Are you planning a trip and wondering about COVID vaccination and testing requirements for travel? While coronavirus restrictions are being eased and many vacation destinations are opening up for visitors (woo-hoo!), navigating all the new rules and regulations may seem overwhelming.
The good news? We’re here to help.
At Travel N Relax, Denver CO’s top travel agency, we’ll help you understand the basics for new travel requirements during the coronavirus pandemic.
You may be wondering…
“Can I travel during the pandemic?”
Yes, you can travel during the pandemic but must consider several factors, including your destination, health, and vaccination status. Many travel locations are open for visitors, and they have requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Before traveling, be sure to check the conditions at your destination to understand the requirements for entry. Click here to view travel recommendations by destination. The list is continuously updated by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Some countries are still closed to U.S. tourists or nonessential travelers, but this may change. As countries are closely monitored for infection rates, more people become vaccinated, and additional information about the virus becomes available, the CDC updates the rules for traveling during COVID.
Is a vaccine required for travel?
The CDC recommends that you’re fully vaccinated before traveling internationally or domestically. You should also follow your destination’s requirements for entry, including the state, country, and airline requirements.
Some international locations require U.S. citizens to be fully vaccinated before entering the country.
…But what exactly does that mean?
A person is fully vaccinated 2 weeks after receiving the second dose of a 2-dose vaccine, like Moderna or Pfizer, or 2 weeks after a single dose like Johnson & Johnson. So until you’ve gotten your last vaccine shot and two weeks have passed, you must take extra precautions.
Unvaccinated individuals who must travel should follow the CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated travelers. This includes social distancing, avoiding crowds, wearing a mask in public spaces, taking additional viral tests, etc.
Depending on the destination, you may be required to show proof of vaccination, take a COVID-19 test, wear a mask, and/or quarantine. To view country-specific rules for entry from the U.S., please visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website. The site is updated weekly based on data from the World Health Organization.
Do fully vaccinated travelers need to take a COVID-19 test?
Vaccinated travelers may or may not require a negative COVID-19 test, depending on their destination’s entry requirements.
As for returning to the United States from another country…
All airline passengers returning to the U.S., including vaccinated individuals, must have a negative COVID-19 test no more than 3 days before traveling. Alternatively, they can show proof of COVID-19 recovery in the past 3 months.
This negative test or proof of recovery is required before boarding a plane back home and is mandatory for all passengers 2 years and older.
Once home in the U.S., the CDC recommends self-monitoring for symptoms and taking another COVID test 3-5 days after traveling.
Tips for traveling during COVID-19:
Vacations should be enjoyable and relaxing; otherwise, they can start feeling more like work. Luckily, we’ve got a few tips to help ensure a successful and stress-free getaway during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Double-check your destination and airline requirements for entry. Do this before booking and several days before departing for your trip to make sure you meet all the requirements.
- Have all your documents ready. In addition to the typical passport and tickets, pack your vaccination card and proof of negative test result if needed. Additionally, complete any online forms required by the airline and destination.
- Remember that masks are still required in airplanes, airports, and public transportation even if you’re vaccinated. Many places in the U.S. allow vaccinated individuals no-mask entry indoors, but the rules vary depending on where you visit and stay.
- Plan your vacation with an experienced travel agent who can help you find the best destination for your goals and budget. A trusted travel advisor can also take care of the little things (activities, cancellation policies, travel insurance, etc.) and help you understand the rules in place for traveling during COVID.
Plan your vacation with Travel N Relax of Colorado
Traveling during COVID is trickier, with vaccination and testing requirements that vary based on where you’re traveling to and where you’re traveling from. All the new rules may seem like information overload, and that’s before you even start considering travel insurance protection.
At Travel N Relax, Denver CO’s leading travel agency, we help you create your perfect vacation and prep for travel during COVID. We’re a full-service travel agency, which means we help you plan a custom experience from travel and lodging to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The best part is we work closely with many organizations to get you and your family the best travel deals!
Travel with confidence – Travel N Relax offers family travel, destination weddings, group travel, all-inclusive vacations, ocean cruises, Disney vacations, and more.
Guidelines during COVID are constantly updated, and the information in this blog was provided in July 2021. Please refer to the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. We’re also available to answer all your questions and help make your dream vacation a reality.
Contact us today:
Phone: (303) 317-6945
Email: [email protected]
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