Some travel uncertainty still exists around the globe. But at this point in the pandemic, we know a fair amount about the Covid-19 virus, and how to keep safe and minimize infections. As long as we take certain precautions, there shouldn’t be a problem traveling safely! I’m sharing some guidelines and what to expect below.

But of course, always check the country, state, or city regulations where you are traveling to for the latest update. These can quickly change depending on the current stats and trends.

Check the latest PCR test regulations

From February 2022, anyone traveling within the EU only needs a basic “green pass” health certificate, which travelers can obtain via Covid vaccination, recovery, or a recent negative test. However, not all countries have stated they will adopt this rule, so travelers must check the rules for the country they intend to visit. France and Greece have removed testing requirements for vaccinated travelers.

All inbound international travelers to the U.S., regardless of their nationality or vaccination status, have to take a Covid-19 test that shows negative test results within one calendar day of their flight.

This change to the rules has been made because a test taken too many days before a flight can be negative at the time of collection, but the traveler can be positive for Covid-19 by the time a flight takes off.

If travelers get a rapid antigen test, they can get their test results almost immediately. They can take action to isolate themselves straight away and, more importantly, while they are still infectious. Whether certain rapid antigen tests meet testing requirements or not varies by country. Before leaving the U.S., it is important to research your destination and get an accepted test within the required timeframe.

A PCR Covid test for travel in Washington DC and other cities is a convenient way to get the documentation and test results needed to travel, all at home.

Drip Hydration, LabCorp, and MinuteClinic among others, offer in-home rapid PCR testing with testing locations spread across major cities in the U.S..

Travel restrictions for the unvaccinated

Entry into many countries or destinations is now largely dependent on a traveler’s Covid-19 vaccination status. Non-U.S. citizens or residents, who want to visit the U.S. but are unvaccinated, can’t do so except for very few limited exceptions.

Countries like Mexico and El Salvador are among a handful of countries that do not require international arrivals to be fully vaccinated. There are also countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia that limit access to air travel to fully-vaccinated citizens only. Even if countries allow unvaccinated travelers into the country, this doesn’t guarantee they’ll be permitted entry to shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Not being vaccinated is increasingly denying travelers options associated with being fully vaccinated.

Want Travel Access? Get Boosted!

If you want to travel with ease, a lot of countries make it easier for travelers who are boosted. If individuals are vaccinated and have received their booster shots (where eligible), as well as take care to continually wear masks in congregate settings like airports, it’s easier and safer to travel.

Research shows there is a major difference with regard to the risk of illness severity between a vaccinated and boosted individual who becomes infected and an individual who has never been vaccinated and gets infected. Moderna and Pfizer have both announced that lab trials prove their vaccine boosters show a significant increase in antibody levels against the Omicron variant.

Personally for me, I’d rather be on the safe side.

Of course, we know people argue about this topic all the time. I will respect whatever your opinion on this is as you should respect mine.

Wear high-quality face masks

While mask mandates are easing out in some countries, masks are still recommended when traveling, especially for air travel. Of course, high-quality face masks offer better protection. Just note that when you wear one, make sure that it fits securely, and it’s important to wear it properly for the entire trip.

Some research state that the riskiest part of air travel may not be on the plane, but actually at the airport.

Waiting at the airport prior to boarding is a vulnerable time with so many other people around. Car rentals, fetching luggage or going through security are just some examples. So it’s important to wear your mask at all times while in transit.

All countries have different rules and regulations regarding Covid-19 for travelers wanting to visit. Some countries are relaxing their rules about quarantine and what they require from fully vaccinated travelers.

Others allow unvaccinated travelers to enter. Travelers need to do some research about their specific destination to find out what’s expected and follow known safety protocols to reduce risks.

The post What Are The Safety Rules To Follow When Traveling In 2022? appeared first on STYLEANTHROPY.