Travel restrictions at YŪGEN destinations | Update

Sun, 10/04/2020 - 19:03 - 
Iris

The virus still rules the world. But what exactly are the rules today at YŪGEN’s destinations? And what has changed since our last update in July?

Portugal, Spain and the Azores

In our previous update, we already wrote that Portugal and the Azores would open up their borders. That happened. Portugal also remains one of the “safer” destinations to travel to. All regions we offer in this country are currently orange or green zones. Only the metropolitan area of ​​Lisbon is red. And most of Spain is a red, no go, zone too. As your safety is of utmost importance to us, we are currently not offering any travel itineraries which include northern Spain.

However, there are more than enough stunning and interesting places in Portugal which are well worth a visit, on condition you are willing to comply with current safety regulations of course because the health and safety of the local population is also a priority to us. Earlier this year YŪGEN added two marvellous, authentic and vast areas to its destination options:

Autumn until spring are the right time of year for these regions if you like to hike or make a tour. In summer it can get really too hot to do anything, especially in the Alentejo region.

Dreaming of an original fall break? Contact us so we can design your personal getaway.

Do not forget to check the travel restrictions of both your government as well as the restrictions for your nationality imposed by the Portuguese government. You can consult the website of Visit Portugal as well in order to consult all implemented measures.

Belgians are currently allowed to travel to Portugal. They can find the most recent travel advice on the page of the Belgian government:

https://diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reis...

A faja on Sao Jorge island, the Azores

Regarding the Azores, there have been no changes since July: they still request on arrival the results of a corona test taken up to 72 hours before arrival, and a new test on day 6 following the date of the first test. This means that you need also to undergo a test while on holiday, and stay in quarantine at least until you get the result, or until you test negative. For that reason, trips to the Azores are currently less advisable than trips to mainland Portugal.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is open !

Costa Rica has been receiving international travelers from Europe, UK, Canada and certain states in America since August. Please always double check the restrictions for your nationality and specific State in case you are American. For Belgians the biggest, most recent change is that travel outside Europe is no longer prohibited by our Belgian government. The conditions imposed by the Costa Rican governement, to be admitted into the country are:

  1. Being able to present the results of a COVID19 PCR test, taken within 72 hours before arrival.
  2. Completing a digital questionnaire
  3. Be in the possession of a mandatory insurance which meets the following conditions:
  • Effectiveness of the policy during your visit to Costa Rica
  • Guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least USD 50 000 (fifty thousand United States Dollars).
  • Includes minimum coverage of USD 2000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic.

Because insurance companies tend to rule out the pandemic, Costa Rica offers an insurance that meets these requirements, which can be taken out if you don't find suitable insurance in your home country. The amount of the fee depends on your age and the number of days you will be vacationing in Costa Rica, as well as on the guarantees and the amounts of the guarantees. To give you an idea of ​​the price: for a trip of 15 days you will pay around 150 USD. The insurance can only be taken out by persons up to and including 69 years of age. If you already have a travel insurance, we strongly advise to inquire with your own insurer about guarantees and exclusions concerning covid19 and epidemics. Currently you will be denied access at the border if you do not comply with all the terms. We hope that these measures will no longer be required once the virus is controlled and / or there is a vaccine.

The purpose of this article is to communicate the current situation and travel restrictions imposed by the governments of our destinations. We like to emphasis that Costa Rica is accessible subject to conditions, and the country offers a solution to align with their entry conditions, if you do not find a suitable insurance in your own country. If you have booked with us, let us know in case you would like us to arrange a Costa Rican travel insurance for you.

Airlines which are currently already operating flights to Costa Rica are Iberia, Lufthansa, American, Copa and United. KLM and Air France plan to resume operations in October. And in November Air Canada, Avianca, British Airways and Edelweiss would like to resume their flights to Costa Rica. Panama Airport will re-open October 12th as well.

If you are planning on traveling to Costa Rica, please have a look at this video, explaining the protocols at Costa Rica airport:

Traveling does not necessarily have to be an increased risk. Our destinations, which depend largely on income out of tourism, are doing all they can for you to be able to visit them, in the safest way possible. However, we are also in control of our own safety and that of the people we meet: keep your distance, disinfect your hands, … wherever you go, wherever you are.  While on staycation or abroad, these standard measures which you can take yourself stay the same. In the end, it is not so much a question of traveling or not traveling, but about how we do it safely, where we can travel to and which safety protocols are in place at your destination.

Take care of each other, share your smile ( even behind the mask we can see those eyes twinkle) and stay safe!

Iris

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