Best Digital Nomad Destinations 2021: COVID Edition

Last Updated on 13 June 2023 by Brittany

It’s been challenging for digital nomad destinations in 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic taking the world hostage. As borders slowly reopen, digital nomads have been itching to discover a new destination. 

You’re probably aware of the top digital nomad destinations like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Vietnam, but these borders are still closed as of early July 2021. So, where does that leave us as more and more countries introduce digital nomad visas? We’ve spent months staring at maps and researching where we can go still to get a grasp of our digital nomad lifestyle. 

To help you continue with your dream lifestyle and keep traveling the world as we hopefully come to an end of this life-changing pandemic, we’ve compiled a list of the best digital nomad destinations in 2021. 

You can always keep up with the latest border restrictions here – you never know when a country will decide to let tourists back in again! 

1. Mexico

Mexico has slowly been creeping up the list of popular digital nomad destinations, but it may have made its way to the top spot in 2021. As one of the first countries to completely open its borders, digital nomads flocked the coastal cities, especially Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta. Oaxaca, a southern state of Mexico is also a rising digital nomad hub. 

With affordable costs of living, incredibly tasty food (who doesn’t love authentic tacos?!), gorgeous scenery, and reliable WiFi, it’s no wonder digital nomads are flocking to this Central American country. 

COVID Restrictions

As of now, there are no travel restrictions to get into Mexico by air. They do require travelers to fill out a Health Declaration Form and show the QR code at the airport on arrival. 

2. Georgia

The country of Georgia has long been a popular digital nomad destination, especially thanks to its digital nomad visa and affordable prices. Tbilisi is the place to be, with plenty of coworking space options, fantastic restaurants, and a large community of digital nomads. 

Rich with history and culture, digital nomads spend their days visiting museums, admiring the architecture, and soaking in the sights and sounds. 

COVID Restrictions

For most countries, travelers are allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative PCR test. Commercial flights have recently started again, but they are limited. 

3. Thailand

One of the best digital nomad destinations of all time made it to the 2021 list! Thailand is a digital nomad’s dream and a fantastic starting place for beginners. With extremely affordable prices, a friendly environment, and plenty of sights to see, Thailand is worth the trip for every nomad. 

However, this destination is not the easiest to get into during the pandemic. There is a ton of paperwork to go through and COVID tests to take. So, if you want to make this beautiful country your home, you’re definitely going to have to work for it. 

COVID Restrictions

In July, Thailand resumed commercial flights. They are now allowing tourists from 56 countries when they show a PCR test, a Certificate of Entry form, and quarantine at a government-approved hotel. 

4. Portugal

Portugal was one of the first European countries to introduce a digital nomad visa, clearly making it a top destination still in 2021. With major cities such as Lisbon and Porto catering towards the digital nomad lifestyle with coworking spaces, cozy cafes, and strong WiFi, it’s a no-brainer. 

From gorgeous sunsets over the ocean to outstanding cuisine and culture, digital nomads can truly thrive in this hub. 

COVID Restrictions

Travelers of a list of designated countries may enter Portugal if they present a negative PCR or antigen test. Before arriving, travelers must fill out a passenger locator form and complete the EU Digital COVID Certificate. 

5. Colombia

This South American country has been a longtime favorite of the digital nomad community, and luckily it made it on the list of digital nomad destinations in 2021. With colorful cities like Medellin and Bogota, this hub has so much to offer the traveling remote worker. 

Packed with coworking spaces and cafes, an extremely affordable cost of living, and a huge digital nomad community, it should definitely make its way onto your travel list in 2021.

COVID Restrictions

There is no negative test required. If you have COVID symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person in the last 14 days, you may not enter Colombia. All travelers must fill out a migration form and adhere to mask mandates, though. 

6. Croatia

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, this digital nomad destination introduced its own digital nomad visa. It was one of the first countries to open its borders to United States citizens in the summer of 2020. 

With a coastline like no other in the world and crystal blue waters, digital nomads can find a comfortable home in cities like Split, Rovinj, Zadar, and Dubrovnik. As one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe, Croatia has plenty to offer, especially as more and more digital nomads migrate there.

COVID Restrictions

A negative PCR or antigen test is required for entry into Croatia. If these tests are no provided, travelers must quarantine for ten days. 

7. Greece

Greece is no longer just a dreamy vacation destination. The white buildings with blue doors and shutters are soon to be full of digital nomads. With tax incentives for remote workers who choose to relocate there and plenty of cafes with excellent Greek coffee, it was no question of adding Greece to our digital nomad destination 2021 list. 

Explore the islands, such as Paros and Tinos, which are less touristy and more affordable than the major ones. Or stay on the mainland and enjoy the rich history in Athens. You’ll feel right at home no matter where you are in Greece as the Greeks are so hospitable and kind. Oh, and you’ll definitely be well-fed too! 

COVID Restrictions

Travelers from certain countries are allowed to enter Greece. They must present negative PCR or antigen tests as well as fill out a passenger locator form. 

8. Malta

Sun, sea, and immersion into European architecture, all while enjoying a relaxed and quiet vibe, are exactly what you’ll find on Malta. Not to mention, they just introduced their digital nomad visa, inviting remote workers to come and stay for a year. 

With excellent cities like Valletta, digital nomads can find excellent coworking spaces, cafes, Mediterranean cuisine, and a large community of fellow remote workers and travelers. 

COVID Restrictions

Fully vaccinated travelers or those with a negative test may enter Malta if from countries on their Amber list. They must also fill out the EU Digital Certificate.

9. Tenerife, Canary Islands

This Spanish island is quickly becoming a top destination for digital nomads in 2021. The weather is ideal, the food is great, the beaches are relaxing, and you can hike up a volcano – Tenerife is an excellent choice for digital nomads this year. 

In fact, many European digital nomads flocked to the island for the warm weather and great remote working environments. 

COVID Restrictions

Since Tenerife is a territory of Spain, the Spanish restrictions apply here. Travelers who are fully vaccinated may enter the country with no problem. However, travelers from a selected list of countries may enter with proper documentation and negative tests. 

10. Italy

With each passing day, Italy is becoming more and more digital nomad-friendly. With coliving and coworking spaces and full digital nomad villages popping up, don’t be surprised if Italy is on more lists than just top digital nomad destinations in 2021. 

Live in cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples or explore the seaside in the region of Puglia or Calabria. You definitely won’t go hungry here either because we all know just how much pride this country takes in its cuisine. 

Best of all, it’s never been easier to be a digital nomad in Italy. With Nomads Embassy’s Italy Nomad Travel Kit, you can have everything you need to get started on your lifestyle the minute you step off the plane. 

COVID Restrictions

Travelers from certain countries may enter Italy with a negative PCR or antigen test or if they’re fully vaccinated and with a completed EU Digital Certificate. If coming from the United States on a flight other than a “COVID-free” one, they must isolate for ten days and take another test in Italy.

Where Will Your Digital Nomad Destination Be in 2021?

Now that you have ten amazing options for where to spend the rest of 2021 living your digital nomad life, where will you go?! 

Share your travels, tips, and connect with fellow nomads in our exclusive online community. Join the community now!