Can I travel to other countries now? When will international travel resume? If you‘re someone who frequently travels for business or pleasure, these questions have probably been on your mind.
What are the current restrictions on travel to top countries?
The State Department‘s level 4 ‘do not travel’ advisory recommending that United States citizens avoid any global travel still stands. While you can still travel into the United States, traveling out of it could be quite tricky. As countries around the world seal their borders, there‘s a strong possibility that you will get stuck if you are abroad. Here‘s a breakdown of travel restrictions to some of the countries and regions around the world.
Travel to Mexico
On May 19th, 2020, the U.S. and Mexico decided to extend restrictions barring nonessential travel across their shared borders until June 22nd. However, if you are a U.S. citizen in Mexico, you can return home. Currently, international commercial flight options are available from the U.S. to Mexico and vice versa. Mexico has implemented temperature-screening at most of its airports as well as the land border ports of entry. Travelers with high temperatures, and those who have traveled to high-risk areas, could be subject to additional screening measures.
Travel to Canada
U.S.- Canada border restrictions will remain in place for another month starting from May 19th. Air Canada has suspended all flights between Canada and the U.S. till June 22nd. Canada has also announced that all air travelers must cover their mouth and nose with a non-medical face mask on all flights into and out of the country.
Travel to the U.K.
The U. K has not yet closed its borders to flights from other countries during the coronavirus pandemic. People can enter the country legally, and passengers on the few flights into the country are being allowed in. On June 8th, there will be a mandatory 14-day quarantine for any person coming into the country.
Travel to other European Countries
France will not allow passengers from the non-Schengen Member States to enter the country. This does not apply to nationals of EEA Member States, Switzerland, British passport-holders, those with French residence permits, healthcare professionals, and coronavirus researchers. Germany will also not allow passengers from the non-Schengen Member States. Germany’s travel exemptions are similar to those of France. Spain has decided to restrict entry to most foreigners at airports and seaports for 30 days, starting from March 22nd, but is now extended until June 16th. Italy will heavily restrict travel into and within the country at least till June 3rd. Sicily may be a place of interest come Fall, as the country is rumored to start subsidizing flights and hotel stays for both international and domestic visitors.
Travel to Jamaica
Jamaica has imposed travel restrictions on travelers from Germany, Spain, France, U.K., Italy, Iran, China, South Korea, and Singapore. The government will also require anyone arriving from countries with community spread to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Travel to China
On March 26th, China banned the entry of most foreign nationals to check the number of imported cases of coronavirus. Diplomatic workers are excluded from this ban.
When will international travel resume?
However, you look at it; the fact is that tourism and business travel worldwide has mostly come to a standstill because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, all may not be doom and gloom. International travel may just be around the corner, with June being the earliest a handful of countries would open up for non-essential travels. This is the little tidbit of good news and hope for those of us desiring to travel as soon as possible.
A poll conducted by the Global Business Travel Association reveal these details:
- 32% of respondents predicted corporate travel would resume within the next two months, while 19% of respondents said three months was more realistic.
- 16% of 10 respondents are unsure when travel will resume.
- 33% claim that most employees will be willing to travel once restrictions are lifted.
Once more countries reach phase 3 of lockdown removal, international travel can resume. Dr. Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was cautiously optimistic when asked about summer vacations. “It can be in the cards,” he said, “If we do the things that we need to do to prevent the resurgence.”
However, when international travel does resume, there can be a massive surge in ticket prices. So, try to minimize the impact that this will have on your finances. Plan ahead, make sure to check airline cancellation policies and book your hotel room in advance. Another way to save some money while traveling would be to pre-book your airport parking in advance. Parking offsite rather than onsite parking garages can also help you save quite a bit of money.
What It’s Like to Travel During Coronavirus Pandemic
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