Many travelers are packing their suitcases and dreaming of vacations on distant shores. If your summer plans include a trip out of the country, please consider the following current international guidelines and suggestions. 

Once you arrive, governments in other countries can close borders without warning. Commercial air, land, and sea carriers can suspend some -or all services. Some countries may even quarantine people who appear sick. 

Recommendations

The CDC is encouraging everyone aged 2 years or older to wear a mask in indoor areas of public transportation- especially in crowded locations or poorly ventilated places. Please do not travel if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms. 

Travel agents are recommending to come prepared and expect delays this summer. Because of the pandemic, the airports (domestic and international) are experiencing a staffing shortage. Supply and demand is still an on-going issue. New employees are also being trained so patience is key. Have your paperwork ready to make the process smoother. 

While you can expect some delays, also have a plan B. What will you do if your flight is canceled? You can’t get a rental car? Someone in your group becomes ill? 

Items to consider bringing on your international summer vacation: 

• For all pandemic updates as well as any other health concerns in other countries always check with the destination for health concerns. 
• You can make an appointment (at least one month before leaving) with your healthcare provider to get important information about immunizations, medicine, and other advice. Be up-to-date on routine vaccines. 
• Bring a travel health kit, health insurance card, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, extra masks, and prescriptions.
• Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Consider purchasing insurance and one that includes emergency evacuation if needed. 
• Designate a point of contact if you have a chronic or pre-existing health condition.

Links for international travel requirements

Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), always check the current COVID-19 situation at your destination. This information shows which countries are at higher risk. 

For detailed information for each country, visit COVID-19 country-specific information. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.

Testing

Consider getting a viral test 3 days before you depart. 

Check your airline’s international guidelines. Here are the links for the Friedman Memorial Airport’s airlines:

Alaska- Travel advisories and COVID-19 testing for international passengers

Delta- Travel requirements guide and US COVID-19 testing entry requirements for international travel

United- International travel requirements and COVID-19 international testing options

Returning to the United States

When flying into the United States from another country — you are also subject to that country’s departure requirements for vaccination and testing. Those requirements may be stricter than the U.S. arrival requirements. Guests transiting through the United States to/from another country must meet U.S. entry requirements for travel. For more information click here. 

Domestic travel

For domestic travel information please visit domestic travel during COVID-19

While traveling this summer might take a little extra planning and patience, be safe, and happy travels to wherever you are headed!