Due to the pandemic, there was a 49% decline in total travel spending from 2019 to 2020. Domestic travel fell 34%, but international travel spending fell 76% and business travel spending fell 70%. Another surge of COVID-19 cases in the later months of 2020 stalled the little progress the travel industry was making since April. 18 states were impacted by a greater than 40% decline in travel spending, with Hawaii suffering the most out of any state.

Since December 2019, over 2 million people have died around the world from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and 100 million more have been infected by the disease. The virus has had a global impact, grounding planes all over the world and leaving cruise ships stranded in spring 2020. Not only is a mutant strain continuing to spread in the UK, but the United States also continues to see a rise in cases. Thus U.S. President Joe Biden has implemented travel restrictions in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. These restrictions have had a further effect on whether or not individuals from other countries can enter the U.S.

Travelers Entering Certain States

In an era before, thousands of people packed their bags for spring break, but recently travel has been restricted again due to the rise in cases. Here is some information about travel restrictions:

• Alaska: all non-residents entering from another state or country must either submit a Travel Declaration and Self-Isolation Plan through the Portal and either arrive with proof of a qualifying negative COVID-19 test or follow the work plan that their employer filed with the State of Alaska or purchase a COVID-19 test for $250 when they arrive in Alaska. They must also self-quarantine until results arrive.
• While there are no statewide restrictions in California, San Francisco and Santa Clara County have both issued mandatory 10-day quarantines for all travelers. 
• While there is no state mandate in Colorado to quarantine for 14 days, due to the spikes in cases at ski resorts there are some restrictions placed in areas around Aspen. As of December 14, travelers planning on spending one or more nights in the area must complete a Pitkin County Traveler Affidavit, and children ages 10 or over are required to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arriving. Visitors must quarantine while they await results. 

According to the immigration lawyers at http://immigrateme.com, it’s important to check before any traveling so that you don’t miss the latest changes and updates made by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Taking Precautions

Traveling, especially internationally, increases your chances of getting and spreading the coronavirus. Due to variations in this strain, there are a few places in the world where travelers are being told to avoid, such as the United Kingdom.

After returning from any trip the Center for Disease Control advises travelers to:

• Get tested 3 to 5 days after returning
• Quarantine at home for 10 days after traveling
• Avoid being around other people who are at greater risk of severe illness for 14 days, regardless if you have been tested or not.
• Follow all laws and regulations for the local jurisdiction where you are traveling to.