The countries welcoming US tourists now -- and some resources for your visit

Forrest Brown, CNN • Updated 29th June 2022

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Editor's Note — CNN Travel updates this article periodically. It was last updated in its entirety on June 28.

(CNN) — Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, US passport holders have seen an ever-morphing list of international travel options and rules.

The sparse selection in the spring and summer of 2020 has given way to nearly worldwide access two years later. In the end, it's up to you to decide whether travel to international destinations is a good idea.

The health risks are obvious if you're not fully vaccinated. Venues and events of interest to travelers might impose restrictions. Nations might change their rules with little notice after you've made plans or you're already on your trip.

The US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide risk assessments by country to help you decide.

What to find out before you go

What follows is a curated list of countries and territories, alphabetically organized by continent or region, where US passport holders are allowed entry for leisure travel.

Click the links by each destination for crucial information on:

• Whether you're required to be fully vaccinated to enter. Some countries on this list accept only fully vaccinated Americans, while others have dropped that requirement or never had it.

• Possible exemptions from various rules for the fully vaccinated, people recovered from a recent case of Covid-19 or children.

• Whether you sitll need to negative results from Covid-19 tests to enter and health insurance requirements.

• What safety rating the CDC gives the destination.

The links to various government and tourism sites next to each country will help you gather the most current information, always subject to change, to plan for your journey.

Africa (sub-Saharan)

A boat is left on the beach at Cape Maclear on the shores of Lake Malawi in the nation of Malawi in southern Africa.

Global Warming Images//Shutterstock

Africa offers a huge variety of travel options -- outdoor adventures in just about any climate and a wide array of cultures and urban experiences. There are 54 countries on the continent -- each with its own response to the pandemic.

The nations of northern Africa can be found in the Middle East and North Africa grouping further below.

Asia

Houseboat rides in the backwaters of Kerala, India, are popular.

CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Generally, Asian destinations have been much slower to reopen to international tourism than the rest of world. However, more and more places have opened their doors to Americans on vacation.

Australia / Pacific Islands

Phillip Island is a popular getaway near Melbourne.

National Parks Australia

Like Asia, this region has been taking a very cautious approach. Still, there have been a few Pacific island groups allowing US tourists to visit. And fully vaccinated Americans can now visit Australia.

Europe

A train ride from Porto along the Douro River Valley provides breathtaking views in Portugal.

Antonio Sacchetti/Turismo de Portugal

In late June, the CDC had many European nations in its "Level 3: high risk" for Covid-19 category. Still, the continent holds some of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

Middle East / North Africa

Rich in culture and history, destinations in the Middle East and North Africa are also trying to deal with a modern pandemic just like the rest of the world.

North America / Caribbean

Bonaire is a haven for scuba divers and has fascinating sea life.

Courtesy Tourism Corporation Bonaire

North America and the Caribbean now give US leisure travelers plenty of travel options with a relatively short plane ride. Be sure to check disembarking rules if you take a Caribbean cruise.

South America

A view of Copacabana, a Bolivian tourist town on Lake Titicaca.

Aizar Raldes/AFP/Getty Images

South America's pandemic journey has mirrored the rest of the world in terms of mixed responses. Brazil has been wide open for the long haul while Argentina just recently opened to US travelers.

Omitted countries

This is a curated list and not a complete catalog of every single destination open to visitors from the United States.

CNN Travel has omitted certain countries if they: had very limited numbers of American travelers before the pandemic; are very isolated or have little to no tourism infrastructure; have ongoing or recent armed conflicts, terrorism or rampant crime and unrest; have a current credible threat of warfare; have antagonistic relations with the US government; or have entry requirements so extensive and complicated that they put the country out of reach of almost all US citizens.

However, you can click here to directly check for the status and entry requirements of any country or territory in the world you wish to visit.

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