5 'What Ifs' To Be Prepared For Before Traveling In 2022

The coronavirus variants alpha, delta, and now omicron are generating headlines in the press, prompting governments and health authorities to impose new and repeated travel restrictions. The existing omicron-triggered modified entrance criteria for travel to the United States are erecting additional barriers of uncertain effectiveness that are likely to be onerous to passengers.

When you have to time your COVID test correctly: 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours before travel, it can be a daunting task. It is difficult to untangle needs in any region. In a distant and unfamiliar country, it gets more challenging. Researching sites for COVID testing and factoring in the estimated wait time for findings into an already hectic work or vacation schedule are now part of the travel plans. If a passenger fails to submit results by the deadline, they may be denied boarding on a planned trip and will be required to redo the procedure, which may include another test and a new ticket reservation. That might entail extra time for accommodation and a modified travel plan, depending on schedules and availability.

Regardless of the effectiveness of these extra reactionary precautions, international travel remains a worthwhile and often required activity. Here are five "what if" scenarios travelers should think about and be prepared for before embarking on a trip this year.

1. What if I require a COVID-19 test that is negative in order to enter a country?

Travelers should definitely consider purchasing a COVID-19 self-test kit, which may yield results in as little as 15 minutes and is valid for entrance into their home country as well as countries on their trip and stopover itinerary. These test kits are small enough to be carried in a carry-on bag. However, you must check that these self-tests comply with current standards. Conventional testing should still be considered by travelers in case restrictions change while on the road.

Antigen or nucleic acid amplification tests that have FDA and EUA clearance and involve a telehealth video call monitored by an authorized proctor who will produce a report verifying the findings are acceptable self-tests for entrance to the United States. A negative result from the Abbott BinaxNOW self-testing COVID-19 kit meets the US government standard for boarding a commercial flight for U.S.-bound visitors. To complete the self-test requirement, a video conference with a medical proctor will, of course, need internet connectivity.

2. What if I don't have access to or can't find a COVID-19 self-test?

Travelers must know where testing facilities are located, if reservations are required, and when the results will be available if a personal test kit is not suitable or unavailable. Travelers must also make arrangements for transportation to the testing location on the specified day. Hotels are typically aware of this and may help with transportation needs. This need has the potential to consume two of your trip days, so plan and prioritize appropriately.

3. What if I'm stranded at the airport due to unexpected border closures?

The introduction of the omicron version resulted in border restrictions in dozens of countries, as well as the complete halt of all foreign travel in Japan and Morocco. You won't be the only one stranded at the airport owing to an unexpected border closure. Thousands of people will be affected by the shutdown. Travelers stuck during the COVID-related border closures in March 2020 noticed that changing travel plans at the airport ticket counter was far quicker than doing so over the phone or online. If you have preferred customer status with the airline, make sure you have the special international phone number connected with that program—calling the regular phone number will take significantly longer than going to the ticket counter.

If you haven't already done so, call your embassy and register; if the embassy is unaware that you are in the country, they will be unable to put you on a planned repatriation flight. The days of returning from a foreign vacation one day and going back to work the next are long gone. Travelers should always include a time buffer as a backup plan. Also, avoid scheduling any essential activities on the same days as your scheduled trip days. If you're a member of Global Rescue, we can help you with all of this and work with you to resolve any travel-related concerns.