What you need to know about COVID-19 and travel
As a travel advisor my job consists of two parts. One part is helping clients plan extraordinary travel experiences and the second part is advising them about travel. Over the past few weeks the travel industry has been rocked by the rapid spread of COVID-19. I’ve re-routed, postponed and consulted with clients about the best options for their upcoming travel. My initial advice was “it’s a very personal choice” my most recent advice has been “I’m recommending that we don’t book any departure dates before June 1st.” With so many unknowns and so much information it is important that we keep ourselves informed with factual information from credible sources.
To help in this effort, I’m sharing a Q&A below on some of the most asked questions I’ve received and also links to sites that can provide additional information. Stay healthy, stay safe and keep dreaming. When this is all over and we breathe a collectives sign of relief I for one know I’ll be ready for a vacation and I hope that you will too!
FAQS ABOUT COVID-19
Are there current travel restrictions due to the coronavirus?
Due to widespread and ongoing transmission of the coronavirus, the CDC has discouraged nonessential travel to several countries, including most of Europe. The U.S. Department of State also issued a Level 4 Global Health Advisory. The U.S. Homeland Security also released a Presidential Proclamation on March 11, 2020, that restricts the entry of foreign nationals from certain countries into the U.S. On March 23 the U.S. has reached agreements with both Canada and Mexico to limit all non-essential travel across borders. This global shift from these organizations currently discourages U.S. citizens from traveling abroad for the time being.
How are U.S. citizens affected by the travel restrictions?
In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens and their immediate families may become subject to a home quarantine upon their return to the U.S. Other countries are also closing their borders to foreign nationals as the transmission of the coronavirus continues.
How likely am I to get the coronavirus if I’m traveling?
This largely depends on where you’re traveling. The Department of State provides a thorough list of travel advisories for each country, which should report if a country is restricted for travel or not. Check your destination for its travel warning, and you can make an educated decision to travel or not based on any travel warnings you may find. As stated, those most at risk for experiencing severe cases of the coronavirus include the elderly with pre-existing medical conditions.
Is there a greater risk of getting the coronavirus on an airplane?
WHO informs travelers that plane cabins are NOT more dangerous for contracting the coronavirus. Since the virus is not spread through the air, sitting on a plane with circulating air will not increase your risk of getting the coronavirus. You can always take precautions for guarding against sickness, including proactive hand washing and disinfecting surfaces.
Can I cancel my airfare due to the coronavirus?
Due to the coronavirus outbreak most airlines are offering changes and rebooking options for free. Some fares, if canceled, may receive a full refund from the airline, depending on the policies each one has in place.
Can I cancel my trip due to the coronavirus if I bought travel insurance?
It depends. Travel insurance providers generally exclude trip cancellation coverage for epidemics, an outbreak of a virus, or a travel advisory. The only circumstance where travel insurance could reimburse you for a portion of your lost trip cost would be if you purchased a specific type of coverage called “Cancel for Any Reason.” To qualify for this benefit, you must have purchased your policy within 14-21 days from your initial deposit date and meet certain requirements.
What if I need to travel during the coronavirus?
The CDC and the U.S. Department of State currently advise U.S. citizens to reconsider nonessential travel abroad at this time. However, U.S. citizens who are currently traveling may return to the U.S. despite current travel restrictions. Some may be required to home quarantine for a time period upon their return. Those who need to travel are highly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important travel alerts and make it easier to get contacted by the U.S. Embassy in case of an emergency.
BEST AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES FOR COVID-19 UPDATES
If you want to find the most accurate updates on the coronavirus, social media might not be the place to check. If you want to find trustworthy news on the coronavirus, consider turning to an authoritative source. Here are a few institutions that many people trust.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC gives a promise to America to protect our health, safety, and security around the clock. They provide a three-tiered level system to evaluate the risk of nonessential travel to certain destinations. Check out their resources if you’re curious about the risk of the coronavirus associated with your travel destination.
Harvard Health Publishing derives from the minds of over 10,000 highly educated physicians at Harvard Medical School. This trusted health news source released an article about the coronavirus. The publisher warns against myths regarding the coronavirus, and encourages readers to be cautious about sources on social media, where anything can get blown out of proportion.
John Hopkins Medicine sets a standard of excellence by pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and medical education. The director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins compares the coronavirus to influenza. Although onset symptoms can appear similar, they are caused by entirely different viruses.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO directs and coordinates international health within the United Nations system to project people into a better and healthier future across the globe. WHO released a video about common questions regarding the coronavirus and travel.
Please note that this information changes daily so it is best to check each website for the most recent updates.