Vacation destinations open to U.S. travelers in 2021

After a period with minimal international travel, many countries are reopening their borders to U.S. travelers. Almost all are doing so with screening and testing procedures in place. We've put together a list of some of the most popular and accessible—for example, places that don't require all visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days regardless of test results.

The decision to travel right now is a personal one, but a AAA travel advisor can help you determine what trip might work for you and understand the latest guidance from health officials at home and abroad. Contact a AAA travel advisor to get started.

Last updated January 5, 2021

Aruba

Aruba's arid interior, marked by surreal, wind-bent divi-divi trees, sprawling stands of cactus and aloe vera, and huge boulders strewn like marbles contrasts sharply with the more tropical, palm-lined southwest coast. It is perhaps as much the desert landscape as the active nightlife that gives Aruba the reputation as the Las Vegas of the Caribbean.

• Testing: American travelers 15 or older must either provide proof of a negative COVID test taken 72 to 12 hours before traveling to Aruba, or take a COVID test at the airport and quarantine until results are available, up to 24 hours.
• Other requirements: U.S. visitors must also answer a health questionnaire, buy Aruba insurance, and agree to follow Aruban health directives
• For more info: Visit Aruba's official tourism site

Belize

This Central American country was once home to the ancient Maya civilization, and today visitors can visit the massive Caracol ruins and many other archaeological sites. There's also natural beauty in the Belize Barrier Reef and the mind-bending Great Blue Hole. 

• Testing: American visitors must either provide proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 96 hours of their flight to Belize, or take a COVID test on arrival.
• Other requirements: Travelers must book accommodations that comply with the Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program. They must also download the Belize Health App, which will check in about their health daily.
• For more info: Visit Belize's official tourism site

Bermuda

Viewed from the air, Bermuda presents a kaleidoscope of pink beaches, blue-green ocean, and patchwork isles. The mainland is a graceful of 8 islands joined by roads and bridges—in all, Bermuda consists of 181 islands and islets. A closer view reveals well-ordered homes with white roofs and a profusion of flowers.

• Testing: American travelers 10 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 5 days before departure. Travelers will be tested at the airport on arrival, then on fourth, eighth, and 14th days of their trip.
• Other requirements: Visitors must complete the travel authorization process online 1-3 days before departure and pay a $75 fee that covers the additional testing in Bermuda. They must also take and report their temperature online twice daily.
• For more info: Visit Bermuda's official tourism site

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the world's leading biodiversity hot spots and the birthplace of ecotourism. Its extensive national parks draw millions of visitors each year to see cloud forests, unique animal species, and spectacular volcanoes. 

• Testing: As of January 5, 2021, there is no requirement for travelers to present a COVID test result or to quarantine on arrival.
• Other requirements: U.S. visitors must complete an online Health Pass for each person in their party, and purchase travel insurance that meets Costa Rican standards.
• For more info: Visit Costa Rica's official tourism site

Related article: A surfer's daughter learns to surf in Costa Rica

Ecuador

One of South America’s smallest countries packs perhaps its widest diversity of landscapes and natural wonders. It's also home to astounding biodiversity, boasting thousands of varieties of orchid, as well as more bird species per square mile than anywhere else on the continent—all this without even counting the wonders of the Galapagos Islands.

• Testing: American visitors of all ages must either provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 10 days of arriving in Ecuador.
• Testing (Galapagos): U.S. travelers to the Galapagos Islands must additionally provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 96 hours of arriving in the Galapagos (this can be the same test used to enter Ecuador). Otherwise, they must take another COVID test in Ecuador and wait for results before traveling to the Galapagos.
• Other requirements: Travelers to the Galapagos need a salvoconducto, which they can get from their tour provider, hotel, or cruise.
• For more info: Visit the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador's official site

Related article: The Galapagos Islands: a wild and special place to celebrate a milestone

Egypt

Modern Egypt is where one of history’s greatest civilizations emerged and flourished, which grand ancient monuments of today—the likes of Giza's pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and Luxor Temple—stood to witness. 

• Testing: American travelers 6 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 96 hours of arriving in Egypt.
• Other requirements: Visitors must show proof of health insurance on arrival.
• For more info: Visit the U.S. Embassy in Egypt's official site.

Hawai‘i

Though not an international destination, Hawai‘i previously imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors. That ended October 15, 2020, with new rules allowing visitors with negative COVID tests to skip quarantine. Travelers can once again visit the famous beaches and sites of O‘ahu, the volcanoes of the Big Island, and the lush greenery and waterfalls of Maui.

• Testing: U.S. visitors 5 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight, presented before departure. Traveling between Hawaiian islands may require additional tests or quarantines.
• Other requirements: Visitors must register with the online Safe Travels program and submit a travel health questionnaire, as well as COVID test results.
• For more info: Visit Hawai‘i's official tourism site
   

Related article: Why you should visit Hawai‘i, and what to see when you do

Jamaica

Among the endless paradisaical spots that define the Caribbean, Jamaica remains an island with its own rhythm. Vast stretches of untouched nature feature cascading waterfalls, mystical caves, and breathtaking mountain ranges.

• Testing: American travelers 12 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 10 days of their travel date. Visitors who meet this standard can visit "Resilient Corridor" tourism areas without quarantining.
• Other requirements: Travelers must also complete and submit a travel authorization form.
• For more info: Visit Jamaica's official tourism site 

Maldives

The iconic white sand island archipelago, washed by crystal-blue waters of the Indian Ocean, firmly holds on to its reputation of a sought-after luxury holiday retreat for vacationers. Earlier heralded as a honeymoon destination, the Maldives now draw a mix of travelers to its growing number of backpackers' inns and longstanding upscale resorts.

• Testing: American travelers 1 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 96 hours before the first leg of their flight to the Maldives. Some travelers may be asked to take another test at the airport after a health screening. 
• Other requirements: Visitors must submit an online health declaration and confirm a booking with a registered hotel. If they want to stay at more than 1 hotel during their trip, they must request permission from the Ministry of Tourism.
• For more info: Visit the Maldives' official tourism site

Mexico

Mexico is the home of ancient civilizations and remarkable archaeological sites, world-famous spicy cuisine, incredibly welcoming and charming people, and an astounding range of natural wonders spanning deserts, jungles, mountains, volcanoes, and pristine beaches.

• Land vs. air: The U.S.-Mexico air border is open; U.S. travelers can fly into Mexico for tourism. The land border is currently closed to non-essential travel. 
• Testing: There is no requirement for travelers to present a COVID test result or to quarantine on arrival.
• Other requirements: Visitors may undergo a health screening on arrival. Travel between cities and states within Mexico may be restricted.
• For more info: Visit the U.S. Embassy in Mexico's official site

Related article: Savor the laid-back life in Mexico’s Riviera Maya

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is an exquisite island nation located in the lesser Antilles. Bathed in the shimmering Caribbean waters that give the island a laidback atmosphere, it's home to white sandy beaches and sky-high volcanoes that tower over the landscape.

• Testing: American visitors 5 and older must provide proof, via email, of a negative COVID test taken no more than 7 days before they plan to arrive in St. Lucia. An automatic response will be generated in reply; travelers must bring a printed copy of that email and their COVID test results.
• Other requirements: Travelers must also complete a travel registration form and a health screening form. They must stay at a certified property and remain there for 14 days before they can travel freely around St. Lucia.
• For more info: Visit St. Lucia's official tourism site

Tahiti & Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

Both these islands exemplify the best of South Pacific vacation destinations. Lay back and take it easy in a classic overwater bungalow, or seize the day snorkeling the crystal-clear waters and hiking volcanic landscapes.

• Testing: U.S. travelers 11 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. Visitors will receive a self-test kit on arrival, which they must use on the fourth day of their visit.
• Other requirements: Travelers must also fill out an online health registration and provide proof of travel insurance, or agree to pay any coronavirus-related health costs themselves.
• For more info: Visit French Polynesia's official tourism site

Related article: On a quest for French Polynesia’s authentic cultural heritage

Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park: Tanzania is home to some truly majestic scenery with grazing wild animals, fertile coffee plants, and indigenous tribes with long-cherished traditions.

• Testing: There is no requirement for travelers to present a COVID test result or to quarantine on arrival. Visitors may be tested on arrival if they show symptoms during health screening.
• Other requirements: Travelers must complete a health surveillance form and undergo a health screening on arrival.
• For more info: Visit the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania's official site 

Turkey

Historically positioned at the junction of East and West, Turkey is so much more than its vacationer-beloved Turquoise Coast. It is an aromatic glass of hot tea in Istanbul, overlooking the Bosporus; a dip into the thermal waters of dazzling white-and-blue Pamukkale; and a soar over Cappadocia’s “fairy chimneys."

• Testing: American travelers 6 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight to Turkey. 
• Other requirements: Travelers will undergo a health screening on arrival.
• For more info: Visit the U.S. Embassy in Turkey's official site

Turks & Caicos

This Caribbean archipelago's most popular destination is the island of Providenciales, famous for its white sand beaches and pristine water. That's why so many upscale resorts and restaurants have come to line its shores, and a plethora of boutiques and galleries greet tourists around the main plazas.

• Testing: American visitors 10 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 5 days before traveling.
• Other requirements: Travelers will undergo a health screening on arrival.
• For more info: Visit Turks & Caicos' official tourism site

U.S. Virgin Islands

You don't have to leave U.S. territory to visit a Caribbean paradise. Like Hawai‘i, the U.S. Virgin Islands briefly closed to visitors earlier in the year but are now welcoming them again to enjoy white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, golf courses, and fine dining—no passport required.

• Testing: American visitors 5 and older must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 5 days of traveling, or a positive COVID antibody test within the previous 4 months. 
• Other requirements: Before traveling, visitors must complete a health screening form online, which includes submitting COVID test results. 
• For more info: Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands' official tourism site