2020 has given us a lot to process. The fallout of the pandemic has put international travel on hold this year.

Most travelers had to leave their passports aside, postpone international trips and look into staycation alternatives.

With endless travel plans being canceled, it’s looking like travel won’t be the same again for many people. But, that cannot be the end for the true wander-lusters.

Luckily, American travelers can still pack their bags for an international break because we’ve found some places still accepting tourists.

Now, before we go over those spots, let’s talk about safety and procedures.

When travelers decide to plan for their vacation, they have to keep in mind the four-tiered ranking system outlined by the U.S. State Department.

Each country has been assigned a specific “Level”:

• No Restrictions: Risk is Extremely Low / Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 1: Risk is Low / Exercise Increased Caution
• Level 2: Risk is Moderate / Reconsider Travel
• Level 3: Risk is High / Do Not Travel 

Before you travel, it’s good practice to research local restrictions at your destination and check back with C.D.C. guidance and local governments before deciding if and when to travel.

Key point: In many countries, inbound tourists are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test anywhere between 24-96 hours before departure (it depends on the country) to avoid the 14-day quarantine.

Below is a list of the top 5 safest destinations where U.S. citizens can travel during COVID-19 and where risk is moderate to very low (at the time of writing this article).

1. Anguilla (no restrictions)

This Caribbean beauty is a COVID-19 free island and is open to American Travelers. Tourists will have to go through a process where they will have to fill out their desired travel dates and submit a negative COVID-19 test within three to five days prior to their arrival date.

Proof of a valid health insurance policy is required for covering potential expenses if any medical intervention is required concerning an eventual treatment of the virus.

Moreover, travelers will be tested for the virus again upon arrival before heading to customs.

2. Bermuda (level 2)

Each inbound traveler is required to fill out the travel authorization process online at the cost of $75 per adult and $30 per child age 9 and younger.

Also, travelers have to take a COVID-19 test no more than 7 days before departure and present the negative test results upon arrival.

3. Cambodia (level 1)

Cambodia has unique temples that travelers can enjoy given that all tourists are required to pay a $2,000 travel deposit before entering the country to cover any potential expenses related to the treatment of coronavirus.

A negative COVD-19 test result must be demonstrated no more than 72 hours before traveling and health insurance with coverage of a minimum $ 50,000 is also required.

4. Dominica (no restrictions)

All travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test from 24 to 72 hours before arrival. They also have to fill out the electronic Immigration and Customs form (Dominica’s online portal) 24-hours before traveling.

American travelers can expect further testing and screening upon arrival. Hotels on the island will be performing temperature checks at entrances. Travelers must book their lodging only at COVID-19-certified accommodations.

5. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (level 2)

Travelers must fill out an electronic pre-arrival form and present either a negative COVID-19 test from no more than 5 days before arrival or take a test upon arrival.

If visitors choose to take their test upon arrival, they will be quarantined until the results come out (at least 24 hours). Travelers arriving by air will be quarantined for at least 24 hours for test results of all passengers from the same flight to be released.

More to consider

There are other destinations open to American tourists like Albania, Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, French Polynesia, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, The Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Panama, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, Serbia, Tanzania, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United Arab Emirates, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

U.S. citizens coming back home from some countries are allowed only to land at certain airports.

According to the advice of C.D.C., travelers returning from international destinations are required to avoid contact with others for 14 days.

Image by Victor He