The newly imposed U.S. entry restrictions have discouraged Americans from traveling to Mexico and the Caribbean, two of their favorite getaway spots.
These restrictions, though, might become an interesting opportunity for states such Florida to turn into an even bigger hot winter destination for local travelers.
On Thursday, January 21, President Joe Biden signed an executive order requiring all international travelers to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the U.S. All incomers must also present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before departure.
The order came into effect today, January 26, at midnight (5:00 a.m. GMT) and should last throughout the end of March.
Americans vacationing in Mexico and the Caribbean will be affected the most, as there are still a lot of questions regarding the new restrictions.
The American Society of Travel Advisors had asked the CDC (American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to delay the implementation of the new restrictions to enable safe return home to holidaymakers. However, the CDC declined it, said the spokeswoman of the Society.
Bill Coyle, owner of Encompass the World Travel agency, with his colleagues has reported numerous calls from travelers asking whether or not they should cancel this year’s winter holiday plans.
Many hotel resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean offered to provide free testing for customers on-site. Some of them will also allow guests to quarantine at the premises for free if they test positive for Coronavirus.
Mexico has become a favorite holiday destination over the pandemic due to easy entry requirements.
Quintana Roo, the Mexican State of popular travel destinations such as Cancun or Tulum, has welcomed more U.S. visitors over the recent holiday season than a year ago.
Andrew Nocella, a chief commercial officer for United Airlines, mentioned that the company had seen an increase in cancellations and fewer new bookings of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Therefore, various travel advisors fear that the new travel restrictions might not have the same effect government officials had wished for. They will possibly not decrease the spread of the Coronavirus in the U.S.
Although Florida recommends essential travel only, local hotels, bars, restaurants, and beaches remain open for business.
Florida Department of Health advises wearing a face covering if social distancing is not possible, both inside and outside. Residents and visitors should also avoid crowds and refrain from gatherings over ten people.
Experts believe that CDC will further extend the policy until vaccines are more widely administered. A vaccine passport might take over the proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.