Are You Ready To Travel Again?
Sure, you’ve got the desire…but do you have your ducks in a row to actually go back out into the world?
Here’s our handy guide for what you’ll need to have and know to make your first COVID-era international trip a success.
LEAVING THE COUNTRY
Passports
In order to leave the country, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after your return date (countries get nervous when other countries’ citizens might possibly get stuck within their borders)…that means, if you’re planning to travel within the next year, you should figure out where you tossed your passport in March 2020, pull it out, and check the expiration date. If it expires in the next twelve months, head to the U.S. State Department’s Passport website to find out what rules apply to your particular situation.
Processing times are, anecdotally, coming down, but the Passport Agency still states that regular processing times are up to 16 weeks, and expedited processing times are up to 12 weeks. We always recommend paying the extra $60 to expedite and using FedEx or U.S.P.S. Priority Mail Express to get your application in as quickly as possible.
Please don’t be that person utilizing an emergency appointment so you can get your kid’s passport renewed at the last second…emergency appointments are intended to be used in true life-or-death situations, not for people trying to get to the Bahamas on vacation.
Testing
Many destinations are requiring negative COVID-19 test results within a short window before arrival, meaning you’ll need to be able to obtain a PCR test within 72 hours* prior to arrival in your destination or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours* prior to arrival in your destination.
The kind of home-based antigen tests available at pharmacies is not sufficient for entry into other countries. For people located in or near major metropolitan areas, I’ve found Sameday Health to be quick and easy, but their tests are also not accepted everywhere, so make sure you understand what type of test is required and whether there are any restrictions on the test provider.
*Varies by country, always check with official government sources to confirm the timeframe required.
DESTINATION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Every country has distinct entry requirements; you’ll need to be sure that you understand what those are before heading to the airport. The most common requirements deal with testing and vaccination cards, but many destinations also required some sort of pre-travel authorization or a passenger locator form - without that documentation, you will not be allowed to board your flight.
Two of the best aggregate sources are Sherpa and Reopen.Europa.Eu - but always click through to see the original sources and review what the government sites have to say to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
AT THE AIRPORT
Expediting security: because there’s so much paperwork now (for most international departures, test results, vaccination cards, travel authorizations, and passenger locator forms have to be reviewed and evaluated in person by the check-in agents), utilizing every tool at your disposal to manage your time at the airport is more important than ever.
TSA PreCheck & CLEAR: One or the other is fine; having both is the key to breezing your way past a line of people who will need an hour to get through security.
TSA PreCheck requires an online application followed by a 10-minute in-person interview (interviews are generally conducted at airports); the cost for the program is $85, and many credit cards reimburse the cost as part of their cardholder benefit programs. Once you have TSA PreCheck, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) which you’ll need to enter into the personal information section of every air booking in order to receive TSA PreCheck benefits for your flight (you’ll know if you’ve entered it correctly if your boarding pass says “TSA PreCheck on it). Having TSA PreCheck permits you to leave your baggie of liquids in your luggage, along with your laptop and other electronics, and means you do not have to remove your shoes.
CLEAR is a private entity contracted with TSA (and many private entities like stadiums and concert venues) to provide expedited screening services. In order to receive CLEAR, you’ll have to fill out an application either at a kiosk in the airport or online. You’ll then complete your registration in person at the airport, where they’ll take your fingerprints and do a retinal scan…the cost is $15/month. Once you have CLEAR, you’ll have a dedicated security lane and will skip to the front of the line, whether you have TSA PreCheck or not. If you don’t have TSA PreCehck, but you do have CLEAR, you’ll still be required to remove your shoes and take your laptop & liquids out of your carry-on luggage, but you’ll be at the front of the line.
Lounge access: once you’ve gotten through security, you’ve still got to wait until it’s time to board your flight. The best place to do that without mixing it up with thousands of people? Head to your airline’s lounge. There are various methods of obtaining lounge access - most [international] first- or business-class tickets will include access; if you’re a frequent flyer, then applying for your preferred airline’s co-branded credit card will often include lounge access as one of the cardholder benefits. Not a frequent flyer, and not sitting at the front of the plane? Check and see if your airline sells day passes to their lounge.
Take care of your passport & vaccination card: yes, you’ll need to bring your physical vaccination card with you, so treat it like your passport. Since it’s such a delicate piece of paper, we suggest getting a case that holds both your passport and your vaccination card securely; Amazon has a variety of options.
ONBOARD YOUR FLIGHT
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
You’ll be congratulating yourself on making it onto your first international flight in more than a year…but don’t be too quick to pop that champagne. The best way to start off a vacation on the right foot is by foregoing the booze and drinking as much water as you possible can - experts recommend a liter for every hour you’re in the air. One easy way to do that? Bring a collapsible water bottle with you and ask the flight attendants to refill you when you need a top-up.
Get some zzzzzs.
In order to ensure you hop off your flight ready to make the most of your first day, do what you can to ensure you get at least a little sleep on the flight.
The week before, start using the Timeshifter app to help acclimate you to the timezone you’ll be in. On the plane, we’re big fans of melatonin/magnesium patches, but you’ll want to start using them about a week before to make sure they work properly and that you know the right dosage for yourself*. Mileage varies for which type of pillow works for various travelers, but we like these - supportive on the neck and rolls up into a tiny ball.
Our standard packing always includes some foam earplugs and a sleeping mask; if all else fails, we’ll swap the earplugs for noise-canceling iPods and turn to the brain.fm app, which has music tracks designed to lull your brain to sleep.
*Not medical advice.
IN DESTINATION
Masks: you’ll notice in most destinations that cloth masks aren’t really worn, and are oftentimes banned outright. None of this "pulling-up-your-bandana” nonsense for the rest of the world. Our recommendation? Kaze Origins masks - they come in a variety of colors, fit comfortably over the bridge of your nose, have adjustable earloops, and provide enough room for breathing easily, even when trying to sleep on a flight. We also like the Soomlab masks; both brands make masks for kids as well as adults.
Return COVID-19 Testing: as soon as you arrive at your destination, work with your hotel or travel advisor to arrange for return COVID-19 testing. All travelers entering the U.S. are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result, either within 3 days before their return flight (for vaccinated travelers) or within 24 hours of their return flight (for unvaccinated travelers). Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are accepted.
Understand Destination Requirements: many other countries have adopted a digital vaccination tracking system; currently, US residents are generally required to show their vaccination cards anywhere a digital health passport is requested (for instance, to enter a museum or restaurant). However, be sure to familiarize yourself with the local requirements and be prepared to comply.
RETURNING TO THE U.S.
Global Entry
CLEAR and TSAPreCheck are useful on the way out of the country; on the way back in, Global Entry is what will help you bypass the long lines and make your way out of the airport with ease. Global Entry requires an application and in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center; the program costs $100 and includes TSA PreCheck as well. Like TSA PreCheck alone, many credit cards reimburse the cost of Global Entry as part of their cardholder benefits. Global Entry is valid for five years, after which time you’ll have to apply for a renewal.
Travel is as incredible and enriching as ever; the process is just a little different for the time being.
Not sure you want to navigate all of the above by yourself? Contact us to start planning a trip - we’re here to help you navigate these new times with ease and security.