Need to Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Important Tips to Consider

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down travel, affecting essential trips and vacations. As such, it is better to move out only if necessary. COVID-19 will not go away overnight, and so it is better to take precautions.

If you do need to travel, get vaccinated before you pack your bag. You should also carry the certificate when traveling. If you are not vaccinated, get tested 1 to 3 days before your trip. Ensure to take the test report along with you when you travel. 

However, it would be best if you traveled after taking all the vaccine doses. Go through the list of COVID-19 travel advice below. 

Travel tips during COVID 

• Check if you have any COVID-19 symptoms

You should know the different COVID-19 symptoms and what to look for. Avoid traveling if you present with early signs. Get yourself tested. Take the next steps based on your results. Once your symptoms fade, retake a viral test before traveling. 

• Address coronavirus anxiety before you travel

Coronavirus anxiety is linked to the fear of coronavirus transmission or infection. As such, many people are unsure about traveling due to COVID-19. With exposure therapy, you can address this anxiety and enjoy relief [2]. Alternatively, plan trips to known destinations to feel at ease. 

• Keep your mask on all the time.

The face mask is your first step of protection against coronavirus [3]. It is recommended to use the N95 masks [4] as they filter out 95% of particles from the air you breathe in. The CDC states that cloth and disposable masks are also effective at filtering out particles. In fact, surgical masks can filter out about 60% of inhaled particles. Be sure to wear a mask at all times during your trip. 

• Carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant 

Wash your hands with soap often. When you can’t use soap, use a hand sanitizer. Your hand sanitizer should have at least 60% of alcohol content. Carry disinfectant with you and spray it before you touch any public places. Disinfect the handles in transport or doorknobs and tables in the hotel you stay in. 

• Be careful of eating on the move and at your destination

Avoid eating on the plane or the road. If possible, carry food that won’t perish while traveling. If you have to buy food, consider fresh food or eat at a sanitized restaurant. 

• Opt for travel insurance

Travel insurance is critical in a time like this. Take travel insurance in case there is a change in plans. It will be useful if you have to cancel trips or accommodation. It also covers any loss or unpredicted medical bills on your trip.

• Follow travel restrictions

Know the travel restrictions for the place you plan to visit. You may have to follow compulsory quarantine, test on arrival, or lockdown rules. Authorities may have different rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. It is a good idea to check these rules before you travel. 

• Take after-travel precautions

Take precautions after you come back from the trip. If vaccinated, isolate yourself in case you show any symptoms. If you haven't taken the vaccine, get a test. Quarantine yourself for 7 days. If found positive, stay quarantined to protect others from getting infected. Avoid meeting people who are at increased risk of illness for 14 days in both cases. Follow all state and local guidelines.

Additional Read: Critical care measures to take for COVID-19 with pre-existing medical conditions 

Quick travel guidelines 

For fully vaccinated people: 

• Wear a mask over your mouth and nose at all times. 
• After travel, monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms
• If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months, you don’t need to take a test [5] 

For unvaccinated people: 

• Get a test 1 to 3 days before your trip.
• Wear a mask on your mouth and nose at all places.
• Avoid crowds and keep a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) from others
• Wash your hands often with soap
• Use a sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol content
• Get a test 3 to 5 days after your trip
• Quarantine yourself for 7 days even if you test negative
• Quarantine for 10 days if you do not get tested, and avoid people who are at risk of illness for 14 days
• Self-monitor, isolate and follow travel guidelines set by the government

Get vaccinated, take the requisite number of doses to ensure you do not spread the infection to others. Check when you can get COVID-19 vaccines in India with the Bajaj Finserv COVID-19 vaccination tracker. To book an appointment with a doctor of your choice, check Bajaj Finserv Health online.