COVID TESTS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW CDC GUIDELINES
As demand for travel increases, and more destinations are re-opening their borders to allow for international travel from the US, it is important to understand the impact that government regulations and local laws may have as you plan and ultimately travel over the next few months.
Every day, thousands of travelers are successfully traveling to destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond. To make sure your trip is worry-free, there are a few points to review to avoid any surprises.
Here are four key considerations to understand and prepare for as you plan your travels over the next few months.
Moon Palace Jamaica
Entry Requirements
As countries are re-opening to travel, some allow you to enter with no restrictions while others have placed additional entry requirements ranging from a recent negative covid test or vaccination passport to health check forms or proof of travel insurance. For example, in Mexico there are no pre-departure testing requirements, however in Jamaica travelers are required to have a negative PCR or rapid test result within 10 days of travel and fill out an online travel authorization form. Requirements vary from country to country and have been changing over time. It is important to understand these requirements to avoid disappointment at the airport. A few simple steps ahead of travel allow you to breeze through the process.
In-Destination Experience
Upon arrival in your destination you will want to have a good understanding of what the local experience will be like. Many destinations have social distancing and mask requirements when out in public spaces. Restrictions on dining capacity or hours of operation are common, and some destinations have late night curfews or restrictions outside of tourism zones. In most destinations, these restrictions are no different than what we experience at home.
If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, this may not be as important a consideration since most of your activity, dining and entertainment will be centered around your hotel. If you are looking for some beach and sun time, lounging by the pool and enjoying the benefits within your resort, you will be less impacted by local community restrictions. However, it is important to understand what facilities within your resort are open as many resorts are operating at limited capacity.
Relax knowing you planned ahead
US CDC Entry Requirements
Effective January 26, 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) put a new mandate in place that requires a negative PCR or rapid test result within 3 days of travel for all international arrivals into the US.
Most major resorts in popular tourist destinations across Mexico and the Caribbean now include free on-site covid testing, making it easy and convenient to meet this requirement. Many resorts are also including complimentary or deeply discounted extended stay rates in the unlikely event of a positive test to ease concerns over getting quarantined in destination.
If you are staying at any of the major luxury resort brands such as Palace Resorts with their Purely Palace health & safety program, or Sandals and Beaches Resorts with their Platinum Protocols, or Iberostar with their Travel at Ease program, then the required CDC test is included as part of your stay. However if you are staying in a more remote destination, or at an independent or boutique hotel, private condo, villa or home rental, then you will want to check in advance of travel to coordinate the required test within the destination.
After Returning Home
The US CDC does not currently have any quarantine requirements for travelers returning from international travel, however they do recommend following a protocol that includes a second covid test 3-5 days after arriving home and self-quarantine for 7 days. Check with your state, employer or school to see if there are additional requirements or restrictions following any type of travel.
What Does This All Mean?
The big question that we get from most travelers is how does this impact their ability to travel. The most important factor is to review and understand the various requirements, be informed in advance of travel, and be prepared when you do travel. A small amount of planning makes most of these requirements a small speed bump rather than a hurdle, and you can join the thousands of Americans who are traveling to Mexico and Caribbean destinations every day.
Talk to your travel professional about destination requirements and testing options for your next international vacation.
We are here to help you turn your travel dreams into reality. contact us today!
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