Tag: PreDeparture

  • Travel Industry Continues Pressing U.S. Government For Removal Of Pre-Departure Testing

    Travel Industry Continues Pressing U.S. Government For Removal Of Pre-Departure Testing

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    The U.S. travel industry – including the nation’s major airline carriers – has once again urged the American government to remove the pre-departure testing requirement for vaccinated travelers entering the country.

    On May 31, representatives from the travel industry met with members of the White House to discuss the matter – in an attempt to have the pre-departure testing requirement removed for fully vaccinated international travelers wanting to enter the United States of America.

    Travelers about to depart from airport

    And, not only are those in America’s travel industry arguing that the pre-departure testing requirement is a deterrent to those looking to visit the country, but they also claim it is harming the nation’s economy.

    The President and CEO of Airlines for America echoed this in a statement – following yesterday’s meeting – by saying: “Quite frankly, the only impact the pre-departure testing requirement is having is a chilling effect on an already fragile economy here in the U.S.”

    Times Square in New York City

    Major U.S. Airlines Believe Removing The Pre-Departure Testing Requirements Will See More Tourists Enter The Country

    The biggest airlines in the U.S. are calling for the Biden administration to remove the pre-departure testing requirements for international visitors – as they argue that this is likely to be acting as a deterrent to those considering visiting the U.S. for tourism purposes.

    A quiet airport in New Jersey, US

    And, there is no doubt that this could well be the case – especially with the number of international travelers to the States still more than 10 percent below pre-pandemic levels.

    This is in contrast to its neighboring country, Mexico – which has had zero covid-related entry requirements for months, and is on the verge of seeing a return to pre-pandemic tourist numbers.

    The nation is expecting as many as 40 million international visitors to enter its doors this year.

    A busy street in Mexico City, Mexico

    This Is Not The First Time That The U.S. Government Has Been Urged To Remove The Pre-Departure Testing Requirement

    A few weeks ago we reported that more than 260 companies had signed a letter addressed to the Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, asking for the White House to remove the covid testing measures for fully vaccinated visitors arriving into the United States.

    American Airline planes at airport

    The letter had been signed by the nation’s largest airline companies – including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest – as well as major companies from the travel industry such as Hilton, Marriott and Disney.

    The U.S. Is One Of The Few Nations That Still Requires Travelers To Undergo Pre-Arrival Testing

    Young Female Traveler Looking Pensive In An International Airport

    Just over a month ago we reported that the United States of America was one of the only few nations that still requires travelers – in particular those who are vaccinated – to undergo pre-departure testing for Covid-19 before being able to enter the country.

    And, the fact that the nation still requires fully vaccinated travelers to undertake a Covid-19 test prior to their departure to the U.S. is sure to come as a surprise – especially as more and more countries around the world are removing ALL of their Covid-related entry requirements.

    In the last few days and weeks we have seen some of the most popular destinations for tourists – including the likes of Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Vietnam – having removed all of their entry requirements, following in the footsteps of the many countries that had previously done so.

    It will therefore not come as a surprise that the U.S. travel industry continues to push for the removal of the pre-departure testing requirements – in particular for those who have received their full Covid-19 vaccination. 

    International vaccine certificate

    You can keep up to date with the latest travel requirements for international visitors wanting to enter the U.S. by clicking here.

    Read more:

    260 Companies Urge Biden To Remove Testing Requirement To Enter U.S.

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Barbados Lifts Testing Requirement For Vaccinated Americans

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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

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  • Brazil Removes Pre-Departure Testing For Vaccinated Americans

    Brazil Removes Pre-Departure Testing For Vaccinated Americans

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    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.

    Colorful Streets In The Pelourinho District, Old Historical Center Of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

    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.

    Tourist Couple Admiring The Historical City Of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    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.

    Tourist Taking Selfie In Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

    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?

    Iguazu Falls, Natural Landmark Of Brazil

    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.

    Vaccine Travel Passport Displayed On A Mobile Screen

    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.

    Traveler Entering The Airport While Dragging A Suitcase And Carrying A Backpack

    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.

    Aerial View Of Colonial City Of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, UNESCO World Heritage Site

    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.

    Read More:

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    Latvia Becomes The 26th Nation To Remove All Entry Requirements

    ↓ Join the community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

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    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

    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

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