As the pandemic continues to evolve, and the vaccine is being distributed, many travelers are eager to leave the United States at a time when it seems impossible to do so.
Keep reading. Here you will learn that you still can travel to Mexico, and to many of the islands in the Caribbean, although, to travel safely, you might need to do some research work.
Many countries and islands in the Caribbean are open to receive tourist, but you will need to know what are the entry requirements of your destination.
For example, traveling to Curaçao (watch my interview with a Curaçao resort sales manager) you will need a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your arrival date.
Conversely, Mexico doesn’t require a negative COVID test for entry, at least for now. We just went to Cozumel, Mexico last February, and literally we just showed up at the airport with no proof of negative results for coronavirus.
However, there will be temperature check ups in most of the establishments you will visit (restaurants, hotels, car rentals, tour operators, etc.,) and it’s mandatory to wear a face mask in all indoors places, and/or when interacting with Cozumel locals.
Now, as of January 26th 2021, the CDC expanded negative COVID-19 test requirement to all passengers entering the United States. The negative test result must be within 72 hours of entering the US.
That was not a problem coming from Cozumel last February. All we had to do was to call the hospital in Cozumel, make an appointment within the required timeframe, take the test (costs $35,) and the results were sent to our email in less than 24 hours.
Traveling today will take a few extra steps and following appropriate COVID protocols, but in my opinion it’s all worth it. Of course you, and only you can decide whether to travel right now, and under what terms. But if you take the decision to go, those few extra steps don’t seem to me to be bothersome.
