International travel and Covid 19
I think it would be interesting and informative to have a thread to consolidate information on the return of international air travel during or after this pandemic. It seems like many feel it is a matter of weeks, but a few current indications look more like months. What countries are totally closed to non-essential visitors, what countries may be open but have no scheduled flights operating, and dates when countries are opening, and when flights might resume.
Many airlines show flight schedules to various places that are not yet open to visitors. This may be just to be ready. In case the country does open up. Or it may be to collect fare money that they then refund when the flights are cancelled. Eventually.
A few countries have possible opening times. Costa Rica, for example says June 15. But that still doesn't tell you who it will be open to, or whether this is just another possible target date that will be delayed again.
A few countries have said they may allow visitors / tourists but they would have to undergo a 14 or 15 day quarantine.
A recent report suggests that Colombia is looking at mid December.
I believe that governments are looking at different options. Possible options include:
1. Allowing flights and visitors from countries with little or no current cases. For example, no new infections for more than 2 weeks, and / or all cases resolved (recovered or died).
2. Banning certain areas and / or countries, much like most of the world did with China, or the Wuhan area, in January and February.
3. Allowing visitors after screening for temperature and symptoms before boarding airline.
4. Allowing visitors with an immunological test showing exposure and recovery from Covid, and or a test showing no current Covid infection.
5. Wide open as before.
My guess is that it will be one or a combination of 1 to 4. I don't think option 5 will happen.
But please. No need to argue about why it should be different. We're not the makers of policy. And from what I read on the forum. Thank dog for that.
So hard information is appreciated.