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COVID-19 and Overseas Travel Checklist

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Checklist: Preparing for an overseas trip during Covid

• Did you and your entire family over the age of 18 receive the complete program of the internationally recognized COVID-19 vaccine? 

• The vaccine must be one of Pfizer / BioNTech, Oxford / AstraZeneca, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson / Janssen. Your home country may approve other types of vaccines, but you need to make sure they are internationally recognized. 

• Did your country of origin provide a document to prove your vaccination status? 

• Do you know the steps required before boarding a cruise? Did you have COVID-19 voyage insurance? Checklist: Plan an overseas trip as an expatriate during Covid

Did you see the access rules for the country you want to visit? You may want to ask:

• Can travelers from your country visit your destination country (even expatriates)? 

• Do I need vaccination proof? 

• Do I need to quarantine myself on arrival? 

• If you need to quarantine yourself, is this done in a private house / hotel or in a government-arranged space? 

• Do I need to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival? If so, on what day should you take it? What type of test should I do (e.g., immunochromatography, PCR)? Where do these tests need to be done? Can you make it at home? 

• Do you know how to report test results to relevant authorities? 

• If you need to quarantine or run tests, have you made advance arrangements, for example, booking a safe place for quarantine or purchasing tests? 

• If you are infected with COVID-19 abroad and need medical treatment, financial compensation or other assistance, have you taken out insurance?

Checklist: When you arrive at your destination during Covid

Do you know the local laws and regulations regarding the safety of COVID-19? for example:

• Do you know when and where to wear the mask? 

• Do you know the rules about how many people can meet inside and outside? 

• Is there a curfew? 

• Do you know what to do if you need to isolate yourself? 

• Does the destination country have local legislation? That is, are there any laws that only affect a particular city or region? 

• Do you know what to do in emergency care? For example, if you are infected with COVID-19, do you know where and how long to quarantine yourself? If you have to go to the hospital, do you know where it is closest to you? 

• Do you have all your health insurance cards? 

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Restrictions in COVID-19 for Foreigners

What is a COVID passport? 

The COVID-19 passport is an official document certifying that you have been vaccinated with the coronavirus vaccine at least once. It is provided by the state that received the vaccine.

Can I travel without the COVID-19 vaccine? 

In many countries, access is likely to be granted only to vaccinated travelers. However, at this time, there is no global law that requires vaccination. Some countries allow entry without a vaccine if they can provide proof and / or quarantine that the COVID-19 test is negative on arrival. 

Do I need special COVID-19 travel insurance to travel abroad? 

Depending on the country you are traveling to, you may need travel insurance, including COVID-19 coverage. If you have global health insurance or expatriate health insurance, it can cover you against COVID-19 if you travel to other countries. Be sure to consult your supplier. 

Can I get vaccinated in another country? 

Yes, in certain situations.

Is it safe to get COVID-19 in a foreign country? 

The health care system of the country you are traveling to may not be as well-equipped as your home country. If the country you are traveling to is already overloaded, it can be difficult to get hospital beds, ventilators, and other life-saving equipment. 

Are the rules for business trips different? 

Perhaps the rules of many countries are more relaxed for business trips, but you shouldn't count on them. If you are a business traveller with a reason to travel to another country, this may be arranged by your own business and the business of the country you want to visit. The rules may vary depending on the particular job. This means that people entering the country in these roles may be exempt from quarantine on arrival and other regional restrictions. These roles may include:

• Foreign diplomats, officials, political representatives

• Military or International Police Officer

•Health care workers

• Company manager

• Highly skilled workers such as engineers, scientists, teachers and scholars

• Journalists and media representatives

• Athletes, actors, musicians, other celebrities, and members of your aides who have a reason to travel.

Peace of mind when you go overseas

No matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. Our friends at William Russell offer international health insurance that covers you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays. They can even offer medical evacuation to patients who require treatment in other countries. 

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Original Article Written by Damian Porter Relationship Manager at William Russell

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