Countries Open to American Travelers Now Without 14-day Quarantine

Entry Information

• You must book your accommodations and activities with tour operators certified by the Tourism Gold Standard program. All Zicasso travel specialists for Belize are local experts and will ensure appropriate bookings.
• It is recommended to take a COVID-19 test within 96 hours of travel to Belize. Check Belize Tourism to confirm as some rapid antigen tests are accepted no more than 48 hours before travel.
• If no PCR test is presented, you can take a COVID test at the airport for $50 USD.
• Upon arrival, testing at the airport will be done on a “Swab and Go” basis. Positive cases will receive notification from the Ministry of Health within 24 hours and will be required to quarantine for 14 days at their Gold Standard Hotel at their own expense.
• Before your trip, download the Belize Health App and complete the required information 72 hours before your arrival in Belize.

Advice from our Belize travel specialists

• The tourism industry has worked hard to ensure safety protocols through the Gold Standard program. You can book with confidence that health and safety are at the forefront.
• Water activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing are all available, as are unique caving, archaeology and nature excursions.
• Crossing the border into Guatemala to visit Tikal, the ancient Maya city, is not currently accessible, but other ruins can be visited.
• Plan and book early for 2021 and 2022. Postponed trips from 2020 are in place, and the top resorts and boutique properties are filling.

Best Time to Visit: November | December | January | February | March | April | May

See also: Belize Tours & Vacations

Entry Information

• Travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
• Upon entry to Botswana, travelers will undergo screening for COVID-19 symptoms. Any visitors showing symptoms will be taken to a government facility for testing and quarantine at the traveler’s expense.
• Botswana is looking to roll out airport testing at Maun and Kasane airports, with results available within 2-5 hours.
• Travelers will be required to remain in contact with the local health authority for 14 days during self-monitoring.

Advice from our safari specialists

• Once you have arrived in Botswana, you can experience all the highlights and travel freely.
• If your itinerary includes travel from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe into Botswana, many hotels in Victoria Falls offer to test in-house for ease of movement.
• A negative Covid test taken within 72 hours will suffice for those arriving in Botswana via South Africa. If needed, testing can be accessed easily near Johannesburg OR Tambo airport if needed with same-day results, usually within 2-8 hours
• With many 2020 trips postponed into 2021, availability at some safari lodges is limited. Travel insurance is recommended, and financial flexibility remains in place with most properties.
• Safari involves time spent outdoors in nature, with limited guests on safari vehicles, private dining and safari options, and lots of space for social distancing.

Best Time to Visit: May | June | July | August | September | October

See also: Botswana Safaris

Entry Information

• Beginning January 7, 2021, all travelers (including infants) must present a negative Covid-19 test result from a PCR test administered no more than 96 hours before departure.
• Travelers must complete the online pre-travel registration form within one to 24 hours of your flight departure time and carry a print-out of the document to show upon request.

Advice from our Colombia travel specialists

• While all significant destinations are open, not all restaurants have returned to operation. For any Zicasso trip, your travel specialist will ensure options for every meal are in place.
• Various national parks, including Tayrona Park, have begun to open.
• Beach visits require reservations, which are easily made by your local specialist.
• For early 2021, we recommend rural destinations with more extended stays in each.

Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March | August | October

See also: Colombia Tours & Vacation

Entry Information

• All travelers must fill out the electronic epidemiological Health Pass form before departure.
• Travelers cannot enter Costa Rica without travel insurance that also covers Covid-19. Find further guidelines on the Costa Rica Tourism site, and Zicasso can help with travel insurance information.
• A certificate of insurance verifying the above criteria in English or Spanish must be uploaded when filling out the Health Pass. Passengers who fail to comply with these requirements may not enter the country.
• The Health Pass details must be updated 48 hours before your trip with care to ensure you enter the correct passport number.

Advice from our Costa Rica travel specialists

• Costa Rica offers unspoiled coastlines with spectacular beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and mountains, with some of the world's most varied biodiversity. The possibilities are endless.
• The best way to book last minute is to speak to a Zicasso travel specialist to access potential discounts at some properties.
• For trips in 2021, please plan ahead; given the proximity to the United States, Costa Rica will likely see even more demand than usual. Book early for best availability.

Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March | April | July | August | September | October | November

See also: Costa Rica Vacations | Costa Rica Travel Guide

Entry Information

• All incoming travelers must arrive with a negative Covid test result received within 72 hours to present when requested. All travelers will also be given a PCR test upon arrival. This guideline may change. Your travel specialist can update you as you consider your trip.
• All travelers must fill out a Health Declaration form before arriving in Cuba, which is generally provided by the airline or upon arrival.
• Travelers visiting Varadero must have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage and must bring proof of their hotel reservation.

Advice from our Cuba specialists

• Travelers can visit significant points of interest, and we expect guests to be pleased with the access they will have as the country re-opens.
• All guides and drivers will be taking strict precautions with cleaning and sanitizing.
• While guests need to quarantine for the first 24 hours, this day will be used as a festive welcome to the country. Depending on your interests, we can organize special meals, socially distant visits by historians, even a visit from small musical groups.

Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March | August | October

See also: Cuba Tours & Vacations

Entry Information

• All travelers must present a negative PCR test taken within ten days before arrival. Randomly selected visitors over the age of 14 may be selected for a rapid antigen test upon arrival by the Ministry of Public Health. In the event that the antigen test is positive, the traveler must comply with mandatory isolation for ten days.
• All travelers must complete a Health Declaration Form before arrival (one per family) distributed on your arrival flight.
• Travelers who do not provide a PCR test result must take a fast antigen test as soon they arrive in the country. If the result is positive, travelers must do mandatory isolation for ten days in an authorized hotel. If a negative result, visitors must carry out mandatory isolation for five days.
• Airlines operating to Ecuador must verify at the origin airport that the traveler has a negative RT-PCR test prior to boarding the aircraft.
• Guidelines are subject to change at any time.

Additional entry requirements for the Galapagos Islands

• Travelers must present a COVID PCR test within 96 hours of arrival in the islands. The same test as arrival to Ecuador will suffice, as long as it was taken 96 hours before coming to the Galapagos. If the test is older than 96 hours, another test at an authorized clinic will be required, at their own expense.
• All tourists must authorize the private laboratory to send the RT-PCR tests to pruebapcrquito@gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec and pruebapcrguayaquil@gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec
• A safe passage (salvoconducto) document, issued at least 24 hours before by a tour operator or hotel based on your confirmed itinerary with established bio-safety protocols authorized by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Proof of Travel Insurance is required, and round trip air tickets must be in hand.

Advice from our Galapagos and Ecuador travel specialists

• Due to the requirements of a “safe pass” and migration control card, booking with a Zicasso travel specialist will ensure every detail is in place.
• The Galapagos is an exclusive destination with a restricted number of cruises, hotels, and domestic flights. Once the pandemic passes, these will probably be booked out very quickly.
• Those interested in 2021 or 2022 will want to book now for the best availability.
• Travelers can visit most of the attractions in Ecuador. For National Protected Areas, the number of daily visits is limited, but most of them are open every day, including the Galapagos Islands.

Best Time to Visit: June | July | August | September | October

See also: Galapagos Islands Vacations & Tours

Entry Information

• All travelers must have proof of a negative Covid RT-PCR test taken a maximum of 96 hours before flight departure. Travelers must present paper copies of the test results written in Arabic or English; digital copies will not be accepted. Children under age 6 are exempt.
• Upon arrival, travelers must show proof of health insurance. This requirement is generally covered by travel insurance, which can be presented as coverage. Travelers may be required to take a body temperature scan and complete a health declaration form.

Advice from one of our Egypt travel specialists

• All popular attractions are open with no significant exceptions.
• 2021 and 2022 will likely continue to have fewer crowds, and with the Grand Egyptian Museum slated to open soon, it will be an extraordinary time to enjoy the ancient wonders.
• Flexible booking and real-time adjustments are available, and working with an Egypt expert the best path for a successful vacation.

Best Time to Visit: September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April

See also: Egypt Tours & Vacations

Entry Information

• US travelers are permitted to enter if the following conditions are met: 1. The passenger does not have a body temperature above 99.5°F. 2. The passenger does not have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or other flu-like symptoms. 3. The passenger has a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours of arrival that has been digitally verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative.
• As of January 11, 2021, departing travelers must have a negative Covid-19 certificate from an authorized laboratory as part of the Trusted Travel Initiative via the PanaBios system. The traveler will receive a code to their test results that will be verified by airlines and immigration.
• As of January 1, 2021, all travelers must apply and obtain their e-visa prior to boarding any aircraft to Kenya. Processing time is two days, and e-visas can no longer be obtained upon arrival.

Advice from our safari specialists

• All popular areas and attractions in Kenya are open.
• Many lodges and camps are offering advantageous rates and Kenya Wildlife Service has reduced entrance fees by 50%, except for the Maasai Mara.
• Those interested in travel for 2021 will need to book early due to postponed 2020 trips. Avoid disappointment by working with a travel specialist now to book your preferred itineraries, lodges, and camps.

Best Time to Visit: January | February | March | June | July | August | September | October

See also: Kenya Safaris & Tours

Entry Information

• All travelers going to the Maldives must present a negative PCR test for COVID-19, conducted 96 hours before departure.
• An online health declaration form must be submitted 24 hours before departure
• Travelers must have a confirmed booking in an accommodation registered with the Ministry of Tourism.
• Split-stays are permitted between resorts, but a request must be submitted for approval by the Ministry of Tourism 24 hours prior to travel.
• Travelers will undergo thermal screening at the airport upon arrival.

Advice from our Maldives travel specialists

• The island resort locations and the natural landscape are the main attraction of the Maldives, and the Ministry of Tourism has approved a significant number of resorts to be open. Visitors can have a fulfilling Maldives experience, even during Covid.
• The country has initiated a frequent visitor program called Maldives Border Miles. This is a tiered program that awards points for each trip to the country, and travelers can earn privileges as they accumulate points and move up the tiers.

Best Time to Visit: December | January | February | March | August | October

Entry Information

• US Citizens may travel to Morocco with confirmed hotel or travel agency reservations.
• Travelers over age 11 must provide printed negative PCR Covid-19 test result taken 72 hours before departure.
• A passenger health form is provided on arriving flights and must be completed to be presented on arrival.
• All travelers must download Morocco's contact tracing app, Wiqaytna.
• New measures have been announced effective December 23, 2020 and extended through February 10, 2021 to include a nationwide curfew between the hours of 9pm and 6am, a daily closing time for restaurants, cafes, shops, and supermarkets of 8pm, the closure of all restaurants and cafes in Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier, and a ban on all public and private gatherings and parties.

Advice from our Morocco travel specialists

• While restaurants and shops are currently under some restrictions, we are able to make arrangements with our local connections to ensure a very smooth experience.
• Most significant sites are open, and for the few that are closed, we can organize workshops and tours that allow our visitors to enjoy their time.

Best Time to Visit: March | April | May | September | October

See also: Morocco Tours & Vacations

Entry Information

• Arriving international tourists do not have to quarantine if they present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result that is not older than 7 days.
• Travelers arriving with a negative result that is older than 7 days will be placed in quarantine and tested for COVID-19 on the same day at their own cost. If the results of this test come out negative, they will be released from quarantine. If positive, they will be isolated at their own expense. These do not apply to children under age 5.
• A health declaration form must be completed before departure, and travelers must present their full itinerary.
• Upon arrival, travelers may undergo a health screening and temperature checks.

Best Time to Visit: June | July | August | September | October

See also: Namibia Safaris

Entry Information

• Travelers must present a negative PCR Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours from the time of departure. If unable to prove a negative test, travelers will be required to quarantine at their own expense.
• Travelers will be screened on arrival, and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat Covid-19 test is conducted.
• Travelers must provide proof of accommodation should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country.
• Travelers should install the Covid Alert South Africa mobile app to assist with contact tracing.
• International air travel is restricted to the three following airports, OR Tambo International (in Johannesburg, Gauteng), Cape Town International (in Cape Town, Western Cape), and King Shaka International in (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal).
• As of January 11, 2021, land borders are closed.

Advice from our South Africa travel specialists

• South Africa allows for plenty of time outside, whether in the city, the countryside or on safari.
• All attractions are open with strict Covid protocols, which may cause delays at each location. With smart planning, this concern can be managed with private tours.
• Many lodges and city hotels are providing on-site testing for ease of onward travelers. Johannesburg Airport has also begun a mobile testing center, should a traveler need a last-minute test at their own expense.
• Bookings for 2021 and 2022 already see high demand. Flexibility for all travelers is necessary, and working with a local expert will help immensely.

Best Time to Visit: November | December | January | June | July | August

See also: South Africa Safaris | South Africa Tours

Entry Information

• Travelers must take an approved RT-PCR test within three days of departure and complete the health form registration within the same time frame. A printout of the health registration receipt must be presented along with the negative test results before boarding and upon arrival. The printout should also be kept with the traveler during their stay in French Polynesia.
• Be sure to check with the list provided at Tahiti Tourisme to ensure that your test is approved for usage.
• In addition to the test required before departure, a self-test provided by French Polynesia will need to be carried out on the fourth day after arrival at the destination.
• Passports must be valid for at least three months after the traveler’s return.

Advice from our travel specialists for French Polynesia

• Group excursions and tours are limited to groups of 6, but we always recommend private tours and transfers
• Overwater bungalows are perfect for social distancing, with room service available at an additional cost at most properties
• The best chance for dry weather is between May-October, but you may find some financial advantages to travel in the shoulder season of April and November.

Best Time to Visit: May | June | July | August | September | October

See also: Tahiti & Bora Bora Vacations

Entry Information

• Travelers do not need to bring negative Covid-19 tests - unless required by the airline as a condition for traveling.
• Passengers should fill in a Health Surveillance Form on the plane and submit them to Port Health authorities upon arrival.
• Upon arrival, temperatures will be checked. Those with symptoms and signs related to COVID-19 will undergo enhanced screening and may be tested on arrival.

Advice from our safari specialists

• While some properties are closed, the vast majority are open and ready to welcome guests.
• While a last-minute trip is possible, it is ideal to work with a four-week time frame to allow for flexibility and easier international flight bookings.
• There are already some properties with waitlists for the summer of 2021, but a Zicasso travel specialist will have local connections to find the right property for you. It is ideal to book six months in advance for summer 2021 and 6-9 months out for 2022.

Best Time to Visit: January | February | June | July | August | September | October

See also: Tanzania Safaris & Vacations

Entry Information

• As of December 30, 2020, and through March 1, 2021, all international travelers age 6 and above traveling to Turkey must have taken a Covid-19 PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before their flight.
• Travelers must submit their test results to the airline at the time of check-in, and those without a negative test in hand will not be permitted to board.
• Any passengers who have visited the United Kingdom, Denmark, or South Africa in the ten days before their arrival must have taken a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours of their flight. Travelers arriving from these countries must also quarantine at their hotel or residence on arrival and submit to a PCR test on the 7th day. If the PCR test results are negative, the quarantine can end. Those who test positive will receive ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Advice from our travel specialists for Turkey

• All significant attractions are open. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are using the lull in tourism for renovations, so the experience is diminished, but possible.
• Touring times at all sites are shorter and with no queues, and your private guide can slide in “extra stops” with extra time.
• Last-minute trips are possible, as our local Turkey team is very agile. We have booked trips recently with a two week lead time, and thanks to local connections, much is possible in the hands of a travel specialist.

Best Time to Visit: April | May | June | July | August | September | October

See also: Turkey Tours & Vacations

Entry Information

• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test completed within 7 days before traveling to Zambia, though most airlines will require a test within 72 hours.
• Travelers will need to complete a health questionnaire provided by the airline before exiting the plane.
• Upon arrival, travelers will be subject to health screening. Anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19 or having a body temperature of 38.0 C or above will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival.

Advice from our safari specialists

• There are no significant closures across the country, and prices are currently quite competitive.
• Working with a safari specialist is essential to ensure safety protocols are managed smoothly.

Best Time to Visit:  May | June | July | August | September | October

See also:  Zambia Safaris

• Passengers must bring proof of a negative PCR test done within 48 hours of their departure date.
• Upon arrival, travelers will undergo health screening and temperature testing.
• New nationwide lockdown on January 5 with a curfew in effect daily from 6pm to 6am.

Advice from our safari specialists

• Most national parks and safari highlights are open as usual, including the great Victoria Falls.
• Working with a safari specialist is essential to ensure safety protocols are managed smoothly.

Best Time to Visit: January | February | June | July | August | September | October

See also:  Zimbabwe Safaris

As we move into 2021, run through our helpful checklist of how to prepare now for Covid-era travel, and find more information at the Zicasso Travel Blog. Without question, the best path forward for trip planning is to do so in the hands of a destination expert. To learn more about these destinations, or any others, fill out a Trip Request, find our team on Live Chat via zicasso.com (11am-6pm ET, Monday-Friday) or call 1-888-205-9707.