If you are wondering when travelers from the United States will land again in Paris or Rome, you are not alone. In 2019, more than 19 million Americans traveled to Europe, a 7% increase over the previous year. And that was just to Europe.
Then came the novel corona virus and a slew of travel restrictions and border closings which made international travel seem like an impossible dream.
But not every country is restricting travel and some that are have exceptions for business travel. The trend is toward optimism with the US government lifting its blanket level-4 “Avoid All Travel” advisory. Keep in mind this was just an advisory: Americans were always able to leave the country at their discretion, depending on the destination.
Countries in Latin America and in the Caribbean are again beginning to welcome tourists and business travelers from the US.
Leisure travel between the EU and the US is still restricted, but new business access corridors can help business travelers enter the EU. The good news here is, once you clear one Schengen country, the rest are accessible to travelers. You can find out more about what’s required for business access to the EU by checking with your Jetex trip support team.
There is no restriction on travel from the US to the UK, Ireland, or other non-Schengen countries. So, the UK-France access corridor leaves the possibility for US and third-country nationals to enter the EU indirectly. There are still rumors that France may reciprocate the UK quarantine requirement, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Regardless of the destination, American travelers should check that their insurance policy has good international coverage and that it includes COVID-19 treatment.
For both business and leisure travelers, Latin America and the Caribbean provide plenty of travel opportunities for Americans. Consider that even the countries closed to leisure travelers, may have exceptions for those travelling on business. And who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?
The following countries are open to US travelers with a few stipulations, i.e. a negative PCR test: Antigua, Bermuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Bart’s, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, Grenadines, Turks and Caicos, US Virgin Islands. Belize will reopen for tourism on October 1, 2020.
Hong Kong still restricts travel to non-residents from any location other than mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan.
Japan is even more strict, barring US citizens, even those with resident status in Japan, from entering the country.
Taiwan has announced it will open to foreign tourists sometime after October 1, 2020. Business travelers can enter Taiwan but must undergo a five-day quarantine and meet a few conditions, including authorization from Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). To find out your options for travel to Taiwan, your Jetex trip planning team can help.
Starting September 15, 2020, non-Chinese citizens can take a direct China-bound flight, provided they can produce a negative test result issued within prior to boarding.
The United Arab Emirates have opened the country to business and leisure travelers who test negative for the virus before departure. Tests are also administered upon arrival at the Jetex VIP Terminal, with results ready within a few hours.
Travelers to Egypt must have valid health insurance and complete a health declaration. American travelers maybe need to submit a negative test before entry. Our Jetex Trip planning team has the most up-to-date information on this.
Flights into Lebanon are open for passengers who have proof of a negative PCR test. Travelers will again be tested upon arrival.
Returning home is another consideration. And, there are some restrictions when traveling from one state to another. Some states require a 14-day quarantine. Others have no quarantine requirement at all.
International travel is tricky, but for those with access to private jets, private terminals, and a trip planning team invested in your success, it is certainly possible. And just imagine how lovely Paris and Rome are without the crowds.
Check with Jetex for the most up-to-date information and options for your next trip.
