Flying abroad has become almost a no-go for Americans after the U.S Department of State issued fresh rounds of travel advisories this week, putting whole swathes of the globe out of bounds for the casual traveler.
Holiday destination choices are now limited to just a handful of places. Only 16 countries remain in the first two tiers of the state department’s advisory which call for normal and increased precautions. The non-exhaustive list below is from this clutch of destinations. A note of caution: almost everywhere requires some level of quarantining, with some notable exceptions, eating into your holiday.
Europe is verboten. From Greece to Portugal and from Norway to Cyprus, Europe falls under the “do not travel” category. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron told CBS News that France will begin to lift travel restrictions on international travel, opening up to Americans this summer. That hasn’t melted hearts at the state department, however.
Mexico too is out, along with most of Central and South America.
The State department’s recommendations, while not mandatory, are certain to put a damper on holiday plans.
Bhutan
Top of the list is Bhutan, the landlocked state in the Himalayas, famed for its monasteries as well as its commitment to low-impact tourism, along with the hefty daily surcharge of $250 imposed on visitors.
This small country sits alone in the state department’s Level 1 category in which travelers are told to exercise normal precautions.
Bhutan might impose a two-week travel restriction on all incoming international tourists.
Thailand
Thailand has beaches, nature, and perhaps a slightly muted street-food scene amid COVID-19 conditions, but this Southeast Asian long-haul favorite remains open to Americans.
Quarantines can be as short as seven days with negative tests and vaccinations.
Belize
This Central American country, with its lush forests and Mayan ruins is open for business. And best of all, it has no quarantine requirements if your PCR test, administered on arrival, is negative.
St Kitts & Nevis
These islands in the eastern Carribean have a well-thought-out plan for travelers.
While quarantines are required, they can be served while you are at selected hotels where you are “free to move about the hotel property, interact with other guests and partake in hotel activities.”
Grenada
Also in the eastern Caribbean, Grenada is home to nutmeg plantations and beaches that rival any in the Caribbean. It requires a seven-day quarantine.
Benin
Off the beaten track, perhaps, but Benin on the west coast of Africa is home to the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey and Atlantic beaches.
All travelers to Benin are encouraged to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
Liberia
On the west coast on Africa, Liberia is awakening from civil war and is home to surfing beaches and some spectacular national parks.
As things stand, Liberia requires travelers who test negative to self-quarantine for seven days and monitor their symptoms for a period of 14 days.