Can you believe it’s 2023 already? The world is open for travel, and inclement weather is the greatest threat to most travelers, although new Covid-19 strains also pose a risk. Here are some travel restrictions to be aware of for domestic and international trips.
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United States Travel Restrictions
Travel policies remain mostly the same from 2022, as foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated to enter the United States. However, travelers from select locations must obtain a negative pre-arrival test result again.
Mandatory Testing From China, Hong Kong And Macau
Beginning January 5, 2023, all travelers age two or older must have a negative Covid-19 test result to enter the United States from select locations. This requirement applies to all travelers regardless of vaccination status or citizenship unless you can show documentation of recovery from Covid-19 within the past 90 days.
You must obtain a test when returning from China, Hong Kong or Macau. A test is also necessary if you travel from the international airports in Seoul, Toronto or Vancouver and have been in China, Hong Kong or Macau within the last ten days.
Travelers must take the test no more than two days before the flight time.
No other travel corridors have testing requirements at this time, but this could change if the latest strain sweeps around the world similar to previous outbreaks such as the Delta variant in the summer of 2021.
Many western nations, including Canada and the United Kingdom, are adopting similar testing requirements.
Indoor Mask Mandates
It’s still a good idea to bring a mask in your carry-on as several localities have indoor mask mandates in response to the “tripledemic.” Los Angeles County might be the most prominent county to require masks again. However, at the publication time, Los Angeles continues to strongly encourage masking.
The La Guardia, JFK and Stewart airports in the New York City area have continued requiring masks, even after the federal mandate was overturned.
China Travel Restrictions
One of the most exciting travel developments to start in 2023 is the ability to fly to China again for the first time in three years. Beginning on January 8, 2023, visitors no longer need to quarantine when arriving on the mainland.
The country is reducing many other Covid-19 tracking protocols, such as applying for a health code.
Instead of waiving the current five-day quarantine, travelers must obtain a negative pre-arrival test no sooner than 48 hours before departure. Additionally, all airplane passengers must wear a mask during the flight.
Being fully vaccinated can also be an entry requirement for age-eligible travelers.
The relaxation of these rules can make business travel and repatriation easier to achieve, although it will still take time for …….