We all know the drill—we’ve worn masks, gotten vaccinated, social-distanced, and quarantined over the past 3+ years now. Covid restrictions are a part of daily life, and they’re important to keep everyone safe. But we know that staying home all the time can definitely get old; we’re eager to travel ASAP just like you! What’s important is to make sure you do so responsibly.
Feeling restless and ready to travel again? Here’s all you need to know.
But can we even travel right now? What are the requirements to travel abroad during Covid and what documents do we need? Are there still severe Covid vaccine travel restrictions in 2023?
It’s normal to have tons of questions, especially with how quickly Covid requirements can change and how much they can vary. It’s hard to predict how things will go in the coming months, but here are some tips and general current regulations to help get you started.
Can I travel abroad during Covid?
Yes, probably! However, it’s dependent on a few factors. Covid requirements and restrictions can vary based on your nationality, destination, and vaccination status. Some countries only let fully vaccinated people visit, and other countries just require a negative Covid test. Still, other countries have no requirements at all! It’s a bit of a jungle out there right now, so check country-specific requirements to travel abroad during Covid before planning your trip.
What are the requirements to travel abroad during Covid?
Country-specific guidelines are vastly different depending on your destination.
The CDC has laid out some . The number one recommendation? Get vaccinated and stay up to date with boosters. Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious Covid symptoms and cut down on general transmission at the same time. Proof of vaccination is often a requirement to enter a country, but not for everywhere.
The same holds true for a negative Covid test; some countries still require it, and you should be prepared to get one if you’re not fully vaccinated. But requirements vary country to country, so definitely double-check for your specific destination. In some instances, both proof of vaccination and a negative test result may be required, especially if there’s been a recent local spike in cases.
One thing to keep in mind is that the United States might require a negative Covid test for returning travelers, depending on where you’ve been. Until early 2022, a negative test was required regardless of where you were returning from; as of early 2023, it’s only required for very few destinations. So in some cases, you don’t need a test to leave the States and enter a new country, but you may need a negative test to get back in.
Other documents that may be required depending on your destination is proof of travel insurance that covers Covid-19, registration in that country’s local QR code system (for tracking outbreaks), and/or filling out a virtual arrival card with your vaccination information prior to entering the country.
6 documents needed to travel abroad during Covid
1. Passport
Of course—as always, you’ll need your passport! You’ll use your passport as verification of your identity and nationality. If you’re flying, you’ll have to present your passport several times at the airport. And if you’re driving, you’ll have to show it at the border. Passports are important for any kind of international travel and are one of the documents needed to travel abroad during Covid.
2. Valid visa
Depending on how long you’ll be traveling for, you might need a visa. The average time you can stay in a country without needing a visa is 90 days, but, like Covid requirements, it varies from country to country. Check out before you go, and make sure you’re prepared!
3. Proof of travel insurance that covers Covid
Check that your travel insurance covers Covid treatment in your destination.
Travel insurance has always been a good idea, and it’s a necessity in Covid times! Some destinations may require proof before allowing you into the country, or even before boarding your flight. Travel insurance that includes Covid treatment will generally cover testing, emergency evacuation, hospital or medical bills, and even cancellation fees due to Covid. For more on this, check out .
4. Vaccination card
Because many countries have Covid vaccine travel restrictions, you’ll want to bring your vaccination card with you when you travel. This will serve as proof of your vaccination status and boosters (if applicable). It can even be a good idea to take a picture or obtain a digital vaccination card in case you lose the original. Additionally, consider traveling with a few photocopies, in case border control needs to retain a hard copy as proof.
5. Proof of negative Covid test
This varies from country to country, but when required, you absolutely need a negative Covid test and authenticated documents to prove it! The expiration of validity can vary as well, so be sure to check. Some countries require you to be tested within 24 hours of departure and others only insist on 72 hours.
Further, some countries will accept an antigen test, while others will only accept PCR tests. It should be noted that as of early 2023, a negative Covid test is usually only required for travelers who aren’t fully vaccinated; this is absolutely subject to change though, so read up on your destination!
6. Ticket for onward travel
If a country doesn’t require you to have a visa, they will sometimes require proof that you have flights booked to leave on a specific date (AKA proof that you aren’t staying for years). This is called “tickets for onward travel” and is something you’ll want to have anyway! You’ll definitely love having plane tickets for more adventures in hand.
Know what documents you need and avoid the stress of traveling during Covid!
Traveling during Covid is getting less complicated—as long as you’re prepared.
Covid times are difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel! You’ll need to do some extra research and be aware that Covid requirements vary from country to country, but with a little prep and a lot of good attitude, you’ll be (cautiously!) traveling the world again in no time.
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