As the world begins to emerge on the other side of the pandemic crisis of the past year and a half, some of the most attractive options for living and retiring abroad are open to business.

Here are six places you could retire abroad today …

# 1: Mexico

Mexico is the most accessible retirement option abroad for Americans. Depending on where you live in the United States, you can load your car in the morning and arrive at your new home south of the border at lunchtime.

Can the Americans come in?

Yes. Americans have been able to travel to Mexico throughout the pandemic. Technically, the US-Mexico land border is closed to everything except “essential crossings,” but many report being able to cross the border without a problem.

Current entry requirements

Visitors are not required to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test, and you do not need health insurance to enter the country. You are not required to quarantine upon arrival and are free to explore upon arrival.

The only requirement is to complete a health declaration form before crossing the border.

COVID-19 security measures / rules in the field

Rules vary from state to state, but generally you must wear a mask in public areas.

Are residence visa applications currently being processed?

Yes.

# 2: Panama

Panama has imposed strict lockdowns and curfews throughout 2020, but these have largely been lifted. Today you can move around the country freely.

Can the Americans come in?

Yes, Americans can enter Panama since October 12, 2020.

Current entry requirements

Visitors must complete an online health declaration form and provide proof of subsequent travel.

You must present a certificate of negative PCR or antigen test carried out no more than 48 hours before travel.

You can also take a PCR test at the airport for US $ 50. If your test is positive at the airport, you will need to quarantine yourself at a government facility for at least seven days. After seven days you will be tested again. If your test is negative, you will be released. Otherwise, you will need to stay in quarantine for an additional seven days.

COVID-19 security measures / rules in the field

No quarantine is required if you meet the entry requirements.

You must wear a mask in public spaces and follow social distancing policies or else you may be fined or detained.

Are residence visa applications currently being processed?

Yes… but slowly.

# 3: Belize

Belize stands out as one of the best options for living and retiring abroad after the pandemic thanks to its great outdoors and natural opportunities to keep your distance from your neighbors.

Can the Americans come in?

Yes, Americans can travel to Belize since October 1, 2020.

Current entry requirements

You can meet the Belize entry requirements in one of three ways. To go through the fast lane at the airport, you can present a negative PCR test result within 96 hours of travel.

Alternatives are to perform a rapid antigen test within 48 hours of travel or to perform an airport test (for $ 50) and isolate until the results are ready.

The Belize government relaxed the requirements on May 11, 2021. Visitors no longer need to download the Belize Travel Health app prior to arrival.

Vaccinated travelers do not need to present test results to enter Belize, but must show their COVID-19 vaccination record.

COVID-19 security measures / rules in the field

If you meet the above conditions, you do not need to quarantine upon arrival. However, you must stay in “Gold Standard” accommodation. These are hotels accredited by the Belize Tourist Board. There are 228 hotels, villas and guesthouses currently accredited.

In addition, visitors should wear masks and socially distance themselves in public spaces.

Are residence visa applications currently being processed?

Yes.

# 4: Dominican Republic

One of the most affordable and diverse lifestyle options in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is working hard to gain the attention of American retirees once again.

Can the Americans come in?

Yes, since July 1, 2020.

Current entry requirements

No requirement except to complete an electronic ticket online. As of September 5, 2020, the government does not require a negative PCR test for entry.

COVID-19 security measures / rules in the field

No quarantine required, but visitors must adhere to COVID-19 security measures. Face masks and social distancing are mandatory in public spaces. There is a nationwide curfew Monday through Friday, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Are residence visa applications currently being processed?

Yes.

# 5: Croatia

Croatia in southeastern Europe, best known for its long coastline along the sparkling green Adriatic and its tumultuous 1,000-year history, is working hard to carve out a market share for foreign retirees and digital nomads.

Can the Americans come in?

Yes. Americans can travel to Croatia from April 2021. This is ahead of the EU’s schedule to change its travel policies (expected to be announced this summer), visit.

Current entry requirements

Visitors must provide proof of paid accommodation.

You must also meet one of the following conditions: present a negative PCR or antigen test carried out within 48 hours of travel, present proof of recovery from the virus (present a positive test dating from 11 to 180 days and / or a certificate recovery from a doctor) or proof of vaccination (at least 14 days must have passed since the last vaccination).

COVID-19 security measures / rules in the field

No quarantine required on arrival if you meet entry requirements. Visitors should follow COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask in stores, on public transportation, and when instructed and following social distancing guidelines.

Are residence visa applications currently being processed?

Yes.

Croatia launched a digital nomadic visa on January 1, 2021 and wants to take 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 cannot 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 gives you a residence permit for one year.

# 6: Nicaragua

Can the Americans come in?

Yes, like Mexico, Nicaragua’s borders have remained open throughout the pandemic. Nicaragua has chosen to take a laissez-faire approach to dealing with the situation.

Current entry requirements

All visitors must present a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of travel and complete an online form to be submitted at least seven days prior to entering the country.

COVID-19 security measures / rules in the field

Nothing. No businesses have been closed, and no curfews or travel restrictions have been put in place. Once in the country, you are free to move around as you see fit… without a mask.

Are residence visa applications currently being processed?

Yes. Once again, life and business continue as usual in Nicaragua