These 6 Destinations Just Reopened to Americans

Are you hoping to travel abroad soon? These countries have recently reopened to American travelers.

Now that many Americans are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, they're hoping to make international travel plans again. The good news is many countries have recently reopened their borders and are allowing Americans to visit.

Some countries require visitors to be fully vaccinated or have stricter rules in place for unvaccinated visitors. If you're planning on taking an international trip soon, keep reading to see which countries recently reopened to Americans.

1. Austria

Austria reopened its borders to Americans on June 24, 2021. As long as the United States remains on Austria's list of countries with low epidemiological risk, Americans can continue to visit without having to quarantine if they show one of the following:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination with one dose received at least 21 days prior (valid for up to 90 days if only received one of two doses or 270 days after the second dose for those who are fully vaccinated)
• Proof of recovery (issued by a medical professional) within the last 180 days
• A positive COVID-19 antibodies test no older than 90 days
• A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival
• A negative rapid/antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival

2. Belgium

Belgium is also welcoming international visitors, including Americans. The country is organizing countries by risk level. At this time, the United States is on its green list. That means that no negative PCR test is required to enter the country. All travelers must complete a Passenger Health Locator Form no earlier than 48 hours before arrival.

3. Germany

Germany reopened to American travelers on June 20, 2021. All travel, including leisure travel, is allowed. Everyone six years or older must provide one of the following to enter the country:

• Proof of vaccination and final dose received at least 15 days before arrival
• Proof of recent recovery from the COVID-19 virus within the last six months
• A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival
• A negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival

4. Ireland

Ireland is easing its COVID-19 travel restrictions and accepting international tourists as of July 19, 2021. Americans will need to fill out a passenger locator form at least 48 hours before departure. Travelers will also need to do one of the following to enter without having to take a COVID-19 test or having to quarantine:

• Show proof of vaccination
• Show proof of recovery from the COVID-19 virus (within the past 180 days)

Those who are fully vaccinated won't need to quarantine or go through testing. Unvaccinated tourists will need to show a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. They will also need to self-quarantine for 14 days. But if travelers show a negative RT-PCR test result from day five onwards after arrival, they can leave quarantine early.

5. Italy

Italy began welcoming American travelers again on May 16, 2021. But June 21 updates to their entry requirements now make it easier for Americans to visit the country. With these updates, Americans can visit if they do one of the following:

• Show proof of completed vaccination at least 14 days before arrival
• Show proof of recovery from the COVID-19 virus (within the last six months)
• Bring a negative rapid antigen or PCR test result taken within 48 hours of arrival

Children under six are exempt from the above requirements. All travelers must also complete a European Digital Passenger Locator Form before departing for Italy.

6. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is again welcoming American travelers. At this time, United States travelers can visit without proof of vaccination, recent COVID-19 recovery, or testing. But travelers will need to complete a health declaration form before flying into the country.

Be sure to double check all travel restrictions

Before departing for any international travel, recheck all restrictions. Countries are constantly updating their rules, and with the increased concern about the Delta variant, some countries may be more restrictive about entry in the coming weeks or months. You also want to make sure that you have all proper documentation ready and fill out any forms within the required timeline. This way, you don't run into problems.

Prepare for additional travel costs

When traveling during a pandemic, you should be prepared to pay additional travel costs. General travel costs are high now that more people want to take trips, but international travel may cost even more. If you're asked to self-quarantine, you will likely need to pay for those expenses on your own. And required COVID-19 testing costs should also be factored into your vacation budget.

If you're looking to make smart money moves when planning your vacation, consider using a travel rewards credit card when making your reservations. You can earn points on your spending and redeem points for valuable rewards such as flights and hotel stays. Doing this can save you significant money on a future trip.

For additional money tips, check out our personal finance resources.