More than four years after COVID-19 first impacted millions of lives, it still lingers outside of news headlines. New coronavirus variants have lead to an uptick in cases of the ever-mutating virus around the world this summer, bringing into question whether or not you can travel if you’re infected with COVID-19 in 2024.
Is It Legal to Travel Internationally with COVID-19?
The vast majority of countries have ended their COVID-19 entry requirements over the past several years. Coronavirus testing, vaccination, and quarantine requirements are virtually nonexistent in most popular tourist destinations. However, these rules can always change, so it’s still a good idea to check before you book.
Should You Travel with COVID-19?
While it is technically legal to travel with an active coronavirus infection to most places in 2024, it’s strongly advised that you do not. Even if your case is mild, traveling and being in public with an active COVID infection puts everyone you come in contact with at risk.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends self-isolation if you test positive for COVID-19 and/or if you’re experiencing the common symptoms of COVID including a fever, runny nose, a cough, body aches or a headache.
However, the CDC has altered their guidance about the length of isolation. As of this writing, the CDC recommends not traveling or resuming other normal activities until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours and your other symptoms are improving. This is significantly less than previous CDC COVID guidelines, which recommended a minimum isolation period of five days.
Cancelling Your Trip Due to COVID
If you do become sick with COVID-19 prior to a trip you’ve already booked, you will want to make sure you’ve purchased travel insurance. The primary component of a travel insurance plan is trip cancellation coverage, which can reimburse you if you have to cancel your trip due to any covered reason, which can include illness. A travel insurance plan can also protect your health abroad with emergency medical coverage, coverage for emergency medical evacuation, and trip interruption coverage in case you’re forced to cut your trip short.
While an unexpected case of COVID is unfortunate, it doesn’t have to impact your wallet. Purchase travel insurance and book your next trip with total peace of mind. Get your free travel insurance quotes today!