People all over the world have been dusting off their passports in anticipation of traveling after years of no to limited travel opportunities. Life is returning to like it used to be in many destinations, which makes travel all that more enticing.
Each day annoying and cumbersome travel or entry requirements are being dropped to encourage more visitors while authorities find more clever ways of keeping travelers safe.
So now w’re left asking ourselves what’s ope, and how can I board a flight and arrive without any trouble?
From answering questions about required tests to proof of vaccination or if masks are required, there are some excellent tools available so you can know everything about where you can go and what to expect once you’re there. And they’re free because this information isn’t something you should need to pay for.
To find these answers it’ll take you two or three clicks. The resources you’ll find as you continue reading will ask important questions such about your passport, from where to where, and if there are any stops en route.
These are the most accurate and reliable resources for current travel information, so you can enact your grand travel plans. Feel free to use one or all of them!
Sherpa
Sherpa is one the prettiest official and up to date travel requirements sources you’ll find. It’s so official that you’ll even find that a few of the more intelligent airlines have the Sherpa interface built into their own website to help passengers plan.
Sherpa is arguably the best because it offers the most digestible language and minimizes the lawyer speak. Probably not a surprise, but many countries have very legal sounding restrictions when they’re actually much more simple than they sound.
You can see some of the airlines that use the Sherpa interface on the Sherpa website. But, a good example of this tool is Delta.com. The tool offers a color coded map showing how restricted travel is for each country.
Additionally, you can enter your passport, journey information, and vaccination status for highly specialized details about your trip. This is where the tool will tell you if testing is required of if there are steps you need to take before boarding, such as additional health forms.
TIMATIC From IATA
The International Airline Transportation Association, known by its acronym IATA, is a global force. Timatic is a powerful tool offered by IATA that helps you see what airlines see when you’re checking in.
Many airlines use a version of this tool when determine if passengers check the right boxes requested from a destination before boarding a flight, such as visas, proof of vaccination, or other items that might be needed in advance.
This might be unknown to many, but airlines can be fined if they incorrectly board someone who lacks the proper documentation. So, remember agents aren’t just trying to give you a hard time because they’re having a bad day. Real money is at stake as well as jobs and the potential to losing flight rights due to non-compliance.
IMPORTANT: If you’re transiting through a country, that country might have its own rules for transits, such as testing. It’s good to check any transit cities as well as your final destination.
Timatic is more an internal tool, so it’s not as user friendly as Sherpa, which is more public use oriented. However, it does offer a detailed picture of requirements and links to the relevant health authorities.
Relevant Country Websites
A Google search can be helpful. Most countries offer health and travel related websites from their respective government departments or agencies. These typically have highly detailed rules and information.
These same sites are where you’ll typically complete any health or visitor forms that are needed prior to boarding, which will likely be checked at the airline check-in.
Frequently CHanging Rules
It’s important that rules can change by the day, Generally entry restrictions are being lifted now and some countries are dropping local restrictions such as mask wearing.
It’s Ultimately Your Responsibility
If a country were to introduce mandatory testing, a health declaration, or a new visa before your trip, an airline should help you to know that, but it’s not a requirement and more of a courtesy.
Just as before the pandemic, you’re responsible for complying with the travel rules.
Airlines are typically a great help, but the burden of having what you need ready before traveling is on you. The airline can stop you from boarding a flight, even if they didn’t tell you about an extra thing that you need. The airline doesn’t want to be find because you failed to properly prepare.
Double and triple check any requirements and be sure to monitor relevant sources for any changes before you travel. Typically, travel is becoming easier, but being prepared and aware will ensure you triumphantly return to the travel scene.
