ARE YOU PLANNING THE IDEAL SUMMER VACATION AMID COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING

Editor’s note: I strongly encourage those who choose to travel to look into local government restrictions, guidelines, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and kindly take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.

The sun is up in the sky with its rays spreading warmth and cheerfulness. Now is the perfect time to go shirtless on the beach for some sunbathing and beachy fun. Yay! Summer vacay is upon us, and we have some respite from the rain. While you are planning your international summer vacation, you need to note the Covid-19 restrictions in some countries of the world. The third wave of the covid-19 pandemic bearing the new Delta variant is raging on. Although some countries are opening up and loosening travel restrictions thanks to vaccinations, others are still on lockdown—your 2021 summer.

HEADING TO THE UK?
The United Kingdom is a magnificent spot for summer vacation this year. It offers architectural marvels of London and nightlife, rugged peaks of the Scottish highlands, distant Welsh lakes, Cornish beaches and historic towns and cities such as Oxford, Bath and Harrogate.
If you are planning on holidaying in the UK, note the rules and restrictions in place. The Uk has had one of the highest numbers of deaths from Covid-19 globally, resulting in multiple lockdown restrictions, still in the Uk countries.

Covid Restrictions to note for vacation in the UK
-All UK arrivals must provide a negative test taken within the past 72 hours and complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in the UK.
-A traffic light-based travel system: red, amber and green is now in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Suppose you are a UK resident traveling from the “red list” destinations, including South Africa, India, Namibia, and the United Arab Emirates. In that case, you can enter the country, but you must undergo a 10-day quarantine on arrival in a hotel and follow testing requirements.
-Non-Uk residents from red list countries are no longer allowed entry to the Uk.
-Anyone dodging quarantine risks fines ranging from €5000 – €10000.
-Cruising has recommenced in the UK, but cruises departing from British Ports are currently only for UK travelers.

HEADING TO AMERICA?
The United States of America offers exotic summer vacation destinations whether you are planning a trip to the big cities, exploring the vast national parks, basking on a relaxing beach or camping in a small town.
Summer holidays have marked a new chapter in the pandemic as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has relaxed its travel guidelines for 100 destinations worldwide.
Before traveling to the USA, you need to check with the Center for Disease Control and the US Department of State.
Travel Restrictions to note
-There is a prohibition from entry to the US for travelers who are non-American citizens. During the 14 days proceeding to their entry or attempted entry into the United States.
-If you are eligible to travel to the US, all travelers (aged two and above) must produce an adverse, pre-departure Covid test result (antigen or PCR), taken within 72 hours of arrival.
-All arrivals by air into the US must quarantine for at least seven days and undertake a Covid-19 test (NAAT or antigen) three to five days after arrival.
-Whether you are vaccinated or not, the CDC still proposes that you wear a mask over your nose and mouth throughout your travel journey – also required on planes, buses, airports and stations.
It would help if you also stayed two meters away from others, wash your hands often, or use a hand sanitiser containing 60% alcohol.
-As you travel within the United States, note that travel restrictions depend on where you are and where you want to go. State, local and territorial governments have different rules in place, covering travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders and testing and quarantine requirements.

HEADING TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
Enthralling the world with its skyscrapers, posh hotels, fancy malls, artificial islands, and an impressive shoreline, the United Arab Emirates is a luxury destination. It is undoubtedly part of every traveler’s bucket list this summer. However, globally, the UAE has had its fair share of the Covid-19 pandemic and has since implemented travel restrictions. If you are planning to fly to the UAE for summer vacation, look at these restrictions.
Travel Restrictions
-All passengers arriving in Dubai from any point of origin (including GCC countries) must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which they must take the test only 72 hours before their time of flight. As publicized on this date, the 19th of June 2021 with practical from the 23rd of June 2021, visitors from certain countries must carry a negative PCR test, taken only 48 hours before the time of departure.
-Negative COVID-19 certificates must appear in English or Arabic when printed; PCR certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can validate them at the originating station (the date and time of the test must be detailed).
-They may require you to undertake another test at Dubai Airports given their arrival if traveling from designated destinations or if you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 on entry. All travelers should read up the country requirements from which they are departing.
-Children under the age of 12 and passengers with a severe or moderate disability are exempt from the PCR test.
-Ensure you have medical travel insurance with international coverage that covers COVID-19 before traveling.
-UAE nationals are exempt from taking a COVID19 PCR test before flying into Dubai. Kindly note who will test them on arrival in Dubai.

Summer present a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a mid year vacation, unwind with family and friends and get a well-deserved rest. You don’t have to shelve your summer travel plans because of covid-19 restrictions;
A little tweaking of your goals and adherence to the official rules in your destination country will ensure you have a swell time and memories to relive when summer is long gone.