These Home Affairs services are available during level 2

Johannesburg – The Home Affairs Department has announced more services which will be  available during level 2 of the lockdown.

Home Affairs has been operating under reduced capacity since the lockdown was implemented in March.

During level 2, Home Affairs said it was resuming services for applications of first issue green bar-coded identity documents or smart ID cards, applications for smart ID cards or green bar-coded IDs by people who had been issued with a temporary ID certificate during the national state of disaster that has expired; applications for amendments of personal particulars, applications for rectification of personal particulars, back office records retrieval services, and applications for citizenship.

Home Affairs said it was also extending the expiry date until October 31, 2020, for all temporary identity certificates issued during the period of the national state of disaster.

During the level 3 of the lockdown, which ended on Monday night, Home Affairs had resumed services for the registration of birth, re-issuing of birth certificates, late birth registrations, marriage services, death certificates, temporary identity document certificates, collection of IDs and passports for essential goods cross-border transporters.

All services permitted under level 3, 4, and 5, will be permitted during level 2.

A spokesperson for Home Affairs was not immediately available for comment on Friday morning.

www.samigration.com


Africa Reopening For Tourism – Full List of Countries

Many African nations are starting to reopen airports, remove curfews, and slowly resume international tourism.

Most countries in Africa have been very strict on containing the spread of the virus, with most of them going into complete lockdowns earlier this year. That means nobody in and nobody out. Now that case numbers are relatively low across the continent, some nations have already reopened, with others making plans on how to reopen responsibly.

 

Below we have a list of every country in Africa, and what their current reopening status is: Not open for tourism, reopening soon, and now open. For the nations that have already reopened, we also include which countries are permitted to visit, plus any entry requirements.

Africa Reopening for Tourism  Complete Country List

 

Algeria

Not Open For Tourism

Domestic travel is still being limited, repatriation flights for foreigners stuck inside Algeria just started July 28, no news on when international tourism will resume.

Angola

Not Open For Tourism

Angola’s borders remain closed. Entry to Angola is prohibited except for Angolan nationals.

Benin

Not Open For Tourism

Entry Visas are restricted and not currently being issued. Travel is restricted to essential at this time.

Botswana

Not Open For Tourism

Entry to Botswana is open only to Botswana nationals and foreign nationals with valid residency visas. There are currently no commercial flights in to or out of Botswana

Burkina Faso

Now Open

Commercial flights to Burkina Faso have resumed. Land and sea borders remain closed until further notice.

All international travellers are required to present a negative COVID 19 test certificate dated no more than 5 days prior to departure to Burkina Faso.

You are required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Burkina Faso, at a location of your choice and at your own cost.

Burundi

Not Open For Tourism

Burundi planned to reopen land borders for essential travel on August 1, but not yet for tourism. Commercial flights have not yet resumed, with the exception of a few repatriation flights.

Cameroon

Reopening Soon

Cameroon has resumed a few commercial flights, though mostly for essential travel only. Land and sea borders are not yet open. They’ve started testing requirements to land in Cameroon airports for essential travelers, including a negative PCR test no older than 3 days.

Cape Verde

Reopening Soon

Cape Verde has reopened sea borders for essential travel by passenger ferries. International flights have not yet resumed but are planned to restart sometime in August.

 

Central African Republic 

Not Open For Tourism

CAR has just started to resume 1 commercial flight per airline a week, mostly restricted to repatriation flights and essential travel. A mandatory 21 day quarantine is in effect for any arriving essential travelers.

Chad

Reopening Soon

Commercial flights restarted on August 1.  All international travellers will be required to surrender their passport, quarantine at home for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test on the 7th day. Passports will be returned upon presentation of the COVID-19 negative test receipt.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Now Open

The DRC reopened land borders and airports on August 15. All visitors into the DRC will require negative PCR tests (no older than 3 days), temperature checks, and the possibility of testing and/or quarantines upon arrival.

Congo

Not Open For Tourism

Commercial flights are still extremely limited to mostly repatriation flights. Borders remain closed until further notice.

Djibouti

Reopening Soon

On July 17, Djibouti reopened the airport and restarted limited commercial flights. We are unsure if these flights are restricted to repatriation and/or essential travel only at this point, or if general tourism is now permitted.

All passengers entering Djibouti will receive a covid test upon arrival and will have to remain at the airport until results come through (approx 4 hours), at the cost of the passenger.

Egypt

Now Open

Egypt started reopening borders for tourism to seaside resorts as of July 1.

Travelers will have to:

  • Have a valid visa
  • Wear a mask on the flight and in the airport
  • Fill out a health declaration card
  • Show proof of travel health insurance
  • Agree to have their temperature taken on arrival

At this point travelers are expected to remain in high-tourist areas and are not permitted to travel independently inwards throughout the country.

Read all the details in our Egypt Reopening For Tourism guide.

Equatorial Guinea

Reopening Soon

Equatorial Guinea is currently in their domestic reopening phase, with domestic flights resuming as of June 15. Commercial flights are extremely limited at this point and are mostly used for repatriation and essential travel. All arriving passengers must present a negative PCR test taken no longer than 48 hours before arrival.

Eritrea

Not Open For Tourism

Airports in Eritrea remain closed and entry visas have been suspended until further notice

Ethiopia 

Now Open

Ethiopia has now reopened the airport for international arrivals.

Passengers will need to bring a negative PCR test taken within 5 days of arrival. They are also required to self-isolate at home for 14 days. Visitors are tested again upon arrival.

Passengers that do not bring the negative PCR test will have a mandatory quarantine at government designated hotels for 7 days at their own expense. At the end of 7 days, a PCR test will be given.

 

Gabon 

Reopening Soon

Flights are starting to operate again on a very limited basis. Any essential travelers must quarantine for 15 days.

 

Gambia 

Not Open For Tourism

Gambia is only allowing medical, cargo and repatriation flights at this time. Land borders remain closed.

Ghana

Reopening Soon

Ghana will be reopening its airspace to international flights starting September 1, 2020

Guinea

Reopening Soon

Commercial flights are gradually opening up.

All passengers arriving and departing Conakry must show a COVID-19 certificate with a negative PCR test result within 5 days of the flight. We are unsure travel is only for essentials at this time, or also for tourism.

Guinea-Bissau

Not Open For Tourism

Guinea-Bissau’s borders remain closed for tourism until further notice. Any essential travelers arriving are expected to self-isolate at one location for 14 days.

Kenya

Now Open

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that Kenya will be reopening for international tourism on August 1st, 2020

Entry Requirements include bringing a negative PCR test, but the details of how long the traveler has to take the test before arrival has not yet been released.

Read everything else we know about Kenya’s Reopening for Tourism

Lesotho

Not Open For Tourism

Lesotho remains closed for tourism until further notice. Borders are closed for everything but essential trade.

Liberia

Now Open

Liberia has reopened for tourism as of July 1, but many restrictions are still in place. When they first opened they had a rule that if a passenger was coming from a nation with more than 200 active cases of the virus, they would be denied entry. Now, we believe that restriction has been removed and replaced with testing requirements.

Passengers arriving into Liberia will need to bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, undergo a temperature scan and health check, and could be tested again upon arrival. Anyone testing positive on arrival will be put into government quarantine for at least 14 days.

Libya

Reopening Soon

Airlines in Libya have slowly been resuming flights, but the nation is not open for tourism at this time.

Madagascar

Not Open For Tourism

Madagascar has suspended all international and domestic flights until further notice, as well as cruise ships.

Malawi

Not Open For Tourism

Malawi is currently closed for tourism until further notice. Flights are only available for the repatriation of Malawi nationals and essential workers.

All essential travelers are now tested on arrival and must remain in the airport for results, up to 24 hours.

Mali

Not Open For Tourism

Mali just reopened flights on July 25 and is planning on reopening land borders on July 31st. It is unclear at this time if flights are reserved for Mali nationals, or if tourists can also enter at this time.

Arrivals need to bring a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. If they do not, a test will be performed on arrival while the passenger will remain in quarantine until results are processed.

Due to civil unrest, Mali is not opening for tourism soon.

 

Mauritania

Not Open For Tourism

Mauritania remains closed for tourism until further notice. Flights are only available at this time for national returning home or other essential reasons.

Essential travelers need to bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours.

Mauritius

Not Open For Tourism

The tourism enforcer officer for Mauritius told us: “Note that the Government of Mauritius has not yet decided when borders will be opened. Furthermore, there will be protocols from the Ministry of Health that is going to be established.”

 

Morocco

Reopening Soon

The current state of emergency was extended until August 10th. The partial reopening of Morocco’s borders started July 14, first to allow Moroccan residents to return and foreign citizens to depart the country.

While general tourism has not yet resumed, the reopening date is expected to be announced soon.

 

Mozambique

Not Open For Tourism

Mozambique’s state of emergency has been extended until September 30. General tourism has not resumed at this point. Entry into Mozambique is limited to nationals and individuals with valid residency.

Essential travelers will need a 72 hour negative PCR test, and also be subject to quarantine.

Namibia

Not Open For Tourism

Namibia is currently closed for tourism. Entry to Namibia is prohibited except for Namibian nationals and foreign nationals resident in Namibia. All commercial flights in and out of the country have been suspended. The state of emergency has been extended until September 17.

Niger

Not Open For Tourism

Niger is not yet open for tourism. Commercial flights have not yet resumed, entry is only permitted for nationals returning home, and transiting through the country is not permitted.

Nigeria

Reopening Soon

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has announced that Nigeria will open for international flights starting on August 29th, 2020.

Read our complete guide to Nigeria Reopening

Rwanda

Now Open

Rwanda has officially reopened for tourism as of June 17, 2020

Nations that can visit = ALL

Entry Requirements = Testing is required before arrival and again upon arrival. In order to gain entry into Rwanda as a tourist, you must take a PCR test in your own country within 72 hours of departure and have the negative results as proof. The negative test must be emailed to lab@rbc.gov.rw before your departure and a copy of the results brought with you to show customs upon entry into Rwanda.

At the airport upon arrival, travelers will be tested again with the results available in around 8 hours.

Learn more details in our Rwanda Reopening for Tourism Guide

 

Sao Tome and Principe 

Now Open

Sao Tome and Principe has reopened for tourism, but still needs both testing and quarantines from arrivals.

All air passengers arriving in São Tomé and Principe are required to have proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours prior to their arrival, plus a 14-day quarantine.

Senegal 

Now Open

Senegal has now reopened for tourism, with entry requirements explained below.

Senegal reopened international flights on July 15, even though land and sea borders are still closed.

The state of emergency was lifted on June 30.

All arrivals into Senegal will require:

  • A health declaration form 
  • A negative PCR test taken no longer than 7 days before departure
  • Undergo medical screening and temperature scans upon arrival

Seychelles 

Now Open

As of June 1st the Seychelles have reopened to tourists from ‘low’ and ‘medium’ risk nations, with different entry requirements for each category.

There are 17 nations being classified as ‘low risk’ and 20 nations being classified as ‘medium risk’.  (see them HERE)

Visitors from the LOW RISK countries can bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours from date of travel, but if one is not available, a rapid test is also approved. Visitors from the MEDIUM RISK countries can only bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours of date of travel, with no rapid test option.

There are a few other entry requirements, which can be seen on our Seychelles Reopening For Tourism Guide

Sierra Leone

Now Open

Sierra Leone reopened for tourism on July 22, 2020. Flights are starting to be rescheduled, but land borders remain closed.

Entry Requirements:

  • Obtaining a travel authorization card from the government
  • A negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before departure
  • A health declaration card
  • Pre-payment for testing on arrival
  • A valid visa

 

Somalia

Reopening Soon

Somalia has reopened airspace for essential travelers. They will need to bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours prior to arrival.

South Africa

Not Open For Tourism

South Africa is still closed for tourism. Only repatriation and humanitarian flights are operationg at this point. A reopening date has not been set, but some reports have suggested late 2020 or early 2021.

 

South Sudan

Not Open For Tourism

South Sudan is not open for tourism. All issuing of visas have been suspended, commercial flights are limited to repatriation flights, and government curfews are still in place.

Sudan

Reopening Soon

Sudan just lifted bans on flights from Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE, but flights from other nations are still suspended until October 10.

 

Tanzania

Now Open

As of June 2020, Tanzania is now accepting tourists under normal and regular ‘pre-covid’ border rules. No mandatory quarantine period is currently in place, however temperature checks, mask wearing, and social distancing is in effect.

Countries Allowed to visit: ALL

However, under normal tourism laws, your country might require a Visa to enter Tanzania. There are currently 68 countries that can enter Tanzania Visa-free, with the rest requiring a Visa or Visa on Arrival.

There is no mandatory 14-day isolation or quarantine period for travellers into Tanzania.

Update August 1:
The Tanzanian Health Ministry put out a directive stating all travelers entering Tanzania are now required to present a valid negative PCR test within 72 hours before travel.

Read more details about Tanzania’s Reopening For Tourism

 

Togo

Now Open

Airport reopened on August 1, but very limited commercial flights are coming in or out. Land borders are still closed.

All travelers must fill out the online immigration form before arriving, as well as have a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours.

Tunisia

Now Open

Tunisia is officially reopening its borders June 27, 2020 allowing tourists to enter based on a color-coded system based on risk assessment.

Tunisia has created a ‘Green’ and ‘Orange’ list for arrivals. ‘Green’ countries may enter with no testing or quarantines, while ‘Orange’ countries will need to present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. (See the lists here)

Read more entry requirements and see which countries can enter restriction free on our Tunisia Reopening for Tourism guide

 

Uganda

Not Open For Tourism

Uganda is not open for tourism at this time. No formal date for reopening has been announced.

 

Zambia

Reopening Soon

Zambia’s borders have reopened, with both domestic and international flights starting to resume, but tourist visa services remain suspended until further notice. Since a tourist visa is required to gain entry into Zambia, general tourism cannot resume until they restart visa services.

Anyone the currently has a valid visa may be granted entry, but will face both testing on arrival and 14-day quarantine.

Zimbabwe

Not Open For Tourism

Zimbabwe remains closed for tourism and is still under lockdown until further notice.

www.samigration.com


Mum-to-be faces giving birth alone in Australia as partner stuck in NZ

An Australian mother-to-be is “heartbroken” that her partner may miss the birth of their child as he remains stranded in New Zealand.

Gold Coast resident Disiane Zan, 34, is due to give birth in just over a month, but her Brazilian partner, Gabriel Seger, 35, who lives in Piha on a sponsorship visa, can’t get to Australia due to Covid-19 border restrictions.

The pair, who became a couple last year before Zan fell pregnant in December, have applied for two exemptions, but both were denied as the Department of Home Affairs didn’t consider Seger “immediate family” nor thought their reasons met compassionate grounds, Zan told the Herald.

The couple have known each other for a decade, and after losing touch for a few years they rekindled their friendship last year.

After travelling between countries, the pair became closer, eventually becoming a couple before Zan fell pregnant in New Zealand while they spent Christmas and New Year together.

As soon as she found out, Zan said she and Seger made plans to live in the Gold Coast together, but it all fell through when the pandemic hit.

In July, Zan’s flatmate moved out so Seger could move in with his new family.

But when Seger, who has an Australian visitor’s visa, applied for the compassionate grounds exemption, he was denied.

The couple have applied for an exemption twice but they were denied both times. Photo: Supplied

A few weeks later they applied for an immediate family exemption, as they are in a de facto relationship and registered their relationship under the Queensland law, however that was also declined.

Zan, who is originally from Brazil but is an Australian citizen, said she wasn’t given any feedback on why they were declined and that they were not given any opportunities to have further discussions with the Department of Home Affairs.

“I think the Department of Home Affairs should really look into every case specifically,” she said.

“I think it’s very unfair and unkind. If he’s not my immediate family then what is? He’s my partner and the father of my child.’

“Not even having a compassionate case, I can’t say anything about that because that’s just brutal.”

Instead, she said she was told that they would have to wait until the borders open.

“It’s so unpredictable at the moment … Everything is always speculation, so really we don’t know [when the borders will open].

“If he misses the birth, it’s like, when is he able to get here?”

The mum-to-be said it’s a “horrible” situation to be in and that she feels for her partner who just wants to be with his new family.

“He wants to be a father, he just doesn’t want to be a dad,” she said.

“He wants to be present during the baby’s life, from the first minutes.

“We know how important it is to have that skin to skin contact, it’s something that the baby takes for life. Even though the baby wouldn’t consciously remember, it’s an imprint.”

Zan said her partner was more than happy to pay for the cost of hotel quarantine and would do anything to witness the birth of his son.

What makes things even harder for Zan is that she has no family with her in Australia.

“I’m relying on good friends which I’m very thankful for having them around,” she said.

Zan said she’s worried about having to raise her baby by herself but is planning to re-apply for an exemption next week.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ website, the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant people an exemption if they are seeking to travel for compassionate and compelling reasons.

“Compassionate and compelling reasons include, but are not limited to, needing to travel due to the death or critical illness of a close family member,” it reads.

Meanwhile, to get an immediate family exemption, the couple have to provide evidence they are in a de facto relationship.

According to the website the proof should show that:

  • you have a mutual commitment with your spouse or de facto partner to the exclusion of all others
    • your relationship is genuine and continuing
    • you either live together or don’t live permanently apart
    • you are not related by family

“Australia has strict border measures in place to protect the health of the Australian community,” Department of Home Affairs’ website reads.

“All travellers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens, must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel in the city of arrival.​”

The Herald has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment.

www.samigration.com


Home Affairs e-services closed during Covid-19 lockdown – here’s why

Despite the country being immersed in a global pandemic which demands people to keep their distance from each other, the Home Affairs Department’s e-services portal has been shut since the start of the lockdown in March.

Johannesburg – Despite the country being immersed in a global pandemic which demands that people their distance from each other, the Home Affairs Department’s e-services portal has been shut since the start of the lockdown in March.

On Friday, the department announced more services which would resume, but none of them included the utilisation of its e-HomeAffairs services portal, where people can apply for IDs and passports.

Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza said the electronic service portal was closed in March because the department was not taking any ID or passport applications at the moment – except for first-issue smart card or green bar-coded ID documents – mostly for matric pupils.

He said the e-services portal was only used to apply for ID documents and passports and because the department was not yet offering those services, it would be futile to open the e-HomeAffairs service.

He said the department was operating at a reduced capacity with limited staff members to reduce risk.

When asked why Home Affairs had not altered its e-HomeAffairs service to include those services that were being offered, Qoza said it would make little difference as people still needed to go to a bank or home affairs branch to complete the process.

“We need to comply with the requirements of keeping staff members numbers low,” he said, explaining why ID, passport or e-HomeServices applications were not allowed.

Meanwhile, the department said it would release a statement next week to clarify its position on some of the services that would be returning under level 2.

Earlier on Friday, Home Affairs said it was resuming services for applications of first-issue green bar-coded identity documents or smart ID cards, applications for smart ID cards or green bar-coded IDs by people who had been issued with a temporary ID certificate during the national state of disaster that had expired; applications for amendments of personal particulars, applications for rectification of personal particulars, back office records retrieval services, and applications for citizenship.

Home Affairs said it was also extending the expiry date until October 31, 2020, for all temporary identity certificates issued during the period of the national state of disaster.

During the level 3 of the lockdown, which ended on Monday night, Home Affairs had resumed services for the registration of birth, re-issuing of birth certificates, late birth registrations, marriage services, death certificates, temporary identity document certificates, collection of IDs and passports for essential goods cross-border transporters.

All services permitted under level 3, 4, and 5, will be permitted during level 2.

www.samigration.com


Countries That Have Reopened For American Tourists

Where can Americans and U.S. passport holders travel right now? Here’s a full list of countries that have reopened their borders for American tourists.

American travelers are eagerly wondering what countries and cities they can travel to right now, should they choose to!

The good news? As many countries start to relax restrictions and reopen borders, many are now accepting tourists from the United States.

The bad news? Since the United States has been the hardest hit nation, some countries are flat out saying “No!” to American visitors, even though their borders are now re-open to other countries.

We’ve compiled all the details of where Americans can currently travel domestically and internationally. As rules continuously change, destinations may suddenly reopen or close to American tourists without notice, so readers need to check with local authorities before booking a trip to ensure entry.

If you are looking for transit rules for Americans, you can find that info in our “Airports in Europe Allowing Americans to Transit” guide.

Please note: Travel Off Path does not endorse travelling against any advisories set by the government. Your decision to travel is your own.

Before we get to the list of countries, let’s clear the air about something else:

Are Americans Allowed To Travel Right Now?

Yes. The U.S. government has recently lifted the blanket level-4 “Avoid All Travel” advisory, and American’s have always been permitted to leave the country as they wish. However, upon returning to the U.S. some travelers may face a 14-day quarantine, based on the state. Some states have no quarantine requirements.

Americans should also ensure they have a travel insurance policy in place that covers covid.

Where Can Americans Travel Internationally Right Now?

Here is the full list of countries currently open to receiving U.S. tourists. (We are only covering countries that do NOT require a quarantine period on this list)

(updates week of August 17)
Recent Countries Added: Montenegro, Ecuador, Armenia, Honduras
Recent Countries Updated:  USVI, Costa Rica (allowing American’s from 6 states only)
Recent Relevant Articles: Countries open to Americans WITH a 14-day Quarantine

Albania

Albania has reopened borders and is now allowing American tourists as of July 1, 2020.

Currently they are just taking temperatures at the airport, but no testing or quarantine periods are necessary.

Read all the details about Albania’s reopening for tourism

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda reopened to Americans on June 4, 2020.

Upon arrival, American tourists will have to take a covid test at the cost of $100 USD.

Direct flights have already started from Miami on American in June.  Come July, New York on JetBlue and Atlanta on Delta will also be flying to Antigua directly.

See all the details for Antigua and Barbuda’s reopening

Armenia

Armenia has reopened for Americans to visit as of August 12

While the country does require a 14-day quarantine, they DO allow testing to leave quarantine early, so we were happy to add it to this list!

Arrivals can go straight to their hotel/rental from the airport, and order a mobile testing unit to come to them, take a PCR test, and upon negative results, leave isolation!

Here are all the entry requirements and tips for visiting Armenia 

Aruba

Aruba is reopening to American tourists on July 10th.

U.S. citizens will have to fill out an online health declaration form and upload a negative covid PCR test 72 hours before boarding. This way, no test needs to be done upon arrival.

Some great direct flights from the US to Aruba include: from New York on United and JetBlue, from Atlanta on Delta, and from Miami on American.

Here is everything you need to know about Aruba reopening for American tourists.

Bahamas

Important update August

Americans CAN travel to Bahamas right now, but require PCR testing AND a 14-day quarantine, which make it for a very hard vacation spot.

After being allowed in July, and then banned, and now allowed again, the Bahamas has had many confusing updates for American tourists.

Original Bahamas Info…

The Bahamas are reopening for U.S. tourists on July 1st, 2020.

A negative-PCR test no older than 10 days before arrival is required and travellers are asked to fill out an online health declaration before they fly.

There are tons of direct flights to the Bahamas from all over the US. Flying from Miami just takes 50 minutes! Other direct flights can be found from New York, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Charlotte, and Orlando.

See all the details about the Bahamas reopening to American tourists.

Barbados

Barbados is reopening for American tourists on July 12th, 2020.

Travelers from the United States are considered ‘high-risk’, so they will need to bring a negative-PCR test no older than 72 hours before departure.

Update Aug: Stricter entry rules and requirements have been implemented since first reopening.

Direct flights resuming from the USA-

  • New York on JetBlue starting July 25
  • Miami on American starting Aug 5
  • Charlotte on American starting Aug 5

See all the details about the Barbados reopening to American tourists.

Belarus

Belarus has reopened for American tourists!

The small landlocked nation in Eastern Europe might not be the tourism hotspot of the world, but another option for Americans looking to reunite with loved ones abroad.

They are accepting over 75 nations with no quarantine, and a 48-hour PCR test has been ‘recommended’ at this point (of course, we’ve reached out and will update if we hear back that its mandatory)

Read more about Belarus reopening for tourism

Bermuda

Bermuda is officially reopening for American tourists on July 1st.

To be able to head down for a vacation, Americans will need to bring a negative covid PCR test no older than 72 hours before boarding AND take another test upon arrival.

Direct flights take just over 2 hours from many US cities! From Atlanta on Delta is 2.45 hrs starting in July, while JetBlue flies from Boston and New York in 2.15 hrs starting in August.

We have all the details about Bermuda’s reopening for tourism here

Brazil

Brazil is now open for American tourists!

In a surprise move, Brazil reopened its borders, basically without any restrictions, and is allowing American tourists to visit as of July 30, 2020.

Brazil is only asking visitors to have valid travel insurance that covers covid, and a visa, however US citizens no longer need a visa to visit Brazil for up to 90 days.

Direct flights are available in August from: NYC, Miami, Atlanta, Houston.

Read all the details on Brazil Reopening for Tourism

Costa Rica

Costa Rica announced that as of September 1st, they will now allow Americans from 6 states to enter.

Travelers will also need proof of a negative PCR test, taken (with results) no older than 48 hours prior to departure.

Read Costa Rica’s reopening information here

Croatia

Croatia officially reopened for American tourists on July 1st.

Americans need to fill out an online form before going, and show proof of accommodation or tourist-based activity .

Update: Croatia is now requiring Americans to bring a negative-PCR test.

See all the info about Croatia’s reopening, including the forms for Americans.

Dominica

Dominica is reopening for American tourists starting on August 7, 2020

US residents will have to bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours before boarding, fill out an online questionnaire, and agree to a rapid test upon arrival.

See all of Dominica’s reopening details and entry requirements

Dominican Republic

On July 1st, U.S. tourists can travel to the Dominican Republic. 

As of July 30th, the Dominican Republic is now requiring visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test result before being allowed to enter the country.

Miami, Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Charlotte, and Miami all show direct flights in July and August and will increase throughout the year.

See everything we know about the Dominican Republic’s reopening for tourism

Ecuador

Ecuador has now reopened for American tourists

As of August 16, Americans can now travel to Ecuador WITHOUT quarantine, as long as they bring a negative PCR test, no older than 10 days.

Direct flights from Miami, Houston and New York have already resumed into Quito and Guayaquil

See everything we know about Ecuador reopening for tourism

Egypt

Egypt reopened borders on July 1, 2020

We originally did not include Egypt in this list, because of lack of official government information if American tourists were in fact permitted entry or not.

Now, this update is more loose than we like to publish, but we thought important to share:
An American friend of ours (not an essential traveler, just a tourist) travelled from the US to Egypt on August 6th, no test needed, no quarantine measures, not even a temperature check. He said entry was far easier than he ever could have expected.

Based on his itinerary, we would like to share that at this time Egypt seems to be accepting American tourists with no restrictions. However, please contact local authorities before you go to ensure rules have not changed.

See everything we know about Egypt Reopening

French Polynesia (Tahiti & Bora Bora)

French Polynesia (think Bora Bora, Mo’orea and Tahiti) will reopen for American tourists on July 15, 2020.

U.S citizens must bring a negative covid PCR test before boarding the flight and they will be tested again on arrival.

San Francisco and Los Angeles both fly directly to Tahiti and Bora Bora in 8 hours. (On airlines United, FrenchBee, Air Tahiti and Air France)

Here is everything you need to know about French Polynesia reopening to American tourists.

Grenada

On Aug 1, 2020 Grenada will start accepting American tourists.

The beautiful island nation in the Caribbean currently has zero cases, and they want to keep it that way.

Entry requirements are TOUGH for Americans and include 2 PCR tests, contact tracing, health declaration forms and more.

Flights restart from Miami and New York in late August.

Read more about Grenada reopening for American tourists

Haiti

Haiti reopened for tourism on July 1, but it took us a while to get confirmation!

Many of you know I don’t put countries on here that require a 14-day quarantine, but I have been getting mixed reports about Haiti. Some sources say it’s there, while others say it’s not. Please check before you go!

Otherwise, only a temperature check and a health declaration card will be the only entry requirements.

Flights have already restarted from Miami and New York, and many resorts have just reopened their doors.

Read more about Haiti reopening for American tourists

Honduras

Honduras has reopened for Americans as of August 17

US tourists will need to bring proof of a negative covid test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, but it can be either a PCR -or- a Rapid Test. (The only nation we know accepting rapid tests!) 

Direct flights have already resumed, we have all the flight paths in the link below.

Read more about Honduras reopening for American tourists

Jamaica

Jamaica reopened for American tourists on June 15th!

Jamaica is requiring all American’s visiting to first fill out an online Travel Authorization Card before they fly and they will be testing arrivals at the airport.

American Airlines resumed flights from Miami starting June 24th, Jetblue from New York starting June 25th, and Delta from Atlanta starting June 23rd.

Read more about what Jamaica is requesting from inbound American tourists 

Maldives

The Maldives are officially reopening on July 15th and accepting American tourists at that time.

While there are no mandatory testing or quarantine protocols in effect at the moment, U.S. travelers will have their temperatures taken at the airport and be expected to fill out a health declaration card. Pretty easy!

Here is everything else we know about the Maldives reopening to American tourists

Mexico

Mexico is now open for U.S. passport holders! In fact, it was one of the only countries that never actually really closed its borders to Americans in the first place.

No tests needed.

As of June, many tourist cities like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta have reopened their hotels and are ready to welcome American guests.

Flights by American Airlines, Spirit, Sun Country, United and JetBlue have resumed from many American cities.

See all the detailed information about Mexico’s reopening for US tourists here.

Montenegro

Montenegro is finally open for American tourists!

On August 15th, Montenegro lifted the quarantine restriction for tourists from the USA, and is only requiring a 72 hour PCR test -or- a specific type of positive antibody test! (details at the link below)

Read more information on Montenegro reopening for tourism 

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is now accepting American travelers as of July 1

No tests needed. No quarantine. 

The US does not fly directly into North Macedonia, but some EU airlines WILL allow transit. You must call the airline and the airport to see if you can transit through.
Turkey or Serbia is another way to transit, as both accept Americans.

See all the detailed information about North Macedonia’s Reopening

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is officially reopening its borders for tourism on July 15th, 2020 – and of course Americans are welcome.

Negative-PCR tests are needed to gain access to the island.

July 21 Update: Due to a surge in cases since reopening Puerto Rico is encouraging only essential travel at this time and has postponed its official inbound tourism reopening in order to safeguard visitors and residents.

See more about entry requirements and all the details for Puerto Rico’s reopening

Rwanda

Rwanda has officially reopened for tourism as of June 17, 2020 and is allowing American tourists to visit.

Americans will need to bring a negative-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before arrival and be ready to be tested again upon arrival.

There are currently no direct flights from the USA, but RwandAir is looking into creating a direct NYC to Kigali route.

Here’s all the details about Rwanda’s reopening

Serbia

Serbia reopened to American tourists on May 22, 2020

Where is Serbia? It’s a landlocked European nation that borders Montenegro, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania.

New York flies direct on Air Serbia to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital city daily.

Read all the details about Serbia’s reopening for tourism

St. Barths

St.Barths officially reopened its borders for tourism on June 22, 2020 and is allowing American tourists to visit!

Saint Barthelemy, or St. Barths as it’s commonly called, is a beautiful French-speaking Caribbean island known for its white-sand beaches, luxurious hotels, duty-free shopping and stunning views.

American’s only need to bring a negative PCR test with them to be admitted. Flights to St. Barths happen directly from San Juan.

Here is everything you need to know about St. Barth’s Reopening

St Lucia

The beautiful island nation of Saint Lucia reopened for US travellers on June 4th.

Americans are required to fill out an online form, bring a negative covid test, taken no longer than 7 days before departure in order to board their flight to Saint Lucia.

Direct Flights: from Atlanta on Delta, from Miami on American, and from New York on United and JetBlue.

Here is everything else you need to know about Saint Lucia’s reopening for Americans.

St. Maarten

Update July 1, 2020 – St. Maarten has decided to postpone all flights from the USAuntil July 14th, when it will review again. At this time, Americans are NOT welcome on the island. We will update again on July 14.

Update July 15: St. Maarten now states they plan to resume flights from the USA on August 1, 2020

*Update July 30, 2020: The government of St. Maarten has confirmed that the Princess Juliana Airport will reopen for flights coming from the USA on August 1st. 

St. Maarten is officially reopening for international tourism on July 1st 

The minister of tourism stated: “the country is ready to receive travelers from Europe and North America as of July 1st”which means the USA is included.

Direct flights from Miami, NYC, Charlotte, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and San Juan are already scheduled starting July 4th.

Here’s everything we know about St.Maarten reopening to American tourists.

St. Vincent and The Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines are officially reopening for tourism on July 1, 2020 allowing American tourists to visit.

U.S. citizens will be tested upon arrival.

Direct flights from New York on Caribbean Air start on July 15 and flights from Miami on American Airlines start July 11.

Tanzania 

Tanzania reopened to American tourists at the start of June.

Fancy a safari? Or how about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Maybe just laying on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar? The African nation of Tanzania will allow tourists to come and do all of the above.

Update August 1:
The Tanzanian Health Ministry put out a directive stating all travelers entering Tanzania are now required to present a valid negative PCR test within 72 hours before travel.

Note: There are no direct flights from the USA to Tanzania.

Read more about Tanzania reopening and what there is to do there.

Turkey

As of June 12th, Turkey has now reopened for American tourists.

Under normal ‘pre-covid’ travel rules, Americans need to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Turkey. The visa centres are back up and running to process these.

Direct flights have resumed from 7 American cities already!

At this time, no mandatory testing is required.

See all the details about Turkey reopening 

Turks and Caicos

Turks & Caicos will reopen for Americans on July 22.

US travelers can head down to the Turks and Caicos late July, but only by flying in, as the cruise ports are staying closed until at least September.

A negative-PCR test is required before arrival.

Many cities fly directly into Turks and Caicos, including: New York, Charlotte, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, and Chicago.

Read more about the Turks and Caicos reopening for tourism

UAE (Dubai)

Dubai, UAE is officially reopening its borders for U.S. tourists on July 7, 2020.

American’s need to: register their ‘health declaration’ on an app before their trip, bring a negative PCR test within 96 hours of boarding, and have health insurance to be able to enter.

Emirates is flying directly to Dubai from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Washington starting in July.

Read more about Dubai’s reopening for tourism, plus which hotels have reopened.

Ukraine

Ukraine is now allowing US citizens entry, of course with some entry requirements. 

Since Americans are now on the ‘Red Country List’ they will need to: download a health app before arrival, have proof of insurance that covers covid, take a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival at an authorized lab, and quarantine 12-48 hours while pending results.

Update: As of August 1, US residents can also bring a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arrival to bypass the above requirements.

The NYC to Kyiv flight has not yet resumed, but Americans can transit through a few airports 

Read more about Ukraine’s reopening for tourism 

US Virgin Islands

On June 1, 2020 the US Virgin Islands (think St. Croix and St. Thomas) have reopened for tourism. American’s don’t even need a passport to go!

U.S. citizens can fly to the USVI’s directly from Atlanta, Miami, New York, Houston, Charlotte or Fort Lauderdale.

As of July 10 they have recently updated entry requirements. If you are from a state with over 10% infection rate, you MUST bring a negative PCR test with you.

**Important Update August 18: 
The USVI’s are shutting down tourism again due to a surge in cases. As of August 19th there is a 30-day prohibition on tourism, and a ‘stay at home’ order in full effect. We will update in 1-month to see if they reopen again.

Here’s more on the entry requirements on our USVI’s reopening post

The USA!

Sounds crazy to mention, but many states in the USA are open for tourism! If you don’t want to travel out of the country just yet, try exploring your own.

Major US Attractions That Have Reopened:

Las Vegas Casinos

Universal Studios Orlando

Grand Canyon

New York Central Park

Niagara Falls

Yellowstone National Park

Times Square

Golden Gate Bridge

Countries that WILL SOON Permit American Tourists:

These following countries are reopening to American tourists in the very near future:

Belize

Belize is reopening its borders to American tourists on August 15, 2020.

Travellers will have to fill out an online health form before they go and get a negative-PCR test 72 before departure or be prepared to be tested and wait for results on arrival.

Direct flights from Miami have already been scheduled to resume on August 18th with American Airlines. While not announced yet, more direct flights are expected to resume from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and more.

Reopening Delayed 

The airport was originally scheduled to reopen on August 15th for international travel. However, on August 5th the prime minister of Belize announced that the reopening would be delayed until further notice. No new date has been set. If this affects your travel, we recommend contacting your hotel and airline.

Here’s everything else we know about Belize reopening for tourism

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will reopen for American visitors on August 15.

Update July 24: Due to a surge in cases, Sri Lanka has postponed the reopening, but has not provided a new date.

As long as Americans agree to bringing a negative PCR test with them, and agree to have another test upon arrival, they can come for a vacation.

Read more details about Sri Lanka reopening for tourism

Countries that MAY Permit American Tourists:

These following countries may/ may not permit American tourists at this time. Some information is missing which we are trying to clarify for the purposes of this guide. We are currently looking into it and will put them on the main list once we have confirmation.

Bali

Breaking News Update:

The reopening of Bali to foreign tourists could be delayed until the end of 2020

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment,  Luhut Binsar Panjaitan has stated that the reopening of Bali could be delayed until the end of 2020.

Originally Bali planned to reopen for American tourists on September 11, 2020.

After a lot of back and forth, the governor of Bali finally announced on June 17 that he will be reopening international tourism for the island. While no formal country list has been made, American citizens may be able to visit as of Sept 11.

Here is everything we know about Bali reopening to tourists

Malta

Malta Updates July 11:

The bad news – Malta just updated a larger list of countries now allowed to enter, however the USA is absent.

The good news – There are two ways Amerians can still go. 1) Email the border control to apply for an exception 2) Stay in one of the allowed countries for 14 days prior to entering Malta. (get more info by clicking the link below) 

Here is everything we know about Malta’s reopening.

Need to TRANSIT through an EU airport to get to a country that allows US citizens? We have all the info on which airports in Europe will allow Americans to transit through.

Read More: Learn about all of the countries reopening for tourism worldwide and Covid-19 travel insurance policies for Americans

Disclaimer: The above countries reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and requirements before traveling.

www.samigration.com