Travel News
Mar 2022
International Travel: Are we There Yet?
A look at restrictions, vaccination and what this means for travel & tourism
Business travelers and wanderlust travelers alike have been muttering these words: “I haven’t traveled since…”. It’s a fact that the COVID-19 pandemic hit many sectors hard and one of its worst hits was on the travel and tourism sector. Nothing can illustrate this better than numbers: Check out the losses incurred in the travel & tourism sector by these countries in 2020 –
US: $766 billion UK: £148 billion Germany: € 161 billion
It is no wonder that government and industry officials are trying to figure out the best way possible to reinvigorate international travel (and in some case appease international relations).
The good news: Travel bans are easing (quite a bit!) and we are starting to have a glimpse of life as we once knew it.
The bad news: It might differ from country to country, so do your research to be on the safe side.
As a very general overview, the situation kind of looks like this at the moment: Many countries are dropping domestic COVID-19 bans and restrictions (with minor exceptions). Travel rules and regulations are still in effect, but easing. Country-by-country travel restrictions are mainly reliant on vaccination passes and in some cases PCR tests.
In Europe, there is the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which allows restriction-free travel across all EU and EEA countries following proof of vaccination and/or a negative PCR test (no older than 48 hours).
But this is not across the board. Ireland has lifted all restrictions so travelers can enter the country regardless of their vaccination status. Germany is allowing all travelers in, regardless of their country of origin. Cyprus has eliminated pre-departure tests for fully vaccinated travelers. In the UK, Passenger Locator Forms (PLF) have been simplified. So we say it again: Do your research.
We cannot delve into the specifics of every country, but suffice to say that the common denominator here is that there is general relief in having the vaccination passport as it does meet a big part of travel requirements nowadays, but the face of travel has certainly changed. Travel information, restrictions and safety measures are still being updated. Even if you’re vaccinated, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to show a PCR test in some cases. And more so, some countries require that you fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) as an incoming traveler. And this is not to mention the rules and regulations within the country you travel to (i.e. showing your vaccination passport upon entry to leisure establishments, restaurants, etc.).
All in all, the travel outlook appears to be optimistic.
Airlines and other industry players are super enthusiastic and believe that by Summer, travel will be back to pre-pandemic heights and that people are craving to spend on experiences. According to BBC in an article published February 1st, 2022, Ryan Air is planning to recruit 1000 new pilots and 2000 new cabin crew. Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern told Bloomberg that he forecasts “Summer 2022 will be the busiest travel season ever.”
The silver lining is that in general we can travel again and see our friends, our families and the many wonders of the world.
It just takes a little more planning, that’s all.
“To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen
Travel safe.
Some interesting articles that will keep you up to date on travel:
https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/02/07/what-s-the-latest-on-european-travel-restrictions
Disclaimer: This article was originally written on November 1st 2021 and has been updated in March 2022. Some information in this article may no longer be accurate by time of publication as travel information is regularly being updated. Before traveling, contacting relevant authorities is still a must to make sure you have the latest information and to maximize your chances of worry-free travel.
