Preparing For Travel
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR YOUR NEXT INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY?
GLOBAL COVID-19 CONDITIONS ARE DYNAMIC and for those who travel internationally encountering mandatory COVID-19 travel rules and requirements such as vaccinations and testing, quarantines, travel restrictions, and perhaps an unexpected closed border upon arrival for a connection flight or at your destination should be considered before making arrangements for your next international journey.
As we navigate through the current rules and regulations for the resumption of international travel, we have found that governments (both foreign and domestic) in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Typically, there are costs related to the travel requirements and the costs are the responsibility of the traveler.
WHICH TRAVEL CREDENTIALS ARE NEEDED TO TRAVEL INTERNATIONALLY?
Travel requirements, rules and regulations are constantly reevaluated and are subject to change. Continue to verify requirements for travel several weeks up to the day of your departure.
In addition to the usual requirements such as a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date, a travel visa or travel inoculations depending on the country visited; most international travel destinations will also require at least one of the following before departing for your trip.
* Copy of your official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card
* Negative nasopharyngeal PCR test or proof of recovery from a COVID-19 diagnosis
In addition to the above requirements, an international traveler may also need to provide,
* Completed Public Health Travel Declaration Form
* Provide a Vaccine Pass or Vaccine Passport (see below)
TRAVELERS RETURNING TO THE U.S.A. WILL NEED TO PROVIDE
* Negative COVID-19 test required for return to U.S.A. Federal regulation requires all travelers entering the U.S. provide a negative nasopharyngeal PCR test result. Travelers are responsible to provide a negative test results from no more than 3-days prior to the return arrival to the U.S.A.
Visit the official government website for each country you will enter to determine the latest regulations and requirements for travel.
Visit the CDC website for COVID-19 Travel Guidance For U.S. Citizens.
WHAT IS A VACCINE PASS OR PASSPORT?
A vaccination pass or passport is documentation proving that you have been vaccinated against Covid-19. Some versions will also allow people to show that they have tested negative for the virus, and therefore can more easily travel. The versions being worked on now by airlines, industry groups, nonprofits and technology companies will be something you can pull up on your mobile phone as an app or part of your digital wallet.
WHY WOULD I NEED A VACCINE PASS OR PASSPORT?
In order to travel internationally, government and health authorities will need to know if you have been vaccinated or have tested negative for the virus. Many countries are already requiring proof of a negative test for entry.
As more people are inoculated, there will likely be aspects of public life in which only people who have been vaccinated are allowed to participate.
Travel requirements, rules and regulations are constantly reevaluated and are subject to change. Continue to verify requirements for travel several weeks up to the day of your departure.
DO I NEED A FACE MASK?
Face masks are required to be worn over your nose and mouth in most public places.
Travelers must wear a surgical or N95 face covering over their nose and mouth in airports, onboard airplanes, trains and bus stations, onboard trains, public transportation including private group motor coaches while on tour. Check with the airline or transportation carrier to see their full policy.
While traveling to your destination and while touring your destination, you may be required to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing requirements in public spaces.
Pre-flight temperature check are required and travelers with a fever won’t be allowed to fly. Check with the airline to see their full policy.
In addition to your usual travel supplies, include a supply of face masks and hand sanitizer to carry with you at all times.
WHAT IF I TEST POSITIVE BEFORE MY RETURN TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES?
You will be denied boarding and may have to undergo a mandatory quarantine at your overseas location. Unexpected delays or quarantines may result in unexpected expenses for the traveler. Have a plan in case you have to remain overseas longer than anticipated. This includes being ready to cover additional lodging costs, airline ticket change fees, healthcare tests, and any other additional expenses they may incur due to the unexpected extension. Travelers may find it difficult to access general medical care in another country as the pandemic has strained health care capacity in some areas.
TRAVEL INSURANCE - ARE YOU PREPARED?
Consider purchasing a travel insurance plan after receiving your international travel confirmation to help cover your vacation investment, offset expenses from travel mishaps and provide you with emergency travel assistance. Travel insurance purchase requirements vary by insurance company and may require (but not limited to) purchasing at least 30-days prior to departure and within 14-days of receiving your confirmation to be eligible for coverage for pre-existing conditions and cancel for any reason policies.
DOES MY TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER INTERNATIONAL HEALTHCARE TREATMENT, EMERGENCY EVACUATION OR QUARANTINE MEASURES?
It’s likely that travel insurance will become more important than ever, and picking the right policy means reading all the fine print about your coverage, particularly when it comes to your health. Some of the general policies focus on trip cancellations, lost luggage and broken equipment; it’s important to look at the specifics regarding treatment in international hospitals, emergency evacuation, and investing a bit more in your policy for more comprehensive coverage.
If your travel insurance is minimal, you will be responsible for any major illness- and quarantine-related costs incurred during your travels. Should travel suddenly be limited or changed due to world health developments consider factoring in an emergency fund when you are trip planning.
Before purchasing a travel insurance plan, understand the description of coverage and limitations; and contact the travel insurance company directly to ask about unexpected quarantine costs such as; if you are screened and test positive for fever or illness and must be quarantined while traveling, will subsequent cancellations, trip adjustments and costs be covered?
ARE YOU AWARE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND ALERT UPDATE?
For the most recent U.S. Department of State travel advisories and to enroll in the S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
For the most recent U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisories
DREAMING OF THE DAY WHEN YOU CAN RESUME EXPLORING THE WORLD AGAIN IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP?
Now, more than ever, is the time to rely on a trusted partner, LutherTours/Christian Travel Planners, with over 55-years of Christian travel planning and unmatched expertise for your next international spiritual journey.
LutherTours is working together with our travel partners, cruise lines, coach services, hotels and airlines to assure a healthy and safe environment while you are traveling. You can expect the highest standards of health and safety protocols and will receive information regarding travel rules, requirements and regulations as they pertain to your journey.
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