For decades, Americans have enjoyed some of the most powerful passports in the world, allowing travel to various countries with minimal visa restrictions. However, as COVID-19 infection rates stabilize or decline globally, U.S. citizens may discover that they are not as welcome in several destinations as they were pre-pandemic.
Many countries have implemented extensive travel bans that keep their citizens at home and prevent non-essential foreign travelers from entering. More than a dozen countries have specifically barred entry to visitors from the United States, depending on each nation’s pandemic response and infection rates.
Even when travel bans are lifted, many countries still impose lengthy quarantine periods, which may exceed the duration of a planned vacation. Additionally, curfews and permits can hamper a traveler’s enjoyment. Therefore, before planning your next adventure, it is essential to check for ongoing travel restrictions on U.S. travelers. This will ensure you don’t get your heart set on a destination that’s currently off-limits or impractical.
Albania
While Albania does not explicitly ban Americans, commercial flights resumed on June 15; however, only EU residents are permitted to board outbound flights from Albania. Land borders are open, but the U.S. Embassy advises that neighboring countries (like Greece) have restrictions on visitors from the United States. Routine U.S. Citizen services and visa operations remain temporarily suspended.
Argentina
Argentina announced on March 15 the suspension of flights from the United States and Europe, and in April, it enacted in the western hemisphere, halting all commercial flights and ticket sales until September 1.
Australia
Currently, travel to Australia is limited to Australian citizens, residents, and New Zealanders who have residency in Australia. All incoming travelers must quarantine for fourteen days upon arrival, and international flights are heavily restricted. Consequently, international borders will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
The Bahamas
As of July 22nd at midnight, the international border to Grand Bahama closed for two weeks, alongside the closure of domestic borders. U.S. citizens were advised to leave Grand Bahama immediately, as the U.S. Embassy predicted no repatriation flights would be provided. Currently, all inbound commercial flights from the U.S. until further notice. The Bahamas is only accepting flights from Canada, the UK, and the EU, limiting U.S. citizens’ options significantly.
Botswana
From June 16 onward, Botswana has enacted a blanket entry ban for all non-residents, including visitors from the United States. There are currently no commercial flights available, and travel via the Kazungula Ferry to Zambia and South Africa is severely restricted. Routine consular services from the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone are temporarily suspended.
Cambodia
Cambodia has lifted its ban on entry by non-resident foreigners from various countries, including the U.S. However, travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate, be re-tested upon arrival, quarantine for 14 days regardless of results, and possess at least $50,000 in medical insurance, in addition to providing .
Canada
As of July 16, the U.S. and Canada on all non-essential travel across their borders for an additional 30 days. Individual provinces in Canada have also implemented their own entry and exit protocols.
China
Since March, China has banned foreign nationals, including Americans, from entering the country. Additionally, land border traffic with Russia has been suspended.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, which closed its borders on March 18th, has announced a plan to reopen to select countries starting August 1st. Those countries include various European nations and Canada, but notably do not include the United States.
Ethiopia
Border crossings by land in Ethiopia remain closed as of March 23. All airline passengers arriving in Ethiopia must undergo a mandatory quarantine at their own expense in the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel for two weeks or until their connecting flight out of Bole International Airport.
The European Union
The European Union began lifting entry bans on June 30th, permitting visitors from several nations, including Canada and Japan. However, the EU has not officially , nor do they qualify for entry based on their recorded COVID-19 cases.
Fiji
Fiji has specifically closed its borders to Americans and anyone who visited the United States, Europe, China, or other high-risk countries within 14 days prior to their trip. Cruise ships are also currently barred from entering Fijian ports.
Ghana
As of May 31st, Ghana’s land, air, and sea borders are closed with all international commercial flights suspended. Additionally, public gatherings and various entertainment venues are closed until at least the end of July.
Grenada
Grenada specifically barred travelers from the United States on March 21 due to the high COVID-19 rates in New York City. There is currently no set date for the resumption of commercial passenger flights between the U.S. and Grenada, and travelers arriving by water face testing and quarantine obligations.
Guatemala
As of July 20th, Guatemala is under a nationwide State of Calamity and a State of Siege in some municipalities. All borders remain closed to non-Guatemalans, and commercial flights continue to be suspended.
Japan
Japan has prohibited foreign entry since April, including denying re-entry to non-Japanese citizens who left earlier in the pandemic. While Japan has begun softening restrictions for nearby countries, American travelers continue to be excluded.
Jamaica
Travelers to Jamaica from high-risk locations must apply for a Travel Authorization and present negative COVID-19 PCR test results taken within a week of arrival. Although the United States is not categorized as a high-risk destination, individual states such as Arizona and Florida are considered high-risk.
Jordan
Jordan announced its reopening for specific countries on August 5th, but the United States is not included in the initial list of eligible nations. The Health Ministry will update this list every two weeks.
Mexico
Similar to Canada, Mexico and the United States have agreed to until at least August 20th.
New Zealand
New Zealand has closed its borders completely to all travelers, except for a limited group that includes certain diplomats and Australian residents under specific circumstances.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s current regulations are quite ambiguous; the U.S. Embassy indicates that while no official restrictions have been imposed, borders and airports are effectively closed. Arrivals from significantly affected countries, such as the U.S., must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.
Samoa
Samoa has a limited entry ban on travelers who have recently been in high-risk countries like China or Iran. Cruise ships remain barred until further notice, and all entering travelers must fill out a Special Health Declaration form and undergo health checks.
South Africa
Americans are effectively barred from entering South Africa due to various restrictions. A provision issued on March 28th revoked the visa on arrival for U.S. travelers, and all previously issued visas have been canceled. It is advisable to consult the South African Embassy or Consulate for the latest entry information.
Tonga
Tonga has established entry restrictions for travelers who have resided in or recently visited the United States, along with a range of other countries, mandating a quarantine of at least 14 days in a coronavirus-free country prior to entry.
The United Kingdom
On July 3rd, the United Kingdom lifted the mandatory quarantine requirement for visitors from many countries, but Americans remain classified under “red light” status, which indicates a high-risk origin.
This article was first published on May 29, 2020, and updated on July 30, 2020.
