Best Covid-19 Safe Locations For Your Summer Trip
The year 2020 was… eventful to put it lightly and nicely. Because of the pandemic, plans were changed, schedules were adjusted, and new routines had to be adapted to. With good reason, along with these changes came the feeling of being “stuck” metaphorically and literally.
As the virus grew, so did death tolls, and as death tolls rose, so did the number of countries that would not allow visitors. Of course, this is understandable. It was a global pandemic of which no one knew the magnitude of nor the solution. Sweet relief was reached when in 2021 the COVID-19 vaccination was approved by the FDA to be given to those who wanted it. With this came applause heard around the world as well as hope. Hope that things could go back to the way they were… pre-pandemic.
America’s borders and state lines started opening back up in addition to restaurants, stores, bars, and even activities. There were still curfews in place, masks were still expected to be worn, full-capacity was not yet embraced by owners and sanitizer was still being placed at every corner in every public area but it was progressing. It was something.
People began seeping out of their houses more and more. Plans that had been halted a year ago were revisited, and with this vacations, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, moving abroad, going back to college, etc. were in the works. Yet, there was still this eerie feeling of the unknown lurking. The fear of the corona and a global lockdown reemerging is not completely vacant and it shouldn’t be.
However, I understand that living in constant fear is debilitating. I also understand that if someone wants to go on a trip at this time nothing will stop them- not even coronavirus. With this being said, I have put together a small list of the best covid-19 safe locations for your summer trip. These destinations are based on price, covid-19 requirements, restrictions, and the activities that you can do on your stay.
Tunisia
Tunisia is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Its official language is Arabic and is home to a multitude of different religions and cultures. Tunisia not only has beautiful beaches but also beautiful architecture to admire and ancient ruins to fill your days full of adventure and fun learning.
If you would like to visit this beautiful country you are able to do so. From November 16, all travelers, regardless of what country they fly from, must take a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure and present the negative test results at the airport upon arriving in Tunisia. According to Kayak.com “Travelers must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 72 hours prior to travel and present it to the authorities upon arrival in Tunisia. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 PCR test result.”. Before traveling you must complete a Health Declaration Form, download and use the Tunisian government’s Track And Trace App on your cellphone, and all foreign nationals must have a confirmed hotel reservation.
The quarantine requirements are strict but necessary. Those visiting must self-isolate for fourteen days in their government-approved residence after arrival. Anyone visiting the country is subject to a medical screening as soon as you land and could be selected at random for a rapid test. If the test were to come back positive then you are expected to quarantine for fourteen days just like you would anywhere else. After seven days, travelers are asked to take a second PCR test and if results are negative they are permitted to leave their quarantine quarters.
Egypt
If you want to get swept away with Egypt’s empirical charisma then I have good news for you. Egypt has recently resumed commercial flights into the country depending on where you are from. For U.S travelers they will be opening travel on July first. Travelers (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) traveling from overseas are, however, required to bring a negative PCR test issued within 72 hours of arriving in Egypt. While travelers arriving from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France (Paris only), Germany (Frankfurt only), Guyana, Italy(Rome only) Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Suriname, Thailand, US, UK(London Heathrow only), Uruguay or Venezuela will be allowed to provide the test certificate issued within 96 hours prior to the flight departure. Children under the age of 6, of all nationalities, are exempt from providing negative PCR test certificates. You can expect to have your temperature checked upon arrival. In addition to this, all travelers arriving in Egypt must complete a public health card with personal details and will need to provide confirmation of a valid health insurance policy to airport authorities.
Tourists flying directly into the airports in the coastal governorates of the Red Sea that are unable to present acceptable evidence of a negative PCR test will need to undergo testing once they set foot in Egypt for a fee of USD $30. They will also be required to self-isolate in a hotel while awaiting their test results. If the result is positive, travelers are required to quarantine in a separate room allocated for quarantine within the hotel for fourteen days. If symptoms continue, those suffering will be transferred to a public hospital or private hospital of choice, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.
Brazil
Brazil is beautiful, especially in the summer. Some might even say it is the perfect vacation spot. Still, there are requirements for those wanting to visit this exotic country. For starters, travelers are required to have a valid negative RT-PCR test result as well as complete a Traveler’s Health Declaration Form 72 hours before departure. Visitors should expect to show their results upon arrival. Also, a valid visa is required plus proof of outcoming flight from Brazil within 90 days of entry, and proof of travel health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment. Children under the age of 12 that are traveling with an adult and have proof of a negative test are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 RT-PCR test result. Unfortunately for those in the UK, Brazil has suspended flights from the UK.
The Brazilian government recommends those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to self-quarantine for 15 days. There are currently 747,171 active cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Brazil and 208,246 deaths as of Jan 16, 2021, so if you do decide to visit Brazil, keep that in mind.
Morocco
This gorgeous North American country has opened its borders and is ready and willing to entertain visitors.
U.S. travelers are permitted to stay up to 90 days in Morocco without a visa. Citizens of the U.K., Australia, and several European countries have similar benefits.
Now, U.S. travelers who hold confirmed hotel or travel agency reservations are allowed to enter for 90 days without a visa. Remember, all incoming travelers must produce a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 48 hours of departure. If you need a test dated outside of this 48-hour window then you can opt for a serological test. Face masks are required throughout the flight, and travelers must follow all posted guidelines for COVID-19 regulation.
Domestic travel between the cities of Berrechid, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Mekes, Settat, Tangier, and Tetouan require a travel authorization letter from their local authorities. That might sound intimidating but don’t worry, a hotel reservation in another city is enough reason to obtain travel authorization.
Though prices have dropped a drastic degree (at one point being $800-$900 in 2019 and now is $500-$600 round trip), keep in mind that some cities like the city of Casablanca have strict curfews in place to reserve people’s safety.
Some of these curfews are as follows:
- Everyone must stay indoors between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Travelers entering or departing the city limits must have a letter of permission from Moroccan authorities
- Local markets must close by 3 p.m.
- Cafes and shops are required to close by 8 p.m.
- Restaurants must close by 9 p.m.
Dubai
If you don’t know about the man-made beauty of Dubai then you are missing out. This place was designed to appease the eye. The weather is sunny year-round and the architecture is amazing. If you want to go somewhere with little disappointment I suggest you take a trip over to Dubai.
The Government of the UAE has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including enhanced screening and quarantine measures and limiting large gatherings. The UAE has relaxed restrictions at malls, markets, and religious services. Individuals should continue to be vigilant and wear masks while practicing appropriate social distancing.
