As we wrap up the end of the Fall 2020 semester just in time for the holiday season, many international students will face the tough decision of staying in the U.S. or returning to their home country. Before COVID-19, returning home to see their loved ones after being thousands of miles away for months was common for international students. However, there is now the risk of not being able to return to the U.S. for the Spring 2021 semester due to difficulty obtaining visas and the possibility of contracting COVID-19 while traveling.
Traveling internationally is currently not recommended. If you do decide to travel, it is important to take the proper precautions to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), airplanes are considered a safe place when traveling since the air circulates and filters the plane, which makes it difficult for germs and viruses to spread. However, you still will need to follow the COVID-19 guidelines during and after your trip home. Always wear a mask, try your best to maintain a social distance of six feet, and pack the essential items. We at ISO want you to have a safe trip as you return to your home country. Here are some more tips to stay safe during your travels:
Before Traveling
It is important to know that traveling can increase your chances of spreading and contracting COVID-19. Traveling to the airport, spending time at check-in and security, and boarding can be riskier than the actual flight. Delaying your travel plans and staying indoors is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19.
If you are traveling, here are some tips to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Frequently check travel restrictions before you go.
- Download the free myTSA It provides information on items that you can and can’t bring, flight delays, and where to find TSA PreCheck lanes.
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck. It allows travelers to have a faster experience going through security. If you enroll you do not need to remove your shoes, belts, certain jackets, or take liquids and electronics out of your bag.
- Pack the essentials: extra masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. TSA now allows travelers to bring one liquid hand sanitizer, up to 12 ounces, in their carry-on luggage. Wear a mask and make sure to cover both your nose and mouth when in public settings.
- If you or anyone you are traveling with are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, do not travel and postpone your flight.
- Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face including your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
- Stay six feet apart from anyone who is not traveling with you.
Getting Tested
Most countries require a COVID-19 PCR test for entry to your destination. Getting tested for COVID-19 does not eliminate the risk of infection, however it can help make your travel safer.
Be prepared to face the cost of COVID-19 testing for travel purposes. Getting tested to travel is not covered by most insurances. We recommend contacting a provider to ask the cost of a test. Most insurances like ISO will only cover COVID-19 testing if it is medically necessary and you are showing symptoms of the virus. On the bright side, you can get tested for free at community-based testing sites!
- Community-Based testing sites: If you do not want to pay for a COVID-19 test, visit a community-based testing site, and get tested for free! You do not need a doctor’s note or medical insurance to get tested. In addition, you will not be asked about your visa status in the U.S., most test results are available within 2-5 days. If you need results immediately, you should consider paying for the test for faster results. Free testing sites’ results are not guaranteed on a specific day, as it depends on how many tests they need to process. Click here to find a free testing site near you.
- Rapid PCR Test (Polymerase chain reaction)- You will most likely need a PCR test if you are traveling since it is most reliable for finding any active COVID-19 infections. These tests typically take around 72 hours for results. Some urgent care facilities offer “rapid PCR tests” giving you results within an hour. If you are looking for a quicker way to get results for a test it may cost you.
Some rapid PCR test option examples (cost may vary for each facility):
- CityMD Urgent Care– New York & New Jersey
- BayCare Urgent Care– Florida
- CVS & Walgreens
- Aayu Clinics– Chicago
- Don’t see your location? Click here
- COVID-19 testing in airports- Getting tested for COVID-19 has become a lot more widespread but visiting clinics can be quite inconvenient. Especially for travelers traveling abroad, timing is extremely important. Travelers are now able to take a COVID-19 test right before they board a plane at select major airlines and airports. As a result, this will make a more convenient experience for travelers to get to their destination. According to a recent survey, The Vacationer indicates that almost 46 million people will travel by plane for the holidays, and more than 85 million Americans will be traveling just for Christmas. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, it is suggested to get tested before meeting anyone outside your immediate quarantine bubble.
Updated List of U.S. airports offering COVID-19 testing, from The Vacationer:
- Alaska – Juneau International Airport (JNU)
- Alaska – Ketchikan International Airport (KTN)
- Alaska – Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
- Arizona – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- California – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- California – Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- California – San Diego International Airport (SAN) *
- California – San Francisco International Airport (SFO) *
- Connecticut – Bradley International Airport (BDL)
- Florida – Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Hawaii – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Massachusetts – General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Minnesota – Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
- New Jersey – Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- New York – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- New York – LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Oregon – Portland International Airport (PDX) *
- Pennsylvania – Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Texas – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) *
- Texas – Houston – George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – Mail-in Testing *
- Vermont – Burlington International Airport (BTV)
- Washington – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
*Testing only available at this airport for specific airlines/destinations. For example, Portland International Airport offers COVID-19 testing to Alaska Airlines passengers only. Many airports are currently working to offer or expand testing for travelers.
After traveling
Congratulations, you have reached your destination! Now what? According to the CDC, it is recommended to get tested for COVID-19 at least 3-5 days after traveling. Additionally, limit any nonessential activities for at least 7 days after traveling. Following these precautions will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to your family, friends, and community. There is a chance you may have been exposed to COVID-19 during your travels. Even if you do not show symptoms, you can still spread the virus to others. In the event you test positive for COVID-19, isolate yourself to avoid further spread of infection.
We at ISO hope to see you return for the Spring 2021 semester! The Fall 2020 semester has taken a toll on many international students and we commend you for your hard work. Take winter break to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Remember to follow the CDC’s social distancing guidelines no matter where you are.
