Updates on Traveling in the US and the World

Photo by Blake Guidry on Unsplash

Each week there are new changes in where we can travel, what we need to do to travel there and when we can go to some destinations.  Here are some of the latest updates.
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Hawaii – The state of Hawaii has extended the two-week quarantine for the islands until October 1st.  They have also moved the pre-testing program out until October 1st, which would have allowed travelers to arrive with a negative Covid test within 72 hours of arrival.  The island of O’ahu has seen an increase in cases, so the Governor and Mayor have announced additional restrictions on the island.  The inter-island quarantine will also remain in effect for all residents of the other Hawaiian Islands.

Those that have flown or are thinking of flying want to be aware that the airlines are mandating wearing masks.  If you do not want to wear one, some of the airlines are denying boarding to those passengers.  Two of the major airline's Delta and United are enforcing the mask-wearing mandate, and if you do not want to comply, you can be put on the no-fly list.  What does this actually mean?  Well, each airline will evaluate the noncompliance with the new face mask rule on a case by case basis.  If the passenger boards the flight and then refuses to wear a face mask, the flight crew will nicely ask, and then if the passenger does not want to comply, they will take the next steps.  There was an instance in July that two Delta passengers refused to wear their masks, and the pilot turned the plane around and had them removed from the flight. These types of occurrences will put the passenger on the no-fly list as long as the mask mandate is in effect.  This does sound extreme, and I know everyone has their own view on it, but if there is a rule on the plane, like not smoking, the pilot and his crew have the authority to make the best decision for all of the passengers.

The Caribbean Islands are beginning to slowly open to international travelers, and there are some places US residents can go, and others they cannot.  Almost all islands are requiring proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test upon entry.  The average days the test needs to be done is three to five before arrival.  I know in some parts of the country, this can be a challenge to get the results back within that time frame.  Some islands, like Anguilla, are requiring a second Covid-19 test once you have been on the island for ten days.  Also, you are required to pre-register online to provide the proof and receive certification from the government that you are in compliance.  Also, on some islands, health insurance is required for all travelers, and you will need to show proof you have coverage.  The island of Aruba requires health insurance, and it must be purchased locally for $15 per day at the traveler's expense.  Some islands like the Bahamas require a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival along with the test and mandatory health insurance.  The US Virgin Islands was open for travelers and has now shut back down and is not accepting any travelers as of last Monday.  

I only covered a few of the twenty two Caribbean Islands, and each island can have its own requirements. So as you can see, there is so much constantly changing and evolving as each week goes by, and restrictions and requirements can change with very little notice.  If you have questions about a particular Caribbean Island or other destinations, please email me, and I will be happy to provide you with the latest information.