Traveling post Covid19
Traveling post Covid19 will have its challenges but these can be overcome with planning and creativity. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we are looking forward to everything going back to some kind of normality. I don’t expect the west to recover quickly and some countries including the USA still have travel bans, and new requirements coming related to the vaccine. But can we still travel today, and the answer is an astounding yes. For example, Mexico is enjoying an inflow of Americans, Canadians, and their money. Why you might ask and the answer is they have not restricted the movement of people to the degree other countries have, and this has to lead to Americans, in particular, moving temporarily or permanently to the country. With the border being so close many have just driven south and have begun working remotely while taking breaks on the beach. Visa’s for Americans and Canadians are generous and can also be extended. If you’re traveling to Mexico from the United States as a tourist, you do not need a visa to enter the country. Upon arrival, you will be allowed 180 days, or six months, with what’s called a “visitor’s permit” or FMM. If your Canadian you can also stay 180 days and this is more than generous. To re-cap Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most EU countries do not need visas to enter Mexico as tourists for less than 180 days. Other Europeans can stay for ninety days.
Traveling Post Covid19 Europe
Another example is Switzerland where many Europeans have gone to avoid the full lockdown life. This does not mean things won’t change but for now, it is better than most western European countries. I have read many stories of people going there to work remotely while enjoying the new and safe environment. Also, consider Eastern Europe where the virus has not been as destructive as in the west. For Americans, a 30-90 day visa is common in Europe, and with very a very good road system and a nose for deals you can keep costs down. Most distant workers like to hang out in Portugal these days since it has become a haven for computer-based workers, and has a solid program on longer-term visas. Some Switzerland Infection Information
Traveling Post Covid19 Asia
Another place to go is Taiwan but you must be willing to quarantine inside your hotel room for 10 – 14 days in order to be allowed full Taiwan travel. So not for a short trip but if you have a few months it’s a great place to consider. Taiwan is also a low-cost area but you need to understand your geography. The most expensive real estate in the north around Taipei, but if your willing to learn their tremendous rail system and understand the value of the local currency you can get some great bargains. The south of Taiwan in the city of Kaohsiung can be a very good way to keep your costs low and to live in a more tropical environment. There are large national parks, scuba diving, and much more to enjoy when not at work. One side of the island has a standard train system that moves slow and stops are every minor step, and on the other side you have a high-speed rail system with very low-cost tickets, and first-class is very affordable. Taiwan CDC Information Here
Traveling Post Covid19 United States
The United States has many regions and some are very open. Florida is open and you can almost act as normal and they have not had any surge in cases recently. Also, there is Texas where things are open with some minor restrictions than my restricted eating arrangements. View United States CDC Information Here
Now, what the USA state to avoid? California, New York, Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico. These states have very harsh restrictions and are not worth visiting at this time. By next spring or summer, this should improve. As of 1/19/2021 most states are now in a re-opening phase and New Mexico and California are still the worse. However, if you like National Parks you can still travel around the country visiting and camping in most of them along the way. Please keep in mind that searching only on the internet is no guarantee of the latest information so please give the park a phone call to be sure. California Virus Information
Traveling Post Covid19 Soth and Central America
There are also areas within South American where we have heard from American expatriates who say there are few restrictions other than common-sense measures like wearing a mask in crowds and the consideration of a vaccine. Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica have shown up on our radar, and we have heard of Ex-Patriates doing well in these places. Keep in mind what facilities you might need and the speed of your internet. This becomes an issue in the more rural areas but Panama seemed to do well within most of the country. In general, foreigners can visit Panama for 90-180 days without a visa, depending on the country of origin. Please see the country lists below for details. If you are a scientific visitor to STRI and will conclude your visit to Panama within the allotted 90-180 days, you will not require a visa under normal circumstances. There are also areas within South American where we have heard from American expatriates who say there are few restrictions other than common-sense measures like wearing a mask in crowds and the consideration of a vaccine. Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica have shown up on our radar, and we have heard of Ex-Patriates doing well in these places. Keep in mind what facilities you might need and the speed of your internet. This becomes an issue in the more rural areas but Panama seemed to do well within most of the country. In general, foreigners can visit Panama for 90-180 days without a visa, depending on the country of origin. Please see the country lists below for details. If you are a scientific visitor to STRI and will conclude your visit to Panama within the allotted 90-180 days, you will not require a visa under normal circumstances.
Traveling Post Covid19 Vaccine FAQ
I do think that in the short term a vaccine will be required and for those concerned about the new mRNA vaccine please don’t fret because there are several others coming soon. Even the US military is not going with mRNA and will instead begin testing a protein-based vaccine from the SARS virus. Novovax is going to be a game-changer in my opinion longer term, and this may help people fighting all coronaviruses with the same protein. We do plan on getting a vaccine but have concerns that all will not be treated equally when traveling internationally. For example, the first two vaccines are using newer technology, and the data on their effectiveness is still unknown. The others with live and dead viruses have a more standard technology used and are more likely to be effective for a period of time. However, these take around two years to become available and we still have about a year to go. So please begin starting your travel plans and look for new and interesting places to visit for 2021.
Traveling Post Covid19 @2021
Coronavirus and Travel: How to Travel Safe During This Pandemic Time?
