The reality of the Covid pandemic is that everyone’s going a little stir crazy, itching to get out of their houses and return to life as usual. The problem is it’s not so simple to get out and about, and any excursion out of your respective country could possibly, maybe be safe, but (as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said in his seminal novel Cancer Ward) “bridges aren’t built on perhapses. Perhaps don’t lead to anywhere, only more perhapses.” The hazardous vicissitudes of our current situation are impossible to understate.
Don’t forget to take the proper precautions, whether abroad or just in your hometown!
Now, more than ever, it’s important to travel responsibly. Just because countries are vying for a resurgence of tourism to inject some much needed verve into their economies, it doesn’t necessarily make travel a good idea.
So take into consideration your health and the health of others before even entertaining the decision to venture back out into the world and find countries open for tourism. It’ll still be out there in a few months, and there are plenty of other ways to occupy your time if you’re (understandably) feeling uncomfortable with the prospect of transmigrating.
WATCH: How to Plan Your Meaningful Travel Post Coronavirus
Is it safe to travel right now?
It’s impossible to guarantee safety when traveling right now. But, in all honesty, countries outside of the US (especially countries like Germany and New Zealand) have handled the pandemic much better and have managed to mitigate cases and attenuate the intensity of this crisis as much as one can conceivably do. Those observing from the outside are mostly shocked at how chaotic and mismanaged it all has been.
So, while it might not be exactly safe to travel right now (seriously—it’s important to reiterate that safety during this time cannot be guaranteed; travel is replete with uncontrollable variables to be cognizant of, even while waiting to board a plane, train, or bus, all of which could ultimately lead to infection), traveling to countries open for tourism could potentially end up being safer than staying in America.
It's also worth noting that anywhere open to US tourists right now will most likely require you to be vaccinated in order to enter and possibly quarantine for 7-14 days. While it's good to be vaccinated and keep yourself safe, keep in mind that if you're headed somewhere with low vaccination rates, that you may be putting that population at risk.
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5 countries that are open to tourists right now
Editor’s Note: The following information was accurate as of August 2020. Many more countries have reopened as of October 2021.
1. Albania
Who can travel here right now? As of July 1st, Albania has reopened for tourism. As one of the few countries open for tourism, they have officially “lifted all entry restrictions and travel bans for air and sea borders” and “all foreign citizens can now travel to Albania for the purpose of tourism.”
It’s important to note there is some ambiguity for Americans, in that the US embassy stated on June 15th that US citizens were prohibited from traveling into the country. However, according to this source, they’ve done their due diligence and have contacted various authorities in Albania, all of which have stated that “all COVID-related restrictions or bans have been lifted.”
Regardless, it’s highly advisable to contact your local consulate for a better understanding as to what the situation is and what to anticipate.
2. Cambodia (suspended as of October 2021)
Who can travel here right now? Cambodia is one of several Asian countries open for tourism—but there’s a catch. As of June 15th, tourists entering Cambodia have to pay a $3,000 deposit to cover Covid-related expenses they could potentially incur and have health care coverage of up to $50,000.
These fees are intended to cover healthcare in instances of infection, laundry services, meals, and (as morbid as it is) a funeral. It’s difficult to find information specific to Americans, so again, it would be a good idea for prospective tourists to check in with their local consulate for specifications.
3. Dubai, UAE
Who can travel here right now? As of July 7th, Dubai is welcoming tourism. But, as there always seems to be, there’s a catch! If you want to travel to Dubai, you have to either provide documentation proving that you tested negative for the virus at the airport, or you have to be willing to be tested at the airport. So be sure to make the arrangements necessary to be admitted into the country.
Be aware: like with many countries open for tourism, if you’re an unknowing asymptomatic carrier, for example, your holiday may be truncated. Regardless, this country is reopened for all tourists!
4. Maldives
Who can travel here right now? As of July 15th, the Maldives are reopened to all tourists. It’s important to note, however, that unlike other countries open for tourism, there are relatively no strings attached.
Also, it’s not entirely clear how many of the innumerable resorts these islands host will be open. Regardless, the nature of vacationing in such a cluster of islands could make it one of the safer prospective holiday destinations.
5. Malta
Who can travel here right now? As of July 1st, Malta is reopened for all tourists. However, as of August 18th, an amber list of countries that must submit a negative COVID test upon arrival has been compiled and published. It’s all very complicated, but, lucky for you, everything you need to know can be found right here.
It’s important to note that, like with all countries open for tourism, these things are subject to change, and they will almost certainly be updated. So just keep that in mind and keep yourself informed.
Use our Covid Travel Hub for New Updates on Travel Restrictions
Where can Americans travel right now?
Editor's Note: This information was accurate as of October 2021. Restrictions continue to tighten and lift around the word. Many of these locations require either proof of vaccination and/or negative Covid test upon arrival. Quarantine upon arrival may be required regardless of vaccination status.
Some of the 100+ locations currently open to American tourists include:
- Costa Rica
- Tahiti and Other Polynesian Islands
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Croatia
- Mexico
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- France
- Spain
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Iceland
- Italy
KEEP READING: 12 Coronavirus FAQs to Help You Navigate Education Abroad
Don’t travel unless it’s safe!
Stay optimistic, wear a mask, and soon we may be able to travel freely again.
While searching for countries open for tourism during these uncertain times, it’s evident travel has only become more complicated. It’s important to do some research to understand what kind requirements various countries that have recently reopened are imposing on tourists.
Don’t forget to take quarantining into consideration when planning your trip and the time you need to take off work. These are measures of safety and security for their citizens, for you as a tourist, and compliance is necessary. Remember that while holidays are usually opportunities to absconder responsibility, there are concerns that make that reckless and irresponsible.
Read more Covid Travel Articles on GoAbroad.com →
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