As we begin to see countries across the globe reopen their borders to international travelers, there are areas of the world where the United States has been left off the list to be admitted. Notably the European Union. So, while you may not be able to take that trip down the French Riviera, there are plenty of options for US travelers this summer!
Disclaimer: The State Department still has in issue a level 4 global travel advisory asking all US citizens to avoid international travel.
The Bahamas
As of July 1, 2020, the borders of the Bahamas have opened to all international travelers via boat, commercial flights, or private air. Each traveler entering the country must submit a Travel Health Visa Application online and have their confirmation in hard upon arrival to the destination. Travelers must also provide a negative COVID-19 test result, no more than 10 days old, to the same website.
UPDATE JULY 20, 2020
The Bahamas have announced that they will not be accepting commercial flights or vessels from the United States beginning July 22, 2020. They will only be accepting international travelers from the EU, UK and Canada at this time.
Jamaica
While Jamaica was one of the first destination to open their borders to international travelers they have begun to implement regulations around re-entry. All travelers must complete a COVID-19 test upon to entry and travelers are subject to temperature and symptom screenings before moving to the destination’s “Resilient Corridor”. This corridor is a stretch of hotels from Negril to Port Antonio open to travelers. If a traveler tests positive for the virus at the airport they will be isolated in a public health facility for 14 days.
Aruba
Beginning July 10th Americans can begin traveling to Aruba again. All travelers must complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation card process and upload a negative COVID 19 test 72 hours prior to travel in order to be approved entry. The Aruba Government is also requiring all travelers to have mandatory insurance to help protect visitors against medical expenses should they test positive for the virus during their stay.
Cancun
While the US- Mexico border remains closed until at least July 21, individual areas of Mexico have opened for tourism such as Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum. Travelers will go through a health screening process upon entry at the airport.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico will formally re-open on July 15th. All incoming travelers will undergo a COVID 19 test and health screening upon entry.
Turks and Caicos
Turks is slated to re-open on July 22nd for international air traffic. The cruise port will remain closed until August 31. A 6:15 PM curfew has been set as of June 29th and is subject to change in the coming weeks. Masks are required in all public areas until December 31, 2020.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, Mo’orea and Bora Bora has said they plan to re-open to all international travelers on July 15th. All travelers are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure or an “immunity certificate” that proves recovery from the virus.
Maldives
Private and commercial travel has reopened as of July 1. Hotels located on uninhabited islands will open July 15th while hotels on inhabited islands will open August 1st. All travelers must submit a health declaration card upon arrival which will be provided on your flight.
Reach out to your Epperly Advisor to talk about your travel options this year or email info@epperlytravel.com for more information!
