Throughout the pandemic, these 18 nations imposed restrictions on entry from the United States, effectively preventing travel across their borders. It’s worthwhile to examine the time it took these countries to reopen their doors to American travelers.
France
Being one of the top destinations for American travelers, the inability to visit France significantly disappointed many globetrotters. The French government maintained stringent travel restrictions, permitting entry solely to individuals arriving from the UK, EU, Iceland, Vatican City, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. On June 9, 2021, Americans were finally granted access to explore the marvels of France once more. Given France’s high COVID-19 case numbers at the pandemic’s onset, it’s understandable why they took a bit longer to reopen their borders.
Norway
Norway took an unconventional route, easing restrictions and quarantine mandates for travelers from most European Union nations. However, individuals from high-risk countries were subject to a 10-day quarantine upon entry. Remarkably, the US faced a complete prohibition from entry. Norway maintained this ban on American travelers until February 12, 2022. Given Norway’s relatively unscathed status amidst the pandemic, their stringent entry bans seem understandable as a precaution against potential outbreaks.
Spain
Spain implemented stringent regulations, reopening its borders exclusively to travelers from the UK and EU. Each country underwent individual risk assessments, determining whether entry would be granted. With the US deemed high-risk, Spain remained cautious. However, on June 8, 2021, Spain opened its borders to Americans and other visitors, albeit with stringent requirements. Travelers must complete an “FCS health control form” and undergo thorough health assessments. Moreover, restrictions on designated entry airports were enforced to minimize virus transmission in case of infected arrivals.
Portugal
Portugal didn’t explicitly shut its doors to Americans, but it did prohibit non-essential travel, effectively barring leisure travelers. Despite the restrictions, many airlines continued selling tickets from the US to Portugal, contributing to the confusion. Portugal resumed admitting Americans for all types of travel on June 15, 2021. It’s important to note that anyone entering the country must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours, irrespective of residency status.
Greece
Greece swiftly joined the ranks of nations restricting entry for American tourists. Only a select group, including returning residents, healthcare professionals, government representatives, military members, and diplomats, were granted entry into the country. However, Greece emerged as one of the initial European tourist destinations to unveil its borders for the summer season, officially welcoming American tourists starting on May 14, 2021. Nonetheless, travelers from any European Union nation must undergo COVID-19 testing and adhere to quarantine protocols upon arrival. Reuters data indicates that Greece has recorded 3,963,142 infections and 30,476 coronavirus-related fatalities since the onset of the pandemic.
Argentina
Argentina initiated flight suspensions from the United States and Europe on March 15, 2020. Subsequently, in April, it imposed one of the strictest travel bans in the Western Hemisphere. This ban extended to all commercial flights and ticket sales until September 1.
Denmark
Denmark stands out as one of the stricter nations on the list of countries. The Danish government opted to reopen its borders to most travelers from the EU or the UK, with exceptions for Sweden, Bulgaria, and Portugal. Only vaccinated Americans gained entry starting June 5, 2021. Denmark has eased restrictions for a few countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Canada, and others, permitting entry without quarantine. However, entry without quarantine is contingent upon travelers demonstrating a valid purpose to the government.
China
In March 2020, China banned foreign nationals, including Americans, from entering the country. Additionally, it enforced restrictions on land border traffic with Russia. It barred non-Hong Kong residents from overseas countries from entering the particular administrative region.
The Bahamas
Initially, the Bahamas maintained open travel options for Americans and numerous other nations. However, due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Bahamas opted to impose travel restrictions, closing its borders to US tourists on July 22, 2020. However, the country quickly reversed this decision, acknowledging its reliance on tourism revenue. Just four days after the border closure, it was reopened. Visitors from America were permitted entry provided they presented evidence of a negative Covid test. At the same time, tourists from other countries were welcomed but obligated to observe the standard 14-day quarantine at a designated government facility.
Germany
Germany adopted a relatively relaxed stance regarding entry into their territory, particularly for individuals from the EU, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia, and Uruguay. However, travelers from the United States faced a complete ban. This prohibition remained in effect until June 25, 2021, when Germany allowed US tourists to enter again. However, there was a catch: travelers were required to first journey to one of the countries above and stay there for at least two weeks, and then they would become eligible for entry into Germany. Additionally, individuals arriving from high-risk regions were still obliged to undergo a 14-day quarantine period. According to Worldometer, Germany had reported a total of 38,814,063 coronavirus cases and 182,168 deaths.
Costa Rica
Having shuttered its borders on March 18, 2020, Costa Rica recently unveiled a strategy to resume commercial flights from specific countries starting August 1. Among these are Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Switzerland. However, the United States was notably absent from the list, at least initially.
Italy
Italy faced one of the earliest and most severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing a surge in cases and fatalities. Italy swiftly closed its borders to curb the spread, reopening only to travelers from Canada, Australia, the EU, Japan, and other nations. Notably absent from the list was the US. Despite grappling with a significant caseload, Italy eventually welcomed American visitors on June 21, 2021, much sooner than some neighboring countries. According to Statista, Italy’s COVID-19 cases climbed steadily, reaching 26.7 million by January 31, 2024. The region most affected was Lombardy, recording over 4.3 million cases. On January 11, 2022, Italy registered 220,532 new cases, marking the highest daily increase since the pandemic’s onset.
New Zealand
New Zealand gained prominence during the pandemic by maintaining a Covid-free status for 24 consecutive days. Many commend New Zealand’s approach to the pandemic, while others attribute its success to its island geography. New Zealand reported its first Covid-19 case after granting access to UK visitors who were visiting their dying mother. However, Americans could return to the island on May 2, 2022. The country has tightened its restrictions, allowing entry only to permanent residents or New Zealand nationals. It enforces a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arrivals, eager to resume its Covid-free streak.
Jordan
In late July 2020, Jordan revealed plans to reopen its borders to select countries starting August 5. The list included Austria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Thailand. Notably absent from this initial roster was the United States.
Finland
As Finland gradually eased its restrictions, it extended entry permissions to most countries within the United Kingdom and the EU. Finally, on June 30, 2022, Finland lifted its constraints for American travelers. The government permits to travel from Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and some other nations, provided the purpose is work-related or essential. Fortunately, Finland managed to evade the worst impacts of the pandemic, with a mere 200 reported cases. Some might credit this to their meticulous implementation of travel bans.
South Africa
Several provisions effectively barred Americans from traveling to South Africa. On March 28, 2020, one provision suspended US travelers’ visa-on-arrival option, while any previously issued visas were revoked. Even as commercial flights resumed, South African officials advised against American travel unless individuals consulted with the South African Embassy beforehand.
Netherlands
Following suit with its EU counterparts, the Netherlands permitted tourism from European Union countries. Starting July 1, 2021, they extended entry to non-essential travelers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand. Notably, the US was again excluded from this list, reflecting a consistent pattern. However, the Netherlands eventually relented, reopening its borders to US travelers on June 24, 2021. The Netherlands mandates a 14-day quarantine for individuals from high-risk countries to maintain low case numbers and curb the virus spread. After completion of quarantine, travelers must submit a Health Declaration form for full entry.
Japan
Japan went beyond banning foreign entry; it also declined re-entry to non-Japanese citizens, such as permanent residents and spouses of Japanese nationals, who departed early in the pandemic but sought to return later. In June 2020, Japan began easing restrictions on select neighboring countries like Thailand and Australia. However, it maintained the prohibition on entry for Americans, Europeans, and travelers from many other Asian nations.
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