June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
;
Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; (North) Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russian Federation
Jamaica
Israel; Jamaica; Republic of Ireland; Northern Ireland;
Many popular destinations are opening the gates to visitors — as long as they can show proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test that proves they’re free of infection.
We’ll cover the basics of getting a COVID-19 test for travel and planning your trip accordingly. Please note that this information is current as of August 2021. Requirements and restrictions are changing rapidly, so check the latest guidelines for your destination before you go. Use our interactive map to see current information on travel requirements and entry restrictions for international destinations, including COVID-19 testing, vaccination policies, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods.
Most importantly, make sure you have a travel insurance plan you can trust! Allianz Global Assistance is currently offering certain temporary accommodations for COVID-19 related claims. Also, many of our travel insurance plans now include the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, which adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. (Benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions).
To see if your plan includes this endorsement and what it covers, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Benefits may not cover the full cost of your loss. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums.
Read more: Travel Insurance and COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained
First, read up on your destination’s testing requirements. Use a reputable, updated source, like the U.S. Department of State’s COVID-19 Country Specific Information. (For information on risk levels, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations By Destination site.)
Getting the correct type of test is important. Antibody tests, which only show past virus exposure, aren’t typically accepted. Instead, you’ll need a PCR test, or a rapid molecular or antigen test.
Then, you’ll have to figure out where and when to get tested for travel. You may have to take your test within 48 to 72 hours before departing the U.S., depending on your destination’s requirements. Don’t assume you can just walk into a local pharmacy or clinic; it’s best to make an appointment several days in advance. Find COVID-19 testing sites near you.
You can order a test you take at home and then mail back to a lab, but first make sure this type of test will be accepted by your destination.
Ask how long it’ll take to get results! You don’t want to delay your trip because you’re waiting for the lab to give you the all-clear. It usually takes at least 2-3 days to get results from a PCR test. A rapid molecular test can return results in less than an hour.1
Many airports are now offering test sites: some that charge travelers for rapid and PCR tests, and some that offer complimentary screenings for travelers.2 Rapid-result tests can be pricey, costing up to $250, and often aren’t covered by health insurance.
You’ll need a negative COVID-19 viral test to re-enter the United States as well. All airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative test taken within three calendar days of travel, or documentation from a licensed health care provider showing you’ve recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.
COVID testing for travel gets complicated, doesn’t it? If you need to get tested in a hurry, or you’re not sure what you need to do to satisfy your destination’s testing requirements, contact our expert Assistance team! Allianz Travel Insurance customers get 24-hour access to Assistance, via phone and the TravelSmart app, for help with urgent travel questions and dilemmas.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of countries, but rather a selection of popular vacation destinations that are allowing U.S. tourists to enter with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Some nations have additional requirements as well. Rules are changing rapidly, so always double-check your destination’s COVID requirements before traveling.
In the Caribbean, most destinations have reopened to American tourists who meet the requirements, which typically include proof of a recent, negative COVID-19 test.3
These include:
In Europe, many nations are open to vaccinated American visitors — but that may change. The European Union maintains a list of countries for which COVID-19 travel restrictions may be lifted. As COVID-19 cases rise in a country (such as the U.S.), it may be dropped from the “safe” list.
In some countries, you may need to provide proof of vaccination and/or a negative test or certificate of recovery from Covid-19 to enter a restaurant, hotel or attraction.4
The United Kingdom requires U.S. tourists over 10 (vaccinated or not) to provide a negative test taken within three days of your flight departing, and complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in the UK.
In North, Central and South America, American tourists can visit countries including:
Within the U.S., people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely, the CDC says.5 Most states have lifted their requirements for a negative COVID test and/or quarantining upon arrival.
The most notable exception is Hawaii, which requires unvaccinated travelers to have a negative test result within 72 hours of beginning the final leg of their trip to the islands. Unvaccinated visitors without a negative test result prior to departure must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. To be exempted from quarantine/testing, your vaccination record document must be uploaded to Safe Travels and printed out prior to departure; you must also have a hard copy when arriving in Hawaii. Also accepted are vaccine records that are digitally validated by Digital Health Pass Partners (AZOVA, CLEAR and CommonPass).
Kansas has put in place a quarantine requirement for unvaccinated people who have traveled to specific destinations within specified time periods. Check those requirements here.
Maine says that if a particular state sees a spike in cases of highly contagious COVID-19 variants, Maine will apply testing/quarantine requirements to travelers to and from that state.
Puerto Rico requires proof of vaccination for travelers staying at hotels and short-term rentals. Unvaccinated visitors must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of the beginning of their visit. If you’re staying longer than one week, you must take a test weekly. Travelers arriving by air must also complete the Travel Declaration Form and upload your vaccination proof.
One last thing to remember: While COVID testing can make travel safer, it’s not a guarantee. Be a responsible traveler: Wear a mask, follow the rules, and don’t travel if you think you may be sick, or if you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you have questions about how your travel insurance plan protects you, contact us!
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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.
*A travel supplier's cessation of operations due to its financial circumstances may not be available as a covered reason under all plans.
*Rental Car Damage and Theft Coverage, when purchased as part of an annual plan, is not available to KS, TX, and NY residents. For WA residents, it may not be available in all plans. See your plan details for additional information.
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