International Travel to and from the United States Amidst COVID-19

International travel, to and from the United States amidst the COVID-19 outbreak can be nerve wrecking due to the high risk factors surrounding it. With the easing of restrictions on travel, rapid testing centers are being frequented because of certain regulations imposed due to the lingering dangers of COVID-19. Travelers have to abide by these regulations in checkpoints to ensure a safe and seamless travel experience. Here we have discussed all you need to know about travelling amidst COVID-19. 

Before leaving the States

It is important to plan ahead before leaving the States to ensure that you stay safe and not face any problems when it comes to adhering to the COVID-19 regulations:-

• Get vaccinated: Always stay updated about COVID-19 vaccines before you set out to travel. Look for the nearest centers for vaccination or for getting a booster dose. COVID-19 vaccines  and boosters have proven effective in diminishing the severity of COVID-19 effects.

• Adhere to all transportation requirements: There are several regulations you need to follow if you are travelling via airlines, cruises, buses and the like. These requirements may differ from country to country. You need to do adequate research before travelling internationally. If you fail to adhere to your destination’s requirements, you might be denied entry. They may include:-

• Having to wear a mask
• Offering a proof of vaccination
• Getting tested at your destination. 

• Know your risks and plan in accordance: People with weakened immune systems or suffering from a terminal disease need to be more careful when it comes to taking precaution. Ensure that you are vaccinated and have an additional layer of protection. If you are visiting someone who has the aforementioned problems on the other hand, take the necessary measures to protect them from exposure.

During Travel

While travelling to or from the States, ensure the following:- 

• Follow the recommendations from CDC for wearing masks in public.
• Follow the steps to keep yourself and others protected.
• Follow requirements asked of you at your destination.

After Arrival in the United States

There are certain mandates you need to adhere to upon arrival at the U.S. They are:-

• Get tested 3-5 days post arrival. You can go to a COVID-19 testing location or take a self-test kit. 
• Get yourself tested if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
• Get tested if you find out you have been exposed to a person who tested positive for  COVID-19.
• Follow every recommendation enforced by the state, tribal, local and territorial laws post arrival.

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or Develop the symptoms

You need to adhere to the following recommendations if you test positive for COVID-19 post arrival:-

• Isolate yourself to prevent others from contracting COVID-19 from you. 
• Non-U.S. citizens and immigrants who have not acquired full-vaccination status travelling via an exception have to follow the rules after signing an attestation.

Can one travel if…

• One has tested positive for COVID-19 and is asked to isolate.

• One should not travel.
• One should follow the rules set for isolation.

• One has completed their quarantine perios but is asked by the CDC to continue wearing masks.

• A high-grade mask or respirator should be worn during the entire duration of travel.
• One should not board public transportation like buses, airplanes, and trains if they don’t have access to high-quality masks or respirators.
• One is always recommended to traveling via private vehicle.

• One has been exposed to a COVID positive person within the past 10 days.

• One should follow the CDC recommendations like getting tested within 5 full days after the last exposure.
• One should not avail public transportation if they do not have access to a medically-approved mask.
• One should avail private travel because is has a low risk of spreading COVID-19.

Latest news on travel regulations 

Before travelling to and from the United States, one has to adhere to the latest rules and regulations imposed. Starting from January 5, the new requirements that air passengers need to adhere to are:-

• Passengers who are 2 years of age and more traveling to the U.S. from Hong Kong, China or Macau or ones from Toronto, Seoul and Vancouver who have been to the Hong Kong, China or Macau within 10 days have to show a negative COVID-19 report taken within 2 days prior to their flight departure. 
• Ones who tested positive for COVID-19, 90 days prior to their travel have to present a documentation of their recovery.

Choose Affordable Rapid Testing, AZ for all your testing needs

It is always advisable to get tested and ensure that you have tested negative before setting out to travel. With COVID-19 acquiring the status akin to a standard seasonal flu, more and more rapid testing centers have opened up providing RT-PCR testing services. You can either search for ‘RT-PCR test near me’ to locate a nearby testing center or visit the nearest Affordable Rapid Testing center if you are in Arizona. With dedicated centers for PCR Tests in Phoenix and Scottsdale, they guarantee quick and accurate test results without any hassle. To know more about their services, check out their official website.