The Future of International Travel in 2021: What to Expect

2020 was a wild ride. This year had a global pandemic, multiple major government issues around the world, killer wasps, massive wildfires, and did anyone else forget about Tiger King? There were so many crazy stories in the news that it was nearly impossible to keep track. I definitely welcomed 2021 with open arms. However, now that a COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available, many are wondering what the future of international travel in 2021 will look like. Here’s what we know, and what I expect to happen.

European International Travel in 2021

In 2016, the European Union announced that Americans, among citizens from other countries, will need a special travel pass to enter their countries. This pass is specifically for countries that do not need a Visa to enter, and it is not as strict or difficult to obtain as a Visa. However, it would make traveling to Europe from these countries, including the United States, more difficult than in the past. This was supposed to go into effect in January of 2021.

Now that we are in 2021, this European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) won’t go into effect until the end of 2022. You can learn more about ETIAS and how it will affect European travel here.

COVID-19 Vaccinations and International Travel

Although it has not been officially announced, I predict that once borders start reopening around the world for travel, a vaccination card with proof of a COVID-19 vaccine will be mandatory. This is not new! Many countries require proof of vaccination for various communicable diseases for travelers and their pets either to enter a new country or re-enter their home country. For example, I was required to receive a yellow fever vaccination before visiting Haiti in 2013.

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

I fully expect COVID-19’s vaccination to be added to this list once it becomes widely available. Travel will become safe again when large populations are immune to the disease! This will also protect the few percent of people who cannot receive the immunization for various medical reasons. You can learn more about travel immunizations here and follow COVID-19 vaccination news through the CDC or WHO websites. International travel in 2021 may only be allowed for those who receive the vaccination, or who have an exemption from a doctor due to an underlying illness or allergy. Those who simply refuse the vaccine may not be allowed to travel internationally.

Expect Continued COVID-19 Tests

Even with proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, many countries may continue to mandate COVID-19 testing and quarantining upon arrival to a new destination, or returning from international travel. This is largely because it is not known if a vaccinated individual can still spread the disease or not to an unvaccinated individual. The vaccine is only known to stop the illness in the person receiving the immunization. Until scientists can study the long-term effects in a large population, COVID-19 testing, masks, and quarantining may be required to prevent the spread to those who cannot receive the vaccination. We need to do our part to keep as many people safe and healthy as possible!

Get creative and wear fun masks!

COVID-19 will Likely Change the International Travel Experience for Years

Even after countries slowly begin reopening borders to vaccinated travelers, travel won’t be the same as it was a year ago. Hand sanitizing stations, social distancing, and masks will likely be the norm for quite a while. If you plan to travel again after receiving a vaccination, prepare to keep following these social rules. I would also highly suggest investing in travel insurance if you don’t already for added protection.

I expect that while travel was mainly to bigger cities and major tourist attractions, future travel will focus more on local destinations, smaller towns, and avoiding crowds. People across the world have rediscovered the importance of supporting small businesses instead of large corporations, and have the shared experience of more personal space in public. I expect this to largely impact international travel in 2021 and beyond!

Instead of grasping for the old normal, travelers everywhere should embrace our new normalcy together. 2020 changed the world, but I firmly believe some of these changes were for the better. I hope we see more international cooperation to keep people safe and healthy while allowing us to see the world again.

Are you planning on traveling in 2021? Let me know!