For many, traveling outside of the country can be scary, stressful, and intimidating. These feelings can usually be eased with a well-thought-out plan or detailed itinerary. But in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of “know before you go” is more important than ever to stay safe and healthy and avoid costly fines or government-mandated quarantines.
Many countries have strict travel bans for travelers coming from certain countries. Because of this, it’s best to keep your travel in two or fewer countries to avoid long quarantine times or closed borders. Some countries require a negative COVID-19 test result within a certain period before arrival. Still, others may require mandatory quarantine upon arrival, which you’ll have to pay for. The U.K., for example, requires a 10-day quarantine in a government-mandated hotel. Be sure to check and double-check what your destination’s restrictions are, and often.
And if your first thought is that you’ll sneak out of quarantine or ignore government-mandated restrictions, be prepared for hefty fines or even prison time. Breaking quarantine rules in the U.K., for example, is a criminal offense and can result in a fine of up to £10,000, which is close to $14,000 in United States Dollars. Just don’t do it.
For more information, visit the World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 Resources hub or the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) COVID-19 and Travel hub.
Links to European COVID-19 Info
Resources for Travel Planning Amid COVID-19
- Everything You Need to Know If You're Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance
- Flight Waivers and Refund Policies by Airline
- How Countries in Europe Are Reopening
- Cruise Ship Policies and Cancellations for COVID
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling Abroad During the COVID Pandemic
- How to Think About Booking Summer Travel in Europe
- Mayo Clinic: Coronavirus Travel Advice
- CDC: COVID-19 Travel Notices