Best practices for international travel during COVID-19

For more than two years, many of us have been “stuck” inside, using our homes as a workplace, classroom, gym, and more. With COVID-19 restrictions easing up in many countries, Singaporeans are feeling an urge to travel abroad. The following tips may help keep you a little safer while you travel.

Protocols are continually being updated as the pandemic situation in each country changes. While many countries (including our neighbours Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia) have significantly lifted entry requirements, others may still require pre-departure testing and/or quarantine. Make sure to research before you travel to avoid any unplanned surprises.

While it’s tempting to plan a big trip and visit several countries at once, limiting your travel to only one or two countries means you won’t have to worry about planning around additional quarantines, testing requirements, and safety protocols between the different locations. Check the local rules if you have booked a flight that involves a flight connection in a foreign country.

Certain countries are allowing visitors who have been vaccinated—but confirmation of your vaccination status will be required, so be sure to pack along your proof of vaccination with clear indication of the dates of the doses. Having a backup copy of your vaccination certificate may also come in handy.

By now, we’re accustomed to wearing masks or face coverings, washing our hands diligently, disinfecting surfaces, and maintaining social distance. While travelling, these precautions are even more important. Be prepared and bring your own PPE, hand sanitiser, and cleaning supplies to disinfect any public or highly touched areas.

Depending on the carrier, masks may be required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to be protected, your mask needs to fit snuggly against your face and should have layers to keep your germs in and others out.

When booking your lodging, make sure you are using a reputable vacation rental service that enforces cleaning protocols. It’s important to understand what safety procedures they have in place to accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic and how they are helping protect their guests and staff. Some key elements to look for include enhanced cleaning procedures, enforced social distancing, designated waiting periods in between guests, and contactless payment options. 

For more tips and best practices, read ‘8 Ways to Help Ensure Safe Travels’.