The countries welcoming US tourists now — and some resources for your visit

<i>Suliane Favennec/AFP/Getty Images</i><br/>French Polynesia is welcoming tourists from July 15. — AFP via Getty Images

By CNN Newsource

June 30, 2021 2:48 AM

Published October 20, 2021 5:54 PM

Forrest Brown, CNN

Throughout the pandemic, US passport holders have seen an ever-morphing list of international travel options.

The only constant has been change. But compared with the sparse selection in the spring and summer of 2020, the choices are now very plentiful. In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether travel to international destinations is a good idea.

The health risks are obvious if you’re not fully vaccinated. Venues and events of interest to travelers might impose restrictions. Nations might change their rules with little notice after you’ve made plans or you’re already on your trip.

The US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide risk assessments by country to help you decide.

Latest news

Russia has invaded Ukraine, and the State Department has “do not travel” advisories for both.

For Russia, it is because of “unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, Covid-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.” Click here for the full advisory.

For Ukraine, it is because of “armed conflict and Covid-19.” Click here for the full advisory.

What to find out before you go

What follows is a curated list of countries and territories, alphabetically organized by continent or region, where US passport holders are allowed entry for leisure travel.

Click the links by each destination for crucial information on:

• Whether you’re required to be fully vaccinated to enter. Some countries on this list accept only fully vaccinated Americans, while others have dropped that requirement or never had it.

• Possible exemptions from various rules for the fully vaccinated, people recovered from a recent case of Covid-19 or children.

• Presenting negative results from Covid-19 tests to enter, including time limits to take the test, types of tests allowed and additional tests upon arrival.

• Possible quarantines and durations as well as health screenings upon arrival.

• Health insurance requirements, curfews and lockdowns.

• Different rules if you’re arriving from a third country vs. the United States as well as rules for land and sea entry, which might differ from air arrivals.

• What safety rating the CDC gives the destination. As of late March, a little more than half of the destinations the CDC rates were at Level 4, the highest-risk category.

The links to various government and tourism sites next to each country will help you gather the most current information to plan for your journey.

Africa (sub-Saharan)

Africa offers a huge variety of travel options — outdoor adventures in just about any climate and a wide array of cultures and urban experiences. There are 54 countries on the continent — each with its own response to the pandemic. As of late March, many of the countries the CDC rated safest for travel regarding Covid-19 are in Africa.

The nations of northern Africa can be found in the Middle East and North Africa grouping further below.

Asia

Generally, Asian destinations have been much slower to reopen to international tourism than the rest of world. Tourism giants such as Japan and China are still closed to US leisure travelers. However, more and more places have opened their doors to Americans on vacation, with the Philippines being one of the more recent ones. Malaysia is set to open April 1.

Australia / Pacific Islands

Like Asia, this region has been taking a very cautious approach. Still, there have been a few Pacific island groups allowing US tourists to visit. And fully vaccinated Americans can now visit Australia. As of March 23, New Zealand was slated to open to Americans on May 1.

Europe

In late March, many destinations in Europe were still under a “avoid” advisory from the CDC.

US tourists are still allowed to visit most destinations there, although full vaccinations are required in many of the countries.

Middle East / North Africa

Rich in culture and history, destinations in the Middle East and North Africa are also trying to deal with a modern pandemic just like the rest of the world.

North America / Caribbean

North America and the Caribbean now give US leisure travelers plenty of travel options with a relatively short plane ride. Be sure to check disembarking rules if you take a Caribbean cruise.

South America

South America’s pandemic journey has mirrored the rest of the world in terms of mixed responses. Brazil has been wide open for the long haul while Argentina just recently opened to US travelers.

Omitted countries

This is a curated list and not a complete catalog of every single destination open to visitors from the United States.

CNN Travel has omitted certain countries if they: had very limited numbers of American travelers before the pandemic; are very isolated or have little to no tourism infrastructure; have ongoing or recent armed conflicts, terrorism or rampant crime and unrest; have a current credible threat of warfare; have antagonistic relations with the US government; or have entry requirements so extensive and complicated that they put the country out of reach of almost all US citizens.

However, you can click here to directly check for the status and entry requirements of any country or territory in the world you wish to visit.

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