(CNN) – In the dim light at the end of the once seemingly endless pandemic tunnel, visions of journeys emerge that will reunite us with loved ones or lead us into blissfully new surroundings.
Many of these visions become reality for vaccinated travelers. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated their guidelines for vaccinated individuals to state that “fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk for themselves”.
The agency has issued new guidelines for vaccinated travelers for both of them domestic and International To travel.
The CDC still advises against international and domestic travel for people who are not fully vaccinated, but the agency provides guidance for those who choose to travel.
Many Americans are already traveling again based on the record number of passengers from the pandemic being screened at checkpoints at the U.S. airport.
In the banned UK, it is currently illegal traveling abroad for vacation, although a new tiered system is expected to resume some international travel as early as mid-May.
There is no doubt that interest in travel and future plans is growing in some countries – which raises many questions about safe navigation in the new travel landscape.
Each country has its own set of rules and restrictions, so almost every trip requires thorough research before traveling.
Here are some things to consider as the pandemic wears off:
Even if I can travel, should I?
The restrictions vary widely around the world and it is possible for many people to travel domestically and internationally. Still, many public health officials would advise against it, especially for unvaccinated travelers.
Concerns about highly transmissible variants of coronavirus have influenced much of the CDC’s guidance. CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky noted that every time the trip escalates there is a spike in coronavirus cases, citing Independence Day, Labor Day and the winter holiday season.
However, the Guidelines for Vaccinated Travelers, issued April 2, will make it easier for many Americans to make decisions.
The agency also offers a tiered assessment of the least and riskiest types of travel and travel behavior.
Canada does not recommend all non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.
The UK is expected to lift some restrictions on domestic travel in April.
Can i travel in my own country?
As with most pandemic-related things, it depends on where you live. While vacation travel in the UK is currently largely out of bounds, the destinations are already preparing for a trip large influx of domestic travelers when the locks wear off later this month.
In CanadaThere are no federal travel requirements for Canadians traveling between provinces and territories, although in many cases there are provincial or territorial rules and restrictions and non-essential travel is discouraged.
In the United States, some states have restrictions and mandates on travelers, while others have unrestricted access for visitors. A compilation of these evolving guidelines can be found here.
In GermanyOvernight stays in hotels for tourist purposes are prohibited.
Regardless of where you are, it’s important to check regional and national websites and resources for instructions and travel restrictions.
Do I need a negative Covid-19 test to travel internationally?
In very many cases you will need a negative Covid-19 test before traveling to another country.
But here, too, it depends on your goal. Check local authorities and tourism locations for Covid-related requirements. CNN Travel’s Unlocking the World travel guide provide up-to-date information on many popular destinations
The timeframe for taking a pre-flight test varies by destination and there may be requirements for the type of test or test provider. as is the case with Hawaii.
Not every goal requires a test. For example, Mexico has one of the most relaxed travel policies in the world. The country does not currently require testing or quarantine for international arrivals.
But in Europe have many goals prohibited non-essential travel such as tourism from countries outside the European Union and tests are required for entry.
Do I need a negative Covid-19 test to get to the US?
All passengers aged two and over entering the USA must have a negative Covid-19 test result within three days of your flight to the United States or based on records showing that you have recovered from Covid-19.
The requirement includes U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents returning to the U.S.
Unnecessary travel is restricted across the US land borders with Canada and Mexico.
Do I have to quarantine?
In some countries, all travelers must be quarantined and the allowable reasons for entry are tightly limited. Others have no quarantine requirements (for example Mexico) or are much less restrictive.
Travelers entering Canada, including those who tested negative or who have recovered from Covid-19 or have been vaccinated, face quarantine or face fines or more severe penalties. International leisure and tourism arrivals are excluded from entry.
Many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean and elsewhere have introduced test rules that allow international arrivals to bypass quarantine requirements with negative results.
The US CDC recommends getting tested and quarantined after the tripbut it is not mandatory.
It is important to review the specific requirements for your destination and for your return home.
Do I need to be vaccinated for international travel?
It’s complicated. Some countries are starting to open borders to vaccinated travelers who would otherwise be banned from entering the country. Travelers from non-Schengen countries, including the US and UK, will soon be able to visit Iceland with proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid.
In some countries, vaccinated travelers can bypass entry requirements that they would otherwise have to meet, e.g. B. negative Covid-19 tests and quarantines. For example, travelers to Belize can bypass Covid testing before departure.
While vaccination may not be a prerequisite for travel, having proof of vaccination can make travel a lot easier.
But to be vaccinated is anything but a license. Some countries only welcome vaccinated travelers from certain areas such as the European Economic Area. And many have not yet made a decision about vaccinated visitors.
Even if you are vaccinated, you need to make sure that your destination welcomes vaccinated travelers from your location.
How do I share my test results and vaccination status with officials and travel agents?
The confusing tangle of Covid regulations continues.
In the US, arriving travelers are required to present a “verifiable test result” to their airline. According to the CDC, it must be “in the form of written documentation (on paper or in electronic form) of a laboratory test result”.
Bring electronic and paper copies with you wherever possible.
The procedure for sharing test results and vaccination status varies by destination and in some cases is only valid in certain languages.
There are a number of digital applications – commonly referred to as “vaccination passports” or “vaccination certificates” – under development that aim to streamline health information so that it can be securely shared across borders.
Numerous international airlines plan to test the International Air Transport Association passport. Clear’s Health Pass and Common Pass are also health information apps.
The European Commission has a Digital Green Certificate To facilitate movement within the EU. The digital certificate would contain three types of information: vaccination certificates, test certificates, and certificates for those who have recovered from Covid-19.
I am going to travel. What can I do to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus?
The mitigation strategies you use at home also apply when you are out and about. Vigilant hand hygiene, social distancing, and mask use are just as important as avoiding crowded interiors.
Air travel is taken into account riskier from the CDC than driving a car because of the inevitable contact with other people at airports and on board flights, although there are few documented cases of on-board transmission.
The advanced air filtration in commercial aircraft and mask mandates in aircraft help to reduce the risk in flight.
Limiting stopovers and contact with others on road trips, social distancing, and opting for contactless hotel check-in are important ways to reduce risk. Focus on outdoor activities and avoid close contact with anyone outside your bladder.
Hopefully our worlds will expand well beyond our bubbles in the coming months – with careful country-by-country calculations.
