Before the coronavirus pandemic, you needed several documents to travel overseas. COVID-19 made the rules more strict, and you must comply with many regulations before flying to another country.
Whether you’re looking into top honeymoon destinations or a group tour with friends, there are requirements you need to prepare. Luckily, you don’t need to worry about anything with proper organisation. Ensure that you do these four things before you head overseas – check your passport and visa, get complete doses of a recognised vaccine, comply with entry requirements, and purchase travel insurance. Let’s look at each in detail.
Check Your Passport and Visa
The most crucial thing to do before booking a flight is to confirm the validity of your passport. It must be valid for six months or more after your stay in the other country. Otherwise, you might be ineligible to visit some countries. If you require a new passport, apply six weeks before your departure to allow processing and delivery.
It’s also crucial to check visa requirements for every overseas country you intend to visit. Usually, tourist visas are the easiest to obtain, and their application is primarily online. On the other hand, applying for a work-related process is more demanding and requires you to involve your current employer.
Most countries require you to produce your financial statements proving that you can afford a return ticket and have enough money to fund all expenses you incur during the trip.
Get COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Proof
The covid pandemic has had major repercussions on the air transport industry. Many countries require visitors to be fully vaccinated to enter the country and visit public places during their stay. Some need you to get a booster shot.
You could use your International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate as proof if you received your jabs in Australia. The certificate is available for download on your Medicare account accessible using the Express Plus Medicare app or the myGov website.
Know the Entry Requirements
Ensure that you know your destination’s entry rules to avoid being turned back upon arrival. Many countries update their entry requirements regularly to match the prevailing coronavirus situation. For example, authorities can ease restrictions if the number of infections reduces or increase them if the condition worsens.
For instance, you must be fully vaccinated and return negative tests for COVID-19 if you want to travel to Singapore. On the other hand, France requires tourists to receive a booster shot or negative results to visit cinemas, pubs, stadiums, restaurants, and other public places.
Due to the relatively low number of new infections, many countries accept international flights. However, this isn’t cast in stone and can change if a new variant emerges.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Since the emergence of COVID-19, airline carriers worldwide have had to disrupt, cancel and postpone multiple flights. This is understandable because it has curbed the spread rate. Fortunately, you can prepare yourself by taking measures like purchasing travel insurance.
The most significant benefit of having a travel insurance cover is that it caters to some expenses if you contract COVID-19 and need to cancel your flight. However, some insurance policies don’t cover coronavirus issues, so you must read the terms and conditions before registering for a service.
Final Words:
Preparation and flexibility are vital if you want to travel to another country. Ensure that your passport and visas are valid. Complete your COVID-19 vaccination and acquaint yourself with entry requirements for your intended destination. It’s also wise to purchase travel insurance cover.
Nobody’s sure about the future of the coronavirus pandemic, and entry rules will remain strict until it passes or researchers get a permanent remedy. As it is, the best you can do for a seamless global trip is to work with a travel agency to help you comply with the rules.
