COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
The COVID-19 virus has prompted travel restrictions in most destinations around the world. According to the World Tourism Organization, nearly all destinations have introduced some form of COVID-19 travel restriction since January 2020. Some have even halted travel altogether. This trend indicates that COVID-related travel restrictions have been a major hurdle to the restart of international tourism.
While the United States and Canada have eased some travel restrictions in recent months, some still do. While the United States has eliminated the requirement that incoming passengers have a negative test for the disease, the embassy recommends that visitors check the rules with the Timor-Leste Embassy in Washington before flying. Several other countries have also eased travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-virus outbreak.
There are some cases in which travel restrictions are helpful, such as in conflict zones. However, in these situations, a travel restriction may not only exclude citizens from the affected country but also prevent essential personnel from working there. This includes healthcare professionals, monitoring organisations and aid organisations. The restrictions may also impede public health information dissemination, which is critical in a conflict zone.
Vaccines are also a good idea to keep yourself protected while traveling. Vaccines against diseases such as the common cold and flu are often recommended, although this isn’t required to enter the country. Moreover, if you plan to travel to a high-risk country, you may want to consider taking the COVID-19 vaccine before you travel.
COVID-19 outbreaks have been confirmed in the People’s Republic of China. Therefore, the Department of State maintains a Level 3 Travel Advisory for China. The advisory is a reflection of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The Department of State also suggests that travelers take necessary precautions to prevent exposure to the disease. If you are planning a trip to the PRC, visit the CDC for updated COVID-19 information.
Visitors age 12 and older can enter the country without undergoing testing. Unvaccinated travelers must also have a negative P.C.R. test 72 hours before their trip. After arriving, they must spend three days in quarantine. If the test results are negative, they must have no other symptoms of the disease before they can leave the country.
While the Japanese government has implemented COVID-19 measures, APEC Business Travel Card holders will no longer have to undergo a pre-travel COVID-19 test. You can find more information on the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s website. This website is updated regularly. And it is updated regularly with the latest information.
