GayTravel.com's long-term partner HE Travel has learned so much about Safe Gay Travel that they decided to share some of their recent findings. They have successfully run safe tours in 2021 on four continents spanning these destinations: Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Germany, Czech Republic, Nambia, New Mexico, Colorado, and the Grand Canyon. Before the year is complete, they will be in Italy, Greece, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Jordan. With such a diverse range of countries, we were fascinated by what they had to say.
To read the full article, please click here. In the meantime, here are some of the important highlights:
Q: How has HE Travel done it with all the restrictions around the world?
A: We have an amazing set of partners in every country where we offer tours. We work closely together to meet the requirements of each destination and to offer safe tours for our gay and lesbian travelers and their friends.
Because each destination frequently changes its requirements, they do suggest you check the US State Department's website for up-to-date information. However, they did offer general advice stating that most countries want proof of one or more of the following:
Contact Tracing Registration
- Most countries have their own forms contact tracing registration forms so that you can be contacted in case of exposure to COVID.
- These forms show personal contact information, as well as seat numbers on flights and trains so you can be contacted in the event of exposure
- You can fill out some forms as soon as you book your flights and you must fill out some forms shortly before travel to verify you have no COVID symptoms
Testing Requirements
- Most countries require a negative COVID-19 test, usually within a window of 72 hours or 3 days for unvaccinated travelers - if they can even enter the country
- Some countries will waive the test if you've been vaccinated
- Most locations will accept the quick antigen test or the PCR / NAAT test which is more comprehensive
- Anyone traveling to the US must show a negative test result (again, the antigen or PCR test taken within 3 days of travel is accepted)
- Testing facilities are available in most cities around the world and some hotels such as these in Mexico and the Caribbean are providing complimentary, on-site testing
Proof of Vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel
- All countries have a list of acceptable vaccines
- Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen are accepted by all countries
- Oxford/AstraZeneca and vaccines developed in India and China are only accepted by some countries
Validity of Vaccination
- Some countries only consider a vaccine valid for 360 days from the last dose
- Those who received the first vaccines will soon need boosters to meet the 360-day window
Documentation requirements
- European countries use a standardized COVID-19 Digital Pass that can easily be shown on smartphones
- Most countries accept the CDC White Card since there is no digital standard for vaccinations given in the US
- TIP: bring a printed copy of your vaccination card with you and take a photo of your documentation if you have a smartphone and save it to your photo library for extra precaution
Pre-Flight Planning
Upload your passport, vaccination, test results, and other documentation when you log into your airline website or app before you fly to speed up the check-in process once you are at the airport.
Looking for your next Gay Travel adventure? We recommend you head south of the equator and join HE Travel's 2022 Ecuador Tour!
