How to travel safe during COVID

Apr 12

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A New Era of Travel

As places start to slowly open up, it can be exciting to finally start planning that vacation that has been on hold for over a year. But this time around planning will look a lot different whether is domestic or international travel. The most important thing you need to account for is how to travel safely. Here are some guidelines that will hopefully help you prepare while traveling during a pandemic.

First thing is first… Are you fully vaccinated?

To be considered fully vaccinated you must check one of the following:

It’s been 2 Weeks after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
It’s been 2 Weeks after a single does of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Travel within the US guidelines

If you are fully vaccinated by an FDA approved vaccine can travel safely within the US. You are not required to get tested before or after if you are fully vaccinated unless the destination requires it. And you do not need to self-quarantine.

Travel outside the US guidelines

Before you plan for a trip outside the US make sure you follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. Fail to do so can result in denied entry to your final destination and to be required to return to the US. Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination.

Returning to the US regardless of being fully vaccinated will required you to show proof of a negative COVID test, so PLAN IN ADVANCE. Tests results need to be done no longer than 3 days before returning to the US.

During your travel whether in the US or international you must still follow the CDC’s recommendations such as wearing a mask, staying 6 feet away from others, washing your hands and using hand sanitizer. Masks are required on planes, trains and any other form of public transportation.

Not fully vaccinated? Follow the following guidelines.

Travel within or outside of the US.

You need to get tested 1-3 days before your trip and have proof of your negative results in hand. Note that the CDC recommends delaying international travel until you are able to get fully vaccinated.

If you are traveling international same guidelines apply. Before returning to the US you will be required you to show proof of a negative COVID test, no longer than 3 days before returning to the US. During your travel whether in the US or international you must still follow the CDC’s recommendations.

Get tested 3-5 days AFTER travel and self-quarantine for a full week. Even if your tests come back negative you must quarantine to protect others from getting infected.

All the information I have listed above is based on the CDC guidelines. For more information please visit the CDC website.

Do you need travel insurance for COVID?

It is highly recommended that you add travel medical insurance for COVID-19 to your list, specially if you are not vaccinated. It can help you cover medical costs in case you contract COVID while traveling abroad.

Here are a few resources where you can get travel insurance:

https://www.visitorscoverage.com/coronavirus-travel-insurance/trip-covid-19/

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/best-pandemic-travel-insurance/

Will I need a vaccine passport to travel abroad?

Although it is still unclear if this will be an immediate requirement or not. Expect it to be in the upcoming years.

What is a vaccine passport?

A vaccine passport is a free mobile app such as CommonPass, where travelers upload their proof of vaccination as well as any necessary COVID test results. It currently functions by scanning a QR code that holds the passenger’s vaccine and test documentation, as well as all bookings. Although some apps are still on a trial run the International Air Transport Association is currently developing an app that will be available in the upcoming months. Make sure you stay current with this update as you plan your future vacation. States like Hawaii have approved of the vaccine passport program for inter-island travel and could expand to out of state travel by the summer, so stay informed and plan ahead.

Lastly Do NOT travel if you are sick, have been exposed, tested positive for COVID or are waiting for COVID test results.

I hope this information has been useful and that you safely plan your next adventure!