Countries That Are Open to COVID-19 Vaccinated Travelers
Thanks to the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, travel has made a comeback in a big way within the last year. And while new variants are still posing concerns, physical or digital proof of vaccination has still allowed travelers to (tentatively and safely) resume their once-canceled plans. Although the rate of vaccine availability has varied around the world, some countries are jumpstarting their tourism industries by inviting fully inoculated travelers to visit.
After almost 18 months or rigid border requirements the U.S. is allowing vaccinated travelers to bypass the quarantine previously required to enter the country. Travelers with proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel will be permitted to enter. Unvaccinated Americans and children under 18 are exempt from the new rule, but must present a negative test result within one day of travel.
Below are the countries currently welcoming vaccinated Americans.
Bahamas
The Bahamas welcomes fully vaccinated travelers who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or AstraZeneca vaccines. Those who got the jab are exempt from any pre-arrival testing requirements as well as on-island testing protocols. All travelers to the Bahamas are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and opt-in to COVID-19 health insurance.
All travelers regardless of vaccination status are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken 3 days prior to arrival. The Bahamas also welcomes unvaccinated travelers but requires them to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than three days before arriving, complete a daily health questionnaire, and take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test on the fifth day of their trip.
Belize
Belize will waive COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers who can show proof they have been fully vaccinated, according to the Belize Tourism Board. International travelers must book their stay at a "Gold Standard Hotel" and download the country's health app.
Non-vaccinated travelers are welcome but are required to have proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative rapid test within 48 hours of travel. Alternatively, travelers can get tested upon arrival at the airport for $50.
Bermuda
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Bermuda will require all visitors to show proof of current vaccination status and a negative COVID-19 test result (both antigen or PCR tests are allowed) within two days of arriving on the island, according to the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Travelers will need to complete an authorization form with this information 24 –48 hours prior to arrival. Up-to-date vaccination status is defined as having received a second dose within six months, or three doses of the vaccine.
No further testing will be required upon arrival. If the country origin requires a negative test to reenter, Bermuda will automatically schedule the test for visitors.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands is welcoming fully vaccinated tourists with shorter quarantine measures in place. Travelers will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test from within five days of arriving, get tested upon arrival, and quarantine until that test comes back negative, according to the government. They will not be required to get tested again.
Unvaccinated travelers are also welcomed but must quarantine for four days and get tested again on the fourth day in addition to the pre-travel and arrival tests.
Canada
Vaccinated tourists must test negative for COVID-19 before traveling, carry paper copies of their vaccination records, and upload their documents to the ArriveCAN app or website. Visitors must then wait two weeks after completing their vaccine course to enter the country.
Cambodia
Cambodia is open to fully vaccinated travelers. Visitors may enter with a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to entry and proof of a full vaccination.
Cambodia is one of the most inoculated countries in Southeast Asia with approximately 90% of the population vaccinated
Croatia
U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated are exempt from pre-arrival testing or self-isolation requirements, according to Croatia's Ministry of the Interior. Vaccinated travelers must arrive at least 14 days after receiving their final shot of either a two-dose vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Alternatively, Croatia also welcomes American tourists who have not been vaccinated but requires them to either show proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arriving or show proof they have contracted COVID-19 and recovered within the last six months. Children under 7 years old with a parent or guardian are exempt.
Denmark
Denmark reopened to vaccinated travelers from specific countries (U.S. included) as of June 2021. These vaccinated travelers do not need to take a PCR test for COVID-19 before their arrival, nor will they need to quarantine in Denmark. Denmark will only accept EMA-approved vaccines, which includes Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. Children who are not vaccinated but traveling with a parent, and women who are unvaccinated because they are pregnant or breastfeeding, can still visit Denmark but will have to take a COVID-19 test prior to entry.
Ecuador
Tourists with the COVID-19 vaccine can enter Ecuador and travel to one of its most popular island destinations: the Galapagos Islands. Unvaccinated travelers are also allowed to visit Ecuador and its famous island archipelago with proof of a negative antigen test taken within 72 hours of departure, or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19. Visitors are required to comply with social distancing regulations and wear face masks throughout their stay.
Finland
Finland has reopened to all vaccinated travelers — and Americans born after 2006 must show proof of vaccination. However, the country will allow unvaccinated visitors from low-risk countries to enter without having to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
France
France reopened to certain vaccinated travelers in June, including Americans and travelers from the U.K. Their regulations are based on how your country is doing with COVID-19. The U.S. is considered an Amber country (there is moderate circulation of Covid, but no variants of concern).
Vaccinated travelers from countries with an intermediate level of risk (currently, the U.S. falls under this category) must take a PCR test (and get a negative test result) no more than 72 hours before arriving.
French Polynesia
Travelers can enter French Polynesia once they've received a complete vaccination course. Those who can show they have COVID-19 antibodies can also travel to the South Pacific archipelago. Before visiting French Polynesia, foreign travelers must fill out an ETIS.pf form, uploading all the relevant information. Vaccinated travelers must have been in the U.S. for 30 days before heading to French Polynesia, and may be required to test on their first and fourth days in the country.
Georgia
Georgia welcomes U.S. travelers arriving by air who have received both doses of a vaccine, according to the U.S. Embassy in Georgia. Those who are fully vaccinated do not need to get tested prior to arrival or quarantine when they get there if they are traveling by air. Travelers entering a land or sea border will be required to present proof of a negative test taken with 72 hours.
Germany
Fully vaccinated travelers may enter Germany without a test. Children under 6 are not required to test. Unvaccinated adults much demonstrate a reason to enter Germany.
Unvaccinated travelers can also visit the country, but must arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, get a follow-up PCR test on the third day after arriving in the country, and complete an application with their contact details and travel history.
Greece
Greece is welcoming fully vaccinated tourists and other foreign visitors with coronavirus antibodies or negative test results. Travelers must bring their vaccination card, or negative PCR test, as well as the QR code provided by the Greek government once visitors fill out a Passenger Locator Form prior to arrival. Vaccinated travelers must have completed their vaccination course at least two weeks prior to their arrival in Greece, or tested negative via PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Iceland
The government of Iceland has lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions.
Ireland
Ireland has ended all of its COVID-19 restrictions for international travelers.
Israel
Israel is welcoming both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Travelers must fill out an online form prior to arrival, and present a negative PCR test taken with 72 hours.
Travelers will then test again on arrival and pay between $26 to $40. Vaccinated travelers can go straight to their accommodation to quarantine until they have a result (approximately 12 hours) while non-vaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days and test again on day seven, according to the tourism ministry.
Italy
International travelers can enter Italy by simply showing they have been fully vaccinated within nine months or have received a booster shot. There is no need for a test for vaccinated travelers.
Malta
Vaccinated travelers may enter Malta without quarantine or testing so long as their have their documents approved via the VeriFLY app. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine in a designated facility upon arrival. All passengers must fill out the Passenger Locator Form
Malta was the first European Union country to reach herd immunity. Americans must upload their vaccination information to a CDC-verified app to enter Malta.
Morocco
Foreign nationals from countries that Morocco deems safe (and on their "List A"), including the U.S., are allowed to enter Morocco with proof of vaccination a negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival, and a completed Health Form according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Morocco.
Children are exempt from vaccination but will also need a negative COVID-19 test and a completed health form.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands welcomes American travelers for nonessential reasons if they are fully vaccinated, according to the government. As of September, all American travelers, including vaccinated ones, must show proof of a negative test to enter (either a PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure).
Travelers must fill out a Health Declaration form.
Panama
Travelers who are vaccinated can enter Panama without having to test before arrival. However, unvaccinated travelers must present negative COVID-19 test results taken within 48 hours of their arrival. Travelers must also complete an electronic affidavit, agreeing to comply with the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 measures in Panama.
Face masks are required in all public spaces in Panama and electronic payments at shops and restaurants are preferred to reduce person-to-person contact.
Qatar
Qatar is now welcoming fully vaccinated U.S. travelers and will not require them to quarantine upon arrival. However, fully vaccinated Americans still have to take a PCR test for COVID-19 prior to their arrival and apply for entry on the country's 'Ehteraz' website 3 days prior to arrival.
Singapore
Singapore opened to vaccinated travelers only, as of mid-October 2021, allowing tourists to visit without quarantining. Passengers can apply for entry under the Vaccinated Travel Lane program. Currently, however the program only accepts U.S. travelers who have a SMART Health Card or other approved digital COVID-19 vaccination records.
Seychelles
All travelers will need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours. Health insurance covering COVID-19 related costs is required, travelers with proof of COVID-19 recovery in the past six months are exempt from testing, according to the U.S. embassy.
Spain
Spain's borders are reopen to vaccinated Americans, visitors are now required to have received the booster 14 days prior to entry into Spain. Those who are not vaccinated will be able enter Spain with a negative PCR test, provided their country has a low risk of COVID-19 (as defined by the Spanish government).
Travelers will need to fill out a health control form prior to entry.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is open to U.S. travelers — travelers will need to purchase insurance for $12/ day and fill out an online form. Vaccinated travelers and children under 12 do not need to test prior to entry. Unvaccinated travelers will need to present either a PCR or rapid test, and stay at an approved facility for a week.
St. Barts
Following France's lead, St. Barts reopened to vaccinated tourists this summer. That said, vaccinated travelers must still come equipped with a negative PCR test for COVID-19, taken within 48 hours of their arrival.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Travelers to St. Kitts and Nevis over the age of 18 must be vaccinated and submit a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test 72 hours before arrival and fill out an entry form online, according to the U.S. Embassy in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS. Visitors must also download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing app. Cruise ship passengers must also be vaccinated.
Switzerland
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Vaccinated Americans may enter Switzerland without testing, unvaccinated Americans are not allowed entry, according to the Swiss Government.
Switzerland has rolled back on almost all internal COVID-19 protocols, and mask wearing will only be enforced on public transportation and in healthcare settings, the Swiss Government announced.
Turks and Caicos
In order to visit the stunning isles of Turks and Caicos, travelers over the age of 16 must be vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19 via PCR test within three days of travel, have insurance that covers COVID-19 costs, and complete paperwork including a health screening questionnaire and a certificate complying with privacy regulations.
Thailand
The country will eliminate the pre-travel PCR test requirement for vaccinated visitors on April 1, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, but will still require post-arrival testing and keep other measures in place. Currently, travelers must be vaccinated and show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.
United Kingdom
Vaccinated travelers no longer have to quarantine when entering the UK, and vaccinated travelers can now skip getting tested before entering the country. Travelers must fill out a passenger locator form prior to arrival.
The UK has also removed all COVID-19 restrictions and travelers do not need to wear a mask anywhere, including airports.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has reopened its borders for game drives and more, requiring visitors to arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test from 48 hours of their departure, according to the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe. Travelers should also expect to be subject to temperature checks, and masks are mandatory, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority noted. Travelers will also be required to create an account on Global Haven to upload their negative test.
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Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
