If you are an expatriate, you might be worried about being apart from your family during this scary pandemic. COVID-19 is affecting almost every country around the world. From having to work from home to not being allowed outside your house, big changes are happening across the globe.
In particular, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting travel. As an expat, this is something that you should be aware of.
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Your Flight Might be Changed or Cancelled
If you have already had a flight booked before the coronavirus pandemic started the chances are that this will have been changed. The airline industry has been severely disrupted during COVID-19 and this can affect your air travel plans. For example, a lot of flights have been cancelled, particularly if they run several times a week. Since fewer people are traveling, the airlines are trying to save money. Some flights to countries have stopped altogether. Keep an eye on your booking to see what is happening before you go to the airport.
Non-Essential Travel Can be Stopped
Lockdowns are becoming the new normal. A lot of cities across the world are going into lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means that you have to work from home and not leave your house except for essential trips. A lot of the time, this means that any travel that is classed as non-essential will be stopped. For example, if you are an expat and you have a trip home planned, you may not be able to return home. This is something that you will need to check with both home and host countries.
If you are going to be staying somewhere that is not your home, it is best to look after your finances as nobody knows how long this pandemic will last. For example, you may want to seek QROPS advice if you are near retirement.
Your Temperature Can be Checked
Testing for the coronavirus is going to play a big part in halting the spread of the disease. Indeed, this means that a lot of places are testing the public before they can use services. For example, this can include airports and for public transport. If you have a high temperature, this might stop you from traveling if you are returning home. If you are allowed to go ahead with your travel plans, it can be mandatory to wear a face mask.
The Borders Might be Closed
Be aware that you might be forced to stay in the country you are currently living in. In addition, when you are traveling home the borders might be closed there too. Depending on your working arrangements, you might not be able to afford to get stuck somewhere. Always make sure that you look up and stay updated on what each country is saying during COVID-19. Every country is going to have its own rules and if they have a bad outbreak of the disease, they may decide to close their borders. This means nobody comes in and nobody goes out.
