When and Where Can Americans Travel This Summer?
We know that all you travel lovers are itching to get back to some grand explorations. However, with coronavirus not showing any signs of slowing down, international travel is tricky to navigate.
Travel policies are changing all the time, and it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. While, for your own safety, we don’t recommend traveling abroad at this time, we know that some of you will probably do it anyway.
We’ve compiled a list of popular travel destinations that have their borders open to the United States...at least right now. We’ve made sure to research what their travel and tourism policies are so that you know what to expect if you choose to travel to any of these places.
If you do decide to travel abroad, make sure to pick up a Newverest Trek Scratcher to track your destinations!
Aruba
Starting July 10, Aruba will accept tourists from the United States.
As it stands right now, travelers from most states will be required to show a recent (less than 72 hour) negative test result for COVID-19, or they will be required to take the test at the Aruba airport. However, if you are from what is considered a high-risk state, it is a requirement to take the test ahead of time and show results at least 12 hours before your flight, or you will not be allowed entry.
If you are not from a high-risk state and you are tested at the Aruba airport, you will go under an immediate temporary quarantine until the test shows results, which can take up to 24 hours.
If you receive a negative test result, you will be released from quarantine. If the result comes back positive, you must remain in isolation for two weeks.
If you show documentation for a recent negative test result, you will still receive a temperature check and health interview by a medical professional. If all is clear, you will be free to go with no quarantine necessary.
It’s also important to note that tourists will be responsible for the cost of the test, which is $90. However, Aruba has put Aruba Visitors Insurance in place to cover expenses if tourists test positive for coronavirus during their stay. This insurance is mandatory.
Most businesses are open until 10 pm and masks are not a requirement, but they are highly suggested. Masks, however, are required on the plane to Aruba and in the airport.
Barbados
Starting July 12, Barbados will begin opening up to international travel. The American airline, JetBlue, will reestablish flights to Barbados on July 25.
On August 5, you can catch a direct flight to Barbados on American Airlines from Miami or Charlotte.
Barbados has travel requirements that are similar to Aruba - a recent negative COVID-19 test result is required, or you can be tested at the airport. If you’re tested at the airport, you will be placed in an immediate quarantine until results are released and you will be financially responsible for the test.
You will also be subject to a temperature check at the airport regardless of test results.
Travelers are also asked to fill out what is called an ED Card online before visiting. The ED Card is short for Embarkation/Disembarkation Card, which consists of answering questions related to coronavirus symptoms.
Visitors will be required to follow all local Barbados protocol, which includes social distancing of at least 3 feet and wearing masks in public.
Jamaica
You can get a flight to Jamaica on American Airlines from Miami, Jetblue from New York, or Delta Airlines from Atlanta.
To visit Jamaica, you need to fill out a Travel Authorization Form, which includes a negative coronavirus test result, before being approved for travel.
You will also need to pass a risk assessment at the airport, which includes a health interview, temperature check, and another COVID-19 test, even after submitting a test in order to arrive. You will then be subject to a 48-hour quarantine in your hotel until test results are released.
Although Jamaica is open for tourists, visiting is limited to a specific area called the COVID-19 Resilient Corridor. Tourists are not allowed to venture outside of this area. During your stay, you will be required to follow local protocol, which includes social distancing and wearing a face covering.
It is also important to note that if you test positive for coronavirus or exhibit symptoms during your visit, you will be placed in mandatory quarantine.
The Maldives
Effective July 15, The Maldives will have very few restrictions placed on international travel. You are not required to show a test result or be quarantined upon arrival.
They’ve also rolled back any additional fees and there are no new visa requirements.
All you need to do is fill out a health declaration card and get a temperature check at the airport.
During your stay, you will be required to wear a mask on public transportation, and if you show symptoms of COVID-19, you will need to be tested.
Tourists are only allowed to stay in resorts. Guesthouses are closed until August 1st.
Keep in mind, even though The Maldives have less restrictions, this does not mean that it is any safer to visit The Maldives than anywhere else. There are reported coronaviruses cases in The Maldives.
Mexico
Beginning on July 21, the United States and Mexico are planning on reopening the border for nonessential travel.
Some flights to Mexico from the United States are allowed, but they are restricted. Cancun is accepting flights, and Los Cabos is soon to follow this month. However, no official date for Los Cabos has been announced.
Dubai
Starting July 7, Dubai is accepting United States tourists. Flights to Dubai can be caught via Emirates from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington.
To travel to Dubai, you will be required to download the Covid-19 DXB mobile app, where you can register for your trip and fill out a Health Declaration Form.
You will also need a traveler’s health insurance for the duration of your visit and you will need to show a negative coronavirus test result as recent as 4 days before your departure. If you somehow do not provide proof, you will be tested at the airport.
You may be required to quarantine if you don’t show a negative test result before arrival.
All arrivals will receive temperature screening. If you show any symptoms, you will be tested for coronavirus again, regardless of whether you showed a recent test result.
During your stay, you will be asked to honor social distancing guidelines, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask in public.
St. Lucia
Traveling to St. Lucia requires a negative coronavirus test within 48 hours of your flight. You will also be screened at the airport for symptoms and your temperature will be taken.
Direct flights are available from Atlanta on Delta Airlines, Miami on American Airlines, and New York on United or JetBlue.
St. Lucia also requires that you wear a mask in public at all times and uphold safe social distancing. They are soon introducing new safety protocols to keep taxi drivers and passengers safer to help prevent the spread.
Most local businesses in St. Lucia are open, but they are being carefully monitored with high cleaning standards as a top priority. Social distancing within the buildings of local businesses is also a requirement.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico will be opening for travel on July 15!
You will be required to fill out a Travel Declaration Form and take a coronavirus test 72 hours prior to travel.
If you fail to take the test beforehand, you will be immediately tested at the airport and asked to quarantine for up to 14 hours regardless of the test results.
Restaurants (except buffets) are open with limited capacity. Most hotels, pools, beaches, and other recreational businesses have capacity restrictions as well.
Definitely be aware that there is a 10 pm curfew in Puerto Rico up until July 22, and you are required to wear a face mask. If you are seen in public without a face mask, you may end up being fined! Social distancing must also be honored at all times.
If you decide to travel, please be safe, follow the protocols, and exercise caution. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!
