As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
Editor’s note 8/6/20: This post has been updated with the latest information and will be updated often.
The State Department on August 6 lifted a level 4 “do not travel” advisory recommending against any international travel for Americans. In a news conference, the State Department said because some countries had managed to get control of the spread of coronavirus and with some international flights now flying it no longer made sense to have a blanket anti-travel advisory. Still, the government is urging caution, and the truth is most countries still don’t want to see Americans as the United States has the worst outbreak of COVID-19 in the world.
Indeed, the welcome mat has been rolled up. Most countries are not allowing U.S. visitors right now because of coronavirus. The United States has had more than 159,000 deaths, and remains among the hardest-hit countries on the planet.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
But there is some good news. Americans now have some options. So what’s open? Here’s the list:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
The Bahamas- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Croatia
- The Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- French Polynesia
- Grenada (sort of)
- Ireland (sort of)
- Jamaica
- Puerto Rico
- The Maldives
- Mexico
- Rwanda
- St Barths
- St. Lucia
- Saint Maarten
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Tanzania
- Turkey
- Turks and Caicos
- United Kingdom (sort of)
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
We included two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and the USVI) on our list of destinations — in part, because there are so few places that are open to Americans.
Unfortunately, most of Asia, all of Europe and most of Oceania remain off limits.
Related: A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery
Be sure to read restrictions carefully before planning a trip.
In This Post
What places are open for Americans?
Antigua and Barbuda

The country reopened to tourists on June 4. However, travelers will have to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including face masks in public. All snorkel and dive excursions and other activities must be booked via visitors’ resorts. They cannot explore the islands freely.
The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly canceled an early June trip to Antigua after learning that he would have to stay on the resort “unable to do things I would really want to do.” Good news, though, he did end up going.
More: Here are the rules for visiting Antigua
American Airlines resumed service to the Caribbean with flights to Antigua the last week of May, but it will be some time before things get back to normal.
- Face masks must be worn at all ports of entry and in public spaces from the moment of disembarkation from the plane. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
- Health screenings and temperature checks will be conducted at each point of entry. Officials will also collect a self-reported traveler accommodation form from each passenger.
- Arriving passengers may undergo nasal swabbing for rapid antigen tests.
- Hand washing and sanitization stations will be available in many public spaces.
- Customs and ground transportation will handle traveler luggage as little as possible.
- All people must abide by social distancing guidelines of six feet or more.
You will not need to present a negative COVID-19 test before arrival, but having one can help you bypass some of the screening protocols on the ground.
Every incoming traveler will be tested for COVID-19. The test will take 15 minutes to complete, and results will be released within 48 hours, according to Antigua’s travel advisory website. Travelers will have to pay for the test, which costs $100 per person.
However, recent legal actions by tourists may change protocols for future incoming tourists.
Sign up for TPG’s new weekly newsletter written by Brian Kelly.
Related: Country by country guide to Caribbean reopening
Aruba

Aruba is in the middle of phased reopening, with American visitors welcomed back on July 10. Visitors from Europe were allowed in Aruba as of July 1.
Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes told the media, “As we prepare to reopen our borders, Aruba has put in place advanced public health procedures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 on the island. We have taken careful and deliberate steps to assess the current situation and make certain it is as safe as possible and appropriate to begin the reopening process.”
Related: Aruba reopening in July
Arrivals will face new screening measures including the possibility of COVID-19 tests on arrival along with temperature checks and medical professionals available.
Americans from 20 states considered at high-risk will need to upload proof of a negative test within 72 hours of flying to Aruba or they won’e be allowed to board. Those from less-risky states will also need to upload a test or have one taken at Oranjestad’s airport. Those who take a test on arrival will need to quarantine at their hotel for up to 24 hours while awaiting the results. The tests are paid for by the tourist.
All guests must also purchase visitors insurance from the nation of Aruba to cover up to $75,000 in health insurance. For a week it will cost you about $100.
The country has also placed temporary capacity limits on some tourist spots, especially in popular destinations. Casinos will also reopen with new safety measures in place.
Aruba closed its borders to tourists on March 29, although airline crew members have been exempt from the restrictions.
The country has had 106 confirmed coronavirus cases and three deaths.
Bahamas

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced on August 3 that the country would go on lockdown as ICU beds are at capacity and deaths from the coronavirus increase. Healthcare workers in the Bahamas have also warned about overcrowded facilities.
Related: A country-by-country reopening guide to the Caribbean
“There has been an exponential increase in the number of cases, an increase in hospitalizations, an increase in the demand for ICU beds, and sadly, an increase in the number of deaths,” Minnis said.
The Bahamas in mid-July banned U.S. travelers from entering its borders by plane or vessel (expect those traveling by private jet) as cases in Texas, California and Florida spiked. That ban was later amended to allow Americans to visit but required them to quarantine for 14 days at a government facility.
Related: Bahamas reopening
The lockdown is set for two weeks for now, but could be extended.
Barbados
Bottom Bay in Barbados. (Photo by TommL/Getty Images)
Good news: Barbados reopened to international travelers beginning on July 12. U.S. commercial flights will resume on July 25 for JetBlue and August 5 for American Airlines. They have instituted mandatory protocols that all inbound travelers have to follow:
- COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory within 72 hours prior to departure for travelers from high-risk countries (one week for low-risk countries)
- Online embarkation/disembarkation card (ED card) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms
- Test upon arrival without a documented negative COVID-19 PCR test result and mandatory quarantine at traveler’s expense until results are returned
- Social distancing, temperature checks and wearing face masks
The local government clarifies that high-risk countries are defined as those that have seen more than 10,000 new cases in the prior seven days and community transmission, which would include the United States. In addition, anyone that tests positive for the coronavirus will be placed in isolation where they will “receive care from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”
Related: Barbados set to welcome back Americans
More updates on Barbados’ response to coronavirus and any updates to its protocols can be found on the government website.
Belize

Philip Goldson International Airport (BEZ) reopens on August 15. All nationalities are being welcomed back. Visitors and returning citizens will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding their flight or will be tested on arrival, but Prime Minister Dean Barrow said: “We decided that any further delay would likely gain us nothing from a safety standpoint.”
In a statement, the tourism board said, “As the country reopens for travel, Belize wants to assure travelers and residents that hotels and restaurants will be cleaner and safer than ever before.”
Related: Planning your trip to Belize during coronavirus
Note that all visitors will have to stay at one of the country’s full-service hotels or resorts that have received the Belize Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition. Among the requirements for this designation? The hotels must have private transportation to and from the airport, a restaurant on-property, and strict cleanliness protocols.
Belize tourism laid out the following guidelines and requirements for tourists.
Predeparture
- Obtain a certified negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure
- Book approved housing
- Wear face masks when traveling to the departure airport
- Wear face masks and practice physical distancing at the departure airport
- Download and verify information on Belize Health App
On the plane
- Wear a face mask while on the plane
- Practice social distancing to the extent possible
Upon arrival
- Continue to wear face masks and practice physical distancing
- Get a health screening
- Check in daily on health app
Once at the airport, you’ll need to be medically screened as well as go through customs. If a passenger is showing symptoms they may be placed in quarantine.
Still no word on when cruise ships will be allowed to return.
Bermuda

Bermuda is the latest country to reopen post-coronavirus and roll out the red carpet to Americans. In fact, tourists from many nations are able to vacation in Bermuda again since July 1.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
The island will resume international commercial air service for visitors as part of its fourth phase of economic reopening after what it calls its “successful management of COVID-19 to date.” L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) reopened July 1 as well.
Related: Bermuda opening to Americans July 1
In a news conference announcing the reopening, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism & Transport Zane DeSilva said, “As we work to finalize the protocols and requirements for travel to Bermuda, rest assured, we will always place the safety of our island and its people above all else.”
Details are still being worked out, but visitors with a negative COVID-19 test within three days of their arrival in Bermuda will be given freedom of movement around the 21-square-mile island.
Related: Visiting Bermuda with kids
Bermuda’s tourism board says it is still finalizing a detailed plan for anyone who tests positive during their visit. There is still no word on when cruise ships will be allowed to return.
More information on coronavirus in Bermuda can be found here.
More reading: New resort and hotel options in Bermuda
Croatia

Croatia has reopened for tourists from all countries.
As of July 13, Croatia amended its COVID-19 policies due to a slight spike in recent cases. Incoming travelers must now produce a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 48 hours before departure, or else observe a 14-day self-quarantine upon arrival. Additional updates from the European Union will be announced soon.
Related: Visiting Croatia in the age of coronavirus
The U.S. State Department still advises against traveling internationally right now, as COVID cases continue to spike in the U.S. and the advisory level remains at 4 — Do Not Travel.
Fair warning: The European Union has decided not to allow U.S. travelers into the E.U., but individual nations can decide to ignore that decision, and it appears that Croatia has done just that in regards to Americans. The Daily Beast reporting, “… upon checking with the Croatian government directly, we can confirm that Americans can travel to Croatia for tourism this summer without quarantine.”
Egypt

International tourism resumed in Egypt July 1. The first day saw a few flights come in bringing tourists from countries such as Ukraine. The Great Pyramids of Giza also reopened on July 1 after being closed since March, reported Reuters. The pyramids underwent a deep cleaning of all paths and touchpoints earlier this summer.
Related: Guide to world landmarks reopening
Hotels opened to domestic tourists in May under the strict condition that they cannot operate at more than 25% capacity until the end of May; that increased to 50% capacity on June 1. Reuters also reported that hotels must implement new health measures, there must be a clinic with a resident doctor to regularly screen temperatures and disinfectant equipment must be installed, among other precautionary measures.
The health minister has indicated that Red Sea resorts, including in South Sinai, will be the first to open along with beaches west of Alexandria. It’s been estimated that Egypt has and will continue to lose 1 billion tourism dollars for each month that it’s closed.
According to the New York Times, Egyptian cafes are also reopened, but with only half capacity allowed. The pyramids at Giza are open, but temperature checks are required.
A reader named Melissa told TPG a Cairo-based tour guide took his first American tourist (since March) to the pyramids in July. There are reports that international visitors do not have to have a negative COVID-19 test, but must fill out a health certification form and show proof of insurance.
Related: Dreaming of visiting Egypt
Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s borders had been closed by land, sea and air since March, but the island country announced in early June that it would reopen July 1, although only approximately 30% of the hotels will open at that time. Social distancing guidelines will still be enforced, but not much else by way of specifics have been announced.
The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism director Lucien Echavarria told the Caribbean Journal that 40-50% of the nation’s hotel inventory would open in July with the rest all opened by November at the latest.
Punta Cana International Airport confirmed to Caribbean Journal it restarted commercial operations on July 1.
There will be temperature checks on arrival, but it doesn’t appear there are tests required.
Apparently in early July, hotel occupancy rates were only around 10%.
The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo issued a level 4 health warning not to travel to the Dominican Republic due to the impact of COVID-19.
The office warned American citizens to reconsider coming to the country in consideration of the situation with the pandemic:
The DR has had more than 46,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 910 deaths.
Related: Dominican Republic reopening July 1
French Polynesia

Related coverage: French Polynesia reopening
French Polynesia will officially reopen on July 15. The island nation implemented a 14-day quarantine period for international travelers back in March, a measure that appears to have been successful. No active COVID-19 cases have been reported since May 29, clearing the way for reopening.
If you plan on traveling to French Polynesia in July, you need to submit to a COVID-19 (RT-PCR) test 72 hours before departure.
If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 three weeks prior to departure but have an immunity certificate from a doctor, you can bypass testing.
Additionally, all incoming travelers (residents excluded) must provide proof of international travel insurance. Luckily, credit card travel insurance satisfies this requirement. Use a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card to pay for your airfare and hotel, then provide a copy of the card’s Guide to Benefits as proof of coverage.
Travelers are also required to have a medical certificate, with the specifics to be communicated by the tourism board.
Four days after arrival, you may be subject to another COVID-19 test. The Ministry of Health and Prevention will be conducting these tests on a random basis, so keep that in mind. In addition to that, guests may also get visits from medical staff, authorized by the Department of Health to supervise.
All travelers are advised to wear a mask throughout their stay and abide by specific sanitary measures. If you do exhibit symptoms during your stay, you must self-report and self-isolate in your room until further instruction from local emergency operators.
If you’re itching to travel to French Polynesia when the border reopens on July 15, there are lots of options for getting there. Be sure to check out our guide on the best way to get to Tahiti using points and miles. The following airlines will be resuming flights:
- Aircalin
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- Air Tahiti
- Air Tahiti Nui
- French Bee
- Hawaiian Airlines
- LATAM
- United
All hotels and resorts are beginning to reopen including famous names like the Conrad Bora Bora, Le Meridien Bora Bora, and the Hilton Moorea Lagoon.
Related: Dreaming of French Polynesia: How I’m booking
Grenada

Like its Caribbean neighbors, Grenada is set to begin to reopen to foreign tourists on August 1 — with many health conditions attached. Unfortunately it’s not going to be easy for Americans to visit.
Travel is supposed to be extremely difficult for “high-risk” tourists from places like America where coronavirus is still rapidly spreading.
Only chartered flights are allowed from these countries.
Anyone traveling to Grenada from a high-risk country will find a 14-day mandatory quarantine period awaiting upon arrival. Additionally, tourists from “Red Zones” will have to undergo quarantining at an approved state facility for the same period — subject to the discretion of local officials.
Additionally, requirements of low and middle-risk countries still apply. A negative PCR test result, dated at most 7 days prior to entry, is needed — and rapid testing upon arrival will still take place. Tourists may have to stay 2-4 days at a government-approved accommodation while awaiting PCR results and be able to resume quarantine elsewhere (as long as they are not from the “Red Zones”).
Ireland
Ireland is open to Americans, but you must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
All arrivals from outside Ireland including citizens and residents are required to isolate themselves for two full weeks. You’ll also need to fill out a “Passenger Locator Form” saying where you will be quarantining. There is a fine of up to $2,860 or six months in jail for refusing to fill out the form or falsifying records.
Related: Yes you can go to Ireland, but..
Ireland is a member of the European Union, but unlike other countries in the EU, it did not ban non-essential travel, not even from the U.S. where coronavirus is still raging. Most of Europe is allowing some international tourists, but Americans are not among them. Ireland, on the other hand, never pulled up the welcome mat. The Irish government does advise against nonessential travel to the country, but it’s not forbidden and Americans are taking advantage. This policy will apparently be revisited on July 20 so make sure you are doing your research if you plan a trip.
Meantime, Ireland is dealing with visitors who are violating the country’s 14-day self-quarantine rule. The New York Times wrote a whole article on this problem. Some TPG readers have also reported that Americans are going to Ireland, skipping quarantine and visiting other parts of Europe. Not only is that illegal, but it’s also unethical and endangers other humans. Don’t do that.
Jamaica

Jamaica officially reopened for tourism beginning June 15, but anyone who is hoping to plan a summer vacation here will have to overcome major hurdles. Arriving travelers have to submit a pre-travel health authorization registration with a customs and immigration form, and the government will issue a travel approval document based on those details. Travelers may be denied permission to visit depending on their risk for COVID-19 transmission.
All incoming travelers should expect thermal temperature checks upon arrival, and anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms or feels ill upon arrival will be quarantined. Even after all those procedures, travelers are expected to adhere to social distancing and face mask policies in public. Travelers are also expected to follow any policies made by tourist and hospitality establishments, which are most likely derived from the government’s 119-page guide for local hospitality procedures.
Related: Jamaica reopening with lots of rules
Phase One of reopening falls between June 15 and 30, and will be limited to a “resilient corridor” of coastline destinations between Negril and Port Antonio. Only licensed tourism businesses and transportation companies that have been assessed by the tourism board can operate in this region during this time.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still spreading in Jamaica, so keep that in mind. The country has reported 790 confirmed cases and 10 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker.
Related: Visiting Jamaica with family
The Maldives

The Maldives has announced one of the most liberal opening policies in the world. Come July 1 all are welcome with no testing or quarantine required.
The Tourism Ministry reporting there are no screenings or tests required. But all tourists must stay at one resort or hotel for their whole stay. There are no new visa requirements or COVID-19 related fees.
Emirates Airlines is offering connections through Dubai from major global cities including Chicago. Etihad will resume flights from Abu Dhbai to the Maldives starting July 16. Turkish Airlines is starting flights from July 17.
Related: Maldives reopening in July
TPG’s Zach Honig wrote about this risky reopening plan and points out the country only has two hospitals and 97 ventilators, so if you were to get sick there, it would be dangerous.
The Maldives has had more than 2,750 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 13 deaths.
Mexico

Mexico is slowly reopening to American travelers, with Cancun accepting international flights and visitors from the United States starting in June, and Los Cabos and Baja following in July.
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun told The Points Guy it is reopening July 4 and offering guests up to 44% off. In a press release, Daniela Trava Albarran, General Manager at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun said:
“Our top priority remains to be providing a safe and enjoyable environment for both our guests and staff. The resort has become known for its high standard of friendliness and sincerity and we have worked hard to maintain this level of service while making the necessary modifications to enhance sanitization measures. We look forward to once again hosting guests as they create new memories along our private beach, open-air landscape and social distance adapted amenities.”
Cancun’s International airport (CUN) has reopened to domestic and international flights.
Related: Mexico opening beach destinations
In July, the international terminal at Los Cabos International (SJD) will open, and international visitors will be permitted to enter. From August to September, Cabo is planning to “slowly recover” national and international arrivals, especially those postponed in March and April.
Still, tourists are warned that Mexico is one of the epicenters for coronavirus.
Mexico has had more than 311,000 confirmed cases, and 36,000 deaths from coronavirus.
Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico will officially reopen to all international travelers on July 15, but don’t expect everything to be back to normal.
Upon arrival, travelers will be subject to health screenings, including COVID-19 testing. You could be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of symptoms.
Hotels will limit capacity at pools to 50%. Fitness centers and spas, which are currently closed, will reopen and operate at 50% capacity sometime later this summer.
Related: Everything you need to know about Puerto Rico reopening
Public beaches and water activities are allowed with appropriate social distancing.
If you’re thinking of bypassing some of these restrictions by booking an Airbnb, keep in mind that many of the same rules will apply.
Restaurants are currently open with reduced capacity.
As is now the norm in the age of COVID-19, buffets will not reopen and restaurant staff will serve meals wearing gloves and masks.
Shopping malls will be open but accessible via appointment only. No plans have been announced regarding casinos and playgrounds reopening.
San Juan International Airport (SJU) is open, and TPG found flights as low as $137 roundtrip on Spirit Airlines from Miami.
Related: Your points and miles guide to Puerto Rico
Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the few countries in the world that is now open to American visitors again. Now might be the perfect time to plan that safari adventure you’ve always wanted to take if you are able to swing it. Rwanda has done a good job controlling the coronavirus outbreak with only 1,172 cases and three deaths according to Johns Hopkins University.
For more travel tips and news, sign up for our daily newsletter
Rwanda is home to three major national parks. You can even book a trip to see the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.
Related: Visiting Rwanda during COVID-19
The land-locked country reopened to all nationalities back on June 17, 2020, although the international airport will not reopen to commercial flights until Aug. 1. All arriving passengers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test taken within 72 hours before arriving in Rwanda.
VisitRwanda says, “For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered within 24 hours, during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost.”
Rwanda is offering visa on arrival as well for all nationalities. There are a number of additional planning resources available at VisitRawanda.com.
St. Lucia

On May 18, the government of Saint Lucia announced a phased approach to reopening the island’s tourism sector in a responsible manner beginning June 4.
Related: Everything you need to know about entering St. Lucia
Good news for Americans, as Phase One of reopening includes welcoming international flights at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) from the United States only.
Visitors will be required to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flights to UVF. Once they arrive, guests will undergo health checks and temperatures will be taken. Masks and social distancing will be required for the duration of the stay.
The country shut its borders on March 23. St Lucia has only had 22 confirmed cases and zero deaths.
Phase Two begins August 1, with details to be revealed.
St. Barths

St. Barthelemy (St. Barths) opened to tourists beginning June 22 , but there are lots of caveats.
More: Visitors can come to St. Barths only if they can prove they’re not sick
Related Coverage: Country-by-country guide to reopening
If you want to visit the Caribbean vacation spot, you’ll need to prove that you have tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours or less before you arrive. Those unable to provide such documentation will be tested on arrival, and will need to isolate at their lodging until results become available.
Visitors who test positive for the virus will be moved into quarantine on the island.
Bruno Magras, president of the island’s territorial council, told the Caribbean Journal:
“Whether you are visiting an island friend or local resident, returning to spend time in your vacation home or coming back to spend some vacation time on the island, St Barth is pleased to welcome you back. Island beaches are open without restriction, restaurants and boutiques are operating as usual, houses of worship are open and holding services and nautical services as well as the other services to which you are accustomed are being provided as usual.”
Related: St Barths reopening on June 22
For those staying longer than seven days, a second COVID-19 test will be required.
You’ll need to plan carefully. There are no direct flights from the U.S. so make sure the country you are arriving from is allowing American tourists.
St Barths has reported only six cases of coronavirus and zero deaths.
St. Maarten
St. Maarten was supposed to be reopening to American and European tourists on July 1. Unfortunately, late on June 30, The Council of Ministers announced it would delay the acceptance of Americans for at least two weeks.
This policy change came about following an internal dispute where the French side of the island (Saint-Martin) threatened to close the island’s internal border if flights from the U.S. were permitted to land at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA).
As of July 15, it appears Americans are still not allowed. We are finding flights bookable again, however, starting in August so the restriction on Americans could be lifted soon.
Related: E.U. reopening, Americans not welcome
Several resorts are again accepting reservations.
Delta had planned to resume service from the U.S., but this plan appears to be on hold, if temporarily.
There are several protocols that travelers are expected to follow, and it won’t be a vacation away from the social distancing that you may have hoped for initially. This graphic illustrates some of what you can expect, including face coverings, health screenings, and increased cleaning.

Related: St. Maarten is reopening — here’s what you have to know
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
The local government announced that it will stage a phased opening, with the first one beginning July 1. Visitors from all countries are welcome, but everyone has to fill out the “VINCY” coronavirus questionnaire form and undergo testing and a 24-hour quarantine upon arrival (or until negative test results come back).
The next phase begins August 1, when visitors can forgo the 24-hour quarantine by providing a positive antibody test (within 5 days of traveling) or a negative PCR test (within 2 days). PCR testing on arrival and a health questionnaire are still mandatory.
The Seychelles

Americans can now travel to The Seychelles, but only those with big bucks are welcome.
Related: Seychelles reopening
Beginning this June, foreign tourists are allowed to vacation in the Seychelles, but the government’s tourism ministry is only looking for “high-end” visitors for now, according to Seychelles Nation.
“Only visitors traveling on private jets and chartered flights, and who will be heading off directly to remote island resorts, will be allowed in,” the outlet reported.
Visitors will not be allowed to leave their island resorts during their stay this month.
Commercial flights will begin again in July, but the government said it expects visitor numbers to be limited for a while even once they resume.
Tourists will be required to be tested for COVID-19 48 hours before they arrive, and will have to present proof of their lodging arrangements before being granted entry.
Visitors will be charged $50 to support local public health measures, and the tourism department is planning to introduce an app that will track tourists’ movements to facilitate contact tracing.
Tanzania

Tanzania is now accepting tourists under pre-COVID rules, with no quarantine conditions attached. The government is asking passengers to complete a Health Surveillance Form upon arrival, and all arriving travelers are “subjected to an intensive screening and where necessary COVID-19 rapid testing. Mask wearing and social distancing are also still in place for anyone planning a visit. Readers have confirmed that they have had no issues flying into the country.
Tanzania has received a lot of criticism on how it has handled the coronavirus pandemic. The government hasn’t actively revealed data about infection rates or death. The president says that releasing the data was “causing panic.”
To give you an idea of the current state in Tanzania, at the start of the pandemic, President John Magufuli declined to close churches, saying that the virus “cannot survive in the body of Christ — it will burn.” He also claimed Tanzania is free of coronavirus as of June due to prayer and the work of front line workers. He even celebrated citizens who weren’t wearing masks as a sign that people were no longer afraid and the virus was gone.
Travelers should note that Tanzania’s reported coronavirus cases are comparatively low, but experts say the toll is probably much higher.
Turkey

Turkey is welcoming Americans again.
As of June 11, Turkey’s international borders are open for travelers from a number of countries, including the U.S.
Travelers who show signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board flights or enter the country. Upon arrival, travelers will be asked to fill out a passenger information form and undergo medical screenings for infection, and anyone showing symptoms upon arrival will be tested for coronavirus. Anyone who tests positive will be referred to a Turkish hospital for quarantine and treatment.
However, the Turkish embassy’s website states that tourist travelers do not need to provide specific health documentation to enter or exit Turkey unless they are arriving for medical treatment.
However, travelers should note a couple of precautions unrelated to COVID-19:
- The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory guide lists Turkey at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, due to concerns over terrorism and arbitrary detention. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid the areas bordering Iraq and Syria due to terrorist activity. (The official U.S. stance on worldwide travel is still Level 4: Do Not Travel — the highest tier of caution — due to COVID-19 concerns.)
- U.S. travelers will still need to apply for a visa before entering Turkey. You can do so via e-visa application, which takes about three minutes.
Related: These are the US State Department travel advisories for July 2020
The official crime and safety report for Turkey can be found here, and the State Department’s travelers’ checklist here.
We should also note that Turkey has reported more than 215,000 coronavirus cases with Istanbul especially hard-hit.
Turks and Caicos

More good news on reopening from the Caribbean. Turks and Caicos, a group of 40 low-lying coral islands popular with tourists in the Caribbean, is reopening for international visitors beginning July 22. The Providenciales Airport will reopen on this date.
Related: Turks and Caicos reopening
Related: A country-by-country guide to reopening in the Caribbean
This British Overseas Territory includes the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo. Details on the reopening remain sparse, but international flights are resuming. The islands have seen 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Related: 6 things to know before you go to Turks and Caicos
We don’t know yet what testing, screening or quarantine procedures will be in place, but we should have details in the next few weeks.
Related coverage: Why I love Turks and Caicos
We first learned about the reopening from the water adventure company Big Blue Collective. They wrote in a press release, “Time for all of us to get our island game on and for you to think about getting back down here. Our boats, kayaks, paddle boards and kites will be ready.”
Resorts and hotels are also reopening. Ocean Club Resorts told TPG that its sister properties are reopening as of July 22. They are offering 25% off for the remainder of the year.
United Kingdom

Americans are allowed to visit the United Kingdom. Britain will allow Americans, but there is a giant caveat. Americans must quarantine for 14-days on arrival. The penalty for breaking this quarantine is steep running to more than $1,200 dollars a night in fines for violations.
We have seen some reports of Americans trying to get to the European Union from the U.K., but it’s not allowed and you are likely to be turned back (and you would potentially be breaking the law).
Related: Everything we know about England’s 14-day quarantine
U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands is becoming the latest to announce it will welcome tourists again. There will be no quarantine required for healthy visitors and people will be free to leave their hotel or resort and explore.
Related: U.S. Virgin Islands reopening
The U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas and St. Croix, was under a state of emergency until July 11, but it welcomed back tourists as of June 1 with restrictions.
Related Coverage: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopening
Flights are resuming, but there are some things to know if you decide to book. A spokeswoman for the USVI tourism board told TPG, “There are routine temperature checks and health screenings at the ports of entry and public places. There is no quarantine required if travelers are healthy. Testing, quarantine, and isolation protocols are in place for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and also for contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.”
A toolkit for travelers and other updates are available at www.usviupdate.com.
Important caveats and things to know
COVID-19 continues to spread around the world. While some countries have done a good job of containing the virus, there is still much we don’t know. Travel is still considered a risky undertaking. Know the rules and regulations for the place you are planning to visit, and make sure you have completed all the necessary steps (like pre-departure testing in some cases). There is also the possibility countries could change their minds on reopening at the last minute (like we saw in Portugal and Iceland), so make sure you are booking refundable tickets and hotels or purchasing travel insurance.
What about Europe?
The entire EU (aside from Ireland and Croatia) is closed to Americans and will likely remain that way until the total number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. falls. Americans can go to the U.K., but a 14-day required quarantine and restrictions on internal travel make the prospect less than ideal.
Additional reporting by Ariana Arghandewal, Katherine Fan, Jordyn Fields, Zach Honig, Brian Kelly, Brian Kim, Samantha Rosen, Victoria Walker, and Zach Wichter.
Featured image from Aruba in December of 2017 by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.