Travel Tips

IMPORTANT – If booking international travel, PLEASE make sure you have a valid passport at the time of book. Also, COVID Travel, Testing and Health Requirement information is provided by your Travel Advisor as guidance only and can change without notice. Always reconfirm information by checking government & airline websites before booking and traveling.

Morris Columbus Travel is thrilled to announce that we made the illustrious Travel Weekly Power List for 2023!

Each year Travel Weekly ranks the world’s travel agencies that report $100M+ in travel sales. Executives from agencies across the globe were interviewed with regards to sales numbers, industry trends they are seeing, and more, including our own president Brent Jenson.

"Morris Columbus Travel is honored to be included on the '2023 Travel Weekly Power List' as one of the top 50 largest and most successful travel agencies in the United States!", Brent Jenson said. "The credit for this accolade goes to our employees and their willingness to continually exceed the expectations of our clients by helping them plan dream vacations & creating memories which will last a lifetime."

In Travel Weekly's illustrious 2023 Power List, which measures full-year 2022 travel sales, the travel industry saw that the overwhelming majority of travel agencies are reporting that business travel sales are on the comeback trail, complementing the leisure category, which burst back last year.

Methodology

So, how was the 2023 Power List compiled? To qualify for the 2023 Power List, a company had to have a minimum of $100 million in travel sales in 2022. For purposes of this survey, sales are defined as gross sales of travel products worldwide, whether to consumers or to corporate travelers; the company must be the agent of record on the transaction from a supplier's perspective. At least 15% of the sales volume must have been generated in the U.S.

 

1. Under The Tuscan Sun is a romantic story set in rural Tuscany. Lush landscapes, scrumptious looking food, gorgeous Italian people and places…the perfect flick to watch if you want something easy on the heart and eyes.

2. Out Of Africa is an oldie but goody. This movie was filmed in Kenya and the UK, and became an instant classic, nabbing 7 Oscars. It will get you hungry for a safari or wildlife adventure.

3. Amelie is almost synonymous with Paris, and for good reason. The iconic cinematography, the accordion-heavy soundtrack, it’s a gorgeous example of authentic French cinema.

4. Lost In Translation is a must for anyone who has traveled or wants to travel–it’s a film about the little random experiences that stay with you long after you return home, and it’s also a poetic homage to Tokyo. If this doesn’t give you a hankering for Japan, nothing will.

5. Lion is good for a good cry and a virtual trip to India. Moving, heartstopping, and a visual feast, this film, based on a gripping true story about homelessness and adoption in Kolkata, gives you a taste of India and will leave you wanting more.

6. The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is on every single “Best Travel Movies” List, without fail. The film shows how taking bold risks and leaving your comfort zone can lead to the greatest things in life–plus, if Iceland is of interest, you’ll be booking your ticket before the film finishes.

7. Vicky, Cristina Barcelona may deceive you into thinking everyone in Spain looks like Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden…and after a few glasses of Sangria, they all will! We jest–but the passion and emotions that ooze out of this film are distinctly Spanish and totally charming. Plus, the scenery is pure eye candie.

I will be happy to help you plan a worry-free getaway. Please contact me at (801) 483-6533 or to view my full travel biography, please click this link.

Bon Voyage!

Murielle Blanchard
Black Pearl Luxury Services
A division of Morris Murdock Travel
(801) 483-6533
email me

 

 

I am not a shopper at home and even less when I travel. If I bring back any souvenir at all, it must relate to somebody I met, an event I attended or an experience that changed my life.

On the island of Ua Huka (Marquesas Islands) I bought a Tahitian ukulele. I met the old man who made it. He is the last one of the ukulele sculptors on the island. In Kenya I bought a beaded intricate necklace used by Masai women during their traditional dances. I bought it from a woman who comes from the village of Umoja Uaso ("unity" in Swahili, the Uaso Nyiro is a nearby river). The village, founded in 1990, is an all-female matriarch village located near the town of Archers Post in Samburu County, 240 miles from the capital, Nairobi.

Twelve years ago, I helped a refugee family from Myanmar to adjust to their new life in Salt Lake City. To this day they are still a second family for me, and I have a strong bond with one of the daughters. When I visited Myanmar, she asked me to bring her back a traditional Burmese wedding dress. Looking for the dress added a meaning to my trip.

As of Tuesday, April 14, 2022

Latest:

Many destinations and cruises still require a COVID test. Below are some testing options; please note that some are better for antigen tests while other may be better for PCR tests:

OnPoint: https://onpoint-testing.com/salt-lake-city/

  • Antigen test – results back in 1 hour - $69
  • RT PCR test - results back within 3 days - $149
  • Only location on North Temple and about 9th West – several locations in other western states.

Covid Clinic: https://www.covidclinic.org/testing-sites

  • Rapid Antigen test – Results back in 1 hour - $129
  • Expedited PCR results back in 1-2 days - $150
  • Rapid PCR results back in 2 hours - $299
  • 4 locations in Utah and several in other states

XpresCheck (at SLC Airport): https://www.xprescheck.com/

  • Rapid PCR results back in 60 minutes - $250
  • Standard PCR test results back in 24-96 hours - $75 (keep in mind that 96 hours may not work for travel)
  • At the SLC airport and several other airports across the country (NOTE: Some are post security, but most have moved to pre-security locations.)

ProgenitorMDX: https://www.progenitormdx.com/

  • RT PCR test – depending on when test is taken same day or next day results - $125 ($50 additional for QR code to be generated)
  • Two Utah Locations – One by Hogle Zoo and one in Sandy.

Most destinations and cruise lines that require a test only require an antigen test. In this case the best place to get an antigen is the OnPoint testing place. This is the least expensive and results come back fairly quickly.

There are a few destinations that still do require a PCR test like Israel. ProgenitorMDX tests 7-days a week and the testing lab is in house so they will not mail the samples to an outside lab like most other testing sites. You will get same or next day results and, in any case, they are currently guaranteeing results back within 48 hours. They are also one of the least expensive PCR testing location.

Another alternative for PCR test location is Covid Clinic and Xpress Check, but travel customers should consider their same day options which are expensive.

Of note, many cruise lines allow for the monitored at home tests. That are between $40 - $60.

  • NCL - https://inspirediagnostics.com/ncl/
  • RCCL - https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-emed-at-home-test-kit-2-pack/
  • Princess & Holland America: RCCL - https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-emed-at-home-test-kit-2-pack/
  • Carnival - https://cruise.radeas.com/

Pre-April 14, 2022 Notices: (may be out of date)

Exciting Travel News: The CDC has removed the Risk Level Assessment for cruising meaning that while at one time it was rated as a Level 4, now they are saying there is no longer a risk for cruising! Level 0. Cruise lines still have their own safety requirements including testing/full vaccinated but this announcement could lead to changes.

New Zealand has announced that they are hoping to open in May.

Australia is open.

Hawaii is now open with no restrictions.

Canada has removed the testing requirement for full vaccinated to enter Canada.

Other countries either open now or opening soon: (some with restrictions) Bali, Thailand, Viet Nam, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, Cambodia

Canada Cruising will be open (Alaska, Canada/NE): Must be fully vaccinated, must take a molecular test within 72 hours or antigen within one day before boarding, must enter information in ArriveCan website, When disembarking in Canada you must take a molecular COVID 19 test within 72 hours or antigen within one day of arriving in Canada (while onboard the ship).

Countries with no COVID requirements (no Vax, no tests): Norway, Mexico, Slovenia, Hungary, Iceland, Bahrain, El Salvador, Ireland, Jordan

Puerto Rico: No vaccination required coming from the States, no test, no mask mandate except for public transportation, cruisers must be fully vaccinated.

Hawaii: Remember the new rules do not take effect until March 26th, if traveling before they must be vaccinated, or tested by accepted lab.

Sweden/Denmark open to fully vaccinated March 31st (booster if over 270 days).

India is opening up but has many restrictions, make sure to check.

South Africa is open, must have negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure. Complete Health Declaration, download Covid Alert ap to phone.

Federal Mask Mandate on planes was extended until April 18th.

Belize: no longer need to test for fully vaccinated, must purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance.

Costa Rica: Effective April 1 no longer need to complete the Online Health Pass, also unvaccinated will no longer need to purchase insurance but it is still recommended.

GREAT NEWS! The Governor of Hawaii announced that the Safe Travels Hawaii program will be dropped on March 26th. This means no longer will U.S. travelers to Hawaii need to be vaccinated and no longer need to provide a negative test!

Australia opens next week on the March 21st!!! to fully vaccinated travelers, also must have a negative PCR or antigen test taken the day before travel to Australia, must complete the Electronic Travel Authority form online.

Hawaii will not be requiring booster shots.

Canada starting Feb. 28th will allow a Rapid Antigen test within 24 hours for fully vaccinated to enter the country, previously only a PCR was allowed.

Disney in Florida and Disneyland removed their Face Mask Mandates today for fully vaccinated!! Except they are still required to ride enclosed transportation such as buses and the Monorail.

Switzerland is dropping its mask requirement as well as many European countries. You will still need to be fully vaccinated, and must have a booster if it has been over 270 days since your last shot.

Greece: No longer need to test upon arrival if fully vaccinated (booster if over 270 days)

Viet Nam is in the final stages of announcing that they will open up on March 15th, details to follow.

The CDC lowered its warning level on cruise ships to Level 3.

Sweden ends COVID testing for all of their citizens within Sweden, stating that there is no longer a need. Other countries are reducing the number of their citizens they are testing.

Norway has removed all vaccination requirements, it is back to normal!!!

Bermuda is open, must be fully vaccinated (booster if over 6 months). No testing upon arrival. Must complete the Traveler’s Authorization Form 24 to 48 hours before arrival.

Tahiti and France: Fully vaccinated (booster if over 9 months), must also have an Antigen or PCR test within one day of departure.

Important! The Utah free testing sites stopped offering the Antigen tests today temporarily (unknown how long). It you were counting on using them for a departure test they are only doing the PCR tests right now.

Australia will open on February 21st to fully vaccinated travelers, also must have a negative PCR or antigen test within 24 hours of departure, must complete the Electronic Travel Authority online.

Reports on New Zealand opening are not quite accurate, they are opening only for their citizens to return to New Zealand. No estimation of date when tourists can arrive in New Zealand.

Fiji is open to fully vaccinated, Must have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure from the U.S., must stay at least 3 nights at a CFC-Certified property during that time they can explore Safe Travel Areas and CFC approved tours and excursions. On day 2 after arrival they will be tested again.

Greece: No longer requires a COVID test when you arrive. Still must have a negative PCR 72 hours or Antigen 24 hours before arrival. Must complete a passenger locator form.

Denmark and Spain: No longer requires a negative test to enter Denmark/Spain for fully vaccinated. To be fully vaccinated must have 2nd test or booster within 270 days of return from Denmark/Spain.

Sweden no longer requires a negative test to enter for fully vaccinated.

England: Effective February 11th. Fully vaccinated no longer need to test or quarantine, they will need to complete the Passenger Locator Form.

For unvaccinated on Feb 11 forward: Need to provide a negative test with in 2 days of traveling to England, also book (before travel) and pay for a test to be taken after arrival, complete the Passenger Locator Form.

Ireland: If fully vaccinated no longer need to test or quarantine. Not vaccinated must have negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.

Switzerland: To be considered fully vaccinated you must have your vaccination or booster within 270 days of when you are leaving Switzerland. Must be fully vaccinated to enter Switzerland.

Norway is open to fully vaccinated. Must test upon arrival. Must complete a Trip Registration form within 72 hours of departure. Not vaccinated can enter but must test within 24 hours of arriving in Norway.

Belize: Must test before arrival: PCR 96 hours, Antigen 48 hours. Must be booked at a Gold Standard Certified Hotel.

The President restricted non-citizen travel from or through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. This applies to foreigners only not U.S citizens and is effective today. This could possibly change in the future to include U.S. citizens but there is no decision on that yet.

Effective January 8th To enter restaurants and bars on Maui you must have a booster vaccination if it has been more than 6 months from your last dose of Moderna or Pfizer, for Johnson and Johnson 2 months. You can still dine outside and attend outside activities without the booster. You can also get tested which is valid for 48 hours and dine inside.

Effective November 8th all Un-Vaccinated U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. from a foreign country must have a negative test within one day of their flight! Vaccinated can still be tested within 3 days of their return flight.

When you are returning to the U.S. you must have a negative test that was taken within one calendar day of your flight home. When departing the U.S. you need to go by the guidelines of the country you are going to as far as testing requirements.

Utah now has two locations open for Travel testing, one in SLC and one in St George.

More information is available on the website: coronavirus.utah.gov/mobile-testing-locations/

1. SLC: 288 North 1460 West in the South parking lot

2. SGU: Dixie Tech (old airport parking lot)

This site offers a dedicated lane for travelers who need testing prior to leaving Utah. Not all travel destinations will accept the types of tests offered at this testing location. Some travel destinations may also require testing to be done at specific testing locations and/or include QR codes linked to results and CLIA information. At this time, this site’s testing does not include QR codes or CLIA information. It is the traveler’s responsibility to know which type of test is required for their destination. For information on travel requirements by destination visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. Tests offered include PCR, Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 Rapid Molecular test (this is a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test–NAAT, sometimes known as a rapid PCR), RT-PCR, and rapid antigen. PCR results are usually available within 24-48 hours; rapid PCR and rapid antigen results are usually available within 15-60 minutes.

Before Traveling to the United States, Testing – ALL Travelers:

REQUIRED

Before boarding a flight to the United States, you are required to show one of the following:

  • If you are fully vaccinated: Proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days before travel.
  • If you are NOT fully vaccinated: A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel.

Children under 2 years old do not need to test. There are also accommodations for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Learn more about these requirements on the CDC web site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html

Hawaii: Starting Monday, the quarantine period for guests who don’t have a pre-travel test result or aren’t fully vaccinated will go from 10 days to 5 days with the day of arrival counting as the first day in that period. That period is only for domestic travel from the U.S. and its territories as international travelers will continue to have to abide by guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those who are fully vaccinated or test negative prior to arrival will not have to isolate at all.

At the same time, the Safe Travels questionnaire, which was required to be filled out 24 hours before arrival and gave travelers a QR code to be used when they arrive, will no longer be required. Vaccinated travelers will still have to fill out some information, again through Hawaii’s Safe Travels program, but will not have to do it 24 hours before arrival. Instead, travelers will be able to submit their info at any time, including vaccination status. Doing that will then give them a QR code to use upon arrival, sent via email about a day before their travel.

For all of Europe, if the traveler is crossing land borders you must check both countries to see if it is allowed, many land borders are closed to foreigners.

Fiji now requires a PCR test to be taken within 2 calendar days before departure, will also be required to take an Antigen test after arrival in Fiji.

Tahiti/French Polynesia: Negative PCR or Antigen test within 24 hours of boarding, if Antigen test you must test upon arrival at your expense. Must complete ETIS application within 30 days of departure to receive an Authorization to travel. There are also rumors that boosters will be required, make sure you check the very latest requirements when sending clients to Tahiti.

Netherlands: Fully vaccinated, PCR Test within 48 hours of departure or Antigen within 24 hours, mandatory 10 day quarantine, can take a test on day 5 and end quarantine with a negative result. Connections thru AMS should still be OK if connecting within 12 hours, check with the airline.

Puerto Rico: Must be fully vaccinated, must have a negative test within 48 hours of arrival, must complete a Travel Declaration Form. Unvaccinated are required to quarantine for 7 days! Some cruises are cancelling departures/stops in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico: Must be fully vaccinated, must have a negative test within 48 hours of arrival, must complete a Travel Declaration Form. Unvaccinated are required to quarantine for 7 days!

Brazil: Full Vaccinated, negative test within 72 hours before boarding.

Netherlands: Full Vaccinated, PCR test within 48 hours before departure, Antigen test within 24 hours. Connection only requirements may be different, make sure to double check.

Bonaire: Fully vaccinated, negative PCR test within 48 hours before departure, must complete a Health Declaration Form, must do PCR test at day 5, at your own expense.

UK: Must be fully vaccinated, must test negative 48 hours before departure, must complete Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours of your trip. Must book and pay for a PCR test to be taken when arrive, must self quarantine in hotel until you get the results of the test.

France/French Polynesia: Fully vaccinated, must present a negative test within 48 hours of departure.

Switzerland: Fully vaccinated, negative test, must complete entry form, must test between day 4 and 7 after arrival and report test results to the government within two days of the test.

Israel: Is currently closed but expected to open again on December 13th.

Ecuador/Galapagos: Fully vaccinated, negative test within 3 days.

Italy: Must be fully vaccinated, negative test within 72 hours of arrival, complete Passenger Locator Form, Complete Self Declaration Form.

Austria: Is currently closed to tourists.

Germany is still open however many Christmas Markets are closed.

Fiji will open December 1st must be Fully Vaccinated, PCR test within 72 hours prior to flight, must stay at a Care Fiji Committed Resort for at least the first 3 days, must test within 48 hours after arrival. Must have travel insurance that covers Covid related expenses.

New Zealand is anticipating opening for fully vaccinated on April 30th. No anticipated date for Australia but they say they are getting closer to deciding on a date—sometime in 2022.

India is open to fully vaccinated, must complete online health form Air Suvidha within 72 hours of departure, negative test within 72 hours of departure, must self-monitor for 14 days after arrival, if show symptoms must notify the hospital. A tourist visa is required for India.

Costa Rica, Reminder that as of January 8th must be fully vaccinated and must show vaccine card to enter restaurants, etc.

Hawaii: The governor and Honolulu’s Mayor are lifting the capacity restrictions for groups and social distancing to attract and retain group bookings coming to Hawaii effective December 1st. Hawaii reminder: Fully vaccinated do not need a test to go to Hawaii, non-vaccinated must have a negative PCR test from an approved Hawaii Travel Partners testing location---it has to be an approved location or it won’t work!!! Also many places (restaurants, hotels, activities, etc) will not let you in unless you are fully vaccinated.

The Cayman Islands are now open to fully vaccinated, children must also be vaccinated or they will have to quarantine for 14 days!! Must apply to the Travel Cayman Portal for a Certificate to Travel/Travel Declaration. PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure, after arrival take a rapid antigen test on days 2, 5, and 10 of their stay.

Argentina is open for Fully Vaccinated, PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, must submit an Electronic Sworn statement within 48 hours before flight, medical insurance covering hospitalization and covid.

Hawaii reminder: Fully vaccinated do not need a test to go to Hawaii, non-vaccinated must have a negative PCR test from an approved Hawaii Travel Partners testing location---it has to be an approved location or it won’t work!!! Also many places (restaurants, hotels, activities, etc) will not let you in unless you are fully vaccinated.

Chile is open for Fully Vaccinated travelers, PCR test within 72 hours prior to flight, must complete Mobility Pass (may take 2-3 weeks for result) before traveling, must complete Affidavit of Travelers electronic form less than 48 hours before flight, proof of health insurance minimum of $30,000 coverage, must take a test upon arrival and must quarantine at hotel until test result is received.

Passports Warning: There are 2.2 million passport applications right now! Estimated wait times are 12 to 18 weeks. Be sure to check your passport's expiration dates and renew as soon as possible!

Most Cruise Ships departing the United States now require testing within 2 days of departure---make sure to verify with the cruise line.

Disney Cruise Lines will require kids 5 and older to be vaccinated effective January 13th. Always check each cruise line for their requirements on vaccinations!

Universal Studios in California will require a vaccination card or proof of negative testing within 72 hours of their visit, starting October 7th for guests 12 and over. Does not apply to Florida park.

Chile will open on October 1st. Must be fully vaccinated, must complete the “Affidavit of Travelers” electronic form less than 48 hours before boarding, must have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding their international flight and health insurance covering at least $30,000 Covid coverage during the stay.

You can view the US State Department's updated list for COVID-related travel requirements by clicking here

France: Now must be fully vaccinated, plus provide attestation that you are free from Covid. Non-vaccinated are not allowed for non-essential travel (no tourists).

Switzerland: Must be fully vaccinated, must complete a Travel Entry form. To enter indoor locations (restaurants, events, museums, etc.) you must test every 3 days.

Spain is open and now requires that you are fully vaccinated or you must provide a negative test. All travelers must complete the Sanitary Control Form.

Peru: Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative test. Tourist numbers to Machu Picchu are reduced, must get your tickets within a tour or if buying individual tickets you will need to buy them about 2 months ahead of time. Machu Picchu now has 4 different routes through the ruins and you are only allowed to go on one route per day—you won’t see it all in one route. Advise visiting at least 2 days so you can do two of the routes.

The Bahamas is requiring that all cruise passengers 12 and older and crews be fully vaccinated before visiting the Bahamas. All cruise lines must go by this mandate. This includes cruises going to the cruise line’s private islands.

Austria and Croatia now have expiration dates for fully vaccinated travelers. Vaccinations expire in Austria 270 days after the last dose, Croatia 210 days. This means that travelers that are fully vaccinated now will not be able to travel next summer without a booster type vaccination. Travelers to Austria must be vaccinated or have a booster within 270 days of your return travel. Also many restaurants, hotels and sites require you to be vaccinated.

Singapore is open to Fully Vaccinated, must have a Visa, must be approved by the government to travel, must fly on an approved flight, test within 48 hours of departure and must test upon arrival and must self-isolate until the results are received.

England is now open, you must be fully vaccinated, have a negative on a test within 72 hours of flying, and you must complete the Public Locator Form plus you must be tested 2 days after your arrival in England.

Tahiti is requiring fully vaccinated plus you must have a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.

Disneyland and California Adventure are now open to out of state visitors: you must have a park ticket and a reservation to get into the parks. One park per day only. Some attractions could be closed.

Italy: Must be fully vaccinated. Plus must have negative test within 72 hours of arrival and must complete the Digital Passenger Locator Form. Unvaccinated must also quarantine for 5 days and then test negative.

European travelers must bring their Vaccination Cards with them, some countries are not allowing people in restaurants, hotels, museums, etc. without the Vaccination Card!

Some tour companies are requiring that all passengers traveling from September 1 to December 31 must be fully vaccinated: Trafalgar, Brendan, Insight, Contiki, Globus (through March 2022), Cost Saver.

Las Vegas is open and functioning well! Masks are not required as a general rule for travelers however some businesses may require them. All business/hotel workers are required to wear masks.

Puerto Rico is open to fully vaccinated and you must show your vaccination card to the hotels and restaurants (August 23rd). If you are not fully vaccinated you will have to test within 72 hours of arrival. All must complete the Travel Safe document. If you are not vaccinated you must show your negative test to the restaurants and hotels.

Turks and Caicos is open to Vaccinated travelers, negative test within 3 days of arrival, must complete the TCI Assured Travel Authorization, must have insurance that would cover Covid 19 medical costs.

Finland is open for fully vaccinated travelers only.

River Cruises have started up on the Danube and the Rhine River and will continue through the Christmas Market season. France and Spain River cruises are also open.

Popular destinations with no restrictions or few restrictions: Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hawaii (for vaccinated). Maui has joined Oahu in requiring a vaccination certificate to enter restaurants and bars.

Alaska and Caribbean Cruises have started up.

Mexican Riviera Cruises: Carnival starts 7 Day cruises on August 21st, 4 day cruises on September 27, Princess starts 5 day on September 25 and 7 day on October 16th. NCL is scheduled to start October 24th.

Germany is now open for fully vaccinated and you must complete their digital registration.

Denmark is now open to fully vaccinated, unvaccinated must test upon arrival.

Morocco is suspending all incoming international flights for two weeks.

Portugal is now open for negative test within 72 hours but the rule is evaluated every two weeks and can change.

Italy has removed the requirement that you must be on a “Vaccinated Flight”. Must be fully vaccinated or negative test within 48 hours. Still must wear a mask at all times---even outdoors.

Galapagos Islands are open to fully vaccinated.

Thailand is opening up November 1st. Fully Vaccinated, PCR test 72 hours before traveling, PCR test upon arrival, must stay in an approved hotel 1 night until results are received. Must have medical insurance minimum of $50,000

The Netherlands: The Netherlands will reverse its requirement to quarantine for Fully Vaccinated travelers effective September 22nd. Only Fully Vaccinated travelers will be allowed to enter The Netherland and a negative test is also required. Must complete the Health Declaration Form and the Quarantine Declaration Form. For connecting passengers you must complete both forms, stay in the connections zone and must not be there for more than 48 hours.  Exception:  River Cruises: The river cruise companies are working with the Netherlands government to allow guests to transit from the airport to the ship within 12 hours—they will provide a “Support Letter” to the traveler. When completing the Quarantine Declaration Form you need to tick the box marked “I fall into one of the exemption categories, then: Staying in The Netherlands for a short period of time.” River cruise companies should be contacting your passengers that are traveling in September to keep them informed. Contact your river cruise company for the latest information. All pre-cruise packages are cancelled in The Netherlands and the ship’s itineraries will be slightly altered. If you booked a separate Pre-Cruise stay in The Netherlands you need to cancel that and arrive in Amsterdam the same day the ship sails.

France will open to U.S. citizens on June 9th, you must be fully vaccinated and you must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours. If you are not vaccinated you will have to quarantine!

Spain is open to U.S. citizens that are fully vaccinated, if you are not vaccinated you must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours.

The UK remains closed to U.S. citizens until further notice

Ireland is open but only for Fully Vaccinated. You must also complete the Locator Form before departure. Non-vaccinated must test negative and quarantine up to 14 days.

Greece is open to fully vaccinated or must have a negative test within 72 hours of entry into Greece. Everyone must complete the online Passenger Locator Form before entering Greece.

Jordan is open to U.S. citizens, must have a negative PCR test within 72 hours. Must take an arrival test that must be paid for online before departure--this may change for vaccinated travelers.

Ecuador/Galapagos Islands are open to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens, non-vaccinated must have negative test. If going to the Galapagos you must have a negative test within 96 hours even if vaccinated.

American Queen started sailing on March 14, 2021 and also requires full vaccinations.

New: New York state will remove its quarantine restriction on April 1, 2021. Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont will allow people that have been fully vaccinated (2 weeks after last shot) to visit without quarantine.

Many countries around the world (NOT EUROPE) are opening up to people that are fully vaccinated (two weeks after their last shot), make sure to go online and check the individual country.

New CDC requirement that all travelers flying into the U.S. January 26th or later must have a negative Covid 19 Test within 72 hours of their flight to the U.S.

Hawaii: For the latest information see: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/coronavirus/

NOTE: All visitors to Kauai have to quarantine for 10 days, unless they provide a negative approved test and then quarantine in Kauai for 3 days at a Bubble hotel, then take a 2nd test. When results are received, negative testing travelers will be free to visit the island. You can’t opt out by testing! Maui has joined Oahu in requiring a vaccination certificate to enter restaurants and bars.

The Hawaii pre-travel testing program for COVID-19 started Oct. 15, 2020. Pre-travel testing enables travelers to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine if they are tested within 72 hours before their flight to Hawaii departs with an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and can show proof of a negative test result. The State of Hawaii will ONLY accept test results from TRUSTED TESTING AND TRAVEL PARTNERS. Please see list at https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/ Travelers also will have their temperatures checked upon arrival and must fill out the Safe Travels travel and health form. You must receive a negative test before boarding your flight to Hawaii. If you do not, you will be in quarantine for 14 days—no exceptions! Upon arrival in Hawaii, passengers unable to provide proof of an approved negative test will be required to go into quarantine for 14 days or until they can provide proof of negative test results. For more information and an FAQ please visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/

You must receive a negative test before boarding your flight to Hawaii. If you do not, you will be in quarantine for 10 days—no exceptions.

Hawaii allows Walgreen’s and Costco.com to test, but only at specific locations:

Walgreen’s has only three locations in Utah and one in Montana that will do the RT-PCR testing that is the same as the NAAT Test that Hawaii requires. 

  1. Walgreen’s: 2576 South Main Street, Woods Cross, 801-335-3610.
  2. Walgreen’s: 763 North State, Orem, 801-734-1624
  3. Walgreen's: 3250 South 700 East, SLC, 
  4. Walgreen’s: 1150 11th Avenue, Helena, Montana
  5. Walgreen’s: 391 St George Blvd, St George
  6. Walgreen’s: 1235 West State Street, Hurricane, UT
  7. Walgreen’s: 329 North Sandhill, Mesquite, NV
  8. Walgreen's 1330 Grand Ave., Billings, MT

Costco.com is now approved for the Hawaii restrictions/test. $139.00. The steps are as follows:

  1. Order your test 1-2 weeks before you need to test at Costco.com, you must test within 72 hours of your trip.
  2. Schedule a video observation call (information will be in the kit you receive).
  3. Take the test while being observed by video.
  4. Ship sample to lab.
  5. You will have results in 12 to 24 hours

Appointment required!!! At Walgreen’s, appointments can be made online at: walgreens.com/covid19testing. Enter your zip code and look for your location. All drive-thru testing locations operate outdoors and patients do not leave their vehicles.

For Southern Utah, CVS in Las Vegas will do the testing, $139 cost, insurance may or may not pay for it. Please not, CVS will not guarantee to get the results in time to go to Hawaii.

New Requirement: You must receive a negative test before boarding your flight to Hawaii. If you do not, you will be in quarantine for 14 days—no exceptions!

Inter-Island travel will require a 14 day quarantine, except if you are going to Oahu from the other islands. If your client wants to go to two islands (one of which has to be Oahu), start at the other island first and then fly into Oahu for the last part of the trip. Transiting Oahu on the way from Mainland to others Hawaiian Islands is acceptable.

The island of Hawaii is currently going to do arrival testing in addition to the pre-trip testing, so everyone will be tested upon arrival on the Big Island.

Once the test results are received, the traveler needs to upload negative test results to the Safe Travels website 24-hours before departure to get their QR code. Each traveler must have a valid email and must have a QR code to expedite the verification process when they arrive in Hawaii.

+++Many states are now restricting travel or at least restrictions on eating out, sites, etc. Make sure to look up each state before you book !

Delta Airlines has an interactive Covid-19 Map for their destinations showing whether or not countries are open and the restrictions to enter. https://www.delta.com/us/en/plan-your-next-trip/where-we-fly . Under the map you will enter the citizenship of the traveler (United States) and then as the destination you put the country name. (Not the city code)

UPDATED: New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut Restrictions: Must have negative PCR test within 72 hours, remain in quarantine for 72 hours after arrival, must take test after the 72 hours and if results are negative you can leave quarantine.

Washington DC:Washington DC: Must have negative PCR test within 72 hours or must quarantine if coming from a high risk state (42 states)—Utah and Montana are currently high risk! If staying longer that 3 days must test again.

California: The Lake Tahoe area is closed to visitors for three weeks

Other Destinations Open to US Travelers without Quarantine

Most destinations require a negative Covid-19 Test performed by a CLIA Certified Lab, most do not accept At Home Tests. Some destinations require a pre-registration or a medical evaluation. Make sure to double check all of the details with that country’s website.

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