HandyVisas logo
  • Handyvisas.com >
  • COVID-19: Useful Information, Travel Restrictions, and FAQS

COVID-19: Useful Information, Travel Restrictions, and FAQS

Stay up to date with coronavirus travel news. Find useful information about COVID-19 and check current travel restrictions around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected international travel. Most countries have, at some point, implemented extra entry restrictons for overseas arrivals. These have been in addition to general preventative measures within their borders.

If you’re planning to travel to another country, it’s important to be fully informed on the COVID-19 situation in your destination, including any current restrictions.

Below is a complete guide to coronavirus that covers essential information, current travel restrictions, and FAQs.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a coronavirus—a type of respiratory virus common in both humans and many species of animals.

The first cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Wuhan, China, before it began to spread to countries around the world. The situation was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11th, 2020.

It has been established that most people infected with COVID-19 will overcome it without any serious symptoms.

However, certain at-risk groups such as the eledery and those with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to the disease, and should be wary of exposure.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Coronavirus symptoms tend to develop between 2-14 days after infection, but in some cases the symptoms may be mild or non-existent.

Some noticeable COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cough or sore throat
  • Fatigue and muscle or body aches
  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties

However, as some of these are similar to the common signs of the seasonal flu, displaying symptoms of coronavirus does not mean that you have COVID-19.

If you experience any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19, you should seek medical care:

  • Bluish lips or face
  • Persistent chest pain
  • Severe breathing difficulties
  • Difficulty staying awake or waking up

How is COVID-19 Spread?

The spread of coronavirus occurs through airborne respiratory droplets. These can be transmitted from person to person by being in close contact with an infected person, mainly through coughing or sneezing.

Covid-19 also spreads through sexual intercourse, by contact with another person’s saliva.

Coronavirus transmission is also possible through contaminated surfaces, as COVID-19 can live on a surface for some time after an infected person has touched it. If you then touch your face or mouth after exposure without washing your hands, you could catch the virus.

How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

Coronavirus prevention methods to limit the spread of COVID-19 include:

  • Frequently cleaning hands with either soap and water or sanitizing gel that contains at least 60% alcohol, for at least 20 seconds
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects on a daily basis

To prevent COVID-19 infection when interacting with others, health authorities also recommend:

  • Limiting interactions with those who are sick
  • Covering any coughs and sneezes

Coronavirus Map

Find out about the different coronavirus travel restrictions around the world using the map below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Covid-19 FAQS

  • How can I avoid coronavirus?

    The best way to avoid the spread of coronavirus is to wear a mask in public settings, frequently wash hands, and maintain a safe distance from others.  

  • How long should I quarantine if I test positive for COVID-19?

    Recommendations vary, but typically 10-14 days. Always consult local guidelines or a health professional.

  • What does COVID-19 stand for?

    COVID stands for ‘corona’, ‘virus,’ and ‘disease’. As it was first reported in 2019, it was previously referred to as the “2019 novel coronavirus”.

  • Where did coronavirus come from?

    Some of the earliest cases of COVID-19 can be traced to December 2019 and were linked to a wholesale food market in Wuhan, China.

  • What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

    Some of the COVID-19 symptoms include a cough or sore throat, fever, or breathing difficulties in the most severe cases.

  • How is COVID-19 transmitted?

    The main cause of COVID-19 transmission is through respiratory drops which can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes in front of others in close contact.

  • Can I travel during coronavirus?

    Travel is allowed to many countries, although some still have imposed restrictions on who can enter.

    Authorities advise caution when traveling abroad and passengers should comply with sanitary practices like wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and regularly washing or disinfecting hands.

    Individuals with underlying health conditions that put them at risk are advised against unnecessary travel.

  • What are the COVID-19 travel bans and restrictions?

    Each country around the world has set its own travel bans and restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus. Travelers are advised to check the visa policy of their destination to learn about local restrictions.

Contact Us

If you have any doubts about the information provided above, or have other queries, feel free to contact us by clicking below.

Contact us

Latest COVID-19 News

  • EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) On Track for Summer
    EU Digital COVID Certificate

    The EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) is now being issued by several European countries a month ahead of schedule. The electronic platform is set for an official launch on July 1, 2021. However, the EU Gateway — the technical system that verifies the certificates — is ready and went live on June 1. Already 9 EU

    Read full article
  • EU to Launch Digital Green Certificate for Travel
    digital green certificate

    The European Union (EU) has announced that it plans to introduce a document referred to as a “Green Certificate” to allow safe travel between member states during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Green Certificate will show information about any coronavirus vaccinations or tests the individual has received. Travelers can then use the certificate as proof

    Read full article
  • What You Need to Know about the IATA Travel Pass App
    iata travel pass app

    The International Air Transport Association has developed a new mobile application, the IATA Travel Pass app, in order to provide governments across the globe with accurate data about the COVID-19 health status of arriving passengers and allow for coronavirus travel requirements to be more easily met. This complete guide to the IATA Travel Pass mobile application

    Read full article
  • Greece and Israel Sign Common Vaccination Passport Deal
    vaccine-passport

    Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reached an agreement with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to implement a “green passport” to facilitate travel between Greece and Israel for those who have been vaccinated. The Greece/Israel “green passport” deal was signed on February 8th during a visit by Mitsotakis to Jerusalem, with Netanyahu confirming that those with

    Read full article
  • EU Plans European Vaccination Certificate to Facilitate Travel
    covid-19 vaccine

    The European Union has announced its intention to create a shared vaccination passport to facilitate travel between member states without the need for travelers to undergo COVID-19 PCR tests or quarantine upon arrival in a destination. Additionally, its use could eventually be expanded to guarantee entry to large gatherings such as musical concerts and sporting

    Read full article
  • CommonPass Health App to Facilitate Travel in 2021
    CommonPass Health App

    The CommonPass digital health app will facilitate travel in 2021 by allowing users to easily upload and present COVID-19 vaccine records to authorities.

    Read full article
  • Holiday Travel Restrictions for Christmas 2020
    christmas lights 2020 covid

    As Christmas fast approaches, many countries around the world continue to limit travel both within their territory and across their borders as they endure the second wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. People planning to return home for the holidays should be aware of the travel restrictions for Christmas and New Year and plan their

    Read full article
  • Countries That Require a COVID-19 Test Certificate
    Coronavirus medical check requirements by Countries

    As international travel begins to resume once again following coronavirus pandemic restrictions, many countries around the world continue to seek to contain the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining safety protocols for arriving foreign nationals. A number of destinations worldwide now require travelers to either have a negative COVID-19 test certificate or undergo a health care

    Read full article

Visa Requirements Checker

Select nationality
▾
Select destination
▾