The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bumped up the Dominican Republic to its Level 3: High Level of Covid risk category on Monday.
The Dominican Republic previously sat at a Level 2: Moderate risk for Covid since May, and the popular vacation destination is now officially listed at Level 3 with a number of other nations around the world. We’ve got all the details for travelers below.
CDC Rating System Overhaul: Information For International Travelers
The CDC restructured its Covid rating system this past April, which is one that was in place since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. In the update, the Level 4: Very High risk category was changed to Do Not Travel: Special Circumstances.
The switch bumped a lot of European nations from the Level 4 to Level 3 category, many of which still remain on the list.
At this time, there aren’t any countries in the new Level 4 category, but you can check for updates on the CDC’s website. To review, Level 2 means a “moderate” amount of risk and a Level 1 ranking is “low” risk when it comes to Covid.
Dominican Republic Is Now ‘High’ Risk – What Does This Mean For Travelers?
This new CDC Covid health-risk ranking means that all nations listed as Level 3 are currently at the highest degree of risk for the virus.
To get a Level 3 ranking, it means that there are more than 100 reported cases of Covid-19 out of 100,000 residents over a consecutive 28-day period. On top of the Dominican Republic, the Middle Eastern nation of Kuwait was added to the CDC’s Level 3 list this week.
While this means that travel is still permitted to the Dominican Republic, the CDC does offer some guidelines for tourists planning to visit the Caribbean nation now that Covid cases are rising throughout the region:
It’s recommended that all travelers be up to date with their vaccinations against the virus and to avoid travel if not fully vaccinated.
Because all travelers may still be at risk of contracting and spreading the virus even if they have received their vaccinations, it’s best to remain vigilant when visiting the Dominican Republic.
Carry a well-fitting face mask with you when you leave your hotel room and wear it in all public indoor spaces throughout your trip.
Follow all guidelines when traveling to and throughout airports (in the US and at your travel destination) during your trip.
The CDC also recommends taking a Covid viral test three days prior to departure or as close to your departure time as possible.
High-Risk Countries For Covid, According To The CDC
Here’s a review of some of the other popular travel destinations currently listed at Level 3 as of June 27th, 2022:
Anguilla
Aruba
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Costa Rica
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Mexico
The Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
Turks and Caicos
The UK
Dominican Republic Welcomed ‘Record-Breaking’ Amount Of Tourists In Spring 2022
Travel in the Dominican Republic has skyrocketed in 2022 as Covid health-related restrictions have been dropping around the world. The hype was so big that the nation actually broke its record for the highest number of international arrivals of all-time in April of 2022.
The Caribbean country welcomed a total of 626,000 travelers in April, which was the first time it received more than 600,000 international arrivals in a full calendar month. Travelers arrived via air and by cruise ship, with over 129,000 cruise ship passengers recorded in the Dominican Republic that month. The highest number of international arrivals to DR were US Americans as well as Canadian tourists.
Safety And Travel In The Dominican Republic
The popular Caribbean destination dropped its pre-departure testing and quarantine requirements for international travelers in October of 2020 and the country slowly began welcoming tourists back.
Throughout much of the pandemic, some restrictions were in place for travelers and locals alike on the ground, such as mandatory mask-wearing in public spaces as well as a nationwide evening curfew.
Entry Requirements For The Dominican Republic: An Overview
In 2021 and into 2022, some entry restrictions remained for unvaccinated travelers to the Dominican Republic, which included a Covid breathalizer test upon arrival at the airport. All arrivals that tested positive were subject to quarantine.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
The U.S. Department of State has an important message for American citizens traveling in the long term, or who are due to fly internationally soon. Starting in July, expired U.S. passports will no longer be considered valid documents when returning to the United States, as certain pandemic-era measures are due to be revoked.
Throughout the Covid crisis, the U.S. Government allowed Americans who had been stuck abroad indefinitely, and whose passports might have ceased being valid amid the never-ending cycle of restrictions, to travel back home on an expired document. The ordinance had been extended a number of times, while travelers still faced a high degree of travel unpredictability.
Now that Covid is close to being considered an endemic disease, and a majority of travel curbs have been loosened, the U.S. is finally revising this once-lax travel policy:
Americans Will Be Denied Boarding If Their Passports Are Not Valid From July 1
As those who have been closely following the latest updates on the websites of major U.S. Embassies lately will already know, after June 30, 2022, U.S. citizens who remain overseas with an expired passport will no longer be able to use it as a travel document for returning to their home country. Instead, they are now urged to apply for a new passport.
Since the announcement was made, several U.S. Embassies around the world were quick to update their own travel guidance, including the American diplomatic missions in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, France, Germany, and several other countries. As early as July 1, only passports that meet expiry requirements will be accepted.
In a message to U.S. citizens holding an invalid travel document and who are abroad at the moment, the Embassies have collectively advised them to seek assistance in obtaining a replacement passport ahead of traveling. As the U.S. Embassy in Albania reiterates, Americans are eligible for ‘temporary passports’ in cases of emergency travel.
These passports can be issued when a travel date cannot be postponed, and the time required for applying for a regular passport would prevent departure. In these situations, they should contact an official U.S. representation in the foreign country they are in – whether it’s Albania or any of the aforementioned nations.
The application process may vary, but same-day issuance is usually available on a case-by-case basis. Nevertheless, Embassies remind travelers that, in ‘certain circumstances’, additional information may be required, or they may refer cases to the Department of State for further evaluation. For that reason, they are warned against making travel plans in advance.
Change In Travel Rules Follows A Global Reopening Trend
Prior to the tightening of the rule, all U.S. citizens qualified for travel to the United States on an expired passport, so long as the flight back was a ‘direct return’, or included a short-term, air-side transit in a foreign country. U.S. authorities only required that the document had previously valid for a total of 10 years, from the date of issue, before expiring.
As Covid is no longer prompting border closures worldwide, and the world is quickly reopening for tourism, the grace period for void travel documents is poised to elapse. After all, we are approaching a stage in the pandemic where Covid is not seen as a seriously disruptive health threat, especially in Western states that are progressively easing travel rules.
In spite of the positive trend, Americans are reminded holding valid passports is the main prerequisite for international travel – and, soon enough, for entering the United States. Lastly, all travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Program (STEP), including U.S. nationals that are abroad.
STEP is a free service allowing Americans that are either traveling for extensive periods of time, or living in other countries, to register their trip with Embassies or Consulates that are closest to them. This will help U.S. officials assist them during unforeseen events, and strengthen communication between both parts.
Americans May Not Need Passports To Travel To Certain Destinations
It is worth noting that, even though passports are needed for the vast majority of international flights departing from the U.S., there are a number of destinations known to have struck bilateral agreements with the White House, allowing Americans to visit bureaucracy-free – even when they do not have passports.
That is still the exception rather than the rule, and the U.S. Department of State reaffirms Americans will be denied from boarding a plane when attempting to travel to an international destination without valid documentation. As pre-pandemic regulations are reinstated, the best option here is to get a passport, or renew an expired one, as soon as possible.
U.S. citizens can apply for new passports using this link.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
With Covid and travel restrictions starting to feel more like yesterday’s news, travel is finally picking up after two years of being placed on an indefinite hold. Whether it’s domestic or international tourism, demand is back to pre-pandemic levels, and millions of Americans are eager to jet off to nearest paradise destination.
Even as the world reopens, travelling internationally still comes with its own set of non-Covid related rules tourists must observe. Those can range from holding a passport that will not expire within the next six months, to presenting proof of having enough financial resources and insurance covering the whole duration of the trip.
These are some of the most common requirements imposed on travelers by foreign countries, with the aim of strengthening their external borders and ensuring that those applying for an entry permit are genuine visitors. Naturally, U.S. citizens remain subject to these same entry rules, which can vary quite a lot depending on the destination.
Luckily, there are a handful of places where U.S. citizens enjoy (far) greater privileges, including being allowed to travel without a passport – and no, we are not about to remind you that Hawaii and Alaska, albeit remote, are still states within the Federation. Surprisingly, holding an ID card other than a passport can still get you much farther away.
More specifically, there are currently 7 destinations Americans can access just as smoothly as entering their own country, with no excessive bureaucracy! Ready to find out how far your status as a U.S. citizen can take you? Here’s the complete list of countries and territories accepting Americans, regardless of being passport holders:
International Destinations
Mexico
Certain types of ID are valid for land crossings
Air arrivals must still carry a passport at all times
A little known-fact among travelers, Mexico in fact allows U.S. citizens to enter the country without holding a passport, as long as they travel via land. In order to be eligible, Americans must hold either a passport card, a Trusted Traveler ID (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST cards), or a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).
Similarly to a passport, a U.S. passport card includes its holder’s name, photo, birthplace and date of birth, a unique identification number for the purpose of verification, and an issue and expiry dates. The big difference is they are much more affordable than regular passports, costing only $30 to apply instead of $130.
Trusted Traveler Cards, on the other hand, are documents issued to ‘low-risk travelers’ for expedited clearance when traveling between the United States and Mexico. Alternatively, those residing in Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, New York and Washington can apply for an EDL in the unlikely event they are driving all the way South to Mexico.
For those in the Southern U.S. hitting the road this summer, there are innumerable destinations in Mexico in close proximity to the border. One of our favorites include the seaside retreat of Puerto Peñasco, a city located in the state of Sonora, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and only a short three and a half hour drive away from Phoenix, Arizona.
Other border cities include the vibrant Tijuana, 20 miles south of San Diego, and Ciudad Juárez, part of a trans-border agglomeration with the Texan city of El Paso, though no U.S. state bordering Mexico issues EDLs as of now. Although Mexico allows Americans to enter with other forms of ID via land, passports are still the only valid document for air arrivals.
Canada
Several ID cards are accepted for both land and air arrivals
180-day entry permit still applies to U.S. citizens
Sharing the longest international border in the world, the United States and Canada have multiple bilateral agreements that allow facilitated travel for each others’ citizens. Unlike all other foreigners, who either need a tourist visa or a Travel Authorization to enter Canada, Americans can visit the country simply by presenting a valid ID card.
This includes a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card: these can all be used on any transportation mode, such as flights, cars, ferries, trains, and buses. Conversely, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses or FAST cards are only accepted at land and sea borders. Americans are reminded they can stay in Canada for up to 180 days, per entry, regardless of the ID they use.
Countless destinations in Canada are located close to the U.S. border, or a stone’s throw away from a number U.S. cities, making cross-border trips incredibly easy. A prime example of that is the Niagara Falls, a world wonder shared by both countries and sandwiched between Buffalo, in the state of New York, and Niagara Falls (the city), in Ontario.
Spending a long weekend in the metropolitan Vancouver, or any of the quaint, historical towns that are part of Canada’s British Columbia province, is also quite feasible for residents of the U.S. state of Washington, while New England, especially the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine enjoy direct road links to the French-English bilingual Quebec.
Other U.S. Territories
National U.S. issued ID cards are valid documentation in all transportation modes
Starting May 3, 2023, REAL ID will be required
Beyond the mainland, the U.S. has a collection of unincorporated territories with their own distinct culture and national identities. Despite not being considered U.S. states, these overseas areas are an integral part of the country, meaningall Americans traveling from the continent are welcome –with or without passports.
When traveling from the U.S. to any of these territories, Americans are only required to present a valid ID. Starting May 3, 2023, all air travelers 18 years of age and older will be required to present REAL ID for flying within the U.S., such as a verifiable, REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued EDL, or ordinary U.S. passports.
The U.S. territories accepting national ID cards for travel are:
Puerto Rico
One of America’s favorite Caribbean destinations, Puerto Rico has recently dropped all Covid vaccination and testing requirements for mainland arrivals, allowing domestic visitors to enter restriction-free. Additionally, as it is an unincorporated U.S. territory, the island does not expect mainland Americans to carry a passport for identification.
Several nonstop flights to Puerto Rico are available from every major U.S. city, including Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Forth Worth, Miami, New York and Philadelphia, just to name a few. Some of the most famous landmarks include the colorful Old Town In San Juan and Spanish colonial fortresses.
U.S. Virgin Islands
St John
St. Croix
St. Thomas
Like Puerto Rico, the triad of Caribbean islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands archipelago are open with no health requirements. Luckily, there are direct flights to St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas from cities like New York, Miami, Washington, Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, Baltimore (and many more).
Right now, all that Americans need when traveling to U.S. Virgin Islands is a driver’s license, or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, when not in possession of other travel documents. From May 2023, REAL ID requirements will start applying to air passengers visiting the archipelago.
Guam
Ever heard of the small, picturesque Micronesian island that is Guam? It may be more challenging, and somewhat more expensive to visit than other destinations on this list, but it is yet another tropical hotspot allowing U.S. citizens to visit completely visa-free, and without requesting new passports in advance: national IDs are more than enough.
A U.S. overseas territory, it is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful beaches, incredibly well-preserved Spanish-era monuments and other sites of historical relevance, such as Asan Beach, where crucial World War II (WWII) events took place. Direct flights are only available from Honolulu with United Airlines.
Northern Mariana Islands
A group of 14 islands in total, out of which only 3 are developed tourist destinations (Saipan, Tinian and Rota), the U.S. Northern Mariana territory boasts sandy beaches, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, numerous dive sites and wildlife sanctuaries – a beautiful setting that hosted the Battle of Saipan, one of the bloodiest in WWII.
The only way for Americans to reach the Northern Marianas traveling on a verifiable driver’s license or other equivalent ID is taking a flight from the mainland U.S. to Honolulu, then onward to Guam, and finally to Saipan International Airport, serving the island of Saipan. All other flights leave from mainland China, Hong Kong, or South Korea.
American Samoa
Tutuila
Aunuʻu
Ofu
Olosega
Taʻū
Swains (Uninhabited)
Rose Atoll (Uninhabited)
The American Samoa is a collective of seven South Pacific Islands graced with volcano views, tropical moist forests, and immaculate beaches where overtourism does not seem to be a concern. Pago Pago, the regional capital, provides the American Samoa’s only access to the outside world, with direct flights to and from Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines.
As a U.S. unincorporated territory, these islands rely heavily on domestic tourism, with a majority of attractions centered in the capital and surrounding villages. From Pago Pago International Airport, visitors can fly to Fiti’uta, in the island of Taʻū, and Ofu, where secluded beaches and impressive nature can be found.
Bottom Line
As Guam only has domestic connections to other mainland U.S. cities via Hawaii, and domestic flights to the Northern Mariana Islands, in turn, only depart via Guam, U.S. citizens flying without their passports must book tickets that do not include airside transit, or stopovers, in any territories that are not within the United States.
For more information on travel documentation, please visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, where official guidance is available. When going abroad, Americans are advised to carry valid passports, even when other agreements are in place, as it is the most widely recognized document for international travel.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Covid may have subsided, but traveling Europe in the upcoming months will not come without its own subset of challenges. In fact, Americans visiting Ireland this summer now risk facing severe travel disruption, as the nation’s busiest international airport in Dublin tries to strike a delicate balance between higher travel demand and staff shortages.
After two years of unusually quiet departure lounges, the pandemic’s long-term impacts on the travel industry are only now being felt. Although London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International also reported delays, proving Dublin Airport is not alone, it’s the latter that took the brunt of it, as more than 1,000 passengers have missed their flights in a single day.
Here is how it all went down:
How Bad Is The Situation At Dublin Airport?
After Covid, travelers have begun to turn up at the airport earlier than usual – sometimes many hours in advance – to ensure they will board their flights on time. While long lines had been a common sight at Dublin Airport over the weekend, it was yesterday, on May 30, that the situation turned truly dire, as even early showers were not guaranteed boarding.
Since Friday, there have been numerous reports on news outlets, and social media, of people who missed their flights despite arriving to Dublin Airport 3 to 4 hours in advance. The Irish Times tells of a family who showed up early at the airport at 7:58 am for a 10:45 am flight, but after two hours in line had only gotten as far as the front door of the terminal.
Customer Rebeca Boughton said ‘no information was provided to passengers queuing outside the terminal building’, and people started pushing through trying to make their flights in time. Most of the time, to no avail. Once she made it inside, Mrs Boughton learned that the check-in desk was already closed and her flight delayed until noon.
Dublin Airport Descends Into Chaos
Another couple from County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland, also got the airport ‘several hours in advance‘ and still missed their 7:45 am flight to Italy: ‘we arrived at the closing gate at 7:40 am, and our plane was outside, but they wouldn’t let us through the gates’. According to the interviewee, they were among 36 passengers that were not allowed to board.
The person added they ‘pleaded’ at the gate to be let in, and then peeked out the window to see airport staff removing cases from the plane. Even after arguing and despite passengers being visibly distressed, it was ‘no good’ as they were still barred from boarding. The passenger has deemed the situation a ‘bad advertisement for Ireland‘.
An American family has also had had their plans ruined amid the chaos, spending over 11 hours at the airport on Sunday. Bonnie Radintz, who voiced her family’s grievances, detailed they had already missed a flight earlier that day, despite showing up on time, and were forced to walk 4 km in Terminal 2 in lengthy passenger lines with no end in sight.
Mrs Radintz, who was flying home to Minneapolis that day, said her family received ‘no water, vouchers or any form of communication’ regarding their new (delayed) flight. Interestingly, other passengers waiting outside the terminals to get in also complained of a ‘lack of communication from airport authorities’.
What Is Behind The Crisis?
According to the DAA, which stands for Dublin Airport Authority, the recent chaos at the airport can be blamed on a number of factors, ranging from a shortage of staff and unexpected absences yesterday, to several passengers turning up early. As reported by RTE, more than 1,000 people missed their flights following Sunday’s disruptions.
Other reports note that 1,000 airport workers have left their jobs since September 2020, after the DAA offered staff ‘voluntary severance’ due to the low travel demand at the time, including 248 security screening workers. The move has led to shortages in the Republic of Ireland’s two biggest airports, Dublin and Cork.
As Kevin Cullinane, a spokesperson for the DAA noted, Dublin Airport ‘clearly didn’t have enough security lanes open due to resourcing challenges’. He added that, due to staff constraints, any absence can critically impact the airport’s ability to operate lanes, as became evident on Sunday.
Airport Authorities Had No Clue About The Scale Of The Problem Until It Was Too Late
Even though there was trouble brewing as early as Saturday, airport authorities did not become aware of the scale of the problem until it was too late. Cullinane shared ‘the challenges the airport faced began at about 4:30 local time on Sunday’, and despite their best efforts to balance an increase in passengers and fewer staff, the system was ‘overwhelmed’.
What’s worse: this might not be a one-off, with Cullinane tellings RTE the airport is operating on ‘very fine margins’ and ‘running to the max’ of available staff. This means Americans flying to Ireland this summer are very likely to experience travel disruption in some level, such as excessively long wait lines, delays or cancellations.
Although more travel woes were already expected in Europe this summer, as a majority of airports in the continent are battling shortages, Dublin Airport’s recent fiasco proves how quickly, and unexpectedly, the situation can deteriorate even further. After having let thousands of passengers down, Dublin Airport expects an extra 370 officers to be hired by July.
Eddie Wilson, CEO at Ryanair, Ieland’s low-cost carrier, has urged the government to deploy the army to airports. Wilson believes one of the biggest issues at the airport today is that aspiring workers need to be security cleared before they can assume their posts. As he argues, army officers already have security clearance and could help ease the pressure.
What Is The Risk Of Experiencing Travel Disruption When Visiting Ireland?
With several American carriers announcing new flights to Ireland this summer, in response to a growing demand for overseas travel, there is always a risk your flight could be delayed, or even cancelled, taking into account Dublin Airport’s current resources, which are limited. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting which flights will be axed and which will not.
Ireland may be open for all Americans, irrespective of vaccination status and with no testing or quarantine in place, but this does not mean travelers should not be prepared for their plans to change, or completely scrap the Covid-era contingency measures. Now, it’s cancelled flights they need to worry about, and they will become more and more frequent as summer approaches.
With that in mind, we recommend you to always purchase travel insurance covering cancellation costs before flying, in order to be better prepared when faced with adverse events. Additionally, travelers are now advised to exercise increased caution when visiting Europe due to the new monkeypox outbreaks in several parts of the continent, including Ireland.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
The Jamaican city of Montego Bay has been named as one of the top destinations for American travelers to visit this summer.
Famed for its white-sand beaches, laid back way of life, and a whole host of water-based activities, Montego Bay has long since been a favorite for travelers from North America – and with Jamaica recently removing its Covid-19 related entry requirements, that status looks set to grow even further this summer.
Here’s a closer look at why Montego Bay has been named one of the top destinations for American travelers this summer, what type of things travelers can look forward to experiencing in the city, and which other destinations around the world are also considered to be the most in-demand destinations for Americans this summer.
Montego Bay A Top Destination – Information For Travelers
Prior to Covid-19 putting travel plans on hold for the best part of two years now, Montego Bay was amongst the most popular destinations in the world. The year 2019 saw as many as 4.2 million travelers visit Jamaica, with the country proving popular with both air and cruise passengers before the pandemic put a serious dent in the total number of arrivals. This year however, with restrictions eased and travel appetites restored, that figure could be set to rise once again.
A recent study has shown that Montego Bay is one of the top destinations for American travelers this year. According to the Top 10 Summer Destinations review by insurance giants Allianz Partners, Montego Bay is the fourth most popular international summer destination for travelers in 2022, behind the likes of Cancun in first place, San José del Cabo in second, and Oranjestad (Aruba) in third.
Allianz Partners analyzed more than 1,175,000 flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length to generate their findings. Unsurprisingly, the countries featured on the list have recently relaxed their entry requirements, making travel much more appealing. Jamaica lifted its Covid-19 entry restrictions in mid-April, making trips to Montego Bay much easier for travelers.
Once in Montego Bay, travelers are unlikely to regret their decision to travel there for summer. The city has a surfeit of world-class beaches, with Doctor’s Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Sandals Montego Bay Beach amongst the best – but with the destination in such high demand, travelers should get down there early in order to secure a top spot on the sand. Once there, travelers can look forward to a wide range of water sports to keep themselves busy – or they can simply choose to unwind in paradise.
Yet Montego Bay is far more than just its admittedly amazing beaches. Nature lovers can swap sand for the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village, try the topography of Cockpit Country or ride the Martha Brae River if that’s more their thing. After working up an appetite, few can resist indulging in some fiery jerk chicken or sampling some of the country’s famous patties, such can be found in abundance.
Travelers should have no problem reaching Montego Bay either, with recent months having seen several routes added to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Frontier was the most recent US airline to do so, with flights from Tampa recently added to their roster, but American, JetBlue and Southwest have also recently increased US-Montego Bay connectivity recently as well.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
A new survey has revealed which countries Americans believe are the safest for travelers. Whilst travel advisories do a great job in keeping travelers informed about which countries are safe to travel in and what risks travelers might face in those countries, nothing really captures the vibe of how safe or dangerous a destination feels quite like hearing it straight from the traveler’s mouth – and that’s exactly where the latest travel safety survey took their information from.
Published by travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, the survey shows the perceived safety level of destinations around the world from the eyes of American travelers – and it could make for illuminating reading ahead of the much-anticipated, potentially record-breaking summer of travel this year.
Here’s a look at the results of the survey, plus a look at what entry requirements of the top countries on the list.
Survey Reveals Safest Destinations – Information For Travelers
The survey carried out by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, called the 2022 “State of Travel Insurance Report”, was conducted in September 2021. The insurance company asked more than 1,500 Americans about their perceptions of the safety of different countries, taking into account not only traditional safety worries such as crime, terrorism, transportation, and health, but also the safety of travelers who are female, LGBTQ, or people of color.
According to American travelers who were surveyed, these ten countries are deemed to be the safest to travel to in 2022:
Canada (Score: 71.94)
Iceland (Score: 70.88)
Sweden (Score: 70.42)
Japan (Score: 68.58)
Ireland (Score: 66.75)
Switzerland (Score: 66.01)
South Korea (Score: 65.84)
Thailand (Score: 65.81)
New Zealand (Score: 65.27)
Australia (Score: 65.18)
According to the President of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Carol Mueller, this year’s survey saw a notable shift in terms of what travelers deem to be their primary safety concerns.
Whereas once terrorism and violent crime were amongst a traveler’s biggest worries, this year’s survey reflected the situation around the world, with travelers supposedly most concerned about their freedom of movement and staying free from disease.
Entry to the top spot, Canada, is relatively simple for vaccinated travelers, with testing now removed, but unvaccinated travelers remain unable to enter for tourism purposes.
Iceland, which took the second spot, is easier to enter, with the country having removed all of its Covid-19 related restrictions back in February. That means both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are able to enter without any barriers. Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland to have removed all of their testing and vaccination requirements.
Here are the entry requirements for the rest of the top 10:
At present, only fully vaccinated travelers may enter Australia, but they can do so without needing to take a test beforehand. Find out more here
All travelers to South Korea must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight, whilst there is a mandatory 7-day quarantine upon entry for travelers who are unvaccinated
Thailand has recently removed both its pre-departure and on-arrival testing requirements. However, travel insurance with a coverage of $10,000 is needed, as is registration for the Thailand Pass
At present, only vaccinated visitors from visa waiver countries, and visitors from other countries who already hold a valid visitor visa can enter New Zealand and self-test on arrival. Further border restriction easing will take place throughout the year
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Americans visiting the United Kingdom this summer could be faced with a number of adversities both before and/or soon upon landing, as both UK-based airlines and the country’s immigration services struggle with staff shortages which have led to major disruption.
Much like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines across the pond, British carriers have been suffering from Covid-related absences. Besides revised schedules and multiple cancellations, the fact that the UK Border Force is severely understaffed will only add to the woes of UK-bound travelers.
Dozens Of Flights Cancelled Ahead Of Easter
Again citing a temporary reduction in staff as a result of Covid isolation guidelines, multiple flights were axed at British airports this week, throwing the travel plans of many into turmoil. Flag bearer British Airways and low-cost carrier EasyJet were among the most affected.
On April 13, a total of 70 flights were canceled between the two, with customers flying via London Heathrow and London Gatwick, notoriously the UK’s two busiest hubs, taking the brunt of it. Seeing that both Heathrow and Gatwick are the main gateways into Britain, visitors are advised to make contingency plans.
One of the best ways American travelers can minimize disruption brought about by flight cancellations or positive Covid tests while abroad is by purchasing travel insurance in advance. On this post, you can find out all you need to know about travel insurance that covers Covid and how exactly you can benefit from it.
Unfortunately, it seems exercising a higher degree of caution will continue to be the norm, as Johan Lundgren, EasyJet’s chief executive, reveals the company has seen staff absence rates of 20% in ‘some cases’. This left the airline no option but to cancel a number of flights.
More worryingly, Lundgren stated processing delays in security checks for new crew were ‘also contributing to flight cancellations’, signalling other entities in the aviation sector may also be dealing with a huge backlog of work.
Staff Shortages Behind Wave Of UK Flight Cancellations
Lundgren’s concerns seem to corroborate Kully Sandhu’s statement to BBC Radio 4, the managing director of Aviation Recruitment Network Limited. According to Sandhu, ‘it is going to take at least the next 12 months for the industry vacancy-wise to settle down’.
To put it simply, despite its recent reopening, vacations in Great Britain may not be completely hassle-free for a while still, as a wave of cancellations sweeps across airports.
Despite the turbulent period, EasyJet has still flown 94% of its scheduled flights in the seven days leading up to April 12, or ‘four times higher than this time last year’.
On the other hand, Lucy Moreton, from the Immigration Services Union, warned that Border Force was “catastrophically under-staffed“, as high Covid rates translate into more absent officers, adding that it takes nearly a whole year to fully train new ones.
In an interview with the BBC, Moreton reiterated that the Border Force is failing to attract enough candidates to fill the vacancies, warning of a challenging summer ahead, as restrictions ease and people begin flying again.
While Americans visiting Britain usually enjoy smooth, fast-track entry, as U.S. citizens are eligible to use eGates when crossing the border, understaffing may still lead to longer waiting in lines.
Like Mexico did some weeks ago, in this case, due to record arrival figures, we expect the UK government to detail how the impacts of Covid on airports will be mitigated.
What Measures Has The UK Taken To Mitigate The Delays?
So far, cash incentives have been offered for those willing to work extra shifts in Heathrow, Britain’s number one airport. Staff from other airports, including in Scotland and Northern Ireland have also been flown to London to help fill in the gaps.
In light of the recent events, Heathrow has assured the public new recruits can start working between three to six months following training and security checks, and that 1,000 new security officers are expected to assume their roles by summer.
The UK Home Office, which oversees border activities, also reaffirmed their ‘number one priority is to maintain a secure border’. Accordingly, they will be deploying additional staff ‘to help minimize queuing times for passengers.
In the meantime, travelers are warned of ‘congestion in check-in areas at peak times’.
As Europe sets out on a reopening path, with some nations scrapping all existing Covid measures, more and more tourists are returning to its shores for their yearly breaks. A favorite among Americans, the UK is no exception, having removed all internal restrictions and welcoming all travelers again, without restrictive entry rules.
For more news on travel to Europe, please visit this link.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Currently, throughout the U.S. a massive number of flights are being delayed or canceled, with most airlines citing pilot shortages and bad weather as the reason.
Not only are flight cancellations extremely difficult for passengers to deal with, as they usually happen at the very last minute, but trying to get compensated can be equally as frustrating. So how do customers get a refund and not a dreaded travel voucher? Below we’ll go into detail about what the aviation consumer protection laws say and how they’ll get money back in your pocket.
The Law States Airlines Must Refund Passengers For Canceled Flights
What most passengers aren’t aware of is all American-based airlines are required to refund the passenger in the event of a flight cancellation, no matter the reason, and regardless if a refundable-type ticket has been booked or not.
The U.S Department of Transportation states that consumers are entitled to a full refund, not a voucher, if the airline cancels their flight and they no longer want to travel. On their aviation consumer protection page, the government posted the following policy all airlines have to abide by
“Am I Entitled to a Refund? In the following situations, consumers are entitled to a refund of the ticket price and/or associated fees.
Canceled Flight – A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline canceled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel.”
There are other situations where a customer is entitled to a full refund, including being unwillingly downgraded to a lower class of fare and a significant change or delay.
This means an airline must refund you if your flight has been canceled due to:
pilot or staffing shortages
bad weather
mechanical issues
security concerns
computer glitches
or any other reason
Due to regulations in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the refund must be given even if the passenger books a non-refundable ticket.
So let’s say for example you purchased a basic-economy, non-refundable ticket and the flight was canceled due to not having enough flight crew. If your travel plans have been so badly affected that you no longer wish to travel, and you want a refund, that’s exactly what you’re entitled to by law.
How To Get A Refund For A Cancelled Flight
Now you know you’re entitled to a refund, what is the best way to actually get your money back?
Let me preface this by saying airlines aren’t going to make this a seamless ultra-smooth process. As a business, they are going to try and keep as much cash as they can and will usually start by offering vouchers instead of refunds. Many customers aren’t aware that they are even entitled to a refund in the first place, so when an airline says “Okay, sorry about the canceled flight, we’ll issue you a voucher right now”, they just unwittingly accept it.
To start your process for a refund, the U.S. Department of Transportation states you should submit your request in writing. This could be in the form of an email, submission form on the airline’s website, or even with an online chat agent.
Most likely, the airline will offer you a voucher as a first line of defense. Politely decline the voucher and once again state your intention to receive your refund. If an airline still declines your request, you can file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation here
Step by step, the process should look like this:
Start an email, message, or chat thread with your airline
Provide them with data like your confirmation code, flight number, etc
State you want a refund due to their cancellation of your flight
Decline offers for vouchers or travel credits, stating you no longer wish to travel
Open up a formal compliant if needed
Some airlines have been known to process refunds over the phone, but of course, you have to be ready for those excruciating hold times.
How fast are refunds from airlines processed?
It’s no surprise that airlines are going to take a hot minute to process your refund, which is again another reason why some succumb to an instant voucher. While the U.S. Department of Transportation states it must be processed within a ‘prompt’ timeline, the airline’s definition of prompt is anything but. If you paid with a credit card, you can expect your refund in about 7 business days. If you paid with cash, bump that up to around 20 business days.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
In a move that will certainly encourage more travelers to visit the country, Brazil is seemingly moving away from its strict entry protocols and relaxing travel rules. As part of the new guidelines that have been announced late last week, vaccinated foreigners no longer need to submit a negative PCR within 72 hours of boarding their flight.
Previously, all international arrivals were subject to pre-departure testing, including Brazilian nationals and those habitually residing in the country, irrespective of vaccination or recovery status. Now, Brazil joins an expanding list of countries in the Americas that are opening up to vaccinated travelers restriction-free once more.
Negative Tests, Health Declaration Form No Longer Needed
Following a joint ordinance issued by four of its ministries, including the Ministry of Health, the Brazilian government waived on April 1 the pre-departure testing requirement for both vaccinated Brazilians and foreigners arriving in the country. Additionally, as reported by the Brazilian Office of the Chief of Staff, the health declaration form (DSV) was also removed.
This means that, since April 1, tourists are only required to present a valid vaccination certificate in order to bypass testing. The decision was published on Brazil’s Official Journey with immediate effect, bringing South America’s largest nation in line with the more relaxed Covid approach of its neighbours, such as Colombia and Ecuador.
The list of approved vaccines in Brazil is extensive, with all the main ones in widespread use across the United States being accepted as proof of immunization, including Cominarty (Pfizer), Janssen, Oxford/Covishield and others. For now, Brazilian authorities have not added an expiry date to two-dose vaccine certificates, meaning two doses (one for Janssen) is enough.
Brazil accepts all types of digital and physical Covid certificates, including paper CDC cards. While some countries have been receptive of CDC-issued physical vaccine cards, others have required digital proof of vaccination with a readable QR Code. Luckily for those in possession of a CDC card, Brazil makes no distinction between digital or physical certificates.
Prior to this ordinance, Brazil expected visitors to present a PCR test within 72 hours of traveling, irrespective of having been vaccinated, which made it a much less appealing destination to those who have received their shots, but are warier of restrictions. Now, they can again visit Brazil freely with few Covid curbs in place.
Once inside the country, Covid measures may vary across different states, including mandatory mask usage and the presentation of Covid passes for entry into certain venues. In general, Brazil as a whole has been relaxing measures, with popular states like Rio de Janeiro and Bahia again ready to welcome tourists with very few restrictions.
Can The Unvaccinated Also Bypass Testing?
As for the unvaccinated, they have been unauthorized to visit Brazil throughout most of the pandemic, making it one of the most strict destinations in Latin America when compared to the restriction-free oasis of Mexico. According to the most recent ordinance, they may still face challenges when traveling to Brazil.
When reviewing the ordinance, we perceived that only vaccinated tourists continue to be granted entry to the country right now, while those who are not immunized can be denied boarding due to not having a vaccine certificate. There are, however, exceptions to that rule, which do not yet include travel for tourism purposes.
Those eligible to enter without a completed vaccination scheme include those with a medical condition that contraindicates vaccination, foreigners arriving from countries with a low vaccination coverage who have not yet been able to get immunized (the list does not include the United States or Canada), as well as Brazilian citizens and residents.
As reported by G1, the country’s leading news website, the unvaccinated must now present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test within one day of traveling. On the other hand, they are no longer subject to mandatory quarantine, being allowed to move freely in the country soon after landing so long as they present a negative test at the border.
Brazil Is Officially Open For Vaccinated Tourists
Recently, Brazil has started moving away once again from its harsher Covid protocols, which were mostly imposed in 2021, by allowing cruise ships to dock again and even launching a new Digital Nomad Visa, which allows digital entrepreneurs and remote workers to remain in the country legally for up to two years.
With a vast history and a diverse culture, which includes a mixed European and African heritage, Brazil is an ideal sunny destination for American travelers, especially now that it is officially open again for the vaccinated. When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are advised by the CDC to follow official guidance and get vaccinated in order to minimize Covid health risks.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
There are 55 countries that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to takea Covid-19 test.
Having originally been closed for tourism purposes, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, and then having reopened for visitors – but with an enforced list of requirements for entry and restrictions in place – countries are continuing to relax their entry requirements.
And, there are even 11 nations that have removed all of their entry requirements in the last few weeks.
However, the purpose of this article is to take a look at the countries – throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia – that no longer require fully vaccinated American travelers to take a Covid-19 test in order to visit.
It is important to note, however, that although the below nations no longer require visitors to undergo Covid-19 testing, they may still require you to obtain health insurance – which would cover any Covid-19 medical expenses – as well as complete certain forms before – or upon arrival.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Here are the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to take a Covid-19 test:
Belize
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Mexico
Panama
Peru
Puerto Rico
There are thirteen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean now welcoming fully vaccinated citizens from the U.S. – without the need to undergo Covid-19 testing – with some of the most popular tourist destinations listed above.
Whether you are looking for a vacation full of action and adventure – or wanting to sit back, relax and take in the beautiful surroundings – Colombia certainly has it all.
And, if it is the golden white sand – and clear blue waters – that you have been dreaming about, then Mexico could certainly make your dreams come true, with the nation serving up some of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches on the planet.
Europe
Here are the countries in Europe that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to take a Covid-19 test:
Albania
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Germany
Finland
France
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Norway
Romania
Serbia
Slovenia
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
As you can see from the length of the above list, the majority of nations in Europe no longer required fully vaccinated American travelers to take a pre-departure – or on arrival – Covid-19 test in order to enter.
This includes the likes of some of the most visited nations on the planet, such as France – which features the beautiful regions of Brittany and Dordogne – along with Italy, the United Kingdom and Greece, nations that certainly cater for the needs of all travelers.
And, for travelers that are looking to travel on a budget, there are certainly destinations – within the European nations listed above – that allow for this also.
Africa & the Middle East
Here are the countries in Africa and the Middle East that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to take a Covid-19 test:
Angola
Egypt
Jordan
Oman
Senegal
Tunisia
Although the majority of countries in Africa – and the Middle East – still require travelers to undergo testing for Covid-19 in order to enter their territory, the above six nations do not.
With some ‘off the beaten path’ countries being present in the list – there are certainly some great travel options to choose from.
This includes the country of Jordan, which boasts the exotic Wadi Rum desert – a unique world heritage site that offers you the opportunity to explore its interesting historical and archeological sites.
And, if it is an authentic Arabic experience that you are looking for then Oman could be the place for you – with the nation serving up some wonderful and fascinating destinations for tourists.
Asia
Bangladesh
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Some countries in Asia continue to have a significant number of entry requirements – with multiple Covid-19 testing, compulsory health insurance – and even quarantine – still requirements for visitors wanting to enter.
However, as the short list above shows, there are in fact some nations in the region that have made entry pretty simple for American travelers – with no Covid-19 testing required.
This includes the likes of Sri Lanka – which offers a number of glorious destinations, vibrant cities, as well as the opportunity to explore its ancient monuments – and Nepal, which offers some of the very best when it comes to nature, culture and adventure.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
