Travel cautiously; several countries are re-imposing restrictions.

At Dinogo, we’ve been diligently monitoring global reopening efforts. This has become a significant aspect of our daily news reporting. However, tracking which countries are reverting to lockdown measures has been more challenging.

That changes today.

We will maintain an updated list of countries that have had to re-close their borders or restrict tourism due to new COVID-19 outbreaks or the emergence of the more transmissible "Delta variant" of the coronavirus.

Here’s an updated list of countries that are once again closed or partially closed to American travelers.

Chile

Chile has temporarily halted entry for all non-resident foreigners until at least June 30, 2021.

Americans were permitted to travel to Chile starting November 23, 2020, as reported by the U.S. Embassy in Chile, when the country began its phased reopening of borders to international visitors through Santiago Airport.

Those who are currently permitted to enter must provide three documents: a completed Affidavit of Travelers electronic form (submitted within 48 hours before travel); proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure; and evidence of a health insurance policy that covers COVID-19 and related health issues during their stay in Chile.

Since December 31, 2020, anyone entering Chile with the aforementioned three documents has also been mandated to complete a 10-day quarantine, with testing on the 7th day allowing for release upon a negative result. As of March 31, 2021, travelers must spend the first five days in a "transit hotel" (at their own expense), and after testing negative, they can finish their quarantine at their selected hotel or residence. All non-resident foreigners are also required to undergo a 14-day "Period of Vigilance for Travelers," which involves daily reporting of their location and health status to authorities via email.

Chile remains under a State of Emergency until June 2021, with many regions implementing mandatory quarantine restrictions that differ by area; some interregional travel is limited, a nationwide curfew is in effect starting at 9 p.m., and face masks are compulsory in public spaces.

LATAM has reinstated flights between Santiago and the U.S., though prior to November 2020, these flights primarily served humanitarian and repatriation purposes.

The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Chile is Level 4: Do Not Travel, and the CDC also rates the country as Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.

Mauritius

The island nation of Mauritius remained under lockdown until June 15, 2020, when all restrictions were finally lifted.

Regrettably, Mauritius has suspended all incoming flights until at least June 30, 2021. On March 10, 2021, the island entered a full lockdown, closing beaches, shops, and restaurants until April 30, 2021. While some restrictions have been lifted, restaurants are currently limited to delivery and takeout services only.

As of October 1, according to the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius, Americans are permitted to visit, but only long-stay travelers who book a travel package will be accepted, requiring a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a designated facility. Additionally, travelers must undergo several COVID-19 PCR tests. Anyone who has traveled to the United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan, or Brazil within the last 14 days will be barred from entering Mauritius until at least February 28. Mask mandates are enforced throughout the island.

The U.S. State Department's advisory for Mauritius is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

Nepal

Nepal is currently open, but international flights remain extremely limited until at least June 30, as the government has restricted nearly all air travel to curb a second wave of the virus.

Nepal recently experienced a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in May, leading to thousands of new infections and hundreds of daily deaths, but the worst seems to have subsided. However, the vaccine shortage continues to be an issue, with less than 10 percent of the population having received at least one dose, and only 2.5 percent fully vaccinated.

An unexpected consequence of Nepal's flight restrictions is the challenge faced by climbers attempting to ascend Mount Everest, making it difficult for them to depart. A total of 742 permits for the April-May climbing season were issued, but with only five flights available each week, some climbers remain stranded in Kathmandu.

The CDC has classified Nepal as Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 and advises everyone, including those fully vaccinated, to refrain from traveling there.

The State Department also ranks Nepal at Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Sri Lanka

The U.S. government has issued travel warnings for Sri Lanka following a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in May. Consequently, the CDC has assigned a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 advisory for Sri Lanka.

As per the latest update from the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, American travelers must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine followed by an additional 14-day self-isolation at home. All U.S. citizens over the age of two arriving by air must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel upon arrival.

St Kitts & Nevis

St Kitts & Nevis had previously implemented new measures allowing only fully vaccinated visitors to enter the dual-island nation as of May 29, in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Following its first COVID-related death on Thursday, officials have now declared a State of Emergency lasting until July 6.

Only fully vaccinated travelers (those who received their final doses at least two weeks before travel) will be permitted to clear customs. In addition to uploading their vaccination card, visitors must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel to the twin-island nation, as well as complete a Travel Authorization Form. Rapid COVID tests are not accepted. All tourists who meet these requirements will then be required to "vacation in place" at an approved hotel for nine days. If the stay exceeds nine days, another COVID test must be taken at the traveler’s expense.

Even if you meet all the entry requirements, there won't be much to do on the islands for the time being. All businesses that can operate remotely have been shut down. Gambling establishments are closed, mass gatherings are currently prohibited, and beaches are restricted to exercise activities only.

The State Department's Travel Advisory for St Kitts and Nevis is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Zambia

Zambia, home to Victoria Falls and renowned as a premier safari destination, is open to international travelers, including Americans. However, the U.S. Embassy in Zambia reports that a second wave of infections is currently impacting the country, with Lusaka identified as a hotspot, prompting the CDC to issue a Level 4: Very High Level of COVID warning for Zambia.

Zambia now mandates a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within seven days of arrival, although many airlines require the test to be completed within 72 hours of travel. Tourists also need a visa (apply online for an e-visa here). Currently, there are no quarantine requirements, but some health screenings are conducted, and individuals displaying symptoms may be asked to undergo testing and/or quarantine.

There are reports indicating that some safaris have been canceled due to a new wave of COVID-19, but officially, visits are still permitted.

Zimbabwe

There is positive news regarding Zimbabwe and its travel protocols.

The latest CDC advisory issued on June 7 has elevated Zimbabwe to its highest (most favorable) category regarding COVID safety. The current advisory places the country at Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19. Under this status, the CDC recommends that travelers be fully vaccinated before visiting a country classified in this category.

"The primary and secondary criteria used to assess Travel Health Notice levels have been updated to better distinguish between countries experiencing severe outbreaks and those with sustained but controlled COVID-19 spread," the CDC stated in its announcement regarding Zimbabwe's new classification.

Despite the improving COVID situation, Zimbabwe is facing a vaccine shortage, with less than 10 percent of its population having received at least their first vaccination dose.

Zimbabwe reopened its borders to international flights on October 1. In an official statement, the government announced, "All travelers must present a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 clearance certificate issued by an accredited facility within 48 hours prior to departure."

Quarantine is no longer required for tourists who provide a negative test result. However, those arriving without the necessary test must be tested upon arrival and will need to quarantine in a government facility until they receive a negative result.

If you're interested in discovering where U.S. travelers can currently visit, check out this link for our comprehensive guide on which countries are open to U.S. travelers.