Welcome Back World
Over the past few weeks the news for “ready and waiting” travelers has been improving!
- The CDC recently lowered travel advisories for more than 120 countries, moving 33 countries including Iceland and Israel into the lowest risk category.
- The European Union recommended that the bloc lift restrictions on non-essential travel from 14 countries, including the US, a move that would allow visitors from these destinations to vacation in Europe far more easily.
- Sailings on numerous cruise lines are getting ready to embark from US ports about 15 months after a no-sail order from the US Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention brought cruises to a halt
- As of June 15, the travel requirements for travel within Hawaii were updated. Visitors traveling inter-island within Hawaii will no longer require a pre-travel COVID test and the quarantine requirements will be lifted on intra-island travel.
- Alaska is not only welcoming visitors, but is offering free vaccines to travelers 12 and older at three of its major airports – Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.
COVID-19 regulations and restrictions are an ongoing puzzle.
Much of the loosening of restrictions is tied to progress being made against COVID-19 through vaccination. Travelers can expect vaccine requirements and pre and post COVID-19 testing to be a part of any international travel experience. In Europe the EU Digital Covid Certificate (informally referred to as a “COVID vaccine passport” will be put into place by July 1st. The certificate will log three things: the holder's vaccination record, negative tests, or a record of previous infection -- which should make travel easier.
Travelers should expect a confusing regulations, changing policies and higher prices as airlines, hotels, cruise lines and tour operators gradually begin the process of “re-opening.” Countries are in various stages of reopening and of emerging from COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. Businesses, attractions and services may have limited operating hours or capacity restrictions, curfews could be in place, and there could be additional regulations on the ground, including regarding mask wearing.
With regulations and restrictions changing frequently so it’s important to stay current. For those considering international travel this year I highly recommend consulting the following resources:
U.S. State Department’s detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are typically updated regularly
For the latest health and safety information the CDC provides detailed recommendations for travel for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
Sherpa is an independent aggregator of travel information that provides users with an interactive map that shows COVID 19 testing requirements, quarantine protocols and entry restrictions throughout the world.
While much is improving, there are still challenges.
- Restrictions remain in place for unvaccinated travelers including children under the age of 12 making family travel complex, but not impossible.
- Popular domestic U.S. summer domestic travel destinations are being plagued with lack of accommodations and a shortage of rental cars driving up prices.
- Canada remains largely off-limits to US travelers through July 21st. Tourism, leisure and casual visits are all forbidden with minor exceptions. Land and ferry crossings to both Canada and Mexico are restricted through that date.
We can help.
Travel professionals work in this space daily and have access to the latest information by country. VIAKU can help you successfully navigate the complexity of today’s travel. Have more questions? Give us a call!