International Travel in a Covid World
International Travel in a Covid World is something we all grapple with each day. The COVID-19 pandemic continues and a vaccine is still in the works. But after months of global lockdown to flatten the curve (some countries more successful than others) and the development of rapid coronavirus testing, several U.S. states and ever more countries have begun to reopen. Questions remain about when will it be safe to travel and where will it be safe to travel to?
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. 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.
At present the Department of State is making every effort to assist U.S. citizens overseas who wish to return to the United States. If you wish to return to the United States, you should make arrangements to do so now and contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance as needed. There is no guarantee that the Department of State will be able to continue to provide repatriation assistance and transportation options to the United States may be unavailable in the future. If you choose to remain overseas, you should be prepared to remain where you are for the foreseeable future.
U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
International Travel in a Covid World
Dark Red represents regions that are currently closed. Only citizens, residents returning home, or people in other special circumstances may enter the country.
Salmon or Pink represents regions that are partially closed. Entrance into the country may depend on the traveler’s citizenship, point of origin, or other specific regulations.
The regions in Light Green have announced a specific date for reopening, but certain entry requirements may still apply.
The regions in dark green have no formal entry restrictions in place, but is still monitoring the situation and may have other travel advisories in place.
117 countries are completely closed
64 countries are partially closed
The Impact of The Caronavirus on International Travel
THE USA
The United States has restricted the entry of all foreign nationals who have visited China, Iran, the Schengen Area, Ireland, or the United Kingdom in the past 14 days.
MEXICO
Mexico does not have any entry restrictions, but travelers arriving from countries affected by COVID-19 will be screened and quarantined if necessary.
CANADA
Canada is currently blocking the entry of all non-citizens and non-permanent residents, except for immediate family members of Canadians, diplomats, airline crews, and US citizens who commute daily between the two countries for work.
FRANCE
France restricted the entry of all foreign nationals except nationals of other Schengen Member States.
GERMANY
Germany has relaxed its entry restrictions for travelers arriving from the European Economic Area.
ITALY
Italy has reopened its borders to travelers arriving from the European Union/Schengen zone. Italy has restricted the entry of all visitors who are traveling as tourists, and has suspended flights from China and Taiwan.
UK
The United Kingdom does not have entry restrictions, but a 14-day quarantine is in place for arriving travelers.
HAWAII
Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine For All Passengers Arriving From Out-of-State; Beginning August 1, Individuals With Valid Negative Test Up To 72 Hours Prior to Trip Will Be Exempt
International Travel in a Covid World – Coronavirus Cases By Country
ITALY – Population 60M
Total COVID cases are under 250K
Daily new cases are under 250 and have been decreasing for 3 months
Number of new deaths are under 25 and have been decreasing for 3 months
The number of active cases in Italy are less than 19,000
USA – Population 328M
Total COVID cases in the USA is approximately 2,500,000 and climbing
Daily new cases are about 38,000 and this is approximately the same high as 2 months ago with no decline in sight
Number of new deaths are 900 and have been decreasing for 2 months
The number of active cases in the USA is approximately 1,300,000and climbing
FRANCE – Population 68M
Total COVID cases in the USA is approximately 161,000 and flattening
Daily new cases are less than 500 and this trend has been flat for 2 months
Number of new deaths is less than 60 and has been decreasing for 2 months
The number of active cases in the FRANCE is approximately 57,000 and climbing
For the latest information on traveling during the coronavirus outbreak, visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
