Travel Tuesday with Danielle: More openings for U.S. visitors & an update on airport/airline Covid testing

by Danielle Garrett of PlanIt Itineraries for The Aha! Connection

Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Costa Rica has announced they are set to open to all U.S. visitors on November 1.  A negative PCR Covid test will be required within 72 hours of your travel dates and you will need travel/medical insurance.

Belize is currently in phase 3 of their opening as of October 1.  U.S. visitors are allowed to visit but must stay at one of the “Gold Standard Hotels”.  Belize has created the Tourism Safe Corridor and only properties approved to operate will be permitted to host international guests during phase 3 and offer full amenities.  A negative PCR Covid test is required within 72 hours of your travel dates.

Belize

Make sure to look closely at each destination for all necessary travel requirement details.  Some destinations require health forms to be filled out, travel/medical insurance and some require a letter/certificate from the insurance company to be submitted before travel.

More airports and airlines are ramping up testing programs, as airlines open more routes to destinations, like the Caribbean for example.  This month the U.S. has begun to roll out airport testing (mostly pilot programs at the moment).  Testing at airports overseas has already begun.  Frankfurt airport currently has the capability to administer 20,000 Covid tests per day. 

The Tampa airport began a 31-day pilot program on October 1.  Miami airport is planning to have rapid testing available to all passengers by November. 

Airlines are beginning their own Covid testing prior to boarding.  United and American both have pilot programs to begin October 15 (SFO to Hawaii for United and Dallas to Hawaii for American).  American is also in talks with Caribbean governments about a pre-travel Covid testing program at the Miami airport. 

The hope is that these Covid testing programs will ultimately establish globally accepted protocols! 

Please remember to travel responsibly, wear your mask and do not travel unnecessarily if you are elderly or immune-compromised!

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