Partners In Travel Services Inc.

Effective today, June 12, U.S. will no longer require travelers arriving at American airports from other countries to present a negative Covid-19 test. However, the CDC will reassess the decision in 90 days. This is another huge step forward for the recovery of inbound air travel and return of international travel to the U.S.

"Prior to the pandemic, travel was one of our nation's largest industry exports. The lifting of this requirement will enable the industry to lead the way toward a broader U.S. economic and jobs recovery."

THANK GOODNESS!

I recently read a post from a RV Magazine that sums up travel experiences. "Science tells us that travel not only helps you feel younger, it also can turn back the clock on aging. Every trip is an opportunity to engage, learn, and be adventurous-all things that can have a positive impact on your health and longevity. Travel is a way to keep you distracted, busy and connected to something larger." ABSOLUTELY!

Winter Trek 2022 from Charleston, SC, St Augustine, Fl, St Johns River, DeLeon Springs, Hardee Lakes, Homosassa, St Andrews State Park, Grayton Beach, and Panama City Beach, Fl.

The info below is shared from a travel newsletter -
Beginning after 12:01 a.m. EST (5:01am GMT) on December 6, 2021, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people two years of age or older will have to take a Covid test one day before entry. No quarantine is required after entering the United States.

In addition to testing at a doctor’s office, pharmacy or other testing site, there are at-home tests that are acceptable for international travel and can be taken from their hotel the day before boarding their return flight.
The Abbott Labs BiNAX Now is available for purchase through eMed (6 pack) and Optum (2 or 3 pack) and your clients may wish to stock up if they are traveling with a group or family. Confusingly, there are two versions of the BiNAX test but only the one in the black box sold online at these sites are valid for boarding
international flights to the U.S.

Here are a few helpful tips for you as you navigate this change:

PCR and rapid antigen tests are both acceptable to enter the U.S.

Make sure you are using Sherpa to keep abreast of all requirements, not only in the U.S. but in other countries around the world. This also includes if boosters are required, and for how long they are valid.

These new requirements could add in extra time at international airports. Right now, it’s a good plan to arrive at least three hours early for an international flight entering the U.S.

The White House has announced it will lift travel restrictions on international air and land border crossings for fully vaccinated travelers beginning Nov. 8, according to White House officials.

The long-anticipated reopen will welcome travelers from 33 countries including Europe, the United Kingdom, China, India, and Brazil who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and can provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel.

The announcement finally provides a date for the U.S. travel industry to start the climb back to normal operations after a large absence of international travel over the last year and a half.

“We applaud the administration for recognizing the value of international travel to our economy and our country, and for working to safely reopen our borders and reconnect America to the world.”

ALL I CAN SAY IS FINALLY!

Royal Caribbean cruisers ages 12 and older will now have to show proof of vaccination to sail from Florida as well as negative PCR test 3days prior to sailing for all passengers over the age of 2.

Due to changing vaccine regulations in the Bahamas, which is a frequent stop for many cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s policy for voyages leaving from Florida will now be the same as its policy for those from all other U.S. embarkation ports — proof of inoculation is required — from Sept. 3 through at least Nov. 1, 2021.

“Travelers unable to show proof of vaccination will be unable to sail,” the line said in a media statement Friday. “… Guests under 12, who are currently ineligible for the vaccine, can still cruise with us as long as they continue to provide a negative test result at boarding and follow certain health and safety protocols.”

This is where we are right now for all cruises.

Now that the face mask mandate has been extended through January of 2022 by the federal government, a new wrinkle.

It’s no longer a question of wearing a face mask on some airlines, but the right face mask.

Turns out, some airlines are banning fabric face masks So far it’s mostly been international airlines that have banned fabric masks. Thus, a surgical mask or an FFP2 mask or mask with the KN95/N95 standard is preferred.

Canada is officially reopening its borders to vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents starting August 9.

Kids under 12 entering Canada with vaccinated parents or guardians will not have to quarantine for 14 days.

Beyond being fully vaccinated, Americans (along with any other travelers entering Canada, regardless of vaccination status) will need to show proof of a negative PCR or molecular test within 72 hours of requesting entry.

Finally!

Summer is almost here! Did you know that more than 2/3 of Americans are planning on some type of summer travel? Travelers are still favoring outdoor locations like beaches and National Parks where social distancing is still possible. Some of the most sought after destinations for the summer are Cancun, Mexico, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Key West, Miami Beach, Las Vegas, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Tulum, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Know your COVID policies!

In a recent meeting for travel and tourism, it was reported "The travel and tourism industry accounted for a staggering 65 percent of U.S. jobs lost last year, so restoring this sector needs to be a national priority. A full U.S economic recovery won't happen without the reopening of travel." International travel hasn't even started to recover at this point for either business or leisure. There must be a clear path forward!