Who Will Let Us In? Where you can actually go during Covid-19 (and how).

By Babe | Photo By Unsplash

Doesn’t it feel like we’re just….stuck here? Not just inside our homes, per se (though that, too), but here as in the U.S. We don’t know about you, but our travel mojo is starting to rise, especially as the weather cools down. Now, whether you feel comfortable traveling during Covid-19 is entirely up to you, but if you’re curious as to where you can go to get a little global inspo, peep our round up of top destinations that will actually let us in. Just remember, everyday brings about an update, so before you go booking flights, peep the US State Department’s travel advisories via their website or consult the CDC’s latest guidance.

Antigua and Barbuda

In need of crystal blue waters and toes in the sand? Just bring your negative Covid-19 test (the PCR version) taken within seven days of your flight, or so says the country’s tourism website. Visitors are also subject to monitoring by local health officials for 14 days. And don’t forget your mask. Any person violating safety measures could be subject to a $5,000 fine and six months imprisonment. Yikes.

Aruba

Hit up this beachy island but know the drill. US passengers from 24 states, including hotspots like California and Florida, will be required to upload a negative Covid-19 test result via Aruba’s embarkation/disembarkation card process 72 hours before arrival. Travelers arriving from the other 26 states can opt to have a test taken upon arrival, though the test must be prepaid and you must quarantine while awaiting test results. Peep the The Aruba tourism site for all the specific and timely deets.

Barbados

Luxurious villas, old British history, gorgeous sandy enclaves. Barbados has exactly what you need to get away from it all, just be sure you complete an online immigration card, which can be done 72 hours before departure and submitted 24 hours before traveling. The form includes health questions, such as whether the traveler has a negative Covid-19 test result.

You can also take a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival, but you probably want to pre-submit your negative test results via the immigration portal and arrive with proof in hand.

Bermuda

Since July, Bermuda has welcomes travelers but Welcoming visitors since July, but requires each inbound passenger to apply for travel authorization. Visitors who do not have a negative Covid-19 PCR test will not be given authorization to enter. Upon arrival, you must present the pre-departure negative test results, submit to an additional Covid-19 test and quarantine in your accommodation until the results are ready, which takes between six and eight hours. Additional testing is required after day three, seven and 14 days, depending on the length of stay, at various testing sites around the island.

Cambodia

If you REALLY want to get out of dodge, hop a flight  to Phnom Penh International Airport to embark on a Cambodian adventure. Just know you will be required to take a Covid-19 test, and a positive test carries serious financial and social consequences, involving hospitalization and medical care, and the 14-day quarantine of all fellow inbound flight passengers and additional affiliated expenses.

Costa Rica

Because we love a zipline moment, too. As of September 1, US tourists from the following six states may enter Costa Rica: Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. Travelers’ residency in these states is to be verified by driver’s license. Visitors must also complete a “health pass” form, as well as a Covid-19 PCR test with a negative result, taken within 48 hours of travel and proof of travel medical insurance, which can also be purchased in Costa Rica.

Dubai

As of July, Dubai resumed tourism to travelers from the US, but you need to have medical travel insurance to cover any necessary Covid-19 treatment and present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result within 96 hours of arrival. You must also complete a “health declaration form” before departing to confirm they are not experiencing any coronavirus symptoms. Furthermore, “tourists are required to register all their details in the COVID-19 DXB app on arrival,” according to the Visit Dubai website.

Equador

Ecuador is now mandating that US travelers present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 10 days of arrival to avoid quarantine. Testing is available for those who do not present negative results at the expense of the traveler who must quarantine at an approved facility while waiting for results. Additionally, the Galapagos islands’ tourist sites require visitors to take another Covid-19 PCR test and present negative results from a test taken within 96 hours of arrival in Ecuador.

Ireland

You were actually never banned from visiting Ireland — you just have to submit to a mandatory, 14-day quarantine.

Jamaica


The home of reggae, Red Stripe and jerk chicken reopened to tourists in June and has since updated its requirements for travelers, which include the completion and presentation of an online “travel authorization” and the possibility of being tested upon arrival. All passengers arriving from the US are also required to upload negative Covid-19 test results to receive travel authorization. The test date must be within 10 days of arrival. Additionally, anyone “from areas where there is high community transmission of the virus” will be tested at the airport upon arrival and required to quarantine in their chosen accommodations until the results are ready, usually within 48 hours. Also, know where to go. Only hotels, villas or guesthouses within the “resilient corridor” from Negril to Port Antonio are accepting guests.

The Maldives

As one of the world’s most glamorous holiday destinations, the Maldives has reopened to all international tourists. US travelers are not required to be tested prior to departure, but will need to complete a health declaration upon arrival. Also, don’t fly by the seat of your pants on this one. All travelers must have booked their accommodations in advance.

Montenegro

As one of the world’s most glamorous holiday destinations, the Maldives has reopened to all international tourists. US travelers are not required to be tested prior to departure, but will need to complete a health declaration upon arrival. Also, don’t fly by the seat of your pants on this one. All travelers must have booked their accommodations in advance.

St. Barts

Nikki Beach, here we come! The luxe island of St. Barts reopened to international travelers in late June. Visitors are required to show a negative Covid-19 PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of arrival.Those staying longer than a week will need to pay about $150 for an additional test on their eighth day.

Turkey

Craving a little Mediterranean fix? Most of Turkey’s borders have been open since June 12. There are currently no restrictions for US citizens traveling to Turkey, although passengers must complete an information form and prepare to be checked for coronavirus symptoms upon arrival. Also, the US Embassy and Consulates in Turkey stipulates that all US citizens must purchase tickets for onward travel to the United States.

The United Kingdom

All hail the queen. US travelers have always been allowed to travel to the United Kingdom — we just have to submit to a mandatory, 14-day quarantine. Cheerio.