Where Can Americans Travel to This Summer?
by Jessica Montevago
Jamaica is one of the destinations that Americans will be able to consider for summer travel. Photo: Shutterstock.com
As the European Union lifts its travel ban on foreign visitors July 1 from EU member states and 14 other countries, the United States was notably left off the list due to a recent surge in coronavirus cases. So while trips to the French Riviera or Italian countryside are off the table for now, there are other destinations reopening that Americans can visit in the meantime. (The State Department still has an active global Level 4 advisory, asking U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel.)
United Kingdom
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The U.K. – comprised of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – has a mandatory 14-day self-isolation in place. Arriving travelers are asked to drive a private car to their destination if possible, and avoid public transport or taxis, shopping, and other public places. New arrivals will be required to provide UK officials with contact and travel information prior to arrival by completing the Public Health Locator Form.
The Bahamas
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The Bahamas opened its borders to all visitors July 1. All incoming travelers must present a negative COVID-19 swab test, with results no more than 10 days old (for those arriving after July 7, results can be no more than seven days old). They must also complete an electronic Health Visa prior to departure at travel.gov.bs where they will also upload test results.
Jamaica
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The Caribbean island reopened a “coronavirus-resilient corridor,” stretching along the coast from Negril in the west to Port Antonio in the east, on June 15. Americans must get pre-approval in the form of a Travel Authorization document, which can be applied for online, prior to visiting. Additionally, Americans will have to undergo a coronavirus test upon arrival as the U.S. is considered “high risk.” If they test positive for the virus will be isolated in a public health facility for at least 14 days.
Aruba
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Beginning July 10, Americans can once again travel to the “Happy Island.” All visitors will be required to complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation card process, as well as upload a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to travel, in order to be approved entry to Aruba. The government is also requiring that all visitors have mandatory insurance that helps protect visitors against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if testing positive for COVID-19 during their stay.
Maldives
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Private jets and yachts are already welcome in the Maldives, and commercial airlines are scheduled to resume from July 1. Resorts and hotels located at uninhabited islands will reopen on July 15, while guest houses and hotels located at inhabited islands will open August 1.
Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka will reopen to tourism from all nationalities on Aug. 1. Visitors will be required to provide proof of medical insurance, plan to stay at least five nights, and show a negative Covid-19 test taken less than 72 hours before departure. They will have to undergo a second test upon arrival.
Cambodia
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Foreign travelers will be granted entry to Cambodia upon paying a $3,000 deposit to cover a mandatory COVID-19 test, hotel stays if a guest needs to be quarantined, and any necessary treatment fees. Those who test negative for the virus will only be charged the fees for the test and will be given back the remainder of their deposit.
French Polynesia
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French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, Mo’orea and Bora Bora, announced that tourists from all countries can arrive beginning July 15. Travelers will be required to have either a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure or an “immunity certificate” that proves recovery from a previous infection.
Mexico
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While the U.S.-Mexico border remains closed until July 21, individual states have the autonomy to decide when they will reopen to tourists. Quintana Roo — home to popular vacation spots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum — and Los Cabos have reopened this month. At airports, travelers will experience health screenings including temperature checks, and even thermographic cameras to detect fevers.
Puerto Rico
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Puerto Rico announced formally reopen for in-bound tourism on July 15. Upon arrival at the San Juan Airport, arriving passengers will undergo free COVID-19 testing and a quick health check-up. The airport is also utilizing technology to automatically gauge incoming travelers’ temperature.
Turks and Caicos
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Turks and Caicos will begin welcoming international visitors starting on July 22. Private jet terminals will open on July 22 as well in conjunction with the reopening of Providenciales International Airport. The Grand Turk Cruise Center will remain closed until August 31.
