Millions of people have been immunized against COVID-19, receiving the vaccine that gave light at the end of what seems dark and endless pandemic tunnel. As a result, reuniting with loved ones and going to new places for an adventure is becoming a reality for many vaccinated travelers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC’s guidance for vaccinated travelers covering domestic and international trips, people who are fully vaccinated are less likely to acquire and spread COVID-19.
Many travelers are back to traveling again as several countries have embraced the concept of vaccine passports, such as Denmark, Iceland, and Vermont. In addition, some countries are launching digital vaccine passports as they are seen to streamline travel experience and as a crucial component of restarting the industry.
There is no doubt that people are considering resuming canceled trips and making future travel plans – raising questions about how they can safely navigate the new travel landscape and, most importantly, where they are allowed to travel.
Here is what you need to consider before deciding where to travel:
If you are considering travel, it is best to check CDC’s travel recommendations by destination. It is a 4-level system; each criterion determines the level of a destination’s COVID-19 travel health notice to better differentiate countries with severe outbreaks from countries that pose less risk of COVID-19 spread.
- Level 1: Low level – it is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. Conditions may change depending on countries and may change at any time.
- Level 2: Moderate level – people should be aware of the heightened risk to safety and security. Areas under this category have additional advice for travelers in the Travel Advisory.
- Level 3: High level – CDC advises people to reconsider travel if they made plans to visit under this level. Travelers should also avoid any nonessential travel to these destinations due to severe risks to safety and security.
- Level 4: Very high – it is the highest advisory level as the likelihood of life-threatening risks is higher. Traveling in destinations under this category is prohibited. It is best not to travel in these areas or leave as soon as it is safe
- Level Unknown: this category is for destinations without present data of their Travel Health Notice or THN and travelers are advised to follow the recommendations for Level 4.
Should You Travel?
Travel restrictions vary across the world, and at present, many people have already traveled domestically and internationally amidst the pandemic. However, public health officials and other health authorities still advise against it, especially those who have yet to be inoculated from the virus.
For those who are already vaccinated, the decision-making is more straightforward. Regardless, it is still crucial to look up news and updates about travel advisories and recommendations to ensure complete safety.
Is a Negative COVID-19 test required to travel internationally?
Yes, a negative COVID-19 test is an absolute necessity for travelers going abroad. But then again, conditions might change, and it might depend on a destination. Check local government for COVID-related information that offers up-to-date information regarding popular destinations.
Requirements about the type of test can also vary depending on the destination. A PCR test is what most countries require when entering and leaving their borders. If you must get tested, seek a trusted and reliable provider like Harley Medic Global. The results of a PCR swab test can be sent as early as 24 hours after the sample has been collected.
