While many Americans have resumed international travel in the 19 months since the COVID-19 pandemic began, some destinations inspire greater confidence than others.
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InsureMyTrip recently analyzed internal data from its new Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) calculator tool to determine which destinations travelers considering purchasing a policy associate the most and least concern with when it comes to potentially contracting COVID-19. Here are the ten overseas destinations that are causing the least amount of concern this fall.
10. Greece
With just over half of respondents (54 percent) concerned about contracting COVID-19 while visiting Greece this fall, the European destination is tied for ninth-safest in terms of perception among US travelers. Greece is currently open to Americans who complete an online Passenger Locator Form and present either a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel, proof of infection and recovery within the past 2-9 months, or proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
9. Germany
Germany is tied with Greece in terms of the proportion of CFAR travel insurance calculator tool users who are concerned about contracting the coronavirus during their visit. Due to COVID-19, the State Department is currently advising Americans to reconsider traveling to Germany. However, the country remains open to fully vaccinated US citizens who meet the most recent entry and exit requirements.
8. Canada
Despite the State Department’s advice that Americans reconsider traveling to Canada due to COVID-19, it’s no surprise that Americans are slightly more confident about crossing the border. In August, Canada reopened to fully vaccinated Americans. Not only is proof of immunization required, but also the entry of traveler information into the ArriveCAN system and proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure or arrival at a land border.
7. Ireland
Ireland, one of five European countries in the top 10, has travelers split down the middle who are considering an insurance plan, with exactly half concerned about contracting COVID-19 during their trip. Nonetheless, due to the ongoing pandemic, the State Department continues to advise against visiting the Emerald Isle this fall. The CDC also warns that the virus is present in very high concentrations in Ireland. Americans will be required to show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in order to visit. Testing and quarantine will be required otherwise.
6. British Virgin Islands (BVI)
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While data from InsureMyTrip suggests that many Americans are hesitant to visit some Caribbean destinations, Americans appear to be divided on the British Virgin Islands, with half of CFAR calculator tool users expressing concern about contracting COVID-19 in the British territory. The islands are still on the State Department’s extensive “Do Not Travel” list, but they are otherwise open to tourism. Fully vaccinated individuals will find it much easier to visit, as they will only need proof of immunization and a negative PCR test or an approved rapid antigen test taken five days prior to arrival.
5. Puerto Rico
Despite the fact that it is a U.S. territory that Americans can visit without a passport, Puerto Rico is the Caribbean destination instilling the most confidence in U.S. travelers this fall in terms of the coronavirus. According to InsureMyTrip, nearly half of CFAR calculator tool users are concerned about contracting COVID-19 while visiting Puerto Rico. The CDC is currently warning of a very high level of the virus on the island and advises visitors to get fully vaccinated before visiting. Americans who visit without proof of vaccination will be required to test negative for the virus, demonstrating evidence of a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
4. South Africa (SA)
In South Africa, nearly four out of every ten CFAR calculator tool users (41 percent) expressed concern about contracting COVID-19. Currently, the State Department advises Americans to reconsider their plans to visit South Africa due to the pandemic, and the CDC warns of a high level of COVID-19 in the country, which is open to visitors who can present a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. Otherwise, arrivals will be required to pay for their own quarantine.
3. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, one of the trendiest destinations in the world on TikTok, is also inspiring a lot of confidence in Americans considering a trip abroad this fall, with only 40% of CFAR calculator tool users concerned about contracting the coronavirus while traveling. Nonetheless, the CDC warns of a high level of COVID-19 in the country, as it does in South Africa, and the State Department advises Americans to postpone their plans to visit for the time being.
2. Croatia
Prior to the start of the pandemic last year, Croatia was one of Europe’s hottest destinations, particularly among luxury travelers. However, it appears that the country continues to evoke wanderlust and confidence in Americans, with 38% of CFAR calculator tool users concerned about contracting COVID-19 on an upcoming trip to Croatia.
Although the country is open to US travelers with proof of vaccination or a recent negative test result, it remains on the State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list due to COVID-19 and fluid restrictions related to the pandemic.
1. Austria
According to InsureMyTrip’s research, Austria is perceived to be the safest overseas destination among Americans this fall, with slightly more than one in four travelers (27 percent) concerned about contracting COVID-19. Nonetheless, due to COVID-19, both the State Department and the CDC advise against traveling to Austria at this time. Only fully vaccinated travelers aged 12 and older, or those who have recently recovered from COVID-19, will be able to visit from the United States without being quarantined as of September 15, 2021. Unvaccinated travelers can still enter, but they must pre-register, show proof of a negative COVID test upon arrival, and stay in quarantine for at least five days at their own expense in a hotel or residence, pending a second negative PCR test result. Otherwise, they will be quarantined for ten days.
A good list. I always found it interesting that the U.S. with a higher rate of Covid infections and deaths warned against travel to Canada. That’s like the Aussies warning their citizens not to come due to the cold winters. Guess that is why we have so many Aussie ski lift operators. I think Covid risk must be at the forefront of all travel planning, no matter what place you visit. It will be a good while longer before I risk getting on a plane. Cheers.