Countries worldwide are now de-escalating lockdowns, providing relief for avid travelers who’ve been chomping at their bits due to travel restrictions caused by COVID-19. On August 6, 2020, the US State Department lifted their level 4 ‘do not travel’ advisory warning Americans against international travel. The State Department said that some countries had managed to control the spread of COVID-19, and it no longer made sense to have a blanket ‘do not travel’ advisory. Even so, international travel isn’t as simple as it used to be. With all the rules and regulations (that can change at a moment’s notice), figuring out where you can travel at the moment is not easy. So, we’ve gone ahead and done the work for you. Here are 15 countries where American passport holders can travel to for their holidays this year.

Countries that are open for holiday travels

1.    Albania

Nestled between Greece and Montenegro, travelers to Albania will love the gorgeous beaches on the Albanian Riviera, ancient historic ruins, and quaint mountainside towns. According to the US Embassy in Albania, American citizens were allowed to enter this European country since June 15, 2020. There are no pre-travel testing requirements for visitors, but all arriving passengers must undergo mandatory temperature checks. If a passenger has a fever or displays COVID-19 symptoms, they may need to undergo a mandatory government quarantine.

2.    Antigua and Barbuda

Pink and white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and fantastic weather are what make the Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda the perfect holiday travel destination. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has opened the country’s borders. Still, travelers must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result taken within seven days of their flight. Passengers arriving by sea will be quarantined for up to 14 days unless they can obtain a negative test result.

3.    Aruba

Sun, sand, and exquisite turquoise waters await holiday travelers in the island nation of Aruba. However, you must undergo testing before you can head there. Residents of several states in the US are considered high-risk. They need to upload proof of a negative Molecular SARS-CoV-2 test taken between 12 and 72 hours before flying, or they won’t be allowed to board their flight.  Other states’ residents can either upload proof of their test before travel or have a PCR test done upon arrival at the Aruba airport. 

4.    Belarus

With imposing castles, misty forests, and lakes, Belarus may see a little off the beaten path for holiday travel. But Belarus, allows Americans to enter without any coronavirus test. There are no quarantine requirements either, according to the US Embassy in Belarus. A COVID-19 test within 48 hours is ‘recommended,’ though, and you’ll also need to fill out a health questionnaire and undergo temperature/health checks on arrival.

5.    Brazil

The Brazilian government has not officially imposed any quarantine restrictions on Americans. However, before boarding your flight, you will need to show proof of health insurance that includes coronavirus coverage. If you’re planning a holiday in Brazil, make sure that your insurance meets the requirements.

6.    Costa Rica

Starting from November 1, 2020, Americans from all states can travel to Costa Rica. They have to comply with specific conditions, though. This includes producing a negative RT-PCR diagnostic test result with the testing done within 72 hours of departure to Costa Rica and a traveler’s medical insurance (valid in Costa Rica and covering coronavirus). You’ll also need to fill out the health pass form. You should exhibit no COVID-19 symptoms as well. Post these procedures, you’re free to enjoy your holidays in the tropical paradise.

7.    Egypt

Egypt welcomed international tourism back on July 1, 2020, after a deep cleaning of popular tourist spots like the Great Pyramids of Giza. Americans allowed to enter Egypt with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure time. Tourists also need to show proof of valid health insurance on arrival.  

8.    Ireland

Ireland is open to American travelers, but we wouldn’t recommend it for this year’s holiday travels unless you have plenty of time on hand! The country requires all arrivals from outside to self-quarantine (isolate themselves) for 14 days upon arrival. You also need to fill out a ‘Passenger Locator Form’ with information on where you will be quarantining.

9.    Jamaica

Jamaica reopened for tourism on June 15, 2020, but with a whole lot of conditions. All American travelers must produce negative results of a COVID-19 test, taken within 10 days of the date of arrival. They also need to submit a pre-travel health authorization registration along with customs and immigration forms. After this, the government will issue a travel approval document based on those details. All incoming travelers will also need to undergo thermal temperature checks upon arrival at the airport.  

10. Mexico

Mexico is currently open to American travelers. Land crossing to Mexico is still closed, but flights have resumed. You may be subjected to temperature checks and health screenings, though. If you’re found to be showing COVID-19 symptoms, you may be asked to quarantine voluntarily. So, if you’re feeling healthy enough, go ahead and plan your holiday travels to Cancun, Los Cabos, or Baja!  

11. Panama

Panama started welcoming tourists on October 12, 2020. Before flying to Panama, you will need to be tested negative for COVID-19 within forty-eight hours before your arrival. You will also need to sign a document stating your willingness to comply with the country’s health and safety regulations. Once these conditions are met, you can enjoy the gorgeous beaches and the natural beauty of Panama.  

12. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico (an unincorporated territory of the US) reopened to travelers on July 15, 2020. Puerto Rico is strictly enforcing health and safety measures established by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) as well as USTA, CDC, and EPA guidelines. To enter Puerto Rico, you must fill out a Travel Declaration Form online and show proof of a molecular COVID-19 test (nasal or throat swab) within 72 hours before visiting the Island.  

13. Serbia

If your holiday travel plans include taking in the mountains, rivers, and canyons in this European country, you’re in luck! American tourists are allowed to vacation in Serbia. According to the US Embassy in Serbia, all you need to do is take a self-assessment test online on the day you arrive and repeat it on the 10th day after their arrival. However, suppose you’re entering Serbia from North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria, or Romania. In that case, you will need to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test result, taken within 48 hours before arrival. 

14. Turks and Caicos

The picturesque coral islands of Turks and Caicos reopened for international visitors on July 22, 2020. There are some preauthorization requirements you’ll to comply with before you plan to holiday there. All travelers who wish to enter the country must have preauthorization via the Turks and Caicos “TCI Assured Portal.” You will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of arrival in Turks and Caicos, valid medical insurance covering the cost of quarantine/ care, and a completed online health screening. 

15. United Kingdom

Britain allows Americans entry, but there is a huge catch, similar to that of Ireland. You will need to undergo a mandatory quarantine for 14-days on arrival. The penalty for breaking this quarantine is pretty steep, amounting to a fine of more than $1,200 /night. So plan to holiday in Britain only if you’re okay with a long period of confinement.  

Things to keep in mind while planning your holiday travels

• Spend time researching what the face-covering, social distancing requirements are before you visit any country. That way, you’ll know what to expect when you arrive.
• Look into what’s open and what’s not before you make your holiday travel plans so that you’re not disappointed when you’re there
• Find out about the safety/sanitization measures in place at the hotel/resort you’re planning to stay at during your holiday travels.
• Almost all countries screen for COVID-19 symptoms on arrival, so don’t risk picking up an infection using public transport.
• If you’re driving yourself down to the airport, make sure to stay safe by pre-booking a contactless airport parking spot online.