COVID-19 Travel Precautions & Restrictions
Lately, many countries have started opening their airways to travelers after a long period of restrictions. These restrictions have hit international students the hardest. Still, now that borders are being re-opened, travelers often wonder what precautions they can take to ensure a safer traveling experience during a global pandemic.
“Effective January 26, 2021, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recovery for all passengers two years of age and over prior to boarding. Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery.”1
Here are a few COVID-19 travel precautions to consider:
Do Check the CDC COVID-19 updates for the destination.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers worldwide coverage of the coronavirus status, where you can see if your destination is regarded as a hot spot and its level of assessment for COVID-19. Check out the CDC travel notice here.
Do Quarantine & test before flights.
Most countries will require that you quarantine and provide a recent negative PCR test before being allowed entry. In this case, it’s helpful to be sure that you are not a carrier of the disease a while before the flight schedule. Make sure you check the destination’s specific requirements for the PCR testing and isolation. You can learn more about the COVID-19 testing protections provided by the FDA here.
Don’t get reckless with lodging.
Students are often under financial stress, so they might opt for the lowest cost lodging available when they happen to travel abroad. However, a pandemic isn’t the time to be risky and reckless. Avoid housing situations that are overly crowded or lack appropriate sanitation standards. That’s why students and travelers are encouraged to ask in advance about the precautionary measures implemented in their destination area.
Don’t forget about other people’s safety.
Travel can be an exhilarating experience, seeing new cultures and getting immersed in unique lifestyles. However, don’t let this rush of excitement blind you from other people’s safety. If you feel sick in any way, refrain from attending classes and going to crowded public spaces. Let the people around you know that they may have been exposed, and try to limit your contact with others till you test negative for COVID-19. Sightseeing can wait!
Finally, you must understand that there is no such thing as “zero risks”. In a global pandemic, traveling is risky; thus, most people are advised to postpone their travel plans for a while.
However, postponing isn’t always an option, especially for international students who have semesters awaiting. So, when traveling can’t be avoided, you are encouraged to take precautions and plan. Remember: Safety Comes First!
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