Travel in and out of the United States has changed a lot due to the pandemic. From private transportation to family trips to business travel services, no type of excursion has gone without extensive updates and methods to ensure safety.
Bans on coming into the country have been ordered and lifted, and cruise lines have been halted, continued, and heavily regulated. Protocols to be able to travel continue to grow and change to this date.
This comprehensive timeline lays out critical moments and essential decisions that defined international, domestic, and ocean travel over the past several years.
February 2020
U.S. Travel Bans Begin
The U.S. closes its doors to non-American visitors from several countries across the globe, starting with COVID-19 epicenters in Asia and Europe, and expanding to more countries over time. U.S. citizens are not subject to the ban but are likely to undergo screening, quarantining, and other measures upon arriving in the US, to prevent the spread of the disease.
March 2020
No Sail Order Issued
All cruise ships are given a “No Sail Order” by the CDC. Every cruise ship operating in U.S.-controlled waters must halt operations, according to the order.
September 2020
U.S. Airports Stop International Screening Processes
The U.S. government stops the international flight arrival screening that had been taking place since January 2020. Incoming flights from high-risk countries are no longer redirected to designated airports and health screening for typical COVID-19 symptoms in international passengers is discontinued.
November 2020
No Sail Order Lifted
The CDC declares that the no sail order for cruise ship companies has been lifted, with strict health and safety measures to be followed as cruises return. This includes extensive testing, quarantine protocols, and social distancing requirements. Crew-only test voyages are implemented to test the ability to mitigate risks, with most major cruise lines not resuming true passenger operations from U.S. ports until 2021.
April 2021
Vaccinated Domestic Travel Protocols Updated
The CDC declares that domestic passengers in the United States who are fully vaccinated are able to travel without having to present a negative COVID-19 test.
November 2021
International Travel Ban Lifted
Restrictions on tourist travel from many countries including Mexico, Canada, and most of Europe are lifted, after a year and a half long ban due to the pandemic. Travel is only permitted for fully vaccinated visitors, with other various jurisdictions set by the CDC.
March 2022
Hawaii Ends Domestic Travel Restrictions
Hawaii removes the restrictions on domestic visitors. Vaccination requirements set by the United States government continue to apply to foreign arrivals.
June 2022
Vaccinated International Travel Protocols Updated
International travelers arriving by plane to the U.S. no longer need to present negative COVID-19 test results. All noncitizen and nonresident travelers still need to show proof of full vaccination to enter the U.S.
July 2022
CDC Cruise Line Protocols End
As cruise ships are determined to have access to the resources needed to manage COVID-19 mitigation on their own, the CDC’s system of protocols for cruise lines is lifted. The CDC still recommends that passengers on cruises stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, including booster shots.
Where can you travel today?
With restrictions and limitations constantly changing, it can be difficult to decide how and where to travel.
Looking to leave the U.S.? International travel can be attainable and affordable again for you and your family, with many countries now lifting requirements and restrictions for entry. Time to finally go on the trips that travel limitations have curbed over the last few years.
Ready to visit the States? The latest protocols let vaccinated tourists travel without presenting negative test results, so choose one of many destinations across the country to vacation, sightsee, and enjoy your time at.
Wherever you’re headed, stay educated about travel protocols to make your trip an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Book an airport transfer to guarantee safety, convenience, and comfort while you resume your world traveler lifestyle.
