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November 2022 Travel Restrictions Worldwide Update

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November ushers in the final opportunity to travel in autumn as the peak holiday travel season starts at the month’s end. November 2022 is shaping up to be an excellent time for domestic and international trips at discounted prices before the holiday travel season begins.

United States Travel Restrictions

There are no domestic travel restrictions to fly within the United States or to outlying points, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Minimal restrictions are a primary reason why domestic travel volumes are near pre-pandemic highs.

However, eligible international visitors must have a current Covid-19 vaccination to enter the country. The vaccine requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from abroad.

No pre-arrival test is necessary for visitors or returning residents.

Mask Mandates

So far, mask mandates are optional and up to the individual airline, transportation hub or local government agency.

However, the nation received more clarity about the future of federal mask mandates from the U.S. Supreme Court on October 31, 2022. After the nationwide TSA masking requirement was struck down in a lower court in April, commercial travel mask mandates haven’t been legally enforceable during the appeals process.

The Supreme Court didn’t deem the mandate unconstitutional. This essentially upholds the ability of the TSA to enact mask mandates in the future as the need arises.

So, the federal government may make masks mandatory again if case counts tick up. For now, three New York City-area airports maintain an indoor mask mandate:

  • La Guardia
  • JFK
  • Stewart International

Additional locations may enact mandates as the weather cools, making respiratory infections more likely across the country.

Canada Travel Restrictions

Vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans can fly or drive to Canada without restrictions. The country also ditched its domestic commercial travel mask and vaccine mandates.

Caribbean Travel Restrictions

Nearly every Caribbean island is welcoming vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers without restrictions. One notable exception is the Turks and Caicos. They prohibit unvaccinated guests 18 years or older.

Some islands continue to require coronavirus travel insurance or obtaining a special travel visa to visit.

Latin America Travel Restrictions

Fully vaccinated travelers can visit Latin America restriction-free, all the way from Mexico to the bottom tip of South America. This region is open to unvaccinated travelers, but several require a negative pre-arrival test result:

  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Honduras
  • Nicaragua
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Suriname

No countries are currently prohibiting the unvaccinated or non-boosted from entering.

Europe Travel Restrictions

Europe is open for tourism to all parties, although the Russia-Ukraine conflict restricts leisure travel to these destinations.

One development from the previous months is Spain no longer has Covid-19 entry restrictions. Before the policy change, visitors at least 12 years old needed to show proof of vaccination or a negative pre-arrival test.

Africa Travel Restrictions

Much of Africa is open, and it’s possible to enter Egypt, Morocco and South Africa restriction-free.

However, many African nations have relatively strict entry policies for the unvaccinated. Depending on the country, most require a pre-arrival test at a minimum. Several in the central part of the continent have the unvaccinated quarantine.

Asia Travel Restrictions

Asia continues to gradually reopen, although China remains closed to all outsiders.

Japan

The most exciting news continues to be Japan opening its borders. The entry guidelines depend on vaccination status.

Boosted travelers (i.e., “triple vaxxed”) can enter restriction-free and don’t need a negative pre-arrival test result. Likewise, children of fully vaccinated parents or guardians can enter without getting a pre-arrival test. Those without a recent booster or who are unvaccinated must upload a negative pre-arrival test result.

When flying to Japan before November 14, 2022, tourists can upload their travel information through the MySOS app. Arrivals after November 14, 2022, will use the My Travel Web app instead.

Oceania

Australia and New Zealand are open to all travelers without vaccine or testing requirements. In addition, airlines have recently added flight capacity to both countries, making it easier to find a desirable flight to either place.

Summary

This November will be the closest fall and holiday travel experience to match pre-pandemic standards, as it's easy to travel abroad or stay local. The greater challenge can be booking cheap holiday flights and avoiding big crowds or inclement weather.

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