR tests or rapid antigen tests but be sure to check with the embassy’s website to make sure prior to scheduling your test. To schedule a FREE drive-through rapid test, go online to Walgreens and find the nearest testing site, or visit your local doctor/urgent care for a PCR test.

As countries adapt to this new way of things, I’m confident it will continue to become easier and more organized when it comes to travel and during these stressful times. Here are the top getaway destinations that make travel these days the most accessible and well worth the stress of traveling in the pandemic!

The Best Destinations To Travel Right Now from the USA 

Craving the tropics at all times like me?  These are the destinations that are currently the most accessible for tourism in 2021 because you will not be required to present a negative COVID test on your way back into the United States. All you need is a Negative PCR or Rapid antigen test prior to your departure from the U.S. in order to gain entry! So besides wearing your mask and practicing social distancing you won’t have to worry about anything else other than enjoying the perfect climate, waterfalls and turquoise waters!

St. John, USVI

What are the travel requirements for St. John?

Negative test within 5 days of your flight (for individuals 5 years and older) and completed authorization certificate from the USVI Travel Screening Portal. Upon arrival, all visitors will have their temperature taken and must complete a traveler screening questionnaire. The 360 degree ocean views at this epic Airbnb will make you forget all about that nose swab. Visit this website for more information on traveling to the USVI, and check out my full list of amazing places to stay in St. John here.

Puerto Rico

What are the travel requirements for Puerto Rico?

Probably the easiest place to travel that is “outside the U.S.” right now is Puerto Rico. Technically you will need to show proof of negative COVID test results (PCR or Rapid test) within 72 hours of arrival and complete a health questionnaire upon arrival, but you can also opt out of the health questionnaire to get tested at a local facility or complete a quarantine (both of which are not checked up on). Basically this means that even if your flight happens to get delayed and therefore your test results are outside of the 72-hour window, you’ll still be permitted entry, so it’s very low stress. For what to do and where to stay check out my Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico!

Hawaii

What are the travel requirements for Hawaii?

Negative PCR/NAAT test results required 72 hour prior to the LAST LEG of your flight, you’ll need to upload your results as well as have a hard copy in hand upon arrival. I’d say this is 100% WORTH IT to get access to some of the most incredible resorts in the world! The socially distant outdoor activities are endless, hike to see waterfalls one day, go four-wheeling the next!

Other destinations you can travel to right now from the USA

The next set of destinations do NOT require a negative COVID test for entry, however, starting January 26, 2021 the U.S. will start requiring international travelers (U.S. citizens included) to present negative results for re-entry upon your return. Essentially, before you head to one of the following destinations, make sure there is a local clinic or laboratory where you can get a PCR or Rapid test done 72 hours prior to your flight back into the States. 

Mexico 

Negative PCR/NAAT test results required 72 hour prior to the LAST LEG of your flight, you’ll need to upload your results as well as have a hard copy in hand upon arrival. I’d say this is 100% WORTH IT to get access to some of the most incredible resorts in the world! The socially distant outdoor activities are endless, hike to see waterfalls one day, go four-wheeling the next!

There is currently no COVID test required for entry into Mexico, and I’ve already compiled a list of placed where you can get tested in Cabo! Many hotels and resorts in both Cabo and Tulum are starting to offer guests complimentary in-room testing like The Excellence Group Hotels! For more information about travel head to the Embassy site.

Costa Rica

What are the travel requirements for Costa Rica in 2021?

No test is required to enter Costa Rica, however travel insurance or proof of health insurance to cover COVID related costs is required, as well as the completion of the Health Pass Form (48 hours prior to travel). You can escape to The Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo for some well deserved rest and relaxation, and they will even set up your PRC test 72 hours prior to departure so you don’t even have to worry about it! For updated travel information, check out this site here.

And for my ultimate Costa Rica travel guide, click here.

Albania

No test required for entry, but there are health screenings upon arrival. Flights are limited, but once you get to Albania, especially if you are a digital nomad or are currently working from home and want a change of scenery, you can pop into North Macedonia or Montenegro via land border with no test or quarantine. Who would have guessed Albania had so may gorgeous beaches and seaside towns! For more information see the embassy’s updated travel information.

Montenegro

What are the requirements for entering Montenegro?

No test required for entry, you can pop over to this country from Albania via land borders as well. Find more information here. Montenegro is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been! 

Other Destinations to Consider, and what their regulations are in the time of COVID-19

The next set of destinations will be a bit more effort for Americans, but hey at least we are allowed in!! You will need a negative COVID test for entry and also a negative test prior to exit to get back into the U.S.

Anguilla

What are the requirements to travel to Anguilla right now?

Negative test results within 72 hours of flight and Visitor Application Form completed prior to travel. Updated travel restrictions/information here.

Antigua and Barbuda

What are the requirements to travel to Antigua right now?

So long as you can show negative PCR test results within 7 days of your arrival, airport screenings upon arrival. Updated travel restrictions/information here.

Aruba

What are the COVID requirements to travel to Aruba right now?

Travel requirements for Aruba are a negative test within 72 hours of flight or test upon arrival for a fee. For more information see their Tourism page!

Belize

What are the requirements to travel to Belize right now?

You can travel to Belize with negative PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid test within 48hours of flight. You will also need to stay in one of the hotels listed on their “Gold Standard” list to ensure Americans are staying in hotels that meet the cleanliness requirements (there are plenty of incredible hotels to choose from). For more information see their Tourism page!

Bolivia

What are the requirements to travel to Bolivia right now?

With negative test results no more than 10 days before the flight. Updated travel information here.

Bora Bora

What are the rules to travel to Bora Bora right now?

Bora Bora is opening back up May 1st. You’ll need proof of a negative PCR test 3 days prior to your international departure, as well as a health form declaration available here. Check this site here, and read about my experience traveling to Bora Bora in the pandemic here. For more information visit their tourism page.

Brazil

What are the rules to travel to Brazil right now?

You’ll need a negative test within 72 hours of flight and health declaration form. Updated travel information here or visit their tourism page!

Chile

What are the rules to travel to Chile right now?

You’ll need a negative test within 72 hours, health questionnaire and proof of travel insurance that will cover and covid related issues. Updated travel information here or see their tourism page!

Colombia

What are the rules to travel to Colombia right now?

Negative PCR test within 96 hours of flight. Updated travel information here or visit their tourism page!

Egypt

What are the rules to travel to Egypt right now?

Negative test required up to 96-hours prior to arrival and proof of health insurance. Updated travel information here. 

Greece

Greece announced this week that they’re open to US citizens and other vaccinated or negative-testing travelers! Great news for all you Santorini honeymoon -ers!

Jamaica

What are the rules to travel to Jamaica right now?

Negative PCR results within 10 days of travel. Updated travel information here or visit their Tourism Page!

St. Barths

What are the rules to travel to St. Barths right now?

Negative PCR test within 72 hours of flight, no second test required unless you’re staying more than 7 days. Updated travel restrictions/information here or visit their tourism page!

St. Lucia

What are the rules to travel to St. Lucia right now?

You’ll need a negative PCR test within 5 days of arrival, complete pre-travel health questionnaire.Updated travel restrictions/information here or visit their tourism page!

The Maldives

What are the rules to travel to the Maldives right now?

Negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers will have to show proof of paid accommodation in a tourist establishment to enter. If you plan to venture farther than the greater Malé area, you can only do so after a 10-day quarantine period. If you are planning on going to more than one resort, you’ll have to test at your resort before you go to the next one. Now that most of the hotels are doing on site tests, this whole process is not bad at ALL! More updated travel information here.

Turks and Caicos

What are the rules to travel to Turks and Caicos right now?

You’ll need a negative test within 5 days of flight. Updated travel information here or see their tourism page!

UAE/Dubai

What are the rules to travel to the UAE right now?

Negative results within 96 hours of their departure. There are advanced medical screening measures in place at the ports of entry. Updated travel information here or visit the Dubai tourism page!

 

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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