Travel Freedom: Americans Abroad Again

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on international travel, with many countries imposing border closures and travel restrictions. However, as of January 15, 2024, over 50 countries were welcoming US leisure travellers, including the UK, Ireland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, and more. While US citizens can travel to over 180 countries without needing a visa, those planning to stay longer than a vacation may face stricter rules and requirements. The US State Department recommends that US citizens exercise caution when travelling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic.

Travel advisories and warnings for Americans

The US Department of State issues travel advisories and warnings for US citizens, which are regularly updated. These advisories are based on analyses undertaken "without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations". They are intended to help US citizens make informed decisions when travelling internationally. The advisories are ranked from Level 1 to Level 4, with Level 1 being the lowest level of risk and Level 4 being the highest.

Level 1 advises travellers to "exercise normal caution". While this is the lowest level of risk, it is important to remember that there is always some risk involved with international travel, and conditions can change rapidly.

Level 2 advises travellers to "exercise increased caution". This means that there is a heightened risk and travellers should be aware of potential dangers.

Level 3 advises travellers to "reconsider travel". There may be serious risks involved when travelling to countries under a Level 3 alert.

Level 4 advises travellers to "do not travel". Countries under a Level 4 advisory have a higher chance of encountering life-threatening risks. The US government may also have limited ability to assist citizens in the event of an emergency.

As of January 2025, the US Department of State has issued the following travel advisories for select countries:

• Mexico: Level 1, 2, 3, and 4, depending on the region within the country.
• Italy: Level 2 due to the risk of terrorism.
• Netherlands: Level 2 due to terrorism.
• United Kingdom: Level 2 due to terrorism.
• Venezuela: Level 4 due to the risk of wrongful detentions, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure.
• Bolivia: N/A. However, there is a warning for American tourists.
• Denmark: Level 2 due to terrorism.
• Iran: Level 4 due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of US citizens, and wrongful detentions.
• Haiti: Level 4 due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare.
• Lebanon: Level 4 due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict.
• Libya: Level 4 due to crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
• Pakistan: Level 3. Travellers are advised to reconsider travel due to terrorism.
• Tanzania: Level 2 due to crime, terrorism, and targeting of LGBTQI+ persons.

To stay informed about travel advisories and warnings, US citizens can register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service provides travellers with news, alerts, and travel advisories about their destination country. STEP also allows travellers to be in direct contact with the US embassy in their destination country and stay connected with family and friends during an emergency.

International travel restrictions due to COVID-19

China, for example, has been imposing and easing entry restrictions for foreign nationals throughout the pandemic. In March 2020, China suspended the entry of most foreign nationals, with exceptions for those holding diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visas, or those who had successfully applied for a new visa from Chinese embassies or consulates overseas. In August 2020, China announced that foreign nationals from certain European countries with valid residence permits could apply for visas again, and in August 2021, China began allowing entry to US travellers inoculated with American-made vaccines. China has also been running a fast-track system, allowing travellers from certain countries to enter without serving quarantine periods.

South Africa has also been updating its travel restrictions. In October 2020, the South African government released a revised list of high-risk countries for international travel, reducing the number from 57 to 22. Travellers from these high-risk countries are not able to travel to South Africa for leisure purposes, but business travellers, holders of critical skills visas, investors, and people on international missions in sports, arts, culture, and science are permitted to travel there if they have requested and received permission from the Department of Home Affairs. Leisure travellers from high-risk countries can visit South Africa if they spend at least 10 days in a low-risk country before their departure, and they must present a negative PCR test result, install the COVID-19 contact tracing app, and show proof of a confirmed accommodation booking.

In the US, President Trump's executive orders concerning travel and the possibility of future restrictions have resulted in a rapid increase in the level of scrutiny foreign nationals will undergo at consulates and ports of entry. Although no new bans on entry to the US have been imposed as of January 24, 2025, travel restrictions are anticipated in the near future.

Visas and citizenship for Americans

If you are a US citizen with plans to travel outside the country, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. You can look up your destination's visa requirements using the US State Department's 'Learn About Your Destination' search tool. Here, you will also find travel advisories and a link to the country's embassy.

Visas for US Citizens

If you are a US citizen, you are able to visit more than 180 countries without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. However, many countries have much stricter rules for American citizens who plan to stay longer than a vacation. Out of the 180+ countries that allow Americans to visit without a visa, a few dozen allow foreigners to apply for permanent residency while already in the country. For example, US passport holders do not need to apply for a visa if they plan to visit Mexico for less than 180 days. However, if you plan to live in Mexico for a longer period, you can apply for an FM2 visa, which covers stays of 180 days to four years.

Citizenship for Americans

If you are married to someone who is a citizen of another country, you may be eligible for naturalization on the basis of your marriage. However, several countries require that you live there for a specific period with your spouse before you apply for citizenship. In other countries, being married to a citizen does not guarantee citizenship. Some countries also grant citizenship to individuals who can prove that their family originates from that nation. For example, Italy grants citizenship if your parents or grandparents are Italian citizens, and you may even be eligible if your great-grandparents were born in Italy.

Other Considerations

As an American citizen, you will have to file an income tax return in the US even if you live abroad, depending on your income, filing status, and age. However, the US has tax treaties with many foreign countries, which could reduce the amount of US tax you pay.

Healthcare and Insurance

Do not assume that your US insurance will automatically cover your health needs while abroad. While some providers do cover care for certain emergencies, other kinds of care like check-ups may require prior approval. Other insurers offer specific plans for Americans living abroad long-term.

Countries welcoming Americans with open arms

Europe

Spain is a hotspot for digital nomads and retirees, with its blend of affordability, culture, and a top-notch healthcare system. Popular areas include Malaga, Madrid, the beaches of the Costa Blanca, and scenic towns like Marbella and Denia.

Albania is becoming a favorite among American expats, thanks to its welcoming policies, low cost of living, and beautiful untouched nature. U.S. citizens can live there without a visa for a year.

Italy has long drawn Americans, and the interest is only growing. The country is attractive due to its ease of public transportation, affordable public healthcare, and wealth of art and beauty. Italy is also embracing remote workers with its new digital nomad visa, which is valid for one year and open to professionals who are established as remote workers.

France is appealing for its healthcare system, which provides comprehensive coverage at an affordable cost. Families are also drawn to France for its excellent education system and safe, close-knit communities.

Portugal captivates Americans with its laid-back lifestyle, relatively affordable cost of living, welcoming expat communities, and high-quality healthcare system. The country offers a variety of visa options, including the popular Golden Visa for investors and the D7 Visa for retirees and remote workers with passive income.

Monaco is a top spot for high-net-worth individuals, offering a tax-free environment, unmatched safety, and a luxurious Mediterranean lifestyle. It is known for its world-class infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, and exceptional safety.

North America

Canada continues to be a popular destination for Americans looking to move abroad, thanks to its proximity to the U.S., high quality of life, and welcoming immigration policies. The country offers universal healthcare, diverse cities, and natural landscapes. Provinces like British Columbia and Ontario have specific programs to attract entrepreneurs and remote workers.

Mexico is a hugely popular destination for American expats due to its affordability, cultural richness, and close proximity to the United States. The country offers both temporary and permanent residency visas, with relatively low income requirements compared to other countries. Popular expat hubs include Mexico City, beach locations like Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen, and the foodie town of Oaxaca.

Central America

Costa Rica is a top choice for Americans looking to escape the noise of election season and enjoy favorable tax policies, no tax on foreign-earned income, and a highly regarded, affordable healthcare system. The country has established residency programs that simplify the process for retirees and remote workers.

Panama is an increasingly popular destination for Americans, offering favorable residency options, the use of the U.S. dollar, and a high standard of living with excellent healthcare and affordable housing. The country attracts retirees, remote workers, and investors alike, and provides the opportunity to experience diverse lifestyles within its compact borders.

South America

Ecuador is an emerging haven for expats, offering a stunning blend of cities, beaches, mountains, and rainforests, along with a low cost of living that allows for a comfortable, even luxurious lifestyle. Ecuador offers something for everyone, from the cities of Cuenca and Quito to the laid-back coastal towns of Salinas and Olón.

Colombia is celebrated for its diverse natural beauty and affordability, making it a top choice for American expats. Cities like Medellín blend modern amenities with traditional Colombian charm, all at a lower cost than many U.S. cities. Smaller cities like Manizales and Pereira offer beautiful landscapes and an affordable lifestyle.

Asia

Vietnam is a top destination for Americans seeking a low cost of living and a culturally immersive experience. The country offers a relaxed work-life balance, and many expats enjoy working part-time, giving them more time to explore Vietnam's stunning landscapes.

Countries Americans are warned not to visit

As of January 2025, the U.S. Department of State advises against travel to 20 countries, with six countries—Ukraine, Iraq, Belarus, Central African Republic, Lebanon, and Afghanistan—added to the Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory list since November. This is the highest advisory level, indicating the greatest risk for U.S. travelers.

North Korea

The U.S. government restricts all travel to North Korea for its citizens due to safety concerns. This advisory was issued after the death of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who was arrested while on a tour of North Korea in 2017. Warmbier returned to the U.S. in a coma and later died.

Cuba

Americans are prohibited from traveling to Cuba unless for specific purposes. These include working with a licensed operator for family visits, official government business, journalism, professional or educational reasons, religious activities, humanitarian projects, or support of the Cuban people.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is one of the 20 countries on the Level 4 advisory list.

Yemen

The United States government has imposed a strict advisory against traveling to Yemen due to its ongoing civil war, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping. The country's U.S. Embassy closed in 2015, leaving American citizens without legal protection inside Yemen.

Sudan

Ranked 172nd on the Human Development Index, Sudan faces poverty, political instability, and fractional violence. It is under a "do not travel" advisory due to armed conflicts, civil unrest, and frequent terrorist attacks targeting Westerners.

Libya

Libya, bordering Sudan, has a high volume of crime and violent extremist activity. American citizens have been targeted by kidnappings, and tourist locations are known hotspots for terrorist activity.

Venezuela

Venezuela, a developing country in South America, is known for its high degree of corruption, limited civil liberties, and human rights abuses. American citizens are routinely detained by security forces and are targets of robberies, carjackings, and homicides. The U.S. has limited emergency services available for its citizens in Venezuela after withdrawing from the U.S. Embassy Caracas in March 2019.

Syria

Although it became possible for American citizens to obtain a Syrian tourist visa in 2023, the United States government strongly objects to visiting Syria. The country is rife with in-fighting, cartel activity, corruption, and poverty. U.S. citizens are often the targets of kidnappings, illegal detentions, and face a high risk of harm due to widespread violence. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus has been closed since 2012.

Russia

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, visiting Russia is not advisable for Americans. Even before this conflict, obtaining a visa to Russia was a complicated process, requiring an invitation letter from someone in the country and a lengthy application process.

It is important to check the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date information and specific reasons for these advisories.

Frequently asked questions