The desire and ability to escape to a far-flung destination is a constantly moving target in today’s global pandemic environment. As much as some of us want to get away, there is a myriad of rules to consider, in addition to concerns about safety. And, with new coronavirus variants starting to gain traction, these rules are likely to continue to evolve at a rapid pace. This begs the question; how do you determine which international destinations are the safest for American tourists?
Only last month, President Biden reinstated travel restrictions that suspended entry to nearly all non-U.S. travelers from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, as well as 27 other European countries. At the same time, he expanded on an earlier CDC requirement that now makes international travelers (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) not only obtain a negative COVID-19 test less than three days prior to boarding a U.S. bound flight, but also quarantine upon arrival and receive another negative test.
If this doesn’t put you off traveling abroad right now, there are some countries that are welcoming U.S. citizens with open arms, albeit under certain conditions. However, it’s important to emphasize that the U.S. State Department continues to encourage citizens to reconsider all non-essential foreign travel.
Assessing Risk
Just because some countries are welcoming American visitors, does not mean that they are low risk from a pandemic standpoint. You will need to proactively determine which international destinations are safest, and pose the least health risk. This is especially important as a kids’ vaccine is still many months away.
If you don’t know where to start, the CDC has ranked countries using a 4-tier COVID system. Level 1 is the lowest level. The CDC recommends that travelers wear masks and socially distance when visiting these low risk countries. However, the CDC’s system does not necessarily align with travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, which has its own 4-tier ranking system. Countries deemed low-risk by the CDC, can be considered high risk by the U.S. Department of State.
At the same time, many of the CDC’s low risk countries are not accepting visitors from the U.S. This can make knowing where to travel even more difficult.
So what are the safest international destinations right now? An afternoon of research, cross referencing the CDC against the U.S. Department of State, revealed only a few options for American families looking to travel with minimized risk. Moreover, each of the countries identified were either located in the Eastern Caribbean or Southeast Asia.
Of course, the following list is not exhaustive. I encourage you to do your own due diligence before booking any travel. Also, keep in mind that the viability of destinations for American tourists will continue to change over the coming days, weeks, and months.
Eastern Caribbean
Saint Kitts and Nevis
At the top of the ‘safest international destinations’ list is Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is one of only two Eastern Caribbean destinations to currently have a Level 1 health category from the CDC. And, it is the only one to also have a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State. To date, the country as had just 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
Right now, Saint Kitts and Nevis is allowing U.S. citizens to enter the country. However, you have to be pre-approved to enter by the Ministry of National Security. You must also submit a negative RT-PCR Test less than 72 hours prior to arrival. And you have to quarantine at an approved hotel upon arrival.
* Level 2 Travel Advisory: Exercise Increased Caution
Anguilla
Anguilla entered the second phase of its pandemic reopening plan last November, and is currently a Level 1 CDC country. To visit, potential travelers must submit a visitor application in advance specifying, among other things, desired travel dates. Visitors must also pay a fee, based on the length of stay and the number of people traveling ($300 for the main traveler and $250 for each additional family member).
*Level 3 Travel Advisory: Reconsider Travel
Dominica
Dominica has had 121 confirmed cases of COVID-19. It is categorized by the CDC as a Level 2 country. Like other countries within the Eastern Caribbean, it is accepting visitors from the U.S. However, travelers need to stay in either a government operated quarantine facility, or a Safe in Nature certified property, for an initial quarantine period. In addition, tourists must submit a health questionnaire prior to travel, and have a negative PCR or serology test within 72 hours of arrival.
*Level 3 Travel Advisory: Reconsider Travel
Antigua & Barbuda
Rounding out the Eastern Caribbean is Antigua & Barbuda which, with 201 confirmed cases of COVID-19, has a Level 2 rating from the CDC. While it is open to U.S. visitors, it is under a state of Emergency until March 31, 2021. This includes a curfew that is in effect between the hours of 5 am and 8 pm. Like the countries above, Antigua and Barbuda also have health protocols in place for arriving visitors, including a RT-PCR Test and a quarantine period.
*Level 3 Travel Advisory: Reconsider Travel
Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Cambodia has a Level 1 CDC rating, and a Level 2 Travel Advisory. So, if it has been on your wish list, now could be the time to visit, but only if you are willing to pay an exorbitant amount for the privilege. Last summer, the country announced that all foreign travelers had to pay a $3,000 deposit to cover COVID-19 testing and potential treatment services. You will also need a tourist visa before you can enter the country. All of this, coupled with the fact that medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards, means it is a less than ideal destination for families – even if it is one of the few safe international destinations open to American tourists.
*Level 2 Travel Advisory: Exercise Increased Caution
Thailand
Often a bucket list destination, Thailand is currently open to tourists. However, it is important to note that, while it is listed as a Level 2 CDC country, there has been a recent increase in COVID-19 cases. Some provinces are also under curfew.
U.S. passport holders are not required to obtain a visa for tourism purposes, but they do need a Certificate of Entry (COE) to be allowed into the country. Other requirements include sufficient medical coverage, a negative COVID test less than three days prior to departure, and a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival.
* Level 2 Travel Advisory: Exercise Increased Caution
Happy Travels!
