We previously reported on the European Union (EU) barring Americans from entering their countries as the U.S. has failed to contain the spread of the virus. As of today, there are more than 5 million confirmed cases and more than 170,000 deaths from COVID-19, or complications caused by, or as a result of, the virus. Florida, Texas, and Arizona experienced massive spikes in cases and resulting deaths as they either reopened too quickly, did not take the proper precautions during lockdown, or a combination of these (lack of) efforts.
In addition to the infections spreading and deaths continuing to rise, misinformation disseminates quickly through some media channels and particularly social media. Many individuals believe that since some information has changed, or in other words, has been updated as we learn more about COVID-19, it completely eliminates any expertise and authority from those giving us said updates. This primes cities and states to become festering grounds for the pandemic to spread and infect hundreds, and in some cases thousands, daily.
And that quick recap brings us to today, where 33 countries have placed a travel ban for American travelers so that they don’t see a massive spike in cases. The story is the same across the globe: Americans are too large of a risk factor for spreading COVID-19 as many countries have regained control of the virus. The EU countries are beginning to reopen slowly, but surely, and a semblance of life pre-pandemic is returning; New Zealand has had roughly between 4-20 positive cases within the last month, some sources say. However, the travel ban for Americans hits closer to home at our own borders, rather than solely overseas. Both Canada and Mexico have barred entry for U.S. recreational travelers; however, essential workers can still enter either country. This ban likely ruined a few holiday trips for the 4th of July as California, Arizona, and Texas saw restrictions reapplied to several counties and Mexico was a short trip away to have freedom to celebrate. The U.S. and China have both imposed travel bans for each other.
Some countries still allow American travelers to visit, but with varying degrees of restrictions and requirements. Some countries require negative COVID-19 test results in hand within 10 days of entering the country in order to explore. Other countries say that visitors from the U.S. must quarantine for 2 weeks once they arrive; were you to visit a country that requires quarantining, you would need to pay for your own accommodations, which can quickly add a large sum on top of your budgeted vacation fund. If you’re willing to go through that hassle, we’d be happy to help you book an extended stay in one of the countries that currently allows American tourists.
In regards to the EU, as we mentioned in one of our previous blogs, the governing body is reviewing its policy on barring American tourism every two weeks. Ideally, within the next review cycle, our confirmed COVID-19 cases will drop enough that they feel comfortable reopening their tourism to the U.S. Until then, we will continue to closely monitor the situation as it is in our personal and best interest to stay informed and help you make the safest and economical travel decisions. For any additional questions and to review which locations still allow U.S. tourists, contact our offices and we’ll be happy to assist.
