Winter 2020 is coming and many people are about to escape for some tropical vacation. Just make sure you do it right. Due to the pandemic, lots of countries have restrictions you may not be aware of.
To help you out with your travel decisions, here are compiled list of 17 warm vacation ideas and places to travel during COVID-19 for Americans, along with travel restrictions and requirements for each destination!
ANTIGUA Y BARBUDA
14-day quarantine or $100 test!
Why visit Antigua y Barbuda – These islands in between the Atlantic and the Caribbean are well known for their reefs and natural scenery. You can relax at one of their many luxurious resorts, go snorkeling, yachting, or explore nature.
Travel restrictions – To be admitted to Antigua and Barbuda you need to present results of a negative COVID-19 test and undergo a 14-day quarantine. Only travelers from within the regional Travel Bubble (Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and Barbados) are exempted from the mandatory quarantine.
If you ask to be tested on-site (for $100 paid to the Quarantine Authority) you may be eligible to forego all quarantine measures as long as the results come back negative and quarantine authorities allow it. Best Places to Visit during COVID-19 for US citizens Play Video
FLORIDA
No entry restrictions from other US states!
Why visit Florida – Sunny sands, blues skies, subtropical wilderness, and affordable luxury.
Travel restrictions – Florida has no travel restrictions in place as of November 11. However, The Florida Department of Health recommends wearing face coverings if social distancing is not possible, not to go to gatherings of more than 10 people, avoid crowds, closed spaces, and close contact.
On the other hand, the COVID-19 has taken a toll on Florida. The State has had 51,115 persons in hospital and 17,300 deaths.
On a visit to Florida, you will not only enjoy city life but also you will be entering the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
MEXICO – BAJA CALIFORNIA, CANCUN
NO quarantine, no test required for US citizens!
Why visit Mexico – Its beaches, cenotes, marine life, and affordable shopping.
Travel restrictions – All countries (including US citizens) are allowed to travel to Mexico. No COVID test, quarantine, or insurance is required but you should definitely consider insurance that covers COVID.
Check the States that have made the Orange, Yellow and Green list. This means that in those States you will be allowed to visit hotels, restaurants, open-air parks, gyms, cinemas, theaters, museums, cultural events and more.
Considering Baja California for your winter escape is a safe option. Baja has taken the lead in creating and implementing “La Ruta Turística por México (the Tourist Route through Mexico)“, to fight COVID-19 and promote tourism.
CUBA
No Quarantine, no test required but you will be tested on arrival for FREE
Why travel to Cuba – The culture, the beaches, the food, Cubans, the traditional music, and more.
Travel restrictions for entering Cuba – First and foremost, you do not need to bring a COVID-19 test, instead, you will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival at the government’s expense. Once you take the test you must quarantine for 24 hours and if the result is negative, you will be free to enjoy the Island.
Once you make it to the island authorities will perform health checks. You will receive your COVID-19 test results in 24 hours; if they are negative you will not have to quarantine and you will be free to do tourism.
These are some of the places travelers are allowed to visit
- Southwest: Largo key
- North-central: Coco, Guillermo, Cruz, and Santa María keys
BERMUDA
No quarantine, 2x test required.
Bermuda is ranked as one of the safest destinations for Americans to visit during COVID-19. With only 224 cases and 9 deaths caused by the virus, Bermuda has only a level 1 warning by the CDC.
Travel Restrictions: All passengers need proof of negative COVID test before the flight, get a second test on arrival, and wait in the quarantine for 24h until the result from the second test.
All visitors are also required to submit a Visitor Travel Authorization before departure to Bermuda.
COSTA RICA
No quarantine, no test required for US citizens!
Why travel to Costa Rica – It is the perfect place for diving lovers. This country is full of wildlife natural areas such as the famous Cocos Island National Park, which is also a World Heritage site.
Travel restrictions – Costa Rican government is currently allowing travelers from all over the world. However, you will need to present proof of health insurance that covers any medical treatment and quarantine lodging. Also, fill out the new Health Pass form.
Costa Rica is no longer requesting to present the results of a negative PCR test to be allowed entry.
HAWAII
No Quarantine, just bring your negative PCR test
Why travel to Hawaii – There are a number of reasons why you should travel to Hawaii. Beautiful beaches, gorgeous scenery, great food, loads of culture, endless fun and more.
Travel restrictions – Travelers visiting Hawaii must bring an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) taken 72 hours prior to boarding their flight. You can also show proof of negative test results from a CLIA certified laboratory to avoid the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Keep in mind that this restriction includes anyone 5 or older.
Click here for further information about traveling to Hawaii.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
4-day quarantine, multiple tests and health insurance.
Why visit The British Virgin Islands – Whether you are looking to practice water sports, go on a virgin nature adventure, or simply look forward to relaxing and being pampered, you will find what your heart desires on the British Virgin islands.
Travel restrictions – There are many requirements to enter the BVI. For starters you need to apply for a Travel Authorization and upload a recent COVID-19 test result. Once you land on the islands you will have to present your Travel Authorization Certificate along with proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19. You will also get tested twice more; once at the airport and the last one after your mandatory 4-day quarantine.
With 80 reported COVID-19 cases and only one death to the virus, the islands are considered to pose the lowest possible risk for travelers.
BARBADOS
A negative PCR test and (possibly) no quarantine
Why travel to Barbados? – This Caribbean island offers not only the customary dreamy beaches, perfect weather and a myriad of activities to enjoy, but also one of the more robust and comprehensive hospitality structures in the region. Book a trip and let them work out the details for you.
Travel restrictions – The United States is considered a high-risk country by multiple health organizations. Thus, American visitors -in particular- need to comply with a set of requirements.
Visitors arriving from high and medium-risk countries without proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result may be denied entry to the country.
If they bring one, then they will be allowed to leave the airport after clearance by Health Authorities. These travelers must take a second COVID-19 PCR test 4-5 days after the first one negative one.
Be aware that if your first test doesn’t meet the required criteria (it’s older than 3 days, fake, or provided by an unauthorized laboratory) you may be denied entry.
PUERTO RICO
No Quarantine, just bring your negative PCR test
Why travel to Puerto Rico – PR is a rare combination of diverse culture and heritage, warm people, and beautiful landscapes.
Travel restrictions – You need to complete a Travel Declaration Form online (either in English or Spanish). Bring your negative COVID-19 test results taken at least 72 hours before landing on the island. Upload your test results to your Travel Declaration Form online (links above) you will receive an Airport Exit Confirmation Number and QR code. Without these two you won’t be allowed to leave the airport. You do not need to quarantine if you follow the steps and bring all the required documents.
Bring all your energy to enjoy the beaches, natural reserves, casinos, Marinas and restaurants that are already open for business.
ARUBA
No Quarantine, just bring your negative COVID-19 test
Why visit Aruba: Its turquoise sea, constant sunshine, soft white-sand beaches, surprising natural wonders to explore, and culinary delights found nowhere else in the Caribbean.
Travel restrictions: The first step to visit Aruba is to get tested for COVID-19 and upload your negative test results and other information to Aruba’s online immigration form. Then you will need to acquire mandatory COVID-19 health insurance. If you fail to provide negative COVID-19 test results on arrival you will have to get tested at the airport and self-isolate until negative test results are available.
* Travelers coming from Dominican Republic, Haiti, Colombia and Mexico will be able to visit Aruba starting December 1.
BAHAMAS
No Quarantine, just bring your negative PCR test
Why travel to the Bahamas – Its warm weather, crystal clear waters, great shopping deals, the big all-inclusive resorts, and endless tourist activities.
Travel restrictions – When visiting the Bahamas the first thing you need to do is to submit your Travel Health Visa Application, once you get it, keep it handy together with your negative PCR nasal swab COVID-19 test results.
Don’t forget to bring your application confirmation and the original PCR test results with you. Airport authorities will check them before boarding your plane and once again after landing in the Bahamas.
Once there, you cannot miss the duty-free shops!
CAYMAN ISLANDS
14-days quarantine required, no test needed!
Why travel to the Cayman Islands – They are probably one of the best places on earth to do snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and kitesurfing thanks to crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
Travel restrictions – You will be glad to learn that you do not need to bring a COVID-19 test. However, there is a mandatory 14-day quarantine if you are coming from overseas.
Americans are now allowed entry if they are dual citizens, permanent residents, Workers or their families, students, spouses, fiancés, or if they own residential property in the Cayman Islands (among other types of travelers).
Read more about travel to the Cayman Islands here.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
No Quarantine, just bring your negative PCR test
Why travel to the Dominican Republic? – The best-connected Caribbean destination (8 international airports), beaches, modern cities, mountains, and colonial towns!
Travel restrictions – You do NOT need to bring a negative COVID-19 test result to be granted access to the Dominic Republic. Starting on September 15, the government decided to remove this requirement in order to encourage tourists to visit.
Plus – Once you arrive in The Dominican Republic the government will provide you with a temporary, free travel assistance plan that provides coverage for emergencies in case you get the COVID-19 virus while in the country. The insurance plan includes medical attention by specialists, medical transfers, transfer of a relative, penalty for airfare changes, and lodging for prolonged stays among other benefits up to US $10,000.
So, not going is just crazy!
ST. MAARTEN
No Quarantine, just bring your negative PCR test
Why travel to St. Maarten – Sint Maarten has all of the wonders of a unique tropical paradise. Additionally, the entire island is duty-free so you can find great bargains on clothes, cosmetics, jewelry and electronics.
Travel restrictions – If you provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken 120 hours before arrival you will not need to quarantine. Upload your test result to their online ED card prior travel Sint Maarten. Find more information here.
Sint Maarten lifted its “shelter-in-place” policy but social distancing protocols must still be observed when in public.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
No Quarantine, just bring your negative PCR test
Why visit the U.S Virgin Islands – Its beaches and turquoise waters, its year-round sunshine, and it’s incredibly vibrant culinary scene.
Travel restrictions – All travelers aged 5 years or older must apply for entry through the USVI Travel Screening Portal within five days of traveling. COVID-19 test results will also need to be submitted through the portal, which will then issue a travel certification.
Additionally, if you are not able to produce a negative COVID-19 test you will need to undergo a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter, at a government-approved location at your own expense.
GRENADA
Only a 7-day quarantine and a negative PCR test
Why travel to Grenada: This often overlooked Caribbean island has plenty of charm to offer. From colorful towns, spice-scented markets, the mix of cultures of its people, and of course its natural scenery; it is a paradise to be discovered.
Travel restrictions – Travelers must acquire a Pure Safe Travel Certificate and get tested for COVID-19 at least 3 days before arrival. Upon entry all travelers are compelled to quarantine for 7 days and to take a PCR COVID-19 test on the fourth day. If the results come back negative, the person can leave their residence on the 7th day of quarantine.
On arrival, travelers will need to show proof of a reservation on an approved accommodation to spend their week-long quarantine. Residents or yacht owners can self-isolate at their own home/boat.
Grenada has no community spread of COVID-19, and all recent cases have been imported so expect stricter rules to enter than those being enforced on the streets.