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The 22 best places to travel around the world in 2022: where to go next.

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Where to travel in 2022? What are the best places to travel during Covid? Where should I travel next? These are the questions that everyone is asking now that international travel is coming back to life, thanks to the loosening of travel restrictions in many destinations around the world and a pent-up demand for all those far-flung vacations that were put on hold during the pandemic. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council , travel numbers will reach pre-pandemic levels in 2022, the CEO of Expedia predicts that this summer will be the busiest travel season ever and the airlines are encountering unparalleled demand.

Note: This story is from 2022. To read about the best places to travel right now, see “The 23 Best Places To Travel Around The World In 2023, Chosen By The Experts”

Every year, I round up the best places to visit. This year, in honor of Women’s History Month in March, I tapped into a handful of women travel experts and influencers to find out the destinations that they have on their radar around the globe for 2022. The choices for where to go in 2022 range from cutting-edge urban capitals to dreamy Caribbean islands to African destinations worthy of a bucket-list vacation.

Tanzania—one of the best places to travel in 2022.

One thing to remember, though: The world is still in a state of flux. So if you’re planning a trip anywhere these days, you should check travel restrictions for the destination you are hoping to visit and consider warnings from the State Department and the CDC . And even if you decide not to plan a trip right now, consider this your ultimate travel bucket list for 2022—and beyond.

Want to stay closer to home? For more ideas of where to travel in America, check out “The 22 Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2022.”

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Best covid-19 travel insurance plans, best places to travel in 2022: mexico.

Overlooking Mexico City.

Where to Go: Mexico City

Chosen By: Nneya Richards is a speaker and travel blogger at ’N A Perfect World , a curated intersection of travel, food, fashion and geopolitics inspired by the global-citizen lifestyle of the millennial. Nneya aims to empower young people, especially those of color, to travel, as she believes it is through exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings.

Why: A long time destination for notable creatives like Joan Didion and Jack Kerouac, Mexico City is experiencing a resurgence on the travel scene in 2022 with in-the-know travelers flocking there for its vibrant food, art and nightlife. “Mexico City is the kind of place you visit once and immediately start planning how you’re going to relocate,” says Richards. “While Americans have continued going to Mexico during the pandemic, travel has been more escapism. People looked to get away from city life when they traveled. Nightlife, restaurants, theatre, the pulses of cities were shuttered. As the world re-emerges, Mexico City has this in spades.”

One of the best places to visit in the city, Bosque Chapultepec is undergoing a major renovation this year. “President Obrador is hoping to make it the biggest and largest cultural center in the world, adding an aquatic center, skate parks and updating the soccer fields,” says Richards.

When it comes to travel in Mexico City, Richards recommends taking a Xochimilco floating gardens tour . “You might think the colorful music and booze-filled rides through the canals of the Xochimilco floating gardens only attract tourists—but you’d be wrong,” she says. “When I posted on my insta-stories, friends from Mexico City replied, “Yes! That’s the way to do Mexico City!”

Also on her radar: a hot air balloon over the Teotihuacan pyramids and a Temazcal ritual performed by a shamana in your hotel. “Life in Mexico City seems to really be lived, composed of a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that become a way of living,” says Richards. “As a New Yorker, I get it. Bucket-list living.”

Best Places to Travel in 2022: The Caribbean

A rooftop pool at the O2 Beach Club & Spa in Barbados.

Where to Go: Barbados

Chosen By: Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, founder of Jet Set Sarah , where travel, fitness and style meet.

Why: “I love Barbados (I’m half Bajan),” says Greaves-Gabbadon. “I am looking forward to returning in 2022 to enjoy some familiar favorites (a fish cutter from Cuz's food truck on Pebbles Beach is definitely a priority) and new-to-me places such as the O2 Beach Club & Spa .”

The South Coast of Barbados is traditionally known for barefoot hotels, but now this gorgeous region is seeing a spike in luxe hotels and restaurants, including the Sea Breeze Beach House, Sandals Barbados and O2 Beach Club, where you'll find three pools (including one of the only rooftop pools on the island), six dining experiences, seven bars, a teen lounge and a spa with panoramic ocean views. The resort tapped Caribbean designer Michelle Leotaud to give 02 a true sense of place.

The South Coast’s culinary scene is buzzing, too. The open-air Worthing Square Food Garden is a new street food hall with live music and 20 pop-ups serving global flavors from sushi to jerk. Foodies can also head to new Buzo for pizza, Cocktail Kitchen for light bites or Champers for waterside dining. New cocktail bars include Tabú, Mimosa , Chill Bar & Café and Tiki Bar, which has amazing sunset views. Also not to be missed: the beachfront Barbados Boardwalk , with pools and stunning views of the open sea.

Grenada's Grand Anse Beach.

Where to Go: Grenada

Chosen By: Diane Bair (@dianebairtravel), travel writer and author of more than two dozen books on travel, outdoor adventure, and wildlife.

Why: “My goal is to eventually visit every island in the Caribbean, but darn you, Grenada! You keep enticing me back,” says Bair. “Snapshot moments—like paddling a clear kayak in an aqua lagoon while nibbling a local chocolate bar—sum up what is amazing about this three-island nation.”

Bair says she encounters something new and terrific on every visit. “Besides the burgeoning bean-to-bar chocolate business (five chocolate factories), Grenada’s food scene is a vibrant mashup of fresh seafood and aromatic, locally grown nutmeg and other spices,” says Bair. Dining hotspots include The Aquarium , La Luna and Rhodes Restaurant . “Any foodie worth the label should discover Grenadian specialties, like oildown (a breadfruit stew with meat and coconut milk) and lambie (conch),” she says. “Sample those, and more, at the Dodgy Dock at True Blue Bay Resort , which feels like a lively island version of a church supper.”

Grenada will celebrate Spicemas 2022 (Carnival) this August, a sure sign that festivities are revving up again. And ferry service is once again available to Grenada’s sister islands Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Besides stellar beaches (Carriacou’s Paradise Beach was recently named best in the Caribbean), Grenada claims bragging rights to the first underwater sculpture park in the world. “Recently renovated, the park features 82 life-size sculptures, modeled after local people. Snorkeling or diving alongside them is always a joy,” says Bair. “Waterfalls and rainforest also make this destination a slam-dunk for me.”

If you’re inclined to add to your time in paradise with some feel good deeds, Grenada’s newly launched Voluntourism initiative is something to check out. And more good news: “Grenada’s Simple Stays program highlights 16 affordable accommodations, making it easy for more travelers to experience this incredible island,” says Bair.

Nneya Richards in Martinique—one of the top travel destinations for 2022.

Where to Go: Martinique

Why: “Do you guys look at Rihanna’s Crop Over looks every year and promise that one year you’ll do a Carnival? If you’re not quite bold enough for a full-on Crop Over and want to ease into Carnival life, head down to Martinique,” says Richards.

“This beautiful island’s annual Carnival is the perfect place for you and your tribe to do your first Carnival, as it’s the only one that’s really participatory: there are no barriers separating the spectators and marchers,” she says. “Everyone is encouraged to participate and everyone does.”

Martinique was recently named the top emerging destination in the world by Tripadvisor—and it’s no wonder. Beyond Carnival, travelers will love exploring Martinique’s verdant mountains and spectacular white and black sand beaches. Some big news for the island: UNESCO recently named the entire island a World Biosphere Reserve (the second UNESCO distinction for the island). Another tip from Richards: “This year JetBlue has well priced flights there.”

Best Places to Travel in 2022: Canada

A panorama along Bow River Parkway in Alberta's Banff National Park.

Where to Go: Alberta, Canada

Chosen By: California Chaney, global travel writer, DJ, photographer and editor at Fathom . Follow along on her travels at @californiastarchaney or californiachaney.com

Why: Alberta holds wonder around every bend and corner, from the spectacular Canadian Rockies to the Badlands to the culturally rich cities. Perfect for travelers with passions for learning and the expansive outdoors, Alberta offers a wide variety of festivals and museums, rich and interactive history, exquisite provincial parks, delicious cuisine with small batch spirits and an impressive number of daylight hours to maximize time. In early July, the sun rises before 5:30 and sets close to 10 p.m.

Explore the newly expanded Metis Crossing , an interpretive destination offering immersive and authentic Indigenous Métis experiences. For city culture, the Edmonton Queer History Project has launched its new interactive website and walking tours that map 27 historically significant landmarks. For those who like to travel slow, Vacations By Rail has routes through the Rockies and the cities. “It’s the most spectacular way to truly experience the Rocky Mountains and unplug while taking the scenic route, winding through the mountains and valleys with luxury sleeper cars, dinner on board and cozy nooks to get lost in the passing scenery,” says Chaney.

For adrenaline, cycle the windy and scenic Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise. Chaney also recommends taking a river tour with Urban River Adventures , which “leads trips to the secluded islands in the North Saskatchewan River with overnights in geodesic glamping tents.” Dine in a 360° Dome , surrounded by panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies and a 132-year-old castle or join a “ peak nic ”—part interpretive-guided hike, part backcountry cooking lesson and part gourmet picnic. Some other tips: “The Dark Sky Festival in the fall hosts under the illuminated sky,” says Chaney. “While the winter is all about being in the mountains, the summer is focused on Alberta’s bounty of cerulean-blue lakes and cascading rivers.”

Best Places to Travel in 2022: Central and South America

Peggy Bree in Huacachina, Peru.

Where to Go: Huacachina, Peru

Chosen By: Peggy Bree, a part-time digital nomad from Toronto, has been working remotely and traveling since she was 23. She is a remote project manager, podcast host of Branding Gems and the owner of Blank Room (find everything here ). Follow her on Instagram for her faith, digital nomad and brand/business life.

Why : Peru is known for Machu Picchu, but 200 miles south of Lima and 10 minutes from the busy city of Ica, you’ll find the latest place to explore: Huacachina, an arid coastal desert town that is home to the world’s second highest sand dune. “This is a new find that people should flock to when they think of Peru. A true oasis in the desert,” says Bree. “There is just no other place like this one—it’s a hidden gem of a find where I fell in awe of the change of scenery.”

Adventurers come here from all over the world to check out 3,860-foot Cerro Blanco’s desert thrills, from riding dune buggies to sand boarding. “The Jeep rides are so fun and adventurous. Imagine a wild ride with no roads and no set direction,” says Bree. “You can also just look over the desert in deep thought—whatever floats your boat. Personally, I had such a grand time just in reflection of how beautiful Huacachina is.”

Whatever you do, be sure to wake up early. “You’ll have the oasis to yourself before the tourists come,” says Bree. “The sunrise and sunset view is also a gem.”

Placencia beach in Belize.

Where to Go: Belize

Chosen By: Stephanie Vermillion , a travel journalist and photographer covering stories at the intersection of culture and adventure for publications like Outside Magazine, National Geographic and Travel + Leisure . Follow her work and adventures on Instagram .

Why: Home to mystical Maya sites, wondrous aquatic habitats and lush national parks, Belize is one of Central America’s most biodiverse countries, touting tropical jungles, wildlife reserves and cascading flora and fauna. “There’s a reason Belize is buzzing this year: new hotels like sustainable glamping oasis Hills and Valley promise the ultimate Central American immersion, while a host of new nonstop flights make getting here a breeze,” says Vermillion. “But these tourism additions are merely supporting characters in my ultimate reason to visit Belize right now: connection. It’s something we all crave after two odd years of paused travel; it’s also where Belize shines.”

“There’s connection to wildlife via dive and snorkel trips along the awe-striking Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The new Marriott Autograph Collection property Alaia Belize , the country’s first and only luxury resort to offer PADI dive certification, gets you outside your comfort zone and into the heart of the Caribbean Sea action via its onsite dive shop,” she says.

The Belize Tourism Board is increasingly building pathways for travelers to connect with and support indigenous communities, especially on the southeast coast of Belize, where a blend of culture and adventure provides a perfect getaway for culture enthusiasts, thrill seekers and beach lovers. The charming laid-back villages and seaside communities of Dangria and Hopkins are the cultural heart and pride of the Garifuna people, who invite visitors to join in cultural dances and musical drums at Lebeha Drumming Center and delicious exotic foodie indulgences at the female-owned Tugucina Gloria . Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar preserve in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, spectacular jungle vistas, ziplining and waterfall rappelling in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park . And then there’s Placencia, the traditional Kriol (Creole) fishing village, which is known locally as “Barefoot Perfect.” It’s the ideal location to enjoy 16 miles of unspoiled beaches.

Galapagos sea lions sunbathing at the beach of Espanola island in the Galapagos Islands.

Where to Go: Ecuador

Chosen By: Katie Jackson has somehow made a living as a full-time travel writer since 2015 when an African safari turned into seven years of living out of a suitcase. In between trips, she can be found recuperating in Montana. She shares her adventures, and misadventures, on IG @katietalkstravel .

Why: In January, Jackson had the pleasure of sailing on Hurtigruten’s first Galapagos Islands expedition . “I returned with a newfound appreciation for wildlife, especially for birds, which I never thought would happen,” she says.

Also in January, the president of Ecuador established a new reserve that will triple the size of the Galapagos Islands’ protected area. It will extend all the way to Costa Rica, effectively creating a superhighway for fragile marine life. Among the unique species travelers can only see—or perhaps better said, encounter—in the islands are marine iguanas (the only seafaring iguanas), Galapagos tortoises (who can live to be 150 years old) and Darwin’s famous finches (essential to the theory of evolution).

“There’s nothing comparable to the thrill of snorkeling alongside utterly adorable—and equally playful—sea lions,” Jackson explains. “They were so curious and comfortable around us. One even hopped aboard our ship and tried to be a stowaway.”

Of course, mainland Ecuador—one of the most bio-diverse places on earth—is also worth checking out, whether your ideal destination involves volcanoes, rainforests, beaches or all three. Then there’s Quito, the first city to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated high in the Andes at an elevation of 9,350 feet, it’s also the highest constitutional capital in the world.

Jackson says she has heard phenomenal things from her travel writer friends about Mashpi Lodge : “It has won numerous industry awards and boasts a sky bike, an open-air cable car and a hummingbird garden.” She’s also eager to try Zazu —a Michelin-star worthy Relais & Chateaux restaurant in Quito. “The chef handpicks the fishermen he sources from and uses produce grown in his personal greenhouse.”

A pool at the Met Hotel in La Paz.

Where to Go: La Paz, Bolivia

Chosen By: Canela Ugalde, cofounder of How To La Paz , experience designer for Salar Art+Travel and gallery owner.

Why: While the Salar de Uyuni salt flats remain Bolivia’s top tourist attraction, La Paz—the city that touches the clouds and is the gateway to this natural wonder—has proven to be much more than a mere stopover. “Before the pandemic, La Paz was well under way to becoming the region’s top destination,” says Ugalde. “I truly believe we are picking the ball right up where we left it and coming out stronger than ever.”

New hotels, restaurants and experiences are popping up that reflect the culture’s values: authenticity and uniqueness. “ Met Hotel is a good example—a hotel built during the pandemic,” she says. “It will honor different cultural aspects of contemporary Bolivia. The hotel doubles as an art platform for local artists, which focuses on giving the visitor a taste of Bolivia through its architecture, design and cuisine.”

Other projects on the horizon that will be delivering unforgettable and unique experiences include the Panorama Hotel and Casa Gastón. “These will be one-of-a-kind spaces, unlike any other place you’ve ever visited, where you’ll feel the sense of wonder that only the Salt Flats can offer,” says Ugalde.

Best Places to Travel in 2022: Europe

Le Comptoir at The Ritz Paris.

Where to Go: Paris

Chosen By: Lindsey Tramuta is a travel and culture writer based in Paris and the author of the bestselling book The New Paris and the newly released The New Parisienne . Follow her on Instagram .

Why : “This city is super resilient,” says Tramuta. “You have this reawakening of the city, which is really beautiful.” For starters, there was the recent opening of the Hôtel de la Marine museum. “It’s extraordinary—it was closed to the public since the 1800s,” says Tramuta. “And its new museum restaurant, Mimosa by Michelin-starred chef Jean François Piège, is also a huge new reason to visit.” More cultural highlights: the reopening of the Musée de la Chasse et de La Nature (“super eclectic and super funky,” says Tramuta) and the new Bourse de Commerce art museum. And everyone’s talking about the reopening of Samaritaine , the Art Deco and Art Nouveau department store. “Even if you’re not necessarily in the market to shop for anything, architecturally it’s worth seeing, both outside and inside,” says Tramuta.

Tramuta also notes that there’s a lot of buzz happening at the Ritz Paris . “François Perret, their extremely talented pastry chef, has opened Le Comptoir , which is a dedicated pastry shop and tea salon where you can go and try pastries exclusive to this space—and it’s beautiful.” More big news from the Ritz includes the opening of the new astrologically inspired Ritz Bar and the upcoming reconcepting of the Ritz Club Spa.

Some other new culinary hotspots on Tramuta’s radar include Jugaad (“a terrific modern Indian restaurant”) and La Petite Epicerie de la Tour , a gourmet grocer from La Tour d’Argent, one of the most iconic restaurants in the world. “If you don’t want to take the time or the money to eat at the restaurant, you can have a taste of it here,” says Tramuta.

Another noteworthy development in Paris is the extraordinary extension of all of the bike lanes. “It really changes the way we navigate the city, and from a traveler’s perspective, it means that the pedestrian and the bike rider are all kings of the road,” says Tramuta.

Calton Hill in Edinburgh.

Where to Go: Edinburgh and Fife, Scotland

Who : Emily Goldfischer, London-based writer, hotel lover and founder of the website hertelier .

Why : A five-hour direct flight from the East Coast of the United States, those looking to dip their toes back into travel can look no further than Edinburgh and Fife in Scotland. “You’ll fall in love with the compact, hilly and history-filled capital of Edinburgh and the stunning peninsula of Fife, considered the Hamptons of Scotland but better known as the birthplace of golf,” says Goldfischer.

The big news in Edinburgh is St. James Quarter , a hub of shops, restaurants and hotels like the W Edinburgh (which will add a contemporary twist to the ever-changing skyline) and Roomzzz (a boutique living experience). Other Edinburgh hotel news includes The Gleneagles Townhouse (opening in St. Andrew Square) and 100 Princes Street Hotel (a bold statement by Red Carnation set to breathe new life into one of the city’s more important addresses). “You will be spoiled for choice of ways to spend a few glorious days,” says Goldfischer. “Edinburgh is perfect for strolling and there’s a burgeoning food scene with amazing farm-to-table options.” Check out Edinburgh’s first food hall, the Bonnie and Wild Scottish Marketplace , and the new Johnnie Walker Princes Street , which brings to life the story of the brand and its makers.

Beyond the city is Fife, a 50-mile drive along the Scottish coastline. “St. Andrews is perhaps the most glorious of all the towns in Fife, with its West Sands Beach, a two-mile stretch made famous from running scenes in the 1981 movie, Chariots of Fire ,” says Goldfischer. Its seven golf courses include Old Course (where the British Open will be held in 2022) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (founded in 1754 and considered the birthplace of golf). “Even if you have no interest or never played golf, don’t miss the Himalayas , a manicured 18-hole undulating putting course that changes every week,” says Goldfischer. “Stay at the Old Course hotel , home to the only Kohler spa outside the U.S. and a Mecca for golfers.”

A view of Porto in Portugal.

Where to Go: Portugal

Why: Once the most underrated country in Western Europe, Portugal is now on every traveler’s radar—and for good reason. It’s more affordable than neighboring Spain and France, its home to the world’s first demarcated wine region and its comfortable climate makes it a year-round destination.

“In April, my girlfriend and I are sailing to Portugal on the maiden voyage of Celebrity Beyond , captained by Kate McCue, America’s first female cruise ship captain,” says Jackson. “It’s our second trip to Portugal since August—we can’t seem to stay away.”

New nonstop flights from the U.S. on Azores Airlines mean it’s never been easier to reach Madeira , a stunning subtropical archipelago off the coast of Africa and basically Portugal’s answer to Hawaii. Thanks to new nonstop flight service from United, Americans can also conveniently island hop in the Azores , where dolphin and whale watching is practically an Olympic sport. Other Insta-worthy beaches can be found in the always-sunny Algarve , or if you’re a surfer, in the north, where the world’s largest standing wave attracts surfers from as far away as Australia.

For the past few years Jackson’s home-away-from-home in Portugal has been Onda Pura Surf Center in Porto . “Their local instructors—who speak perfect English—had me catching waves in the very first class.”

As far as accommodations go, booklovers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven in Obidos at The Literary Man whose collection includes more than 65,000 titles. In Lisbon, all the buzz is about the newest hotel, The Ivens , and its culinary offerings including a crudo bar, gastro bar and Rocco , an elegant Italian restaurant complete with a red carpet entrance.

Rooftop with a view at Six Senses Rome.

Where to Go: Rome

Chosen By: Laura Itzkowitz , a Rome-based travel writer.

Why: With a treasure trove of artistic, cultural and architectural wonders, Rome is coming back to life in 2022—and then some. “In addition to welcoming a handful of exciting new hotels, including Six Senses Rome , the Eternal City is creating new museum and pedestrian walkways that will give visitors an up-close view of the Sacred Area of Torre Argentina , the ancient site where Julius Caesar is believed to have been assassinated,” says Itzkowitz.

Set in a palazzo in the center of ancient Rome, just blocks away from the Fontana di Trevi, the new Six Senses is the brand’s first property in Italy and will have an emphasis on wellness and sustainability, from local, seasonal food to interiors from designer Patricia Urquiola. One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, showcasing 360-degree views of Rome.

Other big news for the Eternal City: “Last year, the Mausoleum of Augustus —the world’s largest circular tomb—reopened to the public after an €8 million restoration,” says Itzkowitz.

Big Ben and Westminster Bridge in London.

Where to Go: London

Chosen By: Melissa Klurman —travel expert and contributor at Reader’s Digest , The Points Guy and Travel Awaits .

Why: “It’s been more than two years since I was in Europe, a length of time I couldn’t have imagined pre-pandemic,” says Klurman. “And I’m excited to cross the pond again and visit London, one of my favorite cities, which is easy to visit in 2022 since Great Britain no longer has Covid-testing requirements for entry.” One big highlight in 2022: the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. There will be royal watching and events and, in June, a weekend of pageants and parades worth a special visit.

“In addition to lots of royal excitement, there are some creative new theatrical offerings I’m excited to explore, including outdoor Shakespeare at the Globe and museum exhibits like the Van Gogh Self-Portraits at the Courtald Gallery,” says Klurman, who is also looking forward to taking advantage of GoCity passes, which are completely digital now. “So we can pop into iconic spots like Tower of London without having to spend our time queuing.”

Where to stay: The Nhow London on the fringes of trendy Shoreditch launched during the pandemic and is now primed for its first fully active summer. This is a hotel for design lovers, which is evident as soon as you step into the lobby and spot the 10-foot-tall statue of a rocket-ship Big Ben trailing tennis balls or the Day-Glo green centerpiece bar where you can grab a craft cocktail or a pint any time of day or night. Up in the rooms, the theatrically lit halls feel like you've stepped onto a London street with brightly painted doors resembling the entrances to British homes, complete with large brass knockers. Rooms sport fun details big and small from hanging bowler hat lamps to wall-size portraits of British Kings in the, ahem, throne room, to get you fully in the mood for a Royal Jubilee summer.

Barcelona with a view of La Sagrada Familia.

Where to Go: Barcelona

Chosen By: Alyssa Ramos, founder of My Life’s a Movie and a solo female travel blogger, content creator, entrepreneur and social media influencer who travels the world full-time and seeks to showcase unique destinations through her unique photography style and honest, detailed travel tips. Her motto is “Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do.”

Why: “There’s just something about Barcelona that attracts everyone and draws them in like a moth to a flame,” says Ramos. “Even the way the name rolls off your tongue is alluring, and once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. I know this for a fact because I’m now based there, and even when I have an epic travel lineup, it’s still hard for me to pry myself away.”

Barcelona welcomes all types of travelers, from solo to couples, and even pets—Spain now considers dogs part of the family. When you’re visiting Barcelona, you’ll want to try some local cuisine; Ramos’s top recommendations are Bar Cañete or 7 Portes for paella, and Bar del Pla or Cerveceria Catalana for tapas. “If you’re looking for fun bars, Paradiso and Dr. Stravinsky are some of the most famous in the world,” says Ramos. “But there’s also some local secret spots that are less touristy, like Somnia .”

While the Gothic Quarter (or Barri Gòtic) and El Born are most popular for tourists to stroll along the many cobblestone streets, also check out Eixample for a local vibe, as well as Gràcia. “La Barceloneta, the main beach area, is a lot of fun with its many restaurants and chiringuitos (little bar/restaurants right in the sand), but if you walk further north, there’s also a strip of restaurants that turn into day clubs then night clubs,” says Ramos. “My favorite is Carpe Diem .”

Rooftops are also a glorious thing in Barcelona, and you can go up to most of them as long as you order at least a drink. “ Ohla and GHotel are a couple of my favorites, and Ayre Hotel is most famous but nearly impossible to get a reservation (it overlooks La Sagrada Familia),” says Ramos. “After you’ve seen all the main sites and neighborhoods, you can keep exploring by doing a hike up to Montjuïc or even Tibidabo, the castle-looking church you can see atop a massive hill from anywhere in town.”

Best Places to Travel in 2022: Africa and the Middle East

Female Rangers in Mghahinga National Park in Uganda.

Where to Go: Uganda

Chosen By: Christine Chitnis is a writer, photographer and author of four books, including Patterns of India . She is currently at work on her fifth book, Patterns of Portugal. Follow her colorful interpretation of life at @christine.chitnis .

Why: Uganda shares the Virunga Mountains with Rwanda, and thus the same quality of gorilla trekking experiences can be found in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Luckily for travelers, permits are more than half the cost of permits in Rwanda.

The great ape experience doesn’t have to end with gorillas. Uganda has many parks for chimpanzee trekking, the Kyambura Gorge being one of the more unique. Located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can trek a family of 32 chimps in a sunken forest by morning and go on a cruise safari down the Kazinga Channel River, where sightings of elephants, buffalo, alligators, hippos are seen from this unique vantage point.

“I recently traveled with Go2Africa as I wanted to explore the intersection of travel and conservation in East Africa,” says Chitnis. “The country is brimming with impactful conservation work by inspiring leaders like Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka of Conservation Through Public Health and Praveen Moman, founder of Volcanoes Safaris , a pioneering great ape tourism company that couples world-class lodges with community-minded initiatives including a women-run coffee cooperative, a wetlands restoration project and the construction of a community center in a local village.”

Another thing not to miss in Uganda: a private island on the Nile River. Wildwaters Lodge sits on a rainforest reserve on 16 protected acres and is an adventure seeker’s paradise with access to white-water rafting, horseback riding, ziplining and more.

Where to Go: Zanzibar and Tanzania

Why: Tanzania is an ideal African country to visit, from safaris in the Serengeti where you can see the Big 5 (leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino) to the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar. “If you’ve never done a safari before, prepare to be awestruck by the amount of animals you’ll see from the safety of your safari vehicle,” says Ramos. “Now is a really great time to go to Tanzania, because with the lack of tourism, the amount of animals has drastically increased.”

“After long game drives, you’ll then retire to fabulous glamping lodges, many of which are in the actual parks,” says Ramos. Some new places for 2022 to put on your radar: andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge (which has an ideal location for experiencing the thrilling river crossing and vast herds of the Great Migration) and Usangu Expedition Camp (where you can have a hands-on conservation experience at the first tourism operation in the wild and uncharted Usangu wetlands of Ruaha National Park).

“If bucket-list checks or personal challenges are your thing, I’d highly recommend going for the Mount Kilimanjaro climb,” says Ramos. “I did it for International Women’s Day one year with an all-female group, and it was absolutely amazing.”

A quick flight or ferry will get you to the exotic island of Zanzibar. “But before you head off to enjoy the many tantalizing beaches, be sure to stop in Stone Town to learn about the dark history of the island, and how the slave trade markets originated there,” says Ramos. “One of my favorite boutique hotels in the entire world is located in Zanzibar; it’s called Tulia and it has its own jungle waterslides, plus an entire garden where they source their produce for the restaurant.”

On the balcony of Singita Lebombo, overlooking the N’wanetsi River.

Where: South Africa

Chosen By: Hannah Freedman, a former travel editor and current content strategist for Travel + Leisure . Follow along on her trips at @hfreed11 on Instagram and @awaywithhannahj on TikTok.

Why: With history, culture, awe-inspiring animal sightings, bustling cities and a stunning wine region, South Africa is the best of all worlds. It even brings the romance. “I recently visited South Africa for my bucket list-worthy honeymoon and it was truly the ultimate mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s a transformative trip you’ll never forget,” says Freedman. Plus, South Africa just recently relaxed its Covid testing requirements, making it easier for vaccinated travelers to visit.

United offers direct flights between New York City and Johannesburg, making Joburg a good place to start your journey. Get a history lesson by visiting the Apartheid Museum (which reopens following Covid shutdowns April 1), the Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Museum . Then continue in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela with a stay at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa . “You’ll feel a world away from the chaotic city streets thanks to its manicured garden grounds and multiple pools,” says Freedman. In addition to Mandela living at the property for six months, other notable past guests include the Clintons, Will Smith and even Oprah.

“Of course, you can’t visit South Africa without spending a few days in Kruger National Park,” advises Freedman. And a stay at all-inclusive Singita Lebombo or Singita Sweni is just the way to see epic wildlife and sleep in style. The two properties are right next to one another on a private concession of 33,000 acres within the park. “Singita has thought of every last detail to make this place a serious spoil,” says Freedman. “The wildlife is next level, the guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and the rooms are stunning.” The best animal encounter she experienced? Swimming at the on-site pool when a wild elephant came right up to munch on a nearby tree and steal a drink of water.

Round out your adventure with a last stop in Cape Town and the Winelands. Hike up Table Mountain for incredible city and ocean views and then head to Boulders Beach to spot the iconic penguin colony. For a luxe stay that includes plenty of culture, check in at estate-turned-boutique-property Ellerman House . “The private art collection here alone is worth it,” notes Freedman. The Winelands are just a 45-minute drive from the city, making it an easy day trip. Freedman recommends visiting Babylonstoren for delicious farm-to-table food with your wine and Delaire Graff Estate for romantic vista views.

Sunset over Wadi Rum in Jordan, one of the top places to travel in 2022.

Where to Go: Jordan

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller .

Why: If you’re looking to dip your foot into solo travel in the Middle East, Jordan is the destination to do it. Over the past year, Jordan has heavily invested in repaving highways and improving access to tourist sites. “Plus, to better meet the needs of solo female travelers in Jordan , there are more women-led and women-operated tour guides and experiences,” says Kingsman. Whether you join a group trip or set off driving in Jordan on your own, your journey should start in Amman. “Amman is a whirlwind,” says Kingsman, who spent her days weaving in and out of the bustling sidewalks.

As you leave the city, head south to the Dead Sea, where you can float in the lowest point on Earth. “Insider’s tip, though,” Kingsman notes, “Don’t get the water in your mouth. Just trust me on that.” Another tip: “You might want to go sooner rather than later, as the Dead Sea is predicted to disappear in the next few decades.” If you’re interested in the Holy Land, just a short drive from the Dead Sea, you can visit the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ .

But of course, you can’t leave Jordan without heading to the desert. “If you’ve never camped under the stars, Wadi Rum is the place to do it,” says Kingsman, who suggests staying at Captain’s Camp , where you can experience sleeping in a cave, eating authentic Jordanian BBQ and getting in a dance battle with the staff. Then, in the morning, visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Petra. “Make sure to get an early start at Petra,” says Kingsman. “It can get hot in the middle of the day, so bring water and walking shoes.”

Best Places to Travel in 2022: Asia and Oceania

Jessica Nabongo in Kyoto, Japan. Image from her forthcoming book, "The Catch Me If You Can. "

Where to Go: Kyoto, Japan

Chosen By: Jessica Nabongo , travel expert, writer, photographer and author of The Catch Me If You Can , which goes on sale June 14 and will be available wherever books are sold; pre-order it now on Amazon or your preferred retailer.

Why: “Tokyo is such an important city for so many things, but what Kyoto does is show you the heart of Japanese culture,” says Nabongo, who lived in the ancient capital for one year. According to Nabongo, 2022 will be a great time to visit. “When Japan does open its borders, there will be a narrow window of time to see Kyoto without the crowds before visitors start coming back,” she says.

Even though borders have been closed, Kyoto has not stopped moving forward. New hotel openings include the luxurious Hotel the Mitsui , The Shinmonzen and the Marufukuro Hotel (in the old Nintendo headquarters building). Throughout the pandemic, the city of Kyoto also made a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050, and initiated steps to curb overtourism in the city, including developing a consulting arm of the tourism board to provide tech support and social media training in the hopes of building awareness of less-visited stores and neighborhoods to reroute crowds away from high-volume areas.

Kyoto City is looking forward to a new point of view on tourism in 2022 and beyond. The Kyoto City Tourism Association installed live cameras around the city’s hotspots, including the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Nishiki Food Market, so that locals and tourists alike can check the congestion levels before venturing to those areas.

“Kyoto’s history as the ancient capital shines through, too. The city has a beautiful golden palace called Kinkaku-ji that makes for a super interesting visit,” says Nabongo. “And the food scene is incredible; you’ll find cool izakayas everywhere. If you’re looking to do a cultural deep-dive of Japan, Kyoto is the place to do it.”

V Villas Phuket in Thailand.

Where to Go: Phuket, Thailand

Chosen By: Content creator Shelbi Okumura of Bucket List Bums . Follow her on @bucketlistbums .

Why: “Thailand was one of the first destinations in Southeast Asia to open back up to tourists, and that early buzz now has everyone wanting to visit,” says Okumura. “Phuket particularly seems to be on everyone’s bucket list, and for good reason. It caters to everyone from high-end luxury travelers to backpackers on a budget.”

Travelers to Phuket in 2022 will experience the vibrancy of the island with fewer crowds, and starting April 1, without the requirement for proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to travel via three entry schemes, including Test & Go, Sandbox and Alternative Quarantine (AQ).

“There’s so much to see and do on the island—remote beaches, sunset bars, cheap eats, high-end restaurants, offshore islands and so much more,” says Okumura. “It’s the perfect place to start (or end) a week of island hopping in Thailand.”

Phuket offers options for all types of travelers looking to experience its pristine sea glass–colored water, and the island’s luxurious side is finally getting the attention it deserves. The new V Villas Phuket offers a curated selection of villas with private pools and one of the newest rooftop bars, AKOYA Star Lounge , serving craft cocktails and 360-degree ocean views. Phuket Old Town is a cultural hub for distinct street art, street vendors and live music at the Sunday night market, inventive eateries such as farm-to-table Torry’s Ice Cream and daring night performances at the Junkyard Theatre , which recently launched a weekly Saturday night show.

The Melbourne skyline with bathing huts in the foreground.

Where to Go: Victoria, Australia

Chosen By: Oksana St John is a travel writer and founder of an award-winning sustainable travel blog, DrinkTeaTravel.com . Together with her husband, Max, she’s on a mission to explore the world in a responsible way. You can follow their journey on their blog and see behind the scenes of their travels on Instagram and YouTube .

Why: “After being closed to international tourists for almost two years, tourism in Australia is coming back in full force in 2022 and if you are looking to escape the crowds while visiting, then Victoria is the place to go,” says St John. Victoria —the state that’s home to Melbourne, once called the “Paris of the South”—is welcoming a number of new accommodations and local experiences. A few standout hotel openings for 2022 include the Ritz Carlton Melbourne (the tallest hotel in Australia, complete with a sky check-in on level 79), Peppers Richmond (set on the historic Bridge Road in Melbourne’s lively inner-city suburb) and the Shangri-La Hotel, Melbourne (part of a stunning new development, Sapphire by the Gardens).

Want to check out the city’s insider spots? The best way to do it is on a tour with Hidden Secrets Tours. “There is always more to discover and make new memories each visit,” says founder Fiona Sweetman. “You just have to know where to look.”

If you only have a few days to spare, take a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. “Stay in the charming Oak Tree Lodge , have a fabulous meal overlooking the ocean at The Cape Kitchen , go for a hike at Cape Woolamai and don’t miss the Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach,” says St John. If you have a bit more time, go on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, or if you are fit, join the 12 Apostles Lodge Walk with the Australian Walking Company . “You’ll stay in environmentally conscious luxury accommodation, eat fabulous locally sourced meals and enjoy a foot spa at the end of each day,” says St John.

Cap off your visit with a few days in the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s lush wine country just an hour outside of Melbourne. “Enjoy a stay in a picturesque setting and pop by some cellar doors for a taste of great Australian wines. Don’t miss a stop at De Bortoli and try their comprehensive tasting menu perfectly matched with a selection of local cheese,” says St John.

Some other can’t-miss Victoria experiences include Alba , a new luxurious thermal spring and spa coming to the Mornington Peninsula. Grampians Peak Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime 13-day hike, complete with new roofed huts and campgrounds available for booking this spring. And at Sea Bounty Mussels in Portarlington, guests can harvest mussels fresh from the farm and have them cooked on the boat for a truly bespoke experience.

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For over two years travel was complicated and at times unsafe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the vaccine and various boosters have transformed how the virus affects travel much of the world is back open.

Most countries have zero to few restrictions for U.S. travelers, especially those who have been vaccinated.

So after years of dreaming about travel, it is time to get back out there once again. Here is what you need to know.

Albania does not require U.S. travelers to show any COVID-19-related documents or tests,  according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

As of Oct. 1, there are no entry requirements to Anguilla,  according to the U.S. Embassy

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda have removed all preexisting COVID-19 entry requirements,  according to the government.  However, any passenger displaying symptoms may be isolated by the government.

There are no COVID-19 related entry requirements for entry into Argentina, according to the Consulate General and Promotion Center.

Travelers may enter Armenia without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, according to the Government of Armenia.

Australia has removed all preexisting COVID-19 entry requirements, according to the Department of Health for the Commonwealth.

Aruba has waived all preexisting COVID-19 entry level requirements, however, travel insurance is highly recommended,  according to the country's tourism site.

Non-U.S. citizens must show proof of vaccination, and there are no entry requirements for U.S. citizens  according to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas.

Barbados has discontinued all COVID-19 entry requirements  the tourism board announced in September.

Barbados is also welcoming visitors  to move to the island for a year  for the ultimate remote work experience.

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements to enter Bahrain according to the U.S. Embassy.

The Belize tourism board has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements.

Fully vaccinated travelers by air or by cruise to Bermuda will be required to show proof of vaccination, and must upload proof prior to travel. Unvaccinated travelers must upload proof of valid travel insurance to enter,  according to the government.

All travelers aged 2 and up  must have Travel Authorization  and will be required to pay $40 for the application.

Travelers to Bolivia will need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before embarkation, or a negative rapid test taken 48 hours before embarkation, according to the U.S. Embassy.

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for the Caribbean Netherlands  according to the UK Government.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions,  according to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

There are currently no COVID-19 entry requirements for U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. Embassy in Botswana.

Travelers to Brazil must present proof of vaccination printed or available electronically in either Portugese, English, or Spanish or proof of a negative COVID-19 test or antigen test taken one day prior to boarding, according to tourism site Visit Brazil .

Cambodia welcomes both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers without the need to get tested before coming,  according to the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia . The country has also reopened its visa on arrival program.

Unvaccinated travelers must undergo a rapid antigen test upon arrival,  according to the government  and costs $5 USD.

Canada has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions for entry, according to the Canadian Government.

Visitors to Chile must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken a maximum of 48 hours and in their last destination before their departure to Chile, according to the U.S. Embassy in Chile.

Travelers to Colombia must present proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID test, either taken 72 hours before arrival for a PCR test, or 48 hours before arrival for a rapid, according to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia.

All COVID-19 entry requirements to Costa Rica have been repealed, according to tourism site Visit Costa Rica.

Croatia welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions,  according to the Croatian National Tourist Board .

There are no COVID-19 entry restrictions to visit,  according to the Curaçao tourism board .

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions,  according to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .

Democratic Republic Of The Congo

The Democratic Republic of The Congo requires non vaccinated travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers over 11 must also present a negative test taken within 3 days of departure and pay $30, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Denmark eliminated all of its COVID-19 entry and internal restrictions,  according to the government’s COVID-19 website .

There are currently no COVID-19 entry requirements to enter Djibouti according to the U.S. Embassy.

Dominica has removed all pre-arrival testing along with testing on arrival for symptomatic passengers,  according to the tourism board.

Dominican Republic

The Dominical Republic has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, however, when required random testing may occur and passengers may present proof of vaccination to be exempt,  according to GoDominicanRepublic.com

Ecuador has eliminated COVID-19 entry requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy.

There are currently no COVID-19 entry restrictions for U.S. travelers to Egypt, according to the U.S. Embassy.

El Salvador

El Salvador has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements for U.S. citizens according to the embassy.

Finland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules,  according to the Finnish government .

France has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules,  according to the French government .

French Polynesia

There are no more entry requirements for French Polynesia, according to Tahiti Tourism.

There are no longer any COVID-19-related entry rules for travel to Germany,  according to the German Missions in the United States .

All travelers (non-residents) to Ghana aged 18 and older must be vaccinated, according to the Ghanaian Embassy in D.C.

Greece has lifted all pandemic-era travel rules,  according to the government . Greece has an optional Passenger Locator Form travelers can choose to fill out.

There are no covid entry requirements for tourists visiting Grenada,  according to PureGrenada.com

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers to Guatemala, according to the U.S. Embassy.

All passengers 12 and older are required to present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR taken at most 72 hours before departure. Passengers aged 5-11 are required to present a negative PCR test, and passengers under 5 are exempt,  according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

For additional precautions, please see  the U.S. State Department's Advisory .

Honduras requires travelers to enter with a vaccination card, or a negative COVID-19 test taken maximum 72 hours in advance, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Iceland  welcomes travelers  without any pandemic-era entry rules in place,  according to Iceland’s COVID-19 website .

Ireland has  removed all COVID-19-related entry rules  for travel,  according to the government .

Currently, there are no entry protocols for international travelers to Israel, according to the ministry of Health. However, the ministry notes that the ministry has the authority to change the standards and that the best way to find out information is to check the current list of requirements prior to travel.

Italy has  lifted  all COVID-19-related travel rules,  according to the country's National Tourist Board .

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Jamaica has ended all COVID-19 entry requirements,  according to the U.S. Embassy.

All travelers to Kenya will be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Travelers entering Kosovo are not required to show proof of vaccination,  according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , but the embassy recommends travelers bring such proof. The country also doesn’t require pre-arrival testing, but the embassy said some airlines may.

According to the only source of updated information for U.S. travelers Lebanon has removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as per Middle Eastern Airlines.

All travelers aged 18 and older must show proof of vaccination, according to the U.S. Embassy.

The Maldives welcomes travelers from all over the world, including the U.S., and  does not require visitors to get tested  before coming,  according to the government . All arriving and departing passengers must complete a  Traveler Declaration form  within 96 hours of their flight.

Malta has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions,  according to the Malta Tourism Authority .

Mexico has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, according to the local government of Mexico.

Montenegro does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place,  according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro . Face masks are required on public transportation,  according to the country’s government .

Morocco has dropped all COVID-19 entry requirements except for the Public Health Passenger Form , according to the U.S. Embassy.

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Nepal welcomes travelers and offers visas on arrival, regardless of vaccination status,  according to the U.S. Embassy in Nepal . Arriving travelers must show proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or NAAT test taken within 72 hours of their departure.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted COVID-19-related entry rules,  according to the government .

Travelers to Nicaragua must be vaccinated or present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, according to U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers who are not required to undergo any COVID-related entry requirements,  according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

Norway has discontinued all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including pre-arrival testing,  according to the government . 

Pakistan has reopened to travelers, and only unvaccinated travelers will need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of pre-boarding, according to the Government of Pakistan.

Panama has rolled back all COVID-19 entry requirements for U.S. travelers, according to the embassy.

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for American travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter,  according to Visit Portugal .

There are currently no COVID-19 entry requirements for travelers, according to the Qatar Ministry of Public Health.

There are currently no COVID-19 entry requirements for U.S. citizens according to the U.S. Embassy.

Singapore welcomes all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status,  according to the Singapore Tourism Board . Vaccinated travelers (and unvaccinated children under 12) are exempt from all pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests, quarantine, and entry approvals.

Unvaccinated visitors 12 and older must arrive with proof of a PCR or rapid antigen test taken within two days of their departure and have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 with at least $30,000 of medical coverage.

Travelers must download the TraceTogether app. Three days before their departure, travelers must submit an SG Arrival Card and e-health declaration through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.

Spain has  dropped  all COVID-19-related health controls at entry points,  according to the government , becoming one of the last European countries to do so.

However, the country still asks that travelers from outside the European Union travel with either proof of vaccination administered within 270 days, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within 180 days.

All COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted,  according to the U.S. Embassy.

St. Kitts and Nevis

All visitors regardless of vaccination are permitted to enter St. Kitts and Nevis,  according to the Tourism Authority.

All COVID-19 restrictions have been removed,  according to the St. Lucia tourism authority.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

All COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, according to the  Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Environment.

Sint Maarten

Travelers to Sint Maarten are no longer required to provide travel insurance or test upon arrival if unvaccinated, the electronic health authorization requirement has also been removed.

Travelers are welcome in Senegal and only the unvaccinated are required to test upon entry, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Serbia has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, according to the Government.

Vaccinated travelers are welcome to enter Seychelles, and there is no pre-departure testing in place. All travelers will be required to fill out a Health Travel Authorization before arrival, according to the U.S. Embassy.

South Africa

Everyone is welcome to enter South Africa regardless of vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Sri Lanka allows fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country quarantine-free and without any pre-arrival testing,  according to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka . 

Unvaccinated travelers can also be exempt from quarantine, but must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their trip or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of their trip,  according to the tourism site . Children under 12 are exempt from testing.

Switzerland

Switzerland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules,  according to the Federal Office of Public Health .

Tanzania has reopened its borders for all travelers. Vaccinated travelers may enter without any testing while unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test 72 hours before departure the U.S. Embassy states.

Thailand has  eliminated all pandemic-related entry requirements , welcoming all international travelers, including from the U.S.,  according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand . Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or proof of any testing to enter.

Turkey is open to foreign travelers and does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place,  according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey .

Turks and Caicos

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for Turks and Caicos,  according to the government.

United Arab Emirates

Passengers entering through Dubai are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or negative test according to Emirates.

All travelers are required to show proof of vaccination upon entry (boosters are not required) Travelers without vaccination are required to present proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of travel, according to the U.S. Embassy.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has  dropped  all COVID-19-related entry rules,  according to the government .

Travelers to Zambia will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, vaccinated travelers are exempt, according to the U.S. Embassy in Zambia.

Vaccinated travelers may enter Zimbabwe without any prior testing, unvaccinated travelers will be required to provide a COVID-19 test to enter, according to the U.S. Embassy .

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip around the world

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Don't start planning your round-the-world trip without reading this guide © Getty Images

In 1924, a team of aviators from the USA successfully completed the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by airplane, a feat that took 175 days, 76 stops, a cache of 15 Liberty engines, 14 spare pontoons, four aircraft and two sets of new wings. This achievement ushered in an era of international air travel, and nearly a century later, travelers are still creating their own round-the-world itineraries. 

You might not have the same worries as those early aviators, but planning a round-the-world trip has never been a more complex process. As COVID-19 continues to alter world travel , heading out on a multi-country trip might be more complicated than it has been in decades. While it might not be the right time to hit the road, luckily it's never too early to start figuring out the logistics of a trip around the globe. After all, who doesn't have a lot of pent-up wanderlust at the moment? 

When it comes to booking your trip, there are several options for booking your airfare, as well as flexibility on timing, destinations and budget. But don't let that overwhelm you – start here with our handy guide on how to plan that round-the-world trip you’ve always dreamed of.

Where and how to get a round-the-world plane ticket

The most economical way to circumnavigate the globe is to buy a round-the-world (RTW) plane ticket through a single airline alliance. These are confederations of several different airlines that make it simple to maximize the number of places you can travel and pay for it all in one place or with points. There are three primary airline alliances to choose from: Star Alliance, OneWorld and Skyteam.  Star Alliance is a coalition of 26 airlines that fly to 1300 airports in 98% of the world’s countries.  OneWorld includes 14 airlines traveling to 1100 destinations in 180 territories.  Skyteam is made up of 19 airlines that serve 1000 destinations in 170 countries.  

Read more:   How to save money when you're traveling

Once you pick an airline alliance, whether because of a loyalty program you’re already a member of or because you like its terms, conditions and destination list, you can purchase a single RTW airline ticket made up of several legs fulfilled by that alliance’s partners. The RTW ticket rules vary between each of the airline alliances, with particulars like Star Alliance’s rule that a RTW ticket can include two to 15 stops. But there are some general principles that apply to most RTW tickets, no matter which airline group you go with. 

You typically must follow one global direction (east or west – no backtracking); you must start and finish in the same country; and you must book all your flights before departure, though you can change them later (though this could incur extra charges). Typically you have one year to get from your starting point to the finish line.

How long do I need for a round-the-world trip?

You could whip around the world in a weekend if you flew non-stop, especially with the advent of new ultra-long-haul flights that can clock in at 20 hours of flight time. However, the minimum duration of most RTW tickets is 10 days – still a breathless romp. To get the most out of your round-the-world ticket, consider stock-piling vacation days, tagging on public holidays or even arranging a sabbatical from work to take off at least two months (but ideally six months to one year). Because most airline alliances give you up to a year to use your ticket, you can maximize your purchase if you plan well.

When should I travel on a round-the-world trip?

The weather will never be ideal in all your stops, so focus on what you want to do most and research the conditions there. In general, city sightseeing can be done year-round (escape extreme heat, cold or rain in museums and cafes), but outdoor adventures are more reliant on – and enjoyable in – the right weather.

Research ahead of time if any must-see destinations or must-do activities will mean facing crowds. For example, if you’re hoping to be in Austria for the famous Salzburg Festival, you’ll want to plan ahead and book your tickets months in advance. If you’re hoping to fit a shorter thru-hike into your round-the-world trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re going in the correct season and starting in the right spot. You won’t get far or have as enjoyable an experience if you’re, say, attempting the Tour du Mont Blanc during the dates of the annual winter marathon or headed northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail in July, missing most of the warmer months. 

Accept youʼll be in some regions at the "wrong" time – though this might offer unexpected benefits. For example, Victoria Falls has a dry season each year , which means a slightly less thunderous cascade, but it does open up rafting opportunities and a chance to swim right up to the lip of the falls in The Devil’s Pool. Going to Venice in the winter might mean grayer skies but fewer crowds. Heading to Kenya and Tanzania in April is likely to mean fewer humans, but not fewer chances to spot wildlife, all while saving money on safari.  Also keep in mind that mom-and-pop locations have their downtime and holiday seasons as well; don't be too surprised if your local bakery in Paris is closed for a holiday week or two in August.

Where should I go on my round-the-world trip?

The classic (and cheapest) RTW tickets flit between a few big cities, for example, London – Bangkok – Singapore – Sydney – LA . If you want to link more offbeat hubs ( Baku – Kinshasa – Paramaribo , anyone?), prices will climb considerably. The cost of the ticket is also based on the total distance covered or the number of countries visited.

Remember, you donʼt have to fly between each point: in Australia you could land in Perth , travel overland and fly out of Cairns . Or fly into Moscow , board the Trans-Siberian railway  and fly onwards from Beijing.  Pick some personal highlights and string the rest of your itinerary around those. For instance, if youʼre a keen hiker, flesh out a Peru ( Inca Trail ) – New Zealand ( Milford Track ) – Nepal ( Everest Base Camp ) itinerary with stops in Yosemite , Menz-Gauassa and the Okavango Delta .

If budgetʼs an issue, spend more time in less expensive countries and plan budget city breaks along the way. You’ll spend more in metros like Paris, Dubai and San Francisco than in Nusa Tenggara , Budapest  and Buffalo . 

Tips, tricks and pitfalls of round-the-world tickets

Talk to an expert before you book a round-the-world ticket: you may have an itinerary in mind, but an experienced RTW flight booker will know which routes work best and cost least. A few tweaks could mean big savings in time and money. Hash out a budget well ahead of time, not only for your RTW ticket, but also for the whole trip. Reach out to friends or travel bloggers who have done a round-the-world trip or are full-time travelers because they can offer tips on how to budget for a trip around the world .

Be flexible: moving your departure date by a few days can save money. Mid-week flights are generally cheaper, as are flights on major holidays such as Christmas Day. Avoid days and times popular with business travelers to escape higher prices and more crowded cabins.

Think about internal travel: it can be cheaper to book internal flights at the same time as booking your RTW ticket, but with the global increase of low-cost airlines, you may find it better (and more flexible) to buy them separately as you go.

Be warned: if you donʼt board one of your booked flights (say, on a whim, you decide to travel overland from Bangkok to Singapore rather than fly it) your airline is likely to cancel all subsequent flights.

You might also like: 10 destinations perfect for solo travel Can visiting lesser-known places offer a better travel experience? 6 things I learned from flying 6 days in a row

This article was first published March 2012 and updated December 2021

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Here’s Everything You Need to Travel the World

F iguring out how to travel the world is no easy feat, especially when you’re trying to do it on a budget or planning world travel with a family.

There are many factors to keep in mind when evaluating your trip, including what to do before leaving and your budget. To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide on how to travel the world, including everything from how to start looking into your trip to how to save money once you’re abroad.

1. Get prepared

If you want to travel the world, there are some planning measures you want to take first to ensure you have durable luggage and the proper documents — a passport and possibly visas — and figuring out how much time off you’ll need.

Get your documents in order

Those in the U.S. will want an up-to-date driver’s license because by Oct. 1, 2020, all U.S. residents traveling domestically must have identification compliant with the Real-ID Act , which increased security requirements for state drivers licenses and ID cards.

Residents in 24 states including Alaska, California, Idaho, Maine, Oregon and Washington have until Oct. 10, 2018 get a Real-ID compliant card, though states have the option to apply for exemptions through Oct. 1, 2020 when the last phase of the Real-ID Act is enforced, meaning residents in those states should regularly check the status of their IDs before flying.

For travel outside of the U.S., passport cards or trusted traveler cards can serve as documents at certain land and sea crossings. But you’ll want to make sure you have a passport book if there’s any chance you might leave or enter another country via plane, where passport cards won’t work.

Already have a passport? You’ll want check if it’s valid for at least six months after planned trips. That’s because some countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Russia make this a requirement for entering their countries. Renewing a passport takes at least six to eight weeks through the mail, but those with proof of international travel (like a flight itinerary) can get an expedited passport renewal for an additional $60 to the $110 fee and by visiting a passport center in person.

International travel could also require a visa depending on the location and duration of your trip. Some countries have agreements in place that allow travelers to enter and leave visa free. For example, the U.S. and Canada don’t require visas for travel ( except in certain circumstances ), and Europe’s 26 Schengen States have a system where a visa issued by one of the 26 states typically allows travel throughout the others for up to 90 days.

To find out if your trip requires a visa, check your destination’s embassy or consulate website. Some countries will allow you to travel visa-free for a short stay. Others, like Lebanon , also allow citizens from destinations like the U.S. to get a visa upon arrival.

Get your vacation dates in order

Working while traveling can be tricky, but there are a few steps you can take that don’t involve quitting your job to travel the world.

Start by saving vacation days if you work at a company that pays out for these dates. Those looking to trade in vacation days can also check out companies like PTO Exchange , which lets companies buy back unused vacation days so employees can convert these days into travel, health benefits or charity credits.

Speed up security wait times

Signing up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can help save you time when moving in and out of airports.

TSA PreCheck , which costs $85 for a five-year membership, allows you to speed through domestic airport security without having to remove your shoes, belt, laptop, liquids or light jackets. The service is currently available in 200 airports in the U.S. across 47 participating airlines .

Global Entry , which costs $100 for a five-year membership will get you the same expedited screening through airport security as TSAPreCheck does, while also giving you the added benefit of expedited U.S. customs screenings through automated airport kiosks when arriving from an international destination.

Look for work on the road

Even if you leave your job to travel the world, there are some ways you can make money while abroad .

Companies like Upwork allow people to find work almost anywhere, even while traveling, since it’s open to freelancers across a wide range of fields that include video production, translation, programming, designing, writing, and mobile development. Income will vary on the type of position and number of hours worked, but freelancers can often rack up hourly rates that go as high as $200 per hour, according to Upwork representatives.

You could also find a place to stay through companies like the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms ( WOOF ), which offers housing at organic farms around the world in exchange for volunteering on the farm, doing everything from feeding livestock and watering gardens to harvesting fruit trees.

Get the right credit card

Having the best travel credit card for your trip can not only prevent foreign transaction fees, but also help you reap rewards and perks during your trip.

A few cards with travel benefits include the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($450 annual fee), which offers $300 toward travel costs, $100 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, access to thousands of airport lounges, zero foreign transaction fees, and a 1:1 point transfer program towards top airline and hotel loyalty programs. The Bank of America Travel Rewards no-fee card lets you easily cash points to use toward airline tickets, baggage, hotel stays, car rentals and cruise packages. The card offers unlimited points, with up to 1.5 points for every $1 spent and 20,000 bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases the first three months of opening your account.

When it comes to savings on hotels, the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card lets you earn five points for every dollar you spend at one of the company’s hotels, and two points at participating Marriott Rewards hotels.

Read More: What Is Travel Insurance? And How Much Is It?

2. Book travel far in advance

After all that preparation, you’re ready to book your trip around the world, which will likely be a round-the-world plane ticket, a journey by sea, or a combination of flights and ground transportation.

Below is a breakdown of how different travel options work:

Consider a round-the-world ticket

Round-the-world tickets allow you to buy a ticket and fly with various airlines under one alliance. But there are some regulations to keep in mind. Tickets are usually valid for up to one year, though flyers are required to start and end their trip in the same country through the following major alliances:

• Star Alliance (including Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, Austrian, United, and Lufthansa) bases its round-the-world tickets on the number of miles, with levels of passes you can choose from based on mile increments. You can take up to 15 stopovers, but you’ll need to keep moving in the same direction as how you started your trip.
• OneWorld (including American Airlines , British Airways , Cathay Pacific , and Qantas) has two different round-the-world ticket options. Its Global Explorer ticket is a mile-based option with four different mile increments to choose from, while the One World Explorer is based on the number of continents you visit, with up to four segments (flights) you can take in each of the six continents the alliance flies into.
• Skyteam’s (including Delta, Air France, Korean Air, AeroMexico) round-the-world option requires a minimum of two stops and runs for a year, with the alliance even offering theme-based trips, like beach or history, to make planning your ticket a little easier.

Round-The-World tickets can cost around $2,000 , and Dave Grossman, author or MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points , recommends checking whether it’s cheaper to book a round-the-world trip or individual legs by entering itinerary into Google Flights and comparing the overall price to those offered when building an itinerary out on the alliance websites.

You can also book round-the-world tickets through a travel agent or third-party sites like AirTreks of Flight Centre . These sites can be cheaper because they often pull together individual airline tickets based on the lowest fares to create a round-the-world itinerary.

However, round-the-world ticket travelers should note: missing one leg of your ticket could cancel the rest of your trip, making it best for travelers who feel comfortable planning out a lengthy trip well in advance.

Take a world cruise

If you’re looking to travel the world by sea, a world cruise can provide the flexibility to explore multiple continents, traveling from the U.S. to Europe for example, or to hone in on one continent. Itineraries vary by cruise, and world cruises can be great for families, retirees or those who can be at sea for around three months.

Sometimes, cruise lines will offer the option to book only a segment of world cruise, which can range from two weeks to a month. To book a segment, prospective travelers will also have to add a one-way trip to or from the start or end of their journey.

The costs of world cruises can be anywhere from $13,000 to upwards of $40,000 per person, as Cruise Critic points out.

Take a repositioning cruise

If you’re looking to travel the world for cheap, consider a repositioning cruise, which take place when ships need to relocate from one region to another. The cruises can cost up to $50 less per day than classic cruises and typically take place during shifting seasons like the fall and the spring. Cruise lines often sell repositioning tickets as one-way routes.

Consider train travel

If you plan on using trains throughout your world travel, there are a few options. For example, select companies like Great Rail Journeys now offer around the world rail journeys as well as a variety of rail passes.

Amtrak offers U.S. rail passes with 15-day ($459 for adults), 30-day ($689 for adults), and 45-day ($899 for adults) pass options that let you travel across eight segments (stops), 12 segments (stops), and 18 segments (stops).

Rail passes are a popular way to explore multiple stops within continents like Europe on the cheap. The Eurail Global Pass is the only rail pass that lets international travelers visit all of Europe , with unlimited travel offered in 28 countries. Eurail sells its global passes directly through its official website with a variety of prices and time options, starting at $600 per person for six days of travel within a month.

Those looking for the cheapest ways to travel, which can involve buses or ferries, can check out Rome2Rio , which lets you see all the transportation you can take between two locations and what route will be the cheapest. There are also lower-cost options like Berlinbus (a low cost bus operator in Germany) and the Student Agency Bus , which will give you discounted prices on coach lines in Europe. Swiss Federal Railways, often called SBB , also provides travelers with a wide variety of overnight train options, allowing you to save on overnight hotel fees to travel instead.

Know when to book

Unfortunately, there’s no magic set of days before your trip that will get you the best deal on flights. But travel seekers can keep an eye out for regular flight sales on social media, where airlines will often announce flash sales. And there are certain travel apps that will alert you when the price has gone down on flights you’re interested in.

3. Avoid hidden travel and communication fees

Once you’ve started your trip, there are tips and tricks to help you travel each destination across the world on a budget. Here are some ways to cut costs during your travel around the world:

Grab a city pass

City-pass offerings vary by location, but many will give you free or discounted admission to top attractions in a city, as well as fast-track options to cut lines. Some passes, like the Paris Pass , also include free transport throughout the city as well as admission to attractions. If you’re traveling in the U.S., you can check out the CityPASS network , which provides discounts on attractions across 12 North American cities.

Eliminate hidden hotel fees

To reduce hidden hotel fees (that is, after checking what hidden fees the hotel charges before you book), you can ask the hotel whether they can forego additional fees for amenities you don’t use, like the gym or in-room safe. The hotel may be able to remove these charges from your bill before you arrive.

If you’re staying at an all-inclusive property, you’ll want to look into the fine print and the “terms and conditions” of your stay. The reason for this is that some properties will charge more for items like champagne, high-end liquor or some activities. The easiest way to spot these is by keeping your eye out for asterisks in promotions and advertisements.

Communicate for free

Communicating with friends and family while traveling is important, but roaming charges and international calling fees can add up quickly.

Apps like WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, which allow messaging and calling for free over Wi-Fi if you have an Android phone. You can also grab a local SIM card, which you can purchase at airport vending machines and convenience stores. The Local SIM app can pinpoint the best local cellular carrier to grab your SIM card.

Choose Restaurants Wisely

While eating food from around the world is often one of the best parts of traveling, dining out for every meal can become expensive. To save some money: stay away from restaurants located near tourist attractions, which generally have higher prices and lower quality . Some travel experts recommend making lunch your biggest meal, when prices can be half that of dinner, according to CheapOAir.

Ask about free amenities on flights and at hotels

Some airlines and hotels have free perks available to guests who know to ask for them. On flights, for example, travelers can request everything from ukuleles on some Hawaiian Airlines flights to hot chocolate on Southwest Airlines. Some hotels also offer free amenities that range from night lights, chargers and curling irons at Kimpton Hotels to complimentary yoga sessions at select Hyatt properties.

Now, if all you need is travel inspiration, check out the 20 best and affordable places to travel in 2018 .

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Protect Your Trip »

Where Can Americans Travel Right Now?

More than 100 countries currently allow U.S. citizens to visit, but some restrictions apply.

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Travel is limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there are still some countries allowing American visitors.

The current global pandemic has many Americans rethinking the way they travel. Road trips and camping vacations have grown in popularity, as many Americans have discovered the country has more than its fair share of stunning natural landscapes, from the Grand Canyon to Acadia National Park. Some people have even created memorable vacations in their backyards.

However, if you're itching to leave the U.S., there are several countries around the world that will accept you (and your negative coronavirus test results), though some specific restrictions will apply. If you decide to travel, be sure to evaluate the risks and understand the safest ways to travel . You should also look out for yourself and others by taking necessary safety precautions and investing in one of the best face masks for travel .

Note that due to the pandemic, travel guidelines are constantly changing; you'll want to check your destination's official tourism website periodically before your trip. And, consider purchasing travel insurance , so you don't lose money if your U.S. passport is no longer accepted at the last minute.

Below are the countries that currently accept travelers from the United States. Note: As of Aug. 30, the European Union removed the U.S. from its safe list of countries and advised member countries to reinstate travel restrictions. However, it’s up to individual countries to decide on restrictions for incoming travelers, so keep an eye out for official announcements from any European destinations as things are changing quickly. If you decide to travel, you'll also want to check with the State Department for information on returning from your visit as there are some restrictions in place. As of Dec. 6, the CDC requires all passengers, regardless of vaccination status, traveling to the U.S. from a foreign country (including American citizens) to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before their flight. Travelers should also be aware that the State Department has updated travel advisories for dozens of countries to Level 4: Do Not Travel, warning Americans to reconsider international travel due to the ongoing pandemic. Visit the State Department website for additional details on travel advisories. (Note: All mentions of coronavirus tests refer to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test unless otherwise stated. This information was accurate at the time of publication and will be updated as additional information becomes available.)

As of Sept. 6, U.S. citizens must now submit to testing when traveling to Albania. PCR tests must be taken within 72 hours of travel and antigen tests must be taken within 48 hours; negative results are required for entry. Fully vaccinated travelers can bypass these requirements as long as they show proof of vaccination (as can anyone who can prove they recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months). Expect health screening procedures in airports, and prepare to abide by social distancing guidelines and a curfew. Make note that on your return home, there are restrictions to what countries you can pass through, according to the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Albania .]

This tiny country between France and Spain is open to U.S. citizens. In order to enter, you’ll either need to show proof of vaccination completed at least 14 days before arrival, proof of negative test results within 72 hours of arrival or proof of recovery from the coronavirus. For more information, visit the country’s FAQ website .

Americans can enter Angola as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. Travelers must also fill out a Travel Registration Form and abide by screenings to enter. Visitors may also be required to test upon arrival and quarantine depending on the results. Find more information at the U.S. embassy website .

As of July 1, only travelers who can prove they have been fully vaccinated at least three weeks before arriving can visit Anguilla. They will have to apply for entry to the island before traveling and upload results from a negative coronavirus test taken two to five days before travel (or 48 hours prior to travel if taking an antigen test). Once on the island, they will be subject to another test and must stay at their accommodation until they receive a negative result. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy in Anguilla website or Anguilla’s tourism board website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Anguilla .]

Antigua and Barbuda

Access to this Caribbean gem is contingent on a negative coronavirus test (for those older than 5) taken no more than four days prior to your flight. All arriving visitors must also prove they are fully vaccinated by an approved World Health Organization or Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment coronavirus vaccine. Travelers must also show proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test taken no more than four days before travel (or three days for a rapid antigen test). They may also be required to submit to testing upon arrival. American travelers will be subject to temperature checks and health screenings before being admitted into Antigua and Barbuda, no matter if they're coming from a plane, a cruise ship or another mode of transportation. They must also complete a Health Declaration Form prior to landing. Plus, masks are required in all public spaces. Find more specific information on the country's tourism website.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Antigua .]

All travelers regardless of vaccination status must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and complete an electronic sworn statement about their health 48 hours prior to travel. Unvaccinated travelers also have to complete a seven-day quarantine. For more information, visit the embassy website .

This western Asian country allows U.S. citizens to enter as long as they either present a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, or agree to test upon arrival and quarantine until they receive negative results. Vaccine documentation cards are also accepted in lieu of a negative coronavirus test. Face masks are required in some public spaces throughout the country, but virtually every business is open in Armenia. Learn more about the pandemic atmosphere in the country at the U.S. Embassy in Armenia website or the Armenian government's travel restrictions website .

According to its website , which is updated frequently with information on travel restrictions, Aruba is welcoming U.S. vacationers to the island. However, entrance hinges on travelers' completion of an online embarkation/disembarkation card and a health assessment, plus a negative coronavirus test taken no more than one day before arrival (for everyone 12 and older). Fully vaccinated (and boosted) travelers can show proof of vaccination instead of testing. The booster shot is not required for vaccinated travelers younger than 18. If you’re flying JetBlue to Aruba, you have the option to take an at-home, saliva-based Vault PCR Molecular COVID-19 test. All U.S. travelers also must purchase Aruba Visitor Insurance to ensure they are covered if health issues arise during their stay. This insurance cost varies depending on each traveler's age and length of stay; to find out how much it costs, check out the Aruba Visitor Insurance calculator .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Aruba .]

Americans can enter this European nation without having to quarantine if they provide proof of vaccination and a booster shot. Those who are vaccinated but have not received a booster shot must provide proof of vaccination in addition to a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Those who are not vaccinated must present proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and quarantine for 10 days upon arrival at their own expense. Unvaccinated individuals are barred from entering most public venues in Austria including hotels, restaurants and museums. For additional info, see the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Austria .]

The Bahamas

A popular tourist destination among stateside citizens, t he Bahamas are welcoming American visitors to the picturesque islands. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. This negative pretesting requirement extends to all travelers older than 11 (including vaccinated travelers). Visitors are also required to opt-in to health insurance that will cover them for the entirety of their stay (the cost of which depends on your vaccination status). Additionally, those who travel around the Bahamas without wearing face coverings will be subject to fines. Learn more about traveling details on the tourism website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in the Bahamas .]

U.S. citizens may travel to Bahrain without prior testing. However, all travelers older than 6 (aside from those who can prove they have recovered from COVID-19) must submit to and pay for a coronavirus test upon arrival. Travelers must also download the BeAware Bahrain app before travel. For more information, visit the embassy website .

U.S. citizens must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of traveling to Bangladesh and prove the negative results with the appropriate documentation in order to enter the country. Even with proof of a negative test, unvaccinated travelers must complete a 14-day home quarantine period upon arriving in the country. Visit this website to learn more about Bangladesh's entry and exit requirements.

As long as travelers (older than 5) complete a travel form online no less than 24 hours before their flight and provide a negative coronavirus test result taken within 72 hours of their entrance to the island, they can vacation in this Caribbean paradise. Starting Jan. 7, negative results from a rapid PCR test taken one day before travel will also be accepted. Even with a negative result in hand, travelers must quarantine in an approved hotel or villa for a minimum of three days at which time they can take another test to be released. Fully vaccinated travelers will still need to take a test prior to traveling, but they can skip the quarantine and the fourth day coronavirus test. They might still be randomly tested upon arrival at the airport as well. Visit the Barbados website for more information regarding traveling during the pandemic.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Barbados .]

U.S. citizens can travel to Belarus with some restrictions. Travelers need a negative coronavirus test no more than three days prior to arrival. Travelers will also be subject to health screenings, including temperature checks, at the port of entry. A seven-day self-quarantine is also required for unvaccinated travelers; vaccinated travelers can bypass quarantine. Note: The U.S. issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for Belarus, and the nation’s land borders are closed to travelers. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Belarus website for additional information.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Belarus .]

As of Sept. 1, only vaccinated Americans can visit picturesque cities like Brussels , Bruges and Antwerp. A test no more than 72 hours prior to travel, a test upon arrival and a period of self-quarantine pending receipt of a negative test result are also required, as is a second test again on day seven. Travelers will have to complete a Passenger Locator Form and submit to health screenings at the airport. For more information, visit the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Belgium .]

American travelers (anyone 5 and older) will be required to present a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 96 hours prior to departure to Belize. (Rapid antigen tests taken no more than 48 hours before arrival are also accepted.) If you don’t present a negative test, you’ll have to front a $50 fee (paid in cash) and take a test upon arrival. A negative test means visitors can proceed to their Gold Standard Hotel. As of Feb. 15, all travelers regardless of vaccination status must purchase health insurance from a local insurance company. Keep in mind, a curfew is in effect from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. (9 p.m. until 4 a.m. in select areas). For more information, visit the Belize tourism website or the U.S. Embassy in Belize website .

Americans don’t need a test before traveling to this African nation, but they will be subject to a rapid test and a PCR test upon arrival. They must also undergo a third test on day 15 of their stay. For more information, visit the embassy website .

This Atlantic paradise welcomes Americans to its pristine beaches as long as the travelers (ages 2 and older) present negative results from a COVID-19 test taken no more than four days before arrival. As of Dec. 13, all travelers (ages 12 and older) must also be fully vaccinated to enter Bermuda . Vaccinated travelers who tested negative prior to traveling must then take an arrival test and quarantine until they receive negative results. If you are vaccinated but did not come prepared with a pre-arrival test, you must quarantine until you receive negative results from a test on day four of your trip. Visit the U.S. Consulate in Bermuda website for additional information. The Bermuda tourism board also has a website that outlines how to travel safely and responsibly to the island.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Bermuda .]

This country allows Americans to visit as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Masks are required in public spaces, and travelers should expect health screenings at the airport. All unvaccinated visitors must test again 72 hours after arrival and quarantine until they receive negative results. Check for any updates on the embassy website .

Bonaire requires all visitors 13 and older to provide negative test results taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. They must also complete a health declaration form, take a self-test upon arrival and take a test five days after arrival. Travelers who are not vaccinated must quarantine until they receive negative results from the test on day five. Bonaire considers the U.S. to be a high-risk country. Additional information is available on the <u class="rte2-style-underline">Bonaire crisis website</u> , which outlines specifics for travelers.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Bonaire .]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The U.S. Embassy in Bosnia-Herzegovina states the country is open to American visitors as long as they can provide either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from the coronavirus or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry.

Americans who provide proof of negative coronavirus test results taken no more than 72 hours before departure can travel to Botswana. All visitors are also subject to a rapid antigen test upon arrival. Visitors should expect some restrictions on interstate travel between the country's different zones. For more information visit the country’s U.S. Embassy website .

Travelers from the U.S. (older than 12) must show proof of vaccination as well as a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding the plane to Brazil. They must also complete a Traveler’s Health Declaration form. There are some health screening procedures in place at airports but no required quarantine period upon arrival. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Brazil website for more information.

British Virgin Islands

These picturesque islands are now open for visitors. Any unvaccinated Americans (over age 5) planning to travel here must first show proof of a negative test taken three to five days prior to arrival. Completion of and payment for travel authorization certificate is also required. Unvaccinated visitors must be tested upon arrival, quarantine for seven days, and submit to a test on day seven, the results of which will determine if they can travel around the islands. Vaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative test taken no more than five days before arrival, but they can bypass quarantine and will not need to fill out the authorization certificate. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in the British Virgin Islands .]

Americans can once again travel from the U.S. to Bulgaria for tourism purposes. Bulgaria considers the U.S. a “red zone” country, so Americans must show either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel in order to enter. To see the list of exceptions, visit the U.S. embassy in Bulgaria website .

Travelers from the U.S. must obtain a visa to travel to Cambodia. The country has suspended its visa-on-arrival program until further notice, but travelers can now obtain visas online prior to travel. Travelers to Cambodia must be fully vaccinated and they must take a test 72 hours prior to arrival as well as upon arrival. Keep tabs on updates via the embassy website .

As of Aug. 9, vaccinated American travelers can travel to Canada. Visitors to this northern nation must be fully vaccinated with a Canada-approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J or AstraZeneca) and submit proof electronically through the ArriveCAN app. They must also show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entering. Select travelers may also be chosen at random to complete a test upon arrival. Americans can fly to Canada or choose to cross at a land border. Anyone who submits false vaccination records can be fined up to $750,000 and potentially face jail time. For more information, check out the Canadian government updates here .

Travelers from the U.S. can visit Cape Verde as long as they provide proof of a negative test (either PCR or antigen) taken no more than 72 hours before travel. There are no quarantine requirements upon arrival. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can enter Chad as long as travelers over age 12 show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to traveling. They must also pay $40 for a test upon arrival. Travelers staying for more than seven days must take another test at their own expense. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Chile has reopened to American travelers as long as they can show proof of a negative coronavirus test (only PCR tests are accepted) taken within 72 hours of boarding the final flight to Chile. They must also obtain a Mobility Pass prior to arrival, part of which includes uploading proof of full vaccination; these passes can take two to three weeks to obtain, so it’s best to apply early. They also need to show a completed Affidavit of Travelers electronic form and proof of health insurance. Travelers must quarantine for five days upon arrival. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Chile website .

U.S. citizens over age 18 must present proof of vaccination to enter Colombia. Testing is only required in certain situations, such as if a traveler is only partially vaccinated. However, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia website states travelers should be prepared for further health screening upon arrival.

This Central American country, favored by Americans for its lush landscape and pristine beaches, welcomes all U.S. citizens. (Previously, only residents of select states were allowed entry.) Costa Rica no longer requires visitors to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before their visit. However, visitors are required to purchase or show proof of medical insurance to cover any possible coronavirus-related costs they may incur and complete health pass forms, according to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica website . As of Aug. 1, the health insurance requirements are waived for those younger than 18 and for any American traveler who can provide a vaccination card. The Costa Rican government also holds authority to shorten the length of tourists’ stays. Additional details are available on Costa Rica's tourism board website as well.

Côte d’Ivoire

As long as American travelers come prepared with a completed Air Travel Declaration Form and proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than five days before travel, they can enter Côte d’Ivoire. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Americans are once again allowed to visit Croatia, with some restrictions. You must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours (or 48 for antigen test) prior to arrival or take a test upon arrival and quarantine while awaiting results. If you’re fully vaccinated, you can provide proof of vaccination instead of a test. Or, if you can prove you have recovered from the coronavirus within the past 12 to 270 days, you won’t need to provide test results. Also, you must provide documented evidence of an accommodation paid in advance. If you can’t prove vaccination, recovery or a negative test, you must take an arrival test and quarantine for 10 days. Visit the Croatian government's specific COVID-19 website to learn more about how the country is dealing with the pandemic.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Croatia .]

Americans are permitted to enter Curacao as long as they show negative test results taken within 48 hours of departure. Travelers must also have insurance and complete an online immigration card as well as a Health Department passenger locator card before traveling. A test on the third day is also required. Keep in mind there is a curfew in place from midnight until 4:30 a.m. every night. Additional details are available on the U.S. Embassy in Curacao website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Curacao .]

Vaccinated individuals may travel from the U.S. to Cyprus as long as they provide proof of vaccination (or recovery from coronavirus). If you are not vaccinated, you must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel and take another test upon arrival at the airport; you’ll also have to quarantine for seven days at your own expense. All travelers must have an approved Cyprus Flight Pass and are subject to random testing upon arrival at their own expense. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has reopened to American travelers as long as they complete a Personal Locator Form. Travelers who are vaccinated and have received the booster can bypass the pre-travel coronavirus test. (The country considers a vaccine valid as long as it has been nine months since the final dose.) Those who haven’t received the booster or are completely unvaccinated must show proof of a negative test taken prior to travel. There are no quarantine requirements nor travel restrictions within the country. However, many public establishments require visitors to show proof of vaccination or negative tests. For the most up to date information, visit the Ministry of the Interior website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Czech Republic .]

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Travelers to this Central African country who are 11 or older must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days prior to departure. They will be subject to another test upon arrival in the Congo and must quarantine until they receive another negative result. Proof of health and medical evacuation insurance is also required in addition to completion of a form. There are also exit requirements in place: Travelers must present negative test results taken no more than three days before leaving the country. All required tests will be paid out-of-pocket by travelers. Visit this website for the most up-to-date information.

Vaccinated Americans can enter this Scandinavian country without testing or quarantine. Unvaccinated visitors must submit to testing upon arrival and quarantine for 10 days (or they can end quarantine early with a negative test on day six). For more information, head to the embassy website or to Denmark’s designated COVID-19 protocol page .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Denmark .]

Americans traveling to Djibouti must test negative for coronavirus no more than 72 hours before boarding the plane and no more than 120 hours before arriving in Djibouti. Passengers will be subject to health screenings and a rapid COVID-19 saliva test for $30 upon arrival. Only travelers who test negative will be allowed to enter the country; those who test positive will either depart on the next flight or enter isolation and treatment. Learn more by visiting the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti website .

Americans are allowed to visit Dominica if they answer a health questionnaire and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Unvaccinated travelers will be antigen tested upon arrival and required to quarantine at a government facility or government-approved hotel for at least five days. They’ll be subject to a test on day five; if negative, travelers will be considered medically cleared and free to explore. Fully vaccinated Americans must upload a vaccination certificate and complete an online form in addition to the required testing. They will also submit to antigen testing upon arrival (for $100), and if results are negative, no quarantine is necessary. Additional info on health and safety protocols for travelers is available here . More details are also available on the U.S. Embassy in Dominica website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Dominica .]

Dominican Republic

American travelers are permitted to visit this island nation, whose popular tourism spots include Punta Cana , Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo , with few restrictions. While the country doesn't require a negative coronavirus test before visiting, travelers will be chosen at random for coronavirus tests upon arrival at the port of entry. If you have proof of a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination, you will be exempt from these random tests. Health screening procedures, such as temperature checks, are also in place. Travelers must also state they haven’t experienced any COVID-related symptoms in the last 72 hours and provide contact details for the next 30 days in the form of a Traveler’s Health Affidavit. There are curfews in place around the island, but times vary by location. The latest visitor information is available on the tourism board's website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Punta Cana ; the Best Hotels in Puerto Plata ; the Best Hotels in Santo Domingo .]

American travelers visiting Ecuador must present proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test or rapid antigen taken within three days of their arrival. A health declaration is also required. Passengers who show COVID-19 symptoms will be evaluated by health officials (regardless of a negative test) and may be subject to isolation and further testing. Alternatively, fully vaccinated travelers can show proof of vaccination instead of negative test results. If you’re looking to visit the Galápagos Islands, you’ll need proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival (if you are 16 or older), and you’ll need to complete a transit control card. Learn more about protocols in Ecuador on the U.S. embassy website .

If you're visiting Egypt from America, you'll need to present physical proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken ideally no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers who arrive without proof of a negative test must be tested upon arrival and quarantine until they receive a negative test result. There is no required quarantine for American travelers. Learn more about specific interstate travel restrictions on the embassy website .

El Salvador

This Central American country no longer requires U.S. citizens (2 and older) to take a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Visitors will also be subject to various medical screenings at their port of entry before beginning their travels through El Salvador. There is no required quarantine period for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador website .

Equatorial Guinea

U.S. citizens are allowed to visit Equatorial Guinea without any need for quarantine upon arrival as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival in the country, according to the U.S. Embassy website . An exit PCR test is required as well.

Estonia is open to Americans with some restrictions. Vaccinated passengers with documented proof can bypass all testing and quarantine requirements. Unvaccinated individuals can only travel to Estonia for an approved purpose (not for tourism), and they will have to undergo testing and quarantine. Visit the embassy website for more information.

Travelers to this East African country must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 120 hours prior to flying, according to the embassy website . There are health screenings in place at the ports of entry, and if any traveler exhibits coronavirus-like symptoms, they will be taken to temporary isolation. Even with proof of a negative test, travelers must quarantine for seven days upon arrival. Note: Travel to Ethiopia is not advised, as the U.S. has placed the country on the Level 4: Do Not Travel list due to civil unrest and terrorism concerns.

Travelers can once again visit France and pay a visit to the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, wine regions, beaches and numerous other attractions. Entry will be granted to travelers who have completed a full vaccination course and show proof of vaccination at the airport. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers from a list of orange countries (which includes the U.S.) can also enter France only if they have a compelling reason for travel. (See details on what is classified as a compelling reason here.) Unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR test performed 48 to 72 hours before departure. All travelers must complete a French Health Pass as well. For more information, visit the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in France .]

French Polynesia

Vaccinated Americans can visit idyllic islands like Tahiti , Mo'orea and Bora Bora . They must present a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 24 hours prior to departure, to their airline. They are then subject to testing upon arrival. Vaccinated travelers do not have to quarantine but unvaccinated travelers must isolate for seven days. They must also receive prior authorization to travel to French Polynesia. Additional forms may also be required. Learn more about the current French Polynesian COVID-19 protocols on the tourism website .

Americans can travel to this west African country as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than five days prior to travel. Visitors must also take a test upon arrival at their own cost ($36) and quarantine until they receive a negative result. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy website .

American travelers to The Gambia must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. They will also be subject to a rapid test upon arrival, as the U.S. is considered a hot spot country. There are no quarantine restrictions. Learn more on the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia website .

Unvaccinated visitors to the country of Georgia must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, get a follow-up PCR test taken on the third day (at their own expense) and submit a form with contact info and travel history details. Those who don’t test on the third day run the risk of getting fined more than $600, according to recent reports. Vaccinated American travelers can enter without proof of a test, but they must show documentation confirming they have received two full doses of the vaccine. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Americans must be fully vaccinated to travel to Germany. If not fully vaccinated, they must have an important reason for traveling to Germany – tourism is not considered important. Travelers must show either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 to 72 hours prior to traveling. For more information, visit the country’s Federal Foreign Office coronavirus website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Germany .]

Americans looking to travel to Ghana must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before leaving for their trip. Additional health screenings are in place upon arrival in Ghana, and all arriving passengers must take another rapid COVID-19 test for $150 to fully enter the country (paid for at their own expense online; travelers must present proof of this to the airline before boarding). Learn more about what your trip to Ghana will look like on the U.S. Embassy website .

Travelers from the U.S. will be happy to know they can now enter this scenic country, known for its historic cities and vibrant islands. Travelers older than 5 must present results from a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arriving in Greece or a rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours before arrival. Everyone must also complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to entering the country. Travelers should note that many restaurants, stores and nightclubs in Greece have started requiring proof of vaccination to enter. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Greece website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Greece .]

All visitors to Grenada must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. All visitors must also apply for a Travel Authorization Certificate online to enter the country. Vaccinated individuals traveling must show proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated visitors 13 or older must test upon arrival and quarantine at an approved accommodation until they receive negative results, allowing them to move around Grenada . Find out more on the Grenada entry protocol website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Grenada .]

In addition to partaking in health screenings at ports of entry and completing a health pass form online, U.S. citizens traveling to Guatemala who are 10 or older must present proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. They must also show proof that their second vaccine dose was administered more than two weeks prior. Once in the country, visitors won't have to quarantine, and there are no restrictions on travel within Guatemala, according to the embassy website .

Those traveling from the U.S. to Guinea must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. If a traveler fails to provide proof, they will be tested upon arrival and required to quarantine for two weeks. Learn more on the embassy website .

Americans planning to visit Guyana must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. Visitors age 12 and older must also show proof of full vaccination. Before arrival in this South American country, visitors must also complete a passenger locator form to ensure easy contact tracing in the case of infection. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Commercial flights from the United States to Haiti are now operating, although keep in mind this island nation is labeled with a Level 4 advisory from the State Department, due to crime, kidnapping and civil unrest. Passengers are required to provide a negative PCR or antigen coronavirus test result taken no more than 72 hours before boarding a flight to Haiti. Travelers are subject to health screenings upon arrival and may be contacted up to three times based on the information disclosed in their health declaration to monitor for signs of disease, according to the embassy website .

Americans will need a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and a completed immigration form to enter Honduras. (If fully vaccinated, travelers can present a vaccine card in lieu of test results.) Visitors should note there will be health screenings in place at the airport, curfews around the country, and restrictions on certain essential activities, such as shopping. Learn more about what your trip to Honduras will look like on the U.S. Embassy website or visit the Honduras government website for additional details.

Vaccinated Americans can enter Iceland as long as they provide proof of vaccination, proof of a negative coronavirus test (either a rapid test or PCR test) and complete a preregistration form. Unvaccinated travelers can only enter for essential reasons or under specific circumstances. If unvaccinated individuals have previously tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, they can visit Iceland with proof of a negative coronavirus test result and a completed preregistration form. For more information on traveling to Iceland, see the country's guide to travel or visit the government's official website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Iceland .]

Americans can venture across the pond to Ireland after showing proof of full vaccination or recovery from the coronavirus within the past 180 days in addition to proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Those who enter without a test can face fines and even jail time. There are no quarantine requirements. However, keep in mind Ireland officials advise against all nonessential travel. See up-to-date information on the Ireland tourism board website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Ireland .]

As of Jan. 9, U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Israel provided they are fully vaccinated and boosted (or they have recovered from the coronavirus). They must also complete an entry statement form and show negative results from a test taken no more than 72 hours (24 if antigen test) prior to travel. For more information, visit the country’s Ministry of Health website or the U.S. embassy website. For more information, visit the country’s Ministry of Health website or the U.S. embassy website .

As of Aug. 30, vaccinated Americans with proof of immunization (or recovery) and a negative (molecular or antigen) coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of travel can visit Italy. American travelers must also complete a self-declaration form. Those who are not vaccinated must abide by the same testing requirements and quarantine for five days upon arrival. They can leave quarantine if they test negative on the fifth day. For more information, visit Italy’s government website or the U.S. embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Italy .]

Anyone over the age of 12 traveling to Jamaica from the U.S. will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from an accredited medical lab (can be a PCR test, a Nucleic Acid Amplification test, an RNA or molecular test, or an antigen test) taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. They must also apply for travel authorization within seven days of their trip. The country has established “resilient corridors” which include destinations like Negril and Montego Bay; quarantine requirements differ depending if you stay inside or outside of the corridor, according to the tourism board website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Jamaica .]

As long as travelers from the U.S. provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and submit to a second test upon arrival at their own expense, they can enter Jordan. Health insurance to cover any coronavirus related expenses is also required for every visitor. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy in Jordan website .

As long as they can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arriving in the country and arrive without a fever or cough, trouble breathing and flu-like symptons, Americans can travel to Kenya for touristic purposes. According to the embassy website , there are health screenings, including temperature checks, in place at the Kenyan airports as well.

Travelers to Kosovo must present either proof of full vaccination, proof of partial vaccination paired with a negative test, proof of recovery within the last 90 days or a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. There are no quarantine requirements. Visitors should also expect medical screenings at the airport. Learn more about travel in Kosovo on the U.S. embassy website .

Visitors to Kyrgyzstan must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. There are also health screenings in place at airports, but there are no daily restrictions or curfews in place. For more information, visit the embassy website .

American travelers coming from the U.S. can only enter Latvia for tourism purposes if they can prove they are fully vaccinated. Testing is not required. To learn more about entrance to Latvia, visit the embassy website .

Lebanon allows people to travel from the United States as long as they provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of traveling to this Middle Eastern country. Vaccinated travelers can bypass testing requirements. However, there are travel restrictions in place throughout the country as well as a curfew, as stated on the embassy website .

To enter Liberia, visitors must complete a health screening arrival form online and pay $75 for a coronavirus test to be taken upon arrival in Liberia. Authorities recommend completing the payment online before arrival. They will also be subject to temperature checks at the Liberian airports. However, there is no required quarantine period nor restrictions on interstate travel. A tourist visa is required for travel, according to the embassy website .

Lithuania is welcoming only vaccinated U.S. tourists. Vaccination is considered valid as long as it has been less than 270 days since the final dose. There are no testing or quarantine requirements website .

U.S. citizens are only allowed to visit Luxembourg if they are fully vaccinated. For the most up to date information, visit the embassy website .

Many resorts and hotels have reopened in the Maldives, and American travelers can experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation here after providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival. They must also complete a Traveler Health Declaration form. For more information, visit the country's tourism board updates page .

[Read: The Most Beautiful Maldives Resorts .]

Only vaccinated Americans are permitted to visit Malta. Travelers must provide their CDC vaccination card and fill out a public health form. As of Aug. 1, vaccination cards must be approved through the VeriFLY app. If you arrive without a vaccination card, you’ll be subject to testing and forced to quarantine for 14 days at a government-mandated hotel (or otherwise face a fine). Find the most up-to-date information on the embassy website .

Americans can visit this island nation as long as they provide proof of negative test results taken within 72 hours of travel. They must also stay in an approved resort . Unvaccinated visitors must remain in their hotel room (meals will be delivered to you) for 14 days, with tests on day seven and day 14. Vaccinated visitors are allowed to move about the island after testing negative on day seven. After day 14, all visitors can explore the island. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can embark on a vacation in Mexico without taking a COVID-19 test prior to traveling. While travel across the land border between the U.S. and Mexico remains limited to essential trips, nonessential travel has resumed via air. Travelers will be subject to health screenings upon arrival and should note there are some cities around the country that have curfews and other health restrictions in place. Additionally, cases are on the rise in some Mexico states, so be sure to travel with caution. Learn more about traveling while in Mexico at the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Mexico .]

This Eastern European country is now open to American travelers as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Those who can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of recovery are exempt from the testing requirements. There are no quarantine requirements or travel restrictions once in the country. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Anyone entering this ritzy city-state from the U.S. must show either proof of full vaccination course, proof of recovery from coronavirus (between 11 days and six months prior). For more information, visit Monaco’s government website .

A negative COVID-19 test or a coronavirus antibody test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival is required for Americans visiting Montenegro. (Those who are vaccinated do not have to take a test but must show proof that vaccination occurred at least seven days prior to traveling. A positive antibody test can also replace proof of PCR test.) Visitors should be careful not to stop in any of the banned countries before arriving in Montenegro, though. Find the restricted countries on the Institute of Public Health in Montenegro website .

Morocco, the African country most frequented by tourists, has reopened to Americans. Visitors must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel and submit to rapid antigen testing upon arrival. Learn more about the rules applying to specific travelers on the embassy website ; additional info is available on the Morocco tourism board website as well.

Tourists (ages 5 and older) entering Namibia must provide a negative COVID-19 test performed no more than 72 hours before their initial flight, according to the embassy website . There are additional health screenings in place at airports but no restrictions on travel within the country once a tourist has passed all these tests.

As long as you show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding your flight, you can visit Nepal from the U.S. Travelers must also show proof of insurance as well as a tourist visa. Read more on the embassy website .

The Netherlands

The Netherlands considers the U.S. a “very high-risk” country, so American travelers can only enter the country if they can show proof of full vaccination and proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. They must also quarantine for 10 days, unless they test negative on day five.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Netherlands .]

Americans are allowed to enter Nicaragua as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before entry. . For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Visitors to Niger must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to landing in this West African country. The embassy website also states American visitors will be subject to medical screening measures upon entry.

American travelers older than 10 must provide negative COVID-19 test results taken within the previous 48 hours before departure to this country. Fully vaccinated travelers can show proof of immunization instead of testing. They must also sign a health declaration before traveling and pay out of pocket for a retest after spending seven days in Nigeria, according to the embassy website .

North Macedonia

As of Sept. 1, American travelers must provide either a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel or a certificate of recovery issued within the previous 45 days. They may be subject to medical screening at the airport, according to the embassy website .

Before jetting off to this sunny Central American nation, travelers must present their Electronic Health Affidavit, according to the tourism website . However, unvaccinated visitors must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of their trip. If the test is expired, travelers will be subject to further testing at the airport at their own cost. They also have to quarantine in a hotel for 72 hours. Note that upon arrival, there are additional health screening measures in place, including temperature checks.

You can travel from the U.S. to Paraguay without any quarantine requirements as long as you can show proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated visitors are not permitted to enter. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can enter Peru as long as they provide results of a negative real-time COVID-19 test, a negative antigen test result or a medical certificate of epidemiological discharge no more than 48 hours old. Proof of vaccination can be presented in lieu of test results. Health screenings are also in place at airports. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Philippines

Americans can now travel to the Philippines if they have valid visas. Vaccinated visitors must show proof of vaccination and a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Unvaccinated American visitors must abide by the same testing requirements, complete a facility-based quarantine and submit to repeat testing on the fifth day. For more information, visit the Philippine Airlines website .

Americans are allowed to travel to Poland as long as they can show proof of negative test results taken no more than 24 hours before landing in Poland. A seven-day quarantine is mandatory except for those who provide a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 24 hours of crossing the border and are considered fully vaccinated (or recovered). For more information, visit the embassy website .

U.S. citizens can visit Portugal’s charming cities and scenic coastline as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours (or 48 hours for antigen tests) before arrival, regardless of vaccination status. Rules may differ in the Azores and Madeira, so be sure to check for updates on your specific destination. Stay up to date on the regulations – which are reviewed every two weeks – by visiting the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Portugal .]

Puerto Rico

American travelers who show proof of vaccination and submit a completed Travel Declaration Form are free to explore the island, according to the tourism board website . Unvaccinated travelers must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. Anyone who doesn’t test within this time period must quarantine for seven days. Travelers will have to follow rules in public spaces regarding social distancing and mask-wearing. It’s also important to note that proof of vaccination is required at many public establishments across the island.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Puerto Rico .]

All travelers to Qatar must take a negative coronavirus test no more than 72 hours prior to boarding. Once in the country, unvaccinated American travelers must quarantine for five days. If vaccinated, you can bypass quarantine requirements. For more information, see the country’s Ministry of Public Health website or the U.S. embassy website .

Americans visiting Romania must either show proof of immunization, proof of recovery within the last 180 days or proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Those who show proof of a negative test must also quarantine for five days. Vaccinated visitors can bypass these testing and quarantine requirements. For more information, visit the Romania tourism board website .

Americans can travel to Russia as long as they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than two days prior to travel and obtain a travel visa. There is no required quarantine upon arrival, but each local jurisdiction can set its own quarantine requirements. Note if not flying directly to Russia, Americans must transit through certain government-approved countries to be allowed entry. Keep in mind, the U.S. State Department still discourages travel to Russia due to terrorism and has placed a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning on the country. For more information on applying for a tourist visa and traveling to Russia, visit the U.S. embassy website .

While American tourists are allowed to visit Rwanda, the country's government goes to great lengths to reduce the spread of coronavirus from tourism, according to the embassy website . First, tourists must present negative coronavirus test results taken within 72 hours of their trip, and they must fill out a Passenger Locator Form, which details their passport information and travel plan. Upon arrival, Americans will partake in health screenings at their port of entry, and will then travel to a designated transit hotel as they await the results of a second COVID-19 test (paid at their own expense). Self-isolation is required until the results of this second test prove to be negative.

Saudi Arabia

All travelers regardless of vaccination status must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia. While in the country, vaccinations and booster shots are required to enter most public spaces. For the most up-to-date information, visit the embassy website .

U.S. citizens entering Senegal from the states must provide negative coronavirus test results taken no more than five days before their arrival. Proof of immunization is accepted in lieu of test results. Health screenings are also in place at Senegal's ports of entry. Use the guidelines provided on the embassy website to plan your trip to Senegal.

This Balkan nation is allowing American visitors as long as they provide results of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival (or proof of vaccination). To curb the spread of coronavirus, many businesses and restaurants operate under restricted hours. Learn more at the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Serbia .]

This pristine group of islands off the coast of Africa has opened its doors to American travelers who obtain a Health Travel Authorization visa and can show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken 72 hours prior to travel. Visit the Seychelles tourism board website for more information.

Sierra Leone

Before visiting Sierra Leone, Americans must show negative COVID-19 test results received no more than a week before departure. American travelers should also be prepared to take two COVID-19 tests upon arrival – a rapid diagnostic blood sample test and a diagnostic nasal swab test. The tests cost $80 at the traveler’s expense. For more information about Sierra Leone’s policies, visit the embassy website .

Singapore allows Americans to visit as long as they show proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. They must also submit to testing upon arrival. Americans can apply to the Vaccinated Travel Lane and, if approved, they will not face quarantine restrictions. In order to apply for the VTL, travelers must be vaccinated. Learn more at the embassy website or on Singapore’s government website .

Sint Maarten

Vaccinated American travelers who have received a booster can enter the Dutch Sint Maarten without testing. Those who are vaccinated but not boosted – and those who are unvaccinated – must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Everyone must complete an EHAS application to enter. For more information, visit the country’s government website .

Americans can travel to Slovakia without prior testing. However, unvaccinated travelers will be subject to a five-day quarantine upon arrival. Vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine. Learn more on the country’s immigration website .

South Africa

This popular African vacation destination is once again open to American visitors. Any travelers to South Africa will need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. If they don’t provide test results, they will be required to quarantine at their own cost. There is a nightly curfew in place, and social distancing is strictly enforced. Note: The U.S. Department of State has moved South Africa, as well as some other nearby countries, to the Level 4: Do Not Travel list due to concerns about the omicron variant. For more information about what your trip to South Africa will look like, visit the embassy website .

South Korea

Travelers from the United States are permitted to visit South Korea as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 48 hours of travel. There is a mandatory seven-day quarantine requirement, but select travelers may apply for quarantine exemptions. Travelers must also answer daily health questions through a mobile app to help the government monitor the spread of disease. Learn more at the embassy Learn more at the embassy website .

Vaccinated American travelers can now sip sangria and sample tapas in this popular European vacation destination. Testing is not required, but as of Sept. 6 showing proof of vaccination is mandatory to visit Spain. American travelers also need to obtain a QR code from the online Spain Travel Health portal to gain entry. For more information and updates, visit the U.S. embassy in Spain website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Spain .]

Sri Lanka is now open to American citizens, providing they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. There will be health screenings in place at the airport and there are curfews in different regions throughout the country. Vaccinated individuals can stay anywhere in the country, but unvaccinated people must stay for eight days and seven nights at an approved accommodation. They can only visit specified tourist sites. For more information, visit the country’s official protocol website .

Fully vaccinated Americans can visit St. Barts as long as they show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. Visit the embassy website for more travel specifics.

St. Kitts & Nevis

As of May 29, only fully vaccinated American travelers can enter St. Kitts & Nevis. Previously, all Americans could enter but restrictions changed as a result of new coronavirus cases on the island. (Note: Unvaccinated travelers 18 or younger can still enter the country if they’re traveling with fully vaccinated guardians.) Travelers must complete a travel authorization form by uploading proof of vaccination as well as negative coronavirus test results taken no more than 72 hours before traveling. They also must vacation in place for until they receive negative results from their arrival test. The St. Kitts tourism website and the Nevis tourism website are frequently updated with information regarding entry.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Kitts & Nevis .]

Armed with a negative coronavirus test taken no more than five days before their trip to St. Lucia , Americans (5 and older) can visit this picturesque island nation. Before arrival, travelers will have to fill out a travel registration form, confirm reservations at a certified property and upload their negative test results in an online portal. Travelers must also adhere to the medical screening procedures at the country's airport and unvaccinated travelers must stay in place at an approved facility for at least 14 days or the duration of their vacation. However, fully vaccinated travelers are free to leave their hotels and explore the island. Visit the embassy website or the tourism board website before traveling to learn more specifics.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Lucia .]

This Caribbean nation allows Americans to visit as long as they provide negative test results taken no more than 120 hours prior to departure, depending on which airport they’ll be flying to. In addition, travelers must fill out a mandatory health authorization application prior to departure. St. Maarten also requires travelers to have health insurance coverage that will cover COVID-19 related expenses. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days upon arrival, but vaccinated travelers can bypass this requirement. Find more details on the U.S. embassy website and the country’s entrance website, which is frequently updated with the most recent travel entry requirements.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Martin – St. Maarten .]

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Americans looking to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be subject to many coronavirus tests, according to the embassy website . The first must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the island nation. If you are unvaccinated, another test might be administered upon arrival and a 14-day quarantine period in an approved hotel is mandatory. Visitors must take another test between four and seven days after arrival, then continue to vacation in place.

[Read: The Best Hotels in St. Vincent and the Grenadines .]

Americans can enter this Nordic country as long as they show proof of vaccination and show proof of negative test results taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. There are no quarantine requirements. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Switzerland

This popular tourist destination is open to Americans who complete an entry form, show proof of vaccination and provide proof of a negative coronavirus test. If you are not vaccinated, you cannot enter solely for tourism purposes. To enter many public spaces, everyone needs a Swiss vaccine certificate; you can use the information provided here to apply for a certificate. For more up to date information, visit the embassy website or the Swiss government website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Switzerland. ]

American tourists visiting Tanzania will be required to partake in health screenings upon arrival. They must also provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than three days before arrival in the country. Visit the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania website before planning a trip here.

Thailand is now open to all vaccinated visitors and has no quarantine requirements in place. However, before traveling, you must book a stay in a government-approved hotel for the first and fifth nights of your trip; you’ll also need to prepay for two coronavirus tests. Visitors must also show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website. For more information, visit the country’s official tourism website .

Trinidad and Tobago

As of July 17, fully vaccinated American travelers are permitted to enter Trinidad and Tobago. They must take present a negative coronavirus test result for entry and register for a travel pass at least 72 hours prior to arrival; visitors will be subject to health screenings upon arrival as well. For more information, visit the embassy website.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago .]

This North African country, known for its Mediterranean climate, is now open to American visitors. Americans must show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Additionally, visitors will be required to complete a 14-day self-quarantine before setting out to explore Tunisia (or they can test out of quarantine on the seventh day). Travelers should also note there is a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. every night. Learn more on the embassy website .

Unvaccinated American visitors to Turkey must show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. Vaccinated travelers can bypass testing by showing their vaccine cards. Passengers will also be required to fill out an entry form within 72 hours of their flights. Note: Many establishments in Turkey require guests to be fully vaccinated to enter. Learn more about travel to Turkey on the embassy website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Turkey .]

Turks and Caicos

A popular vacation spot among Americans, Turks and Caicos allows visitors from the states as long as all travelers older than 16 are fully vaccinated. Everyone must also show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers also must share health information in the form of a questionnaire. Learn more about COVID-19 in Turks and Caicos on the country's tourism website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in Turks and Caicos .]

Americans can travel to Uganda if they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 120 hours before departure. They also must take another test upon arrival at their own expense and quarantine until results are available. For more information, visit the U.S. embassy website .

Americans entering Ukraine must show either proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, proof of a negative rapid antigen test or proof of vaccination. They must also demonstrate they have adequate health insurance to cover any coronavirus costs before entering the country, according to the U.S. embassy in Ukraine website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in the Ukraine .]

United Arab Emirates

All travelers arriving from the U.S. must still show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Each emirate has differing quarantine requirements for incoming travelers. There are advanced medical screening measures in place at the ports of entry. Additionally, there are varying measures and interstate travel restrictions in place depending which emirate you're traveling to. To help safely plan your trip to the UAE, visit the embassy website .

United Kingdom

Fully vaccinated Americans must provide proof of vaccination and a passenger locator form to enter the U.K. Unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of a negative test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival and pay for another test to be taken within two days after arrival. Many major airports in the U.K. offer walk-in or drive-thru testing sites at the airport so you can test upon arrival and receive your result within 24 hours. For more information, visit the U.K.’s coronavirus website .

[Read: The Best Hotels in England ; the Best Hotels in Wales ; the Best Hotels in Scotland ; the Best Hotels in Northern Ireland .]

U.S. Virgin Islands

Americans can visit this U.S. territory in the Caribbean after showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within five days of travel and providing their travel authorization certificate from the USVI Travel Screening Portal. Tests are required for all travelers 5 and older. Upon arrival, all U.S. Virgin Islands visitors will have their temperature taken and must complete a traveler screening questionnaire. Visit this website for more information on traveling here.

[Read: The Best Hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands .]

Americans can visit this country in Central Asia after providing proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours prior to traveling. Additional health screenings are in place at ports of entry but there are no quarantine requirements. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Americans can now enter Venezuela as long as they come prepared with a negative coronavirus test taken within 48 hours of arrival in this South American country. There are no curfews or quarantine requirements in place. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Zambia now allows all international travelers to enter the country. Those visiting from America need to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel. If you exhibit coronavirus symptoms upon arrival, you'll be subject to a 14-day quarantine period in a government-appointed area. Learn more about travel to Zambia on the embassy website .

Americans can travel to Zimbabwe after taking a coronavirus test and receiving a negative result issued no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. There is no required quarantine for travelers (in most cases) but there is a daily curfew from 6:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. There are also restrictions in public spaces like restaurants. For more information, visit the embassy website .

Domestically

Keep in mind, you don't need to leave the country to have a memorable vacation. While international destinations are tempting, there are plenty of enjoyable places to safely vacation around the U.S. Trade the Maldives for Maui, Hawaii , the Swiss Alps for Vail, Colorado , or an African safari for an adrenaline-filled Jeep ride through the desert of Sedona, Arizona . You can even find many lesser-known destinations around the country – such as St. Augustine, Florida ; Leavenworth, Washington; or Holland, Michigan – that feel more like Europe than America.

Choosing a domestic vacation has its perks, especially during a pandemic. You won't have to worry about visa restrictions, issues with entry or last-minute country closures ruining your trip. (Though note some states are imposing their own travel restrictions and quarantine rules.) Not to mention, you might find a little slice of paradise close to home that you can continue to visit.

You may also be interested in:

• The 15 Best Face Masks for Travel
• Where Can You Travel if You're Vaccinated?
• When Will Cruises Resume?
• Is It Safe to Travel? How to Vacation Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies
• What to Do If Your Flight is Canceled

Tags: Coronavirus , Vacation Ideas , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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International Travel Restrictions by Country

Find out where you can travel and covid-19 policies.

Select origin country, search destination or select a country on the map to see travel restrictions.

The travel status of individual countries can change suddenly, and we know it can be hard to stay on top of it all. That's why we're getting you the information you need to consider when planning travel. Learn about country-specific entry requirements such as the border status, COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine requirements. Many countries are reopening their borders for international travel. Find out which countries are open to vaccinated travelers.

Just enter your departure country above - the map will update to reflect countries' opening status and any entry requirements for air travelers. Before you book, be sure to double check your country's official government site.

Destinations you can travel to now

Dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Filter by region, status and more

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Albania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Algeria.

American Samoa

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter American Samoa.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Angola.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Anguilla.

Antigua And Barbuda

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Antigua And Barbuda.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Argentina.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Armenia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Aruba.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Australia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Austria.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Azerbaijan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bahrain.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bangladesh.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Barbados.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belgium.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Belize.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Benin.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bermuda.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bhutan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bolivia.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Botswana.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brazil.

British Virgin Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the British Virgin Islands.

Brunei Darussalam

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Brunei Darussalam.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Bulgaria.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Burundi.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cambodia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cameroon.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Canada.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cape Verde.

Caribbean Netherlands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Caribbean Netherlands.

Cayman Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Cayman Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Chad.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Chile.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter China.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Colombia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Comoros.

Cook Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Cook Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Costa Rica.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Croatia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Curaçao.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Cyprus.

Czech Republic

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Czech Republic.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Denmark.

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Djibouti without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Dominica.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Dominican Republic.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, need to quarantine to enter East Timor.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ecuador.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Egypt.

El Salvador

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter El Salvador.

Equatorial Guinea

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Equatorial Guinea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Eritrea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Estonia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Eswatini.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ethiopia.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Faroe Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Faroe Islands.

Federated States of Micronesia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Federated States of Micronesia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Fiji.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Finland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter France.

French Guiana

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter French Guiana.

French Polynesia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter French Polynesia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Gabon.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Gambia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Georgia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Germany.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Gibraltar.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Greece.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Greenland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Grenada.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guadeloupe.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guam.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guatemala.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guinea.

Guinea-Bissau

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guinea-Bissau.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Guyana.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Honduras.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hong Kong.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Hungary.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iceland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter India.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Indonesia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ireland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Italy.

Ivory Coast

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ivory Coast.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jamaica.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jersey.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jordan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kazakhstan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kenya.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kiribati.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kosovo.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kuwait.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kyrgyzstan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Laos.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Latvia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Lesotho.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Liberia.

Liechtenstein

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Liechtenstein.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Lithuania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Luxembourg.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Macau.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Madagascar.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malawi.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malaysia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Maldives.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Malta.

Marshall Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Marshall Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Martinique.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mauritania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mauritius.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mayotte.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mexico.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Moldova.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mongolia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Montenegro.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Montserrat.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mozambique.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Namibia.

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Nauru without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nepal.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Netherlands.

New Caledonia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Caledonia.

New Zealand

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nicaragua.

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Niger without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nigeria.

North Macedonia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter North Macedonia.

Northern Mariana Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Northern Mariana Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Norway.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Oman.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Pakistan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Palau.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Panama.

Papua New Guinea

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Papua New Guinea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Paraguay.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Peru.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Philippines.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Poland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Portugal.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Puerto Rico.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Qatar.

Republic of the Congo

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Republic of the Congo without restrictions.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Réunion.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Romania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Rwanda.

Saint Barthélemy

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Barthélemy.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Saint Lucia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Lucia.

Saint Martin

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Martin.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Samoa.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter São Tomé and Príncipe.

Saudi Arabia

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saudi Arabia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Senegal.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Serbia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Seychelles.

Sierra Leone

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sierra Leone.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Singapore.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Slovakia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Slovenia.

Solomon Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Solomon Islands.

South Africa

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Africa.

South Korea

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Korea.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Spain.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sri Lanka.

St. Maarten

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter St. Maarten.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sudan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Suriname.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Sweden.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Switzerland.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Taiwan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tajikistan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tanzania.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Thailand.

The Bahamas

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter The Bahamas.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Togo.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tonga.

Trinidad and Tobago

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Trinidad and Tobago.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tunisia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Türkiye.

Turkmenistan

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to enter Turkmenistan.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Tuvalu.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uganda.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Arab Emirates.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Kingdom.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uruguay.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Uzbekistan.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vanuatu.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Vietnam.

Wallis and Futuna

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Wallis and Futuna.

Western Sahara

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, will not be allowed to enter Western Sahara.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Zambia.

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Zimbabwe.

Get trip-ready with at-home COVID-19 tests

How often is the data on this page updated.

We check for travel restriction information from government authorities daily, and update the page any time we get new information. The following information regarding travel restrictions for each country is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.

How many countries are closed to visitors?

As of Sep 11, 2 countries have completely restricted entry to non-citizens and 5 are open but require quarantine and/or a negative COVID test.

Where can I travel without COVID restrictions?

Currently you can travel from the United States to 197 countries without restrictions. Please check our map to learn more.

Are there any other types of travel restrictions besides COVID-19 tests and quarantines?

These are the two main types of restrictions or requirements needed to travel into another country. However, the COVID-19 testing options are continually widening as new methods are developed. Different countries may accept results from different or multiple test types, so be sure to check the individual country's specific requirements.

What should I do if I get COVID-19 while in another country?

If you get COVID-19 while in another country, follow the local authority's recommendations. These may include hospitalization, self-isolating and testing in that country. Be sure to contact your travel insurance company and travel provider as well and inform them of your situation.

What should I do if the borders of the country I am visiting close?

Depending on your home country, you may need to change your departure date and return home as soon as possible. If that's the case, contact your travel provider to find the earliest departure.

Additional resources

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If you're looking for personalized travel advice for your own travel plans like whether or not a restriction applies to your trip, we won't be able to answer any questions or offer advice. Please consult your local government's resources.

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More people are taking trips this summer after putting plans on hold, but climate change , social media-fueled overcrowding, rising costs, and other factors have converged to make travel decisions more fraught than ever. For Vox’s first-ever travel guide, we wanted to answer some of your most pressing questions about travel now, from how to navigate the many decisions and ethical dilemmas around traveling, to explaining why our travel and transportation systems are designed the way they are.

Each week throughout July, we’ll be publishing new articles and videos answering your biggest travel questions. Stay tuned for more! — Nisha Chittal, managing editor

Managing editor: Nisha Chittal | Editors: Alanna Okun, Izzie Ramirez, Marina Bolotnikova, Meredith Haggerty, Bryan Walsh | Contributors: Allie Volpe, Kenny Torrella, Rebecca Jennings, Emily Stewart, Julieta Cardenas, Carlye Wisel, Paulette Perhach | Art Director: Paige Vickers | Illustrations: Naomi Elliott | Style & Standards: Tanya Pai, Caity PenzeyMoog, Kim Eggleston, Elizabeth Crane, Sarah Schweppe | Video: Adam Freelander, Bridgett Henwood, Cath Spangler, Christophe Haubursin, Coleman Lowndes, Edward Vega, Joey Sendaydiego, Kim Mas, Kristen Williamson, Laura Bult, Liz Scheltens, Matt Dunne, Mona Lalwani, Valerie Lapinski, Dean Peterson, Estelle Caswell | Audience: Gabby Fernandez, Jayne A. Quan

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping

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Destination: Moscow

Subterranean gulag baroque.

by Taras Grescoe | 07.20.12 | 10:23 AM ET

In an excerpt from his new book, "Straphanger," Taras Grescoe explores Moscow's extraordinary Metro system

Read More »

• Comments (19)

World Travel Watch: Deadly Heat Wave in Moscow, Underground Colosseum Tours and More

by Larry Habegger | 08.11.10 | 11:38 AM ET

Larry Habegger rounds up global travel news

• Comments (0)

‘Crime and Punishment’ on the Moscow Subway

by Eva Holland | 08.10.10 | 3:17 PM ET

NPR explores the controversy surrounding one of Moscow’s famously decorated subway stations—Dostoevskaya, the station that honors Fyodor Dostoevsky. Apparently, some Russian psychologists are concerned that the darkness of the station’s artwork may inspire violence or suicide. David Greene sets the scene:

The walls are gray and bare, except for murals capturing scenes from Dostoevsky’s famous novels: Brothers Karamazov , The Idiot , and of course, Crime and Punishment , the book where Dostoevsky digs into the mind of his lead character, Raskolnikov, exploring a young man’s path to murder… The fictional character—poor, desperate for money to help his family and mentally tortured—ends up killing two women. And it’s all depicted in a mural right on the subway platform in which Raskolnikov holds an ax over a woman’s head, while a corpse lies on the ground. The tale itself is stirring, and the underground tunnel and echo of subway trains make it even creepier.

• Comments (2)

Dispatch From the Moscow Heat

by Michael Yessis | 08.06.10 | 11:23 AM ET

World Hum contributor Jeffrey Tayler recently returned from Paris to his Moscow home, where soaring temperatures and wildfires have crippled the city and other parts of the country. Tayler reports from the brutal—and alcohol-soaked—scene for the Atlantic:

Another Russian saying has it that, “Heat isn’t vodka, but we feel drunk from it all the same.” Which hasn’t stopped a good number of metaphorically heat-wasted Muscovites from turning literal and tippling their way through this interminable zharishcha. I walked outside this morning to find a gang of bare-chested fellows, with shaved heads, sweaty snouts, and stretchmarked potbellies, sitting on the guardrail near our doorway, guzzling beer and smoking, and for good measure, belching and swearing about the heat. Any walk around town reveals similar scenes: men have at times dispensed with much of their clothing, and carrying a beer (plus lit cigarette) is now de rigueur. This is legal: there’s no law banning open containers of alcohol in Russia. Except that in Russia, beer hardly qualifies as alcohol. (Unless possibly it’s that 12-proof brew marked krepkoye.) Beer is more like a training beverage. But vodka is considered alcohol, and thus possesses, many would point out, curative properties for whatever ails you. So fighting noxious heat with medicinal doses of vodka makes perfect sense. And I don’t mean some dainty cocktail, like, say, a vodka collins. The idea of mixing vodka with anything except more vodka is an abomination. Why dilute the healing fun?

How Bad is the Traffic in Moscow?

by Jim Benning | 07.30.10 | 1:01 PM ET

It’s so bad, one traffic expert told The New Yorker, that the city is “on the brink of transportational collapse.”

The new issue has an in-depth look at Moscow’s traffic woes. The story is available only to subscribers, but here’s an accompanying video:

World Travel Watch: Airplane Safety in Peru, Metro Bombings in Moscow and More

by Larry Habegger | 03.31.10 | 10:50 AM ET

Looking for the USSR in Moscow

by Michael Yessis | 10.13.09 | 3:02 PM ET

World Hum contributor Jim Heintz says that one of the hardest things to find when visiting the Russian capital “is a sense of how bleak life was under the hammer and sickle.” He writes :

Unlike Rome or Athens, where the tourist is called upon to imagine the glory that once was, in Moscow you have to visualize what wasn’t there. Walk into a food store and imagine the shelves empty; picture the store without a clever name or attractive logo—its sign would have read only “meat” or “milk” or “products.” These days it’s unlikely that one’s tour guide briefs the secret police at the end of the day. Your hotel may not be cute or comfy, but it’s probably not overtly scary like the Rossiya, a signature Soviet monstrosity that’s now a vacant lot. In a way, this may be kind of a disappointment: Going to the Evil Empire had more cachet than a trip to the Overpriced Capital.

High-Speed Rail Watch: From Russia to America?

by Eva Holland | 09.28.09 | 2:43 PM ET

A new breed of locomotive-less high-speed train will launch in Russia in December, running between St. Petersburg and Moscow—and Siemens, the German company behind the new model, is hoping to bring it to America next. The New York Times has the details .

• Comments (1)

Video: An Idiot’s Driving Tour of Moscow

by Michael Yessis | 09.01.09 | 2:38 PM ET

Here’s the idiot, who recklessly tried to re-create a car chase scene from The Bourne Supremacy :

If you want an accelerated travel experience, you’re better off doing this . (Via Gulliver )

Michael Jackson and Me: Strangers in Moscow

by Jeffrey Tayler | 06.26.09 | 2:35 PM ET

Jeffrey Tayler recalls a cold night in 1993 when he took a break from writing his first book to see a performance by the "King of Pop"

• Comments (3)

Moscow, Russia

by World Hum | 06.12.09 | 9:58 AM ET

Municipal workers carry a reproduction of the painting "Zaporozhtsi" by Ilya Repin under heavy rain.

See the full photo »

A Traveler’s 10 Best Musical Discoveries

by Tom Swick | 03.02.09 | 10:35 AM ET

Contemplating and celebrating the world of travel

• Comments (6)

Video: Jeffrey Tayler on His New Book, ‘Murderers in Mausoleums’

by World Hum | 02.26.09 | 5:27 PM ET

Jeffrey Tayler discusses traveling from Moscow to Beijing, "drink by drink."

Watch the Video »

Where Can You Find the Most Expensive Cup of Coffee in the World?

by Eva Holland | 08.04.08 | 10:51 AM ET

And the winner is ... Moscow, where the average cup apparently costs $10.19. Forbes brings us the full list , but I have to wonder about the methodology behind the survey. Are we talking cups of joe, or are we talking venti caramel mocha frappuccinos? It was the New York City listing that got me doubting: it landed in the middle of the pack, with the average cup costing $3.75—but when was the last time you paid nearly $4 for a regular coffee from a New York City deli?

Meet the New Moscow*

by Jim Benning | 06.16.08 | 5:22 PM ET

It’s changing fast, to be sure, but in some ways, it’s the same as the old Moscow. World Hum contributor Peter Delevett recently paid the city a visit and stopped by the Kremlin. As he writes in the San Jose Mercury News : “Customer service, to put it mildly, is an embryonic concept.”

* Update, June 17, 5 p.m. ET: Peter just finished an online chat with readers about his trip. Transcript here .

Related on World Hum: * The Rise of the Russian Traveler

Photo by Argenberg via Flickr, ( Creative Commons ).

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Fast-drying wool base layer: Ibex Woolies Pro Tech

Ibex’s new collection (tops, bottoms, boxer briefs) is constructed from Nuyarn, purportedly the world’s first performance wool. It’s made from non-twisted fibers, enabling the wool to retain more of its natural properties, such as body temperature regulation. The company claims that this lets the fabric dry five times faster than conventional 100 percent, ring-spun merino wool. It also weighs 35 percent less and offers 35 percent more stretch.

Buy it now:   Ibex (Men’s), $115   |   Ibex (Women’s), $115

Recyclable rain jacket: Patagonia Boulder Fork

Patagonia has plenty of outerwear made from recycled material. This rain jacket, however, is the first from the 50-year-old company that you can recycle. We like the adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood (great for keeping extra dry) and the three zippered chest pockets, which give you plenty of places to stash your things. The sleek, not-too-boxy silhouette is an added bonus.

Buy it now:   Patagonia (Men's) $229   |   Patagonia (Women's), $229

Waterproof, sustainable hiking boots: Oboz Cottonwood

This new boot, ideal for day hikes on uneven, wet terrain, is the Montana-based company ’s most sustainable yet. Both the low- and mid-profile designs incorporate at least 20 percent recycled, responsibly sourced materials by weight. Even better, Oboz’s “B-DRY” lining is designed to maximize waterproofing and breathability—top qualities to look for in hiking boots, especially for trekking through tropical regions or cruising around on Zodiacs.

Coming soon:   Spring 2024, from $155

Featherlight binoculars: Swarovski Optik CL Curio

Slightly larger than a deck of cards and weighing just 8.9 ounces, Swarovski’s Optik CL Curio binoculars are the lightest, most compact binoculars we’ve found—exactly what you want in the field. With a sleek, seamless bridge by industrial designer Marc Newson , they’re also pretty stylish. With 7x magnification, a 21mm effective objective lens diameter, 7.7° field of view, and 90 percent light transmission, you’ll be able to discern a border collie from a coyote at 100 yards away and count the cracks in the craters of the moon at night.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $899

Budget-friendly, feature-loaded binoculars: Nocs Field Issue

Birdwatchers on a budget will appreciate Nocs’ new Field Issue, which marries the high-quality optics of the Pro Issue with the size and durability of the Standard Issue . It’s ideal for an off-road adventure when you want a super-wide, crisp view in a variety of lighting conditions. Like all the company’s binoculars, this mid-size (it weighs 16.7 ounces) pair is waterproof and fog-proof. But unlike other models, it features the brand’s finest central focusing. While it comes with a cleaning cloth and strap, consider upgrading to a harness to prevent it from awkwardly swinging around your neck.

Buy it now:   Nocs Provisions, $175

Carry-on that converts into a table: PROPS  

This hard-side carry-on has fold-out legs that turn the suitcase into a footrest or a table for your laptop during layovers or travel delays. It’s great for small hotel rooms without luggage racks. The built-in compression packing system and space-saving clamshell opening holds a surprising amount for a 22-inch bag. Look for a 26-inch model in October 2024.

Buy it now:   Magellan’s, $329

Super grippy water sandals: Teva Hydratrek

Inspired by tree frogs, Teva’s latest sandal is built so that a maximum amount of surface area on the outsole stays in contact with the ground. Extra texturing on the top sole helps wet feet stay put, while the quick-dry, traceable recycled webbing helps with durability. An added bonus for light packers: These are water sandals you can also hike in.

Buy it now:   Teva (Men’s), $85   |   Teva (Women’s), $85

Robust, fast charger: Anker Prime Power Bank 250W

At 27,650 mAh, Anker’s newest model is packed with power. “At least 20,000 mAh is the sweet spot because it allows me to charge my phone four to five times and my laptop once or twice,” says Barry Hoffner, founder of the education nonprofit Caravan to Class , who relied on a power bank while taking public buses across more than 170 countries.  

This new model takes 28 minutes to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 percent—a big improvement from last year’s 140W model, which took 40. Yet, at 99.54 watt hours, it still falls under TSA’s 100-watt-hour limit for carry-on packing. Pairing and Bluetooth connectivity via the Anker app enables you to track it if you lose it.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $179.99

Portable solar panel: BigBlue SolarPowa 30 ETFE Camping Solar Panel Charger

BigBlue’s latest travel-friendly solar panel is now made with an ETFE layer, a fluorine-based plastic that can withstand high temperatures. It also resists water, dust, corrosion, and stains. This model reportedly lasts twice as long as a traditional panel and folds to the size of a 14-inch laptop—which not only saves space, but also exposes less surface area to damaging elements.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $79.99

Endlessly customizable backpack: Osprey Archeon

Osprey’s new Archeon set lets you customize your pack via quick-release straps—ideal for when you’re trekking and don’t want to take your full 60L kit on shorter day hikes. Start with the foundational day pack and add accordingly. The chest rig, which straps over your shoulders like a BabyBjorn, maximizes versatility. You can wear it backward, forward, and around your waist like a fanny pack—just attach the day pack’s removable hip belt. Each piece sold separately.

Shop   the collection now:   Osprey, $50-$300

Padded storage cube: Away, The Protective Packing Cube (6L)

Part of Away’s outdoor-centric For All Routes (F.A.R.) collection, the sturdy 6L packing cube has extra padding and six customizable dividers for storing fragile items, like larger electronics or a small pair of binoculars. A removable shoulder strap lets you wear the cube as a crossbody bag when you need to transport just a few things from your suitcase. Plus, it’s made of recycled materials and ships in compostable packaging.

Buy it now:   Away, $72

Heavy-duty universal bike rack: Thule Epos

A good bike rack should have turn and brake signals, according to retired professional cyclist George Hincapie .  

Thule’s newest model includes both signals, plus telescopic arms with pivoting cradles that let you attach any type of bike, even an e-bike weighing up to 60 pounds. It works on any car; in some cases with an easy-to-install hitch. We especially appreciate that it folds up and wheels away for storage. (It weighs just 38 pounds.)

Buy it now:   REI, $999.95   |   Amazon, $999.95

Dog harness/rescue sling: Fido Pro Panza

Hiking in remote areas with your dog can be risky, especially since search and rescue often isn’t equipped for pups. Vets recommend it’s best to be prepared and to think in advance how you can get your dog out of a difficult situation. It’s also a great idea to pack a rescue harness. We like this newly patented harness because it converts into a sling that you can wrap around your dog without too much maneuvering. Included custom pads can save your shoulders over longer distances too. Fits most breeds 35-120 pounds.

Buy it now:   Backcountry, $139

Dog first aid travel kits: Wolf Republic First Aid Kit & Adventure Dog Medical Kit

Having a dog-specific first aid kit can be especially handy while traveling, especially if you're doing adventurous or sporty activities. We love Wolf Republic’s loaded kit for longer trips and Adventure Ready’s compact one for short day hikes. Both come stocked with vet-approved must-haves including triple antibiotic spray, self-adhesive bandages, saline wash, and tweezers.  

Buy it now:   Wolf Republic First Aid Kit, $56

Buy it now:   Adventure Dog Medical Kit,   Amazon, $22.98 for a pack of 2

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• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
• SURVIVAL SKILLS

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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Natural wonders. Napoleon’s exile. A remote island in the South Atlantic is now easier to reach

History buffs may know the remote island of St. Helena as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile, but the British overseas territory has another claim to fame: a 192-year-old tortoise named Jonathan. (March 20)

The city of Jamestown is pictured from the top of Jacob’s Ladder, a massive staircase carved into the side of a mountain on the remote island of St. Helena, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. The 600-foot-high stairway was originally a donkey-powered cart track used to transport goods in and out of the city. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

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The city of Jamestown is pictured between massive volcanic cliffs on the remote island of St. Helena, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. The quaint town is home to British Georgian-era colonial architecture, shops and restaurants. It’s also the main gathering place for the island’s festivals and celebrations. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

A hiker walks the Cox’s Battery trail on the island of St. Helena, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2024. The nearly three-mile trek is one of the remote territory’s 21 scenic hiking trails of varying difficulty. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Tourists take photos of Jonathan, a 192-year-old tortoise, on the lawn of Plantation House on the South Atlantic island of St. Helena on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

The site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb, known as the Valley of the Tomb, is seen on the British overseas territory of St. Helena in the South Atlantic, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

British Georgian-era colonial buildings line Main Street in Jamestown, St. Helena, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. The British overseas territory, located nearly halfway between southern Africa and Brazil, is one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Scenic ocean views and rolling pastureland are seen on the island of St. Helena, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The remote British overseas territory is home to diverse landscapes and microclimates, ranging from misty tropical forests to windswept volcanic cliffs. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

A wooden bridge leading to the Heart Shaped Waterfall on the island of St. Helena on Feb. 21, 2024. The trek is one of the remote territory’s 21 scenic hiking trails of varying difficulty. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Neil Fantom of Wranghams coffee demonstrates his small-batch roasting process at his coffee plantation in Sandy Bay, St. Helena, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

St. Helena’s famed coffee is pictured during a farm tour and tasting at Wranghams, a small coffee plantation and homestay in Sandy Bay, St. Helena, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

The foyer of Plantation House, the official residence of the governor of the British overseas territory of St. Helena, is pictured Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. Visitors to the remote island can tour the ornately decorated rooms of the grand Georgian mansion built in 1792. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

The library inside Plantation House, the official residence of the governor of the British overseas territory of St. Helena, is pictured Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Sweeping views of Sandy Bay can be seen from Blue Point Trail on the island of St. Helena, on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The 40-minute trek is one of the remote territory’s 21 scenic hiking trails of varying difficulty. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Coconut fingers, a traditional celebration dessert of iced sponge cake dusted with coconut, are displayed at a restaurant on the island of St. Helena on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

JAMESTOWN, St. Helena (AP) — St. Helena, a small, craggy island in the South Atlantic Ocean, hasn’t seen many tourists in the past for good reason: It’s one of the most remote inhabited places in the world.

Until 2017, it took five nights by boat to reach the British overseas territory, which is nearly halfway between southern Africa and Brazil. Today, with weekly commercial flights and the recent arrival of high-speed internet, the government is hoping to breathe new life into a fledgling tourism industry that welcomed about 2,100 leisure travelers in 2023.

The island has just a little more than 4,000 residents, or Saints as they call themselves, and is likely to attract a certain kind of visitor.

“It’s people with a real desire to travel and learn rather than, ‘let’s go somewhere to have a bit of sunshine and some nice food,’” says Emma Phillips, whose husband, Nigel, is St. Helena’s governor.

After all, weather can be unpredictable and supplies occasionally run low when you’re 1,200 miles from the nearest continent.

“You’ve got to be prepared to embrace all of that,” Phillips says, while extolling the island’s welcoming locals, rich history and natural wonders. “Come with an open mind.”

HISTORY: NAPOLEON, GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE

Perhaps best known as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, St. Helena features multiple heritage sites honoring the deposed French emperor. Visitors can tour his homes and his original burial grounds. His remains were returned to France in 1840.

The capital city, Jamestown, is an eclectic mix of new and old. British Georgian-era colonial buildings house small retail and grocery stores. There are a couple DVD rental shops — remnants of the island’s pre-high-speed internet days.

For a workout with a view, climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder on the edge of town. The 600-foot-high outdoor staircase was originally a donkey-powered cart track used to transport goods between the city and fortifications on the cliffs above.

Plantation House, 2 miles south of the capital, is a grand Georgian mansion built in 1792 by the British East India Company, which administered St. Helena until 1834. Now the official governor’s residence, the house features a collection of royal portraits and original furnishings, including antique china and a chandelier from Bonaparte’s final home.

NATURE: WHALE SHARKS, A LEGENDARY TORTOISE

Plantation House’s well-manicured yard is home to one of the island’s most famous residents, a venerable tortoise named Jonathan. At the approximate age of 192, Jonathan holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest living land animal. He has met several royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, who visited St. Helena in 1947, and Prince Edward, who made the trip in January.

“Jonathan is an enigmatic tortoise,” says Teeny Lucy, one of his caretakers for over a decade. “If you come to St. Helena, people usually know two things: Jonathan the tortoise and Napoleon Bonaparte.” She’s not sure who is the bigger celebrity.

Jonathan has lost his sight and sense of smell, but remains a major draw for tourists like Gilly Hill, who traveled from the U.K. to snap selfies with him.

“I just think he’s the most amazing creature,” she said.

Other bucket-list activities include swimming with Chilean devil rays or whale sharks, which are often spotted December through March. There’s also humpback whale watching from June to December. Come in January to catch peak nesting season for the wirebird, also known as the St. Helena plover, which can only be found on St. Helena.

FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS: BIODIVERSITY, SCENERY

Roughly one-third of all endemic biodiversity in U.K. territories can be found within the 47-square-mile island. More than 500 species are not seen anywhere else on earth, including 45 flowering plants and ferns.

Microclimates that range from cool tropical forests to sunny rolling grasslands and windswept volcanic cliffs can all be experienced within an hour’s drive.

With two dozen scenic trails, St. Helena can satisfy even the most avid hiker’s wanderlust. Serious trekkers might opt for the highest point, Diana’s Peak. The 2.3-mile hike takes you 2,690 feet above sea level and into Britain’s last remaining natural cloud forest.

Casual hikers can stroll along Blue Point Trail for spectacular views of Sandy Bay, Sperry Island and Castle Rock. For a moderate challenge, try the shaded hike to St. Helena’s famed Heart Shaped Waterfall, which only flows in winter and early spring. Be sure to catch the best views of the falls from the main road out of Jamestown.

FOR FOODIES: RARE COFFEE, COLORFUL CAKES

Perched at 1,700 feet on one of the lushest and most remote parts of the island lies a historic estate with sweeping cloud-forest views and a really good cup of joe.

Wranghams is a small coffee farm with tours and home stays, run by Neil and Debbie Fantom.

Coffee connoisseurs seek out St. Helena’s beans, often touted as one of the rarest and most expensive varieties in the world due to their export costs and single-origin status. It sells online for $150 per half pound. Extreme isolation has ensured that the coffee plants, which were imported from Yemen in the 18th century, have never been cross-fertilized.

“Is it the best in the world? I couldn’t tell you. Is it coffee that we enjoy producing and drinking? One hundred percent,” Neil says. “We’ve got the perfect climate for it, and we do it ourselves.”

“With love,” adds Debbie.

Other local culinary delights include plo, a cross between curry and Spanish paella, fresh fishcakes, and sponge cakes with bright pink icing known as coconut fingers.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Money: St. Helena has no ATMs, credit cards are not widely accepted, and the local bank has limited hours. Be sure to bring British pounds (GBP) to cover your stay and the 20 pounds entry fee (about $25). Another option is St. Helena Bank’s prepaid Tourist Card app, which can be loaded with debit cards online and is accepted throughout the island.

Connectivity: Download essentials like the Tourist Card app and offline Google maps before you arrive, as Wi-Fi and mobile data is limited and expensive.

Getting There: Airlink flies once weekly from Johannesburg. A mid-week flight is often added during the busier summer season, December to March. You’ll need proof of medical insurance covering at least 175,000 pounds (about $223,000) to board the plane.

Where to Stay: Accommodations range from simple home stays to boutique hotels. The higher-end Mantis St. Helena has 30 rooms and complimentary, reliable internet.

Getting Around: St. Helena’s narrow roads and blind curves are not for the faint of heart. If you’re comfortable driving stick shift on the left side of the road, rental cars are available. Otherwise, taxis are your best option for island adventuring.

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WA's integrity watchdog Chris Field spent much of the past two years travelling the world, but did it help WA?

For a man tasked with sorting out complaints about the Western Australian public service, the state's 137 local governments and its five universities, Ombudsman Chris Field has been spending a lot of time out of the country.

The Office of the Ombudsman in WA receives thousands of inquiries and complaints a year from members of the public – about 14,000 of them in the 2022-23 financial year alone.

It also deals with highly sensitive issues such as reviewing child deaths and family violence fatalities, and makes recommendations about how to prevent these.

What the job does not entail however, at least according to the 1971 legislation that established the position, is international diplomacy.

Museums and hot springs

There's no mention in the Parliamentary Commissioner Act of any requirement for the Ombudsman to promote WA's interests on the international stage or to uphold global peace and democracy.

No requirement to undertake cultural exchanges with Uzbekistan or Bahrain or Canada.

Which presumably means liaising with the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco, meeting the president of the OECD in Paris and inspecting captured Russian military equipment on the streets of Kyiv are also outside the remit.

Yet these are all activities Mr Field has engaged in over the past couple of years.

He's also planted trees in Hungary and Pakistan, visited a Slovenian day care centre and a firefighting museum in Austria, and admired the hot springs of Beitou, Taiwan.

Hundreds of dollars were also spent on two chauffer-driven trips in Paris that totalled less than two kilometres.

The thing is, not only is he WA Ombudsman but he was, until very recently, also president of the International Ombudsman's Institute.

This little-known body bills itself as a global organisation that focuses on "good governance" and represents ombudsmen in more than 150 countries.

He was the first ever Australian appointed to lead the Vienna-based body — which at the time drew a letter of congratulations by then-premier Mark McGowan.

But even when he's not travelling the globe, Mr Field isn't present in the WA Ombudsman office very much – just 36 days in 2023 – although he maintains he's in "constant contact by phone and email with all of my staff" while absent.

No conflict in dual roles

Asked about his posts as both WA Ombudsman and International Ombudsman's Institute (IOI) president, Mr Field told a corruption hearing this week he saw no conflict between the dual roles.

"I see them as one and the same thing," he said. "I saw them as utterly complementary and never saw them in conflict."

Mr McGowan seemed to think so too.

“I am sure you will bring a breadth of expertise to the role, while continuing to deliver excellent outcomes to the State of Western Australia,” he wrote in the congratulations letters.

This issue of wearing two hats is at the nub of why the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) is looking into Mr Field in the first place.

It wants to find out if the Ombudsman acted corruptly in using his position to benefit himself and his chief of staff, who frequently accompanied him on his overseas missions.

It's also looking at whether Mr Field's use of taxpayer funds to pay for the trips — to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year – was for the benefit of WA.

Mr Field insisted it is.

He's told the hearings he believed being president of the IOI went hand in hand with his duties as WA Ombudsman, a post he was appointed to 17 years ago.

Mr Field also stressed to the anti-corruption body the IOI's own role in exposing corruption, describing it "supporting the rule of law through work on anti-corruption measures, integrity, transparency and good governance."

This week the IOI confirmed Mr Field had quit his post as president, and a new president would be elected.

But its email to the ABC also contained a bombshell.

"In the interests of its members, the IOI feels compelled to clarify that Mr Field's travel activities in question were neither initiated, expected, commissioned nor financed by the IOI," the organisation said.

In other words, the IOI did not ask him to go on all those overseas trips in question and he wasn't required to do so as president.

Yet in defending a tripling of his travel bill last financial year, Mr Field told the hearings: "The 2022-23 visits actually represents what would normally have been undertaken over two years, as there is a certain amount of visits that each Ombudsman is asked, and expected, to undertake during their term as president," he said.

Mr Field had no comment when the ABC sent him the IOI statement.

Government knew of travel

The CCC hearings are not over yet, and Mr Field's high-profile lawyer, former Attorney General Christian Porter, is expected to take the commission through more evidence.

Mr Field has so far based his defence on the fact that the Ombudsman is independent of government, telling the hearings this means he doesn't need to seek the premier's approval for travel.

But at the crux of his argument is that the government was well aware of his travel bill, which has been tabled in Parliament.

Mr Field said it was only after media reports surfaced late last year, revealing the extent of his international travel, that anyone in government or parliament raised concern about the IOI role detracting from his duties as ombudsman.

Like Mr McGowan had said in the letter Mr Porter tabled before the CCC, becoming president of the IOI was a "great achievement".

The CCC was shown evidence that other ministers and high-ranking public servants knew of and supported Mr Field's IOI role.

The hearings are set to resume in April, with the commission's report due later in the year.

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Standing Up to China, Philippine Leader Courts New Network of Partners

Escalating tensions in the South China Sea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. says, are not only a regional issue, but a global one.

By Sui-Lee Wee and Camille Elemia

With China aggressively asserting its claims on the South China Sea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines spent his first year on the job beefing up Manila’s alliance with its oldest ally, the United States. Now he is shoring up support from a wider and new network of partners.

Mr. Marcos is adding a new intensity to his muscular foreign policy at a critical moment in his country’s territorial dispute with Beijing. Maritime clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have become more frequent in recent months.

In January, Mr. Marcos and the leaders of Vietnam, another country fighting off Chinese claims to the crucial waterway, pledged closer cooperation between their coast guards. This month, Mr. Marcos clinched a maritime cooperation deal with Australia. And this past week, he took his pitch to Europe.

“It has to be recognized that the South China Sea handles 60 percent of the trade of the entire world. So, it’s not solely the interest of the Philippines, or of ASEAN, or of the Indo-Pacific region, but the entire world,” Mr. Marcos said on Tuesday in Berlin, apparently referring to global maritime trade and using shorthand for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Standing alongside Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Mr. Marcos, the first Philippine president to visit Germany in a decade, added, “That is why it’s in all our interest to keep it as a safe passage for all international commerce that goes on in the South China Sea.”

This flurry of diplomacy, analysts said, might ultimately help to deter China. But they also acknowledged that Beijing was going to continue doubling down on its territorial claims, increasing the risks of a conflict that could ultimately draw in the United States, the Philippines’ oldest treaty ally. Washington has repeatedly condemned Beijing’s actions and has vowed to come to the aid of Manila in the event of an armed conflict.

The foreign policy strategy adopted by Mr. Marcos, who took office in June 2022, is almost the opposite of the approach of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. While Mr. Duterte spurned the West and courted China, Mr. Marcos has revived and cemented ties with traditional security partners like the United States and Japan. He has also cultivated new relations with the likes of Sweden and France, and his government has pushed for arms deals and military drills.

Tensions flared again this month when Chinese boats blocked the Philippine vessels off the Second Thomas Shoal, a contested reef 120 miles off the coast of the western province of Palawan. The confrontation culminated in Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels colliding.

Mr. Marcos told reporters then there was no reason yet to invoke the mutual defense treaty with the United States.

China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, some of it hundreds of miles from the mainland and in waters surrounding Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. In the past decade or so, China has asserted ever greater control over these waters, using two island chains called the Paracels and the Spratlys to expand its military footprint by building and fortifying outposts and airstrips.

The militarization of the Spratly Islands allowed China to maintain a round-the-clock presence in waters more than 500 miles from the coast of China. At another formation, the Scarborough Shoal, Chinese boats have repeatedly harassed Filipino fishing boats in an area that an international tribunal in The Hague had ruled was a traditional fishing ground of the Philippines, Vietnam and other nations. The Chinese presence also prevented Manila from fully exploring oil and gas deposits in the surrounding water.

China has blamed the Philippines for the frequent clashes in the South China Sea.

Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, in December admonished the Philippines for “changing its policy stance, reneging on its commitments and continuing to provoke and cause trouble at sea.”

Mr. Wang also issued a warning: “If the Philippines misjudges the situation, insists on going its own way, or even colludes with malicious external forces to continue causing trouble and chaos, China will definitely safeguard its rights in accordance with the law and respond resolutely.”

Two weeks later, the Philippines announced that it had signed agreements with Britain and Canada to increase defense cooperation. They were part of 10 security agreements that Mr. Marcos has signed with seven countries since last year, according to a tally of public statements.

“China is basically pushing us closer to the United States and to the other countries that have already indicated their support, as far as Germany and as far as the Czech Republic,” said Renato Cruz De Castro, a professor of international studies at De La Salle University in Manila.

On Thursday, Petr Pavel, the president of the Czech Republic, said he was willing to cooperate with the Philippines in defense and cybersecurity, adding that his country “fully” supports Manila in the South China Sea.

“To us, South China Sea may seem to be far, far away, but if you take into account the percentage of share of world or global trade that passes through this area, any disruption of these routes would have an adverse impact on Europe, not only in the form of shortage of goods but also soaring prices,” Mr. Pavel told reporters at a joint news conference with Mr. Marcos. “Which is why we have to pay attention to this topic.”

New allies, Mr. De Castro said, are welcome because the Philippines cannot rely on the United States alone, especially if former President Donald J. Trump returns to power next year.

“The U.S. is simply — even Americans would say — so unstable right now, the political system is so volatile, look at what’s happening with the U.S. military assistance to Ukraine,” he said. “And I’m not saying that Trump would win, but there’s always uncertainty because of how unstable American domestic politics is.”

Another important calculus for Mr. Marcos, analysts said, is securing investments for the Philippines.

“That means that we can really be assertive, we can really protect the South China Sea interests without thinking of the economic backlash that China might impose on us,” said Aries A. Arugay, the chairman of the political science department of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Even India, which has been silent on the South China Sea dispute for years, announced last June that it would provide loans with preferential rates to the Philippines for its military modernization. In August, both countries signed agreements to cooperate in the coast guard sectors.

Last week, when he was in Australia, Mr. Marcos warned that the constant clashes between Filipino and Chinese vessels have increased the risks of miscalculation.

“The potential for outright conflict is much higher now than it was before,” he said. “We worry in the Philippines because it could come from not a strategic decision by anyone saying, ‘OK, we’re going to war,’ but just by some servicemen making a mistake, or some action that’s misunderstood.”

An earlier version of this article misstated one site where Chinese boats harassed Philippine fishermen. It is the Scarborough Shoal, not the Spratly Islands.

How we handle corrections

Sui-Lee Wee is the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, overseeing coverage of 11 countries in the region. More about Sui-Lee Wee

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