Travelling abroad: What restrictions can I expect and in which countries? How can I avoid unforeseen events?

ByTravesía Pirenaica

The restrictions that many countries are placing within their borders, with more or less strict confinements, are obviously also affecting restrictive measures on the entry of travellers from other countries. With the first wave of the coronavirus, many countries closed their borders to passengers coming from other countries or forced them into quarantine periods on arrival. Since then, these measures have been relaxed as the pandemic has progressed.

But as travel begins to increase, several countries are accepting travellers again, albeit with several new restrictions, such as a negative COVID-19 test taken prior to departure. Some countries have transitioned to a model that allows visitors to skip quarantine with a negative COVID-19 test. During the coronavirus pandemic, this has disrupted the travel plans of many Spanish citizens.

Which country will I be able to travel to, and what kind of restrictions will I face because of the coronavirus? In addition to these aspects, most countries - even for travel to the islands - are now requiring a negative PCR to enter the territory. Based on this need, travel insurance companies have already launched products that include a free PCR and COVID-19 coverage. The PCR for travel is already a must if you want to leave the borders. We will try to answer all these questions below.

PCR for travel.

We must be aware that health requirements are changing and that the respective health authorities in each country are constantly updating information and requirements in line with the evolution of the pandemic. Before leaving for another country, or contracting a trip, we should inform ourselves of all the conditions due to COVID-19. It is advisable to consult the websites of the destination country to find out the health requirements for passengers on arrival in the country, as well as the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation with updated information for each country (see http://www.exteriores.gob.es).

Many countries require negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken within a certain time - usually 72 hours - before departure. In the case of Spain, from 23 November 2020, a COVID-19 test is required for entry into the country. "Requirement of a diagnostic test for active SARSCoV-2 infection with negative result performed within 72 hours prior to arrival", and accredited according to the specific specifications set out in the regulations.

If you need a coronavirus test for travel, you may be wondering where you can get one, what kind of test you will need, how long it will take to get an appointment (and wait for the results) and how much it will cost.

Travel insurance in the new landscape as a result of Covid-19

Many insurers have seen the need to complete their insurance offer with new products that take into account the new demands, fears and problems that travellers may encounter before contracting any service or considering the very fact of leaving the border of their country, or simply moving within their territory.

Many questions arise for the traveller.

  • Will I need a negative PCR test?
  • If I get a positive PCR, can I cancel my trip?
  • If I am diagnosed during my trip, who will cover my medical and hospital care by COVID?
  • Is it time to consider travelling?

Travelling in times of COVID-19 is possible, provided you are informed in advance and have adequate protection against unforeseen events. Keep the following points in mind:

  • If it includes a PCR test before the trip, all the better, since, as we have already mentioned, it is already a prerequisite for access to many destinations.
  • To cover the cancellation in case of a positive COVID-19 test result. In this way you will recover the costs you have incurred.
  • Take into account the costs of PCR testing during travel, if you have symptoms: cost of the test itself, extended stay for COVID-19, medical expenses, repatriation, isolation expenses, etc.

In order to compile these aspects we have looked at the new travel insurance products and especially at the travel insurance Totaltravel passport which includes free PCR testing, something we have not found elsewhere.

Ciucaș Peak, Romania/ Photo: David Marcu (Unsplash)