Travel Plans: Which States Allow Visitors Now?

The topic of states allowing travel is a complex and evolving issue influenced by various factors, including public health, economic considerations, and legal challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries adopted different approaches towards international travellers, with some imposing outright bans while others implemented nuanced strategies. For example, Costa Rica, in a bid to revive its tourism industry, became the first country to welcome American travellers based on their state of origin, allowing residents from states with similar or lower COVID-19 contagion rates than Costa Rica to enter. This approach, however, sparked discussions about the potential for chaos and the encouragement of businesses to move operations overseas. The dynamic nature of the pandemic and varying responses from different states and countries underscores the importance of staying informed about the latest travel advisories and restrictions.

US travel restrictions during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed quarantines, entry bans, or other travel restrictions for citizens of or recent travellers to the most affected areas. Some countries imposed global restrictions that apply to all foreign countries, or prevented their own citizens from travelling abroad.

In the US, the northern and southern borders remained closed to non-essential travel by people who are neither US citizens nor permanent residents. From the declaration of the public health emergency on 31 January 2020, people other than US citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family were prohibited from entering the US within 14 days of being in China. On 2 February, all inbound passengers who had been to Hubei in the previous 14 days were placed under quarantine for up to 14 days. American citizens who had travelled to mainland China were allowed to continue their travel home if they were asymptomatic, but would be monitored by local health departments. From 2 March, foreign nationals who had travelled to Iran within the previous 14 days were denied entry to the US. American citizens and permanent residents returning to the US who had travelled to Iran within the previous 14 days had to enter through an approved airport. On 13 March, incoming travel from the Schengen area in Europe was suspended. A proclamation issued days earlier stated that this restriction applied only to foreign nationals who had been to a country within the Schengen area in the past 14 days. The ban did not apply to legal permanent residents and most immediate family members of US citizens. Also, cargo and trading goods were not affected.

On 14 March, the US extended the ban to include the United Kingdom and Ireland for 30 days, although the proclamation more vaguely stated that it would remain in effect until terminated by the President. Effective 29 May, foreigners coming from Brazil were restricted from entering the US. On 6 August, the US Department of State lifted a Level 4 global health travel advisory issued on 19 March, which advised American citizens to avoid all international travel.

As of 26 January 2021, all air passengers aged two and older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the United States, and travel restrictions were reinstated for people who visited the Schengen Area, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and South Africa 14 days before their attempted entry into the US. A rule change scheduled to take effect in November 2021 would require a narrower testing window for unvaccinated travellers: a test within one day of entry to the US for those who are unvaccinated, compared to three days allowed for fully vaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated travellers would also have to test a second time after landing in the US. On 8 November 2021, after nearly 20 months of travel ban, vaccinated international tourists were allowed to travel to the USA.

The US Department of State has also issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Costa Rica, advising Americans not to travel there due to COVID-19.

Costa Rica's state-by-state approach

As of April 1, 2022, Costa Rica has lifted its COVID-19 national health emergency procedures, and anyone can visit. However, tourists must follow health procedures initiated by their private tour operators when travelling within the country, such as showing proof of vaccination or wearing a mask when required.

The migratory procedures established in the General Law of Migration and Immigration in Costa Rica are the rules and treatments that control the entry, stay, and exit of immigrants in the country. They are based on principles focused on national sovereignty, human rights, and global cooperation.

Entry Requirements

To enter Costa Rica, you must:

• Have a valid passport.
• Have a return or onward ticket.
• Have proof of economic solvency.
• Have valid international travel insurance that covers treatment and accommodation costs if you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay.
• Complete the health pass online within 72 hours before departure.
• Buy medical insurance that covers sickness, including COVID-19, with a $50,000 limit and $2,000 for accommodation in the event of quarantine.
• Buy a return ticket.
• Apply for a visa if necessary.

Country of Origin Requirements

Some countries might ask their citizens to take a COVID-19 vaccine or test before departing to Costa Rica or upon returning to their home country, depending on their travel guidelines and restrictions. For example, the US, Canada, and England require a negative test from returning tourists.

COVID-19 Testing in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not require quarantine, travel insurance, a health pass, a QR code, or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Tourists are to voluntarily declare that they tested negative for an antigen or PCR test. However, if tourists need to get a COVID-19 test in Costa Rica for their return flight or other purposes, they can find several alternatives for quick antigen or PCR tests in the country.

Safety Precautions

Tourists can take extra safety precautions suggested by local authorities, such as hand sanitization, social distancing, and the use of masks in crowds. They should also consider quick at-home tests before making contact with anyone and spreading the virus.

Testing and vaccination requirements

The testing and vaccination requirements for traveling to the United States vary depending on the traveler's country of origin, age, and vaccination status. Here is an overview:

Testing Requirements:

• Air Travel: All air travelers, including US citizens, must present a negative COVID-19 test result before departure. The test must be taken no more than 24 hours before the flight's departure to the United States.
• Land Border Crossings: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers entering the US via land border crossings or ferry terminals. However, travelers exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to the CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Vaccination Requirements:

• Air Travel: Non-US citizens who are visiting the US temporarily by air are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination before boarding their flight. This requirement applies to individuals who are 18 years of age and older.
• Land Border Crossings: Non-US citizens entering the US via land border crossings or ferry terminals are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This requirement applies to both essential and non-essential travelers and does not depend on the traveler's age.

It is important to note that these requirements are subject to change, and travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest guidelines provided by official sources, such as the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security.

Additionally, individuals should be prepared to present valid travel documents, such as passports, visas, or other compliant border-crossing documents, regardless of their vaccination status or country of origin.

Travel advisories and warnings

The United States has implemented several measures to facilitate safe travel for its citizens. During the pandemic, the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and commercial airlines worked together to allow US citizens abroad to return using certain expired passports. This temporary measure aimed to reduce travel difficulties for US citizens. Additionally, the US government advised citizens to delay domestic travel until they were fully vaccinated. For those who needed to travel, the CDC recommended taking a viral test before and after their trip and self-quarantining upon their return.

International travel restrictions vary by country and are subject to change. For example, Costa Rica initially allowed residents of six US states with similar or lower COVID-19 outbreak conditions to enter the country. This list was periodically revised, and by September 2020, residents of 12 states and Washington, D.C., were permitted to enter with a negative COVID-19 test. Similarly, the US State Department advised against travel to certain destinations, such as the US Virgin Islands and Jamaica, due to high COVID-19 levels.

It is important to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and warnings. Travelers should consult official government websites and resources for up-to-date information before planning their trips.

The impact of travel restrictions on tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the tourism industry, with travel restrictions leading to a significant decline in international tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international arrivals fell by 70% in the first eight months of 2020 compared to 2019, resulting in a loss of US$730 billion in export revenues from international tourism. This impact was felt across all regions, with Asia and the Pacific experiencing the largest decline of 79%, followed by Africa and the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

The decline in international tourism has had far-reaching social and economic consequences. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili warned that the "unprecedented decline" is putting "millions of jobs and businesses at risk," emphasizing the urgent need for a safe and coordinated restart of tourism. The lack of a coordinated response among countries and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic have hindered the recovery of the tourism industry.

In an effort to balance health risks and economic needs, some countries, like Costa Rica, have implemented nuanced approaches to travel restrictions. Costa Rica initially reopened its borders to select low-risk countries and later expanded its entry to residents of specific U.S. states with similar or better outbreak conditions. This state-by-state approach acknowledges the varying COVID-19 situations and responses within the United States.

Frequently asked questions