Covid-Era Travel Risks: Avoid Getting Stranded

Above, Japan is one country whose borders are closed to foreign visitors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel is most difficult now than ever before, thanks to the coronavirus and the reactions of some government to it.

Some countries are allowing travel, others (such as Israel, Morocco and Japan) have closed their borders to foreign tourists. The reactions of some countries increase the risk of getting stuck in another country.

This is the topic of an article in the Wall Street Journal.

They begin with:

 At least you can see hurricanes coming.

The new Omicron variant did more than prompt governments to quickly close borders and tighten Covid-19-related travel restrictions. It signaled that health disruptions are here to stay as a normal part of travel concerns, right along with storms, strikes and terrorism.

For travelers, this means that you must now consider a new set of risks before making your trip, especially when going abroad. Travel can spread disease. There’s also uncertainty over testing and quarantines.

If you miscalculate or misstep, or just end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could be stranded, perhaps for weeks. Such a high penalty may make some people change where and how often they venture away from home.

He thinks 2019 will be viewed as the high-water mark for jumping on a plane spur-of-the-moment and taking a trip to another continent without care or concern.

Travel experts say the rapid reaction of various governments increases the risk of getting stuck in another country. It also appears to be the new standard procedure for any kind of new health risk.

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