Many different types of travel restrictions, of varying degrees of severity, are currently in place all over the world. In Germany and England, gatherings of more than two people are illegal at the time of publication. Without special permission from the authorities, one cannot travel more than 200 metres from their home in Italy or France. Anyone travelling to or from global hot spots should take a 14-day self-quarantine. Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia have all closed their borders in the last two weeks, and these are just a few of the new measures implemented.
To say the least, the situation is fluid, and we expect it to continue to morph, evolve, and respond to the pandemic’s unpredictable ebbs and flows. Keep a close eye on the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the State Department. The best way to stay informed about travel restrictions and bans as they occur is to get information from direct, reliable sources (and disappear again).
While discretionary travel is currently not advised, any and all required travel (as well as leisure travel that occurs shortly after restrictions are lifted) should be undertaken with a thorough understanding of government policies—both your own and those of the country you intend to visit. This information is available from the CDC, as well as embassy and country websites. Many journeys and routes may be closed for weeks or months, and those timelines may be extended as the disease spreads and fades around the world.
The importance of working with a reputable travel planner has never been more apparent. Third parties and do-it-yourself trips can quickly expose you due to hidden clauses and conditions. Many travel agencies provide a completely free consultation line as well as extremely flexible travel options (especially now). To reduce risk and deposit loss, take advantage of those benefits. Should you decide to change your dates or are forced to do so due to changing circumstances, travel agents are best placed to do the legwork on your behalf. We are experienced in planning trips with many moving parts, as well as the behind-the-scenes legwork required to seamlessly transition them to new dates.