While parts of the world have been successful in reducing cases and loosening up on restrictions, no matter where you are it’s important to stay cautious and remain informed as regulations change. Governments and agencies are working to determine the best procedures to open and allow travel without further increasing the spread of COVID-19. We strive to keep you updated on the latest restrictions but do check with local authorities, transportation authorities, and the listed websites for the most up-to-date information. If there is any information or resources you’d like to share with us, email: aileen@dockwalk.com.
The Bahamas
All those traveling to The Bahamas, along with those traveling inter-island from Nassau and Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island, must first obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than five days prior to date of arrival. Everyone, including returning citizens and residents, arriving via commercial flights, private planes, private boats, yachts, or pleasure crafts are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. Visitors must also opt in for health insurance coverage, and the non-refundable fee includes the COVID health insurance and varies based on length of stay and any applicable testing and health care related costs. For more specifics, the arrival process, and on-island tourism protocols, visit: www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening
Dominican Republic
Travelers will not need to provide a negative PCR or COVID-19 test upon arrival, unless they are traveling from the UK (who will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before travel). Airports and other ports of entry will perform an aleatory breath test to between three and 15 percent of passengers and all those who present symptoms upon arrival. All passengers will also need to perform a temperature check. Prior to departure, confirm with the airline provider and airport of origin regarding testing or requirements for inbound flights to the Dominican Republic, or necessary requirements needed upon arrival to their country of origin. www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/
For those returning to the U.S., the Casa de Campo Hotel will be offering COVID testing for those travelling within 48 to 72 hours. Reservations for testing are mandatory, which can be made at the Harbor Masters Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must also provide a reservation number, passport, and ticket back to the U.S. For private flights or vessels, a letter from the Harbor Masters Office explaining the transportation method must be provided. Test results are given a day after getting tested. www.marinacasadecampo.com.do/
Italy
While the travel rules for entering Italy vary based on origin country, there are entry restrictions for those who have been in or transited through the UK during the 14 days preceding their entry into Italy, and there is a ban on air traffic and entry for anyone traveling from Brazil in the preceding 14 days before travel until January 31 with no exceptions. For more details on traveling to and from specific countries, visit: www.salute.gov.it/
France
Beginning on January 24, all travelers arriving in France will need to present a negative PCR test from less than 72 hours prior to boarding.
For those traveling from the United Kingdom, you will also need to present a certificate for travel from the UK to France and a sworn declaration to abide by the rules to enter, which include that you don’t show signs of COVID-19, to your knowledge you have not been in contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 in the 14 days before travel, agree to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival, along with take a RT-PCR test upon arrival and after the isolation period. Without these documents, you will be refused boarding.
se.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-Information-on-measures-upon-arrival-in-France
Spain
All those entering Spain from other countries will need to fill out the FCS health control form. This doesn’t apply to those just connecting at a Spanish airport with a final destination in another country. Passengers who come from a high-risk country must also show a certificate with a negative AIDT result, completed in the 72 hours prior to arrival. For a list of included countries, visit: https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm. www.spth.gob.es/
UK
As of January 18 at 4 a.m., if you arrived in England from anywhere outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days, along with have proof of a negative coronavirus test in the three days prior to travel to board. If you don’t present proof, you may not be able to board your transport and could be fined £500 when you arrive at the border if you can’t provide proof. You must also show proof of a completed passenger locator form at the UK border. For the list of banned countries for those who have been in or transited through them in the last 10 days, visit: www.gov.uk. British and Irish Nationals, or third country nationals with resident rights in the UK, will be allowed to enter if they have been in any of the banned countries, but will be required to self-isolate on arrival. www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
U.S.
Before boarding, all international passengers going to the U.S. will need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test within three days of their flight, beginning on January 26 according to a new federal policy. Proof of immunization will not be sufficient for this requirement. Proof of the negative test or of having recovered from COVID-19 and cleared for travel is required, and if it isn’t provided or the passenger chooses not to take the test, the airline must deny boarding.
If you’re considering traveling within the U.S., check travel advisories as each state has different restrictions, but the New York Times has a list that is updated weekly: www.nytimes.com/2020/07/10/travel/state-travel-restrictions.html