Editor’s Note — CNN Travel updates this article periodically. It was last updated in its entirety on September 2.
(CNN) — For much of 2021, US passport holders have seen an expanding list of international travel options. But with the rise of the Delta variant of Covid-19, that list has started contracting a little.
On August 30, the European Union recommended that Americans should be banned from nonessential travel to its member states, though it’s still up to each country in the EU to make the final decision.
Total US cases are around the 39.9 million mark since the pandemic started. The Delta variant grows more concerning by the week. Some nations are overwhelmed by Covid cases as well as some US states.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether travel to international destinations is a good idea. The health risks are obvious if you’re not fully vaccinated. Nations might change their rules at any time. You may have to adhere to strict curfews and mask mandates. Violations could involve big fines and even jail time.
If you want expert input into your decision, the US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide Covid-19 risk assessments by country. Both agencies rate many of the countries open to US travelers at Level 4, the highest risk for Covid-19. Also, remember that all air passengers 2 and older must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test that’s no more than three days old to enter the United States.
List of nations
What follows is a curated, alphabetical list of countries and territories where it’s still possible for US passport holders to go for a vacation. Click the links at the end of each destination for important information on:
— Presenting negative results from Covid-19 tests to enter (including time limits to take the test, types of tests allowed and additional tests upon arrival).
— Quarantines (if any) and health screenings.
— Possible exemptions from the rules for the fully vaccinated, people recovered from a recent case of Covid-19 or children.
— Health insurance requirements, curfews and lockdowns.
— Different rules if you’re arriving from a third country vs. the United States.
These are all things you need to research before you book your trip. People testing positive for Covid-19 upon arrival or while visiting can expect to go into quarantine. Rules for land entry may be different.
Albania
UPDATE: This southeastern European country has a gorgeous Adriatic coastline. Starting September 6, testing required; exceptions for the fully vaccinated or with proof of Covid-19 recovery. No quarantine. US Embassy.
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Stroll along Turners Beach on Antigua’s southwest coast.
Shutterstock
Armenia
Aruba
Scroll down to the Dutch Caribbean entry below for information on Aruba and other islands in this group.
Austria
The River Salzach flows through historic Salzburg, Austria.
Barbara Gindl/AFP/APA/Getty Images
US citizens can now visit this Alpine nation renowned for its culture and food. Testing required to enter unless fully vaccinated or proof of past infection. Quarantine depends on vaccination status and your departure point. US Embassy | Austria Entry Requirements.
The Bahamas
Bangladesh
On offer: beaches, interesting architecture and cultural experiences. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy.
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
San Pedro is Ambergris Caye’s largest town. It’s known for its laid-back vibe and excellent Belizean cuisine.
Shutterstock
English is spoken in this Central American nation filled with wildlife spotting opportunities and stunning barrier reefs. Testing required, even for the fully vaccinated. No quarantine. US Embassy | Belize Tourism Board.
Bermuda
Bolivia
This landlocked South American country offers surreal landscapes from Andean to jungle. Testing and quarantine requirements in place. US Embassy.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina features cosmopolitan Sarajevo and gorgeous lakes. Testing required with exemptions for fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. No quarantine in place. US Embassy | Bosnia Border Police
Botswana
Botswana is renowned for its safari opportunities. Elephants are always a top sighting on any excursion.
CNN
This southern African nation is famed for its wildlife in the Okavango Delta and elsewhere. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
Brazil
South America’s largest country has the lure of Rio’s festive atmosphere and the Amazon River’s mystique. Testing required; quarantines are not. US Embassy | Health declaration.
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Fully vaccinated Americans can now get their Vancouver fix.
Pixabay, Creative Commons
Colombia
Costa Rica
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Côte d’Ivoire is a popular destination for people wanting to enjoy West African culture and food. Testing required; quarantine encouraged but not required. US Embassy | Travel declaration and fee.
Croatia
Croatia, the jewel of the Adriatic, is once again open to US leisure travelers. Testing required to enter; exemptions for the fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 infection. No standard quarantine in place. US Embassy | Croatia official entry form.
Cyprus
Both parts of this politically divided Mediterranean island are open to US tourists. The Republic of Cyprus and the northern third of the island administered by Turkish Cypriots (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) each have their own rules of entry and testing. US Embassy in Nicosia | Visit Cyprus.
Czech Republic
Prague’s timeless charm makes it one of Central Europe’s most popular destinations.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Denmark
Often at the top of “happiest countries” lists, Denmark accepts US travelers. Testing required; exemption for fully vaccinated. Quarantine is not required. Stricter rules for Greenland and Faroe Islands. US Embassy | Denmark tourist information.
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Dubai
Scroll down to the United Arab Emirates entry below.
Dutch Caribbean islands
Find out the important details on these various Dutch islands in the Caribbean — renowned for their hospitality and ocean life — by clicking on the links:
A beach in Oranjestad, Aruba.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
Saba: Known more for its rugged landscape and hiking than beaches, little Saba is open. Click on links for latest requirements. Saba Tourism | Saba EHAS application.
Ecuador
The animals of the Galapogos Islands fascinate scientists and tourists alike.
PABLO COZZAGLIO/AFP via Getty Images
This Andean country at the equator also owns the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific. Testing required; fully vaccinated exempted. Quarantine required in some circumstances. US Embassy.
Egypt
The Nile River nation has been attracting people to see its wonders since antiquity. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
Estonia
France
French Polynesia
Georgia
Georgia is a geographical and cultural crossroads at the Caucasus Mountains. Testing required unless you’re fully vaccinated. No self-isolation for the unvaccinated under certain conditions. US Embassy | Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Germany
Frankfurt, a financial and modern powerhouse of Germany, also has plenty of Old World charm, making it the perfect city for travelers who want a little bit of everything.
Boris Roessler/AFP/Getty Images
UPDATE: Germany has labeled the US a high-risk nation and is open to only the fully vaccinated or those recovered from Covid-19. Testing and quarantine required. US Embassy | German Missions in the US
Ghana
This West African cultural jewel offers historical sites, delicious food and surfing. Testing required. No quarantine. US Embassy.
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
This Central American country offers historical sites and stunning volcano landscapes. Testing required; exceptions for the fully vaccinated or those fully recovered from Covid-19. No quarantine. US Embassy | Online health pass.
Honduras
Honduras has epic diving off Roatan Island and other locations. Testing required; fully vaccinated travelers are exempt. Conditional quarantine in some circumstances. US Embassy | Online precheck form.
Iceland
UPDATE: Geysers, glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls await in Iceland. You must be fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid to enter. Testing and quarantine requirements in place. US Embassy | Iceland travel registration.
Ireland
Great Blasket Island is a hiker’s paradise — and the donkeys seem to like it, too.
Courtesy Tourism Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Jordan
A visit to Jordan’s ancient city of Petra is a travel highlight not only of the Arab nation but of the entire world.
KHALIL MAZRAAWI/afp/AFP via Getty Images
Home to the amazing ruins of Petra, Dead Sea coastline and the dazzling landscape of the Wadi Rum, Jordan is open to US vacationers. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Declaration form.
Kenya
Liechtenstein
This tiny nation is open. Scroll to Switzerland below for details.
Lithuania
Luxembourg
US citizens can visit. Testing required to enter; exemptions for fully vaccinated or proof of Covid recovery. No quarantine in place. US Embassy.
The Maldives
Malta
Mexico
People walk along the beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Shutterstock
The land border between the US and Mexico remains closed through at least September 21, but US travelers can still fly there. No testing or quarantine requirements are in place. The US State Department lists numerous states to avoid because of crime. US Embassy.
Monaco
US jet-setters can visit the Mediterranean city-state without a test if they are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. Otherwise, testing is required. Embassy of Monaco | Principaute de Monaco.
Montenegro
Morocco
This North African favorite is open to US travelers. Testing required; even the fully vaccinated are suggested to get one. No quarantines in place. US Embassy | Visit Morocco.
Namibia
US citizens can visit this southern African desert nation that appeals to adventure travelers. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
Nepal
US travelers can visit the landlocked Himalayan nation. Testing required. Quarantine requirements in place, regardless of vaccination status. US Embassy.
Netherlands
Nicaragua
The Cathedral of Granada is a popular site.
Shutterstock
Home to historical sites such as Granada and tropical beaches, Nicaragua is open. Testing required; quarantines are not. US Embassy | Avianca Airlines.
North Macedonia
UPDATE: North Macedonia has a part-Balkan, part-Mediterranean feel. Testing required; exemptions for fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. US Embassy | TAV Macedonia.
Panama
Wildlife, beaches, mountain towns and a canal are Panama’s calling cards. Testing required; quarantine is not unless you’re unvaccinated and arrived from certain high-risk countries, including the United States. US Embassy | Visit Panama | Online health affidavit.
Peru
Poland
UPDATE: US passport holders can now see Krakow and Poland’s other wonders. No testing required, but quarantine is unless you’re fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid. US Embassy | Polish Tourism Organisation.
Portugal
US travelers now have a travel window to get their Lisbon fix.
Courtesy Jessica Yubas
Portugal is currently open to US citizens. Testing is required; quarantine is a possibility. Azores and Madeira may have different requirements. US Embassy | Visit Portugal.
Romania
Romania offers mystique, wooded and mountainous landscapes and lots of history. No testing required. Quarantine in place with exceptions. US Embassy | Romanian Embassy.
Rwanda
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
You can take a fishing trip in Senegal’s mangroved-lined creeks and waterways.
Sophie Eastaugh/CNN
Serbia
Serbia is steeped in historical sites and dramatic Eastern European scenery. Testing is required but quarantines are not. US Embassy.
Seychelles
Slovenia
This European nation of gorgeous lakes is open only to the fully vaccinated or those recovered from Covid-19. No testing or quarantine required. US Embassy.
South Africa
With superb national parks, wineries and the allure of Cape Town, one of the most popular destinations in Africa is open. Testing is required; quarantine is not. Be aware some nations aren’t allowing entry to tourists who have recently been to South Africa. US Embassy.
South Korea
Visitors enjoy Hamdeok Beach on Jeju.
Daniel De Carteret/AFP via Getty Images
From busy Seoul to relaxing Jeju Island, South Korea is open. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy | Self-diagnosis app
Spain
St. Barts
This French Caribbean island is open. Testing required. Fully vaccinated exempt from quarantine and further tests. St. Barts entry protocols
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
Home of the steep and towering Pitons, waterfalls and volcanic beaches, the independent Caribbean nation of St. Lucia is open. Testing required. Quarantine for nonvaccinated travelers outside Caribbean travel bubble. US Embassy | St. Lucia travel website.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Switzerland
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro’s glaciers could become a thing of the past as average global temperatures rise.
Sergey Pesterev/Flickr Open/Getty Images/Flickr Open
A favorite for big-game safaris, Indian Ocean beaches and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is open. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Health surveillance form.
Thailand
Tunisia
Tunisia offers ancient ruins, desert scenery and sunny Mediterranean beaches. Testing required; no exemption for the fully vaccinated. Quarantine in place for the unvaccinated. US Embassy | Online questionnaire.
Turkey
From cosmopolitan Istanbul to rural coastal escapes, Turkey is open. Testing is required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Form for entry.
Turks and Caicos
UPDATE: This British overseas territory northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas is known for coral reefs, ripsaw music and a low-key vibe. All visitors 16 and older must be fully vaccinated to enter. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy | Visit Turks and Caicos | Travel authorization form.
Uganda
This lush nation in Central Africa offers gorilla trekking, Nile River rafting and beautiful lakes. Testing required; quarantine is not. US Embassy.
United Arab Emirates
Jumeirah Beach is a popular gathering spot in Dubai.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images
The UAE, with its glittering towers and luxury resorts, has emerged as a major world destination in the 21st century. Testing required. Quarantine protocols depend on the emirate. US Embassy.
United Kingdom
Zambia
Known for Victoria Falls and wildlife, Zambia is allowing visitors. Testing and quarantine requirements are in place. US Embassy.
Recently removed from the open list
The following countries had been allowing US citizens to enter but have closed again or were removed by CNN Travel for other reasons:
— Bulgaria. Latest rules make direct visits difficult. US Embassy.
— Cambodia: The US Embassy reports the Southeast Asian nation has stopped issuing tourist visas; you can still apply for business-linked visas. US Embassy.
— Chile: It has closed its borders to almost all tourists through at least September 30. US Embassy.
— Ethiopia: CNN Travel has removed because of ongoing warfare in parts of the country. US Embassy.
— Latvia: New rules make direct visits difficult. US Embassy.
— Sri Lanka: CNN awaits further information before returning this nation to the “open” list. US Embassy.
Omitted countries
This is a curated list and not a full listing. CNN Travel has omitted certain open countries if they had very limited numbers of US travelers before the pandemic; have ongoing or recent armed conflicts, terrorism or rampant crime and unrest; or have entry requirements so extensive and complicated that they put the country out of reach of almost all US citizens. However, you can click here to check for the status and entry requirements of any country or territory in the world you wish to visit.
