Travel Plans: When Can We Freely Explore Again?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted international travel, with many countries imposing quarantines, entry bans, and other travel restrictions. While these measures helped reduce the spread of the virus, they also disrupted the global tourism industry and affected people's ability to travel internationally. As the pandemic evolves, travel restrictions are continuously evaluated and adjusted by governments worldwide. As of 2024, some countries have started lifting travel bans, allowing their citizens to resume travelling internationally. However, the decision to travel is influenced by various factors, including health concerns, vaccination status, and the willingness of other countries to accept visitors.

Travel restrictions and their effectiveness

Travel restrictions have been used as a tool to control the spread of infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed quarantines, entry bans, or other travel restrictions on citizens of or recent travellers to the most affected areas. Travel restrictions were also used during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, with over 50 countries issuing travel restrictions to and from Ebola-affected countries.

However, the effectiveness of travel restrictions is limited. While they can delay the spread of a disease, they cannot prevent it entirely. For example, travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic only produced a modest reduction in the total number of people infected. Similarly, travel restrictions during the Ebola outbreak caused difficulties in tackling the disease as the movement of supplies, equipment, and humanitarian aid to affected areas became difficult.

In the case of influenza, studies have shown that internal travel restrictions and international border restrictions can delay the spread of influenza epidemics by one week and two months, respectively. However, the impact of these restrictions is reduced when they are implemented more than six weeks after the notification of the epidemic or when the level of transmissibility is high. Overall, travel restrictions have limited effectiveness in preventing the spread of influenza, particularly in scenarios with high transmissibility.

Therefore, while travel restrictions can be a useful tool in the early and late phases of an epidemic, they should be combined with other infection prevention and control measures to be truly effective.

Vaccination requirements for different countries

Vaccination requirements vary across countries, and it is always advisable to check with a local health practitioner or official government sources for the most up-to-date information. Here is a summary of the vaccination requirements for different countries:

Yellow Fever

Some countries require travellers to be vaccinated against yellow fever, especially if they are arriving from a country designated by the World Health Organization as having a "risk of yellow fever transmission". This vaccination requirement typically applies to both those entering and leaving the country. It is important to obtain the vaccination at least ten days before travelling and to carry the necessary vaccination record or certificate, such as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP or Yellow Card).

Polio

Polio vaccination is mandatory for travellers entering or leaving certain countries, especially those considered polio-endemic, polio-affected, polio-exporting, polio-transmission, or "high-risk". As of August 2020, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only polio-endemic countries. Several other countries, including China, Indonesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea, have additional precautionary polio vaccination requirements.

Meningococcal Meningitis

A few countries, such as The Gambia, Indonesia, Lebanon, Libya, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia, require travellers to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. This is particularly important for Muslims visiting or working in Mecca and Medina during the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages. While some countries in the African meningitis belt do not mandate the vaccination, it is highly recommended.

COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several airlines and countries considered implementing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travel. Some countries, like Australia, announced that unvaccinated travellers would be required to quarantine at their own expense. Digital health passes, such as the IATA Travel Pass app, have been developed to standardise the health verification process and display COVID-19 testing and vaccination information.

Routine Vaccinations

It is essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella may be rare in your home country but are more common in other parts of the world. Staying current with routine vaccinations protects you and prevents the spread of these diseases between countries.

The economic impact of travel bans

The impact of these cancellations and reductions was a potential loss of US$4-5 billion in gross operating revenues for airlines worldwide in the first quarter of 2020. This does not include the potential losses to airports, air navigation service providers, and reductions in international air freight movements. The knock-on effects for tourism were also significant, with Japan losing an estimated US$1.29 billion in tourism revenue, and Thailand an estimated US$1.15 billion.

Travel bans can also have a substantial impact on a country's economy by restricting immigration. For example, in 2017, President Trump signed a series of executive orders, known as the "travel bans," which restricted travel and immigration to the US from several Muslim-majority countries. These bans were later revoked by President Biden, who acknowledged that "immigrants have helped strengthen America's ... communities, businesses and workforce, and economy, infusing the United States with creativity, energy, and ingenuity." This is supported by a report from the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC), which found that immigrants played a critical role in driving innovation and growth in the US economy, particularly in the technology sector. The report concluded that "diversity and the global mobility of talent and ideas into our country are critical drivers of U.S. innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness."

Social impact of restricted travel

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the tourism industry, with many countries implementing travel restrictions and quarantine policies. This has led to a new form of travel known as "pandemic-restricted travel", where people's mobility and travel behaviour have been significantly altered. While the demand for travel remained, the nature of travel changed, with people opting for local and regional exploration over international travel. This shift had social implications for both travellers and the destinations they visited.

Social Impact on Travellers

• Restricted travel limited people's ability to explore new cultures and destinations, impacting their psychological well-being and sense of adventure.
• Travellers had to adapt to new safety protocols and guidelines, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, which altered their travel experiences and interactions.
• The financial burden of restricted travel, with additional costs for testing and quarantine, may have made travel less accessible to some.
• Travellers had to navigate constantly changing policies and restrictions, leading to uncertainty and anxiety about their plans.

Social Impact on Destinations

• Local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, were affected by the reduction in international tourists, impacting the local economy.
• Destinations that relied heavily on tourism may have struggled due to the decrease in visitors, leading to financial strain and potential job losses.
• The shift towards regional travel may have benefited some local businesses and encouraged the development of new attractions and experiences.
• There was a risk of overtourism in certain regions as travellers congregated in areas with fewer restrictions, impacting the local population and environment.

Overall, the social impact of restricted travel during the pandemic was complex and varied. It affected travellers' experiences and opportunities while also shaping the economic landscape and local communities of destinations. As the world adjusted to the new normal of pandemic-restricted travel, the social implications evolved, and people adapted to find ways to explore and connect with the world safely.

Quarantine rules and testing requirements

Alaska

All travellers, including residents and tourists, must submit a travel declaration and self-isolation plan on the Alaska Travel Portal. While proof of a negative test is no longer required as of March 2021, it is still highly encouraged.

Colorado

While the state of Colorado does not have any specific travel rules, popular ski destinations like Aspen previously required proof of a negative PCR test prior to March 2021. As of March 5, 2021, travellers to areas like Pitkin County are required to fill out a form acknowledging their understanding of the local COVID-19 policies, and tests are still encouraged.

Kansas

Kansas mandates a 14-day quarantine for travellers or residents arriving from certain states, all cruise or river boat travel, and specific international countries. The list of affected locations is subject to frequent updates. It is possible to reduce the quarantine period to 7 days with a negative PCR test on day 7.

New Mexico

Any individual travelling to New Mexico from states deemed high-risk based on COVID-19 positivity rates is advised to self-quarantine for 14 days or for the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter. This requirement was changed to a recommendation in March 2021.

Hawaii

Hawaii maintains strict entry requirements. All arrivals, regardless of residency or tourist status, must fill out a "Hawaii Safe Travels Form" online before departure. Travellers are required to either quarantine for 10 days or undergo pre-arrival testing to bypass the quarantine mandate. The test must be a Nucleic Acid Covid-19 test performed by approved partners listed on Hawaii's state website, with results available within 72 hours of departure to Hawaii. Travel between most islands is restricted with the same requirements.

Kentucky

All international travellers entering Kentucky, including returning residents, are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has also advised against all out-of-state leisure travel until further notice.

Ohio

Ohio recommends a 14-day quarantine for travellers arriving from states with a rolling 7-day average infection rate exceeding 15%. This advisory is not a mandate but is intended as guidance.

New York

As of April 10, 2021, New York has lifted the mandatory 10-day quarantine, and unvaccinated individuals are advised to self-isolate at their discretion. All travellers, except those from contiguous states, must complete a Traveler Health Form.

Maryland

As of March 2021, Maryland no longer requires quarantine and testing but recommends them for travellers.

Pennsylvania

Both visitors to Pennsylvania and residents returning from select high-risk states are advised to quarantine for 10 days. The requirement for isolation and testing was removed on March 10, 2021.

New Jersey

New Jersey asks visitors and returning residents arriving from all states to quarantine for 10 days. Travellers should consider getting tested with a viral test 1-3 days before their trip and again 3-5 days after returning. If travellers test positive, they must self-isolate for at least 10 days and postpone travel. If they test negative, they should still quarantine for a full 7 days after travel. While no forms are mandatory, New Jersey requests travellers to fill out a voluntary survey.

Connecticut

As of March 19, 2021, Connecticut no longer requires a 10-day quarantine but asks all returning or visiting individuals to follow CDC guidelines, including testing 3-5 days after travel and staying home for 7 days.

Massachusetts

As of March 22, 2021, Massachusetts has replaced the mandatory 10-day quarantine with a recommendation. Individuals who test negative during their recommended quarantine can end it early.

New Hampshire

As of March 21, 2021, New Hampshire changed its requirement to a recommendation for a 10-day self-quarantine for residents returning and visitors from out of state or abroad. Asymptomatic individuals with a negative PCR test on or after day 7 of quarantining may end their quarantine early. Fully vaccinated or recovered passengers are exempt from this recommendation.

Vermont

Vermont requires all unvaccinated visitors and returning residents to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of arrival. Vaccinated travellers are exempt from testing requirements as of April 9, 2021.

Maine

Maine requires all visitors and returning residents to complete a 10-day quarantine unless they can show proof of a negative PCR or Antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival. A "certificate of compliance" must be completed by all arrivals and presented upon checking into any hotel or accommodation. Maine has exemptions for neighbouring states, currently including New Hampshire and Vermont.

Los Angeles County

Unvaccinated individuals arriving in Los Angeles County, including returning California residents, should self-quarantine for 10 days. A travel form must be filled out for all travellers aged 16 and above entering the county from out of state or country. Californians are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries.

Oregon

Oregon strongly recommends that residents avoid non-essential travel out of state. All visitors and returning residents are advised to complete a 14-day quarantine.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. asks all visitors and returning residents who have travelled out of state or country to get tested within 3-5 days of arrival. Private institutions may require a record of a negative COVID-19 test for admittance. Residents returning from out of state or abroad should self-isolate for 14 days or take a PCR test 3 days after their return, ending isolation with a negative result. Visitors and returning residents from Maryland and Virginia are exempt.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires out-of-state visitors to complete a "certificate of compliance with out-of-state travel quarantine/testing requirements" and an "out-of-state travel screening form." If staying in a hotel, the certificate of compliance must be shown at check-in. Travellers from states with a positivity rate higher than 5% must quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms. To bypass quarantine, travellers can provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or test during quarantine, ending isolation with a negative result.

Chicago

Chicago has implemented its own rules separate from the rest of the state. A colour-coded map categorises states as yellow, orange, or red based on the level of risk. Travel from yellow states has no restrictions, while orange states offer a choice between a 10-day quarantine or a negative Covid test within 72 hours of arrival. Travel from red states mandates a 10-day quarantine.

Frequently asked questions