The international travel ban was one of the most significant safety measures put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Now that the vaccines are being rolled out globally and restrictions are starting to be eased, we can also expect the gradual lifting of the travel ban. There will still be complications, however, as it depends on the country and the destination. Many governments are also encouraging vaccine passports for safer travel.
Each country’s approach to lifting the travel ban is different, along with the date. In the UK, for example,
the lifting of the international travel ban will take place on May 17th 2021. This will not mean that all international travel is possible straight away, however. Countries will be categorized as red, amber, or green according to a traffic light system. There will be different rules depending on the color, particularly related to testing and length of quarantine times. The list of countries is said to be released in May, prior to the lifting of the international travel ban.
There has been discussion of vaccine passports, but at the moment international travel will still be possible for those who haven’t been vaccinated. They will likely be more subject to stricter testing and quarantine restrictions, however.
The Telegraph revealed that vaccinated Britions, on the other hand, may be granted a “green light” if they’ve had both doses. This means that it might not be necessary to be tested or to quarantine. Further information about vaccine passports and restrictions will be released at a later date.
If you are planning to embark on international travel, according to there are a few ways you can maximize your safety and protection. Firstly, it’s essential to research the current restrictions relating to your destination, and the level of risk. It’s important to follow any national rules about Covid, even if they are different at home. Secondly, on any form of transport and at your accommodation you will need to follow their cleaning protocol. It’s a good idea to pack an emergency Covid kit for international travel with extra masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and so on. Hotels and other catered accommodation may have their own rules about this.
It's also important to maintain social distancing where possible, even after the lifting of the travel ban. Avoid crowded spaces and show respect for others. It could be a good idea to get advice from a health professional on issues such as the vaccine, ideally at least a month before traveling. The more informed you are the better. Regularly check your country’s latest recommendations for travel, or you can check updates on the
WHO website. This way you’ll be prepared if you need to change your plans. The rules on international travel can vary from country to country, and are also changing all the time, so try to stay up to date. If you would like further information about health and wellness solutions while traveling,
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For the latest travel advice and updates visit the links below:
UK :
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
USA : https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
World Health Organisation : https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice