As the U.S. continues its vaccination campaign, millions of people are getting inoculated with vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. U.S. citizens haven’t been able to visit much of the world (and even some states within their own country), due to pandemic travel restrictions. But as more people get their vaccines, some countries are opening up to vaccinated U.S. travelers or allowing them to skip quarantine requirements that apply to other visitors. More than 90 countries are open to U.S. passport holders regardless of vaccination status, but many require a negative test or quarantine; the nations below have created special exemptions for vaccinated people.
Here’s where you can go now if you’ve had your vaccine. If you're preparing to travel, we can help you renew your passport and enroll in TSA PreCheck with Skip Plus.
Guatemala
Visitors to the Central American nation of Guatemala can now enter without restrictions like testing and quarantines if they can prove that they have had both doses of the vaccine. Guatemala has become a destination for people hoping to visit its historic Mayan ruins and natural wonders like Lake Atitlan.
Ecuador
Visitors to the South American country of Ecuador (including the Galapagos islands) will not have to show proof of testing to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Iceland
Iceland became the first Schengen-zone/EU member country to fully open their borders to vaccinated travelers from any country on March 18th. Travelers from any nation, including the U.S., will be able to enter Iceland without quarantine or testing. The majority of Iceland's annual tourism came from the U.S. and U.K. prior to 2020. Travelers are not permitted to travel onward from Iceland to the rest of the E.U., however.
Greece
Greece is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, and starting in the summer of 2021 it will be open to visitors again. Starting in Mid-May, travelers who are vaccinated, have recent antibodies or can prove that they have recently tested negative for the virus will be able to enter Greece and travel throughout the country and its islands without quarantine.
Georgia
The small nation of Georgia, which sits on the border between Asia and Europe and is known for its medieval castles and rugged mountains, has announced a new policy to open its borders to any person who has received a complete vaccine for the virus (whether one dose or two, depending on the vaccine). Vaccinated visitors will not need to take a test prior to arrival or quarantine when they arrive. Georgia also has a visa program for remote workers.
Lebanon
U.S. visitors to the Middle Eastern nation of Lebanon normally have to take a PCR test prior to arrival, another upon arriving in the country, and then quarantine for three days and take another. Vaccinated visitors don’t need to get tested before arriving in the country and won’t be expected to quarantine. They will just take one PCR test as a precautionary measure upon arriving in Lebanon, at their airline’s expense.
Before travel restrictions were put in place in March 2020, Lebanon’s tourism industry was thriving, attracting visitors from Europe and the U.S. interested in the country’s beaches, wine industry and historic architecture.
Seychelles
Seychelles, a tropical island archipelago off the coast of East Africa, has long been a popular beach destination for tourists from around the world. Seychelles is now open to visitors again, and fully vaccinated visitors from any country will not have to quarantine or test on arrival. Travelers will need to have completed their vaccination at least two weeks prior to arriving. You’ll need to provide proof of vaccination and take a PCR test within 72 hours of landing in the country as a precautionary measure, but once you arrive you will be free to travel throughout the islands.
Thailand
One of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world, Thailand attracts millions of visitors per year to its beaches and cities. Unvaccinated U.S. visitors have to quarantine in a state-run hotel upon arrival in Thailand, but the country is developing a new system for vaccinated people which they plan to launch by the third quarter of 2021. Starting this summer, vaccinated visitors will be exempt from the country’s 16-day quarantine requirement and free to move through Thailand when they arrive.
Hawaii
Unvaccinated visitors from outside Hawaii, including those arriving from other states, are subject to a ten-day quarantine upon arrival unless they provide proof of a negative test. Those with a negative test are still screened and random testing is done at the airport. The state is currently developing a system to make vaccinated visitors exempt from the quarantine requirement and allow them to travel throughout Hawaii more easily. The state’s goal is to have the program for vaccinated travelers available by May of 2021.
As more people become vaccinated, we expect travel programs for vaccinated visitors to continue being developed in more countries and even U.S. states. We will keep this page up to date with the latest news, and in the meantime, make sure you have downloaded the Skip App so you can get push notifications on government news, travel regulations, and more. We can also help you renew your passport and enroll in TSA PreCheck with Skip Plus, so you'll be ready for your next trip.
