Can You Travel After Getting Vaccinated?

Now that millions are getting vaccinated, the question surrounding travel has come up.

After a year of isolation and social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of us are ready to go out and travel, especially those who have received their vaccine. But according to the Wall Street Journal, just because you’re vaccinated doesn’t mean you’re free to roam.

In the case of Peter Volny, a retired advertising executive and avid traveler, he’s ready to vacation again, but his trips—except for Greece—will likely be postponed until 2022. Apparently, most of the world isn’t ready for lax testing and quarantine rules for travelers.

Several countries, including those in Western Europe, aren’t ready to open their borders to U.S. tourists. In fact, cases are spiking in some areas—mainly Italy. And even when the borders open, there will still be the need to social distance and wear masks until who knows when.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently eased its restrictions on small gatherings but still advises against travel even if someone is vaccinated. There is still a risk of getting and spreading the virus, the agency reported. However, according to a spokesman for the agency, the advice could change “as more people are vaccinated, and we learn more about how vaccines work in the real world.”

As for right now, there are only a few countries that are letting U.S. visitors bypass testing and quarantine rules if they have already been vaccinated. Among them are Belize, Iceland, Seychelles, Georgia, and Estonia, and more are likely to join later this year.

A standardized, all-purpose mobile app will allow people to summon their health data, including vaccinations. “It’s the proverbial Wild West out there,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Atmosphere Research. None of the existing options “is better than the other.” The passport gives proof of immunity in digital form, which will replace a paper document.

Travel experts predict that cheap coach airline tickets will be limited but say some might find good deals while airlines restore capacity. Hopper suggests that the lowest domestic fares will be found between April 27 and May 7.