COVID Travel Requirements for Scuba Diving Vacations
Despite being more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, cases continue to surge in some parts of the globe and remain a constant threat in others. As such, many countries have put travel restrictions into place to ensure the virus doesn’t continue to run rampant across the globe.
For the aspiring scuba diver, however, navigating these restrictions can prove a hassle. So how do you sort through everything to learn what you need?
Well, we’re glad you asked. We’re here to tell you all about the COVID travel requirements for scuba diving vacations! So let’s not wait any longer and dive on in (pun intended)!
The Basic Local COVID Requirements
Almost every country will require you to take a COVID test and prove you got a negative result. You can do this by searching for COVID-19 tests near you and picking one from an accredited laboratory or testing center. Make sure to check the exact regulations of the country you want to had to, as each one will have a different amount of days before your trip that you’ll need to take the test.
If you miss out on that window of time, some countries offer the option of mandatory quarantine for a set number of days before you can enter the country. This does mean you’ll get stuck in some small facility for multiple days in another country waiting around, though, so try to get the test if you can.
You’ll also want to print out a health screening form and fill it out, which you can find on the official website of most countries. You’ll either submit the form online or print out a copy to take to the airport with you (though it doesn’t hurt to bring a backup physical copy if you do the digital method). Like the COVID-19 test, there will be a certain number of days before your trip that you’ll need to have completed the form by.
Bonus Safeguards
Of course, some countries take stricter measures when it comes to COVID-19. For example, the island of Antigua requires that visitors at least have one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine before they can enter. Other countries will require full vaccination status, demonstrated through the vaccine card you got after your shots.
What If You Previously Had COVID-19?
It’s important to note that these restrictions do not ease if you had COVID-19 in the past and believe your body is now protected against the disease (since you’ve produced antibodies that know how to combat COVID-19). You can still transmit the disease, and variants of the COVID-19 strain you had will still evade the antibodies.
You should also see a doctor before scuba diving if you had COVID-19. COVID-19 can cause long-term breathing problems and lung damage in some patients, making scuba diving a riskier activity. It also doesn’t hurt to brush up on some of the common risks associated with scuba diving.
Take the Plunge on Your Scuba Diving Vacations
Now that you know all the COVID-19 travel requirements you have to meet on your scuba diving vacations, you can get out there and explore the deep blue ocean without worry! To find out some cool destinations to go diving at or refresh your diving skills, make sure to give us a shout and let us know how we can help!
