With the ongoing outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we know that there are many questions to ponder regarding your travel plans.   We get daily updates from our partners across the globe and monitor the safety protocols in each country as they evolve and compile them to his page on a weekly basis.   Below are country updates from both destinations we operate in as well as special Virtuoso trips you can book with us. Visit our Travel Planning Services for more information.

 

Please Note: Not all countries that are open to travelers, or COVID cases are high and not advisable to travel to, so if you don't see it below, you can search the CDC's website or contact us:    

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Important for Returning U.S. Passengers: 

• All American passengers over the age of 2 years must provide one of the following before boarding their flight back into the U.S.

  • A negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or Antigen) taken within 3-days prior to boarding. (Global Family Travels will  help arrange tests)

  • Documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 and approved to travel by a doctor.

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Global Updates on COVID19 Travel: ​

• Africa:

  • Tanzania: Open to Americans and Canadians with restrictions. All travelers require a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers arriving from countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases will be required to take a rapid test upon arrival.

  • Kenya: Open to Americans and Canadians with restrictions. All travelers require a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to arrival in Kenya and must complete a form on the plane. Curfew is currently in effect from 10pm to 4am daily.

  • South Africa:  All travelers require a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in country and must also download and install the Covid Alert SA app for the duration of their South Africa visit. 

  • Zimbabwe: Tourists, residents and citizens entering Zimbabwe must possess a negative COVID-19 test result, issued no more than 48 hours before their departure to Zimbabwe.

• Indonesia / Bali: (partial reopening in July)​

  • Travelers planning to enter Bali once it opens must first acquire a negative PCR-based swab test issued within 2 days prior to departure.

  • All travellers must fill out the electronic-Health Alert Card (e-HAC) available here.

  • While in Bali, travelers must make sure they have a valid test certificate on hand. This means ensuring that the test certificate is renewed after a 14-day period has elapsed.

Central and South America: ​

• Costa Rica: 

  • “A "Pase de Salud” form must be completed before departure of the flight to Costa Rica. This will generate a QR code which must be presented upon arrival. The form can be obtained at https://salud.go.cr2.

  • Passengers must have travel insurance with coverage of Coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment and accommodation costs. 

• Cuba:   

  • Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before arrival.

  • A completed “Declaracion de Sanidad del Viajero” must be presented upon arrival.

  • Passengers must pay a health tax of $30.- or equivalent.

• Ecuador & Galapagos: Open to Americans and Canadians with restrictions. Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test upon arrival. Non-vaccinated travelers must still provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival to Ecuador – however, those traveling to Galapagos must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before arrival.

• Peru: Open to Americans and Canadians with restrictions. A negative PCR or Antigen test is required, taken within 72 hours prior to travel. Upon arrival, travelers must take a second PCR or Antigen test and receive a negative result to avoid quarantine. Tests can be taken at Lima airport upon arrival, or your hotel, with results emailed in 1-2 hours.

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EUROPE 

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A guide to European countries that are open to American travelers. As the regulations are shifting, it bears repeating that advisors should stay abreast of the rules by visiting the CDC website, Reopen Europe and individual U.S. embassy and tourist office websites.

 

Albania

Albania is an outlier among other European destinations in that all U.S. travelers are welcome with no testing or quarantine requirements.

There is, however, a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and masks are required in indoor public spaces for anyone over the age of 11. Travelers should take note that noncompliance for mask wearing can result in a fine.

Austria

There are hints of a mid-June date but nothing has been confirmed yet, according to Sigrid Pilcher, media relations manager for the Austrian Tourist Office.

Once the country is open, travelers will be required to present one of three documents: proof of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, or Moderna vaccination; proof of recovery from a Covid infection; or proof of a negative Covid test (either a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours from departure). 

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Croatia

Croatia was one of the first European countries to throw open its doors to vaccinated Americans. Visitors need proof of vaccination; a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours; or of proof of recovery from a Covid infection.

Also, tourists are required to book and pay in full for accommodations in advance of arrival and have documents to prove it.  Masks are required indoors and on public transportation, and nightclubs are closed.

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Denmark

Denmark opened to American travelers June 5, moving the U.S. from its red to yellow list, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  What this means is that fully vaccinated visitors (Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson) from the U.S. can enter Denmark for tourism without testing or quarantine requirements if they present proof of vaccination and at least two weeks have passed since their final dose.  Unvaccinated children traveling with vaccinated adults may also enter but will need to be tested on arrival, depending on their age. 

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Finland

Americans are still restricted from entry to Finland until at least June 27, according to VisitFinland. For the latest information on the opening date and anticipated entry requirements, see its Covid-specific site.

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France

France opened to vaccinated Americans June 9, as long as they received Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson vaccines at least two weeks before arrival. They also need to present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours or a negative antigen test of less than 48 before boarding.  No quarantine on arrival is necessary for travelers who meet these conditions.Unvaccinated children will be allowed in with vaccinated adults but will have to show a negative test. But unvaccinated adults need a so-called compelling reason to visit and will need to quarantine on arrival.  As to the in-destination experience, indoor dining and other restrictions have been eased, and the curfew has been pushed back to 11 p.m. Masks are required in public venues, and fines may be levied for noncompliance. For more entry specifics, visit the Foreign Ministry site and click on "Can I Enter France."

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Germany

Like Austria, Germany is expecting an official statement from the Federal Ministry "soon" with a firm opening date, according to Amrei Gold, who handles public relations for the German National Tourist Board.

Once open, individual states in Germany may have their own testing and mask protocols, but in general, expect to wear a mask on public transportation.

Greece 

Greece is officially open to vaccinated U.S. tourists.  Visitors must provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid PCR test. Children 5 and younger can enter without restrictions when accompanied by adults who meet the requirements.  A curfew is in place from 1:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Restaurants and attractions are open, but size and capacity restrictions are in place. Expect to wear masks indoors and in some outdoor locations.  Learn more about travel opportunities to Greece with Virtuoso!

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Iceland

Iceland was one of the first European countries to open its doors to Americans. Travelers who have been vaccinated or who can show proof of prior infection have been able to enter the country without testing or quarantining since April.  There are no curfews, but masks are required on public transportation, with fines enacted for noncompliance. Visit Iceland with Global Family Travels on our new adventure : Iceland: Immerse in Dynamic Geology and Learn about Climate Change!

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Ireland

Ireland will begin welcoming U.S. tourists, vaccinated or not, on July 19.

Those who can provide proof of vaccination can skip the testing and quarantine rules. Unvaccinated travelers or those wishing to travel before July 19 will be required to present a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

There are no curfews in place, but masks are required on public transportation, indoors and outside where social distancing is not possible.

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Italy

Generally speaking, Americans are free to visit Italy for tourism, but the rules may vary by region and are in flux.  Currently, the U.S. is on Italy's D list, which means Americans must present a negative Covid-19 swab test taken within 72 hours prior to entry.

Italy is also offering Covid-tested flights from the U.S., which provide some exemptions for travelers.  There are curfews in place from midnight to 5 a.m., which will be lifted on June 21. Be aware, however, that curfews can vary by region. Masks are mandatory on public transportation.  A self-declaration form is required on entry.

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Malta

Malta will open to U.S. travelers June 17, but on a state-by-state basis. The country initially said travelers from 40 U.S. states will be allowed to enter the country with proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

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Portugal

As of June 15, Portugal opened to nonessential travel for U.S. nationals.

By the current restrictions, in effect until June 28, visitors must present a negative Covid PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to the time of departure or an antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to the time of departure on the first embarkation point. Children under 24 months old are exempt.  Travelers also need to present the same documentation to the border officers at arrival, but no other test or quarantine will be required.  Passengers are required to complete the Passenger Locator Card online for each passenger up to 48 hours before traveling.

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Spain

Spain opened to vaccinated Americans June 7; arrivals must have had two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson at least 14 days before arrival. Unvaccinated children aged 6 to 17 need to present a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 of arrival; children 5 and younger are exempt.  A prearrival form with a QR code is required.

In most cases, unvaccinated U.S. adults are not able to enter Spain for tourism.  There are Covid restrictions in place throughout the country and can vary by region, but generally expect capacity restrictions in restaurants and venues.

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Sweden

On May 28, the Swedish government announced that it was extending the entry ban for non-EU citizens until Aug. 31.

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Switzerland

Switzerland will welcome fully vaccinated North American guests as of June 28. Quarantine and a negative Covid-19 test will not be required to enter the country.  All fully vaccinated travelers entering Switzerland by air will need to complete the online form of the Federal Office of Public Health for incoming travelers. In addition, the Swiss government announced a full reopening of places such as restaurants, events and leisure facilities, according to the Switzerland Tourism office.

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United Kingdom

The U.S. is on the amber list for the UK, which means that while visitors can enter, testing and quarantines are still in effect. In addition, passengers need to fill out a pre-entry form. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the country will delay by four weeks the next relaxation of in-country Covid restrictions to enable the country to continue a vaccination drive to combat the delta variant.

However, with the recent visit to the UK by President Biden, talks of opening a travel corridor are underway.

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