After about a year of closed borders and makeshift staycations, the prospect of airport queues and jet-lag this summer has a newfound allure. But with more countries than ever set to open up to Americans in the coming months, if you do decide to travel overseas this summer it will mean travelling smart and travelling safe. We have whittled down a list of our top quarantine-free, low-hassle destinations to satiate your travel cravings and help get you planning. So pick your location, grab your mask, and join that socially-distanced conga line to the boarding gate!
What to Know Before International Travel
Who exactly can travel this summer? The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that fully-vaccinated Americans can now travel without having to quarantine or get tested for COVID-19 upon returning from international destinations (unless required by their local jurisdiction…so do check!). For those who are not vaccinated, travel is indeed possible but bear in mind that the U.S. currently advises against it.
Have a look at this handy infographic to help get your head around the different testing and quarantine regulations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
...And After International Travel ?
Regardless of who travels, everyone returning from international destinations will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) no more than 3 days before their journey. Alternatively, if you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months, you will need to show documentation of this before you board a flight back to the United States.
Destination Guide
Greece
A Greek summer vacation is never a bad idea and this year is no exception.
The country has now officially begun its summer tourist season, rolling out the welcome mat for Americans who have either been fully vaccinated or can show a negative COVID-19 test result 72 hours before departure. If you have documentation proving recent recovery, this will also suffice. And expect to fill out a passenger locator form before your journey, detailing where you will be staying.
In terms of what you’ll find when you arrive, travel between islands and regions is permitted, and restaurants and museums have all been allowed to reopen. Masks are still mandatory in all public places and there is a curfew from 12.30 am until 5 am.
Find more details here.
Aruba
An azure blue paradise you can count on for palm trees and beautiful beaches - Aruba has been open to American tourists since December 1, 2020.
To visit the island this summer you will need to follow the country’s online Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Program where you will be asked to upload proof of a molecular test (PCR, RT-PCR, NAA, LAMP, and TMA) 72 to 4 hours prior to travel. To complete your ED card you will also be required to purchase the mandatory $30 Aruba Visitors Insurance and download the Aruba Health App.
Masks are required in all indoor public places on the island, and although there is an island-wide curfew from 11 pm to 5 am, there is no shortage of places open to visitors.
Find more details here.
Montenegro
With stunning national parks and the charming lakeside city of Kotor - a Montenegrin adventure is possible this summer.
The Balkan country awaits American visitors who are fully vaccinated, have a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours, or a positive serological -IgG antibodies test result (issued at most 30 days before arrival). Just make sure that before you travel, you do not stop off in or transit through any of the list of countries whose residents are not allowed to enter Montenegro in the last 15 days.
Local intel says that cafes, restaurants and shops across the nation are currently allowed to open between 7 am and 11 pm, and masks are mandatory in public spaces.
Find more details here.
Mexico
Mexico is a great choice if you are seeking a summer destination with looser travel restrictions.
This famously popular destination for Americans has been open to all visitors arriving by air throughout the pandemic (although the land border between Mexico and the United States is currently closed for non-essential travel until at least May 21st). No kind of pre-trip testing is required, but you will be asked to complete a health declaration form which can either be filled out before your journey, or at immigration upon arrival.
In most cities, wearing face masks in public places is mandatory and you will find that the majority of beaches and resorts are fully operational, especially in tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Los Cabos and Oaxaca.
Find more details here.
Zambia
If you fancy something a bit more far-flung, Zambia is our pick.
Americans arriving from the United States will be able to enter this African country as long as they have proof of a negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of departure. Upon arrival, all travellers will also undergo health screenings and be asked to complete a Health Questionnaire. Note that tourist visas are required for Americans, and this can either be done once you’ve landed or through an online e-Visa service (we recommend the latter).
The best news is that the country's beautiful safari parks and lodges are operating, and the iconic Victoria Falls is welcoming visitors. There are currently no curfews in place, and restaurants and other attractions continue to stay open while masks are worn in most public places.
Find more details here.
Dominican Republic
Just two-hours from Miami and less than four hours from New York - the idyllic Dominican Republic is one of the most accessible places for Americans to venture this summer.
You are able to visit the island without any pre-trip testing, and since the country opened its borders to travellers on July 1, 2020, mandatory temperature checks are being issued upon arrival and aleatory breath tests to a random selection of passengers age five and older. An electronic entry and exit form must also be completed by everyone, which is basically just for passengers to declare they have not felt any COVID-19 related symptoms in the last 72 hours, and provide contact details for the next 30 days. Attractively, the country is also providing a free health coverage plan for all hotel guests.
Once you are on the island, you will find that public beaches, restaurants and hotels are open. Masks are required in indoor public places, and currently, there is an island-wide weekday curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, and 9 pm to 5 am on the weekend.
Find more details here.
Morocco
The colourful spice markets of Marrakech or the vast desert oases of Tafilalt would be an unforgettable backdrop to your summer.
The country is asking Americans to have proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, and having a hotel reservation confirmation pre-travel, is a must. You’ll also need to download the Wiqaytna COVID-19 app and complete an online passenger health form (printed and signed) prior to starting your journey. Health screenings upon arrival are also something to expect and - in case you were wondering - no visas are required for Americans visiting for less that 90 days.
Once you’ve arrived, you'll find there is plenty to do. Even though public beaches and a few cultural sites are currently closed, many tours - such as a scenic day spent in the Atlas Mountains or an instagrammable trip to the blue town of Chefchaouen - are still running. Restaurants and other attractions are operating across the country within the curfew hours of 8 pm to 6 am.
Find more details here.
Note: With travel regulations often changing, please consult any country specific guidelines and local U.S. Embassy websites for up-to-date information before you travel. All information in this article is correct as of 17/05/21 and will not be updated.
