when us travel restrictions will be lifted

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Coronavirus Updates

The u.s. lifts the pandemic travel ban and opens the doors to international visitors.

The Associated Press

Passengers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport, Oct. 27, 2020. More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the U.K. and much of Europe, restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status. Rick Bowmer/AP hide caption

Passengers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport, Oct. 27, 2020. More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the U.K. and much of Europe, restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status.

The U.S. lifted restrictions Monday on travel from a long list of countries including Mexico, Canada and most of Europe, allowing tourists to make long-delayed trips and family members to reconnect with loved ones after more than a year and a half apart because of the pandemic.

Starting Monday, the U.S. is accepting fully vaccinated travelers at airports and land borders, doing away with a COVID-19 restriction that dates back to the Trump administration. The new rules allow air travel from previously restricted countries as long as the traveler has proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test. Land travel from Mexico and Canada will require proof of vaccination but no test.

Airlines are expecting more travelers from Europe and elsewhere. Data from travel and analytics firm Cirium showed airlines are increasing flights between the United Kingdom and the U.S. by 21% this month over last month.

The change will have a profound effect on the borders with Mexico and Canada, where traveling back and forth was a way of life until the pandemic hit and the U.S. shut down nonessential travel.

Malls, restaurants and Main Street shops in U.S. border towns have been devastated by the lack of visitors from Mexico. On the boundary with Canada, cross-border hockey rivalries were community traditions until being upended by the pandemic. Churches that had members on both sides of the border are hoping to welcome parishioners they haven't seen during COVID-19 shutdown.

Loved ones have missed holidays, birthdays and funerals while nonessential air travel was barred, and they are now eager to reconnect.

River Robinson's American partner wasn't able to be in Canada for the birth of their baby boy 17 months ago because of pandemic-related border closures. She was thrilled to hear the U.S. is reopening its land crossings to vaccinated travelers.

"I'm planning to take my baby down for the American Thanksgiving," said Robinson, who lives in St. Thomas, Ontario. "If all goes smoothly at the border I'll plan on taking him down as much as I can. Is crazy to think he has a whole other side of the family he hasn't even met yet."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. will accept travelers who have been fully vaccinated with any of the vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization, not just those in use in the U.S. That means that the AstraZeneca vaccine, widely used in Canada, will be accepted.

For air travelers, the airlines are required to verify vaccine records and match them against ID, and if they don't, they could face fines of up to nearly $35,000 per violation. Airlines will also collect information about passengers for contact tracing efforts. There will be CDC workers spot-checking travelers for compliance in the U.S. At land borders, Customs and Border Protection agents will check vaccine proof.

The moves come as the U.S. has seen its COVID-19 outlook improve dramatically in recent weeks since the summer delta surge that pushed hospitals to the brink in many locations.

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U.S. lifts travel ban for specific countries. Here's an overview of the changes.

Updated on: November 8, 2021 / 7:10 PM EST / AP

More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and much of Europe, restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status.

Beginning Monday,  bans on travel from specific countries are over . The U.S. will allow in international travelers, but they must be vaccinated — with a few exceptions.

The U.S. is also reopening the land borders with Canada and Mexico for vaccinated people. Most trips from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. are by land rather than air.

Here are some questions and answers about the changes:

Why are these changes happening?

The goal is to restore more normal travel while limiting the spread of COVID-19, the government says. The travel industry and European allies have pushed for an end to country-specific bans. Americans have been allowed to fly to Europe for months, and Europeans have been pushing the U.S. to change its policies.

In 2019, before the pandemic, about one-fifth of the roughly 79 million visitors to the U.S. came from Europe.

What are the main requirements?

All adult foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding their flight. Like before, travelers will still have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure to the U.S.

Does everyone need to be vaccinated?

Yes, with some exceptions. Children under 18 don't need to be vaccinated but they do need to take a COVID-19 test. Kids 2 and younger are exempt from testing requirements.

What about adults who aren't vaccinated?

Since half the world remains unvaccinated, and vaccine distribution has been so skewed to rich countries, the Biden administration is leaving a loophole for people who live in countries where vaccines are scarce. That list includes about 50 countries where fewer than 10% of people have been vaccinated. Travelers from those countries will need permission from the U.S. government to come, and it can't be just for tourism or business travel.

The U.S. government says it will permit unvaccinated international visitors to enter the country if there is a humanitarian or emergency reason, such as an emergency medical evacuation. Those exceptions will be applied "extremely narrowly" and will require approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There could also be a medical exception, with documentation from a doctor.

What will Americans have to do?

Americans who are unvaccinated have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within one day of international travel. If you're vaccinated, you need to take a test within three days of your departure, for both Americans and citizens of other countries. This does not apply to flights within the U.S.

Who is going to enforce the vaccine rules?

The airlines. They will have to verify vaccine records and match them against ID, and if they don't, they could face fines of up to nearly $35,000 per violation. Airlines will also collect information about passengers for contact-tracing efforts. There will be CDC workers spot-checking travelers for compliance in the U.S.

Which vaccines will you let it in?

Most but not all of them . Any COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization, which include the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines used in the U.S. as well as most used overseas, such as AstraZeneca and China's Sinovac. Not currently allowed is Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, which is authorized in 70 countries. The WHO is  reviewing Sputnik  but hasn't approved it.

What if you drive in from Mexico or Canada?

The land borders have only been open for "essential" travel. Now, anyone can come, if they're vaccinated against COVID. Be prepared to show proof of the shot to Customs and Border Protection agents. Children are exempt from the requirement.

How will this affect travel?

While the administration is characterizing this as a reopening, some people who were technically allowed to fly to the U.S. earlier in the pandemic are now blocked because of their vaccination status. Other roadblocks to normal travel resuming are big delays in issuing U.S. visas, which people in most countries need to visit the U.S. for business and tourism, and restrictions in other countries that make travel difficult.

Even though people coming from China will now be allowed into the U.S., for example, not many are expected to travel because of restrictions at home. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists were a lucrative market for the U.S. travel industry.

Industry experts do expect a big influx in people flying from Europe, and hope that a broader recovery in travel follows as more people globally get vaccinated, U.S. visa processing speeds up, other countries lift their own restrictions and people feel less scared about getting COVID because of travel.

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US drops COVID testing requirement for international flyers

International travel just got a whole lot easier. 

The Biden administration announced Friday that the United States will no longer require a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter the country, effective Sunday.

The requirement lifted at 12:01 a.m. ET, according to a senior administration official. The rule change comes more than a year after the country started requiring a negative test for entry and more than two years since the pandemic began.

Under previous entry requirements , air passengershad to take a negative viral coronavirus test no more than one day before boarding their flight into the U.S. The rule applied to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, but granted exemptions to travelers 2 and older who had recently recovered from the virus. 

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The decision came, according to the official, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined based on science that the requirement is no longer necessary. The decision will be reassessed in 90 days, and the health agency plans to evaluate it on an ongoing basis.

If it becomes necessary to reinstate the pre-departure test requirement (in case of new, concerning variants, for example), the official continued, the CDC will plan to do so.

A number of other countries, including the United Kingdom , had already dropped pre-departure testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors. 

Requirements for travelers entering the U.S. by land or ferry remain unchanged: non-U.S. citizens, nationals and permanent residents can only enter if they are fully vaccinated. There is no testing requirement for land ports or ferry terminals.

News of restriction drop well received by travel sectors

Across the travel industry, news of the pre-departure testing requirement for international, U.S.-bound travelers dropping was well received.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in a statement that Friday's news "marks another huge step forward for the recovery of inbound air travel and the return of international travel to the United States."

"The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and accelerate the recovery of the U.S. travel industry," Dow continued.

And Airlines for America President and CEO Nicholas Calio said in a statement that the organization is pleased with the decision.

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"The airline industry appreciates the Administration's decision to lift the pre-departure testing requirement in accordance with the current epidemiological environment," Calio said. "Lifting this policy will help encourage and restore air travel to the United States, benefiting communities across the country that rely heavily on travel and tourism to support their local economies. We are eager to welcome the millions of travelers who are ready to come to the U.S. for vacation, business and reunions with loved ones."

Members of the cruise industry also welcomed the news.

Gus Antorcha, the president of Holland America Line, said in a statement that the move is a "step forward in the return to all global travel, including cruising."

John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, said the same.

“This is a tremendous development that allows our guests to travel more easily and without stress throughout Europe as well as experience our Alaskan cruises that conclude in a Canadian port,” said Padgett.

'Do travel restrictions work?'

The World Health Organization in January  urged countries not to rely on proof of vaccination as a prerequisite to visiting a country .

Under U.S. entry requirements, unvaccinated citizens and permanent residents will be able to enter with a negative test but most foreign nationals will still need proof of full vaccination to enter .  

The mandates contradict findings that show travel restrictions slow the spread of the virus but do little to prevent it. 

"We know that travel restrictions can’t stop the spread of these pathogens, especially when you have a novel pathogen that mainly spreads when people are asymptomatic or mild," Maria van Kerkhove, the WHO's COVID-19 technical lead, told USA TODAY in February. "You may slow spread, but it won't stop the spread."

Stewart Simonson, assistant director-general at the WHO's New York office, added at the time that while travel restrictions may work "as a domestic political matter," their efficiency as a public health measure is less certain.

"Do (travel restrictions) show the public that something's being done? If that's your perspective, then they work," Simonson said. "Do they work from a public health perspective? Are they reducing the rate of spread or the spread itself? That's another important way of looking at it, and there's a lot of uncertainty."

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

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DHS Statement on the Lifting of Title 19 Requirements

Beginning May 12, 2023, DHS will no longer require non-U.S. travelers entering the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request. DHS intends to rescind these Title 19 travel restrictions in alignment with the end of the Public Health Emergency and the termination of the Presidential Proclamation on air travel.

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U.S. to lift restrictions Nov 8 for vaccinated foreign travelers

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By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House on Friday will lift COVID-19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated international visitors starting Nov. 8, ending historic restrictions that had barred much of the world from entering the United States for as long as 21 months.

The unprecedented travel restrictions kept millions of visitors out of the United States from China, Canada, Mexico, India, Brazil, much of Europe and elsewhere; shrunk U.S. tourism; and hurt border community economies. They prevented many loved ones and foreign workers from reuniting with families.

"Oh how I've missed Christmas in NY," Alexandros Koronakis, an executive with AT&T Inc in Brussels, wrote on Twitter.

U.S. allies had heavily lobbied the Biden administration to lift the rules. Many praised Friday's announcement, including Sweden's ambassador to the United States Karin Olofsdotter, who called it "very welcoming news."

White House spokesman Kevin Munoz confirmed the Nov. 8 date https://twitter.com/KMunoz46/status/1448994395957641241?s=20 on Twitter, adding the policy "is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent."

Restrictions on non-U.S. citizens were first imposed on air travelers from China in January 2020 by then-President Donald Trump and then extended to dozens of other countries, without any clear metrics for how and when to lift them.

Curbs on non-essential travelers at land borders with Mexico and Canada have been in place since March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reuters first reported Friday's announcement of the Nov. 8 starting date earlier in the day.

U.S. airline, hotel and cruise industry stocks rose on the news, including American Airlines, up 2.8%; Marriott International Inc, up 3.7%; and Carnival Corp, up 0.9%.

U.S. international air passenger traffic was down 43% in August and overall passenger air traffic was down 21% over pre-pandemic levels, the U.S. Transportation Department said Friday.

Airlines have seen an increase in international ticket sales in recent weeks after the White House announced plans to lift the restrictions, Nick Calio, chief executive of the Airlines for America industry trade group, said in a statement.

Calio said the "full reopening of international travel is also critical to reviving economies around the globe, reinvigorating communities and supporting millions of jobs in the U.S. and abroad."

The United States had lagged many other countries in lifting such restrictions.

In January, Trump issued an order to lift travel restrictions on people in Europe and Brazil. But the order was reversed https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/biden-block-trumps-plan-lift-covid-19-european-travel-restrictions-2021-01-18 by President Joe Biden before it took effect.

The Biden administration, which repeatedly has said it does endorse so-called "vaccine passports," grappled for months over whether to mandate vaccinations as a condition of lifting https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-us-developing-plan-require-foreign-visitors-be-vaccinated-official-2021-08-04 country-specific restrictions, officials told Reuters.

On Tuesday, the White House announced it would lift restrictions at its land borders and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated foreign nationals in early November. They are similar but not identical to requirements announced last month for international air travelers.

Unvaccinated visitors will still be barred from entering the United States from Canada or Mexico at land borders.

Canada on Aug. 9 began allowing https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-usa-canada-idCNL1N2OV1MH fully vaccinated U.S. visitors for non-essential travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told Reuters last week the United States will accept the use by international visitors of COVID-19 vaccines authorized by U.S. regulators or the World Health Organization.

The White House, which held a meeting late Thursday to finalize the Nov. 8 date, faces some remaining questions, including how and what exemptions the Biden administration will grant to the vaccine requirements. Children under 18, for example, are largely expected to be exempt from the requirements, an official said.

U.S. Travel Association Chief Executive Roger Dow said declines in international visits since the pandemic started resulted in more than $250 billion in lost income.

Dow said in a statement that the Nov. 8 date "is critically important for planning - for airlines, for travel-supported businesses, and for millions of travelers worldwide who will now advance plans to visit the United States once again."

The White House announced on Sept. 20 that the United States would lift restrictions on air travelers https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/us-relax-travel-restrictions-passengers-uk-eu-november-source-2021-09-20 from 33 countries in early November. It did not specify the date at the time.

Starting Nov. 8, the United States will admit fully vaccinated foreign air travelers from the 26 so-called Schengen countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece, as well as Britain, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil. The unprecedented U.S. restrictions have barred non-U.S. citizens who were in those countries within the past 14 days.

The United States has allowed foreign air travelers from more than 150 countries throughout the pandemic, a policy that critics said made little sense because some countries with high infection rates were not on the restricted list, while some on the list had the pandemic more under control.

The White House said last month it would apply vaccine requirements to foreign nationals traveling from all other countries.

Non-U.S. air travelers will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding a flight, and will need to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. Foreign visitors crossing a land border will not need to show proof of a recent negative test.

The new rules do not require foreign visitors or Americans entering the country to go into quarantine.

Americans traveling overseas must still show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, and unvaccinated Americans will face stricter testing requirements. They will also be subject to restrictions in countries they plan to visit, which may include quarantines.

The CDC plans to issue new rules soon on contact tracing for international air travelers.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; additional reporting by Tyler Clifford; Editing by Jonathan Oatis;)

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US to end COVID vaccination requirements on May 11 for foreign travelers, federal workers

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Updated: A country-by-country guide to coronavirus reopenings

Almost three years after the COVID-19 pandemic first upended international travel, many countries have finally returned to pre-pandemic entry requirements by removing vaccination and testing mandates; others have made the process less of a hassle by easing restrictions. Even some of the most restrictive nations are finally open to tourists again. For instance, Japan, announced on Sept. 22 that it would allow visa-free travel there as of Oct. 11. Meanwhile, Taiwan restored visa exemption for U.S passport holders on Sept. 12, and entry for Americans are now able to visit.

Still, a number of countries have restrictions in place, so knowing the rules before you travel internationally remains important.

Related: A country-by-country guide to where you can travel without a COVID-19 test

Reentering the U.S. has also gotten easier since the government on June 12 ended its requirement that all air travelers to the U.S. take a COVID-19 antigen test the day before their flight. The U.S. continues to require that noncitizens and nonresidents be fully vaccinated to enter. For details, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Warnings from the CDC and U.S. Department of State also continued to evolve, with the CDC in early October dropping its COVID-19 travel notices for individual countries.

To get all the up-to-date travel news at your fingertips, download the free TPG App .

TPG is here to guide you through the latest in these updated rules and regulations. To make sure you have the most current information, please follow the provided links to government, tourism, U.S. Embassy and U.S. State Department websites for the most recent updates.

North America

As of June 12, travelers arriving by air to the U.S. no longer need to present results of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of their flight. However, all noncitizen and nonresident travelers need to show proof of full vaccination to enter the U.S.

Related: US dropping international COVID-19 testing requirement

The U.S., which reopened to fully vaccinated international travelers on Nov. 8, 2021, still requires all arriving air passengers to provide contact tracing information to their airline. Current details on requirements for entering the U.S.can be found on the CDC's website .

All U.S. states are open and proof-of-vaccination requirements for many indoor activities in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and other cities have ended.

On March 26, Hawaii ended restrictions for domestic travelers, but international arrivals are still subject to the U.S. government's vaccination rules.

Related: Traveling to Hawaii just got a whole lot easier

Masks are no longer required in public spaces. On April 18, a federal judge vacated the executive order President Joe Biden signed soon after taking office in late January 2021 that mandated the wearing of masks on federal property and domestic public transportation , including planes, buses, subways, trains, airports and train stations. Mask-wearing is optional in airports, on airplanes and on certain other public transportation. New York in early September changed its own public transportation mask mandate on subways, buses and shared rides to recommended from required.

The CDC has updated its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated travelers, but still strongly advises unvaccinated individuals to test before and after travel within the U.S. Check the CDC website for the latest updates.

Long-standing U.S. restrictions on visitors , including a ban on tourists driving into the country from Canada and Mexico, were lifted on Nov. 8, 2021, but only for fully vaccinated travelers (at least 14 days past their final dose). The vaccination requirement does not include children under the age of 18.

As of Oct. 1, all COVID-19-related entry restrictions for all international visitors to Canada have been eased. Proof of vaccination is no longer required and the electronic ArriveCAN form has been discontinued.

Canada had previously ended its pre-travel testing requirements on April 1 and the rule, in effect since Nov. 30, 2021, that all passengers age 12 and older traveling domestically in Canada by air or by rail need to be fully vaccinated was suspended on June 20.

Find the latest updates here .

Quebec requires anyone seeking to buy alcohol or cannabis at a province-run store to be fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated Canadians are again able to enter the U.S. via a land crossing at the border as of Nov. 8, 2021.

For more information and updates, visit the U.S. Embassy in Canada website .

The U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for Canada is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

Mexico has never required testing for entry and has lifted most coronavirus restrictions.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico , travelers entering Mexico via land may be subject to health screenings, including temperature checks. Travelers may experience significant delays and face the possibility of being returned to the U.S. or quarantined in Mexico.

An increase in crime against tourists in Cancun and Riviera Maya made the U.S. Consulate General in Merida issue a security alert for Americans traveling in the region in January 2022. Crime in many regions of Mexico is high. The U.S. consulate classifies Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas as "Do Not Travel" states.

The U.S.-Mexico land border reopened on Nov. 8, 2021, and fully vaccinated travelers are once again allowed to enter the U.S. from Mexico by land. Proof of vaccination is not required for U.S. citizens, but international travelers are required to be vaccinated.

The State Department's advisory for Mexico is now broken down state by state due to threats of crime and kidnapping .

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico , an unincorporated territory of the U.S., is open to all international travelers, although non- U.S. citizens or permanent residents must present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

As of March 10, all domestic travelers (U.S. citizens and residents), both vaccinated and unvaccinated, no longer need to provide proof of a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test result to enter Puerto Rico.

International visitors must be fully vaccinated. However, the U.S. rule that required all those arriving by air to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one day before entry ended on June 12.

All capacity restrictions have also ended. Masks are no longer required in indoor public places, but are recommended on public transportation and when vaccination status cannot be guaranteed. Masks are now optional (as of Oct. 1) at events with more than 1,000 people and attendees are no longer required to provide updated proof of vaccination.

For the latest updates, check here .

Related: Your points and miles guide to Puerto Rico

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands , which includes St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, has been open to tourism since Sept. 19, 2020. As of June 1 , all travelers, whether fully vaccinated or not, no longer need to provide proof of a pre-travel negative test to enter (the test requirement had been dropped for vaccinated domestic travelers as of March 7).

International travelers must still adhere to the U.S. entry requirement that they be fully vaccinated to visit the USVI. Details can be found here .

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda reopened to tourists on June 4, 2020, and the government's travel advisory as of Aug. 29 lifted all remaining COVID-19 protocols for entry by air and sea. Check for updates here .

Mask-wearing in certain public settings is recommended.

Per the U.S. Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean , the U.S. State Department's advisory for Antigua is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Anguilla is once again welcoming all international visitors with no COVID-19 entry restrictions in place. The island, which began welcoming preapproved travelers on May 25, 2021, as of Oct. 1 has dropped approval and pre-travel testing requirements for unvaccinated travelers; vaccinated travelers had already been allowed to enter without pre-travel testing since Aug. 8.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Anguilla is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions . Visit the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean , which oversees Anguilla, for additional information.

As of March 19, Aruba has relaxed its COVID-19 testing requirements and no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter. However, all visitors must still complete an online embarkation/disembarkation card process within 72 to four hours prior to travel. The questionnaire asks for identifying information, including passport details. The form also includes a section where visitors can input their travel plans and answer health questions. Travelers must also download the Aruba Health app as part of the ED card process. Find details here .

Aruba reopened to tourists in the summer of 2020 and American visitors were welcomed back on July 10, 2020. U.S. travelers to Aruba previously had to purchase visitors insurance to cover up to $75,000 in health insurance, but the requirement has been discontinued as of July 8.

Visitors must carry a mask with them and wear one in businesses that require them. As of Feb. 17, all other safety measures have been eased.

Visit the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao , which oversees Aruba, for additional information. The U.S. State Department's advisory for Aruba is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

For the latest updates related to travel, check Visit Aruba's entry requirements page.

The Bahamas is fully open and as of Sept. 20, all COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted, including the need to apply for a Bahamas Health Visa. Details can be found here .

Check the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas for additional info. The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Bahamas is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Barbados, which reopened to international travelers in July, 2020, as of Sept. 22 has ended all official COVID-19 entry protocols. Masks are also now optional. Find details here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Barbados is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions . Check the website of the U.S. Embassy in Barbados for additional information.

Bermuda , which reopened to travelers on July 1, 2020, has ended its pre-travel authorization and pre-travel negative test requirements and as of Nov. 14 visitors only need to fill out an electronic Bermuda Arrival Card , which was in place before the pandemic.

Complete details are available here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Bermuda is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

More information on the coronavirus in Bermuda can be found here .

Americans are welcome to visit Bonaire. As of April 20, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is no longer required for entry.

For the latest details, check here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Bonaire is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions . For more information, visit the website of the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao , which oversees Bonaire.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands officially reopened to tourism on Dec. 1, 2020, and as of July 15, 2022, visitors are no longer required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter, even if unvaccinated. Proof of health insurance valid in the British Virgin Islands is also no longer required.

Complete details on travel requirements and restrictions can be found here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the British Virgin Islands is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions . Check the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean , which oversees the British Virgin Islands, for additional information.

Cayman Islands

As of Aug. 24, there are no longer any COVID-19 protocols for all travelers, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, to enter the Cayman Islands and approval via the Cayman Travel Portal has been suspended. Details are here .

The Cayman Islands had been welcoming fully vaccinated tourists since it entered Phase 5 of its reopening on Jan. 20. Cruise tourism resumed on March 21.

Related: After a 2-year absence, cruise ships are returning to the Cayman Islands

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Cayman Islands is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Cuba began welcoming international tourists back Nov. 15, 2021 , and as of April 6, 2022, neither a negative COVID-19 test nor proof of full vaccination is required for entry. Tourists are not required to quarantine but should have medical insurance valid in Cuba and they need to complete a health declaration form prior to travel.

The U.S. State Department has a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory in place for Cuba. Politics limits Americans' travel to Cuba more than COVID-19. Long-standing travel restrictions were tightened by the U.S. government in late 2019, eliminating many of the reasons Americans were allowed to visit Cuba in recent years. For information on exemptions that allow Americans to travel to Cuba, visit the U.S. Embassy in Cuba's COVID-19 page and "Traveling to Cuba" page .

There are a number of additional restrictions for U.S. travelers visiting Cuba that are not related to the pandemic, and which remain active.

Curacao reopened to U.S. tourists in November 2020. All travelers are required to complete a digital immigration card before departure, but as of June 2, there are no other pre-travel testing requirements for all international visitors. Details are here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Curacao is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions . Visit the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao' s website for additional information.

Dominica has been open to travelers since Aug. 3, 2020, and as of Aug. 22, all COVID-19-related entry protocols have been dropped. Visitors no longer need to fill out a pre-travel questionnaire or present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Dominica is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

For more information, see the U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean 's website and Dominica's travel advisory .

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic reopened July 1, 2020 and all travelers are currently welcome to visit, with no pre-travel COVID-19 entry requirements.

Related: How to book a trip to the Dominican Republic using points and miles

As of April 23, travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter and random tests at the airport have ended. The use of masks and social distancing measures in public spaces is now up to the individual. Check for updates here .

All travelers must still fill out and submit an electronic entry ticket (for both arrival into and departure from the Dominican Republic) to declare they have not felt any COVID-19-related symptoms in the last 72 hours and provide contact details for the next 30 days.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the island is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Grenada began reopening to foreign tourists on Aug. 1, 2020, with strict protocols, including quarantine, in place for all visitors. But as of April 4, 2022, Grenada has removed all COVID-19-related entry requirements and restrictions for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Complete details can be found here .

For more information, check the U.S. Embassy in the Eastern Caribbean's COVID-19 page for Grenada . The U.S. State Department's advisory for Grenada is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Haiti — which suffered political and social turmoil following the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moise, on July 7, 2021, as well as a 7.2 magnitude earthquake two weeks later — has reopened its borders to regular international passenger traffic. It has also opened its land borders with the Dominican Republic.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Haiti , as of April 18, all travelers to Haiti age 12 and older will need to present either a vaccination card proving full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of travel to their airline; proof of prior COVID-19 infection (a positive test and documentation from the attending physician) is also allowed. Passengers ages 5-11 must only present a negative test result.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Haiti is Level 4: Do Not Travel .

Jamaica officially reopened for tourism on June 15, 2020, and as of April 16, 2022, passengers no longer need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test to board their flight to Jamaica.

For faster processing upon arrival at the airport, travelers are encouraged to submit their Immigration/Customs C5 card online anytime before arrival. If the card has not been submitted online, passengers may complete the paper form issued in flight by the airline.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica's website for additional information. The U.S. State Department's advisory for Jamaica is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Americans can visit Martinique for tourism — and as of Aug. 1 there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for any traveler, according to the U.S. Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Martinique is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Americans can visit St. Barts for tourism — and as of Aug. 1 there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for any traveler, according to the U.S. Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean .

Check here for additional information about traveling to the island.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for St. Barts is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

St. Kitts and Nevis

As of Aug. 15, all travelers are allowed to enter St. Kitts and Nevis without any COVID-19-related restrictions. The only pre-travel requirement is an immigration and customs form .

Details can be found here .

Americans can now stay anywhere on the island, where options include the Park Hyatt St. Kitts , the Four Seasons Nevis and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for St. Kitts and Nevis is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of Sept. 5, St. Lucia has dropped all previous COVID-19-related entry protocols for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers; although, all visitors must complete and have a printed and signed copy of the St. Lucia Health Screening form .

Immediate access to all on-island activities is now available to both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated travelers had previously been required to vacation in place at certified properties for the first seven days of their visit.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for St. Lucia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

For further details, visit the international arrivals page on the St. Lucia Tourism website and the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean's website .

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines began reopening on July 1, 2020 and as of Sept. 18, all COVID-19-related entry protocols have been lifted. Details are here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Check the website of the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and Discover St. Vincent and the Grenadines for updates.

St. Maarten

Dutch St. Maarten ended all COVID-19-related entry requirements as of Nov. 1 and is welcoming U.S. and other travelers arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) without the need for proof of vaccination, testing or electronic authorization. Details are here.

Tourists can also cross the border from Dutch St. Maarten to French Saint-Martin .

The U.S. State Department advisory is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions for both Dutch St. Maarten and French Saint-Martin.

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago issued a stay-at-home order in late March 2020 and banned tourists. The country's borders reopened on July 17, 2021, and as of July 1, 2022, pre-travel testing is no longer required for entry.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Trinidad and Tobago is Level 3: Reconsider Travel . Check the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad & Tobago website for updates.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos, a group of 40 low-lying coral islands popular with tourists in the Caribbean, began welcoming international visitors to Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on July 22, 2020. This British overseas territory includes the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo.

Turks and Caicos currently requires all visitors 18 years of age or older to be fully vaccinated, meaning 14 days must have passed after receiving a single-dose vaccine or a second dose of a two-dose vaccine. Vaccines currently approved are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and others.

To show proof of vaccination, you'll need to provide a digital or paper vaccination record, including the CDC-issued card, or a vaccination letter signed by a medical professional (physician or registered nurse with license number) or one printed from an electronic vaccination database.

Related: Turks and Caicos to require vaccination

As of May 1, travelers to Turks and Caicos are no longer required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 pre-travel test, show proof of medical insurance valid for the treatment of COVID-19 in Turks and Caicos or obtain travel pre-authorization. Masks are no longer required in public places.

For the latest information, visit the Turks and Caicos tourism website and check the website of the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas , which oversees Turks and Caicos.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Turks and Caicos is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Related: Why I love Turks and Caicos

Europe continues to experience COVID-19 waves, although almost all countries have relaxed COVID-19-related entry restrictions and dropped vaccination or testing requirements to access indoor spaces such as restaurants, hotels and museums. The European Council recommended in late February 2022 that its member countries open more broadly to travelers from outside the European Union; by late October, when Spain finally ended its entry requirements, most countries had dropped all COVID-19-related entry requirements for travelers.

The Albanian government reopened for tourism on July 1, 2020, and Americans can visit, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

Effective May 1, 2022, Albania repealed all COVID-19-related entry and public health measures, per the U.S. Embassy.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Albania is now Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Armenia is open to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan . As of early May, the country no longer requires proof of vaccination or a pre-travel negative test to enter the country.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Armenia is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

As of May 16, Austria no longer requires visitors from any country to be vaccinated, recovered or tested.

Information can be found here .

As of June 1, FFP2 or KN95 face masks are no longer required on public transportation and in essential shops and pharmacies — but in Vienna, they remain compulsory on public transportation and in pharmacies. For details on current restrictions, check here .

Check the U.S. Embassy in Austria for additional information. The U.S. State Department's advisory for Austria is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

According to the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan , as of June 21, 2021, U.S. citizens can fly to Azerbaijan. Entry by land is not permitted, however, and all travelers over the age of 18 must have proof of vaccination or proof of immunity from a previous infection (the testing requirement was eliminated as of April 14, 2022).

The country is under special restrictions through at least Jan. 1, 2023, to require proof of vaccination for those 18 and older to enter indoor venues, including restaurants, cafes and malls. Masks, however, are no longer required as of May 1.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Azerbaijan is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Belarus is on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. The country has also been in the midst of a popular uprising against Alexander Lukashenko, called the "last dictator in Europe."

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the country is Level 4: Do Not Travel ("due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine").

It isn't wise to visit — the embassy has suspended operations in Minsk and has asked Americans to depart Belarus if they are there — but the country bordering Russia and Ukraine is open. According to the U.S. Embassy in Belarus , America is on a list of countries that were allowed to enter as of Aug. 15, 2020, but only through Minsk National Airport (MSQ). Land borders are closed to American travelers.

Americans require a visa. A COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours is also required and unvaccinated travelers must self-quarantine for seven days — and complete the full quarantine in Belarus. Travelers also need to fill out a health questionnaire and submit to temperature and health checks on arrival.

Note: On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation prohibited the sale of direct passenger air transportation, including tickets booked through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines, between the U.S. and Belarus. Once this order becomes final, only direct air transportation deemed to be in the national interest of the U.S., including on humanitarian or national security grounds, will be allowed, per the U.S. Embassy.

As of May 23, Belgium has lifted entry restrictions for all travelers, except those from "Very High-Risk" countries — but as of early December, no countries are categorized as such.

That means all Americans, whether they are vaccinated or not, can travel to Belgium without the need to test or quarantine, according to the Embassy and Consulates of Belgium in the U.S .

Further information can be found here and on the U.S. Embassy in Belgium's website .

Belgium had also instituted social distancing restrictions, which are being reduced. For more information, check the country's current measures .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Belgium is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Americans can travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina and, according to the U.S. Embassy , as of May 16 all COVID-19-related restrictions have been removed for all visitors.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Bosnia and Herzegovina is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Americans can enter Bulgaria for tourism, per the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria .

According to the embassy, as of May 1, all COVID-19-related entry restrictions have been lifted and all travelers to Bulgaria no longer need to provide vaccination or testing documents.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Bulgaria is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

U.S. travelers can visit Croatia — and as of early May, there are no longer any vaccination or testing requirements for entry, per the U.S. Embassy in Croatia .

The U.S. Embassy does note that entry requirements are subject to change at any time without notice and that the Croatian Border Police have final authority regarding entry into Croatia.

Croatia no longer requires that masks be worn in indoor public spaces, with the exception of health care facilities.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Croatia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Cyprus, a small island nation off the coast of Turkey, is now open to all international visitors and all previous COVID-19-related entry protocols ended on June 1.

As of July 8 , masks are required in certain indoor areas, including public transportation, for those over 12 years old.

Check the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus for additional information.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Cyprus is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Czech Republic

As of April 9, the Czech Republic has suspended all entry restrictions related to COVID-19. This means Americans can visit for tourism, whether they are vaccinated or not. Details can be found here and here . You can also check the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic website .

Direct flights between the U.S. and the Czech Republic resumed this summer on Delta Air Lines.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Czech Republic is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of March 29, there are no longer any COVID-19-related restrictions for entering Denmark . Americans, whether they are vaccinated or not, can travel there for tourism.

Denmark also dropped all COVID-19-related restrictions within the country as of Feb. 1, although private businesses and cultural institutions may continue to require certain things and there will be recommendations for the use of masks and "corona passports" in certain limited situations. Face masks are no longer required in Danish airports.

Updates to travel restrictions for Denmark can be found here . You can also visit the U.S. Embassy in Denmark for additional information.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Denmark is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Estonia reopened to Americans as of June 21, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy in Estonia, including for tourism. As of early July 2022, Estonia has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions. See details here .

Masks are recommended in indoor public spaces.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Estonia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Americans can visit Finland for tourism and all COVID-19-related border restrictions ended as of June 30, per the Visit Finland tourism board .

Check the U.S. Embassy in Finland for additional information. The U.S. State Department's advisory for Finland is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of Aug. 1, all COVID-19-related entry requirements for France have been dropped. This includes proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative test result.

Updates to entry restrictions can be found here .

Check the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France for additional updates. The U.S. State Department's advisory for France is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Americans are welcome in the country of Georgia, according to the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative pre-travel test is no longer required. Proof of health insurance valid in Georgia is recommended.

The U.S. State Department's current advisory for Georgia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

Germany has welcomed all Americans (except those who are residents of China due to reciprocity) since June 20, 2021. As of June 11, 2022, the German government has dropped all COVID-19-related vaccination and testing requirements for entry.

Related: Germany drops COVID-19 travel requirements

Check the U.S. Embassy in Germany or the German Federal Foreign Office for additional information.

Masks are still required on public transportation through at least Jan. 1, 2023.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Germany is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Greece began welcoming U.S. travelers on April 19, 2021. As of May 1, 2022, all travelers to Greece are no longer required to present a vaccination certificate, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or proof of a negative PCR or antigen test. Details can be found here .

As of March 15, 2022, it is also no longer mandatory to complete an online passenger locator form, but filling out a simplified version of the form is recommended.

Face masks are only required on public transportation.

Check the U.S. Embassy in Greece website for additional information.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Greece is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of March 7, Hungary ended all COVID-19-related travel restrictions for travelers , including Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Hungary .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Hungary is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Iceland is welcoming U.S. travelers — and as of Feb. 25, there are no longer any testing or vaccination requirements to enter from any country.

Related: Iceland lifts all COVID-19 restrictions

Read the latest updates on Icelandair's website and check the U.S. Embassy in Iceland for additional information.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Iceland is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Related: 9 reasons you should visit Iceland

As of March 6, Ireland has dropped all COVID-19-related entry requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers; completing a passenger locator form is also no longer required.

Updates on traveling to Ireland are here . Details on loosened restrictions within Ireland can be found here and here .

Masks are no longer required but are still recommended on public transportation and in health care settings.

For additional information, visit the U.S. Mission Ireland's website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Ireland is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Italy is open for tourism — and as of June 1, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can enter without any COVID-19 vaccination or testing restrictions.

All passengers traveling to Italy had been required to fill out the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form , but that requirement ended on May 1.

In addition, as of June 1 proof of vaccination (the "Green Pass") is no longer required to visit museums, dine in restaurants, use public transportation and access most other indoor venues. Masks are recommended but no longer required on public transport.

Check the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy website for additional information. The latest updates by Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be found here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Italy is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Kosovo has reopened its borders to Americans and Prishtina International Airport (PRN) is open. According to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , as of May 1, travelers can enter Kosovo without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, but the embassy says that travelers should bring their vaccination certificate with them because it is still required to enter certain indoor spaces.

The embassy also notes: "Airlines, transit points, and destination countries impose a patchwork of different testing requirements and airlines may refuse boarding for some passengers (including U.S. citizens and Kosovo residents). Airlines have the sole authority to decide who they allow to board their aircraft. Generally, pre-travel testing is recommended."

To dine inside restaurants or enter museums, malls or public institutions, anyone over the age of 16 must show evidence of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid antigen test.

The U.S. State Department's advisory is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Americans can visit Latvia and, according to the U.S. Embassy in Latvia , the country ended entry protocols for travelers from non-high-risk countries as of April 1. Currently, the U.S. is not on the high-risk list and Americans can visit whether they are vaccinated or not without the need to pretest or register.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Latvia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Liechtenstein

Switzerland handles immigration and customs matters for Liechtenstein, meaning that as long as you are qualified to enter Switzerland , you are able to enter Liechtenstein since there's an open border between the two countries.

All Americans had been allowed in for tourism as of June 28, 2021, according to the U.S. Embassy, and as of May 2, 2022, all Americans, no matter their vaccination status, can enter Liechtenstein without any pandemic-related measures.

Travelers can check their eligibility to enter Switzerland and Liechtenstein at the countries' online Travelcheck . They can also check with the Swiss Embassy in Washington, D.C .

All COVID-19-related restrictions for businesses and public transportation have been lifted. Details are here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Liechtenstein is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Americans can visit Lithuania for any purpose, and as of May 1, according to the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania , all COVID-19-related entry requirements have been lifted.

Information on entry to Lithuania can be found here . Information about the current restrictions and recommendations can be found on the Ministry of Health's webpage .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Lithuania is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

According to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg , as of Oct. 1, all travelers from the U.S., regardless of their vaccination status, can enter Luxembourg.

Details on travel to Luxembourg are available here .

Masks and CovidCheck are no longer required for entrance to bars, restaurants, stores or on public transportation (only for hospitals and nursing homes). Read more about Luxembourg's restrictions here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Luxembourg is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

There are no COVID-19-related travel requirements in place for entering Malta.

Details are available on the Ministry of Health website .

Masks are now required only in certain settings such as hospitals and care homes.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Malta is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

As of March 16, Moldova has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions and Americans are permitted to enter Moldova.

Check the U.S. Embassy in Moldova's website and the Moldovan Border Police website for more information. Face masks are now recommended but not required in all indoor public spaces.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Moldova is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

According to the Monaco government's COVID-19 website , as of Aug. 12, access to the principality of Monaco is no longer subject to the presentation of a health pass/vaccination certificate.

France , which dropped all COVID-19-related entry protocols on Aug. 1, handles immigration and customs for Monaco.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for France and Monaco is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Montenegro is open to Americans and the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro notes that as of March 11, no proof of vaccination, COVID-19 passports/certificates or COVID-19 tests are required to enter Montenegro.

Face masks must be worn on all public transportation and in hospitals and collective accommodations.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Montenegro is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

The Netherlands

The Netherlands lifted all remaining COVID-19 entry restrictions as of Sept. 17, meaning all international travelers can visit without proof of vaccination required.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands for additional information and the latest updates from the government of The Netherlands can be found here and here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Netherlands is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is now open to all tourists, including Americans, with no testing or vaccination requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for North Macedonia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of Feb. 12, Norway's travel restrictions have been lifted. The same rules as prior to the COVID-19 pandemic now apply. There are no requirements for testing, quarantine or registration upon arrival in Norway, according to the U.S. Embassy in Norway .

Detailed information about travel to Norway and national and local COVID-19 prevention measures are available on Health Norway's website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Norway is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of March 28, Poland has lifted all vaccination and testing requirements for all arriving travelers, including those from outside the EU/Schengen Area. All U.S. citizens are now permitted to visit.

Details and updates can be found here .

Check with the U.S. Embassy ; additional information is available here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Poland is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of July 1, Portugal has dropped all COVID-19-related vaccination and testing restrictions and U.S. travelers can visit without any pre-travel requirements.

More information is available at Visit Portugal and through the U.S. Embassy in Portugal .

Masks are required on public transportation and in health care facilities and nursing homes.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Portugal is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of March 9, Romania has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Romania , and foreign citizens entering Romania no longer need proof of vaccination or a negative test result.

Travelers planning to visit Romania can also check the Embassy of Romania in Washington, D.C. , for updates.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Romania is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Travel to Russia is not advised due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, which has limited international transportation options as airlines have canceled flights to and from the country. In addition, most cruise lines have canceled scheduled port calls on St. Petersburg .

The Russian government requires that all foreign travelers present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result upon arrival, dated within two days prior to arrival in Russia, along with completion of a digital form that must be printed out and presented to customs in Russia.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Russia as the country's infrastructure has been unsettled by global sanctions imposed since the Ukraine invasion and because Russia is one of the countries "most affected" by COVID-19. Cases and deaths have surged, hitting record highs through mid-February.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Russia is Level 4: Do Not Travel .

As of May 3, all travelers entering Serbia no longer need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia . Most pandemic-related restrictions have gradually been lifted.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Serbia is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

According to the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia , as of April 6, all COVID-19-related requirements for entry to Slovakia are canceled, regardless of vaccination status, and Americans are allowed to visit for tourism.

As of April 23, most social restrictions were ended and masks are no longer required in public spaces other than health care settings.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Slovakia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Slovenia has ended its RVT (recovered, vaccinated or tested) rule for entry, according to the Slovenian Tourist Board . Additional information is available here .

Check the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia website for additional information.

All travelers entering Slovenia by air or sea still need to fill out a digital passenger locator form .

The State Department's advisory for Slovenia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

On Oct. 21, Spain dropped all remaining COVID-19-related entry requirements , becoming one of the last countries in Europe to do so.

Further details can be found here or on the U.S. Embassy in Spain's website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Spain is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

As of April 1, Sweden has lifted all COVID-19-related entry restrictions and bans. Those traveling to the country do not require proof of vaccination or a negative test, according to the Swedish Border Police .

The U.S. Embassy in Sweden also has information on traveling to Sweden.

As of Feb. 9, Sweden has dropped all domestic COVID-19-related restrictions, including the wearing of face masks on public transit and capacity limits and vaccine requirements for restaurants.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Sweden is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Switzerland

According to the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland , as of May 2, 2022, all Americans, vaccinated or not, can visit Switzerland without any COVID-19-related protocols.

Travelers can check their eligibility to enter Switzerland at the country's online Travelcheck . They can also check with the Swiss Embassy in Washington, D.C .

All COVID-19-related restrictions for business and public transportation have also been lifted as of May 2. Details are here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Switzerland is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Turkey's international borders are open for travelers from a number of countries, including the U.S., according to the U.S. Embassy in Turkey .

As of June 1, Turkey has dropped all COVID-19-related entry requirements, so proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required.

The Turkish Ministry of Health announced on March 2 that masks are no longer required outdoors and indoors if air circulation and social distancing are adequate. Restaurants are open without restrictions.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Turkey is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Due to the heavy and sustained armed war with Russia within Ukraine, as well as the government's state of emergency and COVID-19, any travel to Ukraine at this time is not advised. Those U.S. citizens currently in Ukraine should depart immediately, per the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine .

All U.S. citizens age 12 and older who choose to enter Ukraine from the U.S. or another "Red Zone" country must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival; or, they can present a document confirming the receipt of a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 with vaccines on the WHO's list of approved vaccines.

U.S. citizens traveling to Ukraine must also demonstrate that they have medical insurance covering all expenses related to COVID-19 treatment while in Ukraine.

Since Aug. 5, 2021, all foreign tourists over 18 years old who have not been vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days and monitor such via the Vdoma mobile app, to be shortened by testing negative within three days. Quarantine is not required if you are in the country for less than 72 hours.

Mask-wearing is mandatory on public transportation and in indoor public spaces.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Ukraine is Level 4: Do Not Travel .

United Kingdom

As of March 18, the United Kingdom has lifted all COVID-19-related entry requirements, so U.S. travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test to enter. The need to fill out an online passenger locator pass has also ended.

All four nations that comprise the U.K. have separate COVID-19 regulations: England's are here , Scotland's are here , Northern Ireland's are here and Wales' are here ..

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the U.K. is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Visit the U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom for regular updates.

Central America

Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) reopened on Aug. 15, 2020, and the return of tourism began on Oct. 1, 2020, with travel requirements in place. But as of July 12, Americans and all international visitors are welcome to visit Belize without any vaccination or testing requirements required. As of April 1, the country also removed all remaining in-country COVID-19-related restrictions, including mask mandates. Details are available here .

All travelers to Belize are advised to purchase local travel health insurance ($18 per person for a visit lasting up to 21 days) from Belize Travel Insurance , but it is not required.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Belize is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Costa Rica — which reopened to Americans on Nov. 1, 2020 — repealed its COVID-19-related entry requirements as of April 1, 2022. Details can be found here .

Most businesses are open and face masks are recommended but no longer mandatory in all indoor public settings. Beaches are open and national parks are welcoming visitors at 100% capacity.

Travelers can also check the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica website for information.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Costa Rica is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

El Salvador

The country of El Salvador reopened for commercial flights to Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador on Sept. 19, 2020.

Local businesses are open with no restrictions. According to the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador , as of Nov. 17, 2021, the government of El Salvador removed the COVID-19 test and/or vaccination requirements for entry. Travelers are advised to confirm with their airlines that the airline understands and has implemented this change to avoid complications at their departure airport.

The country has said arriving passengers will face temperature checks. A curfew is currently not in place and there are no quarantine requirements for visitors.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for El Salvador is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Guatemala began slowly reopening to tourism on Sept. 18, 2020, and La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is accepting international arrivals. As of Aug. 12, the country removed all COVID-19-related entry protocols, according to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala .

Upon arrival, travelers must pass through health checkpoints and masks are required in some public settings.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Guatemala is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Honduras reopened for tourists from all countries on Aug. 17, 2020, with its international airports in operation. Spirit Airlines has resumed service from Fort Lauderdale and Houston, and American Airlines is flying from Miami.

Entering visitors must complete a government registration form and print it, as well as present their original vaccination certificate indicating they are 14 days or more past completing their vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours of check-in at the airport. They will also be required to sign an affidavit and complete customs forms.

Updates on guidelines can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Honduras website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Honduras is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Nicaragua never really shut down. There were never any stay-at-home or social distancing orders and there are continued questions about how many cases Nicaragua actually has had. In addition, only limited flights from the U.S. have resumed (on Avianca and Copa).

The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua notes that U.S. travelers are allowed to enter Nicaragua, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel is required for entry. Travelers should also be prepared for additional health screenings and may be asked to produce their negative test results. Anyone entering Nicaragua from a country with a known yellow fever risk must also show proof of vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Nicaragua is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Panama reopened its airport in late August 2020 and tourism resumed on Oct. 12, 2020. The country lifted all remaining COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers on Sept. 16. Details are available here .

As of July 11, face masks are required only on public transportation and in hospital and health care settings.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama notes on its website that the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory.

South America

Argentina had one of the world's strictest travel bans, restricting all international visitors until Nov. 1, 2021, when fully vaccinated foreigners (including Americans) were allowed to enter the country. As of early April 2022, all international visitors are welcome, without the need to be vaccinated or tested. See details here .

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Argentina for additional information.

The U.S. State Department advisory for Argentina is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Bolivia had been off-limits to tourists, but the country is now open to visitors, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia , with a notation that travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions affecting international travel to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

U.S. citizens will need to obtain a tourist visa ($160 and valid for 30 days).

Entry rules now require travelers to Bolivia, regardless of their country of origin, to present either a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or submit proof of a certified negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours (children 5 years old and younger are exempt).

Face masks are required in some public spaces.

The U.S. Embassy reports that commercial flights have resumed — Boliviana de Aviacion has flights between La Paz and Miami — but travelers should expect that additional restrictions affecting international travel could be put in place with little advance notice.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Bolivia is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Brazil, a large and populous country, has had the most coronavirus cases in South America. As of Sept. 12, all international travelers, both fully vaccinated and those who are unvaccinated with a negative pre-travel test, are welcome to visit Brazil. Details can be found here .

Fully vaccinated travelers to Brazil are required to present proof of full vaccination to their airline. It can be electronic or printed, but proof in the form of just a QR code will not be accepted.

Unvaccinated travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test or a negative laboratory antigen test taken within one day of boarding.

Brazil no longer requires proof of health insurance for entry, but the U.S. State Department continues to recommend that all travelers purchase insurance before departing the U.S. For updates, check the U.S. Embassy in Brazil's website.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Brazil is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Chile is welcoming international travelers — and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is once again required as of Sept. 1.

According to both the U.S. Embassy in Chile and the Chile Tourism website , any noncitizen or nonresident planning to enter Chile must do the following:

• Travelers age 18 and older to Chile need to provide proof of vaccination when boarding their flight to Chile or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding. Random testing may also occur upon or after arrival.
• Travelers visiting the remote Chilean island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) must be fully vaccinated, have official reservations and fill out a Single Entry Form .

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Chile is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

American tourists can visit Colombia, where international flights resumed on Sept. 21, 2020, according to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia . As of May 1, 2022, all visitors age 18 and older need to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of their departure to Colombia.

Current requirements also call for all visitors to complete the online pre-travel registration form " Check-Mig " within 72 hours of their flight departure time. Further details are available here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Colombia is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Ecuador is open for tourism, and as of Oct. 20, all COVID-19-related entry requirements for both the mainland and the Galapagos Islands have ended, per the Ecuador Tourism website . However, all visitors must still fill out an online health declaration form and visitors to the Galapagos are still required to present a "transit control card" issued by the Government of Galapagos. See details here .

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Ecuador is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador website for additional information.

According to the U.S. Embassy , vaccinated Americans can visit Guyana. As of June 18, all travelers over the age of 12 must present proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks past their final shot). Predeparture testing is no longer required to enter Guyana.

Restaurants are open and dining is allowed at 100% capacity. Mask-wearing in public is no longer mandatory but is strongly encouraged.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Guyana is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

According to the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay , the country no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.

The embassy also says that U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Face masks are no longer mandatory, but are recommended.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Paraguay is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

The U.S. Embassy in Peru reports that direct flights from the U.S. are available and as of Nov. 1, Americans are now welcome to enter Peru without proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result.

Check the Peru Tourism website for additional updates.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Peru is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Uruguay reopened to fully vaccinated international travelers on Nov. 1, 2021, and commercial flights have resumed. According to the U.S. Embassy in Uruguay , unvaccinated travelers can enter with testing. Here's what's required:

• Vaccinated travelers require proof of vaccination, but no longer require a pre-travel negative test.
• Unvaccinated travelers require proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before initiating travel (minors under age 6 are exempt)
• Proof of health insurance effective in Uruguay for the duration of your stay is required for all foreign travelers entering Uruguay.

While travelers are no longer required to wear masks, the State Department recommends wearing face coverings inside crowded buildings and on public transportation.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Uruguay is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Current entry protocols require that U.S. travelers apply for and obtain a visa and all arriving air passengers must present proof of full vaccination, either with a physical card or a digital card (with a QR code). A booster dose is required if the second dose was more than 270 days prior. If unvaccinated, a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival is required. There are health screenings upon arrival, but no quarantine is currently required.

For additional information, check with the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela .

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory .

Bangladesh requires international visitors, including those from the U.S. States, to be fully vaccinated or present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh .

U.S. citizens need a valid visa or "no visa required" seal to enter. Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to present proof of a negative pre-travel test, but those age 12 and older who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel to Bangladesh.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Bangladesh is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Cambodia, which reopened for tourism early in 2022 now has no pre-travel testing or proof of vaccination required for visitors as of Oct. 6, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia .

All travelers must obtain a visa to enter the country and are encouraged to purchase COVID-19 health insurance valid in Cambodia.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Cambodia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

China was where COVID-19 emerged, and the country suspended entry for nearly all foreigners — including all foreign spectators for the Beijing Winter Olympics, which took place Feb. 4-20, 2022 — and slashed the volume of international passenger flights to and from the country in March 2020. An outbreak in Xian in December 2021 and January 2022 resulted in a monthlong lockdown of the city's 13 million residents and another wave in March resulted in lockdowns in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Ongoing "zero-COVID" lockdowns have resulted in protests around the country in November that the government moved quickly to suppress , later announcing an easing to the length of the lockdowns it imposes.

The State Department's travel advisory for China remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel , mainly due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Strict anti-travel measures remain in place and tourism isn't allowed. The U.S. Embassy in China says that U.S. citizens with valid resident permits and visas can enter China "under certain conditions."

The latest health notice posted by the Embassy of the People's Republic in the U.S. on Nov. 12 requires that travelers to China obtain a COVID-19 PCR (nucleic acid) test from a certified lab, taken within 48 hours of departure, and then apply for a "health code" to receive a verified "green code" to present when boarding their flight. According to the U.S. Embassy, all arriving passengers are then screened and subject to a minimum 10-day quarantine. They may also be required to install location-tracking software on their phones to access public spaces and businesses.

For additional details on requirements for traveling to China, check with the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Embassy in China and with your airline.

As of May 1, nonresident foreigners who are fully vaccinated can again enter Hong Kong, but proof of vaccination and multiple tests, both before departure and after arrival, are required.

According to the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau , Americans can visit Hong Kong, but they must present either a record of full vaccination; a letter from a doctor certifying recovery from COVID-19 plus one dose of a recognized COVID-19 vaccine; or a letter from a doctor attesting to the traveler's inability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical condition. Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are permitted to enter Hong Kong when accompanying a vaccinated parent or caregiver.

As of Sept. 23, all travelers also must take a laboratory rapid antigen test within 24 hours of their flight and declare the negative result on an online Health & Quarantine Information Declaration . They must then present the generated QR code when checking in for their flight.

All mandatory hotel quarantine requirements have ended, but according to the U.S. Consulate General, upon arrival, all travelers will undergo a COVID-19 PCR test, with results available in 24 hours. They will be released immediately to begin a seven-day period of medical surveillance at their homes or accommodation. During the first three days, they will have an amber code and must avoid certain places under the Vaccine Pass scheme. During the remaining four days of medical surveillance, they will have a blue code and face no movement restrictions. On Day 2 (i.e. the day after arrival), they must undergo a PCR test at a community testing center (for free) or at a government-recognized medical facility (for a fee), and they must conduct RATs on days 1-7. A positive result on any of these tests, with accompanying COVID symptoms, will result in immediate hospitalization; a positive result with no symptoms will result in transfer to a Community Isolation Centre or COVID hotel. Please note that arriving travelers without Hong Kong cell phone numbers may have trouble receiving communications from Hong Kong health authorities concerning their COVID test results.

Complete details are available here and here .

Transit passengers are allowed as of April 1, according to Airport Authority Hong Kong. Transit passengers are international travelers who are only flying into Hong Kong in order to catch another flight. Transit passengers cannot leave the airport.

Related: Hong Kong airport to allow transit passengers as part of reopening

Additional details on entry requirements and testing for travelers are here and here . FAQ can be found here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Hong Kong is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

The U.S. Embassy in India notes that travel to India for tourism and other short-term purposes has resumed fully for individuals holding tourist or e-tourist visas. Valid visas, which were previously suspended due to COVID-19-related precautions, have been fully reinstated and are valid for travel until their printed expiration dates.

According to the U.S. Embassy, all international passengers age 5 and older must either present a vaccination certificate proving full vaccination (India recognizes the CDC vaccination card) or a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel. As of Nov. 22, it is no longer necessary to upload the certificate or test results to the Air Suvidha portal .

Passengers may be tested again upon arrival (2% will be selected at random) and must self-monitor for 14 days. U.S. citizens who must travel to India are strongly urged to get fully vaccinated before travel and continue to take personal health safety measures to protect themselves.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for India is currently Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Indonesia is open again for tourism. On Feb. 4, 2022, Bali reopened to all fully vaccinated international visitors . And now the entry protocols are the same throughout Indonesia.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia , travelers age 18 and older entering the country through airports, seaports and land borders must be fully vaccinated, but pre-travel testing is no longer required. They will undergo a symptom check upon arrival and travelers may be tested if their temperature is above 99.5 degrees. All travelers are also required to have international health insurance valid for COVID-19 treatment and medical evacuation from Indonesia and download the PeduliLindungi app.

Travelers who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and have a letter from a medical doctor are allowed to enter, but are required to undergo a five-day quarantine. There is no quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers.

Travelers must also have a short-visit visa or other entry permit; visas upon arrival are again available.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Indonesia is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Japan reopened for visa-free tourism as of Oct. 11 .

The country had banned entry by all foreign nationals on Nov. 29, 2021, in response to the omicron variant and had been closed to tourism since 2020. It first began welcoming tourists on June 10 — but only on select tours with fixed schedules and guides.

Travelers age 18 and older who are fully vaccinated must present proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated travelers are permitted to enter Japan, but they must present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Japan.

Requirements for accompanying children vary by age, with unvaccinated children age 6 to 18 required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours while unvaccinated children under six years old not requiring a test. Details are here .

All arriving travelers must also present a completed health questionnaire. As of Nov. 1, travelers to Japan can pre-register here for airport immigration, Customs and vaccination review and use the Fast Track system at major airports throughout Japan.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Japan is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

The landlocked Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan has reopened to Americans arriving via its international airports (visa-free for 30 days), according to the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan . International flights from Azerbaijan, China, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Germany and the United Arab Emirates have resumed.

A negative pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test is no longer required. The U.S. Embassy notes that travelers who enter with an elevated temperature will be isolated in a facility for infectious diseases.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Kazakhstan is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution . As of July 27, 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan advises travelers to reconsider travel to the country due to COVID-19 risk.

The U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic says the entry ban for U.S. citizens was lifted in December 2020, but advises citizens that the country offers limited healthcare services. In the case of a COVID-19 infection, travelers might have a hard time getting the treatment they need.

Those who do visit Kyrgyzstan via airports in Bishkek, Osh and Issyk Kul no longer need to present either their original vaccine card showing full vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. But the U.S. Embassy still recommends carrying both since requirements are subject to change with little to no notice. U.S. citizens may now enter Kyrgyzstan from land crossings in Kazakhstan, but entering from land borders with China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is currently prohibited.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Kyrgyzstan is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of May 9, fully vaccinated international travelers can enter Laos, but they must also apply for a visa, according to the U.S. Embassy in Laos . The CDC vaccination card is accepted as proof of vaccination. A negative PCR or antigen test is not required for entry.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Laos is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

As of Sept. 1, passport holders of the U.S. and 40 other countries (including most of Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore) can enter Macau without prior approval. They are, however, subject to the testing and quarantine requirements stipulated for all visitors. As of Nov. 13, travelers from beyond those previously stipulated may also enter if they fall into certain categories.

According to the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau , travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test (PCR) conducted within the past seven days, 48 hours or 24 hours, depending on their point of origin. Details can be found here .

See links on the U.S. Consulate General website for full details.

All outbound travelers from Macau must also test negative within seven days of departure.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Macau is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

As of Aug.1, Malaysia has lifted all entry restrictions on foreign nationals, according to the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia . U.S. citizens and other non-Malaysian foreign travelers can now enter the country without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.

The embassy reports that arriving travelers are no longer required to download the MySejahtera app and complete the digital predeparture form, but the app should still be downloaded anyway to indicate ta traveler's risk status while in Malaysia and some businesses may ask to check the app before allowing entry.

Entry restrictions may change with little advance notice. Requirements may also vary throughout different regions of the country. The U.S. Embassy recommends checking the social media accounts of the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Immigration Department for the most recent updates on COVID-19 procedures.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Malaysia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

The Maldives

Travelers to the Maldives are no longer required to present proof of a pre-travel negative test as of March 14, when the island nation's public health emergency was revoked . However, travelers (with the exception of arriving tourists and returning residents of the Maldives) are encouraged to take a PCR test between three and five days after arrival.

Related: Where you can travel with no COVID-19 test required

According to the Maldives Immigration website, travelers do not need to be vaccinated for entry. However, all international visitors, including Americans, must still complete a traveler declaration within 72 hours prior to travel. A free 30-day tourist visa will be issued upon arrival. Further details can be found here .

If a traveler tests positive or is exposed to someone with COVID-19 while visiting the Maldives, they must complete a government-mandated quarantine at their own expense.

The latest update on resort openings can be found here .

Emirates is offering connections through Dubai from major global cities including Chicago. Etihad resumed flights from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to the Maldives starting in July 2020. Turkish Airlines also started flights in July 2020.

Additional information can be found on the U.S. Mission to Maldives website . The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Maldives is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

Mongolia lifted its restrictions on outbound and inbound travel in June 2021 and ended pre-travel testing requirements in March 2022, according to the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia .

U.S. citizens are allowed to visit, according to the U.S. Embassy, and do not need a visa for a stay of under 90 days (but for stays of more than 30 days, travelers are required to register and failure to do so will incur a fine of $100-$300). Passengers do not need to be vaccinated, but they must fill out a medical declaration form upon arrival.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Mongolia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Nepal has fully reopened to tourists and as of March 10, 2022, all travelers arriving by air may now receive on-arrival visas (subject to proof of vaccination or negative test results).

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nepal , changes to restrictions and requirements can be enacted with little notice. With the March 10 changes , travelers can enter with proof of full vaccination and those who are not fully vaccinated (and older than 5 years of age) can enter by presenting proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight for Nepal.

For more information, check the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. , or Nepal's Department of Immigration .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Nepal is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Pakistan has reopened for Americans. However, the U.S. State Department discourages travelers from visiting Pakistan at present due to terrorism and violence .

According to the U.S. Embassy , vaccinated individuals can enter Pakistan with proof of full vaccination, while unvaccinated individuals over the age of 12 must present the results of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight.

Americans wishing to travel to Pakistan will need a visa.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Pakistan is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

The Philippines

According to the U.S. Embassy in Manila , the Philippines is now granting entry to both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors from countries that are permitted visa-free travel for up to 30 days, including the U.S., but when entering they must have a valid departure ticket within that time frame.

All travelers must complete a Bureau of Quarantine e-Health Declaration Card within 72 hours of travel to the Philippines to receive a QR code. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must present proof of a negative laboratory-based rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. Travelers should also expect health screenings at ports of entry in the Philippines.

Children under the age of 15 are exempt from the vaccination or testing requirements. Details can be found here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Philippines is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

As of April 1, all fully vaccinated travelers (and children under 12 regardless of vaccination status) are able to enter Singapore quarantine-free via any flight. Details can be found here .

With the April 1 changes, travelers must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card and upload a digitally verifiable vaccination certificate within 72 hours of travel. Fully vaccinated adults and their accompanying children age 12 and below no longer need to provide proof of a negative predeparture COVID-19 test, but anyone age 13 and above who is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within two days of departure for Singapore.

Travel insurance covering at least $30,000 in COVID medical and quarantine costs is required. Installing and activating Singapore's TraceTogether app is also suggested.

See the Singapore Airlines website and U.S. Embassy in Singapore website for additional information.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Singapore is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

South Korea

As of Oct. 1, South Korea has eliminated pre-travel and post-arrival testing for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status.

However, visitors are encouraged to register their travel and health information in the Q-code system before departing for South Korea to speed the airport arrival process.

For Information on arrival protocols, check the Incheon Airport website . Additional details are available on the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea website and on the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA website.

The U.S. State Department's advisory is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

All travelers to Sri Lanka can visit without quarantine as of April 20, although they need to have a valid tourist visa and mandatory local health insurance ($12 for coverage for one month).

Those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to present proof of a pre-travel negative test while unvaccinated travelers must be tested in their own country and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours.

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka website for additional updates.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Sri Lanka is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Taiwan on Sept.12 restored visa exemption for U.S passport holders and entry for Americans is now permitted.

As of Aug. 15, Taiwan has dropped the pre-travel testing requirement for entering the country. As of Oct. 13, quarantine requirements have ended but travelers must still undergo health screenings upon arrival and abide by seven days of self-initiated epidemic prevention (including staying one person per room) and use the rapid test kits given to them upon arrival as instructed.

Details can be found here . For additional information see the American Institute in Taiwan's website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Taiwan is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Tajikistan never had a full lockdown, and most businesses, hotels and restaurants reopened on June 15, 2020.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan , all Americans need a Tajik visa for entry (as well as government permission in advance if seeking to enter via a land border) and those age 3 and older must show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or the results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours of arrival when boarding flights to Dushanbe International Airport (DYU). These test results must then be verified by Dushanbe authorities.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that access to medical care in the country may be limited and that "the Government of Tajikistan frequently adjusts its entry and exit requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes to the policy are not immediately made available to the public." An unexpired visa is also required to leave Tajikistan.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Tajikistan is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

As of Oct. 1, travelers to Thailand no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country.

Since April 1, 2021, U.S. passport holders have also not been required to obtain a visa for a tourist visit of up to 45 days in Thailand.

For further information on visiting Thailand, check the U.S. Embassy in Thailand's website and the Royal Thai Embassy's website.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Thailand is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Turkmenistan

According to the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan, U.S. citizens are allowed to visit the country, but both the U.S. State Department and the CDC heavily discourage going there. Although Turkmenistan just lifted its suspension of all international flights , few commercial airlines offer flights into the country.

The government has not acknowledged any cases of COVID-19 within the borders of Turkmenistan , and the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan suggests that the government in Turkmenistan "may be disinclined to do so if cases were confirmed."

Any private U.S. citizen seeking to enter Turkmenistan will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test and a serology certificate confirming the presence of antibodies, both taken within 48 hours of departure from the U.S. or other point of origin. All travelers will also undergo a PCR test upon arrival ($44), followed by an at-home quarantine of three days. Another PCR test ($44) is required to exit quarantine.

The U.S. Embassy notes, "The government of Turkmenistan can and does change quarantine requirements and arrival procedures for private citizens with little advance notice."

U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory.

Uzbekistan is open to Americans. U.S. citizens need a visa for entry, but as of June 10, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for entry, according to the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Uzbekistan is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

On March 15, Vietnam reopened to foreign tourists after two years of widespread travel restrictions. Pre-pandemic visa-issuing policies have now resumed and all COVID-19-related mandatory quarantine requirements for new arrivals have been lifted.

As of May 15, travelers no longer have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to be allowed into Vietnam. Still, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam recommends that travelers check with their airline to confirm if tests are needed for the airline or for transit to other countries.

Check with the Vietnam Embassy in the U.S. for additional information.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Vietnam is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Australia had remained closed to most foreign visitors for two years, although that changed on Feb. 21, 2021, when the country finally reopened to fully vaccinated international visitors. And as of July 6, requirements for proof of vaccination or pre-travel testing have been lifted. Health screenings at ports of entry still stand. Details are here .

All international arrivals in Australia do still need to apply for an electronic visa .

Australia also reopened to cruise ships in February 2021.

Related: It's official: Australia is scrapping its pre-travel testing

Check the U.S. Embassy in Australia website for updates.

Qantas has resumed international flights between Sydney and Los Angeles, London and other cities. American, Delta and United are also offering flights from the U.S. to Australia.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Australia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

French Polynesia

The Islands of Tahiti are now open to all U.S. visitors, regardless of vaccination status. And since French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France, as of Aug. 1, travelers flying to Papeete from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Noumea and Auckland no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result or present a sworn statement.

Note: Any non-U.S. citizen flying through the U.S. to get to French Polynesia must be fully vaccinated to enter the U.S. by air.

Updates can be found here . Additional information is available on the Air Tahiti Nui website .

If you're itching to travel to French Polynesia, there are lots of options for getting there. Be sure to check out our guide on the best ways to get to Tahiti using points and miles . The destination is home to some famous hotels, such as the Conrad Bora Bora Nui and the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for French Polynesia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

Fiji began allowing fully vaccinated travelers from select countries, including the U.S., for tourism as of Dec. 1, 2021, after having been in strict lockdown since March 2020 with no tourism allowed for more than 18 months. Fiji reopened to fully vaccinated travelers from all countries on April 7, 2022.

To enter Fiji, fully vaccinated travelers age 16 and older need to present proof of full vaccination, but predeparture COVID-19 test requirements have been lifted. Children under age 16, when accompanied by a vaccinated adult, do not need to be vaccinated.

As of April 7, travelers do need to have travel health insurance valid for COVID-19 in Fiji.

Check for updates here and visit the U.S. Embassy in Fiji website for additional information. The U.S. State Department's advisory for Fiji is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

New Zealand

Americans who are fully vaccinated have been allowed to visit New Zealand since May 2, but as of Sept. 13 and Oct. 20, all COVID-related entry requirements, including being vaccinated, have been lifted.

However, any traveler from a visa-waiver country (including the U.S.) must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority . Details can be found here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for New Zealand is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

As of Aug. 1, foreign nationals are able to enter Samoa, according to the U.S. Embassy in Samoa. And since late September, there are no longer any vaccination or pre-travel testing requirements for Americans seeking to enter Samoa.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Samoa is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

U.S. citizens can enter Tonga for tourism purposes, as of Aug. 1, according to the U.S. Embassy in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu .

Those who do travel to Tonga need to be fully vaccinated and present a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival. Check with your airline for the most up-to-date testing requirements.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Tonga is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Middle East

According to the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain , U.S. travelers have been permitted to receive a visa upon arrival and enter Bahrain since Sept. 4, 2020.

As of Feb. 20, 2022, Bahrain no longer requires pre-travel testing or testing upon arrival, no matter a traveler's vaccination status. If travelers plan to go to Saudi Arabia (one Bahrain's neighboring countries) from Bahrain, however, the U.S. Embassy notes that COVID-19-related restrictions might be enforced or changed with little to no notice. The embassy discourages travelers from flying into Bahrain solely to go to Saudi Arabia.

Face masks are now optional in all indoor public spaces and indoor dining has returned to full capacity.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Bahrain is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Americans had been able to visit Israel if fully vaccinated, and as of March 1, even unvaccinated travelers can enter the country .

According to the U.S. Embassy in Israel , there are no longer any COVID-19 entry requirements or restrictions for travelers. Additional information is available here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Israel is now indicated with individual summaries for the country's regions, with a Do Not Travel warning for Gaza.

Jordan is open to Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Jordan. All arriving passengers must register online before the flight, but pre-travel and arrival COVID-19 test requirements were dropped as of March 1, 2022. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for specific requirements, though.

All travelers must have travel health insurance valid in Jordan and must complete their online Gateway2Jordan registration to receive a QR code to be presented upon boarding their flight.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Jordan is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Americans can once again travel to Kuwait without the need to test or quarantine, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait . Travelers seeking to enter will only be permitted in with either a valid visa or a residency permit. Electronic visas (eVisas) are available for U.S. citizens on the Ministry of Interior website.

According to the U.S. Embassy, as of May 1, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Kuwait is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

As of March 28, registration on the Ministry of Public Health Pass platform has been canceled and travelers no longer need to show their enrollment before being permitted to board a flight bound for Lebanon.

As of March 1, fully vaccinated passengers who received their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (or a booster shot) within the past six months are exempt from performing a PCR test or rapid antigen test in their country of departure and from being tested upon arrival at Beirut's airport.

All unvaccinated travelers to Lebanon over the age of 12 must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight to enter the country, per the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon . All unvaccinated passengers, except those under the age of 12, are also now required to take a PCR test upon arrival at Beirut Airport and refrain from going out in public for 24 hours until receiving a negative result.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Lebanon is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

International flights to Oman have resumed and as of May 23, all COVID-19-related entry restrictions have been lifted, according to the U.S. Embassy in Oman . However, the embassy notes that travelers to Oman "may be requested to present a vaccination certificate indicating they have received at least 2 doses of a Sultanate-approved COVID-19 vaccine. The last dose is required to be taken at least fourteen (14) days ahead of the estimated arrival time."

The Sultanate is currently accepting the following approved vaccines: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Novavax, CanSino, Covaxin and Sputnik Lite.

The Royal Oman Police resumed all visa operations and services on Sept. 1, 2021. All travelers are also required to have travel health insurance that is valid in Oman and covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment for at least a month.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Oman is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Qatar , which is hosting the 2022 World Cup from late November to mid-December, welcomes foreign tourists and as of Nov. 1, COVID-19-related entry measures have been dropped . Details can be found here .

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Qatar for visits of up to 30 days. Check here and see the website of the U.S. Embassy in Qatar for more information.

Full details on entry requirements are available on Qatar's Ministry of Public Health website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Qatar is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Saudi Arabia

Fully vaccinated and boosted Americans can travel to Saudi Arabia, and as of March 5, 2022, the country has removed all COVID-19-related testing and quarantine restrictions. According to the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia , fully vaccinated travelers to the kingdom are:

• No longer required to provide proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test upon arrival.
• No longer required to undergo any mandatory COVID-19 quarantine upon arrival.

According to the U.S. Embassy, all persons in Saudi Arabia still need to register to show proof of vaccination via the Tawakkalna app by a Ministry of Health-approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Sputnik and Covovax). It is used to enter all government and private establishments, as well as for public transportation and domestic air travel. All travelers must also obtain a visa and have health insurance valid in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the country is Level 3: Reconsider Travel.

U.S. travelers are not able to enter Syria at this time. The U.S. State Department's advisory for Syria is Level 4: Do Not Travel .

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is open to tourism and Americans are welcome — without the need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test as of Nov. 7 .

For complete information on traveling to Dubai, check the Emirates website . Details for Abu Dhabi are available here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the UAE is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

The U.S. State Department has maintained a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Yemen due to issues with terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines. The embassy in Sanaa suspended operations in early 2015, and U.S. citizens in Yemen will not be able to rely on emergency services from the U.S. government.

All travelers entering on U.S. documents are required to have a visa from the Yemeni government before entering the country, and passports must have an additional six months of validity from the date of departure.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Botswana , as of Aug. 28, all Americans are permitted to enter Botswana without proof of COVID-19 vaccination or pre-travel testing.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Botswana is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo reopened its borders in August 2020. It is perhaps best known for Virunga National Park, which reopened on April 1, 2021 .

According to the U.S. Embassy , as of Oct. 1, fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to present proof of a negative pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test taken within three days of travel to enter or depart the DRC.

However, all unvaccinated international travelers age 11 and older must arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their departure to the DRC. Upon arrival, unvaccinated travelers age 11 and older must also take a second COVID-19 test at the airport. Travelers should register their information and pay for the test ($45) at inrbcovid.com before they begin their travels and must self-quarantine until they receive a negative test result, usually within 24 hours.

Americans need a visa to visit as well as a WHO card with proof of yellow fever vaccination and proof of health and medical evacuation insurance valid in the DRC.

To exit the DRC, all unvaccinated travelers age 11 and older must pay for and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test from an approved lab taken within three days of travel ($30).

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Democratic Republic of Congo is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

International tourism resumed in Egypt in July 2020 and the country is now open to Americans — with no restrictions to entry as of June 2022.

Americans do still need a tourist visa , available on arrival or before arrival via online enrollment . But there are no quarantine requirements and the need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test with a QR code was lifted June 17, according to the U.S. Embassy in Egypt . The latest travel advisories are also available here .

The U.S. State Department's warning is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Related: Dreaming of visiting Egypt

Ghana's Kotoka International Airport (ACC) reopened for regular international service on Sept. 1, 2020, and the country's land and sea borders reopened on March 28, 2022. According to the U.S. Embassy in Ghana , Americans are allowed to enter the country and all passengers arriving by air must be fully vaccinated (if age 18 or older) and fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to present proof of a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test.

The embassy notes: "All persons 18 years old and above arriving in Ghana will be required to provide evidence of full vaccination for a COVID-19 vaccine. Citizens of Ghana and foreign residents who are not fully vaccinated, will, however, need to provide a negative PCR test result no more than 48-hours old, will undergo an antigen test upon arrival in Ghana, and will be offered vaccination upon arrival. Ghana's Foreign Missions have been instructed to make vaccination a requirement for visa acquisition."

Ghana's Ministry of Public Health has ended its mandate for the use of face masks in public, but social distancing and good hand hygiene are still recommended.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Ghana is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

Kenya reopened to tourism on Aug. 1, 2020, and Americans are currently welcome to visit. According to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, all visitors must fill out a mandatory online health form (to obtain a QR code for scanning upon arrival) and have a valid vaccination certificate. If unvaccinated and eligible to visit (and over age 5), travelers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Kenya and then take a rapid antigen test (at a cost of $30) upon arrival.

Before travel, both vaccination and test results documents (for eligible unvaccinated visitors) must be uploaded prior to travel into the Panabios system.

All visitors also need to obtain an e-visa.

Face masks are no longer mandatory in public but are recommended in some indoor situations.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory is now Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

According to the U.S. Embassy in Malawi , Americans are allowed to enter Malawi. As of June 1, travelers who can show a digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate no longer need a pre-travel PCR test to enter. With the white CDC card, however, electronic proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival is required.

Travelers who are unvaccinated need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with 72 hours of arrival in Malawi.

All travelers must use the Trusted Traveler framework for online authentication of their vaccination or PCR test documents. Details are available here .

More information is available on the Malawi Tourism website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Malawi is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius , the island nation dropped its pre-travel testing requirement as of March 12 — and as of July 1, there are no longer different rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Both groups do need to fill in Mauritius' All in One Travel Form to generate an arrival QR code.

Details of travel requirements and travel alerts for Mauritius can be found here .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Mauritius is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Related: Why Mauritius should be at the top of your travel to-do list

Morocco reopened to foreign visitors on Feb. 7, 2022 , reversing a ban on air travel that was instated in November of 2021.

All COVID-19-related entry requirements were lifted on Sept. 30, with the exception of the completion of a health form .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Morocco is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique , U.S. citizens can enter Mozambique and a visa is required. Visas should be obtained in the U.S. (in New York City or Washington, D.C.) before travel to Mozambique, the embassy says, because visas upon arrival, while available for tourists, are not guaranteed.

Travelers must provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered in their country of origin within 72 hours of departure. Children up to age 11 are exempt from this requirement. Travelers should expect health screenings upon arrival and there are many regulations and restrictions in effect for commercial businesses and gatherings. Masks are required in all closed spaces.

Although the government of Mozambique does not require exiting travelers to take COVID-19 tests, individual airport agents might. Travelers should check their airline's requirements ahead of time.

Currently, the U.S. State Department's advisory for Mozambique is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Namibia has been open for tourism since Sept. 1, 2020, and all COVID-19-related entry requirements have now been lifted. For further information, check the health section of the Visit Namibia website and the U.S. Embassy in Namibia .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Namibia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Nigeria reopened its airports for domestic travel on July 8, 2020, and international flights resumed in August 2020. All tourists are again welcome, including Americans.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria , arriving international passengers age 18 and older must have verifiable proof of being fully vaccinated or, if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure on the first leg of their journey. A protocol issued in September 2021 requires all international visitors to register via the Nigeria International Travel Portal and upload test results or vaccine certificates prior to travel.

In addition, all travelers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are required to take additional COVID-19 PCR tests on day two and day seven after arrival (and they must register and pay for them beforehand to obtain a QR code). The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria says that travelers might face penalties if they do not comply with COVID-19 regulations while in Nigeria.

Arrival testing details can be found here .

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Nigeria.

Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo, located in Central Africa between Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is allowing U.S. travelers to visit. According to the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of the Congo , there are no longer any COVID-19-related entry restrictions for the country.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Republic of the Congo is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Rwanda is open to American tourists. According to the U.S. Embassy in Rwanda , COVID-19 testing is not required for entry.

Rwanda offers visas on arrival for people of all nationalities.

Visitors to Rwanda's national parks are no longer required to provide negative COVID-19 test results to enter, but must fill out a guest registration and indemnity form and submit it electronically. Details are available here .

Face masks are no longer required nationwide in public spaces, but are recommended.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Rwanda is now Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.

U.S. citizens can visit Senegal. While international flights to Senegal have resumed, most land borders, with the exception of The Gambia, remain closed to tourist traffic, according to the U.S. Embassy .

The embassy also reports that proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative pre-travel test are no longer required for entry to Senegal.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Senegal is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

The Seychelles began welcoming vaccinated Americans in February 2021. As of March 25, 2021, unvaccinated U.S. travelers can visit. Details can be found here .

All visitors require travel authorization via the online portal and must present valid travel and health insurance that covers, at a minimum, COVID-19-related isolation, quarantine and clinical care.

Fully vaccinated travelers (a booster dose is required for those age 18 and older if the second dose was more than six months prior) and those who have proof of having tested positive in the past two to 12 weeks no longer need to present proof of a negative pre-travel test to enter. Those who are unvaccinated must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of their flight and upload the test results to the online portal.

Visitors may only stay at licensed establishments or liveaboards that have been certified by the Public Health Authority. They must also have travel health insurance valid for treatment in the Seychelles.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Seychelles is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions . Check the U.S. Embassy website for updates.

Sierra Leone

All travelers to Sierra Leone are required to register online to receive a Sierra Leone Incoming number, according to the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone .

As of April 13, a pre-travel COVID-19 test or a test upon arrival is no longer required for travelers who are fully vaccinated.

Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers no longer have to present proof of a negative pretest, but will be tested upon arrival and must pay the fee online when registering for their Sierra Leone Incoming number.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required.

When departing Sierra Leone, an Outbound number is required for all travelers and those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must present proof of a negative test taken within 48-72 hours of departure.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Sierra Leone is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

South Africa

South Africa reopened to tourism on Oct. 1, 2020, and as of Nov. 11, 2020, U.S. citizens can enter for tourism purposes, according to the U.S. Embassy in South Africa . As of June 22, 2022, all COVID-19-related entry requirements have been dropped; proof of vaccination or a negative test is no longer required to enter South Africa. However, all arriving travelers must fill out a health questionnaire .

Related: The 6 best ways to get to South Africa on points and miles

Details can be found here and on South African Airways' website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for South Africa is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

U.S. citizens can enter Tanzania with a vaccination certificate containing a QR code (the CDC card does not have one, but one can be accessed via the VAMS system or via Global Haven ). Vaccinated travelers do not need to take a COVID-19 test upon entry.

Tanzania currently requires all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result containing a QR code and taken within 72 hours of their flight to Tanzania or Zanzibar. They may also be tested upon arrival at their own cost. ($10 in Tanzania and $25 in Zanzibar).

Related: Dreaming of Tanzania

All travelers must complete an online Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours prior to arrival to receive a unique health code. U.S. tourists need a visa to visit Tanzania. All travelers will undergo screening upon arrival.

For more information, see the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania's website .

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Tanzania is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Americans can currently travel to Uganda.

According to the U.S. Embassy , all arriving passengers must have a visa applied for online and approved by the Ugandan government and those age 6 and older must present proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin taken no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight for Uganda. Carrying paper copies of both vaccine certificates and test results are required.

The U.S. Embassy also notes that the government of Uganda requires that all departing passengers age 6 and older present proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. This requirement is mandatory for all departing passengers out of Uganda even if the destination country does not require it.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Uganda is Level 3: Reconsider Travel .

Zambia , home to Victoria Falls and known as a top safari destination, is open to international travelers, including Americans.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Zambia , the country requires proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel (travelers below age 12 are exempt). Tourists from the U.S. and certain other countries no longer need a visa, but they will be subject to health screenings (all travelers must submit a health declaration form) upon arrival and symptomatic individuals may be required to submit to testing and/or self-isolation.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Zambia is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions .

Zimbabwe reopened its borders to international flights on Oct. 1, 2020, and Americans can visit for tourism. All travelers arriving and departing are required to have proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued by a recognized facility and taken within 48 hours of their time of departure for Zimbabwe. Details are here .

A yellow fever vaccination is also required, according to the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe .

Travelers who have received at least three doses of a WHO-approved vaccine are exempt from mandatory wearing of face masks in public, with the exception of public transport and certain indoor spaces.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for the country is now Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution .

Additional reporting by Katherine Fan, Jordyn Fields, Jane Frye, Jacob Harrison, Donna Heiderstadt, Liz Hund, Brian Kim, Stella Shon, Caroline Tanner and Mimi Wright.

U.S. lifts some Trump-era restrictions on Cuba, including limits on travel and remittances

The Biden administration announced Monday it will reverse some Trump-era restrictions on Cuba, including limits on travel and remittances, and boost visa processing in Havana.

The changes, the most significant in U.S.-Cuba policy since President Joe Biden took office, follow a lengthy policy review.

A senior U.S. official said the Biden administration will continue to elevate the matter of human rights, the treatment of political prisoners and labor rights in Cuba, as well as "empowering the Cuban people to determine their own future."

The U.S. will allow charter and commercial flights to airports outside Havana. During the Trump administration, flights to Cuba were restricted to only Havana’s airport. A senior administration official also said that the U.S. will reinstate educational travel in groups under a general license but that it is not reinstating individual “people-to-people” educational travel.

Caps of $1,000 per quarter on family remittances will be lifted. Western Union closed its offices in Cuba in 2020 after President Donald Trump sanctioned its partner company, Fincimex, run by the military. Fincimex will remain under U.S. sanctions. The senior government official said the U.S. has underscored to Cuba the need to find a civilian entity that could process remittances to expand electronic payments.

Visa processing at the embassy in Havana will be increased, and the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program will be reinstated. During the Trump administration, visa processing was greatly reduced after embassy personnel were affected by mysterious health incidents that became known as “Havana syndrome.”

For the past few years, the U.S. has not processed the 20,000 annual migrant visas it agreed to almost three decades ago.

Cuba has been facing a severe economic crisis, with shortages in food and medicine, as well as soaring inflation due to sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of Cuban migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border has soared in recent months. Nearly 100,000 have been apprehended by Customs and Border Protection since October.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez wrote on Twitter that the U.S. government’s announcement was “a limited step in the right direction” but criticized the U.S. for not modifying the embargo or removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Biden vowed when he was campaigning in 2020 that he would reverse “the failed Trump policies that inflicted harm on Cubans and their families.” His administration had been conducting a lengthy review of Cuba policy.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., a Cuban American who is chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement that the administration’s announcement “risks sending the wrong message to the wrong people, at the wrong time and for all the wrong reasons.”

“I am dismayed to learn the Biden administration will begin authorizing group travel to Cuba through visits akin to tourism,” Menendez wrote. “To be clear, those who still believe that increasing travel will breed democracy in Cuba are simply in a state of denial.”

The U.S. will host the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles the week of June 6. Administration officials have been contending with blowback from leaders of some leftist countries after some U.S. officials hinted that Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua would not be invited.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has said that “if everyone is not invited, I will not go.”

Follow  NBC Latino  on  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Instagram .

Carmen Sesin is a reporter for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.

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Biden admin to tighten restrictions on firearm exports, official says

The pause on us firearm exports is expected to be lifted and replaced by new restrictions effective may 30.

NYPD arrest 8 migrants reportedly squatting in home with firearms, drugs

Fox News contributor Paul Mauro joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss New York's crime crisis and argues Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams are responsible for the lack of cooperation between ICE and the NYPD

• The Biden administration plans to tighten firearms exports to prevent diversion to criminal groups and drug cartels.
• The pause on firearm exports, initiated last October, will be lifted and replaced by new restrictions effective May 30.
• An anticipated 7 percent reduction, amounting to $40 million annually, is expected in firearm exports.

The Biden administration plans to impose new restrictions on firearms exports and increase scrutiny on transactions to limit diversions of guns to drug cartels, criminal groups, gangs and others, a Commerce Department official said late on Thursday.

The department on Oct. 27 issued a pause on most firearm exports to assess the "risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities."

The department plans to announce on Friday it will lift the pause from May 30 when the new restrictions take effect. They are being imposed because the department believes it needs to do more prevent exported firearms from being diverted for malign purposes and harming U.S. national security , the official said.

GOP SENATOR INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT US GUN EXPORTERS FROM BIDEN ADMIN'S LICENSE PAUSE

The Commerce Department expects the restrictions to result in about a 7% reduction, or $40 million, out of the $600 million in average annual U.S. firearm exports, the official said.

The Biden administration plans to impose new restrictions on firearms exports and increase scrutiny on transactions to limit diversions of guns to drug cartels, criminal groups, gangs and others, a Commerce Department official said on Thursday. (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

The new interim final rule will impose restrictions on exports to non-governmental users in 36 countries where the State Department has determined they are at high risk of diversions or misuse.

The department will revoke some export licenses and will cut some from four years to one-year licenses, the official said.

The 36 countries include some former Soviet Republics, the official added, saying it is "increasing scrutiny on a transaction by transaction level to ensure that firearms aren't exported to destinations of concern."

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Bloomberg News reported the plan earlier.

The Oct. 27 pause on export licenses for firearms and ammunition sales to non-governmental users had some exemptions, including export licenses for Ukraine and Israel, and some other close allies.

In November, 46 Republican senators said they had "significant concerns" about the pause, saying it "puts at stake U.S. commercial and economic interests" as well as U.S. national security and foreign policy. A similar letter was sent by House Republicans.

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Statement from President Joe   Biden on Iran   Sanctions

Less than a week ago, Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel. Together with our allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. We helped defeat this attack. And today, we are holding Iran accountable—imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran.   The sanctions target leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s Defense Ministry, and the Iranian government’s missile and drone program that enabled this brazen assault. As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs.   During my Administration, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities—including Iran and its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah. And we will keep at it. I’ve directed my team, including the Department of the Treasury, to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran’s military industries.   Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks: The United States is committed to Israel’s security. We are committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region. And we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.

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Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

FILE - Passenger drop off their baggage at United Airlines in C Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in Houston. The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday, April 24, 2024, to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

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The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn’t, many people didn’t feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Joe Biden calls “junk fees.” Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws .

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• Campfire restrictions lifted in Tasmanian national parks and reserves

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​Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) will lift campfire restrictions in national parks and reserves from 02:00AM Tuesday 30 April 2024.

Campfire restrictions have been in place for a number of national parks and reserves since 20 October 2023. These included those on Flinders and Maria Islands, as well as in Dorset, Break O’Day, Glamorgan/Spring Bay, Sorell, Tasman, Kingborough, and Huon municipalities, Narawntapu National Park, Snaky Creek and Tooms Lake conservation areas.

Campfire restrictions will remain in place for national parks and reserves on King Island until further notice.

During the campfire restriction period, PWS attended 258 illegal campfires, 42 of which were still alight when staff arrived.

Waterhouse Conservation Area, in the state’s north, had the largest number of illegal campfires reported during the restriction period, with 36 separate campfires found in the reserve. 

While Tasmania endured a dry summer, PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said the decreased risk of bushfires now permits the resumption of campfires, pot fires, and solid fuel stove use in these previously restricted campgrounds.

"We understand the importance of campfires as part of the camping experience, and we are pleased to announce their reinstatement," Katy said.

"However, we urge visitors and the community to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety guidelines to prevent accidental fires."

While campfires are now permitted, PWS reminds visitors to exercise caution and responsible fire management practices.

Visitors should also note that some national parks and reserves maintain fuel stove only areas throughout the year, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Freycinet National Park, Tasman National Park, and the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area.

More details on these areas can be found on the Fuel Stove Only Areas page.

All Nippon Airways Earns Record $1.3 Billion Profit in FY2023

• ANA saw record revenue and profitability in FY2023, driven by strong travel demand and cost management initiatives.
• International passenger revenue surpassed domestic for the first time, with 69.4% more passengers YoY.
• Low-cost carrier Peach Aviation also boomed, with revenue climbing 53% and passenger load factor soaring to 86.7%.

One of the last regions in the world to fully open for travel was Northeast Asia, where countries including China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan lagged the globe by around 12 months in fully reopening borders. Once the restrictions were lifted, international travel took off sharply, particularly in Japan, much to the delight of both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

All Nippon Airways Adds Flights To 3 More European Airports In 2024

Some record-breaking numbers.

Last Friday, All Nippon Airways released its financial results for the 12 months ending March 31, 2024 (FY2023), revealing record operating income and a first-time operating profit margin of over 10%. Parent company ANA Holdings Inc. attributed these record-breaking results to strong travel demand and the airline's sustained application of cost management initiatives.

Consolidated operating revenue rose by 20% year-on-year (YoY) to reach Y2.1 trillion ($13.26 billion), leading to a record operating income of Y208 billion ($1.3b) while net profits nearly doubled to Y157 billion ($991 million). Passenger demand continued to recover despite concerns about the geopolitical issues in Ukraine and the Middle East and their impact on airline operations. In its announcement, ANA added:

"Against the backdrop of factors such as the change in the status of COVID-19 to a category 5 infectious disease in Japan, both international and domestic passenger services performed well, supported by strong demand for inbound travel to Japan and domestic leisure demand, leading to significantly higher operating revenue compared to the previous fiscal year."

International passenger revenue reached a record high of Y728.1 billion ($4.6 billion), surpassing domestic revenue for the first time. ANA carried 7.1 million international passengers, a rise of 69.4% YoY, while international available seat kilometers rose 54% and revenue passenger kilometers rose 56%, leading to a passenger load factor of 77.3% compared to 73.6% in FY 2022.

ANA continued to expand its flight operations during FY2023, resuming selected China routes, including the Haneda-Beijing and Haneda-Shanghai (both Pudong and Hongqiao) routes in April and the Tokyo Narita to Perth route in October. In December, ANA also began operating the Haneda-Honolulu route with two daily roundtrips on the Airbus A380 FLYING HONU aircraft.

All Nippon Airways Will Launch An NFT Business

Domestic and peach also boomed.

Domestic passenger revenue climbed by 21.8% to Y645 billion ($4.1 billion) as the airline carried 40.7 million domestic passengers, an 18% YoY increase. Domestic ASKs rose by 8.7% and RPKs by 18.2%, pushing the passenger load factor from 64.5% to 70.2% in FY2023. The airline said that domestic passenger volume and revenue increased year-on-year as it actively captured leisure demand with its ANA SUPER VALUE sales and other measures and by using larger aircraft, especially on weekends and holidays.

Low-cost carrier Peach Aviation also increased passengers and revenue from FY2023 by actively capturing inbound travel demand to Japan on international routes and strong leisure demand on domestic routes. It also expanded international operations with an increase in the number of flights on the Kansai-Hong Kong and Kansai-Taipei routes in September.

Peach resumed the Kansai-Shanghai and the Haneda-Shanghai (Pudong) routes in May and the Kansai-Kaohsiung route in August, bringing back all of the routes departing to/from Haneda and Kansai airports that were suspended due to the pandemic. FY2023 revenue climbed 53% to Y138 billion ($871.5 million) as the airline carried 9.3 million passengers. ASKs rose by 10% and RPKs by 29.9%, which sent the passenger load factor soaring by 13.2 percentage points to 86.7%, compared to last year's 73.5%.

Have you flown with Peach? Let us know in the comments.

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U.S. Ends Last Covid Travel Barrier, Vaccine Mandate for Foreign Arrivals

By Ceylan Yeginsu

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International passengers traveling to the United States no longer have to show proof of vaccination against Covid as of midnight Thursday, when the coronavirus health emergency officially ended .

The Biden administration dropped its requirement for coronavirus testing last June but kept in place its vaccination policy for foreign travelers. In February, the House of Representatives voted to end the last remaining pandemic restrictions on May 11.

“As we continue to monitor the evolving state of Covid-19 and the emergence of virus variants, we have the tools to detect and respond to the potential emergence of a variant of high consequence,” President Biden said in a proclamation published on May 1.

“Considering the progress that we have made, and based on the latest guidance from our public health experts, I have determined that we no longer need the international air travel restrictions that I imposed in October 2021,” he added.

Why It Matters: Most other countries have dropped restrictions.

For 18 months during the height of the pandemic, the U.S. closed its borders to international travelers, separating families and costing the global travel industry billions of dollars.

In November 2021, those restrictions were eased, and international travelers were welcomed back to the United States with great fanfare. But foreign travelers were still required to be vaccinated and take a coronavirus test within three days of travel to all U.S. ports of entry. When the administration dropped its testing rule in June last year but kept vaccinations in place, it argued that they were still necessary to slow the spread of new variants of the virus entering the country.

As of last summer, the U.S. was one of the few remaining countries to maintain coronavirus travel restrictions, causing many travelers to choose alternative destinations that welcome them unconditionally.

The rules barred the world’s No. 1-ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic, from competing in the U.S. Open in 2022 because he is not vaccinated.

Background: Spending by foreign travelers in the U.S. still lags.

The initial U.S. travel ban on international travel decimated the U.S. economy’s tourism sector and resulted in losses of nearly $300 billion in visitor spending and more than one million American jobs, according to the U.S. Travel Association, an industry group.

Until April last year, all passengers traveling to or within the U.S. were required to wear masks on airplanes — a contentious mandate that led to fistfights and altercations on planes and put off some international travelers from taking long-haul flights.

Even after the restrictions were eased, spending by international travelers in the U.S. was still down by 78 percent in March 2022 compared to 2019 levels and by 56 percent for business travel, the group said.

“Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward,” Geoff Freeman, the chief executive of the association, said in a statement after the May 11 end date was announced.

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter. She was previously a correspondent for the International desk in Britain and Turkey, covering politics; social justice; the migrant crisis; the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

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