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Three Go Roam (71 Destinations): Countries, Coverage & Roaming Fees

Three offers international roaming for a fixed daily fee in 71 destinations (free on Pay As You Go plans).

The Go Roam offer (also known as Go Roam Around The World ) allows you to use your normal UK plan allowances when you travel abroad. This includes your minutes, texts and mobile data (up to 12GB per month).

In this article, we’ll review the Go Roam offer including the countries it’s available in and the best Go Roam SIM cards. We’ll also look at Three’s international coverage and the limitations of the Go Roam offer including fair use limits when abroad.

1 Go Roam Countries
2 Plans with Go Roam
3 International Coverage
4.1 Tethering Is Chargeable Outside Europe
4.2 Fair Usage Policy
4.3 International Calls Are Not Included
4.4 Living Abroad
4.5 Data Speeds
5 Data Passport
6 Keeping Your Phone Number
7 Frequently Asked Questions
8 More Information

Go Roam Countries

In the UK, Three now includes Go Roam Around The World as an added feature on all of their plans. This allows you to use your normal plan allowances for a fixed daily charge when travelling to the following 71 destinations:

British Isles (free on Pay Monthly & Pay As You Go) :

Isle of Man
Republic of Ireland

Europe (£2 per day on Pay Monthly, free on Pay As You Go) :

Czech Republic
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Switzerland

† Includes the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote) and the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera).

Asia & Middle East (£5 per day on Pay Monthly, free on Pay As You Go) :

North America (£5 per day on Pay Monthly, free on Pay As You Go) :

United States of America

Central & South America (£5 per day on Pay Monthly, free on Pay As You Go) :

El Salvador

Oceania (£5 per day on Pay Monthly, free on Pay As You Go) :

New Zealand

If you previously signed up to an Essential Pay Monthly plan between July 2016 and September 2018, you’ll only have Go Roam in Europe included on your plan.

All new plans taken out since September 2018 will give you access to the full Go Roam Around The World offer. This includes Three’s SIM-only deals , Pay Monthly contracts and Pay As You Go plans .

If your Pay Monthly plan started before the 1st October 2021, you’ll still be able to use your allowances abroad at no extra cost until the end of your contract.

Plans with Go Roam

If you choose a Lite Pay Monthly plan , you’ll pay £2 per day when you’re travelling in Europe and £5 per day when you’re travelling in other Go Roam Around The World countries.

If you choose a Value Pay Monthly plan , you’ll get 14 days of inclusive Go Roam for each year of your contract. If you go abroad for more than 14 days per year, you’ll pay the fixed daily fee.

Meanwhile, if you choose a Complete Pay Monthly plan , you’ll get 28 days of inclusive Go Roam for each year of your plan. If you go abroad for more than 28 days per year, you’ll pay the fixed daily fee in Go Roam destinations.

The following table shows Three’s most popular SIM-only deals with 25GB data per month:

See all Three SIM Only plans →

International Coverage

Unfortunately, Three stopped publishing the full list of their partner mobile networks during 2020. The following table shows their international coverage as published in 2020, but things may have changed since then:

For more information, you can enter the name of the country you’re visiting on Three’s website .

Limitations & Restrictions

With the Go Roam offer on Three, there are five key limitations worth being aware of:

Tethering and personal hotspot are chargeable when you’re travelling to a Go Roam country outside Europe.
Data usage is limited to 12GB per month in Go Roam countries.
Inclusive minutes and texts can only be used for contacting UK-based numbers, as well as EU-based numbers when travelling in Europe.
There are restrictions in place so you can’t use the service exclusively abroad.
Although 4G coverage is now available in most Go Roam countries, download speeds might be slower when you’re abroad.

In the following section, we’ll discuss each of these limitations in more detail.

Tethering Is Chargeable Outside Europe

If you’re travelling to a Go Roam country in Europe, tethering can be used as normal when you’re abroad. You can tether from your normal plan allowance, or at a rate of 1p/MB or 5p/MB when your allowances run out (the out-of-allowance charge will depend on your plan).

If you’re travelling outside Europe, tethering is prohibited unless you buy a £5 per day Data Passport add-on. There’s more information about this on Three’s website :

You can’t use your phone as a Personal Hotspot in our Go Roam Around the World destinations. … If you want to use your device as a Personal Hotspot [in a Go Roam Around The World destination] or to stream or connect to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) at faster speeds, you can choose to purchase our Data Passport, which gives you unlimited, unrestricted data to use until midnight (UK time) on the day of purchase for just £5. You can use this unlimited data allowance to tether or stream to your heart’s content and connect to VPNs.

Fair Usage Policy

If you use more than 12GB of data in Europe during one month, you’ll be surcharged for further usage at the rate of 0.3p/MB. You’ll never lose access to your mobile phone service for exceeding the fair usage policy in Europe.

When using Go Roam outside Europe, there’s a fair usage policy of 3000 minutes, 5000 texts and 12GB of data. Outside Europe, this is a hard limit. If you exceed it, your data usage abroad will be blocked for the rest of the monthly billing period. If you exceed the fair usage limit outside Europe twice in a rolling 12-month period, Three says they reserve the right to suspend international roaming on your account.

International Calls Are Not Included

If you’re using Go Roam in Europe, Three will also allow you to call and text other phone numbers based in the EU using your allowance. This might include phone calls to your hotel, a local taxi firm or more.

If you’re using the Go Roam offer outside Europe, you’ll only be able to call and text other UK-based phone numbers with your allowance. This doesn’t include phone numbers in the country you’re travelling in. For instance, if you’re travelling in the US, you won’t be able to call US-based phone numbers with your allowance. Instead, you’ll need to pay up to £1.40 per minute when you make these calls.

Living Abroad

When using Go Roam in Europe, Three will look at the balance of your usage over a rolling 4-month period. If over the 4-month period, you spend the majority of your time abroad in Europe and if you also use more of your allowances there than you do in the UK, Three reserves the right to add a surcharge to your plan. The surcharge is up to 3p/minute, 1p/text and 0.3p/MB (or 10p/minute, 10p/text and 5p/MB for New Pay As You Go customers). You’ll be given at least two weeks notice before a surcharge is applied to your account.

When using Go Roam outside of Europe, a different limit applies to your usage there. Here, Three will look at the number of “complete months” you spend abroad in a Go Roam Around The World country. By complete months, this means you’ve spent the entire month abroad in a Go Roam country. If you’ve also used your phone inside the UK or in a non-Go Roam country, it will not count as a complete month towards your limit. Customers mustn’t spend more than two complete months abroad per year in a Go Roam Around The World country:

Go Roam is intended for our UK customers who are UK residents or have stable links with the UK (e.g. full-time employment or study in the UK) who are visiting one of the destinations for short periods, like holidays or business trips. It isn’t designed for people who live abroad or stay for extended periods. If you roam exclusively in a Go Roam Around the World destination for any two complete months in a rolling 12-month period, we may suspend International Roaming on your account, meaning you will no longer be able to use your phone or device abroad. Of course, we will let you know in advance if this is likely to happen. If you spend a full month abroad but some of that time is spent in a destination that isn’t included in Go Roam, the restriction won’t apply.

These restrictions are listed in Three’s price guide .

Data Speeds

Despite the ability to access 4G coverage, download speeds may still be slower when you’re abroad in a Go Roam country. For instance, while streaming and Virtual Private Network (VPN) services should work when abroad, the experience may be “slower” than it is in the UK:

You’ll be able to stream and connect to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) while in a Feel At Home destination, but both of these may be slower than they are in the UK.

If you’d like to access faster download speeds when abroad, you can buy Three’s £5/day Data Passport add-on. This gives you unrestricted speeds for streaming and VPN, along with the ability to use your phone as a Personal Hotspot outside Europe.

Data Passport

There are three reasons why you might want to buy a Data Passport add-on:

Data Passport Countries (£5 per day ) :

Saudi Arabia
South Korea
United Arab Emirates

plus all Go Roam countries and the UK

Data Passport gives you unrestricted usage in Go Roam destinations. If you add the £5/day Data Passport add-on, you’ll get unrestricted speeds for streaming video and music when abroad. You’ll also be able to use your phone as a hotspot and will be able to connect to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Data Passport can be used when you run out of data on your plan. You can buy a Data Passport for additional data if you run out of your core data allowances when abroad.

For more information about Data Passport, see Three’s official website .

Keeping Your Phone Number

Start by asking your current mobile network to provide you with a PAC Code . You can get one through your mobile network’s website or app, or by texting PAC to 65075. Once you have it, you can order your new phone or SIM card from Three’s website.

Once your new phone or SIM card arrives, fill out this form on Three’s website . After you submit your PAC Code, Three will schedule the transfer of your phone number (normally for the next working day). In the meantime, you’ll continue receiving a service from your old mobile network.

For step-by-step instructions on transferring a phone number to Three , please select your current mobile network:

Select your current mobile network:

Your current mobile network... BT Mobile EE giffgaff O2 Sky Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone 1pMobile ASDA Mobile Honest Mobile iD Mobile Lebara Mobile Lycamobile Orange Plusnet Mobile Smarty Superdrug Mobile Talk Home Talkmobile TalkTalk Mobile Tesco Mobile T-Mobile Vectone Mobile VOXI

More Options

If you’re only using Three on a temporary basis, it’s best to set up call forwarding from your current mobile network instead. If you transfer your phone number using a PAC Code, the account on your old mobile network will be closed automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

More information.

For more information about the Go Roam offer, please see Three’s official website . You may also find it useful to consult their international roaming price guide .

Your Comments 580 so far

We'd love to hear your thoughts and any questions you may have. So far, we've received 580 comments from readers. You can add your own comment here .

Thanks Ken! said:

Good day. If i already consume 12gb data limit here on US (roam) could i purchase any add ons? Or it will be useless? Thanks!

Ken replied:

Hi there, Unfortunately, there’s no way to extend the 12GB monthly fair usage limit 🙁 Ken

Hello. Is the 12gb data limit applicable to any top up plan or do you have to take a plan with data plan higher than 12gb to avail this? Thank you

Hi Jade, Thanks for your comment. You’ll need a plan with at least 12GB data per month to get the full 12GB allowance. In other words, you can use up your plan allowance or 12GB per month, whichever is lower. Hope this helps, Ken

Anthony said:

Seems this is coming to an end with 3 now. EU roaming at least

Colin Agnew replied:

From 23rd May I think, there will be a £5 daily charge to use their Go Roam service.

Backwards step.

Colin replied:

Unsure if PAYG customers are going to get hit by the £5 daily charge…can anyone clarify?

Hi Colin, Thanks for the comment. My understanding is that PAYG users will continue to get Go Roam for free, at least for the time being. Ken

Alex4D replied:

Nope, the page you linked to for the PAYG deal says:

“Daily roaming charge of £2 applies to unlock your UK allowances in Go Roam in Europe destinations, and £5 in Go Roam Around the World.”

Hi Alex, Thanks for your comment. You’re absolutely right, though there’s also a bit of information below that: “If you’re on Pay As You Go, or your Pay Monthly plan started before 1 October 2021, these charges won’t apply. ” Hope this helps, Ken

Load more comments (570)

The following countries are part of Three's Go Roam service, including countries in Europe and around the world.

OTHER COUNTRIES

Is the country you were looking for not listed above? You can find out how much roaming costs in countries outside your allowances and those not covered by Go Roam quickly and easily here .

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH GO ROAM?

All calls and texts to the UK (within your standard allowance).
Use your data allowance abroad.
It's always free to receive calls and texts in a Go Roam destination. When calling back to the UK you need to replace the first 0 with +44
You can stream and connect to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
You can make calls between Go Roam in Europe destinations.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS?

Tethering is not allowed at all in a Go Roam Around the World destination, unless you purchase a Data Passport.
You can’t use more than 12GB of data of data.
When using Go Roam Around The World you can send up to 5000 texts back to the UK (or 3000 if on Pay As You Go) and make up to 3000 minutes of calls back to the UK each month.
Go Roam is designed for those on business trips or holidays abroad. Not for extended periods of time. If you roam in a Go Roam location for any 2 complete months in a 12-month rolling period, you risk getting international roaming suspended on your account.
Numbers that start with 070, 084, 087, 09 and 118 are not included in your allowance.
You can’t use your minutes allowance to make calls to local or other international numbers unless you’re in a Go Roam in Europe location, in which case you can call numbers in that location, or in other Go Roam in Europe locations (but not in the expanded Go Roam Around the World list of locations).
Three may restrict file sharing and the downloading of large files when in a Go Roam Around the World location.

CAN I ENJOY 4G AND 5G SPEEDS IN GO ROAM DESTINATIONS?

You can access 4G speeds , however, whether 4G is available depends on the country you visit and the local network that you connect to. In countries where 4G is not available you'll be able to connect 3G and 3G+ networks instead.

5G is not available while roaming on Three at the time of writing.

You can find out more about roaming countries and the services available here .

HOW DO I ACTIVATE GO ROAM ROAMING?

You’re likely already set up for roaming, but there are two things you should check before you travel – firstly, that roaming is enabled on your Three account, and secondly that it’s enabled on your phone. To do both of these things, follow these steps:

Login to your My3 account or open the My3 application on your device.
Open the ‘International Settings’ section on the site or find the ‘International roaming’ heading in the ‘Plan’ tab of the app.
Select the ‘UK and abroad’ toggle.
Turn on roaming on your phone ( iPhone - Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Data roaming) ( Android - Settings > Mobile Network > Data Roaming > All networks). Note that the exact process on Android may differ from this depending on what phone you have.

Once you arrive in your destination, you’ll then get a text confirming the roaming charges for the country you are in.

I’M ALREADY A THREE CUSTOMER, DO I HAVE GO ROAM?

That depends on when you joined Three and what type of plan you have.

If you have a Plus or Premium plan then you can use Go Roam for a variable number of days (detailed above) at no extra cost.
If you joined Three before 1st October 2021 and haven’t changed or upgraded your plan since then you will be able to make free use of Go Roam.
If you have a Pay As You Go plan then you’ll be able to use Go Roam for free.
If Three has written to you to confirm that you’re exempt from Go Roam charges then you have it at no extra cost.
Everyone else will have to pay a daily charge to use Go Roam.
If you are in any doubt you can login to your My3 Account to view plan details.

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Three international roaming FAQs

Since October 1, 2021, Three has implemented daily roaming charges in their "Go Roam" destinations for pay monthly customers who joined or upgraded on or after that date.

How much does it cost to roam on Three?

If you want to use your phone abroad, here's the deal with Three: you're charged £2 a day for Go Roam in Europe and £5 a day for Go Roam Around the World.

But, if you're a pay monthly customer whose plan started before October 1, 2021, you're in luck. You won't face these charges. And pay-as-you-go Sims still get free roaming. Plus, you're safe in the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man – no daily charge there.

With Go Roam in Europe, you can use your UK allowances for calls, texts, and data, as long as you stay within Three's fair use limit. If you go over, they've got special roaming rates for you. Go Roam Around the World lets you use your UK allowances for calls and texts, but no data limit is set.

For places not part of Go Roam, standard roaming rates apply. Oh, and remember, just getting inbound calls in Go Roam spots might get your account suspended.

If your Three pay monthly started before 1 October 2021, Three should have written to you confirming that your plan is exempt from the daily charge.

Which locations are covered in Go Roam on Three?

Aland Islands

Balearic Islands

Canary Islands

Czech Republic

El Salvador

French Guiana

Isle of Man

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

New Zealand

Puerto Rico

Republic of Ireland

Saint Barthélemy

Saint Martin

Switzerland

US Virgin Islands

Vatican City

What is Three's fair usage policy?

Three imposes a 12GB fair usage cap for all customers on a monthly contract when roaming abroad and 9GB for those on pay-as-you-go. This means that if your allowance is less than this, you’ll have your normal limit imposed.

But if you normally enjoy more data than this, you'll need to stick within the fair usage cap or risk paying more. Three's fair usage policy also extends to how long you're roaming for.

Using your phone in any of the countries listed above for two months or more in any rolling 12-month period will put you outside Three's fair usage policy, and your roaming will be suspended.

What is Three's fair usage policy in Europe?

Three’s Go Roam in Europe gives you up to 12GB of your data allowance. Make sure you are aware of how much data you are using because any usage beyond this fair use threshold within your allocated limit might incur an additional fee.

Calls to standard landline or mobile numbers, as well as texts sent within the Go Roam in Europe locations or back to the UK, have no fair use limits.

Three Fair Use Policy in Around the World destinations

If your data allowance goes beyond 12GB, you can use up to that amount every month. But, just like in Europe, if you go over this limit within your allowance, you might face an extra charge.

The good news is for unlimited text packages, you can send up to 5000 texts back to the UK (both landline and mobile numbers) each month, except if you're on a pay-as-you-go plan, in which case it's 3000 texts back to the UK per month.

If your allowance is 3000 minutes or more, you can use up to 3000 minutes for calls back to the UK, including standard mobile and landline numbers every month.

If you are worried about not having enough data when you are outside of Europe, you can also get a Data Passport from Three for £5, which gives you unlimited data until midnight (UK time) on the day of purchase.

Can you hotspot with your device while roaming?

If you have an Unlimited data plan, you can use your device as a Personal Hotspot while roaming in the EU. For Essential plan users, the option to use your device as a Personal Hotspot is available by either switching to a different plan or purchasing an Add-on.

Is Three good for roaming?

Unfortunately for Three, it operates in a realm of free-roaming services from other providers. O2 for example, has free roaming as a standard feature, along with an extensive range of locations covered.

Vodafone offers free roaming on select plans and is expanding its coverage to more places than other major UK networks. EE also has free roaming included in select plans and is available as an affordable add-on for others.

Three, however, has an extra charge for roaming on all its pay monthly plans. This marks a notable change from Three's previous strong position in roaming, but they still offer affordable roaming in a decent selection of places.

Want a Three Mobile phone contract instead?

Take a look at our best pay monthly deals from Three Mobile today.

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Three Go Roam: how to get worldwide / EU roaming in 71 countries

The retailers featured on this page may compensate us when our readers follow links to their websites and make a purchase. More

We review how to get inclusive EU and worldwide roaming on Three, by joining on the correct plans or paying daily. Last updated: 9th February 2023.

How Go Roam works on Three

Use your uk allowances in 71 eu and worldwide destinations.

✔ Use your UK allowances in multiple countries See latest full list

at Three.co.uk (opens in new window)

For years, the most popular benefit on Three was their Feel At Home roaming, today called Go Roam. This let you use your regular UK minutes, texts and data allowances in 71 countries in the EU and beyond.

It used to be the case that you got the benefit included automatically on any Three phone contract or SIM only plan. But a couple of years ago, it was removed from pay monthly and replaced with paid daily roaming passes.

Now, it’s back. Sort of. Depending on what plan you take ( see how to get it included below ), you can get inclusive worldwide/EU roaming, without having to pay the extra daily charges.

There are still rules on things like fair usage: you can only use up to 12GB data while abroad per month, even if your plan is bigger. But we're pleased to at least some way of getting roaming included back on Three.

Useful link: Read our full Three network review

Roaming for new Three customers

Join on a plus or premium plan to get inclusive roaming.

✔ Added benefits with Plus and Premium Read Three's guide

There are now 3x types of plan on Three: Standard, Plus and Premium . The amount of inclusive roaming changes on each. With Standard, there is no inclusive roaming, you’ll have to pay a daily charge while abroad.

But when you take a Plus or Premium plan, Three will throw in a set number of these daily passes to use throughout the year when you’re abroad. The cost of these is included in the plan’s monthly cost.

On a 12-month Plus plan, you’ll get 14 passes per year, on a 24-month Plus plan, it’s 28 passes per year. On a 12-month Premium plan, you’ll get 28 passes per year, on a 24-month Premium plan, it’s 56 per year.

These include 14/28 roaming passes per year (12-month contract / 24-month contract):

Generally, Three’s Plus plans cost £5 a month more than their Standard equivalent, so you are paying extra for this as a benefit (but there are extra perks you get in addition to roaming). Premium plans cost a further £5 vs Plus.

We’d say this is the best choice if you know you’re going to be away for more than two weeks per year, especially outside the EU, where costs would rack up pretty quickly otherwise.

Useful link: Read our guide to Standard vs Plus vs Premium

You also get Go Roam with Three’s pay as you go

✔ Ready to activate when you go away Order free SIM card

Whether it was through accident or design, Three left Go Roam in as a benefit you get on their pay as you go plans, even when they scrapped it from pay monthly. And that’s still the case if you join today.

It means you can use your PAYG plan at the same cost in the 71 countries as in the UK. Currently, if you literally pay as you go by topping up, you’ll get these rates:

35p per minute + 15p per text + --> 10p per MB data = --> £0 a month (0‑month contract) See full deal

Or there are some better value monthly pay as you go bundles to choose from here:

Activate any of these bundles and Three will include Go Roam destinations at no extra cost:

For us, these are a great short-term option if you’re off to America or any of the other 71 countries and need a SIM to get you by while you’re there, without changing your main mobile plan to Three.

Useful link: Order a free PAYG SIM card from Three

Or you can just buy roaming passes on a daily basis

✔ Paying only when you roam can be cheaper Full costs and terms

The final option can still be the right one if you typically only go away for a week or so per year. And that’s just taking a Standard plan, and paying a daily charge for accessing your allowances abroad.

You’ll pay £2 per day in the EU and then £5 a day in further afield destinations in Three’s Go Roam countries. That might sound a pain but remember Standard plans cost £5 a month less than Plus plans with roaming.

As a Standard plan effectively costs £60 less than a Plus, if you went to an EU country for a couple of weeks, that would be £28 and you’d still be paying less than on an inclusive-roaming plan.

Remember though that some countries aren’t even covered by roaming passes and you’ll pay extra to roam there per minute, text and MB data. See the latest costs here .

Useful link: Our guide to the best networks for roaming

Alternatives to Go Roam

For basic eu roaming, there are still plenty of options.

✔ Three's sub-brand SMARTY still offer it Read more

at SMARTY.co.uk (opens in new window)

If you're mainly interested in retaining free roaming in the EU, there are still a few options available, including on the Three network. SMARTY are owned by Three and have kept EU roaming. iD Mobile still have it too.

If you want to join a main network, O2 are the only provider left still offering inclusive EU roaming as standard on all their plans. Otherwise EE and Vodafone make you join on premium plans to get it.

There are some more networks too. Read our best roaming network guide here for the full rundown.

Useful link: Our review of SMARTY

Inclusive worldwide roaming is now very rare

✔ You'll need their top-whack plan though See full guide

at Vodafone.co.uk (opens in new window)

If you want to go further afield to places like the USA, there are now very few plans that include this without paying extra one-offs or paying as you go.

Take one of Vodafone's Unlimited Xtra plans to get 83 worldwide roaming destinations included with your deal. Here's the current cheapest SIM only plan with that:

Or take a Smart plan from EE and you can choose a Roam Abroad Pass as your Smart benefit, which will let you use your allowances in the EU and 5 extra worldwide destinations.

With O2, you'll also get a small amount of inclusive roaming data worldwide with their Travel Inclusive Zone.

Some other providers do have daily passes you can buy to unlock extra roaming destinations too, read our full roaming guide here to see them all.

Useful link: Compare SIM only deals

Three roaming explained for international & EU countries

Three roaming - International roaming with Three explained

You can roam in most countries around the world with Three, however since 23 May 2022, free roaming no longer exists for most customers.

If you're a Pay as you go customer, or if you joined Three before 1 October 2021 and you haven’t upgraded or renewed since, Go Roam is still free and included in your plan. Go Roam allows you to use your allowance in 71 European and worldwide destinations.

If you joined or upgraded on or after 1 October 2021, you must pay a daily charge for roaming. The cost is £2 per day for Go Roam in Europe, and £5 per day for Go Roam Around the World.

What's the best Three SIM Only plan for roaming?

Go roam in europe - after brexit, what is go roam, does three go roam have a fair usage policy, can i roam in countries not included with three go roam, three data passport - what is it, can i get 5g when roaming with three, can i roam for free in the eu with three, how can i setup my phone to roam with three, will i be charged if i go over my allowance when roaming with three, can i tether to another device when roaming abroad with three.

You can roam in the EU with a Three SIM from £2 per day.

You can find the best Three SIM Only deals by using our comparison tools. Three SIMs will work with all phones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 .

From 23rd May 2022, most Three customers can no longer roam for free in Europe.

Instead, will now have to pay £2 per day in order to get Go Roam in Europe, which lets you use your allowance in 49 European destinations.

However, for customers who joined Three before 1 October 2021, free EU roaming will continue as long as you don't upgrade, renew or change your plan.

Pay as you go customers can also continue to enjoy Go Roam without paying an additional charge.

Regardless of when you joined Three, if your plan's allowance is greater than 12GB, you cannot use more than 12GB per month with Go Roam in Europe. If you go over the 12GB limit, but you remain within your plan's regular allowance, there will be a 0.3p / MB surcharge (equivalent to £3 per 1GB) to use your remaining data allowance.

There are no limits for making calls and sending texts. You can call and text to other Go Roam In Europe destinations and back to the UK, within your regular allowance.

You don't need to activate or purchase Go Roam in Europe. As soon as you use data, make a call or send a text, you'll automatically be charged £2 for Go Roam in Europe, which lasts for 24 hours.

Go Roam in Europe includes the following 49 European destinations:

Aland Islands
Balearic Islands
Canary Islands
Czech Republic
France (Inc Corsica, Mayotte & Reunion )
French Guiana
Greece (Inc Crete & Rhodes)
Isle of Man
Italy (Inc Sardinia & Sicily)
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Republic of Ireland
Saint Martin
Switzerland
Vatican City

With Go Roam , you can use your allowance in 73 international destinations. It's made up of 2 parts:

Go Roam in Europe
Go Roam Around the World

From 23rd May 2022, Go Roam will no longer be free for most customers. Instead, you are required to pay £5 per day to use Go Roam.

However, for customers who joined Three before 1 October 2021, Go Roam will continue to be free as long as you don't upgrade, renew or change your plan. It's also still available to pay as you go customers, with no additional charge.

Regardless of when you joined Three, if your plan's allowance is greater than 12GB, you cannot use more than 12GB per month with Go Roam. If you go over the 12GB limit, but you remain within your plan's regular allowance, there will be a 0.3p / MB surcharge (equivalent to £3 per 1GB) to use your remaining data allowance.

You can only use your minutes to make calls back to the UK. You cannot use your minutes within or to other Go Roam destinations. In addition, for plans with 3000 or more minutes, you can only use 3000 minutes to call back to the UK.

A similar policy applies to texts. You can only text back to the UK, and not within or to other Go Roam destinations. If your plan has unlimited texts, you will be limited to 5000 texts back to the UK.

All Three customers can get Go Roam, except those on older Essential plans.

You'll automatically be charged £5 per day for Go Roam when you use data, make a call or send a text in a qualifying destination. You don't need to manually activate or purchase it.

The following 73 destinations are included with Three Go Roam:

El Salvador
Marie-Galante
New Zealand
Puerto Rico
Saint Barthélemy
United States (Inc Florida Keys)
US Virgin Islands

If your plan's allowance is greater than 12GB, you cannot use more than 12GB per month with any Go Roam package. If you go over the 12GB limit, but you remain within your plan's regular allowance, there will be a 0.3p / MB surcharge (equivalent to £3 per 1GB) to use your remaining data allowance.

The data fair usage policy applies to all Go Roam packages:

There's no fair usage policy for calls and texts with Go Roam in Europe.

However, for Go Roam Around the World destinations, you cannot use more than 3000 minutes or 5000 texts per month. In addition, you can only make calls and send texts back to the UK, and not within the country you are in or to other Go Roam Around the World destinations. If you go over these limits within a 2 month period over 12 months, Three may limit your roaming capabilities.

Go Roam in only intended for holidays. You cannot stay in any Go Roam destination (including Europe and Around the World) for 2 complete months over a 12 month period. If you do, you'll likely be breaking Three's fair usage policy. You'll receive a warning if you're approaching this limit. If you continue to use your Three SIM or phone after exceeding the limit, Three may suspended your roaming services until you contact them and prove you are back in the UK.

Yes, you can still continue to roam in countries not covered by Go Roam, however you won’t be able to use your regular allowance.

Instead, you will be charged an out of tariff rate.

This out of tariff rate will also apply if you exceed your regular allowance when roaming in a qualifying Go Roam destination.

See Three roaming charges for full prices.

A Data Passport will allow you to use unlimited data in 89 international destinations.

It costs £5 per day, and lasts until midnight BST.

There are no limits on the amount of data you can use - it is truly unlimited. You can use it for tethering, streaming and even with VPNs.

It doesn’t include an allowance for calls and texts. Instead, you’ll be charged at a standard out of plan rate. However, if you’re in a qualifying Go Roam destination, you’ll automatically be charged £2 per day (Europe) or £5 per day (Around the World) when you make a call or send a text, which allows you to use your regular minutes and text allowances.

There are crossover destinations which are both eligible for the Data Passport and Go Roam. It’s possible to have a Data Passport and Go Roam activated at the same time.

You can buy a Data Passport in advance, or wait until you arrive in an eligible destination.

Purchasing a Data Passport can be done through your My3 account:

Open the My3 app, or login to via the My3 website
Select Manage services
Switch to the Roaming tab
Look for the section on Data Passport

The following 89 destinations are eligible for Data Passport:

Russian Federation
Saint Barthelemy
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
The Netherlands
United Arab Emirates

If you have a 5G phone, you may be able to receive a 5G signal when roaming with Three. However, it's up to the local carrier or network.

In most destinations, the minimum signal you should receive is 4G, however you might see this dip down to 3G in more remote locations.

From 23rd May 2022, most Three customers can no longer roam for free in Europe with Go Roam in Europe . Instead, it will now cost your £2 per day to get Go Roam in Europe with Three , which you will automatically be charged when visiting a European destination.

However, if your Three plan started before 1 October 2021, and you haven't upgraded since, you will still be eligible for Go Roam for free, which includes Go Roam in Europe and Go Roam Around the World destinations.

Go Roam in still free for pay as you go customers - you'll just need to pay the standard UK pay as you go rate for the services you use.

You must enable roaming in your phone's settings in order to use your Three plan internationally.

For Android users:

Go to Settings
Go to Connections -> Mobile networks -> Roaming
Enable Data roaming

For iPhone users:

Go to Mobile data -> Mobile Data Options
Enable Data Roaming

When you're approaching your allowance, you'll receive a text from Three, with details on how much you'll be charged if you go over your allowance. The amount will be the standard roaming rate, which varies from country to country.

If you have an unlimited data plan and you're in a Go Roam in Europe destination, you can continue to tether and roam within the EU within the 12GB fair usage policy. Otherwise, roaming in Europe is not permitted.

Tethering within Go Roam Around the World destinations is not permitted, regardless of the plan you have.

You can tether if you have a Data Passport enabled and you're within a Data Passport destination, without any limits.

Update April 12, 2024

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The Complete Beginner’s Guide to International Travel

So you’ve decided to travel internationally, have you? Traveling to another country is something I wish for everyone to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to do so. But for those of us with passports that allow us such opportunity, it’d be a shame to never explore an international destination in our great, big, beautiful world !

It might seem a bit scary to take your first international trip, but I promise it’s not that bad. To help you, I’ve put together this thorough guide on everything you need to know in order to have a successful international trip ! Let’s get straight to it.

Before You Depart for Your Trip

There’s quite a bit to get ready before your international trip. But, don’t worry. It’s all doable, and it’ll all be worth it!

Apply for a Passport

First things first. In order to travel internationally, you’ll need to have a valid, unexpired passport . On top of that, many countries require you to also have at least three or even six months validity left on your passport from your date of travel. So, if you don’t have a valid, unexpired passport or your passport is expiring in three to six months, it’s time to get a new passport before your trip. This process can take a couple months! So plan ahead, and submit your passport request early to save yourself stress and/or expediting fees closer to your departure date.

If this is your very first passport, your last passport was from when you were under 16 years old, your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or your last passport was from 15 or more years ago, you will need to apply for your passport in person. Here are the official steps for the new passport process .

If the above doesn’t apply to you, you simply have to renew your passport. You can do this via mail. Here are the official steps for the renewal process .

Choose Your International Destination

Yipee! Now that you’ve either already got your passport or have applied for a new one, you can choose your international travel destination. This is largely based on your own interests. But as this is your first trip internationally, keep in mind things like language, similarity in culture to back home, and ease of travel-related infrastructures (like trains or buses).

Apply for Any Visa(s)

Once you have chosen your destination(s), check whether you need visas or not . A visa is basically permission from a foreign government for you to be in their country. Some countries may grant you a free visa upon arrival with a simple stamp on your passport. Some countries simply require you to fill out a form online and pay a small fee before you can board your flight. And some countries require expensive visas which you must apply for months in advance. It all depends on that country you are visiting, your passport country, and how long you plan to stay. I love using Travisa ‘s free search tool to quickly and easily check what requirements exist for me before I book a flight.

Get Any Necessary Vaccines

Before confirming your destination, you should check if any vaccines are necessary for that place. Some vaccines are simply recommended for your own health, while others are requirements before you will be allowed into the country , or even allowed into other countries afterwards (like yellow fever). The CDC website is an easy way to check this. Some vaccines, like yellow fever, are low in supply and hard to get last minute. Others, like malaria pills, require a doctor’s prescription. So don’t leave this step until the last minute !

Check Travel Restrictions

Lastly, make sure there are no travel restrictions or decision-altering political tensions for your destination. Do this by checking the Travel Department site . Simply type in your destination country’s name into the search bar on the left hand side of the screen.

Preparing Your Finances

Now that your passport is on its way and you’ve settled on your international travel destination(s), it’s time to start thinking about finances.

Some destinations are very credit card friendly. Others operate on only cash and debit cards. And some don’t even have ATM machines! So you’ll need to do a bit of planning before departure to make sure you’re not stressing during your trip, and to save yourself transaction fees.

Get a No Fees Credit Card

Most banks charge a 3% fee every time you use your credit card to pay for a foreign transaction. As you can imagine, this adds up to a lot over the course of even a one week international trip. The good news is, many banks offer credit cards without foreign transaction fees . Do a quick internet search to see if your bank offers such a card.

Get a No Fees Debit Card

Most banks charge a 3% fee and $5 each time you withdraw foreign currency from an ATM. Especially if you are traveling to a mostly-cash destination, this is a surefire way to rack up unnecessary travel costs. To avoid this, consider opening a free brokerage account with Charles Schwab to also receive their debit card with zero transaction fees . I first heard about this card when moving to London to study abroad, and I have to say it’s served me well.

Get Foreign Currency Beforehand

Sometimes, but not often, it’s necessary to have cash in your destination’s currency either before you depart home or right when landing . This might be because your destination does not have ATMs, or because you just want to feel prepared.

If you need foreign cash before leaving home, head to your local bank and exchange currencies. (Just FYI, you’ll get a bad conversion rate doing this, since the bank needs to make commission.) If the currency you need isn’t a common one, your bank won’t have it on hand. In that case, you’ll have to request the exchange online with your bank.

Many countries that don’t have ATMs also don’t allow their currency to be taken outside their country (like Cuba). In this case, you’ll need to bring enough cash with you in a common currency (like USD, GBP, or Euro). Then, when you arrive at your destination’s airport, you can exchange your cash from home for the local currency.

Sign Up for Airline Rewards Programs

You might already know this if you fly domestically, but most airlines have rewards programs. These allow you to accumulate “miles” in your rewards account each time you fly. Eventually, you might rack up enough to redeem those miles in exchange for a flight !

Consider Travel Hacking

Now, some people use airlines rewards programs and racking up miles on steroids, and this is called travel hacking. Many airlines and banks offer huge amounts of miles when you sign up for a card, or offer miles every time you use that card for a purchase. This allows you to rack up enough miles for a free flight or hotel stay more quickly (or sometimes immediately!). I personally have no energy for travel hacking, as I’m not convinced the miles rewards are worth more in dollars than my current card’s cash reward system. But I would be amiss to not mention travel hacking in a guide to international travel.

Planning Your International Trip

Phew! Now that you’ve got all the annoying administrative work out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff; planning your trip .

I have a whole ten-step guide to planning a trip , so I won’t go into too much detail here. But this can be broken down into planning out your travel itinerary, booking your flight, and booking your accommodation.

Create Your Dream Itinerary

Decide everything you want to see in that destination. I love using Pinterest , Instagram , and travel blogs for inspiration. This is my favorite part of planning a trip , because it gets me so excited about what’s to come! Then, figure out how many days each spot deserves if you are moving around, and figure out how to get from point A to point B (train, cab, ferry?).

Book Your Flight

After you’ve decided how many days you need, you can decide what your travel dates are and start looking for a flight. You can sometimes find good deals really close to the date, but that isn’t guaranteed. I recommend not leaving this until the last minute! I go into more detail how I search for cheap flights in my trip planning guide .

Book Your Housing

Once you have your flight booked, all that’s left is your housing. I love using Booking.com because of its interface, but any hotel search engine will suffice. Also consider AirBnB if you like the idea of staying in a local apartment, or Hostelworld if you’re looking for a social (and often budget-friendly) option. I go into more detail on different types of travel accommodation in my trip planning guide .

Here are some discounts if it’s your first time using AirBnB or Booking.com:

Save 15% off your first booking by using this link to sign up for AirBnB for the first time.
Get 10% back from your first booking when you use this link for your first time using Booking.com.

Preparing for Departure

Woohoo! You’ve got your passport, your trip is planned, and all that’s left is to depart. There are a couple things you should do to best prepare for your upcoming international trip.

Camel caravan walking over Sahara Desert sand dunes in Morocco

Scan the Front Page of Your Passport

Before leaving home, make a copy of the front page of your passport (the page with your picture). Either print it out or send it to yourself via email. In case your passport gets lost, stolen, or damaged during your international trip, this makes it easier to have your passport replaced abroad at an embassy.

Expect Cultural Differences

Every country or region has its own culture and norms, and that’s what makes traveling so great. In some places, like the US, it’s common to greet strangers “hello,” or for shop associates and waiters to be extra doting. In other places, like much of Europe, the slower cafe and restaurant culture means your waiter might not come to you unless beckoned. It’s almost seen as if the waiter is rushing you! Similarly, in Japan, it’s offensive to tip waiters, as it suggests their only incentive to do their job well is receiving your pocket change. No culture is right or wrong, but keep an open mind as you travel, and don’t assume something means the same as it does back home .

Prepare for Language Barriers

Many popular travel destinations have adopted English as a common language due to how many international tourists they receive. So, if you know English, chances are you’ll be fine getting around many travel destinations around the world. But it still doesn’t hurt to learn some basic words in your destination’s language .

Saying “hello” or “thank you” in a person’s mother tongue can go a long way in warming them up towards you. Learning common menu items or words on train station signs will also likely make your life easier and give you more confidence abroad. I love using the free version of Duolingo’s mobile app ( iOS and Android ) for a few weeks before I head somewhere new to learn a language’s basics. Alternatively, you could simply head to Google translate and jot down key words on a small piece of paper before you depart. Then, keep this paper handy while you’re out exploring for easy access.

What to Expect on an International Flight

Even if you’ve flown domestically before, flying internationally can be a whole different experience . Here are my top tips for flying internationally.

What to Pack in Your Carry On

Packing carry on luggage for an international trip is similar in many ways to for a domestic trip. The same rules apply with regards to liquid sizes and electronics. However, as international flights tend to naturally be longer than domestic flights, there are a few extra considerations.

Make sure you are comfortable. Bring your own favorite headphones instead of using the uncomfortable free or for sale ones on board the flight. Also bring an eye mask (and a neck pillow if you need that) so that you can try to sleep a bit. You’ll also want to pack clothing items like one pair of pajamas and one or two proper outfits, in case your luggage is lost or delayed . It would be super inconvenient to buy these things right after you land in a foreign country!

Common Flight Etiquette

No one likes flying. So to make it easier on everyone, here are some best practices for being polite while in the airport and on the plane.

While in the airport, don’t stand up and crowd around the gate way before your boarding group is called. Everyone will get their chance to board.
Once on the plane, the middle seat person gets dibs on the inner arm rests .
Right after the plane lands, don’t rush to pull your luggage from the overhead before the plane doors have even opened (especially if you’re in the back of the plane!). If you’re in a rush to catch a connection you think you might miss, ask the flight attendants before landing if they can help you get off first. Sometimes they’ll make an announcement that everyone should stay seated until those about to miss a connection exit first!

Staying Healthy While Flying

The last thing you want is to get off your flight and feel unwell the first days of your epic trip! Here are precautions you should take to ensure you land in tip-top shape.

Stay hydrated . Airplane air has less humidity (only about 10 – 20%!), so make sure you are drinking enough water, especially on long haul flights. I always bring a large, refillable water bottle when I fly. I fill it up at an airport water fountain right after passing security and finish it all before boarding. Then, I refill it again to have a full supply while on board. This is important not only for headaches and such, but also to prevent skin breakouts in the days after landing.
Keep the blood flowing . Not only are you not moving for hours upon hours when flying internationally, but your feet are flat on the floor the entire time, too. This isn’t great for blood circulation, and can cause swelling in your ankles and feet the days after your land. (It’s also just not good for your health to not move!) So, make it a point to get up and walk around the plane. Since you’ll be drinking a lot of water anyways, maybe walk up and down the aisles for some minutes each time you finish using the toilets. Do some stretches , like pulling your feet up to your booty one at a time and holding, or lifting each knee up and holding. If you have a layover with enough time, walk around the terminal for some time before boarding your second flight.
Stay clean . Even pre-Covid-19, planes and airports have never been the cleanest places to be. Wash your hands frequently with soap, use hand sanitizer , and consider disinfecting your food tray, screen, and arm rests right after getting on board. Make sure not to touch or pick your face too much, especially since it’s already dealing with the dehydrating air!

Flying with Dietary Restrictions

Airplane food is pretty much never great, especially if you aren’t flying first class. But if you’re on a particular diet or have dietary restrictions, you’ll need to plan ahead of time. Consider packing some of your favorite nutritious snacks instead of relying on the salty pretzels you can expect on board. If you have a specific need, like vegan meals, call the airline 24 hours before your flight to put in your request for a special meal . You might also want to double-check the meal request before take off at the gate.

Staying Safe While Traveling Internationally

While the world isn’t the big, bad, scary place we’re often made to believe, that doesn’t mean travel is free of risks.

A lot of the safety precautions and considerations you should take while traveling abroad are similar to those you take at home. But a few aren’t. Here are my main safety tips for international travel.

Solo Travel

By its very nature, traveling alone is more risky than traveling with a companion. Is it significantly more risky? I think not. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t take any extra precautions when traveling alone.

One precaution I take is to always let someone know where I am . If I have a full itinerary planned, I send my mom a summary of each city and accommodation I plan to stay at. If I’m doing something like a hike without any new friends I’ve met, I’ll let the front desk know my plans before I head out. I also try to be confident . Even if I don’t know where I’m going, I try to look like I do! If I need to look directions up on my phone, I might do it before leaving the hotel or shop or restaurant.

Another thing to remember is that traveling solo is not traveling alone . Especially if staying in hostels, you’ll meet other people traveling solo like you are, and you can do activities with them.

Solo Female Travel

Something my loved ones tell me often is how it’s so unsafe to travel alone as a woman. But the truth is, is it perfectly safe to be a woman anywhere in the world? Even when I’m in in the comfort of my home country, I rush to my car when in public garages at night, receive uncomfortable comments from strangers on the street, and face the potential of sexual harassment or even assault. Sexism exists everywhere, not just abroad. Of course, I do take extra precautions as a solo female traveler compared to a male solo traveler. But I also take extra precautions as a female in my home country, too.

These are some of the precautions I take while traveling as a woman, in addition to the precautions I take for traveling solo in general:

I never walk alone past dark . Ever, ever. Even if I “feel” safe in a place (which is most of the time), it’s just something I’ve promised myself I wouldn’t do.
I try to dress conservatively in certain destinations. Especially as a Californian, I’m used to super short shorts and low-cut shirts being totally normal. While these are still often acceptable abroad, they definitely cause a lot of stares that I personally have decided I’d rather avoid if I can. So, I’ll wear looser, longer shorts instead of tight short-shorts, or midi skirts and dresses instead of what I consider normal length. This isn’t so much because I feel unsafe, but because I’ve realized it decreases bothersome male comments and advances immensely.
I haven’t actually done this yet, but it’s a trick I have in my back pocket. Bring a fake wedding ring . Depending on the destination, this can help ward off some comments (and even playful marriage proposals!).

Traveling as a Person of Color

Similar to the solar female travel issue, a lot of my family fear that I’ll stand out like a sore thumb as a black woman. Also similar to the solo female travel issue, racism is simply something that exists everywhere, not just abroad . Of course, I do take extra precautions as a black solo traveler compared to a white solo traveler. But I also take extra precautions as a black person in my home country, too.

The main extra consideration I take while traveling as a person of color is to research the experiences of other black people or black women in destinations I know less about , or that I know have few black people or tourists. I recommend you do the same for whatever race or ethnicity you might identify with, as destinations might be used to one group but not a different group. This, of course, can be difficult, as the voices in the travel sphere are mostly white men, and next white women. (This is why it’s important to have better representation.) If you can’t find the insight you need online, consider directly emailing or messaging any travel writers or influences whose experiences you’d like to hear.

Traveling with Cash and Valuables

Like you would in certain areas of your home country, don’t flash valuables while traveling. Be cognizant as you withdraw or exchange any cash . Being a tourist can make you a target already, so don’t give pickpockets any extra incentive!

Be careful not to carry all your cash and cards in one place. If you can, take some with you as you explore, and then leave back up cards, unneeded cash, and your passport back in a safe in your accommodation . That way, if anything gets stolen or lost while out exploring, you have back ups to hold you over.

Bring Locks for Hostels

If you are planning on staying in hostels, definitely purchase a lock before your trip. Hostels usually have lockers, but charge a couple bucks to rent a lock. It’s much more economical to purchase once and not pay each time.

Register with Your Country’s Embassy

This is a step I never usually did before, but one I’ll be doing every time in the future! I was “one of those” people who got stranded abroad in a foreign country when the world started closing borders in response to Covid-19. I always thought registering with the local embassy for my country was a waste of time, but this turned out to be the best way to get up-to-date information on the situation. After missing out on crucial info once, I signed up. And it’s thanks to that I was able to eventually get home!

You never know what could happen when you are abroad, whether that is a pandemic, weather-related disaster, local protests, or political tensions. It’s near-impossible to keep up with your foreign destination’s news while traveling. So registering with your embassy is an easy way to get a simple email for key things you should know . For Americans, this program to register is called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , but other countries have pretty much the same thing.

Get Travel Insurance

I’m not sure I believe “everyone” should “always” get travel insurance. But for a first trip abroad, it’s worth considering. I typically never purchased it when I traveled places I knew well. But these days, as I’m no longer on my parents’ good insurance, and as I travel mostly solo, I do purchase travel insurance. It often only costs a couple dollars a day , and usually covers lost baggage, medical visits for accidents or illnesses, theft, and more. Especially if you are planning adrenaline activities or traveling somewhere distant, you should consider it!

What Do You Think About My International Travel Guide?

And there ya have it, folks! Are you feeling prepared for your international trip! I hope this guide was helpful. If you still have more questions before your trip abroad, definitely comment below and I’ll answer. Or, if you have any advice you think I missed that others should know, please also comment below!

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International travel plans soon? This detailed, beginner's international travel guide will take you from A to Z. From getting a passport, avoiding foreign transaction fees, planning an itinerary, to solo female travel safety tips, carry on packing and more! Travel tips. Flight tips. Long flight tips.

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5 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Traveling Abroad

Image: A woman smiles inside a train station

When was the last time you traveled abroad? Traveling for business is one thing, but I’m talking about packing your bags, logging out of your email account and disconnecting from your normal routine for a week or more.

Traveling the world isn’t just fun and exciting; there’s ample research to suggest it’s highly beneficial for your physical, mental and emotional health as well.

Check Out These Five Proven Benefits

Americans may say they like to travel, but most don’t venture abroad very often. According to a study published in the Hostelworld Global Traveler Report, Americans are half as likely as Europeans to go abroad and visit more than one country.

The average resident of the UK has visited 10 countries, Germans have seen eight, and the French traveled to five nations on average. But Americans? They tend to visit just three. In fact, 29 percent of American adults have never been abroad!

When citizens of the U.S. do move past the border, most visit Canada or Mexico. Affordability is evidently a big factor — about 71 percent of Americans say it’s too expensive to leave the country — but that’s hardly the whole story.

Given what all the travel and deal sites have to offer today, you can travel abroad without ransacking your piggy bank. Perhaps many Americans don’t grasp the benefits of traveling abroad — and there are many!

Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the health benefits that researchers have explored and verified scientifically.

1. Travel Makes You Healthier

According to a joint study from the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association, traveling actually keeps you healthier . The study found that women who vacation at least twice a year show a significantly lower risk of suffering a heart attack than those who only travel every six years or so.

The same is true for men. Men who do not take an annual vacation show a 20 percent higher risk of death and 30 percent greater risk of heart disease.

2. Travel Relieves Stress

Although missing a connecting flight or losing baggage in a foreign airport is sure to boost your anxiety, traveling has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels, and rather dramatically.

RELATED: Try These Simple 1-minute Meditations to Calm Your Mind

According to one study , three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood. Interestingly, these benefits tend to linger for weeks after the trip has ended.

3. Travel Enhances Your Creativity

“Foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought, the ability to make deep connections between disparate forms,” explains Adam Galinsky , a professor at Columbia Business School who has authored a number of studies that investigate the concrete links between creativity and international travel.

Travel alone isn’t enough, however. Galinsky has found that international travelers have to be purposeful about engaging.

RELATED: 7 Creative Pep Talks to Get You Through the Work Week

“The key, critical process is multicultural engagement, immersion and adaptation,” he continues. “Someone who lives abroad and doesn’t engage with the local culture will likely get less of a creative boost than someone who travels abroad and really engages in the local environment.”

4. Travel Boosts Happiness and Satisfaction

Most people tend to be happier when they’re traveling and don’t have to worry about work, of course. However, one of the more interesting takeaways from a Cornell University study is that people also experience a direct increase in happiness from just planning a trip.

Three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood.

The study found that the anticipation of taking a vacation is far greater than the anticipation of acquiring a physical possession. Thus, the benefits of traveling abroad begin well before the trip does.

5. Travel Lowers the Risk of Depression

While people tend to avoid the subject in our society, depression is unfortunately a major problem. Millions of Americans struggle with depression on a regular basis and it’s not uncommon for doctors to overprescribe medication for depression.

Luckily, healthier alternatives are available for escaping the hopelessness of a depressed state. According to research, travel may be one of them.

A study from the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin found that women who vacation at least twice a year are less likely to suffer from depression and chronic stress than women who vacation less than once every two years.

Where Will Your Travels Take You This Year?

So there are clear, scientifically-backed health benefits of traveling the world. Mentally, physically and emotionally, you can gain a lot from packing your bags and visiting places you’ve never been.

Image: A bus on Westminster Bridge with Big Ben in the background in London

But where will you go? Thousands of places across the world are worth visiting. Here are a few that should be on your radar:

London, England. London is a must-visit city. If you’re new to international travel and want to get your feet wet, there’s probably no better destination. Not only is there a lot to do in London , but it’s cheap and easy to get to from most major U.S. cities. There’s also no language barrier, which is a bonus for people who get nervous about that.
Cape Town, South Africa. The beauty of Cape Town is astonishing. Not only is the landscape unique, but there’s wildlife galore, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhino). There’s much to see ; whether you prefer a fast pace or slow and easy, there’s an itinerary for you.
Lucerne, Switzerland. If you’ve never been to Switzerland, Lucerne is a fantastic first city to experience. Conveniently near to the Zurich airport, the town is compact, yet lively. Not only are there lots of attractions in the city , but you can enjoy an array of hiking trails just outside of town.
Auckland, New Zealand. Whether you want to kayak to a volcano, abseil down a waterfall, swim with sharks, or tackle challenging trails on a mountain bike, Auckland has everything an adventure lover could ask for. Oh, and it’s also a city that teems with good food and entertainment.

For many, the notion of international travel isn’t as mysterious and thrilling as it used to be. In a world accessible via YouTube, Google Earth, and virtual reality, many think they’ve already seen all the world has to offer, when they’ve really only stared at a screen a few inches in front of their face.

If you want to enjoy the scientifically proven health benefits of travel abroad, you should start planning a trip. Whether you go to London, Cape Town, Lucerne, Auckland, or somewhere entirely different, boarding a plane and flying to a foreign destination where you’re equal parts excited and intimidated is great for your growth and development.

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Solo Travel

25 Best International Destinations for Solo Travel

When you’re looking to travel alone, these are the safest, most exciting, and all-around best destinations for flying solo.

Sometimes you are your own best company. Whether you want to plan a romp around Japan on your own terms, or your friends can’t fit that Scottish sojourn into their schedule at the moment, there are a variety of reasons to travel alone.

The benefits of traveling solo range from the freedom to fully indulge your every whim to a sense of empowerment to opportunities for reflection, self-discovery, and new friendships.

Whatever your reasons, traveling solo can be one of life's most rewarding experiences. And, whether you're about to embark on your first solo trip or your 20th, tackling a trip by yourself can be incredibly nerve-wracking.

We wouldn't want a lack of company to keep you from booking that ticket, so we've come up with a list of countries ideal for both first-time and experienced solo travelers, including safe destinations where you can expect a warm welcome. We take you through longtime favorites like Mexico, as well as destinations that are becoming increasingly popular with solo travelers like Egypt and Croatia.

From castle crawls in Germany to seeing the Northern Lights in Norway, here are the best countries for solo travel abroad.

There's a reason why Iceland has consistently ranked among the hottest destinations in recent years: The country is a haven for travelers who love the outdoors, with caverns and caves to explore, volcanoes and glaciers to hike, and geothermal spas to soak in — and since it's the most peaceful country in the world, according to a recent Global Peace Index report, solo travelers can explore the country worry-free.

If you're traveling to Reykjavík, consider taking a day trip to the ever-popular Blue Lagoon , or go whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. For those wanting to get out of the city, Thingvellir National Park offers camping, hiking trails, horseback riding, and the freshwater Silfra fissure, considered one of the best diving spots in the world.

2. Costa Rica

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Costa Rica has long had a reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world, and it's easy to see why. In Costa Rica you'll find plenty of outdoor activities to please your adventurous side, from whitewater rafting down the Reventazón River and zip lining through gorgeous rainforests to rappelling down waterfalls and hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park .

If you need a bit of respite amidst all the activity, Arenal has hot springs perfect for relaxing, or you can enjoy the white sands and wildlife at Playa Manuel Antonio, a tropical beach in Manuel Antonio National Park .

3. New Zealand

New Zealand is a popular destination for backpackers, outdoor enthusiasts , and thrill-seekers striking out on their own — maybe because it's the second most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index .

The country is a haven for outdoorsy types and one of the best places to meet fellow travelers. You can take a cruise through the fjords, rainforests, and waterfalls of Milford Sound; heli-hike your way through Franz Josef Glacier ; trek part (or all) of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing ; explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves ; or go whale-watching in the Bay of Plenty .

If you need some down time from all your adventuring, take a day trip to Waiheke Island for wine tours or make your way to the Hobbiton Movie Set to wander the real-life version of the Shire. With so much to do, you won't miss having a travel buddy.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

With a thriving backpacker culture and accommodating resorts, Mexico is an optimal place for any type of solo trip. Locals are friendly and the country is dotted with cultural sites and a beautiful natural landscape — never mind all the tacos, empanadas, and tortas!

There are Mayan ruins near Cancun, whale watching in Los Cabos, Instagram opportunities in Tulum, tamales and mezcal in Oaxaca, and a thriving art scene in Mexico City.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its stunning beauty and there may be no better way to see the country than by train. Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass , which gives you unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat, and journey past stunning waterfalls, forests, and lakes. Then, hop off the train to hike the Alps, visit medieval castles, and drink Swiss wine.

In the country that invented milk chocolate, indulging in the decadent, creamy treat is a no-brainer. But instead of simply picking up a bar of Toblerone or Lindt Chocolate at the nearest grocery store, take a chocolate-themed walking tour in Lucerne or Zürich, or visit one of the area's several world-famous chocolate factories.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Chile's landscape is as beautiful as it is diverse. Whether you explore Torres del Paine National Park or the San Rafael Glacier in Patagonia, climb an active volcano in the Lake District, or camp underneath the brilliant night sky in the Atacama Desert , you're sure to find an adventure that suits your fancy.

In Santiago, adventure meets culture, and the city is easy to navigate by foot or bicycle. You can hike San Cristóbal Hill or Santa Lucía Hill for panoramic views of the capital, browse the boutique shops, cafes, and cocktail bars in the Bellavista neighborhood, or explore the city's many museums and art galleries.

7. Netherlands

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

For any first-time solo travelers, the Netherlands is a great place to get your newly-independent feet wet. In Amsterdam, with its laid-back and friendly culture, do as the locals do: Get around by bike. Start in Vondelpark , a popular urban park, then bike to world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum , passing the city's picturesque canals and bridges along the way.

Head to the Netherlands between mid-April and the first week of May, and you'll be welcomed by a glorious array of the country's most beloved flower: the tulip. The Keukenhof , also known as the Garden of Europe, is located just outside Amsterdam and boasts over seven million bulbs and hundreds of varieties of tulips. Or, go to Noordoostpolder to see even more colorful blooms during the annual Tulip Festival .

Spain has a little bit of everything to please everyone: art museums, gorgeous architecture, delicious food, stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and jaw-dropping hikes.

In Barcelona, wander Park Güell , a public park that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features modern architecture, sculptures, and mosaics designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Continue your Gaudí tour at Sagrada Família before moving onto the Picasso Museum . When you start to get hungry, make your way to Mercado de La Boqueria , the oldest market in the city.

You can also find some of the world's best beaches in Spain, such as Ocata Beach near Barcelona and Socorro Beach in Tenerife. The brave and truly adventurous can join an organized hike through Caminito del Rey in Málaga or begin their journey along the famed Camino de Santiago.

Austria is a must-see for solo travelers with a taste for fine culture. See for yourself why Vienna is known as the City of Music and attend a concert at the State Opera House or the Musikverein . The city also boasts hundreds of museums, prime for exploring in between experiencing traditional Viennese coffeehouse culture.

In Salzburg, backdrop to "The Sound of Music," fans of the musical can take themed tours of the city and round out their trip by visiting Mozart's Birthplace and climbing to the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress for unforgettable views of the city.

10. Denmark

Denmark is another easy-to-tackle country for solo travelers. Start in Copenhagen and head to the Nyhavn district to see the city's iconic wooden ships and colorful townhouses lining the canal. Afterward, take a stroll through Tivoli Gardens . While beloved for its amusement park, the popular attraction also features flower gardens, bubble fountains, and an aquarium.

Shakespeare aficionados should head to Kronborg Castle : The UNESCO World Heritage site inspired Elsinore Castle in "Hamlet." While there, take the train to nearby Hillerød, where you'll find Frederiksborg Castle, home to the Danish Museum of National History .

First stop: Tokyo. Whether you shop in the luxurious Ginza neighborhood, ride to the top of one of the world's tallest towers , tour the Sensō-ji temple , dine on ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (the famous chain serves steaming bowls of ramen at no-frills booths), or take a leisurely stroll through a traditional Japanese garden, you'll never run out of things to do in the glitzy city.

If you need some rest from the hustle and bustle, you can take a bullet train to Kyoto, where you'll find a plethora of shrines, gardens, and temples. Since the tea ceremony has its roots in Kyoto , you may wish to partake in the tradition while you're there. Be sure to visit during the springtime to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms in bloom.

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

Visit Norway during the summer for warmer weather and lots of outdoor attractions and activities. In Oslo, you can explore the capital's many museums, restaurants, and parks by walking, cycling, or taking public transportation. Or, book a spot on a Hurtigruten coastal steamer — there's no single supplement on select voyages — and cruise through the country's famous fjords on a multi-day adventure, stopping at numerous ports of call along the stunning coastline to hike, kayak, safari, and more. You'll even cross the Arctic Circle!

On the other hand, if seeing the Northern Lights tops your list, a trip to Norway between November and March will land you there during peak aurora borealis season. For optimum viewing of the natural phenomenon, head to the heart of the aurora zone: the city of Tromsø.

13. Ireland

If the idea of traveling by yourself to a country where you don't speak the language makes you nervous, then opt to visit Ireland. In Dublin, you can take a literary walking tour of the UNESCO City of Literature , browse Grafton Street's bustling shops, and cozy up in the Guinness Storehouse with a pint of the world-famous stout.

With its stunning scenery and friendly inhabitants, Galway is not to be missed, either. While you're there, stroll along the lovely Salthill Promenade, or park yourself in a traditional pub in Eyre Square to listen to live Irish folk music. If you're looking to get out of the city, hop on a ferry to the nearby Aran Islands to explore medieval ruins and forts, or take a public bus to the iconic Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking views.

14. Uruguay

This South American country is perfect for those who just want to relax by the ocean and soak up the sun. Punta del Este may be best known for its gorgeous beaches, like Playa Mansa and Playa Brava. But, if you want to escape the crowds, consider visiting the more secluded beaches in Jose Ignacio and Rocha.

Montevideo isn't short on beaches, either, and for those who want to mix up sunbathing with cultural experiences, the capital also offers historical attractions, museums, and traditional Candombe music and dance performances.

15. Albania

Its friendly locals and gorgeous scenery makes Albania an up-and-coming destination for solo travelers. Journey to the Blue Eye spring near Saranda and you'll encounter some of the bluest, clearest water in the world. Since you might find the water too cold to swim in, head to the Albanian coast for fun and sun on any of the country's beautiful beaches, or soak in Përmet's Benja Thermal Baths — they're said to have healing properties.

You may also want to consider taking a day trip to Berat — nicknamed the "town of a thousand windows" — to marvel at the city's stunning architecture. From the Ottoman-era buildings and medieval castles to the mosques and Holy Trinity Church, you'll quickly see why the city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site .

16. Vietnam

Endless adventure awaits in Vietnam. Hop on a boat that departs from Hạ Long and cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, home to some of the world's most striking blue water and natural landscapes. Take a guided tour of Hang Sơn Đoòng , the largest natural cave in the world. Visit Hội An during the full moon and you'll be welcomed by the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of lanterns floating down the Thu Bồn River during the city's monthly full moon festival.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you can indulge in street food at Bến Thành Market, one of the city's earliest surviving structures, and brush up on Vietnam War history during a tour of the War Remnants Museum and the Củ Chi Tunnels. Travel to Hanoi to explore the capital's impressive historical and cultural sites, and take a leisurely stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

17. Germany

Germany has several major cities that are accessible to anyone traveling on their own. Hop on a bike in Berlin to explore the city's abundance of museums, historical sites, cafés, nightclubs, and parks. You can also visit Munich during Oktoberfest , but if you'd rather avoid the crowds, you can enjoy the city's beer gardens any time of year. And if you head to Frankfurt, you'll discover an eclectic array of museums, cafés, boutiques, restaurants, and a lush botanical garden in the increasingly popular city.

You should also consider planning side trips to see some of Germany's famous castles — there are over 20,000 of them. From the Gothic-style Liechtenstein Castle to the dramatic Neuschwanstein Castle, visiting any of Germany's magical old sites will have you feeling like you stepped straight into a fairy tale.

18. Finland

Thanks to the camaraderie of the traditional sauna experience , it's easy to meet people in Finland as a solo traveler — the country is home to over three million saunas, from Helsinki to Tampere and Savonlinna.

But there's more to Finland than saunas. In Helsinki, you'll find magnificent architecture, museums, parks, markets, and more — all easily accessible by foot or public transportation. Travel to the coasts to see a lovely array of lighthouses, or head to Rauma or Loviisa to spend a day in a wooden town. While it may be best to go to "The Land of the Midnight Sun" in the summer, visit during the winter for peak viewing of the Northern Lights.

19. Scotland

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

With extensive folklore, outdoor adventure, and stunning beauty around every corner, Scotland is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself. It’s a safe, cozy sojourn for anyone who loves postcard-perfect views. Explore Edinburgh by bike, stopping at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Holyrood Park .

You’d be remiss not to try the country’s world-class golf while you’re there — you’ll have more than 550 courses to choose from.

Feeling brave? Head to the Scottish Highlands to seek out the legendary underwater monster at Loch Ness, and while you're there, visit Urquhart Castle , which dates all the way back to the thirteenth century.

20. Australia

This popular solo travel destination is considered to be an exceptionally safe place with a wide range of areas to explore. Start in Sydney, with its friendly vibe and thriving art, food, and sport scenes, where you can walk around Sydney Harbour or explore the white-sand shore at Bondi Beach. Hit the epic swells of Victoria and then ride the tram around Melbourne for a coffee shop crawl. You can also hit hiking trails in Tasmania to experience Australia's natural splendor by foot. Speaking of, the Great Barrier Reef awaits snorkelers off the coast of Far North Queensland.

You’ll probably want to fly between destinations — this is a huge country, after all — but you can also rent a car and indulge in an Australian road trip. Or, go old-school and traverse the country by train on The Ghan , where you can experience the outback on a journey from Adelaide to Darwin.

Getty Images/Julia Gnther/EyeEm

From the slopes of British Columbia to the cosmopolitan wonders of Toronto , Canada has tons to keep you entertained, even when you’re alone. Our neighbor to the north is a quick flight (or a reasonable drive depending on where you’re coming from and going to) and accessible in terms of language, exchange rate, and transportation.

If you opt for Canada's largest city, explore the arts and culture of Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre , eat your way through St. Lawrence Market , or get to know the city's eclectic range of neighborhoods. Over in Vancouver, you can bike your way through the waterfront city, or cross the vertigo-inducing Capilano Suspension Bridge , a 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high bridge cutting through lush woodland. Go straight to Alberta to explore Banff National Park ’s famous glacial lakes and Rocky Mountain vistas.

22. Thailand

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Thailand has long been an affordable destination and, because of its safe, accessible atmosphere, it’s becoming just as popular with solo travelers. Explore the delicious food, thrilling nightlife, and tranquil spas of Bangkok. The tropical paradise also has beautiful beaches — we recommend those of Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands — for lounging the day away by the Andaman Sea.

Public transportation is easy and readily available, from trains, subways, buses, and taxis to long-tail boats and tuk-tuks. Head here in mid-April for the Songkran Water Splashing Festival to celebrate the Buddhist New Year with parades, street parties, and performances.

23. Croatia

Dreamer4787/Getty Images

If you’re feeling spontaneous, book a solo trip to Croatia, where you’ll be able to stretch your budget across spectacular beaches , rich history, and delectable cuisine. With a desirable exchange rate and friendly locals, this is perfect for any party of one. Become a beach bum on the unspoiled shores of the Dalmatian Islands. You’ll have the blue waters, white sands, and dramatic limestone cliffs to admire as you lounge by yourself. Then, eat your weight in white truffle pasta and fresh seafood before walking it off around Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town.

Anton Aleksenko/Getty Images

Egypt is becoming more desirable for solo travel. A cruise down the Nile might be the best (not to mention safest and most convenient) way to see the African country alone. Eat delicious falafel in Cairo, explore the Great Pyramids in Giza, and discover ancient temples and tombs. And then return to your five-star accommodations before sailing off to the next archaeological wonder.

There are also new (or updated) sights to see in the ancient destination. In 2022, the Avenue of the Sphinxes in Luxor reopened after years of renovations. And, be on the lookout for the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which should open sometime in 2023.

25. England

Take solitary strolls along stunning cliffs, around quaint, small towns, or down urban streets in England. London is a natural choice for any Americans traveling across the pond. Traipse around Trafalgar Square , see the Rembrandts and Cézannes at the National Gallery , or enjoy a proper afternoon tea service at The Lanesborough .

But, of course, there are also the charming English towns that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. One of the best parts of traveling to England is the history and you’ll find plenty of that in its storybook castles and the industrial-age towns of Yorkshire.

17 Reasons Why Around the World Travel is Good For You

Why travel around the world.

We’ve compiled a list of the best reasons why everyone should enrich their life with around the world travel. And while we’re at it…all these reasons can also be taken as our motivation for doing what we do at AirTreks.

1. Traveling is easier than you think.

We believe that traveling around the world shouldn’t be hard: it’s actually something everyone should be able to do at least once in their lives. Whether you choose to spend a few years or just a couple months traveling this beautiful planet, it’s important to see what’s out there. It’s up to you to make the dream come true and take the first step. Launch TripPlanner to piece together and price your ideal route. Not sure where to start? You can always call one of our travel consultants and get some complimentary advice!

2. Travel opens your eyes.

If you’re open and willing, travel will make you an incredibly more well-rounded human being. And that’s really the goal, isn’t it? If you don’t know where to start, check out our Around the World planning guide .

3. Traveling helps you learn who you are.

All the challenges and opportunities travel lays at your feet help you discover who you are in a way that’s only possible on the road.

4. Travel creates meaningful relationships

People you meet while on the road become some of the most valued names on your contact list. They become places on the map to visit later on. These folks give you a glimpse outside your hometown circle of friends, and force you to take in new and refreshing perspectives, and ultimately realize that everyone is the same.

5. Traveling develops skills you didn’t know you had

Sometimes it’s only far from home that you realize you you’ve got skills you’ve never used. It’s travel that brings them to the surface and makes you smile, satisfied to have reached the mountain top, or crossed a gorge or helped a villager clean up after a storm, or even to have successfully ordered a meal at a rural Chinese restaurant.

6. Travel helps you learn new languages

There’s something satisfying about being able to throw around a few words of Greek, knowing how to say thanks in Thai, pulling out that long dormant Spanish to book a room in Santiago, or simply hearing a language you didn’t know existed just a few weeks before.

7. Travel means adventure

Zip-lining over the jungle canopy in Peru, successfully navigating the maze-like streets of Venice, bartering for the best price in the traditional markets of Marrakech, taking a speedboat ride in New Zealand, or hopping in a Land Rover and heading out to watch animals grazing in Tanzania: these are adventures worth having. People are hardwired for the excitement of adventure and travel may just be the best way to tap into it.

8. Traveling gives you perspective

Meeting people from other cultures will teach you that the way you’ve been looking at the world isn’t the way everybody else does. In fact, your point-of-view might have some major blind spots. Seeing the world for yourself will improve your vision and your grip on reality.

9. Travel helps you move forward

If you’re between jobs, schools, kids, or relationships, around the world travel can be a perfect way to move from one of these life stages into your next great adventure. A big trip won’t just ease your transition into the next stage of your life , it’ll give you a chance to reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and where you want to end up.

10. Travel is education

Seeing the world provides an education that’s absolutely impossible get in school. Travel teaches you economy, politics, history, geography, and sociology in an intense, hands-on way no class will. Fortunately, the school of travel is always taking applications , no entrance exam required.

11. Travel challenges you

Getting your daily latte at the same place and staring at your screen at your nine-to-five every day not nearly interesting enough? Even if you choose to work on the road (and keep staring at the screen), you’ll have to find a new place to drink your latte, and depending on your destination, finding coffee, and foamy milk or a good place to sip them could prove to be a sizeable challenge. Travel is full of moments of joy and challenges. Overcoming the challenges gives you some of the greatest joys of all.

12. Travel shakes things up

It sucks to be stuck in a rut. Everyone knows what that’s like. A big trip can be your perfect solution. Fly around the world, stopping over in all of the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Go ahead and plan your ideal route around the world (it’s easier than you think!)

13. Traveling proves that dreams do come true

You imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what? It can be done. Around the world travel is possible, you just have to decide you’re willing to take the first step and start planning your itinerary. What are you waiting for? We’ve put together some specials to inspire you to live your dream .

14. Travel gives you cool stories

Let’s face it. Even for folks who can’t tell a story, just the words “last year in Mongolia” get you instant party points. Even when events seem trivial, nostalgia and distance create an irresistible spin that makes mundane things like getting your laundry done in Zanzibar, entertaining. Just don’t be that person and overdo it!

15. Travel is literally food for thought.

You’ll be constantly surprised at the flavors the world has to offer. The way people in other cultures and countries prepare food, and break bread together (not that all cultures even eat bread) will astound you.

16. Travel gives you a sense of accomplishment

If you’re the kind of person that dreams big, you’re probably one to reach for new challenges. Finishing a trip gives you the satisfaction that you were able make a goal to travel and accomplish what you set out to do–see the world.

17. Traveling for the hell of it

Why travel? Because you can. Because you want to. Because it beats the alternative (staying home). Why not pick up your tickets and get the ball rolling!

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I’m a U.S. Citizen. Where in the World Can I Go?

For Americans eager to resume international travel, here are the countries that currently allow U.S. citizens to enter, though there may be restrictions, including vaccine requirements.

By Paige McClanahan

This list is no longer being updated. Find the latest coronavirus updates here .

Most of the world’s countries are open to travelers from the United States, and many nations are easing their requirements for visitors to test or quarantine. Some countries that had fully closed to foreign tourists — including Israel, Morocco, Bhutan, Australia and New Zealand — have now reopened to U.S. visitors, although they may continue to impose testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements.

In Europe, a growing number of nations — including Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, among many others — have eliminated their Covid-related travel restrictions for the summer travel season. Meanwhile, several Southeast Asian nations that had closed their borders to tourists have now reopened. Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia are once again welcoming American visitors, although vaccine or testing requirements are in force in most cases.

For its part, the United States has lifted the requirement that inbound passengers, including returning Americans, provide a negative test result taken within one day of departure. The decision to lift the test requirement will be re-evaluated in September; the rule could be reinstated if authorities deem it necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, continues advising Americans not to travel internationally until they are fully inoculated against Covid-19.

Those wanting to learn about the coronavirus risk in a specific country can visit the C.D.C. website where a four-tier ranking system provides guidance. The agency reserves the highest “Level 4” ranking for countries with “special circumstances” that include spiking case numbers, the emergence of worrying variants, or threats to the viability of health care infrastructure. (Levels 1 to 3 are still based primarily on Covid-19 case counts.) At the moment, no countries are classified at Level 4; those at Level 3, which have a “high” incidence of Covid-19, are indicated in the list below. For information on entry requirements like testing and quarantine, as well as curfews and movement restrictions, the State Department’s website offers detailed information by country.

What follows is a list of countries that are open to tourists from the United States. Many require visitors to complete a health form, provide proof of vaccination, and present a recent negative Covid-19 test result. To qualify as fully vaccinated in places such as France, Spain and the Netherlands, a visitor must have received either a booster shot or a second dose within a specified period.

As of May 1, visitors are no longer required to provide a negative test result or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travel to Andorra is over land from Spain or France, so check the entry requirements for those countries first. There are no limits on movement between Spain and Andorra, nor for travelers entering Andorra from France. Travelers 12 and over departing Andorra for France must provide proof of full vaccination, a certificate of recent recovery, or a negative antigen test result from the previous 24 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a registration form before travel. They must also present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before departure and pay about $20 on arrival to undergo a rapid antigen test at the airport. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Angola.

All adult visitors must be vaccinated. Arriving passengers must also carry a negative result from a Covid-19 test. The result may be either from a rapid test taken within two days of arrival, or from an R.T.-P.C.R. test, N.A.A.T. test, or other molecular test administered within three days of arrival. Visitors who completed their primary course of vaccination more than six months previously and who have not received a booster are also required to test on arrival, at their own expense. Guests staying for more than eight days may undergo a free test on day 4 of their visit. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA

Vaccinated travelers are no longer required to test before travel, provided they are asymptomatic. Unvaccinated visitors must present either a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted no more than three days before arrival, or a negative result from an antigen test from the previous 24 hours; they must also be without symptoms. On arrival, they must submit to an R.T.-P.C.R. test at their own expense and self-quarantine for 14 days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Americans may now enter Argentina without testing. Visitors must complete an electronic sworn statement within 48 hours of traveling and provide proof of medical insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment and quarantine. The government recommends that all visitors age 6 and over undergo a Covid-19 test within 24 hours of arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions.

The country is open to visitors from the United States who have finished a primary course of vaccination (two doses of an mRNA vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson). All passengers arriving by air must submit the Digital Passenger Declaration within 72 hours of their departure for Australia; they are no longer required to test before travel. Depending on their final destination within Australia, visitors may have to quarantine on arrival, even if they are vaccinated. Travelers should check the rules of the state or territory they are visiting to find the relevant quarantine requirements. Prospective visitors who are not fully vaccinated must qualify for an exemption . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions on May 16. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors age 18 and over must present proof of vaccination or a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 infection.

THE BAHAMAS

All travelers age 18 and older must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa; the cost of the visa includes insurance coverage and varies with the length of stay and vaccination status of the traveler. Health visa applications can take up to 24 hours to process; travelers must present their visa confirmation before departure to the Bahamas. Travelers with valid proof of vaccination may now enter without a negative test result. Unvaccinated travelers age 2 and over must present a negative result from a rapid antigen or R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

According to the U.S. Embassy, visitors must download the “ BeAware Bahrain ” app before travel. Arriving passengers are no longer required to test or show proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a health declaration form within three days of arrival. Vaccinated travelers may enter without a pretest. (A booster is not required to qualify.) Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and older must provide a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure. Symptomatic passengers may be subject to testing on arrival.

Vaccinated travelers may now enter without testing. Before departure, visitors should download the BIMSafe app and complete an online immigration and customs form . Vaccinated visitors may enter without quarantine, although they may be randomly selected for testing on arrival. Unvaccinated travelers age 5 and above must obtain a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within three days of arrival, or from a rapid test taken within one day of entry; they must also undergo a rapid test on arrival. Children under 18 who aren’t vaccinated must follow the guidelines of their accompanying adult. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. visitors may now enter without testing or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers with proof of vaccination may enter without a negative test result. Unvaccinated visitors age 5 and over must show a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or from a rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Alternatively, testing is available on arrival at the airport for $50; only cash payments are accepted. All foreign tourists must show proof of having purchased Belize travel insurance ($18 for 21 days). The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

All visitors to Benin must apply online for an eVisa before departure. Predeparture testing is no longer required.

Arriving passengers must show proof of vaccination (booster shots are not required) as well as a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken no more than two days before arrival, or a negative result from a P.C.R., N.A.A.T, T.M.A., or L.A.M.P. test taken within four days of arrival. Children under 2 are exempt from the pretest requirement, while children under 12 are exempt from the vaccination requirement. Visitors must pay $40 to apply for a travel authorization , which they can do up to one month before departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days after arrival; unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for ten days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Bhutan.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a valid negative result from a Covid-19 test. The test result may be from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding, or from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding. Children under 5 are exempt from the requirements.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The country lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions on May 26; travelers may now enter without a negative test result or proof of vaccination.

Visitors must have completed at least a primary course of vaccination; they are not required to test. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. tourists age 12 and older must present proof of vaccination, even if they have recovered from Covid-19; they no longer need to test before travel. Unvaccinated children under 12 who are traveling with vaccinated adults may also enter without testing. Unvaccinated adults must qualify for an exemption to be allowed entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Regardless of their vaccination status, all visitors over age 5 must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test (either rapid antigen or R.T.-P.C.R.) taken within 48 hours of arrival. Travelers who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 90 days may present proof of recovery in lieu of a negative test result. Anyone arriving without a valid test result or proof of recovery must pay $50 to undergo testing on arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

As of May 1, Bulgaria has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

BURKINA FASO

Arriving passengers must present proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. or rapid test taken in the previous five days. Travelers who arrive without proof of vaccination or a valid negative test result will be required to pay roughly $45 to undergo a rapid antigen test on arrival. To exit the country by air, travelers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative P.C.R. test dated within three days of their departing flight. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Burkina Faso.

Arriving passengers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight to Burundi. According to the U.S. Embassy, travelers must also pay $100 for an on-arrival test and self-isolate at an accommodation of their choice until they receive a negative result, usually within 24 hours. A negative P.C.R. result is also required to exit the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Burundi.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. The result may be from a P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, or from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. Visitors must also register , pay an airport fee, and complete a health questionnaire before travel. Arriving passengers are subject to a temperature check. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors may now enter without testing. Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to quarantine. Those who are unvaccinated must quarantine for seven days at a designated facility at their own expense; they must also undergo a rapid test on the final day before being released. The government encourages all travelers to purchase Covid-19 travel health insurance. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Cambodia.

Visitors from the United States who hold a valid tourist visa may enter Cameroon. Passengers age 5 and above must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before arrival; the result must include a QR code.

Vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents may enter Canada for nonessential reasons, including tourism, without providing a negative test result. (A booster is not required to qualify.) All travelers must use the ArriveCAN system to enter their proof of vaccination and other traveler information within 72 hours of entry into Canada. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under 12 are no longer required to test before travel if they are accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated minors ages 12 to 17 are subject to testing requirements and a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated adults must qualify for an exemption; if approved for entry, they are also subject to testing and quarantine requirements. The current rules are expected to remain in force until at least September 30 . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

As of June 30, vaccinated travelers may enter without testing. Unvaccinated visitors age 12 and over will not be allowed entry unless they can prove that they have a close tie to the country. Visitors are encouraged to test themselves daily during their first week in the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

A negative P.C.R. test from the previous 72 hours is required for both entry and departure. According to the U.S. Embassy, tourists from the United States must quarantine for 14 days after arrival; employees of international and humanitarian organizations may end their quarantine early if they receive a negative result from a post-arrival P.C.R. test at the local Pasteur Institute. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers with proof of vaccination may enter without a pretest. Unvaccinated travelers 12 and older must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 96 hours of arrival.

Arriving passengers must complete a traveler’s affidavit within 48 hours of boarding and provide proof of travel medical insurance that covers a minimum of $30,000 worth of Covid-19 medical expenses in Chile; they may now enter without testing. Visitors are no longer required to obtain a mobility pass (which requires proof of vaccination) to enter the country, but they may be required to present the pass to enter restaurants, participate in group tours, and attend concerts and sports events. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers age 18 and older must present either proof of vaccination or a valid negative result from a Covid-19 test. The result may be from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of travel or from an antigen test taken in the 48 hours before travel. Incoming passengers must also complete an online form within 72 hours of boarding their flight.

Visitors may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted in the 72 hours before travel. A negative P.C.R. result that is no more than 72 hours old is also required to leave the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Comoros.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related entry requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

COTE D’IVOIRE

Fully vaccinated travelers may now enter without a negative test result. (A booster is required to qualify if the primary course of vaccination was completed more than nine months previously.) Unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Abidjan. All passengers will have their temperatures checked and must undergo rapid antigen testing on arrival. Departing passengers who are unvaccinated must present a negative P.C.R. test from no more than 72 hours before travel, regardless of the testing requirements of their destination. Land and maritime borders remain closed to U.S. citizens.

Croatia has removed its Covid-related border rules; U.S. visitors may now enter as before the pandemic. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

General tourism is not permitted, but Americans are allowed to visit to see family and under certain professional and humanitarian circumstances. All incoming passengers must complete an online sworn statement before they depart for Cuba. Visitors are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. Health authorities will randomly select passengers for Covid-19 screening on arrival.

As of June 1, visitors are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

CZECH REPUBLIC

The country has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Before traveling, visitors should register at INRBCOVID.com . All travelers age 11 and older must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken within three days of departure. Unvaccinated travelers must undergo another test on arrival at their own expense and self-quarantine until they receive a negative result, generally within 24 hours. Visitors should also have proof of health and medical evacuation insurance and a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. To exit the country, travelers age 11 and over must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken at a government-approved lab within three days of departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to the D.R.C.

Denmark has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Potential visitors must apply online for an eVisa before travel. All arriving passengers 11 and older must provide proof of vaccination as well as a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight, and not more than 120 hours before their arrival in the country. Upon landing, travelers are given another test at a cost of $30. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Djibouti.

As of April 4, arriving passengers are no longer required to complete a health questionnaire before entry. Vaccinated travelers may enter without a pretest, though they may be tested on arrival if they display symptoms. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of arrival or from an antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Children aged 12 and under assume the status of their accompanying parent or guardian. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Visitors may now enter without testing or providing proof of vaccination. Passengers age 7 and over may be selected for random testing on arrival; those who can present a valid vaccination certificate will be exempt from the random test. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

DUTCH CARIBBEAN

Aruba allows visitors to enter without a negative test result or proof of vaccination. Arriving passengers are required to purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance and to complete an Embarkation/Disembarkation card before arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Bonaire has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Curaçao has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions. However, visitors must complete a digital immigration card before travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Saba has removed its pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Sint Eustatius has removed its pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Sint Maarten , which is Dutch, and French St. Martin are primarily entered through Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side. Visitors must register online at least 12 hours before travel. Vaccinated travelers, those who have proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the previous nine months, and children under 5 are not required to test before entry. Unvaccinated travelers 5 and over must present a negative P.C.R. result from the previous 48 hours or a negative antigen result from the previous 24 hours. Before travel, all visitors must submit a health authorization form , the completion of which includes the purchase of mandatory Covid-19 insurance. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country no longer requires a negative test result for entry; however, the U.S. Embassy notes that airlines may impose their own requirements. Passengers who display symptoms on arrival may be subject to testing. The Embassy advises potential visitors to confirm the latest entry rules with the Timorese Embassy in Washington before travel.

All arriving passengers age 3 and over must provide either proof of vaccination or a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding their flight to Ecuador. They must also complete a declaration of traveler health . Visitors may be subject to random antigen testing on arrival. Those traveling to the Galápagos must provide proof of vaccination or a negative R.T.-P.C.R. test result from the previous 72 hours; they must also obtain a transit control card from the government of Ecuador. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

EL SALVADOR

Visitors may now enter without testing or proof of vaccination.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

All arriving passengers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 48 hours of travel; travelers age 18 and over must also present proof of vaccination. Visitors must quarantine for three days after arrival at an accommodation of their choosing and obtain a negative test result before being released. A negative P.C.R. test result is also required to exit the country.

Visitors must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of entry and submit to an antigen test on arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days, then obtain a negative test result before exiting quarantine. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Eritrea.

Arriving passengers must complete an online form in the 72 hours before entering the country. Visitors from the United States who are vaccinated or who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 180 days may enter without testing. (Travelers who have received two doses of vaccine are considered fully vaccinated for nine months after completing their primary course of vaccination; a booster dose extends the period of validity for one year.) Unvaccinated and unrecovered visitors may enter with a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or antigen test taken in the 48 hours before arrival. Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated visitors and those who have a certificate of Covid-19 recovery from the previous 90 days are no longer required to test before travel. (A booster is not required to qualify.) Unvaccinated visitors over age 12 must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative result from an antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival.

All visitors must provide proof of vaccination, proof of travel insurance, and confirmation that they have pre-booked a rapid test to be taken after arrival. (Children under 12 are exempt from the in-country test requirement; children under 16 are exempt from the vaccination requirement.)

The country lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions on June 30. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated visitors no longer need to test before arrival. (To qualify as fully vaccinated, arriving passengers must have received their second dose of vaccine within the past nine months; those who have also received a booster dose are not subject to a time limit.) Unvaccinated travelers from the U.S. must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure or a negative result from an antigen test from the previous 48 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

The country is open to fully vaccinated tourists from the United States. Those who have received only two doses of vaccine qualify as “fully vaccinated” for nine months following the date of their second dose; those who have also received a booster face no time limit. Arriving passengers aged 12 or older who are flying to French Polynesia directly from the United States are required to present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. taken within 72 hours of boarding or a negative result from an antigen test administered within 48 hours of boarding. Those who are unvaccinated must provide a compelling reason for their visit to French Polynesia. If permitted entry, unvaccinated travelers must test before travel and quarantine for seven days after arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to French Polynesia.

FRENCH WEST INDIES

(Most islands consider two weeks after the second injection as full vaccination, and four weeks for Johnson & Johnson.)

St. Barts is open to fully vaccinated travelers without a test requirement. Unvaccinated visitors must present a negative result either from a P.C.R. test conducted no more than 72 hours before departure, or from an antigen test from the previous 48 hours. All visitors must present a sworn statement that they have no symptoms and that they are not aware of Covid-19 exposure in the previous 14 days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

St. Martin : See Sint Maarten under Dutch Caribbean.

Guadeloupe and Martinique are open to vaccinated travelers, but those 12 and older who are coming from the United States need a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test taken in the 24 hours before departure. They may also be subject to testing on arrival. Unvaccinated visitors must show proof of a compelling reason to travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related restrictions. Visitors may now enter without a negative test result.

Fully vaccinated travelers do not need a pretest, but they may be subject to rapid testing on arrival if they display symptoms. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before departure.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has suspended its pandemic-related travel restrictions until the end of August. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Non-citizen and non-resident visitors who are 18 or older must show proof of vaccination in order to qualify for an entry visa (a booster is not required). Arriving passengers no longer need to provide a negative test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Ghana.

As of May 1, visitors may enter without providing proof of vaccination or recovery or a negative Covid-19 test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has removed its pandemic-related travel requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Greenland.

Travelers must present either proof of vaccination (a booster is not required) or a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test conducted no more than three days before check-in at the airport or arrival at a land border. Children under 10 are exempt.

The government of Guinea no longer requires pre-departure testing, but the U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers confirm the latest rules with their airline before departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; if you are unvaccinated, the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Guinea.

GUINEA-BISSAU

Visitors may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 48 hours. Travelers must also obtain a negative P.C.R. result within 72 hours of their departure from the country; tests can be obtained in the capital city of Bissau for about $45.

Arriving passengers must show proof of full vaccination and carry a negative result from a Covid-19 test administered within 72 hours of arrival. Anyone arriving with an expired test result must pay about $85 to undergo testing at the airport and quarantine until they receive a negative result. Unvaccinated travelers over the age of 12 will not be allowed entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors to Haiti must present a negative result from either a P.C.R. or antigen test administered no more than 72 hours before travel. Passengers who have had Covid-19 may present their positive test as well as documentation from their doctor confirming recovery.

Fully vaccinated tourists are not required to pretest, but others must have a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken in the previous 72 hours. Visitors must also complete an online pre-check form before travel.

Hungary has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country lifted all Covid-related border restrictions on Feb. 25. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Passengers arriving from the United States must submit either proof of vaccination (with or without a booster) or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers should upload the relevant documentation to the Air Suvidha portal before departure. Two percent of arriving passengers are randomly selected to undergo testing on arrival. Children under 5 are exempt from testing unless they develop Covid-19 symptoms. All travelers are asked to monitor their health for 14 days after arrival and self-isolate if they develop Covid-19 symptoms.

U.S. travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival if they can show proof of vaccination (with or without a booster; children under 12 are exempt). They must also download the PeduliLindungi app before departure; submit to a temperature screening on arrival; provide proof of health insurance that covers at least $25,000 worth of medical treatment in Indonesia; pay a visa fee of approximately $35; carry a passport with a validity of at least six months; and be able to present either a return ticket or a ticket for onward travel to another country. Covid-19 testing is no longer required. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers consult the Indonesian Embassy in the United States for the latest entry rules.

Visitors must apply for a tourist visa , which can be done online. Arriving passengers must present proof of vaccination as well as a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within 72 hours of arrival.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 72 hours. The U.S. Embassy advises that all arriving passengers should be prepared to pay in cash for on-arrival testing at the airport, although this requirement is unevenly enforced. Visitors to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region require a negative P.C.R. result from the previous 48 hours; anyone without a negative test result must test on arrival. Visitors must also pledge to self-isolate for 14 days.

Ireland has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must provide a completed incoming passenger form and show proof of insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. Testing is no longer required. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Italy lifted its pandemic-related travel restrictions on June 1. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Jamaica has removed all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Japan has reopened to U.S. visitors who are pre-booked on package tours. After applying for their visa, visitors must obtain a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure; install the MySOS app and complete the app’s questionnaire; register their information on Visit Japan Web , which will generate a required QR code; and purchase health insurance to cover Covid-19 treatment in Japan. Visitors are required to wear masks in the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors age 5 and over must complete an online declaration and present the resulting QR code when boarding. Testing is no longer required. According to the U.S. Embassy, non-Jordanians must present proof of health insurance.

According to Air Astana, the country’s biggest airline, passengers arriving in Kazakhstan are no longer required to present a negative test result or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Kazakhstan.

Fully vaccinated visitors may enter without a pretest. Unvaccinated travelers age 5 and above must present a negative P.C.R. result from up to 72 hours before departure; they must also pay $30 to undergo rapid testing on arrival. Visitors should upload their proof of vaccination or negative test result to the Global Haven platform before departure. They must also complete a health surveillance form and present the resulting QR code when traveling.

The country has removed its pandemic-related entry requirements.

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel requirements. U.S. visitors must apply online for an eVisa before departure. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

The country has lifted its pandemic-related travel requirements. However, the U.S. Embassy notes that the rules may change with little or no advance notice and that airline requirements may differ from those of the government.

Visitors with proof of vaccination may enter without restriction; C.D.C. cards are accepted. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must obtain a negative result from a Covid-19 test within 48 hours of their departure for Laos; rapid tests are accepted. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

As of April 1, visitors may enter without proof of vaccination or a negative test result, provided that their point of departure is not on Latvia’s list of “high-risk countries” (at the moment, no countries are on this list). The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated travelers may enter without a negative test result. (Visitors who completed their primary course of vaccination more than six months previously must have also received a booster dose to qualify as vaccinated.) Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test taken with 48 hours of departure. They must also undergo a P.C.R. test on arrival and avoid public places until they receive a negative result, usually within 24 hours.

Travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before departure. All passengers are screened on arrival; those presenting Covid-19 symptoms may be denied entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers age 18 and over must show proof of vaccination and complete a health screening form via the Lib Travel app . In addition, all travelers age 5 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or rapid antigen test taken in the 72 hours before departure.

U.S. citizens may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 48 hours before travel. According to the U.S. Embassy, visitors from the United States may be required to quarantine; it recommends that travelers confirm the latest rules with the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Libya.

LIECHTENSTEIN

See Switzerland.

As of May 1, U.S. visitors are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result on entry; the requirement to complete an arrival form has also been removed. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. tourists may enter with proof of vaccination or recovery. Travelers are considered vaccinated for nine months following the completion of their primary course of vaccination; a booster extends the validity of their vaccination certificate indefinitely. Recovery certificates are valid for 180 days. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before boarding. A second test is required on arrival, at a cost of $20. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Madagascar.

Arriving passengers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure; children under the age of 1 are exempt. A negative result from the previous 72 hours is also required to exit Malawi, regardless of the requirements of the destination country.

Fully vaccinated travelers and children age 12 and under may enter without testing. Visitors who were vaccinated outside of Malaysia must upload their proof of vaccination via the MySejahtera app before departure. Unvaccinated adult visitors must obtain a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within two days of departure; they must also submit to a test within 24 hours of arrival and quarantine for five days. Additional travel restrictions apply for travel to the states of Sabah and Sarawak . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers no longer need to present a negative test result, but they must complete a Traveler Health Declaration form within 72 hours of departure. They must also carry proof of a booking at a registered tourist accommodation. No quarantine is required for travelers who do not exhibit symptoms. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to the Maldives.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 72 hours. The same rule applies to those departing the country.

Arriving passengers must present one of the following: proof of vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a valid negative test result. U.S. travelers should verify their C.D.C. vaccination cards through the VeriFLY app . To qualify as fully vaccinated , travelers aged 18 and over who have undergone only a primary course of vaccination must have received the final dose in the previous 270 days; those who have also received a booster dose are considered vaccinated indefinitely. (Minors are considered vaccinated indefinitely following a primary course of vaccination.) Recovery certificates are valid for 180 days. Negative test results are valid for 24 hours (if from an antigen test) or 72 hours (if from a P.C.R. test). Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must present proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within three days of entry. Passengers are subject to a temperature check on arrival. The U.S. Embassy notes that some visitors have reported that their airlines have demanded a negative test result in addition to their proof of vaccination.

Visitors must complete a travel form . Vaccinated travelers do not need to test before departure but must undergo testing on arrival. In addition to the travel form and on-arrival test, unvaccinated travelers age 18 and over must also self-isolate for seven days after arrival in an accommodation of their choice. They must test on day 7 and, if the result is negative, are free to move around the island on day 8. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. travelers may enter Mexico without testing or quarantine, though they may be subject to health screenings on arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Moldova has lifted all Covid-related entry requirements.

The United States is on the list of “green zone” countries, which means that travelers 16 and over may enter Monaco by presenting one of the following: proof of full vaccination against Covid-19; proof of recovery in the past six months; or a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test conducted within the previous 24 hours. To qualify as fully vaccinated, everyone 18 or over must have received a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine no later than nine months following the completion of their first course of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

The country has removed its Covid-related entry requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers must present a completed health form . They must also provide either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before travel. Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements.

Vaccinated visitors as well as children age 11 and younger may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated travelers over the age of 11 must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered within 72 hours of their departure for Mozambique; alternatively, they may choose to pay to undergo a rapid test on arrival. The U.S. Embassy encourages U.S. travelers to obtain their visa before departure via the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Mozambican consulate in New York.

Visitors must carry a valid tourist visa. They must also present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test within 72 hours of departure. (Children under 6 are exempt.) In addition, they must carry Covid-19 insurance, complete a health declaration, and pay to undergo rapid testing on arrival.

Passengers who present proof of vaccination may enter without testing. Unvaccinated visitors age 5 and over must provide a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of travel. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors age 5 and over arriving by air must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a Covid-19 test (R.T.-P.C.R., N.A.A.T., or Gene Xpert) taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers who display symptoms may be subject to testing on arrival.

NETHERLANDS

Vaccinated visitors from the United States may now enter without a negative test result. (A booster dose is required if more than 270 days have passed since the traveler completed his or her primary course of vaccination.) Unvaccinated travelers 18 and over are not allowed entry unless they qualify for an exemption . The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

NEW CALEDONIA

U.S. tourists age 12 and over must present one of the following: proof of vaccination, a certificate of recovery from the previous six months; a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of boarding; or a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours. At the time of boarding, they must also present a sworn statement in which they commit to undergo testing within two days of arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to New Caledonia. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is now open to vaccinated visitors from the United States and other “visa waiver” countries. Arriving passengers must complete an online declaration ; provide a negative test result before departure; and self-test on arrival and on day 5 or 6 in the country. Children under 2 are exempt from the pre-departure test requirement; babies under 6 months are exempt from the post-arrival test requirement. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers who can provide proof of vaccination may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Nicaragua.

Travelers must obtain a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and register the result online. A negative test result from the previous 72 hours is also required to exit the country.

Arriving passengers must register online before travel. Fully vaccinated travelers may now enter without testing (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers must upload a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered within 48 hours of departure; they must also pre-pay for tests on days 2 and 7 and isolate after arrival until they receive a negative result from the second test. Children under 18 are exempt from the requirements. Travelers leaving Nigeria must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within 48 hours of departure.

NORTH MACEDONIA

Visitors are no longer required to provide a negative test result or proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Norway has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated travelers may enter without a pretest. Unvaccinated travelers over the age of 12 must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of boarding. All passengers should download the Pass Track App before travel and should be aware that they may be subject to rapid testing on arrival.

Palau is open to fully vaccinated visitors. Arriving passengers must provide a negative result from a P.C.R., N.A.A.T., R.T.-P.C.R. or other approved molecular test taken within three days of their departure. Alternatively, they may present a negative result from an antigen test taken no more than one day before departure, or documentation of recovery from Covid, including proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a health care provider or a public health official clearing the person to travel. All travelers will also undergo testing after arrival in Palau.

Travelers are required to submit a completed health affidavit to their airline before boarding. Vaccinated travelers can enter Panama without a pretest (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test. If the test result is more than 72 hours old at the time of the traveler’s arrival in Panama, a rapid Covid-19 test will be performed at the airport, at a cost of $50. Accompanied children under 17 are exempt from the requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

U.S. visitors must apply for a tourist visa before travel. Visitors age 18 and over must show proof of vaccination; testing is no longer required. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Foreign visitors with proof of vaccination are no longer required to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R., L.A.M.P., or N.A.A.T. test taken no more than 72 hours before departure; children under 12 are exempt.

Visitors must present either proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a molecular test taken within 48 hours of departure; they must also complete an affidavit of health . Children under 12 are exempt from the testing and vaccination requirements but must be without Covid-19 symptoms at the time of boarding.

PHILIPPINES

Visitors from the United States are allowed entry provided they carry the following documents: proof of vaccination; passports that are valid for at least six months beyond their date of arrival; and a ticket for outbound travel within 30 days of arrival. Visitors must also complete a health declaration card ; they are no longer required to test before entry. Unvaccinated visitors over age 12 will not be allowed entry.

Visitors may now enter without testing, quarantine or proof of vaccination.

Arriving passengers age 12 and over must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or N.A.A.T. test conducted no more than 72 hours before boarding, or from a rapid test from the previous 24 hours. Travelers who carry an E.U. Digital Covid Certificate or proof of vaccination issued in one of several approved countries may enter without a negative pretest. The United States is not among the approved countries; however, some travelers have reported that their airlines have told them that their C.D.C. vaccination cards will be accepted in lieu of a negative test result. There is no official guidance on this point, so the U.S. Embassy “ strongly recommends ” that travelers carrying C.D.C. vaccination cards arrive with a valid negative test result. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must register online before travel. Fully vaccinated and recovered travelers from the United States and other countries that do not appear on Qatar’s red list may enter with a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 48 hours of departure. In addition to the pretest, unvaccinated travelers from the United States must also quarantine for five days after arrival and undergo a P.C.R. test on arrival and a rapid test on day 5. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Those planning to travel to the Republic of Congo must complete an online form , pre-pay roughly $68 for a Covid-19 test to be administered on arrival, and print the receipt for that payment to carry with them while traveling. Anyone who tests positive on arrival must isolate until they receive a negative result. Departing travelers must present a negative result from a virus test conducted no more than 72 hours before their scheduled departure.

Romania has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Before traveling to Rwanda, visitors must complete a passenger locator form and obtain a negative result from an antigen test conducted no more than 72 hours before their flight departure. Visitors must also pay $5 to undergo an additional rapid test on arrival. Travelers leaving Rwanda must obtain a negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours of their departing flight. Children under 5 are exempt from testing. Tourists to the national parks may face additional requirements.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

All visitors 18 and over must be fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated minors may enter with their accompanying vaccinated adults and follow the same regulations. In addition to their proof of vaccination, arriving passengers must present either a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or N.A.A.T. test taken within three days of arrival, or a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken within one day of arrival. Each visitor must also complete an embarkation form no later than 24 hours before departure. Travelers who have recovered from Covid-19 are not exempt from the pretest requirement. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a health screening form before departure. As of April 2, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers 5 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted in the five days before arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States no longer need to test before travel; they must complete a health form on landing and may be subject to testing. Unvaccinated travelers must arrive with one of the following: a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted in the previous 72 hours, or a negative antigen result from the previous 24 hours. They may be subject to testing on arrival; they must quarantine for 5 days and undergo an additional test on day 3 or 4 of quarantine. Minors follow the protocol of their parents or guardians. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

See Italy. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

The government has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions.

SAUDI ARABIA

Visitors must apply for a tourist visa before travel. According to the U.S. Embassy, they must also show proof of insurance that covers illness related to Covid-19.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. or R.T.-P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before arrival. Children under 2 are exempt.

The country has removed its pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must apply for travel authorization up to 72 hours before departure. Most applications are processed within 12 hours of submission; expedited processing is available for an additional fee. In applying for authorization, unvaccinated visitors must upload a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test administered no more than 72 hours before departure or a negative result from a rapid antigen test from within 24 hours of departure. Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide a negative test result. (Travelers age 18 and over who completed their primary course of vaccination more than six months previously must also have received a booster dose to qualify as vaccinated.) Visitors must also submit their accommodation bookings as well as proof of travel insurance with full medical coverage valid for the duration of their stay. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SIERRA LEONE

Visitors must register online before departure. Vaccinated travelers may enter without testing. Unvaccinated travelers do not need a pre-departure test, but they must pay in advance to undergo both a rapid test and a P.C.R. test on arrival. All passengers are subject to a health screening at the airport. To exit the country, all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, must obtain a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken between 48 and hours before departure. Children under 5 are exempt from the test requirements.

All visitors must complete an arrival card within three days of entry and install the TraceTogether app. Vaccinated travelers as well as unvaccinated children born in or after 2010 may now enter without testing or quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers born in or before 2009 must apply for permission to enter. If approved, they must obtain a negative result from either a P.C.R. test or an antigen test administered within two days of departure. (Unvaccinated travelers who have a positive test result dated between 14 and 90 days before their departure for Singapore may be exempt from the pre-departure test.) Unvaccinated travelers must also quarantine for seven days after arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Slovakia has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors arriving from the United States are no longer required to test or show proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must present a negative result from a Covid-19 test conducted within 72 hours of arrival and submit to a health screening on entry. Travelers to Somaliland may avoid a 14-day quarantine by presenting a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken in the previous 96 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SOUTH AFRICA

South korea.

Visitors should register their information on the Q-Code website before departure. Arriving passengers must present proof of full vaccination (including a booster shot if more than 180 days have passed since the completion of the traveler’s first vaccine series). Travelers must also complete a health questionnaire and travel record declaration. In addition, visitors must provide a negative result from a supervised rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 48 hours. In addition, all travelers must undergo a P.C.R. test within three days of entry. Travelers who display symptoms on arrival may be subject to testing at the airport. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

SOUTH SUDAN

Both inbound and outbound passengers must present proof of vaccination and a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 72 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

U.S. visitors may enter Spain with one of the following: proof of vaccination; a certificate of recovery from the previous 180 days; a negative result from an N.A.A.T. test performed within 72 hours of departure; or a negative result from a rapid antigen test performed within 24 hours of departure. To qualify as vaccinated, visitors who have completed only a primary course of vaccination must have received their final dose within the past nine months; those who have also received a booster dose face no time restriction. Children under 12 are exempt from the requirements. Before departure, all visitors must complete a health control form , which will generate a QR code that must be presented at the time of boarding and upon entry in Spain. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated visitors as well as children under 12 may enter Sri Lanka without testing. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must present a negative result from P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative result from a rapid antigen test conducted within 48 hours of departure. All visitors must purchase Covid-19 insurance at a cost of $12 per month.

Visitors age 8 and over arriving from the United States must present either a certificate of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 96 hours before arrival. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Sudan.

Travelers who are vaccinated or who can document their recovery from Covid-19 in the previous six months are no longer required to test before entry. Unvaccinated visitors age 12 and over must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted within 48 hours of travel or from an antigen test from the previous 24 hours. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Sweden has lifted all pandemic-related entry restrictions.

SWITZERLAND

As of May 2, U.S. visitors may enter without testing or providing proof of vaccination. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

All travelers age 3 and over must show either proof of vaccination or a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of their arrival in the country. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Tajikistan.

Visitors to Tanzania must complete a health surveillance form within 24 hours of arrival. (Those traveling directly to Zanzibar should complete this form instead.) Travelers who present a vaccination card that includes a QR code may enter without testing. (The U.S. Embassy advises travelers to look here for information on how to obtain a QR code for a C.D.C. vaccination card.) Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. or N.A.A.T. test administered within 72 hours of travel; the test result must include a QR code. Children 5 and under are exempt from the test requirement.

Fully vaccinated and recovered international visitors may now enter Thailand without quarantine or testing. Travelers must apply for a Thailand Pass before departure and provide proof of health insurance to cover at least $10,000 in medical expenses. Unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test conducted within 72 hours of departure. They must also apply for a Thailand Pass and provide proof of insurance. Unvaccinated travelers who arrive without a valid negative test result must follow the instructions of the public health officer they meet on arrival. All passengers undergo health screening on arrival, including a temperature check. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

All visitors must complete a travel form and upload a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken no more than three days before their departure for Togo. Visitors must also pay in advance for a second P.C.R. test, to be administered upon their arrival at Lomé Airport; proof of payment for the test must be shown before boarding. Arriving passengers must self-isolate until they receive a negative result from their on-arrival test, usually within 24 hours. Visitors are required to download the Togo Safe app; those who refuse may have to quarantine in a state facility for at least two weeks. Exit testing at the traveler’s expense is required no more than 72 hours before their departing flight.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

As of July 1, visitors will no longer be required to test before entry. They also no longer need to show proof of vaccination or apply for a travel pass. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Arriving passengers must complete an online questionnaire . Travelers who are fully vaccinated do not need to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers 6 and over must present either a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken no more than 48 hours before departure or a negative result from an antigen test that is no more than 24 hours old. Travelers may be subject to random testing on arrival.

TURKS AND CAICOS

Fully vaccinated visitors may now enter without testing (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers age 18 and over are not allowed entry. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Fully vaccinated travelers and children age 5 and under may enter without testing. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test conducted no more than 72 hours before boarding.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Vaccinated visitors to Abu Dhabi are no longer required to test before travel. Unvaccinated travelers age 16 and over must present either a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the previous 48 hours, or a Covid-19 recovery certificate dated within 30 days of departure; the certificate must have a QR code. Visitors must be fully vaccinated to enter most public places in Abu Dhabi.

Fully vaccinated visitors to Dubai no longer need to test before travel; their proof of vaccination must include a QR code. Unvaccinated travelers age 12 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test from the previous 48 hours; alternatively, they may present proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the previous month. The U.S. Embassy advises travelers to check with their airlines for the latest information on testing requirements. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom has lifted all pandemic-related travel restrictions. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Visitors must complete a health declaration form before departure and carry proof of travel insurance. Vaccinated travelers and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the previous 90 days may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated and unrecovered travelers age 6 and over must present a negative result from a P.C.R. or antigen test conducted in the 72 hours before departure; in addition, they must either quarantine for 14 days or undergo a P.C.R. test on day 7. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Travelers may now enter without testing or proof of vaccination; they must complete a health screening form on arrival and may be subject to testing if they display symptoms. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Uzbekistan.

Arriving passengers must present either proof of vaccination or a negative result from an R.T.-P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours of entry. (A booster dose is required to qualify as vaccinated if more than 270 days have passed since the completion of the first vaccine series.) The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is “Level Unknown”; the agency recommends that those who are unvaccinated avoid travel to Venezuela.

Foreign visitors must present proof of travel insurance worth at least $10,000 and download and use the PC-COVID app while in the country. Travelers are not required to test or provide proof of vaccination, but they are asked to monitor their health for 10 days and inform authorities if they develop any Covid-19 symptoms. The C.D.C. risk assessment for Covid-19 is Level 3: High.

Vaccinated travelers may now enter without testing (a booster is not required to qualify). Unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative result from a P.C.R. test taken in the 72 hours before departure; children under 12 are exempt. All passengers undergo health screening on arrival; symptomatic travelers must isolate for 14 days and may be required to undergo testing.

Vaccinated visitors may now enter without testing. Unvaccinated visitors must present a negative result from a P.C.R. test administered no more than 48 hours before travel.

Heather Murphy, Ceylan Yeginsu, Concepción de León and Karen Schwartz contributed reporting.

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The Passport 3 Month Rule - Country Requirements & More

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Are you ready to plan an international trip? Before booking your tickets and traveling abroad, make that the validity of your passport is up-to-date. One crucial part of this process usually overlooked by people is the 3-month rule enforced by certain countries.

Even if your passport has not expired yet, there are places you cannot travel to or through unless you have at least 90 days' worth of validity remaining before the expiration date. These passport requirements are not negotiable.

If you are looking to travel internationally, you need to be prepared with a passport that will allow you to travel to and through all the countries on your itinerary.

Short Summary

The 3-month passport validity rule requires passports to be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of arrival, with exceptions and special cases.
It is important to research entry requirements, obtain necessary visas in advance, and verify a passport's expiration date before traveling.
If your passport does not have enough validity remaining, you will need to apply in person at a regional passport agency. Alternatively, our expert advice is to enlist the help of a registered passport expediting service to get your passport renewed as fast as possible .
Emergency situations may require contacting one's home nation embassy or consulate to apply for emergency passport renewal service .

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

Understanding the 3-Month Passport Validity Rule

3 women sitting at an airport looking at their passports

The 3-month passport validity rule mandates that a passport is valid for up to three months after the anticipated date of arrival. This regulation is in place to prevent illegal residency and guarantee travelers possess legal passports throughout their stay. Simply put, if you don't have the right travel documents, countries will deny you entry across their borders.

It's important for people intending to travel abroad to be informed about their destination country's rules about expiring passports. These differ from one nation to another.

While some countries require just a 3 month validity period, others might have different passport validity requirements. Some simply require a valid passport at time of entry. Many countries require more.

For example, many countries impose 6 month passport validity rules where individuals must have at least six additional months left before their passport expires. In some cases, requirements include other validity periods based on the nature of the traveler's stay and the corresponding visa.

To learn more, be sure to check out our guide to the six month validity rule for passports . We also maintain a list of countries that require six months of validity for entry.

Europe, The Schengen Agreement, and the 3-Month Rule

Many European countries are a part of the Schengen Agreement. This decades-old agreement between 27 European countries was designed to make travel within member nations faster, more efficient, and less expensive.

The agreement requires travelers to have valid passports during their stay, and it is governed by a 3-month passport validity rule. This same rule is also imposed by most other non-member nations across Europe in order to ensure that visitors do not overstay beyond their visa period.

Because of this common policy, countries can more efficiently monitor movement at their borders while reducing any risks connected with extended visits.

If you are planning to travel to Europe, be sure to read more about the Schengen Agreement , its rules, and its history.

Countries with a 3-Month Passport Validity Requirement

Again, passport validity is a critical factor for anyone planning international travel. Many European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement require passports to be valid at least three months after an intended date of departure, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain among others.

Aside from these nations within Europe's borders, other non-European states impose this same 3 month passport rule too. Albania, Guatemala, and Panama being some popular examples.

It is important to research the passport policies for each country you plan on visiting. This is the only way to make sure you don't have hiccups during your travels due to invalid passports or failure to meet requirements regarding particular validity periods (which may also include six month rules). Ensure your U.S. passport holds sufficient time before leaving home by double checking beforehand!

Schengen Area Countries

The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement and require 3 months of validity remaining on your U.S. passport:

*Travel through the microstates of Monaco , San Marino, and Vatican City are also governed by the Schengen Agreement.

It's necessary that all people in transit through any of these 27 signatory nations are certain their passports maintain at least 90 days of validity throughout the duration of their travels.

Other Countries That Require 3 Months Passport Validity

Be advised that passport validity requirements can change with little notice, so please pay attention to these rules when traveling internationally so you don't stumble upon unexpected complications!

For instance, be sure to pay attention to whether the three month validity rule is calculated based on your date of entry or anticipated date of departure from your desitnation country.

As of 2023, the countries listed below have a 3-month validity rule for U.S. passport holders:

Traveling to Countries with a 3-Month Rule: Tips and Advice

a family walking through an airport together with passports

When it comes to passport validity, researching the passport requirements and regulations of each destination country is key to a successful trip.

Check your passport expiration date

Check if you need a visa.

Certain countries might require a travel visa while others allow you to enter without one. Visas are issued based on why you are traveling (e.g. tourism, school , work , business , etc.). The types and lengths of each visa is determined by each country's bilateral agreements with the United States.

Like passports, visas can take time to acquire, so make sure any permits are obtained well in advance of your trip. Even though some countries offer visas on arrival , there can be issues if you are relying on this type of service.

Be prepared for emergency situations.

Even if you plan on a short trip to a destination with a low (or no) validity rules, you want to be sure you are covered in case you have to stay longer due to a medical or personal emergency. Should you need to travel internationally in a hurry, you want to be sure your passport allows you to take the most direct and efficient route without having to worry about whether your passport has enough months remaining before it expires.

As a rule, it is wise to prepare yourself before any trips by having contingency plans ready just in case anything unpredicted may occur during your trip abroad. There is a chance an unexpected emergency may require you to travel to or through a country with a three or six month validity rule. If your passport has plenty of validity left, this is something you won't have to worry about.

In case of an emergency abroad, such as a lost or stolen passport , you should contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for help. You will not be able to continue your travels without a passport-no matter what the validity rules are for the countries you need to travel to or through.

Based on over 20 years of helping readers with their passport related questions, our best advice is to maintain a valid passport with at least 9 months of validity or more. When your passport gets within a year of its expiration date, don't delay; renew it!

How to Renew Your Passport and Reset Your Passport Validity

Again, if you plan to travel internationally and your passport will not be valid for three months or more, don't wait. Renew your passport as soon as possible. This will ensure you have access to any country that allows American travelers-even if it has a three or six month validity requirement.

To get yourself a new or renewed passport, you need to send an application form along with the required supporting documentation , current passport photos , and pay the passport application fees .

It should be taken into account that the time needed for this renewal process may vary, so making sure everything's in order beforehand can help avoid issues during travel plans. Currently, the time to process a passport application is 6 to 8 weeks . An expedited application will be processed in 2 to 3 weeks .

Be sure to take into account these current processing times for renewal applications before planning any international trips. Also be advised that you will need to submit your current passport as part of the passport renewal process. This means you will not be able to travel internationally until your renewed passport arrives.

Visit our complete guide to renewing a U.S. passport for step-by-step instructions for how to get your passport renewed and our best tips for speeding up the process.

Expedited Passport Services

For those who require a new passport or need to renew theirs in a hurry, expedited services are available. Choosing expedited passport renewal on your application can save you several weeks of waiting for your new travel document, but it may not be fast enough for your needs.

For a faster passport renewal, you can try to make an appointment at one of the 26 regional processing agencies across the U.S. Know that you will need to demonstrate a need to travel internationally within 14 days. This option also includes several additional costs that must be considered.

The fastest and most efficient way to get a passport renewed is through a passport expediting service . These professionals use their expertise and experience to get you a passport faster than you likely can on your own. While they charge a fee for their services, these fees are often much less than what it costs to travel to a regional passport agency on your own and potentially wait days for your new passport to be issued.

Should you opt to go this route, consult our directory of top passport expediters .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i travel with less than 3 months on my passport.

When planning any international travel, it is important to ensure that your passport will be valid for the duration of your trip and beyond. You should have at least three months remaining on your passport before going abroad. Many countries may require a validity period of six months or more.

Most airlines refuse boarding if you don't meet this requirement, so make sure you check in advance! To avoid issues while traveling overseas. For maximum travel flexibility, make certain that there's still enough time left on your passport by checking that it is valid for at least six months after departure dates from each destination on your itinerary.

Can I travel with 2 months on my passport?

Most countries require that your passport remain valid for a minimum of either three or six months beyond the duration of your trip. If you are planning to travel to one of these locations, you can't travel with only two months left. You likely will not even be able to board your international flight as most airlines deny boarding if relevant passport requirements for the destination country are not met.

To make sure that you are able to have a secure and safe journey, be certain to check all details in advance like dates or other information about any passports used before taking off.

However, some countries require only that your passport is valid upon entry. For peace of mind, always be sure your passport has enough extra validity remaining to account for any potential emergencies or disruptions to your travel plans.

Can I travel to Mexico if my passport expires in 3 months?

As long as your passport is still valid for the duration of the trip, you may go to Mexico even if it's expiring in three months. Mexican travel regulations don't mandate any minimum validity period for passports.

Can I travel to Canada if my passport expires in 3 months?

You can go to Canada as long as you have a valid passport during your stay-even if it's expiring in three months. Canadian travel requirements do not have any minimum validity period for U.S. passport holders.

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Best Countries for Studying Abroad

Here are the best countries for studying abroad in 2023, united kingdom, united states.

(Frank Bienewald | LightRocket

The Top Countries for Studying Abroad

Studying outside of one’s home country can offer benefits ranging from expanding cultural knowledge and improving language skills to boosting a resume and setting the stage for a potential career overseas.

[ SEE: The 25 Best Countries in the World ]

A companion to the overall 2023 Best Countries rankings from U.S. News, the 2023 Best Countries to Study Abroad rankings are drawn from a global survey of more than 17,000 people and highlight countries according to how they are perceived among 6,950 respondents age 35 and under. The list is based specifically on how respondents viewed various countries in light of whether they are culturally accessible , fun and have many cultural attractions , as well as whether they would consider attending university there and if they believe the country has top-quality universities.

See the countries considered the best for studying abroad below.

Want to Know More?

The 2023 Best Countries rankings , formed in partnership with global marketing and communications services company WPP and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, are based on a study that surveyed more than 17,000 global citizens to assess perceptions of 87 countries using 73 different attributes. Learn more here .

Study Abroad Rankings

#2 out of 85 in 2022

The United Kingdom is a highly developed nation that exerts considerable international economic, political, scientific and cultural influence. Located off the northwest corner of Europe, the country includes the island of Great Britain – which contains England, Scotland and Wales – and the northern portion of the island of Ireland . The country’s role on the global stage faces new questions as the nation withdrew from the European Union. , as well as the policies supporting the eurozone .

GDP PC, PPP

Gdp per capita, ppp.

#1 out of 85 in 2022

The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world’s most dominant economic and military power. Likewise, its cultural imprint spans the world, led in large part by its popular culture expressed in music, movies and television.

#4 out of 85 in 2022

Italy is a south-central European country, whose boot-shaped borders extend into the Mediterranean Sea. The country’s historical cities, world-renowned cuisine and geographic beauty make it a popular destination for more than 40 million tourists each year. The nation is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, and houses two countries within its borders – the Vatican and San Marino.

#3 out of 85 in 2022

It is difficult to overstate the influence France has on the world, both in the past and today. Located in Western Europe, France is one of the world’s oldest countries, and its reach extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and perhaps above all, culture. Starting in the Middle Ages, France evolved through kingdom, empire and finally, into a republic. It was one of the first nations to champion the rights of the individual.

#6 out of 85 in 2022

Japan, one of the world’s most literate and technically advanced nations, is an East Asian country made up of four main islands. While most of Japan is covered by mountains and heavily wooded areas, the country’s roughly 126 million people lead a distinctly urban lifestyle. Long culturally influenced by its neighbors, today the country blends its ancient traditions with aspects of Western life.

#5 out of 85 in 2022

A number of independent kingdoms united in 1492 to form the Kingdom of Spain, a cultural patchwork that continues to shape the modern nation’s dynamic identity. Spain comprises much of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal on the southwestern edge of Europe. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and two enclaves in North Africa.

No Change in Rank from 2022

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent, making it the second-largest country in the world after Russia . The country is sparsely populated, with most of its 35.5 million residents living within 125 miles of the U.S. border. Canada’s expansive wilderness to the north plays a large role in Canadian identity, as does the country’s reputation of welcoming immigrants.

#11 out of 85 in 2022

Located in southeastern Europe, Greece as an independent nation is young, existing since the 19th century. Its civilization, however, is one of history’s oldest and most influential, credited with creating the concept of democracy as well as the ancient Olympic Games, and laying Western foundations in science, the arts and philosophy.

#8 out of 85 in 2022

Germany, the most populous nation in the European Union, possesses one of the largest economies in the world and has seen its role in the international community grow steadily since reunification. The Central European country borders nine nations, and its landscape varies, from the northern plains that reach to the North and Baltic seas to the Bavarian Alps in the south.

#13 out of 85 in 2022

Occupying half of South America’s land mass, Brazil is the giant of the continent – both in size and in population. Brazil’s history is filled with economic turmoil, veering from boom to bust, and its culture is a melting pot that has traditionally welcomed the world. Brazil is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. However, the country in the 21st century confronts serious questions touching on poverty, inequality, governance and the environment.

#9 out of 85 in 2022

The Commonwealth of Australia occupies the Australian continent. The country also includes some islands, most notably Tasmania. Indigenous people occupied the land for at least 40,000 years before the first British settlements of the 18th century.

#10 out of 85 in 2022

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on its West and the Gulf of Mexico to its East, Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin America and has the second-largest economy. The nation is one of contrasts, with terrain encompassing arid lands and Caribbean coastlines and a society that has extremes of wealth and poverty. Once home of the Maya, Aztec and other ancient civilizations, Mexico was ruled by Spain starting in the early 16th century. Administered by Spain for three centuries, the country achieved independence early in the 19th century, first as a short-lived empire and then as a republic in 1824.

Switzerland

#18 out of 85 in 2022

Switzerland, officially called the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. It is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and has been well-known for centuries for its neutrality.

Netherlands

#15 out of 85 in 2022

Situated along the fringes of Western Europe, the Netherlands is a coastal lowland freckled with windmills characteristic of its development around the water. Three major European rivers - the Rhine, Meuse and Schelde - run through neighbors Germany and Belgium into the nation’s busy ports.

#12 out of 85 in 2022

Egypt, with vast swaths of desert in its east and west and the rich Nile River Valley at its heart, is site to one of the world’s earliest and greatest civilizations. Its location at the northeast corner of Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea has made it a cultural and trading center. But its location has also made it a prize to claim by empires and put it at the center of social and religious movements.

New Zealand

#17 out of 85 in 2022

British and Polynesian influences course through picturesque New Zealand, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean southeast of Australia . Early Maori settlers ceded sovereignty to British invaders with the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, and European settlers flooded in. Today, 70 percent of Kiwis, a common term for the people of New Zealand after a native flightless bird, are of European descent. A sense of pride has surged among the Maori, the country’s first settlers who now account for about 14 percent, as homeland grievances become more openly addressed.

#16 out of 85 in 2022

Thailand, which translates to “land of the free,” is the only Southeast Asian nation that did not encounter European colonization. Located just above the equator, the nation is wedged into the Indochina peninsula with neighbors Myanmar , Laos and Cambodia and has an arm that extends out to Malaysia .

#14 out of 85 in 2022

Founded in 1923, Turkey is home to a unique intersection of culture as the nation bridges Asia with Europe. The country is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, though influences of bygone Roman and Byzantine rule pepper the streets and skyline. Extravagant mosques and cathedrals can both be found within blocks of the Grand Bazaar in the city of Istanbul, home to 14 million people. Religious identity is an important part of Turkey’s evolution. For more than a decade, power struggles between a military-backed secular government and an increasingly popular religious movement have raised concerns about government stability.

#25 out of 85 in 2022

Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean on the edge of the Iberian Peninsula and flanked by Spain to the east, Portugal is a nation with its gaze turned outward. Its history is steeped in discovery and exploration, beginning with early leaders that, after ousting Celtic and Moorish settlers in the 12th century, focused on building their kingdom beyond continental borders.

#19 out of 85 in 2022

Founded as a British trading colony in the 19th century, Singapore is a bustling metropolis in Southeast Asia and home to one of the world’s busiest ports. The vast majority of its 5.7 million citizens live on the eponymous capital island, and dozens of surrounding islands complete the city state. Gross domestic product per capita is high and unemployment is low, making Singapore one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

South Korea

#22 out of 85 in 2022

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a nation in eastern Asia that occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula and has a long history of conflict. Liberated from Japan in 1945 at the end of World War II, South Korea was invaded by communist forces in North Korea several years later. Aid from the United Nations helped end the three-year war and support the south on its path to democracy. A critical divide between the two nations along the center of the peninsula remains.

#23 out of 85 in 2022

Home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China has been ruled by the Communist Party since 1949, when the nation was established as the People’s Republic of China. The country is the world’s most populous and is considered the second-largest by land mass.

South Africa

#33 out of 85 in 2022

South Africa is located on the southern tip of Africa, with coastlines on both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Africa’s third-largest economy behind Nigeria and Egypt , South Africa draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year eager to see its impressive terrain, wildlife and cultural diversity. Although South Africa has come a long way since the end of apartheid in 1994, it remains a country of vast inequality and high crime. While the country is dotted with world-class dining, trendy shops, sprawling vineyards and upscale safari lodges, townships lacking basic infrastructure are often only a short distance away.

#21 out of 85 in 2022

Located in Southeast Asia, India sits on a peninsula that extends between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The country, the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, is the world’s second most-populous nation after China , and has roughly one-sixth of the world’s population. After years of nonviolent struggle against British rule, India gained its independence in 1947.

#20 out of 85 in 2022

The Republic of Ireland is an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, separated from Britain on the east by the Irish Sea. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for its well-watered grasslands, the country is known for its rich cultural traditions, lively pub scene and its struggles for independence. The country comprises five-sixths of the island of Ireland – the remaining sixth is Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom . After a bloody fight for independence and civil war in the early 20th century, Ireland became a republic in 1949.

#30 out of 85 in 2022

The Kingdom of Denmark emerged in the 10th century and includes two North Atlantic island nations, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Along with Sweden and Norway, it forms Scandinavia, a cultural region in Northern Europe.

#31 out of 85 in 2022

The Kingdom of Morocco is a Muslim country in western North Africa, with coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Just an hour ferry ride from Spain , the country has a unique mix of Arab, Berber, African and European cultural influences. Unlike many of its neighbors, Morocco remained independent for much of its history. Once part of the Roman Empire, the country was ruled by a series of kingdoms after the Arab conquest of the late seventh century. Morocco thwarted attempts at Turkish and European control until the country became a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, when it gained independence.

#24 out of 85 in 2022

The Kingdom of Sweden, flanked by Norway to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east, expands across much of the Scandinavian Peninsula and is one of the largest countries in the European Union by land mass. Capital city Stockholm was claimed in the 16th century, and border disputes through the Middle Ages established the modern-day nation.

#26 out of 85 in 2022

Austria a culturally rich, high-income parliamentary democracy that hosts several key international organizations. Located in the heart of Central Europe, the modern Austrian state was shaped by the two world wars of the 20th century.

#27 out of 85 in 2022

Argentina, the birthplace of tango, has experienced its share of tragedy and hardship since it became an independent nation in the early 19th century. During the 20th century, Argentina tilted between democracy and authoritarian rule, marked by the 1976-1983 “Dirty War” launched against political opponents of the country’s military government. Democracy returned to Argentina in 1983. The overwhelming majority of its citizens are ethnically European or partially European, reflecting the country’s 16th-century Spanish colonization and the waves of 19th and early 20th century immigration that flowed from Europe – particularly Spain and Italy .

#36 out of 85 in 2022

Made up of a chain of thousands of islands between Asia and Australia, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state and the world’s biggest Muslim-majority nation. Indonesia’s people are diverse, speaking more than 300 languages and ranging from cosmopolitan urbanites to rural villagers. There are hundreds of volcanoes in Indonesia, the most famous of which is Krakatoa, whose explosion in 1883 was one of the most catastrophic in history. Hindu-Buddhist and Muslim kingdoms existed before the arrival of the Dutch , who colonized the archipelago but ceded independence to the country after an occasionally violent struggle in 1949. From 1967 until 1988, President Suharto ruled Indonesia with an iron hand. Free and fair elections took place in 1999, after rioting toppled his dictatorship.

United Arab Emirates

#34 out of 85 in 2022

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is a federation of seven emirates on the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula. The country, wedged between between Oman and Saudi Arabia , has rocky desert, wetlands, waterless mountains and coastlines that stretch along the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The emirates that currently comprise the UAE were known as the Trucial States in the 19th century as a result of a series of agreements with Great Britain. In 1971, six of these states merged to form the UAE; a seventh joined in 1972.

#28 out of 85 in 2022

The Kingdom of Belgium is a small, highly developed and urbanized country in Western Europe bordered by the Netherlands , Germany , Luxembourg , France and the North Sea. The nation known for beer, chocolate and castles features Dutch, French and German as official languages.

#32 out of 85 in 2022

Located in two separate regions in the South China Sea, Malaysia is a small country with a fast-growing economy. Once a British colony, the country is home to about 29 million people , many of whom live in or near the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Located on an ocean trade route, Malaysia came under the influence of China , India , the Middle East and eventually Great Britain in the late 18th century. The Federation of Malaysia was formed in 1948 by the unification of former British-ruled territories along the Malay Peninsula. In 1963, the former British colonies of Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak, joined the Federation, thereafter known simply as Malaysia.

Philippines

#41 out of 85 in 2022

Thousands of islands in the South China Sea comprise the tropical nation of the Philippines. The land of beautiful beaches and abundant biodiversity has long been plagued by political instability, but its resilient economy continues to improve and push ahead of others in the region. The Republic of the Philippines claimed independence from Japan after World War II in 1946 with assistance from the United States , which had exercised colonial rule over the nation earlier in the century. American influence and ties remain prevalent in the Filipino society, although the relationship has become more strained since the 2016 election of President Rodrigo Duterte.

#29 out of 85 in 2022

The Kingdom of Norway is the westernmost country in the Scandinavian peninsula , made up mostly of mountainous terrain. Nearly all of its population lives in the south, surrounding the capital, Oslo. Norway’s coastline is made up of thousands of miles of fjords, bays and island shores. The Norwegians developed a maritime culture, and were active throughout the Viking era, establishing settlements in Iceland and Greenland.

#39 out of 85 in 2022

Poland is a medium-sized nation located in central Europe with a history and culture shaped by a millennium of conflict across the European continent. The Christian Kingdom of Poland was formally created in 1025 and by the mid-16th century the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth was one of the largest countries on the continent. Partitioned by neighboring countries in the late 18th century, Poland briefly regained its independence following World War I. Nazi Germany and the former Soviet Union invaded the country in 1939, marking the beginning of World War II.

#53 out of 85 in 2022

Qatar is located on a small desert peninsula that extends northward into the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar became subject to the Islamic caliphate after the rise of Islam in 628 A.D. and was subsequently ruled by a number of local and foreign powers. Once a poor British protectorate, the small nation became an independent state in 1971 . Now rich in oil and natural gas, Qatar is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Just over half of the country’s gross domestic product is comprised of manufacturing, construction and financial services, which has helped the country weather the global decline in oil prices in recent years.

#35 out of 85 in 2022

Geography defines the history and culture of Nordic Finland, one of the most northern-reaching countries in the world. Bordered by Scandinavia, Russia , the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia, Finland and its vast stretches of heavily forested open land acts as a northern gate between West and East.

#44 out of 85 in 2022

Colombia is located in the northwest corner of South America and is the continent’s most populous Spanish-speaking nation. Roughly twice the geographic size of France , Colombia is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, as well as Panama , Venezuela, Brazil , Peru and Ecuador. Colombia won independence from Spain in the early 19th century, and was one of three countries that formed out of the 19th-century collapse of Gran Colombia – the other two nations being Ecuador and Venezuela. Today the country is a democratic republic with universal suffrage, with separate executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government.

#37 out of 85 in 2022

Located in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica has been one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Central America since its birth in the 19th century The nation compares favorably to its regional neighbors in areas of human development, and it has used its landscapes of jungles, forests and coastlines to develop an international reputation for ecotourism . Costa Rica’s constitution was adopted in 1949, and has since been amended to declare the nation as multicultural and multiethnic.

Saudi Arabia

#38 out of 85 in 2022

Saudi Arabia is the giant of the Middle East, with both the vast majority of land and wealth of the Arabian Peninsula falling within its borders. Millions of devout Muslims from around the world participate in a pilgrimage to Mecca each year, believed to be the birthplace of the Muslim prophet Mohammed and the cradle of Islam. A fierce religious identity dominates the Sunni-majority nation, with principles of the Koran, conservative Sunni teachings known as Wahhabism and strict Islamic Shariah law present in all aspects of life.

Croatia has found itself at the crossroads of major historical movements, both East and West. These political shifts have uniquely shaped its present-day borders, which curve around Bosnia and Herzegovina in central Europe and stretch along the Adriatic Sea opposite Italy. The nation’s stunning Mediterranean coastline eases into the rugged Dinaric Alps and, continuing northeast, the fertile plains of the Danube River.

#46 out of 85 in 2022

Romania is the largest of the Balkan nations, tucked between Bulgaria and Ukraine in southeastern Europe along the Black Sea. It is a jigsaw of distinct regions, each with their own history and influence. In the 1860s the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia united to form Romania and in 1877 it gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire. Transylvania, which was ruled by Austria and Hungary , was later acquired by Romania after fighting for the Allies in World War I.

#40 out of 85 in 2022

Peru is a nation whose history is as diverse as the peaks and valleys of its terrain. A strip of the Andes mountains separates a stretch of coastal plains from the dense Amazon jungle that covers more than half of the country. It is the third-largest country in South America, linking Ecuador and Chile along the west coast and bordering Colombia , Brazil and Bolivia inland. The ancient empire of the Incas was centered in Peru, leaving remnants of an expansive kingdom in its wake. A bite of the indigenous coca leaf can help to settle altitude sickness for those who climb the majestic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.

#45 out of 85 in 2022

Distance is one way to define Chile, a long, narrow country on South America’s western coastline whose dramatic landscapes may play a part in the country’s history of producing great poets. A trip from the country’s northern border with Peru to its southern tip at Cape Horn covers 2,700 miles. Chile is narrow – its widest point is just 150 miles – as its eastern border with Argentina backs up against the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, the land of merengue and baseball, occupies two-thirds of the island Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. It was the site of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, as well the first toehold for European settlement. The country’s history reflects many of the historical challenges that the rest of Latin America has faced: civil disorder, ethnic tensions, authoritarian rule and economic upheaval. The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy, with a multi-party political system and traditional separations of government power falling on executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Not Ranked in 2022

The Republic of Cyprus is an island nation located south of Turkey near the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean.

#52 out of 85 in 2022

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a small, young country located on land of ancient biblical significance. The country is one of the most liberal in the region and also has one of the smallest economies, as it lacks the natural resources enjoyed by many of its neighbors. Under the rule of the Ottoman Empire until 1918 and later a mandate of the United Kingdom , Jordan became an independent kingdom in 1946. The country lost the West Bank and East Jerusalem to Israel in the war of 1967. Years later the country joined Egypt in becoming one of the two Arab nations to make peace with Israel.

#51 out of 85 in 2022

The Czech Republic may have been born in 1993, but the nation’s history goes back more than 1,000 years. Its location in the heart of Central Europe has nurtured a rich culture yet provided its people with a reserve born from interference and invasions from larger powers. Perhaps due to the country’s history, the people are among the least religious in the world.

#42 out of 85 in 2022

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a landlocked country in Western Europe with Belgium to the west, France to the south and Germany to the east. The country is one of the smallest in the world, as well as one of the wealthiest. Castles and churches dot its forests and rolling hills.

#50 out of 85 in 2022

Curving along the eastern edge of the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam shares long stretches of its borders with Cambodia, Laos and the South China Sea. Occupied by the French until 1954, a communist state emerged in 1975 after the People’s Army of the north and Viet Cong guerilla fighters defeated the anti-communist south. The bitter war garnered international attention and participation, especially from the United States, at a critical juncture in the Cold War era in which communism was gaining ground on the global stage. “Doi moi” economic policy reforms beginning in 1986 have helped The Socialist Republic of Vietnam transition to a more modern, competitive nation.

#49 out of 85 in 2022

The scale of Russia is difficult to imagine. It is the world’s largest country by land mass – nearly twice as big as Canada , the world’s second-largest nation – and covers all of northern Asia and much of Eastern Europe. It shares land borders with more than a dozen countries, and shares sea borders with Japan and the United States .

#48 out of 85 in 2022

Hungary is a landlocked Central European country and a former Soviet satellite state that held its first multiparty elections in 1990. Today, the country is a parliamentary democracy with Budapest as its capital city.

#57 out of 85 in 2022

Tunisia is a small Arab country in North Africa that represents both the aspirations of freedom and struggles against terrorism that roil the region. Along with neighbors Algeria and Libya, it lines the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, a strategic location that has attracted Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks and others over the years. At the end of 2010, rising inflation and a lack of political freedom combined with high unemployment - particularly among college graduates - ignited public protests that set off the “Arab Spring” wave of demonstrations across much of the Arab World that called for greater freedoms.

#54 out of 85 in 2022

When Kenya claimed its independence from the U.K. in 1963, leaders of the newly formed republic promoted a sense of national unity using the motto “harambee,” Swahili for ‘pulling together.’ The sentiment holds true today in a country that blends the rich culture and traditions of dozens of varied groups that call it home. Scientists have called the East African nation, situated along the equator, the cradle of humankind. Some of the oldest and most complete human remains have been found along the Great Rift Valley, a volcano-lined trench that runs through western Kenya.

#62 out of 85 in 2022

Named for its proximity to the Earth’s equator, the South American nation of Ecuador is home to a more dynamic society than its straightforward name may suggest. Tremendous culture is packed within a nation a quarter the size of its neighbors, Colombia and Peru . Once part of the Inca Empire, Ecuador won independence from Spain in the early 1800s and was one of three countries that emerged from the 19th-century collapse of Gran Colombia. Its current population -- largely of mixed indigenous and European descent -- is a clear manifestation of these distinctive roots. Spanish is the official language, and Incan Quechua is used in formal intercultural relations.

Referred to as the teardrop of India, Sri Lanka sits just off the southeast coast in the Indian Ocean. Scars of a bitter civil war are fading, and an island nation rich with resources and ripe for adventure is shining through. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, previously known as Ceylon, is governed by an elected president and legislature. The young nation was born in 1948, when the early Sinhalese settlers claimed independence from the British, putting an end to a string of colonization by many countries, including Portugal , the Netherlands and India.

Uruguay spent much of the 20th century under military rule before emerging as a democratic country in 1984. The country’s origins date to the 16th century, when it was discovered by the Portuguese in 1512, but it remained in contention between Spain and Portugal until it gained independence in the 1811 Battle of Las Piedras. A series of civil wars and internal strife occupied most of the 19th century.

#70 out of 85 in 2022

The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman is located on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula at the confluence of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. The country was always of interest to foreign powers due to its strategic position for Indian Ocean trade. Controlled by the Portuguese in the 1500s and later the Persians, the country eventually formed close ties with Britain in the late 19th century, though it never became a colony. During the 1800s, Oman profited greatly from the slave trade, cultivating colonies in modern-day Kenya , Tanzania and Pakistan .

#56 out of 85 in 2022

Israel, the only Jewish nation in the world, is a small country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. For its relatively small size, the country has played a large role in global affairs . The country has a strong economy, landmarks of significance to several religions and strained relationships with many of its Arab neighbors.

#63 out of 85 in 2022

Cambodia is the smallest country by landmass on the Indochina Peninsula. Officially named the Kingdom of Cambodia, and affectionately called the Kingdom of Wonder, the country has a rich cultural history, with roots in both Buddhism and Hinduism, and is home to the largest religious monument on earth: Angkor Wat, a temple complex built in the 12th century spanning approximately 400 acres.

#60 out of 85 in 2022

Located in the southeastern corner of the Balkans, Bulgaria sits at the junction of Europe and Asia. Its location has made it susceptible to invasions in the past, but it also has provided a rich culture – the country is the birthplace of the Cyrillic script.

#55 out of 85 in 2022

Panama is a Central American nation that connects Costa Rica and South America by way of Colombia . Much of the country’s narrative is tied to a connector of another kind: the Panama Canal, a hub of global trade and transportation that joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Caribbean Sea. Construction of the canal began immediately after Panama’s secession from Colombia at the turn of the 20th century. The two nations, along with Ecuador and Venezuela initially, claimed joint independence from Spain in 1821. The massive project was financed and built by the United States in return for a claim to sovereignty over land on either side of it, effectively splitting Panama in half.

#68 out of 85 in 2022

The former Gold Coast, named for its rich deposits of the precious metal, became the Republic of Ghana in 1957 when it gained independence from British colonial rule. An ancient trade route once ran through West Africa, crossing through Ghana and neighbors Togo and Cote d’Ivoire. The discovery of gold made Ghana one of the first places in sub-Saharan Africa to attract European traders; it was also the first nation in the region to break colonial rule.

#78 out of 85 in 2022

The Republic of Cameroon is a central African country that sits on the continent’s western coast, bordered by countries such as Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria . Its youthful population of more than 29 million people is concentrated in the West and North, but the country’s capital of Yaoundé is located inland in its south-central region.

#64 out of 85 in 2022

Home to much of Mayan civilization, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America, touching Mexico ’s southern border and possessing coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Guatemalans have traveled a painful road to present-day democracy. The country won independence from Spain in the early 19th century, but civil discord and authoritarian rule has marked much of the country’s history.

#79 out of 85 in 2022

Off the east coast of Saudi Arabia, a collection of a few dozen small islands comprise Bahrain. It is one of seven Arab states that border the Persian Gulf and, with the exception of Iraq, belong to the Gulf Cooperation Council, a political and economic union in the region.

#73 out of 85 in 2022

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe with dramatic landscapes dominated by mountains, valleys and caves that form part of the Western Carpathians.

#69 out of 85 in 2022

Lebanon is a Levantine country in the northern Arabian Peninsula, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and bordered by Syria to its north and east, and Israel to its south. Its location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe gave birth to early kingdoms and has put it in the center of political and religious upheavals throughout history.

#67 out of 85 in 2022

Slovenia is a small country located in southern Central Europe, bordered by Croatia , Hungary , Austria , Italy and the Adriatic Sea. Slovenia had been ruled by many larger states dating to the Roman Empire and later the Habsburgs of Austria. Following World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Slovenia achieved self-determination, eventually merging with Croatia and Serbia to first form a Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After World War II, Slovenia was part of a reformed socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. It declared independence in 1991 from the former Yugoslavia and today the country has a parliamentary democracy form of government.

The Republic of Zimbabwe sits just above South Africa and below Zambia in the southeast corner of the African continent. After decades of colonial and company rule by Great Britain and British mining interests – during which the territory was known as Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia – the country now known as Zimbabwe gained its independence from the United Kingdom in April 1980, after a brutal and protracted civil war.

El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America by area, and one of the most densely populated, according to estimates from the World Bank . The country is bordered by Guatemala to the northwest, Honduras to the northeast and faces the Pacific Ocean to the south.

#72 out of 85 in 2022

Nestled against the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 following an eight-year war. It is the largest nation by area in Africa and the Arab world, and most of the country is covered by desert.

#65 out of 85 in 2022

Estonia is a small country in Northern Europe bordered by giant Russia to the east, Latvia to the south, the Baltic Sea to the west and the Gulf of Finland to the north. The country’s territory includes a mainland and more than 2,000 islands.

#82 out of 85 in 2022

Azerbaijan is a small nation located in the Caucasus region, straddling Europe and Asia. Situated at a geographic crossroads, the land was ruled by many empires before it first became a democratic republic in 1918, following World War I. Just two years later, however, it was absorbed into the Soviet Union. In 1991 Azerbaijan emerged as an independent republic following the Soviet collapse.

#76 out of 85 in 2022

On the edge of eastern Europe, Latvia sits nestled between Estonia and Lithuania. The trio form the Baltic states and share roots in early tribal settlers as well as similarly strategic locations along the Baltic Sea that have led to various coinciding conquests of their land throughout history. Latvia is among the larger European countries in terms of landmass, but low population density has allowed more than half of the country’s geography to remain as natural ecosystems. There is great geographic diversity within the country’s borders, too, from Ventas Rumba, Europe’s widest waterfall, to the towering pines of Gauja National Park and the crystalline Baltic waters along the resort town of Jurmala.

Honduras – its name derived from the Spanish word for “depths” – is a coastal country in Central America bordering the Caribbean Sea. It was part of the Spanish empire from the 1500s until 1821, and became an independent republic in 1838.

#77 out of 85 in 2022

The history of Myanmar, also known as Burma, is marked by ethnic violence and widespread impoverishment as it has convulsed between democratic freedom and brutal authoritarian rule. The country, a medium-sized nation in Southeast Asia that borders Bangladesh, India , China , Laos and Thailand , is populated by several ethnic groups, with the Burmese dominating the population, politics, economy and society.

#75 out of 85 in 2022

The largest and most populous of the three Baltic nations, Lithuania is located along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered by Latvia , Belarus , Poland and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

#71 out of 85 in 2022

Serbia is a small country in central-southeast Europe whose history is a timeline of European wars dating to the Middle Ages. Contemporary Serbia reflects the ambiguities and contradictions of modern Europe – culturally rich, comparatively developed economically yet driven by regional rivalries and ethnic tensions.

#81 out of 85 in 2022

Carved out of Russia’s east border, Belarus sits among a group of post-Soviet states in East Europe to the north of Ukraine. The nation claimed its independence in 1991 after seven decades under the USSR. Though landlocked, more than 11,000 lakes and ancient, enchanting woodlands cover the flat landscape. Despite operating under an autonomous government, Belarus maintains extremely close political and economic ties with Russia . Isolationist trade policies are fueled by priority access to cheap oil from Russia, a relationship that has been called into question more than once in the last decade.

#66 out of 85 in 2022

Ukraine, a nation whose history has experienced long periods of occupation from other countries, today wrestles between war and peace, as well as between corruption and reform. The nation borders the Black and Azov seas to the south and abuts several Eastern European nations, including Russia . Ukraine declared independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Its president is directly elected by voters. The prime minister is the head of the central government , which is separated along executive, legislative and judicial branches.

#74 out of 85 in 2022

The People's Republic of Bangladesh is a densely populated South Asian country bordered by India and Myanmar. It has the eighth-largest population in the world, with about 60% of its people living in rural areas. Dhaka is the country’s capital.

#83 out of 85 in 2022

Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, is located mostly in Central Asia, with a small section in easternmost Europe. The country has the largest economy in the region, fueled mostly by its vast natural resources. Present day Kazakhstan was part of various empires throughout the centuries, including the Mongols in the 13th and 14th centuries. The area came under Russian control in the 18th century and became a Soviet Republic in 1936. In 1991, it was the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence after the fall of the Soviet Union.

#85 out of 85 in 2022

Uzbekistan is the geographic center of Central Asia, sandwiched between five countries and featuring a mostly desert climate. The country has been independent since the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 and has since developed a diverse economy built upon agricultural production and a growing mineral and petroleum export capacity. Its government is a presidential republic that is described as “highly authoritarian,” according to Western governments including the U.S., as well as international rights groups.

#84 out of 85 in 2022

Iran, once the heart of the great Persian Empire, sits in southwestern Asia, bordered to its east by Afghanistan and to its west by Iraq. Iran has one of the largest economies in the Middle East and one of the largest populations, with about 86 million people .

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15 Countries the U.S. Government Labels as High-Risk Destination

Posted: May 3, 2024 | Last updated: May 3, 2024

<p>The immigration policies of the United States are prone to alterations on a constant basis. Successfully managing the legal facets of immigration, such as visa applications and potential policy adjustments, demands thorough thought and strategic preparation.</p> <p>For instance, consider a prospective international student aiming to pursue a graduate degree in the United States. They must not only comprehend the visa application process but also stay updated on any policy modifications that could affect their ability to study in the country or finding a job.</p>

While traveling abroad is generally easier for American passport holders, there are a few nations where it can be more difficult. The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories to guide citizens, as some destinations require extra caution. In this article, we will focus on countries with the most severe advisory: “Do Not Travel” (Level 4).

<p>American tourists are not welcome in Iraq due to security risks, historical tensions, and ongoing conflicts. The relationship between the United States and Iraq has been strained due to historical events, including the Iraq War. The<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/iraq-travel-advisory.html" rel="noopener"> US State Department</a> explicitly advises against travel to Iraq for safety reasons. Kidnappings are a serious concern in Iraq. The US Embassy in Baghdad has limited capacity to provide support to American citizens in Iraq.</p>

The United States State Department has issued “Do Not Travel” advice for Iraq because of a volatile combination of civil upheaval, armed conflict, kidnapping, and terrorism. The area around the Syrian and northern borders is highly dangerous. Following the conflict in Israel in October 2023, tensions have intensified even more, resulting in a rise in attacks against Iraqi military bases that house American troops. This prompted the U.S. to withdraw non-essential personnel from its Baghdad embassy.

<p>With its ancient history, architectural marvels, and breathtaking landscapes, Iran beckons travelers seeking a glimpse into a rich tapestry of culture. However, the journey to Iran is fraught with challenges and complexities for American citizens. Obtaining a visa involves meticulous planning, as Americans cannot receive a visa on arrival. Instead, they must apply through an Iranian travel agency, which takes 2 to 3 months.</p> <p>Once in Iran, travelers must be accompanied by a guide, and solo exploration is not permitted. The risk of wrongful detentions and limited consular services further adds to the intricacies of visiting this enigmatic nation.</p>

Travelers to Iran face a combination of threats, including terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. However, the situation is especially concerning for U.S. citizens. The U.S. government has no diplomatic relations with Iran, and American travelers risk “arbitrary arrest” on charges like espionage. This situation is particularly problematic for Iranian-Americans, with students, journalists, and business people all being detained in recent years. A 2023 report by Amnesty International found a significant increase in executions in Iran, with the country reaching nearly 576 deaths in 2022.

<p>CPI Score – 16</p> <p>Rank – 176</p> <p>Yemen is the Middle East’s poorest country, with a very high fertility rate, severe levels of child hunger, and rapidly depleting sources of oil and water. Yemen faces widespread corruption, poverty, and inequality. The<a href="https://carnegieendowment.org/2010/09/30/corruption-in-yemen-screening-of-destructive-beast" rel="noopener"> Carnegie Endowment for International Peace</a> says corruption is “so deep-rooted and widespread” that many people feel helpless. The crisis is worsened by the government, corrupt power groups, and many “ghost workers” who get paid but do not work.</p>

War-torn Yemen is a prime example of a country with extreme travel risks. The country faces a nightmarish combination of six of the State Department’s nine risk factors, including civil war, terrorism, kidnapping, landmines, armed conflict, and widespread disease. The U.S. warns against all travel to Yemen, highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure and the constant threat of violence. Since the U.S. embassy closed in 2015, American citizens cannot access consular assistance in case of emergencies. The situation in Yemen is further complicated by recent airstrikes conducted by the U.S. and U.K. against Houthi rebels supported by Iran.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan presents a challenging situation for travelers. The State Department warns against all travel due to widespread violence, including kidnapping, terrorism, and military operations. Wrongful detention is another major risk, particularly for U.S. citizens. The humanitarian crisis is worsening under Taliban rule, with public executions returning and women’s rights eroding. With the U.S. embassy closed and international aid halted, Afghanistan lacks even basic resources for those in need.

<p>With its rich history, vast landscapes, and enigmatic culture, Russia remains a land of intrigue. However, for American travelers, the journey here is not without challenges. The longstanding rivalry between the US and Russia dates back to the Cold War era. While tensions eased over the years, recent events, such as disagreements over Ukraine, have reignited animosity. According to a<a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-04-15/card/negative-views-of-u-s-have-surged-in-russia-since-start-of-ukraine-war-poll-finds-2QL6vu0MT5wZljNRw79j" rel="noopener"> survey</a>, 72% of Russians harbor an unfavorable opinion of Americans. Obtaining a Russian visa can be akin to solving a labyrinth. Extensive paperwork, bureaucratic hurdles, and patience are prerequisites. American tourists have occasionally faced harassment and detention by Russian authorities.</p>

The war in Ukraine has pushed Russia to a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation. U.S. citizens are at risk of harassment, arbitrary detention, and limited access to assistance due to strained relations between the U.S. and Russia. The advisory also warns of terrorism, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare throughout the country.

<p>The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance should email KyivACS@state.gov for assistance.</p> <p>The advisory recommends drafting a will, leaving DNA samples, and designate custody and funeral wishes</p>

Despite some Ukrainian victories in 2023, the country remains a “Do Not Travel” zone due to the ongoing Russian invasion. Fighting continues to pose a significant risk, with the potential for military attacks and civil unrest. Crime is also a concern. The U.S. government discourages all travel , citing the complete closure of Ukrainian airspace and the limited ability to assist U.S. citizens.

<p>CPI Score – 13</p> <p>Rank – 177</p> <p>Syria is very corrupt, with people in power using their positions for their own benefit. Syria scored a 13 on the CPI scale. This ranking placed Syria second lowest, alongside Venezuela, among the 180 countries in the Index. Destruction of essential infrastructure and loss of life, coupled with years of economic negligence, have left the<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/syrias-economic-collapse-and-its-impact-most-vulnerable" rel="noopener"> Syrian economy</a> in tatters.</p>

Syria has been ravaged by civil war for over a decade, leaving no region safe from violence. The U.S. government strongly discourages all travel due to the constant threat of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and arbitrary detention. The U.S. embassy’s closure in 2012 further highlights the lack of support for Americans in Syria.

North Korea

North Korea, ruled by a totalitarian government, remains a dangerous destination for travelers. U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, within, or through North Korea. The most serious danger for U.S. citizens is arbitrary arrest and potential long-term detention, a risk tragically highlighted by the case of American student Otto Warmbier. In July 2023, a U.S. soldier crossed the border into North Korea, becoming the first American detained there in nearly five years. Despite his eventual return to U.S. custody, the risks persist.

South Sudan

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but swiftly plunged into conflict, displacing approximately 4 million people. The State Department strongly advises against travel to South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Weapons are abundant, and travelers have fallen victim to sexual assault and armed robbery. Meanwhile, neighboring Sudan faces its own challenges, which include civil unrest, terrorism, and violence along its borders with Chad and South Sudan.

<p>In 2021, Myanmar experienced significant political conflicts that constrained relationships with various countries, including the United States. The United States Travel Advisory advises its citizens not to travel to Myanmar due to the ongoing civil unrest, risks of wrongful detention, violence, and inadequate health care following a military coup in February 2021.</p> <p>There is a scare of illegal detention alongside landmines that you can find anywhere.</p>

Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar (Burma) is another “Do Not Travel” zone for Americans. The country has been grappling with armed conflict and civil unrest since a military coup in early 2021. The U.S. State Department highlights significant risks of protests, military actions, wrongful detention, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Travelers are urged to exercise increased caution due to the presence of land mines and unexploded ordnance in certain areas.

<p>CPI Score – 13</p> <p>Rank – 177</p> <p>Venezuela is the second most corrupt country in the world, with a low score of 13 on a global index. Its government is full of corruption and crime, which affects how the country is run. Corruption is also common in the government’s deals and programs, especially drug trafficking. Venezuela has a lot of corruption in its society, which got worse after the discovery of oil here in the early 1900s. Corruption and bad management have caused severe economic problems, which are part of the crisis in Venezuela.</p>

Venezuela has been gripped by a political crisis since 2014. Travelers to this country face a litany of dangers: crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention, and inadequate health infrastructure. Violent crimes, including homicide, armed robbery, and carjacking, are alarmingly common. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas withdrew diplomatic personnel in 2019.

<p>Avoid traveling to Libya due to the significant risks posed by crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Terrorist organizations are actively planning attacks in the country, and violent extremist activity remains prevalent. Extremist groups have issued threats targeting both US government officials and citizens.</p> <p>The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency or routine assistance to U.S. citizens in Libya, as the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli suspended its operations in July 2014.</p>

After the end of its dictatorship, Libya has been embroiled in internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. U.S. citizens have been targeted for kidnapping by terrorists. Hotels and airports frequented by Westerners are particularly vulnerable. Militias or armed groups sometimes detain travelers arbitrarily, denying them legal rights and communication. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli closed in 2014, leaving American citizens without official assistance. So, it’s best to avoid travel to Libya.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, a West African nation, is a dangerous destination for U.S. travelers due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. The State Department warns of potential attacks targeting public places and emphasizes the risk of abduction throughout the country. In late 2023, clashes between security forces and rebels near the Mali border resulted in hundreds of deaths. Over 2 million people were displaced due to violence linked to extremist groups. The U.S. government’s limited ability to assist citizens in Burkina Faso adds another layer of concern.

<p>CPI Score – 11</p> <p>Rank – 180</p> <p>According to Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index, Somalia is the most corrupt country in the world. While its position remains the same as last year, its score decreased from 12 to 11 in 2023. Somalia has been in turmoil for over 30 years, and corruption is out of control. The country has suffered from wars, state failure, and insecurity, making it easy for corruption to grow.</p>

The U.S. State Department strongly advises against travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy. A recent drought-related famine has brought the general instability to light. The abduction of passengers from a U.N. helicopter in January 2024 exemplifies the constant threat posed by extremist groups.

<p>Belarus is on the “Do Not Travel” list for Americans due to its proximity to the war in Ukraine and its support for Russia’s military actions. The U.S. State Department warns of the dangers of arbitrary arrest, potential civil unrest, and the limited ability of the U.S. embassy (closed since February 2022) to assist Americans in Belarus. The presence of a large Russian military force adds another layer of tension and risk.</p>

Belarus is on the “Do Not Travel” list for Americans due to its proximity to the war in Ukraine and its support for Russia’s military actions. The U.S. State Department warns of the dangers of arbitrary arrest, potential civil unrest, and the limited ability of the U.S. embassy (closed since February 2022) to assist Americans in Belarus. The presence of a large Russian military force adds another layer of tension and risk.

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now.

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services.

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

Trinidad & Tobago
El Salvador
South Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Papua New Guinea
Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

Afghanistan
Central African Republic
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies.

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

Don't travel alone.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep a low profile.
Try not to be flashy.
Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

More From Forbes

The best places to travel, according to a ranking of where people want to visit again.

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An amazing part of traveling is discovering a new place, but there’s something special about returning to a beloved destination—which also speaks volumes about what makes a place stand out as one of the best.

So what are the places travelers want to return to the most?

Travel insurance specialists InsureandGo recent issued a report ranking the places that travelers are most eager to revisit . To come up with this list, the researchers looked at almost 500 countries, cities and global tourist attractions, then analyzed thousands of comments on Reddit and numerous online reviews to uncover the places that hold the greatest allure for repeat visits.

“There’s no end to the experiences you can have while traveling, with so many different countries and cities around the globe just waiting to be explored,” Russell Wallace, travel insurance expert at InsureandGo, said in a release. “In some instances, however, traveling to the same place repeatedly can in fact, provide a richer experience. Bringing with it a deeper understanding of a destination, along with local insights and maybe even discovering some hidden gems.”

A spring view of Fujiyoshida and Mt. Fuji in Japan, the country that travelers want to visit most.

Topping the list of countries that travelers yearn to revisit is Japan, which is renowned for its rich culture and diverse offerings. With an impressive 324 mentions on Reddit discussions alone, Japan has clearly enchanted visitors with its captivating blend of tradition and modernity, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto.

Following closely behind Japan are Italy and Spain, two perennial favorites among globetrotters. With 294 and 209 mentions respectively, these Mediterranean gems captivate visitors with their culinary delights, stunning coastlines and architectural wonders.

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When it comes to cities, London—with its iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London—reigns supreme as the ultimate destination for repeat visits. Rounding out the top five on the list: Paris, Barcelona and New York City (a tie), then Rome.

When it comes to tourist attractions, Dollywood was named the place travelers want to return to most. Set in the heart of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, this theme park—partly owned by the legendary Dolly Parton—delights visitors with its unique blend of entertainment, nostalgia and Southern hospitality. Disneyland in California came in at number two. A number of locations tied for the fifth spot on the list, including Yosemite National Park, England’s Blenheim Palace and Tokyo Disneyland.

Read on for the lists of the places people want to return to; you can find more lists—including the top 50 tourist attractions in the full report .

Japan was named the country people want to return to most. Pictured here: the historic Higashiyama ... [+] district in Kyoto.

Top 10 Countries People Most Want To Return To

5. Thailand

10. Germany

Union Jacks on Oxford Street in London—the city travelers want to return to most.

Top 10 Cities People Most Want To Return To

1 . London, England

2 . Paris, France

3 . Barcelona, Spain (tie)

3 . New York City (tie)

5. Rome, Italy

6. Tokyo, Japan

7. Amsterdam, Netherlands

8. Berlin, Germany

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

10. Mexico City, Mexico

Dollywood sign near the entrance to the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Top 10 Global Attractions People Most Want To Return To

1. Dollywood - Tennessee

2. Disneyland Park - California

3. Stone Mountain Park - Atlanta

4. Warner Bros Studio Tour - London

5. Blenheim Palace - Oxfordshire, U.K. (tie)

5. Busch Gardens - Florida (tie)

5. Crazy Horse Memorial - South Dakota (tie)

5. Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona (tie)

5. Hampton Court Palace - London, U.K. (tie)

5. Tokyo Disneyland - Tokyo, Japan (tie)

5. Universal Studios Florida - Florida (tie)

5. Yosemite National Park - California (tie)

12 Key Qualities of Countries to Consider When Moving Abroad

What are you looking for in a target country.

Posted May 1, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

What Does "Self Help" Mean?
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It’s important to thoroughly research and visit the countries of interest prior to a move abroad.
Country considerations include economic and political stability, safety, cost of living, and climate.
Healthcare, education, and the country’s native language are also aspects to investigate.

This is Part 2 of a series on moving abroad. Read Part 1 here.

Have you (and your family unit) now decided that you want to explore potential country options for a move abroad? Perhaps you have determined that you are not satisfied or peaceful with life in your current country and are concerned about that dissatisfaction increasing in the future; reasons for a move abroad vary by individual and family unit. Even 10 years ago, a full one-third of Americans claimed an aspiration to move abroad , and this was prior to many of the political upheavals that have occurred in the past decade.

I’m a psychologist who has lived in various countries and am writing this series of blogs on moving abroad to assist those who are considering this option. This blog series can provide information that may not be provided in guidebooks.

The decision to expatriate (move to another country) can be a complicated journey, but may generally follow a process in which expatriation motivations are formed, evaluated, and eventually a decision is made. Whether you are in the early or more advanced stages of the process, there are several basic country qualities and considerations regarding the selection of a move country.

First on the “to-do” list will be to make sure you (and the moving family members) each have a current and valid passport. Concurrently, the process of exploration regarding potential move countries may begin.

Research the country of interest

In this exploration period you will want to extensively research the country or countries of interest, including reading informative articles and books, as well as watching videos. You may also find that online groups on social media designed for expatriates (or “expats”) are quite a helpful resource. By speaking to individuals who have already experienced the move abroad along with its associated challenges, you will have access to a wealth of information prior to visiting the country.

Considerations regarding the target country or countries

There are several basic considerations you will want to explore when searching for the country that will be right for you (and your moving family).

1. Are there any countries you are considering in which you have family or friends?

If there is a country of interest where you already have family or friends, this is a huge plus and should factor into your decision. Three important points to consider:

The presence of relatives or friends in the target country translates into a much easier first exploration visit to the new nation prior to the move. For this initial visit, the loved ones can show you around, giving you an “insider’s view” and providing much essential information about the country to assist you in your decision regarding whether this is the right country for you.
Family or friends in the new country are an incredible resource. There is so much to learn: knowledge about local facilities, products, housing, and day-to-day living. An essential aspect, as well, is having a resource for learning about the similarities and differences between the country of origin and the new country.
Importantly, you will have a built-in support system if you choose to move there. Starting over in a different country means you will be leaving behind family and friends, and you’ll need tpo build a new support network in the new country, which is essential to adjustment and happiness there. Already having a support system when you arrive will make the emotional adjustment much gentler on all those involved in the move.

2. How different is the target country from your home country?

One aspect to consider is how similar or different the country is to your current country. For many people (especially newbies to international travel and those on the not-too-adventurous side), the more dissimilar the new country is to one’s current country, the more challenging may be the adjustment to the international move.

3. Political and economic stability

For most people, the political and economic stability of a country is a crucial consideration. Part of that stability is its economic steadiness. Is the country financially on an even keel, or does it have a recent history of severe ups and downs in its economy?

The target country’s political situation and stability will also be important to investigate. Additionally, consider whether the general political climate and views of the country (including whether it is rather secular or religious) generally fit with your own views. This may also vary widely within a country depending upon the region.

4. Crime and personal safety

One important consideration is personal safety and crime . Is the country’s crime focused primarily in the biggest cities, or instead is it pervasive throughout the nation? Also, find out whether the crime in the region of interest is mainly petty theft or instead violent crime. Also, some individuals may want to investigate the possibility of safe organized communities for expatriates (such as gated communities).

5. Climate, weather, and terrain

You will want to assess if the climate is somewhat similar to what you are accustomed to or whether it is vastly different. Aspects to research included temperature, humidity levels, and severe weather changes, as well as the general terrain (such as flat versus mountainous).

6. Healthcare

Healthcare is certainly an important factor in searching for a country in which to live. You will want to find out the level(s), quality, availability, and costs of medical care. This may be even more important for retirees and those with specific health conditions. Also, for those with health problems, be sure to find out if there is a clause regarding pre-existing conditions. In addition, you will want to find out before traveling to the country if there are any specific vaccinations required or suggested, including COVID testing or vaccinations.

7. Education

Those individuals with school-age (and college-age) children will be especially interested in finding out the education quality in the target country. Public vs. private schools, costs, and so forth will need to be investigated.

8. Cost of living

A nation’s cost of living is indeed an extremely important issue, and for many, this may be one of the determining factors in the country choice. Countries vary widely in cost of living and even in regions within the same country, such as urban versus rural areas. There is even a growing trend that has been termed “amenity or lifestyle migration,” meaning that a country with a lower cost of living may translate into a more comfortable lifestyle, especially for those on limited incomes.

9. The native language, lengua materna, madrelingua …

Certainly, for many people, the country’s native language will be a consideration. If the target country’s language is not your own first language, ponder your willingness to learn the nation’s mother tongue. Consider looking into online language programs and computer applications that can assist in this process.

10. Property ownership

Different countries have differing laws regarding property ownership for non-citizens; certain nations discourage it while others make property ownership quite attractive. In fact, there are countries which offer incentives for foreigners wanting to move to their nation and purchase a home or property.

For instance, due to the number of younger adults moving from rural areas of Italy to the cities, the Italian government is offering special incentives for buying a home in a rural area. For all home incentive programs, be sure to read the fine print! Also, it’s always recommended to rent in an area at least one to two years prior to buying a home to determine if it’s the right region for you.

11. First-hand experience

If you have never visited the countries of interest, there is much to learn. After thoroughly researching the nation online, it’s vital that all moving family members visit the country or countries of interest prior to the move. Of course, for those fortunate enough to have citizenship (a passport) in more than one country, this may make the decision process easier. However, most individuals will only have a passport from their current country, and thus they will need to explore potential target countries.

12. Seasoned international traveler or newbie?

Additionally, for those who are not seasoned travelers (and especially for those who have never been out of their home country), ideally you would want to visit a few different countries that might be potential moving options. It is not recommended to move to a country without first visiting it, except in the case of a dire emergency. Expect many differences between one’s current country and the new nation, many of which you won’t experience until you take a trip there.

The reality is that, to a certain extent, an international move may feel like starting over in one’s life. In some ways this can be exciting and positive, while in other ways (and depending upon the person and country), one may experience a myriad of differences that can be challenging.

This post is represents neither an endorsement nor opposition to moving abroad, but instead merely provides information for those considering this option.

Tamara Goldsby, Ph.D. , is a Clinical Research Psychologist affiliated with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and a sound healing researcher. Her goal is to bring healing to people on a large scale through her research and writing.

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