Covid-19 Travelling Update

Covid-19 Traveling Update For USA and Canada

The world has been witnessing various travel restrictions in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. Different countries are taking all the possible measures to make way for the reopening with keeping in mind the safety and security of their population from the current disastrous pandemic. As a matter of fact, the availability of Covid-19 vaccines has filled the hearts of travelers with some hope of getting rid of the current pandemic situation that had spoiled their dream plans. It is in the interest of travelers to be aware of the latest travel advisories ahead of departure.

Most of the countries have opened their borders for US tourists and advised them to follow safety guidelines while traveling. However, countries like Mexico, which are fully dependent on the tourism industry, have never closed their borders for travelers. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been issuing advisories time-to-time keeping people informed of the latest developments. It advised US citizens to travel abroad only when they are immunized. For entering the US, a negative test report of Covid-19 is required, conducted within 72 hours prior to boarding the flight. As the C.D.C suggests, the US returnees should get themselves tested for the virus within 4-5 days of arrival. While the vaccinated are advised to stay indoors for seven days, 14-day self-quarantine is recommended to the unvaccinated ones. Travelers from Schengen, Brazil, United Kingdom, China, Iran and Republic of Ireland, etc. are restricted from entering the US. Full information is available at the C.D.C. website. It is mandatory to submit either a negative test report within 72 hours to board the flight or proof of recovery from the virus 90-days before the date of travel. In case of no symptoms, travelers are exempted from submitting any test report. On-arrival testing depends upon the approval of the traveler, that is, if any traveler, arriving in the US, doesn’t want to get tested for the infection, then, he/she is recommended to be in quarantine for 10 days. Seven days-quarantine should be followed by those who opt for testing on arrival. Notably, different states may have different Covid-19 protocols that should be in the knowledge of travelers before arrival.

Recently, the EU has allowed the US citizens, vaccinated or unvaccinated, to visit, but every member country should itself decide the safety protocols to be followed by. Some EU members like France, Portugal, and Greece, etc. have permitted the US travelers but there are Covid protocols in place like they made RT-PCR test necessary to enter the border.

Canada has still not given travel permission to US citizens. Travel restrictions were to continue till 21st June, but, Canada announced the restrictions to extend till 21st July. The Canadians, who are returning to the country, will have to remain in quarantine for 14 days and the vaccinated ones should only go for RT-PCR Test. Meanwhile, the US has made the negative RT-PCR test report mandatory for Canadians visiting the US. Canada has put restrictions on entry to its borders, excluding some types of entrants like Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, temporary foreign workers as well as international students. The current travel ban has greatly affected the tourism industry of Canada and the US due to which business leaders are pressing the government for reopening the borders for travelers. Travel ban on both sides (the US and Canada) is impacting the tour operators badly.

Canada has allowed province-to-province travel; although, even there are some restrictions on people’s movement owing to the current second wave of Covid-19. The US has closed its borders with Canada and Mexico until July, 21. Efforts are underway to search for suitable conditions to ease travel restrictions. As per reports, Canada may, in the days to come, ease the restrictions by allowing vaccinated persons to travel in and out of Canada. In this case, travelers may not have to self-isolate themselves after returning to Canada.

Travelers will have to follow safety rules responsibly, or they may face penalties as well as other difficulties during the journey. So, current travel plans need a due understanding of country-wise updates about international guidelines in the face of the current scenario. Even the vaccinated should take great care of their health to avoid the infection, though there are low risks of infection if one is fully vaccinated. Governments are making all efforts to ensure safe and secure travel. They are striving hard to provide credible information regarding the latest developments taking place every day.