us travel restrictions today

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Learn about your destination

Take 90 seconds for safer travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

Enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the  CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Map: Coronavirus travel restrictions by state

Guidance on traveling and travel restrictions varies across the United States as the country faces new surges in Covid-19 cases .

The patchwork of restrictions between regions highlights the ability of states to take different approaches while dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

While all of the Northeast and most of the mid-Atlantic states have implemented statewide travel restrictions, more than half the states, including two of the biggest, Texas and Florida, have no such restrictions.

States hit the hardest when the epidemic began in the United States last spring, such as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have some of the most stringent travel restrictions.

Instead of opting for statewide restrictions, some local officials have imposed restrictions on travel to the most populous cities.

Check the interactive map below to see the latest guidance on travel and possible travel restrictions. This map will be updated weekly.

See NBC News’ coverage of the coronavirus , and see a map of coronavirus cases around the world or charts showing the day-by-day number of infections in the U.S. and worldwide .

CORRECTION (Dec. 18, 2020, 5:30 p.m.): A previous version of this map used the wrong colors for states with recommended travel restrictions and those with city-level travel restrictions. The colors were flipped: Recommendations should be orange (not yellow), and city-level restrictions should be yellow (not orange). The map has been fixed.

Matt Marshall is an associate producer for NBC News Now's "Top Story with Tom Llamas." 

Kanwal Syed is a researcher for the  Plan Your Vaccine  interactive tool on NBCNews.com.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

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.

Travel Restrictions to Prevent the Spread of Disease

Credit: David Snyder

Disease is just a flight away. To protect America’s health, CDC partners with the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the spread of serious contagious diseases during travel. CDC uses a Do Not Board list to prevent travelers from boarding commercial airplanes if they are known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a threat to the public’s health. Sick travelers are also placed on a Lookout list so they will be detected if they attempt to enter the United States by land or sea. These tools can be used for anyone who poses a threat to the public’s health.

Local and state public health officials can request CDC’s assistance if a person who poses a public health threat intends to travel. CDC helps ensure these people do not travel while contagious.

Placing people on the lists

The criteria for adding people to the Do Not Board and Lookout lists are

• not  aware of diagnosis or not  following public health recommendations, or
• Likely to travel on a commercial flight involving the United States or travel internationally by any means; or
• Need to issue travel restriction to respond to a public health outbreak or to help enforce a public health order.

Criteria number one plus one of the three subsets must be met for a person to be placed on the Do Not Board and Lookout lists.

Credit: David Heaberlin

Once a person is placed on these lists, airlines will not issue a boarding pass to the person for any commercial flight within, arriving to, or departing from the United States.

The Do Not Board and Lookout lists have been used for people with suspected or confirmed infectious tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and measles. During 2020-2022, CDC used these authorities to restrict travel of people with COVID-19 and close contacts who were recommended to quarantine. These authorities were also used for mpox during 2022. Travel restrictions can also be used for other suspected or confirmed contagious diseases that could pose a public health threat during travel, including viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.

Preventing people with contagious diseases from traveling also helps to make sure they get or continue medical treatment, such as for infectious tuberculosis.

Taking people off the lists

Once public health authorities confirm a person is no longer contagious, the person is removed from the lists (typically within 24 hours). Also, CDC reviews the records of all persons on the lists every two weeks to determine whether they are eligible for removal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Travel Restrictions to Prevent the Spread of Disease

• Importation
• Southern Border Health and Migration
• Travelers' Health
• Vessel Sanitation Program
• Funding and Guidance for State and Local Health Departments
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Division of Global Migration Health

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• KAYAK for Business NEW

United States Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to the United States

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to the united states, find stays in the united states, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to the United States from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United States.

Can I travel to the United States if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United States without restrictions.

Can I travel to the United States without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United States without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the United States?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United States.

Can I travel to the United States without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the United States?

Mask usage in the United States is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the United States?

Restaurants in the United States are open. Bars in the United States are .

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

What is COVID-19?

Who can get covid-19, can i travel if i recently had covid-19, what can travelers do to prevent covid-19, more information.

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus spreads easily in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms   – ranging from no or mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste and smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Anyone can get COVID-19. However, some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. These include people who are older, are  immunocompromised , or have certain  disabilities , or have  underlying health conditions .  Vaccination, past infection, and timely access to testing and treatment can help protect you from getting very sick from COVID-19.

Yes, you can travel once you have ended isolation . Check CDC guidance for additional precautions, including testing and wearing a mask around others. If you recently had COVID-19 and are recommended to wear a mask, do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you are unable to wear a mask whenever around others.

Get  up to date  with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel and take steps to protect yourself and others . Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Take additional precautions if you were recently exposed to a person with COVID-19. Don’t travel while sick.

If you have a  weakened immune system  or  are at increased risk for severe disease talk to a healthcare professional before you decide to travel.  If you travel, take multiple prevention steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. These include improving ventilation and spending more time outdoors, avoiding sick people, getting tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms, staying home if you have or think you have COVID-19, and seeking treatment if you have COVID-19.

Consider getting travel insurance in case you need medical care abroad .

Consider getting a COVID-19 test if you:

• Develop COVID-19 symptoms before, during, or after travel.
• Will be traveling to visit someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Were in a situation with a greater risk of exposure during travel (e.g., in an indoor, crowded space like an airport terminal while not wearing a mask).

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare professional, and tell them about your recent travel.

• Masking During Travel

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Protect Your Trip »

Where Can Americans Travel Right Now?

More than 100 countries currently allow U.S. citizens to visit, but some restrictions apply.

Getty Images

Travel is limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there are still some countries allowing American visitors.

The current global pandemic has many Americans rethinking the way they travel. Road trips and camping vacations have grown in popularity, as many Americans have discovered the country has more than its fair share of stunning natural landscapes, from the Grand Canyon to Acadia National Park. Some people have even created memorable vacations in their backyards.

However, if you're itching to leave the U.S., there are several countries around the world that will accept you (and your negative coronavirus test results), though some specific restrictions will apply. If you decide to travel, be sure to evaluate the risks and understand the safest ways to travel . You should also look out for yourself and others by taking necessary safety precautions and investing in one of the best face masks for travel .

Note that due to the pandemic, travel guidelines are constantly changing; you'll want to check your destination's official tourism website periodically before your trip. And, consider purchasing travel insurance , so you don't lose money if your U.S. passport is no longer accepted at the last minute.

Below are the countries that currently accept travelers from the United States. Note: As of Aug. 30, the European Union removed the U.S. from its safe list of countries and advised member countries to reinstate travel restrictions. However, it’s up to individual countries to decide on restrictions for incoming travelers, so keep an eye out for official announcements from any European destinations as things are changing quickly. If you decide to travel, you'll also want to check with the State Department for information on returning from your visit as there are some restrictions in place. As of Dec. 6, the CDC requires all passengers, regardless of vaccination status, traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country (including American citizens) to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before their flight. Travelers should also be aware that the State Department has updated travel advisories for dozens of countries to Level 4: Do Not Travel, warning Americans to reconsider international travel due to the ongoing pandemic. Visit the State Department website for additional details on travel advisories. (Note: All mentions of coronavirus tests refer to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test unless otherwise stated. This information was accurate at the time of publication and will be updated as additional information becomes available.)

As of Sept. 6, U.S. citizens must now submit to testing when traveling to Albania. PCR tests must be taken within 72 hours of travel and antigen tests must be taken within 48 hours; negative results are required for entry. Fully vaccinated travelers can bypass these requirements as long as they show proof of vaccination (as can anyone who can prove they recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months). Expect health screening procedures in airports, and prepare to abide by social distancing guidelines and a curfew. Make note that on your return home, there are restrictions to what countries you can pass through, according to the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Albania .]

This tiny country between France and Spain is open to U.S. citizens. In order to enter, you’ll either need to show proof of vaccination completed at least 14 days before arrival, proof of negative test results within 72 hours of arrival or proof of recovery from the coronavirus. For more information, visit the country’s FAQ website .

Americans can enter Angola as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. Travelers must also fill out a Travel Registration Form and abide by screenings to enter. Visitors may also be required to test upon arrival and quarantine depending on the results. Find more information at the U.S. embassy website .

As of July 1, only travelers who can prove they have been fully vaccinated at least three weeks before arriving can visit Anguilla. They will have to apply for entry to the island before traveling and upload results from a negative coronavirus test taken two to five days before travel (or 48 hours prior to travel if taking an antigen test). Once on the island, they will be subject to another test and must stay at their accommodation until they receive a negative result. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy in Anguilla website or Anguilla’s tourism board website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Anguilla .]

Antigua and Barbuda

Access to this Caribbean gem is contingent on a negative coronavirus test (for those older than 5) taken no more than four days prior to your flight. All arriving visitors must also prove they are fully vaccinated by an approved World Health Organization or Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment coronavirus vaccine. Travelers must also show proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test taken no more than four days before travel (or three days for a rapid antigen test). They may also be required to submit to testing upon arrival. American travelers will be subject to temperature checks and health screenings before being admitted into Antigua and Barbuda, no matter if they're coming from a plane, a cruise ship or another mode of transportation. They must also complete a Health Declaration Form prior to landing. Plus, masks are required in all public spaces. Find more specific information on the country's tourism website.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Antigua .]

All travelers regardless of vaccination status must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and complete an electronic sworn statement about their health 48 hours prior to travel. Unvaccinated travelers also have to complete a seven-day quarantine. For more information, visit the embassy website .

This western Asian country allows U.S. citizens to enter as long as they either present a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, or agree to test upon arrival and quarantine until they receive negative results. Vaccine documentation cards are also accepted in lieu of a negative coronavirus test. Face masks are required in some public spaces throughout the country, but virtually every business is open in Armenia. Learn more about the pandemic atmosphere in the country at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia website or the Armenian government's travel restrictions website .

According to its website , which is updated frequently with information on travel restrictions, Aruba is welcoming U.S. vacationers to the island. However, entrance hinges on travelers' completion of an online embarkation/disembarkation card and a health assessment, plus a negative coronavirus test taken no more than one day before arrival (for everyone 12 and older). Fully vaccinated (and boosted) travelers can show proof of vaccination instead of testing. The booster shot is not required for vaccinated travelers younger than 18. If you’re flying JetBlue to Aruba, you have the option to take an at-home, saliva-based Vault PCR Molecular COVID-19 test. All U.S. travelers also must purchase Aruba Visitor Insurance to ensure they are covered if health issues arise during their stay. This insurance cost varies depending on each traveler's age and length of stay; to find out how much it costs, check out the Aruba Visitor Insurance calculator .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Aruba .]

Americans can enter this European nation without having to quarantine if they provide proof of vaccination and a booster shot. Those who are vaccinated but have not received a booster shot must provide proof of vaccination in addition to a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Those who are not vaccinated must present proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and quarantine for 10 days upon arrival at their own expense. Unvaccinated individuals are barred from entering most public venues in Austria including hotels, restaurants and museums. For additional info, see the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Austria .]

The Bahamas

A popular tourist destination among stateside citizens, t he Bahamas are welcoming American visitors to the picturesque islands. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. This negative pretesting requirement extends to all travelers older than 11 (including vaccinated travelers). Visitors are also required to opt-in to health insurance that will cover them for the entirety of their stay (the cost of which depends on your vaccination status). Additionally, those who travel around the Bahamas without wearing face coverings will be subject to fines. Learn more about traveling details on the tourism website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in the Bahamas .]

U.S. citizens may travel to Bahrain without prior testing. However, all travelers older than 6 (aside from those who can prove they have recovered from COVID-19) must submit to and pay for a coronavirus test upon arrival. Travelers must also download the BeAware Bahrain app before travel. For more information, visit the embassy website .

U.S. citizens must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of traveling to Bangladesh and prove the negative results with the appropriate documentation in order to enter the country. Even with proof of a negative test, unvaccinated travelers must complete a 14-day home quarantine period upon arriving in the country. Visit this website to learn more about Bangladesh's entry and exit requirements.

As long as travelers (older than 5) complete a travel form online no less than 24 hours before their flight and provide a negative coronavirus test result taken within 72 hours of their entrance to the island, they can vacation in this Caribbean paradise. Starting Jan. 7, negative results from a rapid PCR test taken one day before travel will also be accepted. Even with a negative result in hand, travelers must quarantine in an approved hotel or villa for a minimum of three days at which time they can take another test to be released. Fully vaccinated travelers will still need to take a test prior to traveling, but they can skip the quarantine and the fourth day coronavirus test. They might still be randomly tested upon arrival at the airport as well. Visit the Barbados website for more information regarding traveling during the pandemic.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Barbados .]

U.S. citizens can travel to Belarus with some restrictions. Travelers need a negative coronavirus test no more than three days prior to arrival. Travelers will also be subject to health screenings, including temperature checks, at the port of entry. A seven-day self-quarantine is also required for unvaccinated travelers; vaccinated travelers can bypass quarantine. Note: The U.S. issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for Belarus, and the nation’s land borders are closed to travelers. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Belarus website for additional information.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Belarus .]

As of Sept. 1, only vaccinated Americans can visit picturesque cities like Brussels , Bruges and Antwerp. A test no more than 72 hours prior to travel, a test upon arrival and a period of self-quarantine pending receipt of a negative test result are also required, as is a second test again on day seven. Travelers will have to complete a Passenger Locator Form and submit to health screenings at the airport. For more information, visit the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Belgium .]

American travelers (anyone 5 and older) will be required to present a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 96 hours prior to departure to Belize. (Rapid antigen tests taken no more than 48 hours before arrival are also accepted.) If you don’t present a negative test, you’ll have to front a $50 fee (paid in cash) and take a test upon arrival. A negative test means visitors can proceed to their Gold Standard Hotel. As of Feb. 15, all travelers regardless of vaccination status must purchase health insurance from a local insurance company. Keep in mind, a curfew is in effect from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. (9 p.m. until 4 a.m. in select areas). For more information, visit the Belize tourism website or the U.S. Embassy in Belize website .

Americans don’t need a test before traveling to this African nation, but they will be subject to a rapid test and a PCR test upon arrival. They must also undergo a third test on day 15 of their stay. For more information, visit the embassy website .

This Atlantic paradise welcomes Americans to its pristine beaches as long as the travelers (ages 2 and older) present negative results from a COVID-19 test taken no more than four days before arrival. As of Dec. 13, all travelers (ages 12 and older) must also be fully vaccinated to enter Bermuda . Vaccinated travelers who tested negative prior to traveling must then take an arrival test and quarantine until they receive negative results. If you are vaccinated but did not come prepared with a pre-arrival test, you must quarantine until you receive negative results from a test on day four of your trip. Visit the U.S. Consulate in Bermuda website for additional information. The Bermuda tourism board also has a website that outlines how to travel safely and responsibly to the island.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Bermuda .]

This country allows Americans to visit as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Masks are required in public spaces, and travelers should expect health screenings at the airport. All unvaccinated visitors must test again 72 hours after arrival and quarantine until they receive negative results. Check for any updates on the embassy website .

Bonaire requires all visitors 13 and older to provide negative test results taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. They must also complete a health declaration form, take a self-test upon arrival and take a test five days after arrival. Travelers who are not vaccinated must quarantine until they receive negative results from the test on day five. Bonaire considers the U.S. to be a high-risk country. Additional information is available on the <u class="rte2-style-underline">Bonaire crisis website</u> , which outlines specifics for travelers.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Bonaire .]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The U.S. Embassy in Bosnia-Herzegovina states the country is open to American visitors as long as they can provide either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from the coronavirus or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry.

Americans who provide proof of negative coronavirus test results taken no more than 72 hours before departure can travel to Botswana. All visitors are also subject to a rapid antigen test upon arrival. Visitors should expect some restrictions on interstate travel between the country's different zones. For more information visit the country’s U.S. Embassy website .

Travelers from the U.S. (older than 12) must show proof of vaccination as well as a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding the plane to Brazil. They must also complete a Traveler’s Health Declaration form. There are some health screening procedures in place at airports but no required quarantine period upon arrival. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Brazil website for more information.

British Virgin Islands

These picturesque islands are now open for visitors. Any unvaccinated Americans (over age 5) planning to travel here must first show proof of a negative test taken three to five days prior to arrival. Completion of and payment for travel authorization certificate is also required. Unvaccinated visitors must be tested upon arrival, quarantine for seven days, and submit to a test on day seven, the results of which will determine if they can travel around the islands. Vaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative test taken no more than five days before arrival, but they can bypass quarantine and will not need to fill out the authorization certificate. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in the British Virgin Islands .]

Americans can once again travel from the U.S. to Bulgaria for tourism purposes. Bulgaria considers the U.S. a “red zone” country, so Americans must show either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel in order to enter. To see the list of exceptions, visit the U.S. embassy in Bulgaria website .

Travelers from the U.S. must obtain a visa to travel to Cambodia. The country has suspended its visa-on-arrival program until further notice, but travelers can now obtain visas online prior to travel. Travelers to Cambodia must be fully vaccinated and they must take a test 72 hours prior to arrival as well as upon arrival. Keep tabs on updates via the embassy website .

As of Aug. 9, vaccinated American travelers can travel to Canada. Visitors to this northern nation must be fully vaccinated with a Canada-approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J or AstraZeneca) and submit proof electronically through the ArriveCAN app. They must also show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entering. Select travelers may also be chosen at random to complete a test upon arrival. Americans can fly to Canada or choose to cross at a land border. Anyone who submits false vaccination records can be fined up to $750,000 and potentially face jail time. For more information, check out the Canadian government updates here .

Travelers from the U.S. can visit Cape Verde as long as they provide proof of a negative test (either PCR or antigen) taken no more than 72 hours before travel. There are no quarantine requirements upon arrival. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can enter Chad as long as travelers over age 12 show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to traveling. They must also pay $40 for a test upon arrival. Travelers staying for more than seven days must take another test at their own expense. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Chile has reopened to American travelers as long as they can show proof of a negative coronavirus test (only PCR tests are accepted) taken within 72 hours of boarding the final flight to Chile. They must also obtain a Mobility Pass prior to arrival, part of which includes uploading proof of full vaccination; these passes can take two to three weeks to obtain, so it’s best to apply early. They also need to show a completed Affidavit of Travelers electronic form and proof of health insurance. Travelers must quarantine for five days upon arrival. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Chile website .

U.S. citizens over age 18 must present proof of vaccination to enter Colombia. Testing is only required in certain situations, such as if a traveler is only partially vaccinated. However, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia website states travelers should be prepared for further health screening upon arrival.

This Central American country, favored by Americans for its lush landscape and pristine beaches, welcomes all U.S. citizens. (Previously, only residents of select states were allowed entry.) Costa Rica no longer requires visitors to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before their visit. However, visitors are required to purchase or show proof of medical insurance to cover any possible coronavirus-related costs they may incur and complete health pass forms, according to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica website . As of Aug. 1, the health insurance requirements are waived for those younger than 18 and for any American traveler who can provide a vaccination card. The Costa Rican government also holds authority to shorten the length of tourists’ stays. Additional details are available on Costa Rica's tourism board website as well.

Côte d’Ivoire

As long as American travelers come prepared with a completed Air Travel Declaration Form and proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than five days before travel, they can enter Côte d’Ivoire. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Americans are once again allowed to visit Croatia, with some restrictions. You must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours (or 48 for antigen test) prior to arrival or take a test upon arrival and quarantine while awaiting results. If you’re fully vaccinated, you can provide proof of vaccination instead of a test. Or, if you can prove you have recovered from the coronavirus within the past 12 to 270 days, you won’t need to provide test results. Also, you must provide documented evidence of an accommodation paid in advance. If you can’t prove vaccination, recovery or a negative test, you must take an arrival test and quarantine for 10 days. Visit the Croatian government's specific COVID-19 website to learn more about how the country is dealing with the pandemic.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Croatia .]

Americans are permitted to enter Curacao as long as they show negative test results taken within 48 hours of departure. Travelers must also have insurance and complete an online immigration card as well as a Health Department passenger locator card before traveling. A test on the third day is also required. Keep in mind there is a curfew in place from midnight until 4:30 a.m. every night. Additional details are available on the U.S. Embassy in Curacao website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Curacao .]

Vaccinated individuals may travel from the U.S. to Cyprus as long as they provide proof of vaccination (or recovery from coronavirus). If you are not vaccinated, you must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel and take another test upon arrival at the airport; you’ll also have to quarantine for seven days at your own expense. All travelers must have an approved Cyprus Flight Pass and are subject to random testing upon arrival at their own expense. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has reopened to American travelers as long as they complete a Personal Locator Form. Travelers who are vaccinated and have received the booster can bypass the pre-travel coronavirus test. (The country considers a vaccine valid as long as it has been nine months since the final dose.) Those who haven’t received the booster or are completely unvaccinated must show proof of a negative test taken prior to travel. There are no quarantine requirements nor travel restrictions within the country. However, many public establishments require visitors to show proof of vaccination or negative tests. For the most up to date information, visit the Ministry of the Interior website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Czech Republic .]

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Travelers to this Central African country who are 11 or older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days prior to departure. They will be subject to another test upon arrival in the Congo and must quarantine until they receive another negative result. Proof of health and medical evacuation insurance is also required in addition to completion of a form. There are also exit requirements in place: Travelers must present negative test results taken no more than three days before leaving the country. All required tests will be paid out-of-pocket by travelers. Visit this website for the most up-to-date information.

Vaccinated Americans can enter this Scandinavian country without testing or quarantine. Unvaccinated visitors must submit to testing upon arrival and quarantine for 10 days (or they can end quarantine early with a negative test on day six). For more information, head to the embassy website or to Denmark’s designated COVID-19 protocol page .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Denmark .]

Americans traveling to Djibouti must test negative for coronavirus no more than 72 hours before boarding the plane and no more than 120 hours before arriving in Djibouti. Passengers will be subject to health screenings and a rapid COVID-19 saliva test for $30 upon arrival. Only travelers who test negative will be allowed to enter the country; those who test positive will either depart on the next flight or enter isolation and treatment. Learn more by visiting the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti website .

Americans are allowed to visit Dominica if they answer a health questionnaire and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Unvaccinated travelers will be antigen tested upon arrival and required to quarantine at a government facility or government-approved hotel for at least five days. They’ll be subject to a test on day five; if negative, travelers will be considered medically cleared and free to explore. Fully vaccinated Americans must upload a vaccination certificate and complete an online form in addition to the required testing. They will also submit to antigen testing upon arrival (for $100), and if results are negative, no quarantine is necessary. Additional info on health and safety protocols for travelers is available here . More details are also available on the U.S. Embassy in Dominica website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Dominica .]

Dominican Republic

American travelers are permitted to visit this island nation, whose popular tourism spots include Punta Cana , Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo , with few restrictions. While the country doesn't require a negative coronavirus test before visiting, travelers will be chosen at random for coronavirus tests upon arrival at the port of entry. If you have proof of a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination, you will be exempt from these random tests. Health screening procedures, such as temperature checks, are also in place. Travelers must also state they haven’t experienced any COVID-related symptoms in the last 72 hours and provide contact details for the next 30 days in the form of a Traveler’s Health Affidavit. There are curfews in place around the island, but times vary by location. The latest visitor information is available on the tourism board's website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Punta Cana ; the Best Hotels in Puerto Plata ; the Best Hotels in Santo Domingo .]

American travelers visiting Ecuador must present proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test or rapid antigen taken within three days of their arrival. A health declaration is also required. Passengers who show COVID-19 symptoms will be evaluated by health officials (regardless of a negative test) and may be subject to isolation and further testing. Alternatively, fully vaccinated travelers can show proof of vaccination instead of negative test results. If you’re looking to visit the Galápagos Islands, you’ll need proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival (if you are 16 or older), and you’ll need to complete a transit control card. Learn more about protocols in Ecuador on the U.S. embassy website .

If you're visiting Egypt from America, you'll need to present physical proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken ideally no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers who arrive without proof of a negative test must be tested upon arrival and quarantine until they receive a negative test result. There is no required quarantine for American travelers. Learn more about specific interstate travel restrictions on the embassy website .

El Salvador

This Central American country no longer requires U.S. citizens (2 and older) to take a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Visitors will also be subject to various medical screenings at their port of entry before beginning their travels through El Salvador. There is no required quarantine period for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador website .

Equatorial Guinea

U.S. citizens are allowed to visit Equatorial Guinea without any need for quarantine upon arrival as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival in the country, according to the U.S. Embassy website . An exit PCR test is required as well.

Estonia is open to Americans with some restrictions. Vaccinated passengers with documented proof can bypass all testing and quarantine requirements. Unvaccinated individuals can only travel to Estonia for an approved purpose (not for tourism), and they will have to undergo testing and quarantine. Visit the embassy website for more information.

Travelers to this East African country must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 120 hours prior to flying, according to the embassy website . There are health screenings in place at the ports of entry, and if any traveler exhibits coronavirus-like symptoms, they will be taken to temporary isolation. Even with proof of a negative test, travelers must quarantine for seven days upon arrival. Note: Travel to Ethiopia is not advised, as the U.S. has placed the country on the Level 4: Do Not Travel list due to civil unrest and terrorism concerns.

Travelers can once again visit France and pay a visit to the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, wine regions, beaches and numerous other attractions. Entry will be granted to travelers who have completed a full vaccination course and show proof of vaccination at the airport. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers from a list of orange countries (which includes the U.S.) can also enter France only if they have a compelling reason for travel. (See details on what is classified as a compelling reason here.) Unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR test performed 48 to 72 hours before departure. All travelers must complete a French Health Pass as well. For more information, visit the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in France .]

French Polynesia

Vaccinated Americans can visit idyllic islands like Tahiti , Mo'orea and Bora Bora . They must present a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 24 hours prior to departure, to their airline. They are then subject to testing upon arrival. Vaccinated travelers do not have to quarantine but unvaccinated travelers must isolate for seven days. They must also receive prior authorization to travel to French Polynesia. Additional forms may also be required. Learn more about the current French Polynesian COVID-19 protocols on the tourism website .

Americans can travel to this west African country as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than five days prior to travel. Visitors must also take a test upon arrival at their own cost ($36) and quarantine until they receive a negative result. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy website .

American travelers to The Gambia must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. They will also be subject to a rapid test upon arrival, as the U.S. is considered a hot spot country. There are no quarantine restrictions. Learn more on the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia website .

Unvaccinated visitors to the country of Georgia must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, get a follow-up PCR test taken on the third day (at their own expense) and submit a form with contact info and travel history details. Those who don’t test on the third day run the risk of getting fined more than $600, according to recent reports. Vaccinated American travelers can enter without proof of a test, but they must show documentation confirming they have received two full doses of the vaccine. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Americans must be fully vaccinated to travel to Germany. If not fully vaccinated, they must have an important reason for traveling to Germany – tourism is not considered important. Travelers must show either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 to 72 hours prior to traveling. For more information, visit the country’s Federal Foreign Office coronavirus website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Germany .]

Americans looking to travel to Ghana must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before leaving for their trip. Additional health screenings are in place upon arrival in Ghana, and all arriving passengers must take another rapid COVID-19 test for $150 to fully enter the country (paid for at their own expense online; travelers must present proof of this to the airline before boarding). Learn more about what your trip to Ghana will look like on the U.S. Embassy website .

Travelers from the U.S. will be happy to know they can now enter this scenic country, known for its historic cities and vibrant islands. Travelers older than 5 must present results from a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arriving in Greece or a rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours before arrival. Everyone must also complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to entering the country. Travelers should note that many restaurants, stores and nightclubs in Greece have started requiring proof of vaccination to enter. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Greece website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Greece .]

All visitors to Grenada must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. All visitors must also apply for a Travel Authorization Certificate online to enter the country. Vaccinated individuals traveling must show proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated visitors 13 or older must test upon arrival and quarantine at an approved accommodation until they receive negative results, allowing them to move around Grenada . Find out more on the Grenada entry protocol website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Grenada .]

In addition to partaking in health screenings at ports of entry and completing a health pass form online, U.S. citizens traveling to Guatemala who are 10 or older must present proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. They must also show proof that their second vaccine dose was administered more than two weeks prior. Once in the country, visitors won't have to quarantine, and there are no restrictions on travel within Guatemala, according to the embassy website .

Those traveling from the U.S. to Guinea must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. If a traveler fails to provide proof, they will be tested upon arrival and required to quarantine for two weeks. Learn more on the embassy website .

Americans planning to visit Guyana must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. Visitors age 12 and older must also show proof of full vaccination. Before arrival in this South American country, visitors must also complete a passenger locator form to ensure easy contact tracing in the case of infection. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Commercial flights from the United States to Haiti are now operating, although keep in mind this island nation is labeled with a Level 4 advisory from the State Department, due to crime, kidnapping and civil unrest. Passengers are required to provide a negative PCR or antigen coronavirus test result taken no more than 72 hours before boarding a flight to Haiti. Travelers are subject to health screenings upon arrival and may be contacted up to three times based on the information disclosed in their health declaration to monitor for signs of disease, according to the embassy website .

Americans will need a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and a completed immigration form to enter Honduras. (If fully vaccinated, travelers can present a vaccine card in lieu of test results.) Visitors should note there will be health screenings in place at the airport, curfews around the country, and restrictions on certain essential activities, such as shopping. Learn more about what your trip to Honduras will look like on the U.S. Embassy website or visit the Honduras government website for additional details.

Vaccinated Americans can enter Iceland as long as they provide proof of vaccination, proof of a negative coronavirus test (either a rapid test or PCR test) and complete a preregistration form. Unvaccinated travelers can only enter for essential reasons or under specific circumstances. If unvaccinated individuals have previously tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, they can visit Iceland with proof of a negative coronavirus test result and a completed preregistration form. For more information on traveling to Iceland, see the country's guide to travel or visit the government's official website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Iceland .]

Americans can venture across the pond to Ireland after showing proof of full vaccination or recovery from the coronavirus within the past 180 days in addition to proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Those who enter without a test can face fines and even jail time. There are no quarantine requirements. However, keep in mind Ireland officials advise against all nonessential travel. See up-to-date information on the Ireland tourism board website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Ireland .]

As of Jan. 9, U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Israel provided they are fully vaccinated and boosted (or they have recovered from the coronavirus). They must also complete an entry statement form and show negative results from a test taken no more than 72 hours (24 if antigen test) prior to travel. For more information, visit the country’s Ministry of Health website or the U.S. embassy website. For more information, visit the country’s Ministry of Health website or the U.S. embassy website .

As of Aug. 30, vaccinated Americans with proof of immunization (or recovery) and a negative (molecular or antigen) coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of travel can visit Italy. American travelers must also complete a self-declaration form. Those who are not vaccinated must abide by the same testing requirements and quarantine for five days upon arrival. They can leave quarantine if they test negative on the fifth day. For more information, visit Italy’s government website or the U.S. embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Italy .]

Anyone over the age of 12 traveling to Jamaica from the U.S. will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from an accredited medical lab (can be a PCR test, a Nucleic Acid Amplification test, an RNA or molecular test, or an antigen test) taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. They must also apply for travel authorization within seven days of their trip. The country has established “resilient corridors” which include destinations like Negril and Montego Bay; quarantine requirements differ depending if you stay inside or outside of the corridor, according to the tourism board website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Jamaica .]

As long as travelers from the U.S. provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and submit to a second test upon arrival at their own expense, they can enter Jordan. Health insurance to cover any coronavirus related expenses is also required for every visitor. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Jordan website .

As long as they can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arriving in the country and arrive without a fever or cough, trouble breathing and flu-like symptons, Americans can travel to Kenya for touristic purposes. According to the embassy website , there are health screenings, including temperature checks, in place at the Kenyan airports as well.

Travelers to Kosovo must present either proof of full vaccination, proof of partial vaccination paired with a negative test, proof of recovery within the last 90 days or a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. There are no quarantine requirements. Visitors should also expect medical screenings at the airport. Learn more about travel in Kosovo on the U.S. embassy website .

Visitors to Kyrgyzstan must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. There are also health screenings in place at airports, but there are no daily restrictions or curfews in place. For more information, visit the embassy website .

American travelers coming from the U.S. can only enter Latvia for tourism purposes if they can prove they are fully vaccinated. Testing is not required. To learn more about entrance to Latvia, visit the embassy website .

Lebanon allows people to travel from the United States as long as they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of traveling to this Middle Eastern country. Vaccinated travelers can bypass testing requirements. However, there are travel restrictions in place throughout the country as well as a curfew, as stated on the embassy website .

To enter Liberia, visitors must complete a health screening arrival form online and pay $75 for a coronavirus test to be taken upon arrival in Liberia. Authorities recommend completing the payment online before arrival. They will also be subject to temperature checks at the Liberian airports. However, there is no required quarantine period nor restrictions on interstate travel. A tourist visa is required for travel, according to the embassy website .

Lithuania is welcoming only vaccinated U.S. tourists. Vaccination is considered valid as long as it has been less than 270 days since the final dose. There are no testing or quarantine requirements website .

U.S. citizens are only allowed to visit Luxembourg if they are fully vaccinated. For the most up to date information, visit the embassy website .

Many resorts and hotels have reopened in the Maldives, and American travelers can experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation here after providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival. They must also complete a Traveler Health Declaration form. For more information, visit the country's tourism board updates page .

[Read: The Most Beautiful Maldives Resorts .]

Only vaccinated Americans are permitted to visit Malta. Travelers must provide their CDC vaccination card and fill out a public health form. As of Aug. 1, vaccination cards must be approved through the VeriFLY app. If you arrive without a vaccination card, you’ll be subject to testing and forced to quarantine for 14 days at a government-mandated hotel (or otherwise face a fine). Find the most up-to-date information on the embassy website .

Americans can visit this island nation as long as they provide proof of negative test results taken within 72 hours of travel. They must also stay in an approved resort . Unvaccinated visitors must remain in their hotel room (meals will be delivered to you) for 14 days, with tests on day seven and day 14. Vaccinated visitors are allowed to move about the island after testing negative on day seven. After day 14, all visitors can explore the island. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can embark on a vacation in Mexico without taking a COVID-19 test prior to traveling. While travel across the land border between the U.S. and Mexico remains limited to essential trips, nonessential travel has resumed via air. Travelers will be subject to health screenings upon arrival and should note there are some cities around the country that have curfews and other health restrictions in place. Additionally, cases are on the rise in some Mexico states, so be sure to travel with caution. Learn more about traveling while in Mexico at the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Mexico .]

This Eastern European country is now open to American travelers as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Those who can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of recovery are exempt from the testing requirements. There are no quarantine requirements or travel restrictions once in the country. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Anyone entering this ritzy city-state from the U.S. must show either proof of full vaccination course, proof of recovery from coronavirus (between 11 days and six months prior). For more information, visit Monaco’s government website .

A negative COVID-19 test or a coronavirus antibody test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival is required for Americans visiting Montenegro. (Those who are vaccinated do not have to take a test but must show proof that vaccination occurred at least seven days prior to traveling. A positive antibody test can also replace proof of PCR test.) Visitors should be careful not to stop in any of the banned countries before arriving in Montenegro, though. Find the restricted countries on the Institute of Public Health in Montenegro website .

Morocco, the African country most frequented by tourists, has reopened to Americans. Visitors must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel and submit to rapid antigen testing upon arrival. Learn more about the rules applying to specific travelers on the embassy website ; additional info is available on the Morocco tourism board website as well.

Tourists (ages 5 and older) entering Namibia must provide a negative COVID-19 test performed no more than 72 hours before their initial flight, according to the embassy website . There are additional health screenings in place at airports but no restrictions on travel within the country once a tourist has passed all these tests.

As long as you show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding your flight, you can visit Nepal from the U.S. Travelers must also show proof of insurance as well as a tourist visa. Read more on the embassy website .

The Netherlands

The Netherlands considers the U.S. a “very high-risk” country, so American travelers can only enter the country if they can show proof of full vaccination and proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. They must also quarantine for 10 days, unless they test negative on day five.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Netherlands .]

Americans are allowed to enter Nicaragua as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before entry. . For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Visitors to Niger must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to landing in this West African country. The embassy website also states American visitors will be subject to medical screening measures upon entry.

American travelers older than 10 must provide negative COVID-19 test results taken within the previous 48 hours before departure to this country. Fully vaccinated travelers can show proof of immunization instead of testing. They must also sign a health declaration before traveling and pay out of pocket for a retest after spending seven days in Nigeria, according to the embassy website .

North Macedonia

As of Sept. 1, American travelers must provide either a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel or a certificate of recovery issued within the previous 45 days. They may be subject to medical screening at the airport, according to the embassy website .

Before jetting off to this sunny Central American nation, travelers must present their Electronic Health Affidavit, according to the tourism website . However, unvaccinated visitors must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of their trip. If the test is expired, travelers will be subject to further testing at the airport at their own cost. They also have to quarantine in a hotel for 72 hours. Note that upon arrival, there are additional health screening measures in place, including temperature checks.

You can travel from the U.S. to Paraguay without any quarantine requirements as long as you can show proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated visitors are not permitted to enter. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can enter Peru as long as they provide results of a negative real-time COVID-19 test, a negative antigen test result or a medical certificate of epidemiological discharge no more than 48 hours old. Proof of vaccination can be presented in lieu of test results. Health screenings are also in place at airports. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Philippines

Americans can now travel to the Philippines if they have valid visas. Vaccinated visitors must show proof of vaccination and a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Unvaccinated American visitors must abide by the same testing requirements, complete a facility-based quarantine and submit to repeat testing on the fifth day. For more information, visit the Philippine Airlines website .

Americans are allowed to travel to Poland as long as they can show proof of negative test results taken no more than 24 hours before landing in Poland. A seven-day quarantine is mandatory except for those who provide a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 24 hours of crossing the border and are considered fully vaccinated (or recovered). For more information, visit the embassy website .

U.S. citizens can visit Portugal’s charming cities and scenic coastline as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours (or 48 hours for antigen tests) before arrival, regardless of vaccination status. Rules may differ in the Azores and Madeira, so be sure to check for updates on your specific destination. Stay up to date on the regulations – which are reviewed every two weeks – by visiting the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Portugal .]

Puerto Rico

American travelers who show proof of vaccination and submit a completed Travel Declaration Form are free to explore the island, according to the tourism board website . Unvaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. Anyone who doesn’t test within this time period must quarantine for seven days. Travelers will have to follow rules in public spaces regarding social distancing and mask-wearing. It’s also important to note that proof of vaccination is required at many public establishments across the island.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Puerto Rico .]

All travelers to Qatar must take a negative coronavirus test no more than 72 hours prior to boarding. Once in the country, unvaccinated American travelers must quarantine for five days. If vaccinated, you can bypass quarantine requirements. For more information, see the country’s Ministry of Public Health website or the U.S. embassy website .

Americans visiting Romania must either show proof of immunization, proof of recovery within the last 180 days or proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Those who show proof of a negative test must also quarantine for five days. Vaccinated visitors can bypass these testing and quarantine requirements. For more information, visit the Romania tourism board website .

Americans can travel to Russia as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than two days prior to travel and obtain a travel visa. There is no required quarantine upon arrival, but each local jurisdiction can set its own quarantine requirements. Note if not flying directly to Russia, Americans must transit through certain government-approved countries to be allowed entry. Keep in mind, the U.S. State Department still discourages travel to Russia due to terrorism and has placed a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning on the country. For more information on applying for a tourist visa and traveling to Russia, visit the U.S. embassy website .

While American tourists are allowed to visit Rwanda, the country's government goes to great lengths to reduce the spread of coronavirus from tourism, according to the embassy website . First, tourists must present negative coronavirus test results taken within 72 hours of their trip, and they must fill out a Passenger Locator Form, which details their passport information and travel plan. Upon arrival, Americans will partake in health screenings at their port of entry, and will then travel to a designated transit hotel as they await the results of a second COVID-19 test (paid at their own expense). Self-isolation is required until the results of this second test prove to be negative.

Saudi Arabia

All travelers regardless of vaccination status must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia. While in the country, vaccinations and booster shots are required to enter most public spaces. For the most up-to-date information, visit the embassy website .

U.S. citizens entering Senegal from the states must provide negative coronavirus test results taken no more than five days before their arrival. Proof of immunization is accepted in lieu of test results. Health screenings are also in place at Senegal's ports of entry. Use the guidelines provided on the embassy website to plan your trip to Senegal.

This Balkan nation is allowing American visitors as long as they provide results of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival (or proof of vaccination). To curb the spread of coronavirus, many businesses and restaurants operate under restricted hours. Learn more at the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Serbia .]

This pristine group of islands off the coast of Africa has opened its doors to American travelers who obtain a Health Travel Authorization visa and can show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken 72 hours prior to travel. Visit the Seychelles tourism board website for more information.

Sierra Leone

Before visiting Sierra Leone, Americans must show negative COVID-19 test results received no more than a week before departure. American travelers should also be prepared to take two COVID-19 tests upon arrival – a rapid diagnostic blood sample test and a diagnostic nasal swab test. The tests cost $80 at the traveler’s expense. For more information about Sierra Leone’s policies, visit the embassy website .

Singapore allows Americans to visit as long as they show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. They must also submit to testing upon arrival. Americans can apply to the Vaccinated Travel Lane and, if approved, they will not face quarantine restrictions. In order to apply for the VTL, travelers must be vaccinated. Learn more at the embassy website or on Singapore’s government website .

Sint Maarten

Vaccinated American travelers who have received a booster can enter the Dutch Sint Maarten without testing. Those who are vaccinated but not boosted – and those who are unvaccinated – must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Everyone must complete an EHAS application to enter. For more information, visit the country’s government website .

Americans can travel to Slovakia without prior testing. However, unvaccinated travelers will be subject to a five-day quarantine upon arrival. Vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine. Learn more on the country’s immigration website .

South Africa

This popular African vacation destination is once again open to American visitors. Any travelers to South Africa will need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. If they don’t provide test results, they will be required to quarantine at their own cost. There is a nightly curfew in place, and social distancing is strictly enforced. Note: The U.S. Department of State has moved South Africa, as well as some other nearby countries, to the Level 4: Do Not Travel list due to concerns about the omicron variant. For more information about what your trip to South Africa will look like, visit the embassy website .

South Korea

Travelers from the United States are permitted to visit South Korea as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 48 hours of travel. There is a mandatory seven-day quarantine requirement, but select travelers may apply for quarantine exemptions. Travelers must also answer daily health questions through a mobile app to help the government monitor the spread of disease. Learn more at the embassy Learn more at the embassy website .

Vaccinated American travelers can now sip sangria and sample tapas in this popular European vacation destination. Testing is not required, but as of Sept. 6 showing proof of vaccination is mandatory to visit Spain. American travelers also need to obtain a QR code from the online Spain Travel Health portal to gain entry. For more information and updates, visit the U.S. embassy in Spain website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Spain .]

Sri Lanka is now open to American citizens, providing they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. There will be health screenings in place at the airport and there are curfews in different regions throughout the country. Vaccinated individuals can stay anywhere in the country, but unvaccinated people must stay for eight days and seven nights at an approved accommodation. They can only visit specified tourist sites. For more information, visit the country’s official protocol website .

Fully vaccinated Americans can visit St. Barts as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. Visit the embassy website for more travel specifics.

St. Kitts & Nevis

As of May 29, only fully vaccinated American travelers can enter St. Kitts & Nevis. Previously, all Americans could enter but restrictions changed as a result of new coronavirus cases on the island. (Note: Unvaccinated travelers 18 or younger can still enter the country if they’re traveling with fully vaccinated guardians.) Travelers must complete a travel authorization form by uploading proof of vaccination as well as negative coronavirus test results taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. They also must vacation in place for until they receive negative results from their arrival test. The St. Kitts tourism website and the Nevis tourism website are frequently updated with information regarding entry.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Kitts & Nevis .]

Armed with a negative coronavirus test taken no more than five days before their trip to St. Lucia , Americans (5 and older) can visit this picturesque island nation. Before arrival, travelers will have to fill out a travel registration form, confirm reservations at a certified property and upload their negative test results in an online portal. Travelers must also adhere to the medical screening procedures at the country's airport and unvaccinated travelers must stay in place at an approved facility for at least 14 days or the duration of their vacation. However, fully vaccinated travelers are free to leave their hotels and explore the island. Visit the embassy website or the tourism board website before traveling to learn more specifics.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Lucia .]

This Caribbean nation allows Americans to visit as long as they provide negative test results taken no more than 120 hours prior to departure, depending on which airport they’ll be flying to. In addition, travelers must fill out a mandatory health authorization application prior to departure. St. Maarten also requires travelers to have health insurance coverage that will cover COVID-19 related expenses. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days upon arrival, but vaccinated travelers can bypass this requirement. Find more details on the U.S. embassy website and the country’s entrance website, which is frequently updated with the most recent travel entry requirements.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Martin – St. Maarten .]

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Americans looking to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be subject to many coronavirus tests, according to the embassy website . The first must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the island nation. If you are unvaccinated, another test might be administered upon arrival and a 14-day quarantine period in an approved hotel is mandatory. Visitors must take another test between four and seven days after arrival, then continue to vacation in place.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Vincent and the Grenadines .]

Americans can enter this Nordic country as long as they show proof of vaccination and show proof of negative test results taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. There are no quarantine requirements. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Switzerland

This popular tourist destination is open to Americans who complete an entry form, show proof of vaccination and provide proof of a negative coronavirus test. If you are not vaccinated, you cannot enter solely for tourism purposes. To enter many public spaces, everyone needs a Swiss vaccine certificate; you can use the information provided here to apply for a certificate. For more up to date information, visit the embassy website or the Swiss government website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Switzerland. ]

American tourists visiting Tanzania will be required to partake in health screenings upon arrival. They must also provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than three days before arrival in the country. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania website before planning a trip here.

Thailand is now open to all vaccinated visitors and has no quarantine requirements in place. However, before traveling, you must book a stay in a government-approved hotel for the first and fifth nights of your trip; you’ll also need to prepay for two coronavirus tests. Visitors must also show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website. For more information, visit the country’s official tourism website .

Trinidad and Tobago

As of July 17, fully vaccinated American travelers are permitted to enter Trinidad and Tobago. They must take present a negative coronavirus test result for entry and register for a travel pass at least 72 hours prior to arrival; visitors will be subject to health screenings upon arrival as well. For more information, visit the embassy website.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago .]

This North African country, known for its Mediterranean climate, is now open to American visitors. Americans must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Additionally, visitors will be required to complete a 14-day self-quarantine before setting out to explore Tunisia (or they can test out of quarantine on the seventh day). Travelers should also note there is a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. every night. Learn more on the embassy website .

Unvaccinated American visitors to Turkey must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. Vaccinated travelers can bypass testing by showing their vaccine cards. Passengers will also be required to fill out an entry form within 72 hours of their flights. Note: Many establishments in Turkey require guests to be fully vaccinated to enter. Learn more about travel to Turkey on the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Turkey .]

Turks and Caicos

A popular vacation spot among Americans, Turks and Caicos allows visitors from the states as long as all travelers older than 16 are fully vaccinated. Everyone must also show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers also must share health information in the form of a questionnaire. Learn more about COVID-19 in Turks and Caicos on the country's tourism website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Turks and Caicos .]

Americans can travel to Uganda if they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 120 hours before departure. They also must take another test upon arrival at their own expense and quarantine until results are available. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Americans entering Ukraine must show either proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, proof of a negative rapid antigen test or proof of vaccination. They must also demonstrate they have adequate health insurance to cover any coronavirus costs before entering the country, according to the U.S. embassy in Ukraine website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in the Ukraine .]

United Arab Emirates

All travelers arriving from the U.S. must still show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Each emirate has differing quarantine requirements for incoming travelers. There are advanced medical screening measures in place at the ports of entry. Additionally, there are varying measures and interstate travel restrictions in place depending which emirate you're traveling to. To help safely plan your trip to the UAE, visit the embassy website .

United Kingdom

Fully vaccinated Americans must provide proof of vaccination and a passenger locator form to enter the U.K. Unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival and pay for another test to be taken within two days after arrival. Many major airports in the U.K. offer walk-in or drive-thru testing sites at the airport so you can test upon arrival and receive your result within 24 hours. For more information, visit the U.K.’s coronavirus website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in England ; the Best Hotels in Wales ; the Best Hotels in Scotland ; the Best Hotels in Northern Ireland .]

U.S. Virgin Islands

Americans can visit this U.S. territory in the Caribbean after showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within five days of travel and providing their travel authorization certificate from the USVI Travel Screening Portal. Tests are required for all travelers 5 and older. Upon arrival, all U.S. Virgin Islands visitors will have their temperature taken and must complete a traveler screening questionnaire. Visit this website for more information on traveling here.

[Read: The Best Hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands .]

Americans can visit this country in Central Asia after providing proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to traveling. Additional health screenings are in place at ports of entry but there are no quarantine requirements. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can now enter Venezuela as long as they come prepared with a negative coronavirus test taken within 48 hours of arrival in this South American country. There are no curfews or quarantine requirements in place. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Zambia now allows all international travelers to enter the country. Those visiting from America need to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel. If you exhibit coronavirus symptoms upon arrival, you'll be subject to a 14-day quarantine period in a government-appointed area. Learn more about travel to Zambia on the embassy website .

Americans can travel to Zimbabwe after taking a coronavirus test and receiving a negative result issued no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. There is no required quarantine for travelers (in most cases) but there is a daily curfew from 6:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. There are also restrictions in public spaces like restaurants. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Domestically

Keep in mind, you don't need to leave the country to have a memorable vacation. While international destinations are tempting, there are plenty of enjoyable places to safely vacation around the U.S. Trade the Maldives for Maui, Hawaii , the Swiss Alps for Vail, Colorado , or an African safari for an adrenaline-filled Jeep ride through the desert of Sedona, Arizona . You can even find many lesser-known destinations around the country – such as St. Augustine, Florida ; Leavenworth, Washington; or Holland, Michigan – that feel more like Europe than America.

Choosing a domestic vacation has its perks, especially during a pandemic. You won't have to worry about visa restrictions, issues with entry or last-minute country closures ruining your trip. (Though note some states are imposing their own travel restrictions and quarantine rules.) Not to mention, you might find a little slice of paradise close to home that you can continue to visit.

You may also be interested in:

• The 15 Best Face Masks for Travel
• Where Can You Travel if You're Vaccinated?
• When Will Cruises Resume?
• Is It Safe to Travel? How to Vacation Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies
• What to Do If Your Flight is Canceled

Tags: Coronavirus , Vacation Ideas , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best charleston tours.

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

The Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

Amanda Norcross April 4, 2024

The 10 Best Denver Tours

Lyn Mettler April 4, 2024

Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Nicola Wood April 3, 2024

The Best Way to Renew a Passport

Amanda Norcross April 3, 2024

The Best Checked Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Sharael Kolberg , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 3, 2024

The Best Venice Tours

Lyn Mettler and Marisa Méndez April 2, 2024

The Best Travel Toiletry Bags

Amanda Norcross April 2, 2024

U.S. News Best Bed & Breakfasts Rankings

U.S. News Hotels Editors April 2, 2024

The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Rachael Hood , Erin Evans , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson March 29, 2024

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

Getty Images

Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

Join the Conversation

Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping

Recent Articles

Best countries.

National News

Best Countries Rankings

• # 1 Switzerland
• # 5 Australia
• # 5 United States

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

You May Also Like

Switzerland is world's best country.

Julia Haines Sept. 6, 2023

Photos: Best Countries Around the World

Sept. 6, 2023

The 25 Best Countries in the World

Elliott Davis Jr. Sept. 6, 2023

AUKUS Weighs Expanding Security Pact to Deter China, FT Says

Reuters April 6, 2024

US, China Need 'Tough' Conversations, Yellen Tells Chinese Premier Li

Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, which left from Baltimore on March 23 , will return to Norfolk instead on April 4. "Our guests on board will be provided compensation and complimentary shuttle transportation as well as Wi-Fi and phone calls to adjust their travel arrangements," a spokesperson said in an email.

The ship's April 4 and 12 cruises will leave from Norfolk, too. "Our guests booked to sail with us will receive compensation due to the necessary adjustments made to their vacations," the spokesperson added. "After returning from the April 12 cruise, Vision will head to the Bahamas for its previously scheduled maintenance."

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

Watch CBS News

How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: April 4, 2024 / 8:10 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on the morning of March 26  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

In Baltimore, Biden announces more federal assistance after bridge collapse

Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles collectively donate $10 Million to Key Bridge Emergency Fund

Local organization set to host free job support days for displaced Port of Baltimore workers

Families of Key Bridge collapse victims will greet President Biden Friday

Beijing vows to ‘resolutely counter-attack’ any US visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials over Article 23 domestic national security law

• Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin warns US over possible travel restrictions floated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken
• War of words follows US report criticising new domestic national security law, as Wang urges Washington to understand 'one country, two systems' governing principle

Beijing has vowed to "resolutely counter-attack" any potential moves by the US to impose visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials over the enactment of the city's domestic national security law .

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin warned against the curbs on Monday, three days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was considering imposing travel restrictions on Hong Kong officials deemed "responsible for the intensifying crackdown on rights and freedoms".

Wang said Beijing was strongly opposed to Blinken's "so-called report", which he labelled "irresponsible", and had already made its concerns clear to Washington.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

"[The United States] confused right and wrong, as well as seriously interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," he said at a press briefing in Beijing.

Blinken made the comments in a press statement about an annual report submitted to the US Congress as part of the country's Hong Kong Policy Act, which was enacted in 1992. The act gives Washington discretion to treat the city separately from mainland China in areas such as trade and economic engagement.

Wang added that the US had "also seriously violated the principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations".

"If the US imposes visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials, China will resolutely counter-attack," he warned.

Wang said the report smeared the city's national security laws and electoral system, as well as its "democracy, rule of law, human rights and freedoms".

He urged the US to understand the "one country, two systems" governing principle, adding that Washington should respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law.

Blinken said on Friday that the new domestic national security law had "broad and vaguely defined provisions regarding 'sedition', 'state secrets', and interactions with foreign entities", which he claimed could be used to eliminate dissent inside and outside the city as part of what he called China's "ongoing campaign of transnational repression".

Washington-funded Radio Free Asia quits Hong Kong, citing staff safety concerns

In a report published that day, the US State Department said Beijing had taken "new actions that directly threaten US interests in Hong Kong" and Americans living in the city faced "heightened risk of arrest, detention, expulsion or prosecution" if they publicly criticised China.

The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect on March 23, fulfilling Hong Kong's obligations under Article 23 of the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

Hong Kong authorities earlier also condemned the US for "untruthful remarks, slanders and smears", as well as its "political attacks".

On Monday, pro-Beijing representatives staged a protest outside the US consulate in Hong Kong to oppose the potential visa restrictions.

More Articles from SCMP

Yao Ming says China’s basketball woes to be expected given domestic league’s standard and lack of leaders

Cookbook designed for trainee surgeons, and cooks, sharpens knife skills and challenges physical dexterity

The Dutch software company that could shape EU-China relations for decades

China asserts claim to Indian-held Arunachal Pradesh in latest list of place names

This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Liquid restrictions at UK airports to remain in place until June 2025

Travellers will have to wait another year for 100ml limit to be lifted after government extends deadline for new scanners

Holidaymakers will continue to face limits on the amount of liquid they can carry on flights out of the UK this summer after the government extended the deadline for airports to install new security scanners by a year.

The Department for Transport had previously set a target for the introduction of 3D scanners in all UK airports by 1 June, but this has now been extended by 12 months because some major airports will not be ready in time.

Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester Airports Group, which owns Manchester airport and Stansted, said in January that they would not meet the deadline and hoped the latest scanners would be fully operational in 2025.

The scanners, which have already been fully introduced at London City airport and Teesside airport, use computed tomography to produce clearer and more accurate images.

They also include the latest explosive detection capabilities, which can detect threats without the need for liquid containers to be removed.

When introduced, the current 100ml limit on the amount of liquid that can be held in carry-on luggage will be scrapped and replaced with a two-litre rule.

Nor will liquids and laptops have to be removed from carry-on bags, speeding up the security process.

The restrictions on liquids were introduced in 2006 after security officials foiled a plan to blow up a transatlantic flight using liquid concealed in a bottle of soft drink.

The government is now telling travellers that they should continue to expect the current 100ml rule throughout the summer.

Th aviation minister, Anthony Browne, said: “By 1 June, more than 50% of passengers will be going through the new security checkpoint, but our message is that travellers should prepare for the current rules to be in place and check what the specific rules are for the airport they are using.”

Department for Transport officials said some airports had faced supply-chain delays in securing orders for their scanners.

Other airports had been hit with construction problems, including having to reinforce floors because of the weight of the machines.

The government said it would issue penalties for airports that were not ready after the June 2025 deadline, but gave no details of what they might be.

after newsletter promotion

It is the second time the government has been forced to delay the rollout after initially setting a deadline of 2022 .

The installation of the new scanners has come with additional costs for airports. Heathrow is spending about £1bn on the new equipment, including upgrading 146 security lanes across four terminals. The Guardian has contacted Heathrow about its progress.

Manchester Airports Group said it was making good progress at both of its sites and was introducing the upgrades lane-by-lane, with several already operational. Full completion of the programme is expected next year.

Gatwick said its position was unchanged from January when it indicated a completion date of spring 2025 .

London Luton airport also has some lanes operational and said it was “making excellent progress” towards the June deadline.

Newcastle airport said it had already installed the technology, and Bristol airport said it would meet the government’s deadline.

• Travel & leisure
• Heathrow airport
• Gatwick airport
• Stansted airport
• Air transport
• Airline industry

Most viewed

Advertisement

Supported by

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

By Ceylan Yeginsu

• Share full article

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

Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Saturday 6 April 2024 08:45, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes

Japan tackles overtourism with restrictions for some iconic sites

Mar 27, 2024 • 5 min read

From restricted capacity to increased tourist taxes, options are being considered to counter overtourism in Japan © Jon Hicks / Getty Images

Japan is set to limit visitors at some popular attractions so that sites don't suffer from overtourism. Here's what you need to know.

Japan’s enduring popularity for overseas visitors is bringing consequences as the country seeks to balance the benefits of tourism and the impact on the areas visited, particularly at iconic destinations . 

Recently, tourists have been banned from certain private streets in Kyoto ’s famous historic Gion district , traditionally home to the teahouses where geisha  (geiko) and maiko (apprentice geiko ) performers work, largely due to antisocial behaviour. Unruly tourists have even been blamed for harassing geisha, with the Japan Times  reporting that one had her kimono torn and another had a cigarette butt put in her collar.

What new policies are being considered?

New fees and restrictions have already been introduced on climbing specific trails up Mt Fuji , in order to combat overcrowding, reduce the environmental impact — including cleaning up all the trash that results from so many people on the mountain — and improve safety for everyone doing the climb. 

Kyoto is considering special tourist express bus routes, that will whisk visitors to the city’s most iconic sites in order to reduce overcrowding and improve efficiency on regular local buses, as well as to make what can be a complicated system easier for travelers. 

Higher pricing for tourists is also being considered, having largely been absent in Japan, where many of the most famous cultural attractions are surprisingly inexpensive to enter. For example, Kyoto's famous golden temple Kinkaku-ji costs ¥400 for adults, which is about US$2.50. Changing this would be controversial, and it seems more likely that there would be increases in tourist taxes in order to fund services for visitors.

What are tourist taxes used for?

Local tourist taxes, usually collected as an extra on top of payment for your hotel, are common across many parts of the world, although these are relatively low in Japan compared with, say, destinations in the US like Honolulu and San Francisco.

These aim to fund some of the local costs associated with visitors: Kyoto’s is on a sliding scale based on the price of your hotel room, from ¥200–1000 a night (about US$1–7). The city of Hatsukaichi, home to the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima-jinja , often known as Miyajima and famous for its torii gate standing in the water off the island, recently implemented a ¥100 (about US$0.60) fee to fund the preservation and management of the site.

Japan already has a ¥1000 (about US$7) tourist departure tax that you may have never noticed as part of your plane fare.

How is Japan likely to manage the problems of overtourism?

It seems unlikely that Japan will curtail its overall number of visitors because of overtourism. More likely, we’ll see more examples of capacity restrictions in specific places, like on Mt Fuji, where a certain number of people per day are allowed in.

This already happens in some cases in Japan: the famous Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and the new Ghibli Park in Nagoya both have a ticket maximum to maintain the quality of experience and to avoid overcrowding — the price for the former is just ¥1000 or about US$6.50, so it really is about capacity.

Some trains — specifically the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen between points west of Tokyo — are  not included as part of the Japan Rail Pass , even though the slightly slower trains like the Hikari are. There’s only a few minutes' difference in terms of travel time, but at peak times there can be a half-dozen of the faster trains for every one of the slower ones. This is done for a variety of reasons, including that the clockwork-like efficiency of the shinkansen’s busiest section leaves only the briefest times for passengers to get on and off the train, and confused tourists (often carting large luggage with them) have been known to disrupt operations. Overseas visitors are therefore concentrated into the slightly slower Hikari and much slower Kodama services instead.

A more recent change is the 2020 introduction of  the “Baggage 160” system , where travelers must reserve a space for larger pieces of luggage (over 160cm/63in in combined height, width and depth) on more popular bullet train lines or pay a carry-on fee. The change largely stemmed from the complications of visitors bringing large pieces of luggage onto trains that were not designed with large luggage storage. Japanese travelers tend not to bring large suitcases with them on trains, instead shipping them ahead to their destination via the excellent and inexpensive set of luggage delivery services like Yamato Transport , known as kuroneko  (black cat) after its ubiquitous logo of a black cat carrying a kitten in its mouth.

How will this impact on group tours?

Keep an eye out for capacity management caps or even outright bans to potentially affect group tours first. These can be very unpopular with local people, and indeed with other visitors.

A tour bus full of visitors descending all at once can change the character of a place instantly, and that’s certainly the case in a lot of the most famous Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkaju-ji, Ryōan-ji or Kiyomizu-dera . These groups often have a reputation for behaving disrespectfully, like talking loudly in places where quiet is expected, not following rules, and getting in the way of local people and more respectful travelers.

You’re unlikely to be affected as an independent traveler, and a smart tactic is to visit at times when these groups are either still making their way from their hotels, have been packed off for lunch, or are heading back at the end of the day — and to plan to explore the less-traveled corners of this fascinating country.

Explore related stories

Mar 4, 2020 • 5 min read

Step away from Japan's big cities and sample some slow travel in and around the Seto Inland Sea.

Feb 5, 2020 • 4 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 21, 2024 • 9 min read

Feb 21, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 11, 2024 • 11 min read

Jan 18, 2024 • 8 min read

Dec 10, 2023 • 6 min read

Mar 7, 2023 • 7 min read