Traveling in the Era of Covid

Ticket bought, check

Bags packed, check

ID ready, check

Mask, check

Hand sanitizer, check

Negative Covid test, check

Migration/pre-entry documents submitted, check

Traveling in the era of Covid has been quite an experience, especially going to places that have stricter entry requirements than the continental US. And as things begin to open backup and places are beginning to allow travelers, many people are starting to think about taking international trips again, but wonder how, with all the varying and consentaly changing entry requirements. As someone who has always been an avid traveler, traveled to several places during Covid, including more strict countries, and worries that I over research all requirements and rules, I am here to tell you it’s worth it, even if it involves a few more steps to get somewhere different.

Last March when places shut down for an undetermined amount of time, things such as traveling became the last thing on most governments mind and tourism was the first major industry impacted by the lockdowns. Now, a little over a year later, there still remain strong boarder controls in many parts of the world. However, some places have started to find new ways to allow visitors back in, without it coming at too high of a risk for them and for those visiting. That includes mandatory quarantines, negative covid tests within 72-hours before arrival, public mask mandates, limiting access for people from high infection countries, and vaccination passports. And one of the biggest options that many places have implemented in the negative test, and that has even included touristy places such as Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, for any new arrivals.

As put by immigration - Because the first control against covid was you (referring to travel).

While back in July, last year, I briefly looked at going to Alaska, due to the slow test turn around times, lack of information regarding requirements for the negative tests, and fear of quarantining, that quickly faded out. However, I again had to figure out how I was going to handle these similar requirements for my trip to Puerto Rico. At the time of going, beginning of November, getting a negative PCR test on time was a big hit or miss, and while some places such as the airport began offering them for travelers to ensure they would arrive prior to their flight, it came with a hefty fee. And even if I overcame that issue, it was unclear if the 72-hour mark meant upon arrival or upon boarding the flight. Not only was ensuring the test came back within the timeframe required, also there were new entry requirements, such as a travel declaration filled out prior to arrival. I even worried about getting there and my return flight being cancelled and I ran a risk of being stuck. But even with all these uncertainties and gambles, I decided to go for it. And honestly, it was a lot easier than what it seemed it would be, and it was one of the best trips I have ever taken. While there were still curfews and limited activities I could do in the evenings, not having to deal with all the tourists in downtown San Juan and the extreme discounts hotels were offering to get people back, it was worth the experience.

Since then, it has actually become a lot easier with travel, and there is a lot more clarity on things. Including how the 72-hour must be from the time you board your last flight; to explaining which tests are acceptable (PCR, IdNow, Rapid) and from partnering places you can get them done (such as CVS or Walgreens); to governments making it easy to locate information regarding their entry requirements; to getting a test back within the timeframe needed; to airlines sending out information for entry requirements (including links to required entry forms); and to them even checking you have all required documents before getting your boarding pass. Even for international trips returning to the US, the state department has complied a list of places you can get a covid test in each country; resorts are offering covid testing to guests; and a lot of international airports are offering testing on-site for travelers to meet requirements for their arrival country.

So, if you are thinking about booking that trip to another country, or a place not on the continental US, look on their tourism website for information regarding entry requirements, because chances are it's not that bad when it comes to Covid requirements. So, go for it! Because for the deals that exists with flights, hotels, and the perk of not being overcrowded, it is worth checking out somewhere new.