How To Travel Safely in a COVID-19 World

As we live in a new ‘normal’, travelling is different too. Here are some tips that can smoothen your planning process.

Check the rules and requirements of your destination country

While many countries have relaxed their rules, the situation is constantly evolving, so do check the latest updates on the destination country’s official website to see if you are all good to go. Such rule changes can include:

• Quarantine arrangements and duration

• Eligibility for quarantine-free passes such as Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) Air Travel Pass, Reciprocal Green Lanes (RGL)

• Requirements for pre-departure and/or on-arrival COVID-19 tests

• Vaccination or recovery status

  
  

Additionally, the vaccination or testing requirements can vary from one country to another and any required documentation may need to be presented in the home language. So do ensure you have met all the entry requirements before you travel.

Get your documents ready

Pandemic travelling requires more administrative work than what we’re used to. Before COVID-19, we just needed to ensure our passports and visas were valid. Today, countries require more documentation and certifications, so do set aside some time to ensure that you have everything ready for a smooth trip ahead! These may include:

• Printed copies of your negative ART or PCR test results (usually done within 48 – 72 hours of departure)

• Re-entry Permit

• Notarised vaccination certificates

• Other documents such as your flight ticket details, accommodation reservations, car rental confirmation, etc.

  
  

Travel insurance that covers COVID-19

This ensures that you have a safety net should you catch the virus before or during your travels. Insurers will typically cover travel interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances (such as catching COVID-19) and medical expenses while overseas, up to an agreed limit. Do note that coverage does vary from insurer to insurer, so it’s best to carry out your own comparisons prior to buying. Do take the time to read the fine print to make sure that what is important for your situation is covered.

Prepare for extra costs of testing in your destinations

Some countries will require you to get tested every few days.

Bring some ART kits along with you

Some countries require self-testing. This will also come in handy should you experience any COVID-19 symptoms during your trip.

Monitor yourself for symptoms

If you are feeling ill overseas, getting to a pharmacy at the last minute or in the middle of the night may be challenging. Prepare your own medical kit containing a thermometer and basic over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol, tablets for runny nose, and lozenges for sore throat to ease the symptoms.

Now that you’re abroad with all the paperwork done, it’s time to enjoy yourself – safely! The virus may be lurking everywhere, and there’s no guaranteed way to avoid it. However, with the proper habits, you can greatly reduce your chances of catching it.

• Make sure you have had your vaccine booster

• Wash or sanitise your hands frequently, especially after touching high-contact points

• Wear a good-fitting mask with a high filtration (at least 99.5%)

• Avoid crowded places when you can

• Practice safe distancing when you can

• Opt for contactless payments

3. What should I do if I test positive before travel?

If you test positive before travelling, you will not be allowed on the plane if your destination country requires you to present a COVID-negative certificate. 

You will have to make arrangements to cancel or postpone your flight, until you are well enough to test negative for the virus.

4. What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms while abroad?

You can do a self-test using your ART kit to confirm your positive status. Every country has different protocols, so it is advisable to check an official source, or make a call to the hotel front desk for your next steps. 

At this point, depending on how far you are in your vacation, you may need to extend your stay in the country. You will also need to contact your insurance provider – they will be the key point of contact for questions related to insurance claims, whether it’s the additional costs incurred from an extended stay, or treatment.

Safe travels ahead!