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Today, international travel is highly challenging due to the pandemic situation. But fortunately, travel is quite possible if you follow specific rules that different countries impose. 

In this regard, there is the issue of travel to the United States and the requirements for the COVID-19 Test. This article will share helpful information about the requirements before, during, and after a trip to the United States.

COVID-19 Testing Requirement for International Travel to the United States

In October this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for short the CDC, amended its order on COVID-19 Testing Requirements for international travelers to the United States. This update applies to air passengers aged 2 and over and entered into force on 6 December.

The amendment says that every passenger who will fly to the United States must present a document with a negative test result from a viral test for COVID-19. The Test needs to be taken no more than 1 day before travel. 

Another way to travel is by presenting documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. To verify that the information is correct, you must give it in the form of attestation.

What Do You Need to Know about traveling to the United States?

Knowing a few crucial things about your trip and staying in the United States is essential if you consider traveling to the United States or are about to fly. 

First of all, if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (this means you do not have citizenship, a legal residence permit, or an immigrant visa to travel to the United States), you must be fully vaccinated. 

Otherwise, you will not be admitted to the United States. There are a few limited exceptions where vaccination status is not required. 

These are: 

• Diplomatic and other government officials officially considered to be traveling abroad
• Children under 18 years of age
• Persons in whom vaccination against COVID-19 is contraindicated. To this end, it is necessary to provide an official medical document proving this
• Participants in trials related to COVID-19 vaccines
• Persons issued humanitarian and emergency exceptions
• Persons who have been issued a type B1 or B2 visa and are nationals of a foreign country with limited availability of the COVID-19 vaccine
• Persons holding a C1 and D visa and being part of a sea crew
• Persons who are members of the armed forces, as well as their children under the age of 18 and spouses
• A person whose entry into the territory of the United States is in the interest of the country – this is determined by officials of the state, namely the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Secretary of Transportation

Regardless of which column you belong to, i.e., vaccinated or unvaccinated, U.S.- citizens, non-U.S. citizens, U.S. immigrants, or non-U.S. immigrants, as well as those exempted from vaccines, must provide a negative COVID-19 test document, which must be taken no more than 1 day before the upcoming flight. 

You can also submit COVID-19 recovery documentation. It is a document for a positive test result of the COVID-19 Test, which must be done no later than 90 days before the upcoming flight.

Remember that wearing a mask over your nose and mouth in closed areas of public places, such as airplanes, airports, etc., is mandatory. Refusal to wear a mask is considered non-compliance with the rules and requirements.

In addition, you need to know that fully vaccinated travelers are those in whom: 

• It has been 2 weeks since the single-dose vaccine.
• It has been 2 weeks since the second dose of the vaccine.
• It has been 2 weeks since receiving the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine in a clinical trial.
• 2 weeks have passed since you received the complete series of a Novavax (or Covovax) COVID-19 vaccine in phase 3 clinical trial.
• It has been 2 weeks since you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines.

If you have another dose of the vaccine or it hasn’t been 2 weeks since the last dose, it is considered that you have not been fully vaccinated and cannot enter the United States.

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Before Traveling to the United States

Before traveling to the United States, make sure you meet all the requirements. It is advisable to check the current requirements for travel to the United States, whether or not you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. immigrant. 

For this purpose, we recommend that you visit the website of the CDC, where there is detailed information about all passengers.

What is currently required is:

• Official document for complete vaccination is required for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. immigrants. A little above in the article we shared which people are considered fully vaccinated.
  
• Document of a negative result from the COVID-19 Test – all passengers who are about to travel by air, including U.S. citizens and U.S. immigrants, must provide an official document stating that the result of a COVID-19 test is negative. 

This test must be performed no later than 1 day before the flight date. That applies to all persons aged 2 years and over.

• Providing contact information – every passenger traveling  to the United States must provide contact information. It is necessary for more accessible communication in case you have been in contact with a COVID-19 infected person or case of changes.
  
• Prepare all the documentation for the trip to the United States – we recommend that you check before your flight if all the necessary documents are available. It includes a passport, visa, other documents related to your entry into the country, a vaccination document, and/or test.

Please note that you cannot travel to the United States if you have visited Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe in the last 14 days. 

Also, do not travel to the United States if you have not yet completed the entire course of COVID-19 vaccination, tested positive for COVID, and your isolation is not complete, awaiting COVID-19 test results, or not feeling well.

During Travel

Before the flight, you must prepare all the above documents required by the airline. During the flight itself, the only thing needed for each passenger is to wear a mask to cover the nose and mouth. These are the requirements on the plane and in all indoor public places located in the United States.

After Arrival in the United States

Upon arrival in the United States, you will need to take a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after your arrival date. It is also advisable to watch for any symptoms. Last but not least, you need to follow all government recommendations and requirements that apply to air travelers arriving in the United States.

If you are not fully vaccinated, but for any of the above reasons, you have the right to travel, then in addition to taking a test, you will need to isolate yourself for 7 days. 

It does not apply to passengers who have a medical record and a test document for recovering from COVID-19 that has been taken no later than 90 days. And if you want to stay more than 60 days in the United States, the requirements are to be fully vaccinated.

If You Recovered from COVID-19 Recently

If you have an official document for a COVID-19 test in the last 90 days, the result was positive, and your quarantine has passed, you can travel with this document. 

In this case, self-isolation is not required, nor is it necessary to take a test within 3-5 days of your arrival in the United States.

Keep in mind that this is current information. Due to the constant increase or decrease in morbidity, travel requirements to the United States are changing. 

That’s why we encourage you to stay tuned for more information on the U.S. government website or contact your Travel Advisor, who will help you get up-to-date information to avoid possible unpleasant situations before, during, and after traveling to the United States.

Today, flying is one of the most ordinary things people around the world do. It is the most convenient way to travel internationally. Many people travel not only for leisure but also for work. Business travelers who fly on a plane are a large percentage of all passengers.

Very often, these people are perceived as global elites. It would be pretty exciting to have breakfast in New York and dinner in Paris, for example. However, imagine this happening to you at least twice a month.

That may seem like an excellent opportunity for some people, as they can visit different countries and get to know their cultures. Yes, but have you ever wondered if these frequent airplane flights don’t harm your health?

If you are asking yourself this question for one reason or another, then in this article, we will discuss the possible risks that frequent air travel carries. Let’s look at which they are and how they affect the human body.

Air Travel Health Risks For Frequent Business Travelers

According to some scientific studies, international business travelers, flight crews, and diplomats are at high risk of developing certain diseases because of their lifestyles. The frequency of flying on a plane is extremely high, which leads to adverse consequences.

One of the main reasons for this is that you are exposed to a small amount of cosmic radiation and jet lag every time you fly on a plane. If you rarely have to travel, you do not need to worry about it. 

In these cases, radiation exposure is minimal, and you can overcome jet lag in a few days.

But, for other passengers who fly dozens of times per year, stress builds up in their bodies because of radiation exposure. That, in turn, increases cancer risk and other chronic diseases. In addition, jet lag influences aging and heightens the risk of having a heart attack. 

Moreover, frequent travel leads to an unhealthy lifestyle. 

These include :

• fast food consumption
• excess drinking of soft drinks and alcohol 
• irregular water consumption 
• lack of exercise
• poor sleep schedule 

In addition, jet lag is the cause of mood swings, disorientation, sleep problems, gastrointestinal problems and affects productivity.

Business travelers who complain of these symptoms are over 70%. And although there is not enough evidence today to conclusively confirm the real risks of frequent air travel, this percentage is sufficient to understand that it certainly impacts business travelers’ physical, mental, and emotional health.

The radiation risks of air travel

As we know, the sun and stars emit cosmic rays, which are directed to the Earth. Fortunately, most of these particles do not reach us, as the atmosphere and magnetic field protect us. 

But if you’re on a plane about 30,000 feet up in the air, the atmosphere there is thinner, which means you’re exposed to more radiation.

Of course, this is not a cause for concern if you rarely travel. But, if you are a frequent flyer, these small doses of radiation that you are exposed to on each flight begin to accumulate. That is why pilots, flight attendants, and the rest of the crew on most airlines are considered the people who are at most health risk.

Another question that arises is whether an airport screening is harmful to our well being. In this regard, we must say that the exposure to radiation during the airport screening procedure is minimal, so you have nothing to worry about.

However, let’s return to the question: Is the additional radiation dose during the flight dangerous for health? Scientists are still looking for an answer to this question. But according to research, the crew is much more at risk of developing various types of cancer than business travelers.

Of course, it is difficult to say whether other factors cause cancer, but frequent exposure to cosmic radiation certainly contributes to this. However, there is no denying that frequent air travel is a health hazard even for business travelers.

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Chronic jet lag

Radiation is not the only factor that can affect your health while flying on a plane. We all know how important sleep is for wellness and how its violation leads to body disorders.

Business travelers and the aircraft crew have a high risk of accumulation of radiation in the body, and most of them experience chronic jet lag. Every passenger experiences jet lag, but it passes very quickly for those who travel infrequently. However, this is not the case with passengers who fly too often.

Jet lag, also known as desynchronosis, disrupts the body’s rhythm when traveling long periods by plane. 

This violation is usually temporary, leading mainly to:

• fatigue
• drowsiness
• lethargy
• stomach problems

During frequent air travel, jet lag becomes chronic, associated with cognitive deficits, including memory impairment. In addition, according to some studies, chronic jet lag can switch off genes that are linked to the immune system. As a result, the risk of having a heart attack or stroke is raised.

Blood clots and getting sick

Last but not least, there is some risk for all passengers during long flights, no matter how often they travel. For example, blood clotting is a risk that can increase up to four times during long international flights.

In addition, enclosed spaces in air cabins in combination with a weakened immune system cause infectious diseases, including :

• influenza 
• measles 
• severe acute respiratory syndrome 
• tuberculosis 
• food poisoning 
• viral enteritis
• smallpox

In this regard, most people  who are suffering from cardiac and pulmonary disorders, neurological disorders, recent surgery, pregnancy, pediatrics, and other forms of problems should be cautious about long-haul flights.

All this proves that it is vital to be more informed and careful about your wellness. And as convenient as air travel is, frequent long-haul flights certainly have an impact on your health. 

Traveling to different distant countries is more than great and always worth it. It brings incredible emotions and challenges and lets you know about other nations and their traditions, languages, ​and culture.

However, visiting a country unknown to you hides some obstacles. You can often encounter unfamiliar public transport, dubious taxis or super high transportation fees, lack of good internet, GPS failure, and much more.

It becomes even more complicated when it turns out that you do not know the official language, and on the other hand, the locals hardly speak English. In these cases, it becomes pretty confusing. 

And why cause this discomfort at all when there are appropriate flights with the transfer, which will save you huge headaches. The even better news is that you can find an airport transfer at excellent prices.

Airport transfer is a top-rated service that people from all over the world like and prefer. Using the transfer service ensures that you will have a pre-arranged car waiting for you in front of the airport at the time of your flight arrival. It is convenient and will save you an infinite amount of time, especially when you have a lot of luggage.

If you have not thought yet to choose a flight with a transfer, then below we give you 5 important reasons why to do so. 

Less stress and more time for fun

Your vacation begins with the landing of the plane. It means that you certainly do not have extra time to waste, especially in finding your hotel. When you choose a flight with a transfer, you save a lot of your time so that you can enjoy your vacation in the best way.

Especially when using public transport, it is unclear exactly how long it will take for the right bus to arrive and how long you will need to travel to the hotel.

In addition, unfamiliar circumstances and uncertainty about which bus to catch or whether to choose the right taxi company, as well as whether you will not get lost while trying to reach the endpoint, are factors that will only create unnecessary stress. And why do you need to do just that?

The easiest way to transport

Family vacations with children are a challenge in themselves. Imagine what it would be like if you were still at the airport and trying to find a convenient way to get to your hotel. It will undoubtedly be highly stressful for you.

Children are very impatient, and sometimes, they find it challenging to understand your situation. As a result, they may become restless, scream or cry, which is additional stress for you. The combination of luggage, crying children, and a foreign country is certainly not what you expected.

Public transportation is not the best solution in these cases, and taxi cars may be too small for your large family. That is why it is good to consider flights with the pre-booked transfer. We would even say that it is a must for a family with children.

When you book an airport transfer for a family in advance, you will know that there will be a car big enough to hold everyone together when you arrive. There will be a baby chair so that your child can travel most safely. It will surely guarantee you a happy start to your vacation. 

You do not need to look for the way to your hotel

Whenever you go to a new place, you need to research how to get from the airport to your hotel. It is unnecessary time that you can spend in a more detailed search for exciting destinations to visit.

In addition, flights can be quite exhausting, especially when talking about long flights lasting more than 6 hours. After such a flight, one thing is for sure, you will hardly want to spend too much time looking for the way to your hotel.

That is why we recommend you choose a flight with a transfer. It will save you time to spend a break after the long flight or start the planned sightseeing tour. 

And when choosing an airport transfer, there is no need to look for ways to explain to the taxi driver exactly how and where you want to get, especially if you are in this place for the first time. 

Above all, safety

You would not want to get lost in a completely unfamiliar place trying to reach your hotel. We should avoid some areas and neighborhoods in every city globally due to the lack of security and high crime risk.

Well, trying to explain to the taxi driver where you want to go or using public transport, the chance of getting lost is relatively high. With the help of the transfer, you will feel comfortable and safe. 

There is nothing better than arriving in a foreign country and knowing that a car is waiting for you at the airport, which is special for you and will take you directly to the hotel. However, this is your time to rest, and you do not need to create unnecessary stress.

You will find out about great places that you never imagined

Last but not least, we can say that the locals know the most fantastic places to visit, starting with the restaurants with the most delicious food, the fantastic entertainment clubs and reaching all the cultural and historical monuments of the city.

Unfortunately, no matter how detailed we search, there are always some hidden places that we can find out only from the city’s residents.

And what better opportunity than a conversation with the driver who drives you from the airport to your hotel. He will surely tell you about some fantastic places to make a good vacation unforgettable. 

How to choose a transfer?

As we shared above, the flight with a transfer is convenient and the best possible way to get from the airport to your hotel. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you certainly want to have a pleasant experience as soon as you arrive at the airport.

In this regard, it is crucial to share that not all transfer companies are the same. That is why it is good to pay attention to some essential things.

Research the airport transfer companies

The company you choose is significant, as well as the service it offers you. Trust licensed companies that have an impeccable reputation in providing airport transfer service. Explore all the options you have, look for opinions, and choose the one that suits your needs.

As we said above, not all companies are the same. It means that the transfer, which is offered at lower prices, will not provide you with the comfort and extras that can give a more expensive and luxurious transfer.

Choose a vehicle

Today, the airport transfer service has developed tremendously. It means that companies can offer different types of cars to choose from. Most often, they offer limousines, sedans, vans, SUVs, and much more.

The most important thing is to choose a vehicle according to your needs. First of all, consider the amount of luggage you have and how many people you are. It also matters if you have small children and babies with you. In these cases, it is crucial to choose a car that has a child seat.

On the other hand, if you are traveling on business, you are most likely looking for more professional service and a car with extra luxury that fully meets your specific needs. You certainly have a wide choice so you can find what you need.

Choose drivers with the necessary experience and knowledge

There is nothing more unpleasant than to come across a driver who has no professional attitude, shows his character, and does not know how to get to your hotel. It certainly creates headaches and stress for you.

A company that offers an airport transfer must consist of a team of experienced professionals with excellent knowledge of local roads. Even if they do not know your hotel, they must prepare in advance and find the best route. It will guarantee you comfort and avoid the unnecessary stress that can be created.

Pay attention to whether the prices are fixed

Often, situations arise, such as a closed road due to an accident or repair, terrible traffic, and many others. Such factors can affect prices if they are not fixed and pre-arranged.

It is essential to check whether your chosen company has provided all the additional costs and fees and whether the offer is fixed. 

When the prices are set, you have nothing to worry about whether you will get into traffic or you will have to go around the city more. But if you don’t think about it, you risk paying a considerable amount that you certainly didn’t anticipate.

Investigate what the service includes

If you want high-class services, then explore what additional extras your chosen company can offer you. It will make your experience even more interesting and exciting. And what better start than that?

Once you know why it’s good to have an airport transfer, it’s up to you to find the perfect flight with a transfer to your desired destination and enjoy your vacation with your loved ones.

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