When it comes to travel, the debate these days seems to be whether to postpone or forge ahead and resume life as best we could. I am not here to convince you one way or another. However, if you do decide to or need to travel, especially internationally, there are many things to consider for traveling during the pandemic.
I have recently completed many domestic and international trips. I would like to share my experience here.
For the purpose of this article, I will focus on Covid-19 related topics.
General Tips for Traveling During the Pandemic
Whether you travel domestically or internationally, there are general issues that are common to both.
Check Local Restrictions and Practices
Every jurisdiction and country has different rules, policies, and restrictions. For example, are they accepting non-native visitors? Also, mass gatherings events, venue capacities might be severely impacted. In some areas, bars and restaurants might not even be open.
There are numerous websites for this purpose. For example:
U.S. domestic: Kayak Domestic Travel Restrictions webpage
International: Kayak International Travel Restrictions by Country
Mask Mandates
Most places have mask mandates in place. Some only apply to indoor public spaces and some apply to both indoor and outdoor public spaces. Most transportations require mask use. Per U.S. federal mandate, a face covering is required for all airports and aircrafts.
There are many types of mask, N95, KN95, surgical, fabric, etc. Note that some airlines are more specific about what type of masks you can wear. Some of them do not allow fabric masks, for example. Given that, make sure you bring the right kind and bring spares! After all, they do get dirty or broken.
PRO TIP: I put spare ones in zipped up plastic bags in all my bags and luggages, even one in my wallet.
Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates
Many jurisdiction have vaccine mandates in place both for local facilities (clubs, restaurants, bars, theme parks, etc.) If you are not fully vaccinated, consider delaying your travel or expect your activity options to be severely limited.
PRO TIP: Take pictures and make copies of your vaccination records and put the originals in a safe place. Use a vaccination record protector, such as this one:
Paid link:
Covid-19 Testing Mandates and Options
Some destinations require you to have a negative Covid-19 test within a time frame of either your arrival or departure time. In some cases, you can use this in lieu of being fully vaccinated. However, some places do require both.
This is very important. Due to the fact that, without a negative test result, you will not be able to go on or go home!
There are two major types of test: rapid antigen test and PCR test.
PCR Test
PCR is short for polymerase chain reaction. It looks for genetic materials of the virus and it’s very accurate. However, it does require the specimens to be sent to a laboratory (which could be on-site). There is a wait time of anywhere between an hour to a few days. Due to the lab involvement, it is more expensive than the rapid antigen test.
Rapid Antigen Test
The antigen test, on the other hand, look for the surface protein of the virus. The advantage of the antigen test is that it is usually simple enough to self administer. Also it is cheap enough for regular self-monitoring. It is not as accurate as the PCR test.
Which One Should You Use?
Some destination do not accept the rapid antigen test. So make sure you check!
If your destination does accept rapid antigen tests, you have to option of doing this test in your own privacy. However, this has to be done under the video supervision of a healthcare professional. This surely can save you the hassles of having to visit a local clinic in an unfamiliar place or not even speak the language. At the present time, four test kits are approved for the US and the UK: BinaxNOW, Ellume, Cue, and Detect.
Also, be prepared if your transportation is delayed. Your negative test results must be within a time window prior to your departure or arrival (for arriving in the United States this is 24 hours). In light of that, either bring extra test kits or plan for additional test site visits.
PRO TIP: Bring extra test kits. When I was in Barcelona, I accidentally opened my first test kit without video supervision. It was a good thing I had a second one.
PRO TIP: When you are away from home, you cannot print out your test results, save a screenshot on your mobile phone or even tablet to show it when asked.
Have a Contingency Plan If You Test Positive or Develop Symptoms
This is probably the most important take home message! People do get positive tests with or without development symptoms. When I was visiting Spain, an American friend of mine who was also staying in the home of my local friend tested positive. It completely turned his vacation into a house arrest.
Healthcare overseas for visitors can be expensive. Travel insurance is a must for international travel during the pandemic!
Store the contact information for your embassy in the areas you are visiting in your mobile phone. In the event that you need assistance, they can be a great resource!
If you have a friend or relative in the areas you are visiting, ask them to see if they can help if you test positive and must self-quarantine. Otherwise, you must budget for extra days of stay for hotel and food. Also see “Change is certain, refund is not” below.
PRO TIP: Make sure your travel insurance covers Covid-19 and trip interruption expenses.
Mandatory Quarantine
Some destinations have mandatory quarantine, either for unvaccinated travelers or regardless of vaccination status. Hong Kong SAR is such a destination. You will be given a location tracker. You are required to have a reservation at a designated hotel for the duration of your quarantine. Needless to say this is not something you want to endure unless your travel is absolutely necessary.
Change is Certain, Refund is Not
Remember the pandemic situation is dynamic and events do get canceled. With this in mind, It’s a good idea to check refund policies of your transportation, hotel reservations, and event admissions. Many airlines have waived change fe. Many hotel reservation sites offer free cancelation. These are good ideas consider.
PRO TIP: If the cost of a ticket is substantial and the vendor does not offer a refund policy, consider purchasing trip insurance. Make sure that it will cover the cost should the event cancel or if your journey is interrupted.
Information: Domestic Travel within the U.S.
For those of us who live in the United States, we are lucky. The country, and some states, including my home state California, are so big that we can easily feel like we have stepped into another world. Often just after driving a short distance. The fact that we are not going through international borders may make it sound trivial. Nonetheless, there are actually a lot to be mindful of. Let’s go over them. (If you do not live in the U.S., feel free to skip to the International travel section).
There are numerous websites you can use as part of your planning. This Kayak webpage, for example, give you an easy click-on-the-map run down.
The Continental U.S. and Alaska (contagious 48 states and D.C.)
There are currently no restrictions of movement, vaccination, testing or quarantine requirements for traveling within in the continental U.S and Alaska. See this CDC guideline for U.S. domestic travel for more information and recommendations.
If you are driving instead of flying, see Alaska by driving through Canada below.
Alaska by Driving Through Canada
If you plan on going to Alaska via land routes, such as driving, you will inevitably need to go through Canada. Therefore, you are subject to the same restrictions as an international travelers. For example, if you are not fully vaccinated, you cannot go through Canada for “non-discretionary” purposes. You can visit this official Canadian website for all the information.
Hawaii
The state of Hawaii has its own travel restrictions. To go there even domestically, you have to be either fully vaccinated. Alternatively you can present a negative test result within 24 hours of your boarding time.You can check it out on their official Hawaiian Islands travel requirements website.
Other U.S. Territories
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico Travel Guide
U.S. Virgin Island: USVI Travel Update.
Guam: Entry information
American Samoa: Visitors Bureau – Travel Restrictions
To enter the Northern Mariana Islands: Current CNMI Entry and Quarantine Protocols
Information: International Traveling During the Pandemic
Is It Open to Foreign Visitors?
Many countries are not admitting non-essential travelers from other countries.
Kayak has put together this useful webpage to help you. Regardless of nation of origin: International Travel Restrictions by Country
Paid link:
Should You Go There?
You know what they say, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. I find this interactive map put together by goPassport the most informative: Covid-10 Risk Ratings Map
You Might Have to Do Some Homework
Some destinations require pre-clearance online. Some even require that you upload the necessary documents and generate a QR code. And there are even those that requires you to download a mobile app. Make sure you do this well ahead of time.
PRO TIP: If you are able to, print out the QR code or barcode, along with all your supporting documents on paper and put them in a folder in your carry-on luggage in case your mobile device fails!
See also: Why You Should Use a Passport Cover
Notice: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In a crisis, be aware of the danger — but recognize the opportunity.
John F. Kennedy