August 2022 Covid-19 And Monkeypox Travel Restrictions

This summer is still an ideal time to travel as there are minimal travel restrictions for domestic and international travel. However, not every country is open for leisure travel. Additionally, your vaccination status can impede entry to select destinations as well.

United States Travel Restrictions

U.S. residents can visit various states and cities without restrictions, making it easy to go to a picture-perfect beach destination. Local travel restrictions may still apply in major cities.

Mask Mandates

The TSA mask mandate for commercial travel is still suspended as the federal appeal makes its way through the court system.

The most prevalent local mask mandate affecting travelers concerns these three New York City airports:

• JFK
• The guard
• Stewart International

Another high-profile indoor mask mandate policy from California’s Los Angeles County expired at the end of July.

Tourist spots may also have indoor mask requirements, including visitor centers and crowded exhibits at national parks.

Monkeypox Travel Restrictions

It’s still too soon to tell if monkeypox will have the same detrimental effects on business trips and leisure travel like the novel coronavirus. Currently, case counts are rising across the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) also declared a public health emergency for the virus in late July.

So far, California, Illinois and New York have declared a state of emergency. Travelers should practice several CDC recommendations to prevent exposure.

Vaccine Mandate For Visitors

The United States no longer requires a negative pre-arrival test, but international visitors eligible for the coronavirus vaccine must be fully vaccinated. There are no vaccination requirements for returning United States citizens and lawful residents.

Canada

Canada remains open to fully vaccinated visitors only. No pre-arrival test is required when entering by air, land or sea. You must upload your vaccine dates and lot information into the ArriveCAN act to avoid a mandatory quarantine.

Latin America Travel Restrictions

Many Latin American countries are continuing to lighten their travel protocols. For example, Belize no longer requires purchasing Covid travel insurance. The government ended this requirement on July 14, 2022.

Most countries no longer require pre-arrival test results for fully vaccinated guests. However, indoor mask mandates can still be active.

Unvaccinated travelers must obtain a negative test result to enter most Central American and South American countries. Brazil and a couple of other smaller countries continue to ban unvaccinated visitors.

Mexico and Costa Rica continue to have some of the most lenient entry guidelines.

Europe

Most of Europe is open without restrictions to the vaccinated and unvaccinated. However, France and Spain require a pre-arrival test for entry. Unless they fall under an exemption, the Netherlands prohibits unvaccinated non-European residents from entry.

Australia

Australia ceased its vaccination and pre-arrival testing requirements in early July 2022. Travelers no longer need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration either.

New Zealand

Starting August 1, 2022, New Zealand’s borders are “fully open” for the first time since the pandemic’s beginning. In most situations, visitors must be fully vaccinated and take two post-arrival tests.

The country also requires a passenger declaration form to collect the traveler’s vaccination details, travel history for the past 14 days and emergency contact details.

Asia

The Asian region continues to have some of the strictest requirements. Thankfully, it’s possible to travel to several pre-pandemic tourism favorites.

Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun reopened in June for tourism booked through travel agencies and essential travel like business and education. A negative pre-arrival test from visitors and downloading the MySOS mobile app (or another app) upon arrival are required. Visitors without a smart phone may rent one.

Thailand

Thailand ended most of its travel restrictions in early July. Now, short-term visitors only need to show proof of vaccination or a negative pre-arrival test. The country also no longer requires filling out the cumbersome “Thailand Pass.” Travel authorities reported an immediate increase in flight bookings.

Philippines

The Philippines are open to vaccinated travelers only. It’s not necessary to have a pre-arrival test, but a health declaration form is required.

Summary

The Americas and Europe continue to be the most lenient travel destinations in most situations. Post-pandemic international travel is as easy as possible now that more countries are removing health pass and travel insurance requirements. This month is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a final summer trip.

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