Yes, it can be done! There’s a bit of hoops you’d have to go through depending on where you travel to, or none, but you can travel outside the United States, folks!
We just finished prepping for our trip to the French Polynesia. So it seemed fitting to let you guys know what we had to go through in case you’re wondering. Note: other countries might have different requirements.
Our airline Air Tahiti was nice enough to inform us of their requirements to fly and to get through the border of the French Polynesia. Their requirements were pretty specific when it came to SoCal. Like “if you are flying from Southern California, click here.”
I mean, I don’t blame them. We’ve been pretty high up in the infection rates 😅
Get Tested
For our trip to the French Polynesia, they wanted a specific COVID-19 test and they didn’t take most tests that are free or covered by your insurance. They had a list of approved laboratories and a list of non-approved online. The free ones like Quest diagnostic with CVS is part of the NON-approved list.
Note our requirements to fly to Tahiti:
- Prior to boarding, proof of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test
The COVID-19 test that they required had to be taken within 3 days from the departure date from specific locations. The stress of going through the approved list was a lot. It was easier to just pay 🙈
Our flight was on Tuesday. We had to basically pay $100 extra to make sure it will be ready by Tuesday because we went to Borrego Springs Saturday. I mean, it would seriously suck if you couldn’t go because they wouldn’t take your test… anyway, the test ended up being $225 with insurance included. We will try to open a claim with our insurance but who knows. - Prior to boarding, present the completed receipt of the health registration on the Etis.pf platform (Electronic Travel Information System)
- During the stay, self-test in 4 days after arrival. They will provide us the self-testing kit. We will be mailing it from our hotel.
Do Your Research Before Booking
If you haven’t picked a place to go to and are wondering where you can go during COVID, here’s a list of countries and their policy on COVID-19: (click here).
Google the country’s requirements for travel from America or wherever you’re from.
Does the country require you to get tested beforehand?
How many days in advance can you take your COVID-19 test?
Will they require you to quarantine upon arrival?
You can also get more information from the airline website if you’re picking an airline specific to that country. Example: Air Tahiti to fly to Tahiti 🤪
And if you’re still frustrated and not knowing where to go, easy answer is Mexico 😂 they don’t have much restrictions at all. You don’t need to get a test prior to departure either.
Get Travel Insurance
Important: Get travel insurance! This was the first time we got travel insurance (not through Chase). We purchased the Platinum Plan from AXA. Make sure to add on the Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option in case any of your travel plans don’t fall through.
Of course you should use your own judgement on how you feel and if you feel comfortable traveling. If you feel sick at all, then you should postpone your trip until a later time.
Always follow public health guidelines (wearing a mask and keeping at least 6 feet distance when possible).
Safe travels!