Eager to get out of your state or even get out of the country for a little bit of  “You” time, or maybe you just want to explore the world? Well you’re in luck, but there might be some restrictions, including vaccine requirements.

For people not making road trips, the CDC reminds people that wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required when in indoor areas of public transportation. If you do decide to travel to another US state, you should still check out the latest guidance before you go, even if you’re fully vaccinated.

When entering a different country, especially now, these are the key items to bring with you when you depart and arrive from airports. Face masks/face coverings, proof of negative test or vaccination card with passport. With those items, you are sure to have an easy run through international customs.

“Traveling is fun, but during the times we’re still, we always have to make sure we are being safe,” Amy Shofell, American Airlines flight attendant, said, “Always make sure you bring extra masks, hand sanitizer, and your covid vaccination card when you travel out of the country. It’s better to be prepared than to scramble at the last second.”

Even though the pandemic is still in effect , always be sure to check weekly for specific country restriction updates. Countries such as Albania, Argentina, Brazil, and Costa Rica (as well as few others) are on board with showing a negative test result within two to three days prior to arrival. Other countries such as England, France, and Greece (as well as a few others) are now accepting a one day negative test  prior or vaccination card with less than six months/up to date booster shot to enter their country.

“It’s always a crazy time traveling anywhere, but this past winter season has been even more crazy due to low staffing (due to covid) and the weather conditions,” Darren Rodriguez, Spokane Airport TSA, said. “Even though it was hard for some of us (including myself), we managed to pull through and made sure people got through the checkpoint to get to their flights.”

It’s always good to know when and when not to travel out of your surrounding areas, especially right now with the pandemic still in full force. With the Omnicron variant in full spread throughout most of the east coast as well as many of the European countries, as long as you are taking the precautions seriously, you should be fine when entering different countries. 

While other countries are being portrayed as “a crazy area to be in,” they are close enough to the United States and each individual state on their protocols. Each public transportation service requires you to wear a mask (unless actively eating or drinking) and to have a six feet distance from others.

“I traveled to England for school in 2020/2021 and really enjoyed it.” Roxanne Zorea, University of Kent Student, said, “Even though it wasn’t the best time to travel over there and be there because of Covid, I was still able to go up to the University of Kent and take part in my classes. It was interesting to see how London was acting towards the virus. To see the governmental restraints on certain places in Canterbury and London was mind blowing because I have been to England many times prior to the pandemic.”

If you still plan on traveling to different countries or different states right now, make sure you always check the state or country restriction updates on their website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html