The world has been shut down for over a year and most of us are months into a bad case of wanderlust. But just about the time most of us have given up on international travel, the world is beginning to welcome adventurers from the US again.  All that said, there are some important post-pandemic travel requirements you need to be aware of before you fasten your seat belts and stow your tray tables.

Open with Restrictions

The travel restrictions of individual countries can be a moving target, and it can be tough to keep up with them all.  Working with your travel consultant can make sure that you aren’t surprised by international travel restrictions.  As a part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries closed their borders in order to contain the spread of the virus.  As more of the world’s population gets vaccinated, countries are re-opening their borders to travelers.  Border status falls into three categories: open, open with restrictions, and closed.  As of July 2021, 131 countries are currently open with restrictions which means they open to visitors who are fully vaccinated or can provide negative test results.  At last count, 80 countries remained closed to US travelers including Canada and Australia.

Destination Entry Requirements

Because the requirements can change quickly, consulting the experts at the US State Department and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date Covid-19 risk assessments by country is a great practice. Specific requirements vary by destination, but for the most part, international travelers are required to show proof of vaccination, proof of documentation of recovery in the past three months, or proof of a negative viral test in the last three days.  Some countries may require unvaccinated travelers to quarantine for up to 14 days before they are allowed in the country. Additionally,  all travelers flying to the US must have proof of a negative COVID-19 or proof of documentation of recovery in the past three months test within three days to be granted entry into the US, so make sure you have access to testing before your return voyage.

Basic Travel Recommendations.

The CDC has issued some basic travel recommendations for international travelers.

1) Don’t travel until you are fully vaccinated.

The CDC considers you fully vaccinated if 2-weeks after your second dose of the Phizer or Moderna vaccines or 2-weeks after the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Without vaccination, not only are you at a higher risk for contracting and spreading COVID-19 but you may be required to quarantine before you are allowed to enter the country.

2) Check the Situation

Make sure you are aware of all of the entry and masking requirements for your destination. If you are unvaccinated, get tested 1-3 days before your trip.

3) Follow the Rules

Adhere to all recommendations and requirements at your destination, including mask-wearing and social distancing.  Before returning to the US, all travelers (including fully vaccinated ones) are required to show proof of a to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.

Also, be aware that wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on all indoor forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the US and while indoors at transportation hubs like airports and stations. 

4) Home Sweet Home

Once you arrive home from your journeys, it is a good idea to get tested 3-5 days after travel and monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms. If you are unvaccinated, quarantine for a full 14 days upon return even if you don’t develop symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, isolate and get tested immediately.

While it may seem like a lot to remember, with a little bit of preparation, you will be ready for the trip of a lifetime!