As many countries are beginning to lift lockdown restrictions and daily life starts to return to normal, it can feel like we have entered the post-COVID world.
However, with no vaccine currently available, COVID means that travel, especially international travel, is highly restricted. This is an attempt to prevent new cases of COVID passing between different communities.
But if you do need to travel at this time, where can you go, and how can you keep yourself and others safe?
Planning to travel during COVID? We have put together a list of advice for how to plan your travel, and what you should do while travelling to minimize the chances of catching or passing COVID-19. Below you will also find brief information on the main travel concerns and restrictions for the different parts of the world.
COVID Travel Tips
1. Research your destination
Each country in the world is combatting COVID-19 in a different way, so the restrictions for travel and the behaviour required on arrival is different everywhere. So, make sure you do your research for the specific place that you want to visit. Bear in mind that countries may have different rules and restrictions based on where you are arriving from, and that all standard visa requirements continue to be in place.
2. Expect to take a COVID test
Many countries require that travellers take a COVID test within three to five days of their departure and provide a certificate that shows the test was negative. Without this certificate, you may not be permitted to board your flight. When seeking out a test, choose a COVID PCR test, as these are internationally recognized, whereas some alternatives are not.
3. Plan to arrive by air
Many countries are restricting arrivals to major international airports. This is because airports have the facilities to conduct tests, collect personal data for contact tracking, and so forth. So, plan to make your arrival by air.
4. Include a quarantine period in your itinerary
Many countries have a blanket rule that visitors must self-quarantine at their own expense for 14 days after arrival. If you are travelling to one of these countries, this should be an essential part of your itinerary. But even some countries that do not have a mandatory quarantine period for all visitors may ask some visitors to quarantine on arrival, for example if they are showing symptoms. Have a contingency plan in place in case this happens to you.
5. Invest in personal protective equipment
It is now common knowledge that it is essential to wear a face mask while travelling by airplane. It is also advisable to have hand sanitizer available to protect you hands when soap and water is not available, and also wipe down surfaces that you come into contact with. Many destinations now also require you to wear a face mask in public places. So, make sure that you have the PPE that you need, and abide by local rules.
6. Prepare for things to be a bit different
If you are accustomed to international travel, you should be prepared for things to be a little bit different. For example, many major tourist destinations will be closed, and others will require booking a time slot in advance. When you are at your hotel, expect contactless check in, and for non-essential items to have been removed from rooms as they can act as contact transfer points.In restaurants you might be asked to make your order from your cell phone. In parks and bus stations seats will be blocked off to alert people to the need to maintain social distance. Accept that this is part of how travel is now, and that these restrictions should be respected.
Destination Guide
Africa
Many African countries have reopened their borders for international travel. Notable among them are Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, and South Africa. There are some restrictions on travellers from places with very high COVID-19 infection rates, such as the United States. Most countries also require proof of a negative COVID test taken within 5 days of travel. Travel to both Botswana and Madagascar is currently banned.
Europe
Travelling to Europe is a mixed bag during the COVID pandemic. Infection and death rates in each country are very different, and each country has its own rules about who is allowed in, whether a COVID test is needed, and if and how long quarantine is required. For example, there are almost not restrictions on travelling to Sweden, but Germany currently has a mandatory COVID test policy. Currently, travel from most African countries, including Nigeria, to EU countries is highly restricted. The EU has a list of “safe countries” with which it recommends reciprocal travel, which is updated every two weeks. Nigeria is not currently on the list. It is up to individual EU countries how they apply these recommendations, so research your chosen destination for accurate details.
Asia
Most of Asia is still closed for tourism. India, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia are all currently highly restrictive on who can travel there and for what purpose. China is beginning to let travellers from a limited number of, largely European, countries enter. When countries do reopen you can expect a COVID-19 negative medical certificate to be mandatory, as well as COVID specific insurance. Some countries are suggesting a 14-day quarantine period of arrival, with a COVID-19 test administered the day before the end of isolation.
North America
While Canada is largely closed to foreign travellers without a specific connection to the country or a reason to visit, Mexico and the United States’ borders are largely open. International travellers are permitted to arrive in Mexico via air, and there is no requirement for a COVID text or quarantine period for entry. Travel restrictions exist for the United States for anyone who has been in Brazil, China, Iran, the Schengen Area, or United Kingdom in the last 14 days. A COVID test is not required to enter the country, but different states may have a mandatory self-quarantine period.
South & Central America
Travel restrictions vary greatly across South and Central America. Starting with the biggest countries, Argentina and Chile are currently closed to international travellers, but Brazil is open and has no requirements for either a COVID test or quarantine period. However, the population is encouraged to wear masks in public spaces. Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and many other countries are also open. The requirements vary, but proof of a negative COVID test is a common one.
Oceania
While Oceania has been one of the lightest hit parts of the world in terms of COVID-19, this is largely due to their isolation. As a result, many countries in the region are relying on this isolation as their primary tool in the fight against COVID. Australia and New Zealand are currently closed. Only citizens and residents are allowed into the country, and there are restrictions on the number of people that can enter on a weekly basis. Flights are very limited.
Have you travelled anywhere since the pandemic started? We would like to hear about your experience – the pros and cons. Is it safe to travel out there? We want to know.
