UPDATE: The U.S. now requires travelers to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within one day of travel by air to the U.S.
As the world begins adjusting to the “new normal,” more and more Americans are feeling comfortable traveling again. While most countries have opened their doors with several travel requirements in place, a few countries have opened with no such requirements or never closed at all. Here are a few places Americans can travel without quarantine or testing.
This means no tests upon arrival and no quarantine requirements. However, the U.S. requires a negative PCR test result received within three days of arrival to re-enter.
Though you can enter these countries, it doesn’t mean you should, as these countries could have high rates of COVID-19. It’s best to check the Center’s for Disease Control’s website, the Department of State website, and the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center dashboard for the most up-to-date travel guidance.
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Mexico
Mexico has been the standard-bearer of remaining open during the pandemic because the country never closed its borders or its businesses and never required testing or quarantines for travelers. Mexico implemented a four-level stoplight system to designate the severity of the pandemic in the country. The levels are green, yellow, orange, and red.
Upon arrival at the airport, temperature checks and health screenings may be conducted, particularly for those exhibiting symptoms. However, in most cases, the process is much like it was before the pandemic. For more information for American travelers to Mexico, visit the U.S. Embassy Mexico page.
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Costa Rica
On October 26, Costa Rica eliminated PCR testing requirements and the country removed its list of approved countries on November 1. This means that all travelers can travel there without quarantine or testing. Travelers must complete a digital health form called HEALTH PASS and show proof of insurance if they are unvaccinated and over the age of 17. Entry requirements for Costa Rica are located on the country’s tourism site.
Beginning in January 2022, most public venues such as hotels, museums, gyms, restaurants, bars, casinos, and shops can only allow entry for persons that are fully vaccinated and verified through either a QR code or the printed vaccination certificate. Children under 12 years old are exempt from this requirement.
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Colombia
International travelers to Colombia are no longer required to show a negative PCR test to enter. All travelers must still complete the Check-Mig registration 24 hours before their flight via the government’s migration portal. The registration includes a health declaration stating that travelers do not have COVID-19 symptoms and have not been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
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Dominican Republic
Americans do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter the Dominican Republic. All travelers entering ad exiting the country must complete an electronic entry and exit form, which consolidates the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, international embarkation and disembarkation forms, and customs declaration forms. All passengers must undergo a temperature check, and a small percentage of travelers will randomly receive a breath test at the airport. While vaccine cards are not required in order to enter hotels, resorts, and tourism complexes they are required for travel outside of the tourist zones. Visit the Go Dominican Republic website for more travel information.
U.S. Territories Quarantine and Testing Requirements
Though not a foreign country, the U.S. territories of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico are beautiful places that provide a tropical escape for Americans looking to visit beach destinations without too much hassle. Vaccinated Americans can enter any of the U.S. territories without quarantining or a test to return to the mainland U.S. However, the U.S. Virgin Islands requires all travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within five days of arrival to the island. Visit the island’s travel portal for additional details. Vaccinated travelers to Guam do not need to be tested or undergo a quarantine. Visit Guam’s tourism website for more information.
Puerto Rico requires travelers to complete an online health questionnaire and to upload their official vaccination cards. Unvaccinated travelers to Puerto Rico must show proof of a negative PCR test taken with 72 hours of arrival or take a test within 48 hours of arrival. Otherwise, they will have to pay a $300 fine. For a list of Puerto Rico travel requirements, visit the island’s tourism website.
Information is current at the time of the blog post’s publishing and is subject to change. If you choose to travel during the pandemic, would you prefer to travel somewhere without quarantine or testing, or would you prefer to travel places with those requirements? Let us know in the comments.
Have you traveled abroad without quarantine or testing? What are your travel tips?
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