This winter, a surprising amount of countries in the world is allowing Americans to travel during the COVID-19 health crisis. Most of Europe remains closed to tourists, as well as parts of Asia and most of Oceania, but it may be the perfect time for that Caribbean vacation of your dreams or to cross that safari trip off your bucket list. What will it take to get into the countries currently open to tourists from the United States due to the current COVID-19 travel restrictions? Here’s what you are able to do and how to do it in both Central America and the Caribbean.
Central America
Only a select number of countries in Central America are accepting American tourists.
Redefining an outdoor shower at Copal Tree Lodge. Photo by ROEming Belize
The dock in San Pedro at Sunbreeze. Photo by ROEming Belize Travel Agency
Moho Caye. Photo by ROEming Belize
Belize: A negative test within 72 hours of travel, or pay $50 and take a test at the airport upon arrival. Visitors must stay at a designated Gold Standard hotel.
Costa Rica: Submit a health questionnaire within 48 hours and have travel insurance to cover medical expenses from COVID.
El Salvador: A negative test within 72 hours of travel.
Guatemala: A health questionnaire and a negative test within 72 hours.
Honduras: Fill out a government registration form and provide a negative test within 72 hours.
Nicaragua: Americans can travel to Nicaragua if they test negative to COVID-19. In addition, tourists are required to submit additional health screenings at the airport.
Panama: A health survey, a negative test within 48 hours of travel, or a $50 rapid test upon arrival.
The Caribbean
Only a select number of countries in the Caribbean are accepting American tourists.
The Caribbean awaits. Photo via Ishan-seefromthesky/Unsplash
Antigua and Barbados: You will be required to test negative to a COVID-19 travel test within seven days of your flight. Some travelers will have to submit to additional testing and monitoring after arrival.
Aruba: If you’re looking for the best places to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, the local government officials in Aruba are allowing US tourists to enter the country if they participate in a COVID-19 travel test at the airport. In addition, each traveler is required to purchase visitors insurance to cover potential medical costs.
Bahamas: Visitors will need to receive negative test results within five days of travel and a “Bahamas Health Visa.”
Barbados: A negative test from within 72 hours and an online health questionnaire.
Bermuda: An online travel authorization that includes a $75 fee for testing upon arrival as well as a negative test from within 72 hours of travel.
Related: 5 Caribbean Destinations with Direct Flights & No Quarantine On Arrival
Dominica: An online health survey within 24 hours of travel, a negative test within 72 hours, and testing upon arrival at the airport.
Dominican Republic: Temperature checks and spot testing but doesn’t require pre-testing.
Grenada: A negative test with seven days, a health questionnaire, and a contact tracing app on your phone.
Haiti: Requires a health questionnaire and a 14-day quarantine for travelers.
Jamaica: A pre-travel health registration form, negative test within ten days of travel, and thermal temperature checks at the airport.
St. Barths: A negative test within 72 hours, or a test upon arrival and a second test after seven days, but there’s no direct flight from the US to St. Barths.
St. Kitts and Nevis: Travel restrictions for US citizens include an entry form and negative test within 72 hours of travel, a health screening at the airport, a contact tracing app on your phone, seven days quarantine in an approved hotel, a second COVID test, and a third test after 14 days.
Related: American Airlines expands pre-flight testing program; gains grounds in Caribbean
Saint Lucia: A negative test within seven days of travel, a Travel Authorization letter, a health screening form, health screens at the airport upon arrival, and a 14-day quarantine at an approved hotel.
Saint Maarten: A negative test within 120 hours of travel, a health declaration form, proof of travel health insurance, and health screenings at the airport.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: A negative test within five days of travel, a test upon arrival, quarantine for 16 days in an approved hotel, a second COVID test after five days.
Turks and Caicos: A negative test with five days of travel and pre-travel authorization from the government.
Puerto Rico: You’ll need a negative test within 72 hours of your flight, uploaded through the health department’s website.
Mexico: The land border is still closed at most checkpoints, so if you plan on driving into Mexico, anticipate a long wait. Otherwise, there are health screenings in place at the airports, but no testing is required.
Read all 71 countries welcoming American travelers from the U.S. here. Feature image of Palapa Bar & Grill in San Pedro Town, Belize by ROEming Belize (pre-COVID).
