Where TF Can Americans Travel This Summer? And Should They?

As coronavirus cases climb in the United States, American passports appear to be losing their value. But America is GREAT AGAIN, haven’t you heard? Thanks, Donny! As if a raging pandemic, lack of accessible healthcare, and systemic racism weren’t enough, you can say au revoir to your European summer holiday, as well as vacations in a bunch of other places around the globe. Great. As the European Union prepares to reopen, U.S. travelers did not make the 15-country safe list and have officially been blocked from entering. So, where else can Americans travel right now? And better yet, should they travel or cancel trips this summer?

“You Can’t Sit With Us”—The EU, Probably

When the EU closed its borders in March, it was no small decision. The same goes for continuing the ban for Americans, considering the fact that 15 million U.S. travelers visit Europe each year, and the industry creates jobs for 26 million people. Clearly, the bloc’s economy will take a substantial hit as the travel industry’s normally bustling summer season comes and (likely) goes without its usual international visitors. The decision was based on epidemiology as opposed to the economy, with the New York Times reporting that the EU “sought to balance health concerns with politics, diplomacy and the desperate need for tourism revenue.” 

Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan are on the list of approved countries, and that list will be reviewed every two weeks. However, it seems that the U.S. will have to make a serious reduction in new cases in order to be reconsidered, so we won’t be holding our breath. Unlike Americans, travelers from the approved country list will be permitted access to all EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. So if you had hoped for some thirst-trap pics for your grid in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon this summer, you’ll have to keep your posting closer to home.

There’s good news for some Americans, as the ban pertains to your residency rather than your passport. This means if you’re an American living in one of the approved countries and can prove your residency there, you may be able to enter. Congrats—it’s like a get out of jail free card!

Cruel Summer—The Countries Americans Can’t Visit

In addition to the EU, there are also a number of other countries not allowing Americans in. Canada’s regulation hottie Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced the continuation of its border closure with the U.S. until August 21, with the possibility of another extension. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and China’s borders also remain closed to all international arrivals. 

As of July 22, the Bahamas has once again closed its borders to the U.S. due to the recent rise in cases stateside. However, if you’re bougie enough to have a private plane or yacht, you can keep planning your vacation as long as you can provide a negative COVID test… but you may get roasted by the internet for being a covidiot if you do. 

Countries Open To American Travelers

Dreaming of the beach? You might be in luck, as a number of Caribbean countries are open to visitors. Belize, Barbados, and Jamaica are all open to international travel, as well as St. Barts, St. Lucia, and Antigua. However, each country or territory has its own COVID restrictions upon entry. Some include providing a negative COVID-19 test no more than a week old, or temperature and health checks upon arrival. 

Mexico is also an option, even though the land border between the country and the U.S. remains closed. You can still arrive in certain areas by plane, but keep in mind that states are opening in varying degrees, so not everywhere in the country is ready for visitors. 

Despite the ban, Europe is not completely off-limits to Americans this summer; the open countries just might not be the places you have at the top of your bucket list. Albania and Serbia are European countries not yet in the EU that are currently allowing international travelers, so start your research on their tourist destinations if you really want to book a trip. Apparently Serbia has a killer wine region—who knew? Additionally, Croatia has decided to issue its own travel requirements outside of the EU’s restrictions, allowing for non-EU citizens to visit, but requiring proof of pre-booked accommodations. Meanwhile, in the UK (no longer an EU member, as you may recall), international travel is permitted; however, all American arrivals must quarantine for 14 days upon entry.

“Just Because You Ameri-can Doesn’t Mean You Ameri-should”

I hate to be the Debbie Downer here, but even though some countries are open doesn’t mean you should be booking the first flight out. The CDC and the U.S. State Department still have travel advisories that warn against non-essential travel. You know what sucks more than wearing a mask during your staycation? Being on a ventilator.

As much as you’re eager to take new travel Instagrams, we are still amidst a pandemic, and there are still a lot of risks associated with travel. Air travel may increase your exposure to the virus due to difficulties with social distancing and being near people indoors for an extended period of time. If you do decide to fly, take the common-sense precautions we’ve been talking about for the last five months: wash your hands regularly, wear a mask, cover your face when you cough or sneeze, and stay six feet apart when possible.

Travelers should also consider the practical risks, like obtaining health insurance. Some travel health insurance becomes void when there is a government travel advisory, so be sure to always check to see that you will be covered in case you get sick or injured during a vacation. 

Many countries are not as lax as the U.S., with nations like Canada and New Zealand still keeping their borders completely closed to visitors even though they have drastically fewer cases and deaths than the U.S. The countries are also enforcing mandatory 14-day quarantine to anyone who enters the country. Additionally, countries like Australia have issued a complete ban on overseas travel, and any exemptions must be approved by the government. Given that the success of flattening the curve in these countries has far outweighed the efforts (or lack thereof) of American officials, it might be wise to take a page from their book.

Party In The USA, Because You Won’t Be Going Anywhere Else

Yes, 2020 has indeed been a horror show, with the U.S. as its main character. For now, let’s hope that next year gets a whole lot better and we can resume our partying in Mykonos in 2021. On the bright side, where other than America can we see a Karen go postal in a Trader Joe’s because her CoNsTiTuTiOnAL rIGhTs are being violated? Plus, there’s still an election that could go horribly wrong! Seriously, just so much to look forward to this year. 

Do everyone a favor and find a friend with a beach or lake house, and just stay the fuck home/in said vacation house and drink margaritas until Florida feels like Florence. Good luck.

Images: Anna Shvets / Pexels

Here’s What We Know For Sure About The Europe Travel Ban

Welp, coronavirus has officially ruined everyone’s spring travel plans. Trump has banned travel from 26 European countries to the United States for the next 30 days. This means your chic Eurotrip just got a lot messier. As someone who planned a two week trip to Italy for the end of the month, let me just say: life is a nightmare and I want my money back.

So, what does this mean? While everyone was in a frenzy after the president last night stated simply that no travel would be allowed from Europe for the next month, Trump has since clarified that this ban does not apply to trans-Atlantic trade in goods OR to Americans or US permanent residents.

Trump’s address from the Oval Office marked the first time he appeared to be taking this whole coronavirus thing seriously, but it still led to some confusion and controversy.

 

Here’s what we know for sure

The travel ban begins Friday at 11:59 p.m. and suspends travel for 30 days from 26 European countries in the Schengen region, which travelers can move through with a single visa.

Those countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The ban does not apply to U.S. residents, citizens, or families of residents and citizens. Instead, it applies to “most foreign nationals” who have been in any of the 26 countries in the last 14 days, according to the Department of Homeland security. There are exceptions for some nonresidents, specifically people traveling to the states to help help with the coronavirus response.

However, U.S. passengers who have visited any of the 26 countries will have to travel through certain airports where the U.S. government can screen them, according to DHS and Vice President Mike Pence. However, Pence, who leads the administration’s coronavirus task force, has not yet named those airports.

Despite the fact that cases have recently exploded in the United Kingdom, the ban does not apply there. Just today, there were nearly 600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and eight deaths. Yet a number of travelers can just come to the U.S. from Europe via British airports. Genius.

A number of airlines have announced plans to waive cancellation/rescheduling fees for flights to impacted countries.

Widespread confusion remains as Trump administration officials try to clarify the terms of the travel ban. Trump made this decision without consulting the travel industry or US allies (classiqué!), so naturally, people are like, “WTF???” Critics have said that this kind of pandemic should be treated as a global crisis, so acting by simply cutting off certain countries is not ultimately helpful.

Plus, there is the issue that this action only deals with the virus coming into the US from Europe, which, like, it’s a little late for that, babe. The coronavirus is here on American soil, and is more likely to be spread through communities that have already been infected than by people coming in from Europe. Doctors in Italy, which is facing the devastating consequences of delayed containment efforts, have written open pleas for Americans to avoid their mistakes.

This decision will also likely impact the travel industry, which is already taking a huge hit. Which, in turn, is taking a toll on the stock markets. Dow Futures plunged more than 1,000 points after Trump’s speech and trading was halted again this morning, but this is pretty much inevitable during a panic like this. My condolences to Wall Street.
As a surprise to literally no living being, Trump is convinced that his handling of the situation has been ~perfect~. Bold move coming from the man leading a country that has had a shortage of testing kits to deal with the crisis. Trump went as far as saying, “This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history.” Health officials disagree. Remember like, last week when he was saying this was NBD and leading people to believe it was a hoax made up by the Dems? Lol.
Anyway, stay safe out there, fam. Wash your hands, don’t touch your damn face, and stay the fuck at home if you feel sick.

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Images: Giphy (2)