COVID-19 has changed the way we live our lives, and this includes how we perceive travel. Airline travel levels have declined dramatically. Information about COVID-19 can change every day. And travel advisories are doing their best to keep up with resource details.
Americans want to travel again, safely. We want to friends and family, meet with colleagues and clients, check off more places on our travel bucket lists or just take a spontaneous trip for the fun of it.
To help navigate what we need to know as travel slowly expands, check the following five COVID-19 resources before, during and after you travel:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination. Check the risk assessment by country. The CDC categorizes risk in five levels: from unknown to very high. They have created an interactive map that allows you to see the risk level by country. You can click on their map and find our what you need to know before and during your travel, as well as what you must do before traveling back to the United States.
- U.S. Department of State – COVID-19 Country Specific Information. Find updated information for each country, including entry and exit requirements, COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccine status, movement restrictions, quarantine information, transportation options, local resources and more.
- CDC Requirements for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery for All Air Passengers into the U.S. The CDC has the ability to issue Orders for all passengers before they enter the country. Visit this site to review requirements and exemptions, including what you must show as proof of documentation and frequently asked questions.
- Travelers Prohibited from Entry into the United States. The CDC maintains a list where Presidential proclamations have suspended and limited entry into the U.S. This includes a 14-day period preceding entry or attempted entry into the U.S. However, citizens and lawful residents of the U.S. may still enter, despite timing. Check the site for more details.
- World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Travel Advice. The WHO is tracking a range of topics, such as travel advice for the public, weekly case counts around the globe, advice for the public, mythbusters and more.
While the above tips are helpful, always directly check the COVID-19 resources and advisories posted by your airline, hotel, ground transportation, cities, states and countries where you plan to travel. They will keep you updated.
In the meantime, remember to mask, hand wash frequently, socially distance and watch for when it will be your turn to get a COVID-19 vaccination.