After two years of stringent COVID-19 travel restrictions, which have now largely eased, many are finally enjoying travel again and particularly during these months.
To ensure an enjoyable trip, International SOS has outlined key requirements for travel abroad.
Airlines are bracing themselves for an even busier travel period; IATA recently released strong travel data from May this year which saw many key international route areas – including within Europe and the Middle East-North America routes – having already surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels in terms of volume of travel.
This is expected to increase as people will be on the move due to holidays, work trips, students returning home, and then back to University, and this guidance is designed to keep everyone safe and healthy.
- Top Tips for Safe Travel
- · Understand and monitor COVID-19 travel restrictions. For some countries, restrictions are still in place; requirements include negative PCR tests, passenger locator forms, and mask-wearing on flights. Check the requirements of the country you are traveling to and from and monitor for any changes to requirements that may occur.
- · Be aware of traveler-targeted risks in the country you will be visiting, as international visitors are common targets for pickpocketing and scams. Be careful with your valuables, be vigilant in crowded places and use authorized operators to book activities.
- · Ahead of your visit, familiarise yourself with transport options; if you are hiring a car, understand car hire policies and road conditions and if you are opting for public transport, understand the safety aspects involved. Plan your travel ahead of time and be aware of any local events which may cause additional traffic or delays/ crowding on public transport.
- · Predict and cater to your healthcare needs in advance & keep up to date with relevant vaccinations and prescriptions. Also, familiarise yourself with how to access healthcare in the country you are visiting, in case you may need it.
- · To make your trip as carefree as possible, ensure you are up to date with the latest developments and risks in the country you will be visiting. Keep yourself informed of the most up-to-date information relating to political, environmental, and social events.
Mr. Udit Mehta, Executive Vice President & Director of Operations for International SOS, comments, “With mobility likely to see a strong resurgence as both business and leisure travel gathers steam; it’s critical that organizations and employees ensure a precautionary approach. With travel restrictions abating to a large extent, mobility is much more manageable than it was at the peak of the pandemic.
