2021 Travel Guide: The World Opens Up to Travel
**** UPDATE****
On January 12, the US instituted new rules that required ALL INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS coming into the US to have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their return trip.
This also includes US Citizens and will take effect on January 26, 2021. Read the full CDC details here
It’s been about 15 months since we’ve been under pandemic measures and with much of the world closed off to international travel. This year the world is slowly opening up. Many of the destinations that were off limits last year are opening up for the summer and hopefully for good as well. We’ve provided the most up to date information for destinations in 2021. As always remember to check entry rules with the airline, tourism boards and your travel agent.
Europe:
Much of the European Union is opening up for US travelers this year!
Iceland: Fully vaccinated travelers need proof of vaccination or negative Covid test to for entry.
Croatia: While initially opened to US travelers as of January 2021, travel was temporarily suspended and is now open to fully vaccinated travelers from the US. See here for more details
Ukraine: While the Green Zone list and Red Zone list is updated every 24 hours it’s best to get the negative Covid test for your travel
Turkey: Turkey has been open to US travelers since 2020 if they had a negative PCR test. Now the rules have changed slightly as fully vaccinated individuals, no longer need a negative PCR test. If you’re not vaccinated you will still need a negative Covid test. Find the entry requirements here and don’t forget to get your e-visa.
Ireland: Open to fully vaccinated travelers and those with proof of a negative Covid test, Ireland will be ready for you to discover its shores this year, starting on July 19.
France: US travelers fall on the orange list which requires “upon boarding, each traveller aged 11 years or older must present a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before the flight or a negative antigenic test taken less than 48 hours before the flight”
Spain: In general you need to have proof of vaccination to enter Spain. Click on the link to find country-specific information
United Kingdom: As of August 2, the UK allowed for fully vaccinated U.S. travelers to enter the kingdom without the need to quarantine. You will still need to provide a negative Covid test before arrival, before day 2 of arrival and have proof of vaccination.
USA Mainland and Territories:
Mainland: Most places in the US are open and have COVID-19 measures in place but do check to see if your hotel of choice is open before your next trip. If you’re looking for more social distancing try visiting the National Parks, there’s so much to see and do in wide-open spaces although keep in mind many are still closed out west.
Hawai’i: As of October 15, 2020 the quarantine rules for Hawaii change. You’ll need a negative Covid test if you want to avoid quarantine. Keep in mind some counties require a second test upon arrival. More information on pre testing can be found here.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is open for tourism. You must show proof of your Covid vaccination card or have a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours before travel.
***Note that Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam and Samoa are excluded from the negative covid test to enter the US, that went into effect on Janauary 26, 2021***
Caribbean:
Aruba: As of November 2020, travelers from all US states are allowed to travel to Aruba. You must have proof of negative Covid test taken 72 hours to 4 hours before arrival. If you’re flying Jetblue to Aruba you can also purchase their at-home testing kit. You must also purchase Aruba’s travel insurance, click here for more information
Bahamas: Updated their travel rules for Fully Vaccinated travelers on May 1. Unvaccinated travelers still need a negative PCR test taken no more than 5 days before arrival. You must also have the insurance through the Travel Health Visa
Barbados: The island has opened for international travelers. As of February 3, 2021 new Covid protocols were issued. You must have a negative PCR test before arriving in-country, quarantine upon arrival and have a second test administered within 5 days of arrival. Get more up to date information on the Visit Barbados website
Read: Remote Workers Could Live in Barbados for a Year With This New Visitor Incentive
Bermuda: Open to travelers with a negative PCR Covid test, must also apply for Bermuda Travel Authorization which costs $75 per person and covers Covid testing in Bermuda.
Want to stay a little bit longer in Bermuda this year? They are now introducing their One Year Resident Visa for Digital Nomads
Curacao: After only opening up to travelers from New York and Florida, the country now opens its door to all US travelers with proof of a negative Covid test. Once in country you will ned to take another test within 3 days.
Dominican Republic: International travelers may be randomly selected for a Covid test at the airport. If you have proof of a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before arrival or proof of vaccination you will be exempted. The county is extending its offer of free travel insurance only July 31, 2021, and all travelers must complete a Travel Affidavit Form as well to enter the country.
Jamaica: Travelers from the USA are required to have uploaded a negative Covid 19 test taken within 3 days of travel to Jamaica
Mexico:
Mexico: Open to US Travelers for nonessential travel via Air travel. Travel by land is still closed to US travelers. Don’t forget to check out our blog post on how we traveled to Mexico during the pandemic.
Check out Eldorado Suites for your next trip to Cancun
South & Central America:
Belize: The country is now open for incoming international travel. Travelers must either be fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative COVID test uploaded 72 hours before travel. Tourists can only stay at Gold Standard accommodations that meet the legal test for cleanliness.
Costa Rica: As of November 1 2020 will allow travelers from all US states to travel without a negative Covid test. You will need to carry the proper travelers’ insurance, either purchased from the US or in Costa Rica.
Colombia: Travelers to Colombia will need to have a negative Covid testing 96 hours before your flight.
Panama: Travelers are required to have a negative covid test within 48 hours of travel
Africa:
Egypt: Egypt allows travelers to visit with a negative PCR Covid test
Tanzania: Open for travel. Travelers are to fill out a Health Surveillance Form aboard the plane before arriving in the country.
Asia:
Cambodia: Cambodia requires a $2,000 deposit for entry in case you test positive for Corona and need to be quarantined. See more information here.
Maldives: As of December 2020, travel to the Maldives does require a negative PCR Covid testing taken 96 hours prior to departure to the Maldives
Tahiti: Tahiti will welcome international guests on July 15 and have required COVID testing before arrival. Additionally, once you arrive you will need to retest four days later to ensure that you are still negative
Thailand: Officially opened Phuket to fully vaccinated individuals on July 1, 2021 with plans to open up Samui island. Click on the links to find the official rules on how to travel to Phuket and Samui.
Need help figuring out your next trip? Email us so we can help you make sense of it all and get you to your next destination.