As the world begins to come out the other side of the pandemic crisis of the past year-and-a-half, some of the most appealing options for living and retiring overseas are open for business.
Here are six places where you could retire overseas today…
#1: Mexico
Mexico is an American’s most accessible retire-overseas option. Depending where you’re living in the States, you could load up your car in the morning and arrive at your new home South of the Border by dinnertime.
Can Americans enter?
Yes. Americans have been able to travel to Mexico throughout the pandemic. Technically, the U.S.-Mexico land border is closed to all but “essential crossings,” but many report being able to cross the border without problems.
Current entry requirements
Visitors are not required to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test, nor do you need health insurance to enter the country. You are not required to quarantine on arrival and are free to explore from the moment you arrive.
The only requirement is to fill out a Health Declaration Form before crossing the border.
COVID-19 safety measures/rules on the ground
The rules vary state to state, but, generally, you must wear a mask in public spaces.
Are residency visa applications currently being processed?
Yes.
#2: Panama
Panama City, Panama
Alamy.com/Roussel Photography
Panama imposed strict lockdown and curfew measures throughout 2020, but those have largely been lifted. Today you can move around the country freely.
Can Americans enter?
Yes, Americans have been able to enter Panama since Oct. 12, 2020.
Current entry requirements
Visitors need to fill out an online health declaration form and provide proof of onward travel.
You’ll need to present a negative PCR or antigen test certificate taken no more than 48 hours before travel.
You can also have a PCR test taken at the airport for US$50. If you test positive at the airport, you will need to quarantine at a government facility for at least seven days. After seven days, you’ll be tested again. If your test is negative, you will be released. If not, you’ll have to quarantine for another seven days.
COVID-19 safety measures/rules on the ground
No quarantine is required if you meet the entry requirements.
You must wear a mask in public spaces and follow social distancing policies or risk being fined or detained.
Are residency visa applications currently being processed?
Yes… but slowly.
#3: Belize
Tobacco Caye, Belize
Alamy.com/Paul Dykstra
Belize stands out as a top live- and retire-overseas option post-pandemic thanks to its wide-open spaces and natural opportunities for keeping your distance from your neighbors.
Can Americans enter?
Yes, American have been able to travel to Belize since Oct. 1, 2020.
Current entry requirements
You can meet Belize’s entry requirements in one of three ways. To go through the fast-track lane at the airport, you can present a negative PCR test result within 96 hours of travel.
The alternatives are to take a rapid antigen test within 48 hours of travel or to take a test at the airport (for a US$50 fee) and isolate until results are ready.
The Belize government eased requirements on May 11, 2021. Visitors no longer need to download the Belize Travel Health app prior to arrival.
Vaccinated travelers don’t need to present any test results to enter Belize but must show their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.
COVID-19 safety measures/rules on the ground
If you meet the above requirements, you don’t need to quarantine upon arrival. However, you must stay in a “Gold Standard” accommodation. These are hotels safety-accredited by the Belize Tourism Board. There are 228 hotels, villas, and B&Bs currently accredited.
In addition, visitors must wear masks and socially distance in public spaces.
Are residency visa applications currently being processed?
Yes.
#4: Dominican Republic
Sanoa, Dominican Republic
Alamy.com/Prisma by Dukas Presseagentur GmbH
One of the most affordable and most diverse Caribbean lifestyle options, the Dominican Republic is working hard to re-attract the attention of American retirees.
Can Americans enter?
Yes, since July 1, 2020.
Current entry requirements
No requirements except filling out an online Electronic Ticket. As of Sept. 5, 2020, the government does not require a negative PCR test for entry.
COVID-19 safety measures/rules on the ground
No quarantine required but visitors must adhere to COVID-19 safety measures. Face masks and social distancing are mandatory in public spaces. There is a nationwide curfew Monday to Friday, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Are residency visa applications currently being processed?
Yes.
#5: Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Alamy.com/Alpineguide
Croatia, in southeastern Europe, best known for its long coast along the sparkling green Adriatic and its tumultuous, 1,000-year-long history, is working hard to carve out slices of the foreign retiree and digital nomad markets.
Can Americans enter?
Yes. Americans can travel to Croatia as of April 2021. This is ahead of the EU schedule for changing its travel policies (set to be announced this summer), visit.
Current entry requirements
Visitors must provide proof of paid accommodation.
You also need to meet one of the following requirements: present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel, present proof of recovery from the virus (present a positive test that is between 11 and 180 days old and/or a certificate of recovery issued by a doctor), or proof of vaccination (at least 14 days must have elapsed from the last vaccination).
COVID-19 safety measures/rules on the ground
No quarantine required on arrival if you meet the entry requirements. Visitors must follow COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask in shops, on public transport, and when instructed and following social distancing guidelines.
Are residency visa applications currently being processed?
Yes.
Croatia launched a digital nomad visa on Jan. 1, 2021, and is keen to take advantage of this window of opportunity to attract Americans to spend time in the country.
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must be working for a foreign company (you can’t be retired or unemployed), you must have $30,000 in a personal bank account, and you must not be an EU citizen. You also need health insurance and a clean criminal record. This gets you a one-year residence permit.
#6: Nicaragua
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Alamy.com/Al Argueta
Can Americans enter?
Yes, like Mexico, Nicaragua’s borders have remained open throughout the pandemic. Nicaragua has chosen to take a laissez-faire approach to managing the situation.
Current entry requirements
All visitors must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel and fill out an online form to be submitted at least seven days before entering the country.
COVID-19 safety measures/rules on the ground
None. No businesses have been closed, and no curfews or travel restrictions have implemented. Once in the country, you’re free to roam as you’d like… mask-free.
Are residency visa applications currently being processed?
Yes. Again, life and business continue as usual in Nicaragua