Trip Procedures and Country Entry Requirements
COVID-19 Procedures 2022
We understand that deciding when to travel next is a personal decision that comes with both excitement and a little trepidation, more so these days. We would like to help everyone feel comfortable and supported during their trip. To that end, we have the following policies and procedures in place relating to COVID-19. As we all know, the evolution and trajectory of this virus have been anything but predictable. As the landscape of the virus changes, we may find it necessary to update our policies and procedures. We encourage you to visit our website often for updates, including country-specific travel entry and exit requirements.
Before Your Trip
Vaccines: Consistent with CDC guidance, all guests and guides must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling with us on any trip. According to the CDC fully vaccinated, or up to date, means having received all doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. We recommend that you are vaccinated to the fullest extent possible given your eligibility. For some, this may mean receiving a second booster. Some countries require proof of a booster if it has been more than 8 months since your primary series. Please note that proof of vaccination, including a booster, is now a requirement of some international destinations.
Airlines: We recommend that you check with the airline operating your flight to determine the most up to date information about masks, testing requirements, and how to show proof of vaccination.
For international travel: It is no longer required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) in order to enter the United States. This policy is set to be reviewed in 90 days.
We are still recommending that participants bring their own self-test kits. These kits do not need to include telehealth services, but will still be useful in determining whether you've contracted COVID, should you develop flu-like symptoms while traveling.
If you are interested in having telehealth services included with your kits, you can purchase Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services for Travel online from Optum . The cost is $69.99 for 2 test kits and $99.99 for 3 test kits. eMed also sells a pack of 6 for $150 or pack of 2 test kits for $69.99.
We recommend you purchase your kits 10 days to 2 weeks before departing for your trip. They usually arrive within a few days.
Testing Positive: We ask that any participant or guide who tests positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of a scheduled departure please contact us.
During Your Guided Trip
- At the start of your trip, your guide(s) will ask to see your proof of vaccination. We recommend carrying a hard copy and digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record with you for the duration of your travels.
- When you arrive, the guide(s) will also conduct a verbal health screening to check for any symptoms of illness.
- All guests and guides are asked to bring face masks and to wear them as required by local regulations and/or establishments, or when it makes you feel more comfortable. We recommend you have a few extra N95, KN95, or surgical masks and hand sanitizer with you. Our guides will also inform you when masks are required, and we ask you to follow their direction.
- All participants and guides are encouraged to wash hands as recommended by the CDC and local regulations. Due to the nature of our trips, there may be times when it makes more sense to use hand sanitizer rather than soap and water.
- If guests or guides experience any COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms during a trip, they will be distanced from the group and a determination will be made whether to seek testing or definitive care. Symptomatic individuals will be required to wear a face mask at all times until receiving test results or reaching definitive care. A negative COVID-19 test will be required to continue.
- Should you positive test, you will be required to self-isolate until you meet the local and CDC criteria for discontinuing isolation. Your Trip Leader will be on hand to assist you with a plan.
During Your Self-Guided Trip
- Make sure you understand and meet all the entry requirements for the countries through which you will be traveling.
- Bring face masks and wear them as required by local regulations and/or establishments, or when it makes you feel more comfortable. We recommend you have a few extra N95, KN95, or surgical masks and hand sanitizer with you
- We encourage you to wash your hands as recommended by the CDC and local regulations. Due to the nature of our trips, there may be times when it makes more sense to use hand sanitizer rather than soap and water.
- If you experience any COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms during your trip, either self-test, seek testing, or definitive care. Symptomatic individuals should wear a face mask at all times until you receive test results or reach definitive care. Do not continue your trip until you receive a negative COVID-19 test
- Should you test positive, you should self-isolate until you meet the local and CDC criteria for discontinuing isolation. Please contact us, and we can help you make a plan.
Country Entry Requirements
- Vaccination required by Distant Journeys and Croatia (no older than 270 days, otherwise a booster is required).
- Show proof of hotel booking (final documents booklet should suffice) Complete travel announcement form
- Vaccination required by Distant Journeys
- Vaccination required by Distant Journeys and France (must present proof) (no older than 270 days, otherwise a booster is required. There are specific details depending on which brand on vaccine you have received. Please click above for details).
- Vaccination required by Distant Journeys
- Vaccination required by Distant Journeys and Italy (no older than 270 days, otherwise a booster is required.)
- Vaccination required by Distant Journeys
- Vaccination required by Distnat Journeys
- Vaccination required by Distant Jourenys
- Complete Passenger Locator form
- Vaccination required by Distant Journeys and Switzerland (no older than 270 days, otherwise a booster is required).
Travel Insurance
Now more that ever, we urge you to protect your investment in your next adventure and cannot over emphasize the importance of purchasing travel insurance. Sites such as CoverTrip, InsureMyTrip and SquareMouth let you compare policies and search for those that specifically address COVID related instances, such as cancellation and trip interruption coverage if you or your traveling companion contract COVID-19 during the coverage period or have to isolate.
As always, you are welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns, and we will endeavor to get back to you as quickly as possible.
For more information and updates, you may visit the World Health Organization , Center for Disease Control , Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center , and the U.S. State Department.
