COVID-19 Travel Guidelines & Resort Testing

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COVID-19 Testing & Travel Requirements – What to Expect

The CDC now requires all travelers flying to or transiting through the U.S. from international destinations, including U.S. citizens, to provide proof of either a negative COVID-19 test within the last three days or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. Our travel concierge team is here to help you navigate the process and all requirements for travel! To help you understand what to expect, we’ve created an infographic that outlines the process.

What the new CDC requirements for return travel to the US?

As of January 26, the CDC requires all travelers flying to or transiting through the U.S. from international destinations, including U.S. citizens, to provide proof of either a negative COVID-19 test within the last three days or documentation of recovery from COVID-19.

The COVID-19 test must:

  • Be a viral test (NAAT or antigen) with a “negative” or “COVID-19 not detected” result (test results marked “invalid” will not be accepted)
  • Be taken no more than three days before departure from the first embarkation point
  • Show written proof of the traveler’s negative laboratory test result and include the traveler’s name and other identifying details matching those on the traveler’s passport or other valid form of identification

 

Documentation of recovery must include:

  • Proof of a positive test result issued at most 90 days before departure (results must state “positive” or “detected” – tests marked “invalid” will not be accepted)
  • A letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official clearing them for travel
  • The traveler’s name and other identifying details matching those on the traveler’s passport or other valid form of identification

 

Travelers must show written proof of their negative laboratory test result or documentation of recovery before boarding. This requirement does not apply to children under 2, U.S. military personnel, or those traveling entirely within the United States, including the 50 U.S. states, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some states or territories may have individual entry restrictions in addition to the federal regulation for international travel to the U.S.

Each airline is following the CDC mandate, but have their own procedures regarding test result submission, mask requirements onboard, etc. Ask your River Oaks Travel Advisor for more details!

Destinations within the United States and US territories do not require COVID-19 testing for your return home. Island destinations like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are a great alternative if you’re looking to visit the Caribbean, or ask your River Oaks Travel advisor for great vacation spots within the Continental US.

Zadun Ritz Carlton Pool
Zadun Ritz Carlton

How do I get tested during my trip?

For the convenience of travelers, many of favorite resorts have set up temporary labs and testing facilities on-property where you can take your COVID-19 test. When booking your trip, your River Oaks Travel concierge will help you to set up your testing appointment for 3 days prior to your return flight home. With everything on-property, you can easily take your test and get back to the beach in on time!

The below are some of our favorite international resorts that are offering COVID testing on-site. Hotels marked with an asterisk (*) offer testing for a supplementary cost, while the rest are on a complimentary basis (at time of publication)!

Don’t see your favorite resort below or looking for something different? Our travel agency has connections to many more properties that can be listed here – contact us with your specific request and we’ll find the perfect option for your own vacation!

Riviera Maya, Mexico

  • Andaz Mayakoba
  • Banyan Tree Mayakoba
  • Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
  • Chable Maroma
  • Grand Velas Riviera Maya
  • Hotel Esencia
  • Nizuc Resort & Spa
  • Rosewood Mayakoba
  • Ritz-Carlton Cancun
  • UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya
  • Viceroy Riviera Maya

 

Los Cabos, Mexico

  • The Cape, a Thompson Hotel
  • Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection
  • Grand Velas Los Cabos
  • Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort
  • Montage Los Cabos
  • Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
  • One&Only Palmilla
  • Paradisus Los Cabos
  • Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

 

Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita, Mexico

  • Casa Velas
  • Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
  • One&Only Mandarina
  • St. Regis Punta Mita
  • Conrad Punta de Mita

 

Antigua

  • Carlisle Bay
  • Curtain Bluff
  • Hermitage Bay
  • Jumby Bay

 

Belize

  • Blancaneaux Lodge

  • Turtle Inn

 

Costa Rica

  • Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
  • Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
  • Nayara Gardens

 

Dominican Republic

  • Amanera
  • ANI Private Resorts Dominican Republic
  • Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
  • Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

 

Jamaica

  • GoldenEye
  • Half Moon
  • Round Hill Hotel and Villas

 

St. Lucia

  • Cap Maison
  • Jade Mountain
  • Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort

 

St. Martin

  • Belmond La Samanna*

 

Turks & Caicos

  • Grace Bay Club
  • The Palms Turks & Caicos
  • The Shore Club

How do I get tested during my trip?

For the convenience of travelers, many of favorite resorts have set up temporary labs and testing facilities on-property where you can take your COVID-19 test. When booking your trip, your River Oaks Travel concierge will help you to set up your testing appointment for 3 days prior to your return flight home. With everything on-property, you can easily take your test and get back to the beach in on time!

The below are some of our favorite international resorts that are offering COVID testing on-site. Hotels marked with an asterisk (*) offer testing for a supplementary cost, while the rest are on a complimentary basis (at time of publication)!

Don’t see your favorite resort below or looking for something different? Our travel agency has connections to many more properties that can be listed here – contact us with your specific request and we’ll find the perfect option for your own vacation!

Important International Travel Update

It’s Time to Stop Traveling – For Now

Dear Travelers,

As a travel agency, our daily lives revolve around everything travel – talking through trip planning with you, dreaming of our own next adventures, and reminiscing on past experiences all over the world. We love celebrating with you as we plan your honeymoons, creatively problem solving to keep everyone happy on your family trips, and sharing the joyful stories and photos with you on your return home. We embrace juggling different time zones as our phone calls span country borders, as do our personal and professional relationships with hoteliers, cruise line representatives, and tour operators all over the globs. And even when our days don’t span the usual 9 to 5 (hello flight cancellations!). we still wake up every morning thankful for our part in planning your happy travel memories.

Travel is both our careers and our passions, so believe us when we say the words that break our hearts – it’s time to stop traveling (for now).

Right now we are facing an unprecedented event in the form of the pandemic coronavirus COVID-19, an event that has already deeply hurt our friends in China, South Korea, Italy, and beyond. As a company, we are responsible for the enjoyment and safety of our travelers, wherever they may be. And as global citizens, we have a duty to stop the spread of COVID-19 before it affects more of our friends, family, and communities. With a disease that can be spread before symptoms begin showing, our only course of action is to try to reduce the number of contacts we make and flatten the curve – and that is best done by staying at home.

So we humbly ask that our wonderful clients stop traveling – for now. We know as much as anyone how difficult this is, but we stand by our actions – our team has already postponed our personal travels this month to Japan, Mexico, and Italy so as to be on-call for our clients and to do our part in social distancing. We’re all in this together, and will only get through this by banding together as one global community.

So stop traveling, but don’t stop dreaming – this too shall pass, and we look forward to the future when we can once again help you to explore this beautiful, wild, and unpredictable world of ours. We’ll be here waiting for you once it’s safe again to travel.

Stay safe and #flattenthecurve, The River Oaks Travel Team

Looking for more information on COVID-19?

Further Reading:

 

River Oaks Travel Blogs:

The Benefits of a River Oaks Travel Advisor in the Time of the Coronavirus Travel Advisory

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With the travel interruptions and overall global uncertainty in the time of the coronavirus COVID-19, our River Oaks Travel team is here to help you as much as possible. Our team is committed to providing the same positive and excellent service you have come to expect as we help you to navigate changes and the coronavirus travel advisory:

1. Up-to-date Information

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated coronavirus travel advisory, we are seeing airlines, cruise lines, hotels, and tour companies modify their cancellation policies and change fees. Our job as your travel advisors is to sift through all of the information and give you the most up-to-date policies so you can make an informed decision.

2. Rebooking Assistance

With cancellations and changes to flight reservations, cruise departures, and even Disney World, our team at River Oaks Travel is here to assist with giving you all of your options – be it cancelling the trip outright, changing destinations, or rebooking your travels for a future date. Phone wait times are extremely long, but we’re here to wait on hold so you can go about your day.

3. Advocating on Your Behalf

We are, have been, and will continue to be your travel advocates. Unlike a 1-800 number, we have your best interests at heart and are working with all of our affected travelers to negotiate the best cancellation and change terms possible. And if you are currently traveling or about to depart, we are here around the clock to assist with last-minute changes and handle any emergency situations. Whether this is your first trip with us or your fiftieth, our goal is always to be your trusted travel advocate in times of the coronavirus travel advisory and beyond.

4. Flexibility and Extra Assurance

Despite the uncertainty of what the next days and weeks may look like, we know that many travelers would like to keep planning for future adventures. No matter the stage of planning you’re currently in, we can help with booking flexible arrangements that can be changed or cancelled close to your travel dates if necessary. We also know which travel companies are offering the most flexible policies and can advise accordingly, in case there are future changes to the coronavirus travel advisory.

5. The Human Element

This is a stressful time not just for travelers, but for everyone in general. When you call us, you’re reaching a human and not another answering machine or recorded callback message. We’re also keeping up with your reservations and handling changes on your behalf, so you aren’t being passed from operator to operator and don’t have to explain your situation again and again. We know that cancelled trips are cancelled celebrations, honeymoons, or family time and understand how disappointing and frustrating it can be, and are here to help you through it all.

Have more questions about travel restrictions, disruptions, and the coronavirus travel advisory?
Ask a River Oaks Travel advisor!

While we cannot guarantee answers to all of your questions, our team of advisors is here to assist with any questions you may have about upcoming travel. Contact us or make an appointment with one of our Houston travel agents.

Contact Us

Resources for Questions on Coronavirus and Travel

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As a travel agency, we are often asked our thoughts on global situations that impact our industry. The one currently dominating headlines? COVID-19, or coronavirus. We’ve faced health issues in the past – SARS, Zika – and understand that this outbreak can make travelers uneasy. Our first priority is the health, welfare, and overall comfort of our clients. Although we cannot decide for you whether you should travel, we can provide updates to inform your decision.

1. What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus COVID-19 is a virus that can cause respiratory illness and was first detected in Wuhan, China. It has since spread from China to countries around the world, including the United States. On February 3, both the CDC and the WHO have recognized COVID-19 as an epidemic, and on March 11 the WHO publically characterized it as a pandemic: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

2. Where can I obtain the most up-to-date information on coronavirus and affected areas?

With media sensationalism and potential misinformation, it’s important to get the facts from a reputable source. We recommend checking the CDC Website for general information on the virus and destinations with diagnosed cases: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

3. I was looking forward to a trip to China – what now?

China is a wonderful country to visit as a tourist, with many unique historical and natural sites that cannot be found elsewhere. We look forward to sending clients on trips to China in the future, but at this time we recommend postponing travel plans until the CDC declares it safe and all tourist sites reopen.

4. I’m planning to visit Italy – should I cancel my plans?

As of March 9, the Italian government has released a decree prohibiting movement in public areas except for justifiable work reasons, basic necessities, and health emergencies. The decree also cancels sporting events and public gatherings and closes schools, universities, and recreational facilities through April 3.

The US State Department has upped the travel alert to a Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and discourages any nonessential travel. We love Italy and eagerly await its reopening to tourists, but in the meantime, we advise postponing travel until the Italian government reverses its current lockdown. Ask your advisor about options for postponing your travels to later in the year or to 2021 – many hotels and tour companies are offering more flexible terms for postponing reservations.

5. I’m planning to visit a country with known cases of coronavirus – should I cancel my plans?

Despite the outbreak, our advisors are still helping travelers plan trips to every continent. We understand any hesitations you may have, and are ready to assist, regardless of the destination. When in doubt, check with the US Department of State to see their current travel advisories and decide what you feel comfortable with.

If you have travels already booked and are concerned about coronavirus, please talk with your advisor to see what your options are – there may be more than you think! Many cruise lines, hotels, and tour companies are modifying their cancellation policies to allow travelers more flexibility and the option to “wait and see” how the situation develops prior to Spring or Summer trips.

6. Will insurance cover cancellations due to coronavirus?

As of February 3rd, coronavirus COVID-19 has been declared an epidemic. Many travel protection plans exclude losses caused directly or indirectly by an epidemic. Please refer to your plan to learn whether this exclusion applies to you. It is important to note that fear of travel, travel advisories, and destination being inaccessible due to this illness are not covered risks under most insurance plans.

If you are in initial stages of trip planning and would like additional coverage, a Cancel for Any Reason upgrade may be available at time of initial trip deposit – ask your River Oaks Travel advisor for more information.

7. I have a trip booked already – what are my cancellation terms?

As the coronavirus COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, many travel providers are changing their cancellation policies. Most cruise lines are offering future cruise credits and allowing reservations to be cancelled very close to departure, so make sure to check with your advisor to see what your new options are – there may be more than you think! The airlines are also changing their policies, with some waiving change fees and instituting “book with confidence” policies – you can see the current updates on our blog here.

8. I’m planning on traveling – what precautions can I take?

  • Arrive to the airport early and make sure you have a longer connection time between flights – many are now instituting health screens or extended security checks to try to limit the spread.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Work with our travel agency – beyond just planning your trip, we are all your travel advocates. We’re here to assist before and during your trip. We can help navigate any concerns, assist with travel changes, and provide emergency contacts on-the-ground should the need arise.

Further reading:

  • World Health Organization Risk Assessment
  • CDC Recommendations for Italy
  • US Department of State Country Information
  • IATA’s Travel Restrictions By Country
  • Conde Nast “Coronavirus Travel: 10 Steps to Follow Before Rethinking Your Plans”
  • Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Map
  • Worldometer Coronavirus by the Numbers

Have more questions about travel and the coronavirus?

While we cannot guarantee answers to all of your questions, our team of advisors is here to assist with any questions you may have about upcoming travel. Contact us or make an appointment with one of our Houston travel agents.