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Despite the long list of temporary COVID-19 restrictions in place all around the world, Americans still have a plethora of options when it comes to international travel in the early part of 2021. Dozens of destinations have reopened to U.S. citizens, including some that can be accessed without first acquiring a negative COVID-19 test result. Here are 20 notable international escapes available to Americans this January. 



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Aruba

Aruba’s five-component requirement for entry includes providing basic traveler information, proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test result (travelers age 15 and older) and insurance coverage as well as completing a basic health assessment. Travelers must also consent to Aruba’s government mandates. JetBlue passengers planning to visit Aruba have the option to take an at-home, saliva-based PCR test through a partnership with Vault Health.



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Bahamas

The beautiful Bahamas are open to Americans this winter. However, travelers age 11 and older will need to produce a negative PCR test result no more than seven days prior to their arrival and apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa, during which they’ll have to opt-in for COVID-19 health insurance. 



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Belize

A destination rich in culture, nature and marine life, Belize is welcoming Americans who download the Belize Health App and provide proof of a negative PCR test result taken within three days of arrival. Travelers can also choose to be tested upon arrival but will be charged $50.



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Bermuda

Bermuda and its beloved pink-sand beaches are also open to Americans. However, the British territory is requiring visitors age 10 and older to apply for travel authorization, which costs $75 per adult and $30 for children age nine and younger. Travelers will also need to present a negative PCR test result taken no more than five days prior to departure. For those eyeing longer stays, additional COVID-19 testing is required on days four, eight and 14 of the visit.



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Chile

Recently-reopened Chile is requiring visitors to present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure and possess proof of COVID-19 health insurance covering a minimum of $30,000. Travelers will also need to complete an “Affidavit of Travelers” electronic form 48 hours or less before boarding their flight. 



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Colombia

Visiting Colombia this January requires producing a negative PCR test result no more than 96 hours before departure and completing pre-registration at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 24 hours of your flight.



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Costa Rica

Costa Rica recently reopened to all Americans and also eliminated its COVID-19 testing requirement. Currently, Americans must complete a health pass form and provide proof of travel medical insurance covering any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in the country. Travelers do have the option to purchase a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute. 



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Dominican Republic

Although travelers will have to complete an E-Ticket when entering or exiting the Dominican Republic, they are not required to show proof of a negative PCR test result in order to gain entry. Instead, officials in the DR will give random breath tests to no more than 10 percent of arriving passengers as well as any arrivals showing symptoms. 



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Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In addition to a negative PCR test result taken no more than 96 hours before departure (children under age 12 are exempt), Americans traveling to Dubai this winter will need to complete a Health Declaration Form confirming they aren’t displaying any COVID-19 symptoms and possess medical travel insurance with international coverage that covers COVID-19. Passengers flying Emirates or traveling with FlyDubai who purchased their tickets after December 1, 2020, will automatically receive additional multi-risk travel insurance from AIG Travel.



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Egypt

U.S. citizens flying to Egypt will need to present a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours of arrival, and the result must be in paper form. Children age five and younger are exempt from the testing requirement. Additionally, incoming tourists must show proof of health insurance, according to the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. 



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French Polynesia

Americans seeking a remote escape to kick off 2021 can get away to the inviting South Pacific islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora. Right now, French Polynesia is requiring travelers to fill out an online ETIS form and secure a negative COVID-19 test result produced within 72 hours of departure that must be presented before boarding. Visitors will also receive a self-test kit to be administered on day four of their stay. 



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Ghana

In West Africa, Ghana has reopened to Americans who can provide proof of a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours. In addition to temperature screenings, visitors age five and over will also be required to take a second COVID-19 test upon arrival that will cost $150. Travelers must pay the fee online before departure at myfrontierhealthcare.com/Home/Ghana and present proof of their payment to their airline prior to boarding the flight.



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Jamaica

Jamaica, which has established a resilient corridor to keep visitors safe amid the pandemic, is requiring travelers to secure “travel authorization,” which requires a negative PCR, Nucleic Acid Amplification test, molecular or antigen test result taken within less than 10 days of arrival for travelers age 12 and older. The test must be performed by a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registered or ISO 15189 certified laboratory.



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Kenya

Safaris are a real possibility for U.S. travelers in the early part of 2021 as Kenya is currently open to Americans who are able to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 96 hours of their arrival in the African country. Visitors will also be screened for a body temperature above 99.5°F, a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms.



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The Maldives

The Maldives is one of the few places in Asia open to Americans this January. The stunning archipelago renowned for its crystal clear waters and luxe overwater bungalows is welcoming all international tourists who can produce a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours of arrival. 



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Mexico

While U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico are closed through at least January 21, 2021, Americans are still able to fly to Mexico for leisure purposes without having to present a negative COVID-19 test result. Instead, officials will be conducting temperature checks and other health screenings upon arrival.



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Panama

Travelers will need a negative PCR or antigen test result taken 48 hours or less before their arrival in order to gain entry to Panama. If a visitor’s test result is deemed too old, they’ll be required to take a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport at a cost of $50. All travelers are also required to complete an Electronic Affidavit. While health insurance isn’t required, it is highly recommended. What’s more, as of December 21, Panama has temporarily suspended entry for people who have originated or transited from the U.K. or South Africa within the past 20 days.



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Peru

U.S. travelers hoping to explore Machu Picchu and other awesome sites in Peru will need a negative PCR test result no more than 72 hours old. Visitors must also submit the “Health Electronic Sworn Statement, and commitment to carry out the traveler’s isolation or quarantine,” which they can find on the National Superintendence of Migrations webpage at e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/dj-salud.



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Saint Lucia

Americans traveling to Saint Lucia this winter must provide a negative PCR test result taken within seven days of arrival as well as complete and submit a Travel Authorization Form. Visitors also need to be booked in approved COVID-19 accommodations and agree to health screenings upon arrival, including temperature checks. 



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Turkey

Turkey is open to Americans but, as of last month, all international passengers age six and older are required to show proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their flight. The test result must be submitted to your airline at the time of check-in. The new testing requirement is scheduled to remain in effect until at least March 1, 2021.



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