Globe Aware news

Southwest Airlines seems to have found an easier way for passengers to get a Covid-19 test for travel: Mailing a kit to your home. The test is approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for travel purposes and a convenient new option for any Globe Aware volunteers traveling with Southwest.

Southwest Airlines flyers can now get a COVID-19 test in the mail before travel

Victoria M. Walker
Jan 12, 2022
The Points Guy

If you’ve traveled abroad in the last year, you’re likely familiar with the testing mandate that all travelers need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one day before flying back to the U.S.

Unfortunately, it’s been tough to get a COVID-19 test abroad in some countries right now, due in part to both the omicron surge as well as the shorter testing window to renter the U.S.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Globe Aware volunteers who recently recovered from Covid-19 can fly back to the U.S. with proof that they’ve recovered instead of a negative test. This proof can include a positive COVID-19 viral test result and a signed letter from a licensed healthcare professional stating that you’re cleared to travel back to the U.S.

How soon can you travel after testing positive for COVID-19?

By Victoria M. Walker
January 13, 2022
The Points Guy

A positive COVID-19 test during a trip can throw all your travel plans into limbo. But even a positive test in the weeks before you travel can be cause for concern.

If you’re wondering when you’ll be cleared to travel again after testing positive for COVID-19, it’s an important question: Here’s everything you need to know.

South Africa, where the Omicron variant was detected last month, says its latest coronavirus wave has peaked without a surge in deaths or hospitalizations, enabling the country to lift a nightly curfew for the first time in 21 months. Globe Aware is maintaining contact with our South Africa coordinators to assess when volunteers can return.

South Africa Lifts Night-Time Covid Curfew As Omicron Wave Abates

Calls for the midnight to 4 am curfew to be lifted had been mounting among operators in the hospitality sector ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations with owners launching an online petition addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Agence France-Presse
December 31, 2021

Johannesburg: South Africa, where the Omicron variant was detected last month, says its latest coronavirus wave has peaked without a surge in deaths or hospitalizations, enabling the country to lift a nightly curfew for the first time in 21 months.
The Omicron variant emerged in November to become the pandemic’s dominant variant, driving new cases at a record rate around the world.

It would be impossible to discuss any developments in 2022 without referring to Covid-19 variants. Here we break down some of the most notable changes coming up for our Globe Aware volunteers in regards to airlines, airports, and the rest of aviation in the next 12 months.

How flying will change in 2022

By John Walton
CNN
January 6, 2022

(CNN) — During almost any other year, a look ahead to what the future holds for aviation would almost certainly be centered on exciting things like new airplanes, airlines and airports.

But it would be impossible to discuss any developments in the industry for 2022 without making reference to Covid-19 variants, restrictions and challenges to airlines.

Globe Aware is looking forward to brighter days in the spring and summer of 2022. Here’s a glance at some of the travel trends to expect this year to help you plan your volunteer vacation accordingly.

The travel trends to watch in 2022

BY RACHEL KING
December 27, 2021
FORTUNE

Winter travel, at the moment, is taking a bit of a hit amid the latest surge in positive COVID-19 cases due to the arrival of the new Omicron variant in the United States and Europe. That has a lot of people rethinking their upcoming travel plans, both for business and pleasure, which is especially disheartening for many after last year’s dismal holiday season.

But many travelers and travel industry professionals are looking forward to brighter days in the spring and summer of 2022. Here’s a glance at some of the travel trends to expect next year to help you plan accordingly.

Peru and South Africa are mentioned, and Globe Aware agrees both places deserve to be near the top of anyone’s travel list. We hope to see volunteers make a strong comeback to both locations in 2022!

Where to travel 2022: The best destinations to go

By Lilit Marcus, Forrest Brown, Julia Buckley, Karla Cripps, Tamara Hardingham-Gill, Marnie Hunter, Barry Neild, Maureen O’Hare and Francesca Street
CNN
December 31, 2021

(CNN) — Travel is more challenging now than it has been in a long time. Borders tentatively reopen only to slam shut again. A once-simple visa on entry is replaced with piles of paperwork. And the whole world is brushing up on the Greek alphabet whenever a new variant makes headlines.

Globe Aware volunteers planning to get their passports should know that the US passport book will shoot up by $20. The US State Department announced that “the increased fee is necessary to ensure we continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world.”

Fees for US passports are about to pop way up

Forrest Brown
CNN
December 22, 2021

(CNN) — It seems few things are escaping the scourge of inflation these days — and that will soon include US passports.

On December 27, the fee for a US passport book will shoot up by $20 for all customers, the US State Department has announced.

Why the price hike?

In a tweet, the State Department said, “The increased fee is necessary to ensure we continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world.”

The Biden administration is planning on lifting restrictions on eight southern African countries on December 31 at 12:01 a.m. ET. Globe Aware volunteers should know that these eight countries (which include South Africa, Malawi & Zimbabwe) will be subject to the same coronavirus travel protocols the US has imposed on other countries.

Biden to lift travel restrictions on southern African countries that were put in place due to Omicron

By Jeremy Diamond
CNN
December 24, 2021

Washington (CNN)The Biden administration is lifting restrictions on eight southern African countries that were put in place last month after the Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa, two administration officials told CNN.

The restrictions will lift on December 31 at 12:01 a.m. ET, the officials said. News of the lifted restrictions was first reported by Reuters.

Cambodia’s Siem Reap International Airport has finally welcomed its first international passenger flight for the first time in 20 months. Siem Reap should get more visitors after the reopening of international flights, and come out as Cambodia’s top leisure and cultural destination for Globe Aware volunteers.

Cambodia welcomes its first international flight for the first time in 20 months

TIMESOFINDIA.COM

Cambodia’s Siem Reap International Airport has finally welcomed its first international passenger flight for the first time in 20 months. The inaugural flight flew in from Singapore, and landed in Siem Reap airport at 9:45 am on Friday. Siem Reap is one of the three international airports operating in Cambodia.

Different countries and territories have taken different approaches toward preventing the spread of the new Omicron variant. Here are the most up-to-date information for Globe Aware volunteers, but please be aware that governments can change their regulations on a moment’s notice.

Travel restrictions by country following the Omicron variant outbreak

Lilit Marcus and Barry Neild

CNN

December 4, 2021

(CNN) — Just as many countries around the world were beginning to loosen their border restrictions, reports of a newly detected coronavirus variant in South Africa sent many of those doors slamming shut again.

The new B.1.1.529 variant was named Omicron by the World Health Organization on November 26.

Different countries and territories have taken different approaches toward preventing the spread of this new variant.

The most up-to-date information is below, but please be aware that governments can change their regulations on a moment’s notice. Check back for further updates.