AMERICANS WELCOME

Many countries remain off-limits to American visitors, but some have started to welcome back US citizens

Even as many countries remain off-limits to U.S. visitors because of the coronavirus, about two dozen others have started to welcome, and even woo, American tourists.

Even as many countries remain offlimits to American visitors because of the high rate of coronavirus within the United States, about two dozen others have started to welcome, and in some cases woo, U.S. citizens to come spend their tourist dollars.

Getting there is only part of the equation. Countries have their own COVID-19 mitigation measures that might include curfews or curtailed activities and services; most standard travel insurance policies won’t cover medical or travel expenses related to the coronavirus; and borders can close and flights be canceled with little warning, stranding people in foreign countries.

Here are some of the countries as of early July that were open to U.S. citizens, or are expected to open soon. Plans are subject to change.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Travelers must provide a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days of arrival. Without proof, the government can require visitors to quarantine or be tested and pick up the $100 expense.

Temperatures will be checked at the airport, and people are asked to register with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. Visitors must have a mask and wear it in public or face a possible fine of $5,000 or up to six months in jail. “Persons traveling to Antigua and Barbuda from countries where there are outbreaks of COVID-19” may be required to quarantine, according to the Antigua Barbuda Tourism Authority.

ARUBA

Aruba first opened to Canada, Europe and most other Caribbean countries July 1, with U.S. travelers admitted shortly thereafter under certain conditions.

Residents from more than 20 states are considered to be at higher risk of COVID-19 and must upload proof of a negative test taken between 12 and 72 hours before flying or they won’t be allowed to board their flight. Residents of the other states have the option of uploading a test or having one taken at the

airport in Oranjestad. The airport tests are done at the expense of travelers, who must quarantine at their lodging for up to 24 hours while awaiting results.

Island guests must purchase mandatory Aruba visitors insurance to cover up to $75,000 in expenses should they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay.

BELIZE

Belize has scheduled an Aug. 15 reopening. Arriving guests who have proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous three days can use a “fast track” entry lane, while others will have to pay for and undergo testing at the airport. Anyone testing positive won’t be allowed to leave the country, but instead must isolate for at least 14 days at the passenger’s expense.

Visitors must stay at a “Tourism Gold Standard” hotel, which can offer full services, thereby lessening the interaction with locals. No rental cars will be available at first, and parks and tourist sites will only be accessible with an approved tour operator. Face masks are required in public.

BERMUDA

Bermuda has an extensive screening process in place and requires a $75 fee to cover the cost of mandatory in-country COVID-19 tests given at the airport and again on Days 3, 7 and 14 of a traveler’s stay.

Visitors are also asked to bring a thermometer and a face mask.

In addition to being tested at the airport, anyone aged 10 and older is asked to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of their flight to Bermuda (although tests taken within five days will be accepted).

Those with proof of a negative test still must quarantine at their hotel for about eight hours pending the results of their airport test. Those arriving without proof of a negative test are confined to their accommodation for three days.

ECUADOR

The U.S. is continuing to help repatriate Americans who stayed in Ecuador when the pandemic closed down travel. Those wanting to visit the country need to quarantine for 14 days in government-designated temporary housing or hotels.

Also, all arriving passengers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous seven days or agree to undergo a test in the country. The government has restricted movement throughout the country and there are curfews imposed.

JAMAICA

Tourists 12 and older arriving from New York, Florida, Arizona and Texas must upload a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 10 days of their arrival date. All passengers must complete a travel authorization screening form within 72 hours of their trip and present it at the airport or they will not be allowed to board their flight.

Arriving passengers will have their temperatures taken and be asked screening questions. If they are considered at high risk, they may be required to take a COVID-19 test. Anyone tested must quarantine at their accommodation until the results are available, generally within 48 hours. Those who test positive must isolate at their hotel or a government facility.

MEXICO

Land crossings between the U.S. and Mexico were to remain closed until at least July 21, but U.S. visitors can arrive by plane. Tourists may be subject to temperature checks and other health screenings, and those showing symptoms may be asked to quarantine voluntarily.

Fifteen Mexican states are open only for essential services, but 17 others are allowing hotels and restaurants to operate at 50% capacity. That means that some resorts in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, La Paz and Loreto are at least partially open for business.

ST. MAARTEN

Princess Juliana International Airport has reopened to Canada and Europe, but the U.S. Consulate General in Curaçao said flights from the U.S. are not yet allowed. All travelers over the age of 10 must complete an online health declaration and show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Passengers will be screened at the airport and anyone with symptoms will be given a test at their expense.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Under protocols in place for the month of July, visitors will be given a COVID-19 test and must quarantine at their hotel for

24 hours while awaiting the results, unless they have proof of a negative test for the virus taken within the previous 48 hours, or a positive antibody test taken within the previous five days. Anyone who tests positive must isolate in an approved facility for 14 days at their own expense.

Those exempt from the airport test must monitor their temperature for two weeks and report any changes to health authorities.

TURKEY

Visitors to Turkey will be screened using thermal cameras, and travelers with elevated temperatures may be subject to testing. Foreign passengers who test positive for COVID-19 will be referred to a private hospital.

Face masks are required in all gathering places.

UNITED KINGDOM

The list of “travel corridor” countries whose residents are allowed into England with few restrictions is growing, but the U.S. is still not on it. As a result, anyone arriving from the U.S. must be prepared to isolate for 14 days or face a penalty of up to $1,250.

DOLORES OCHOA/AP Visitors walk along a marked path, part of a preventive measure against the spread of the new coronavirus, during a visit to the zoo on the outskirts of Quito, in Guayllabamba, Ecuador.

SCOTT BAKER/THE NEW YORK TIMES A tree on Eagle Beach in Aruba. Aruba first opened to Canada, Europe and most other Caribbean countries July 1 with U.S. travelers to be admitted shortly thereafter.