[OKDXA] Going on DXpedition ? Not so fast...

[Jeff Martin]

Good Afternoon OKDXA...  

I'm itching to go someplace and work some pile-ups! I recently got my 2nd
Covid vaccine shot. Covid numbers are going down, slightly... So, where can
I go? Well, hang on... not so fast... 

  Here's a link to a web page on CNN listing some countries that are
allowing visitors:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/us-international-travel-covid-19/index.ht
ml .

  The State Department also has a website with links to specific country
requirements:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country
-Specific-Information.html . 

  Most countries view travelers from the United States as high-risk. Many
countries do not allow US citizens entry at all. For those that do, nearly
all require a negative Covid test within the last 72 hours before your
flight. Many require negative Covid tests after arrival, some 7 days later,
some 14 or more days later. Most countries require a quarantine upon arrival
from 7 to 21 days. Only a few countries make any allowance for whether you
have been vaccinated or not, the fact that you have been vaccinated does not
matter for most countries. Only seven countries have announced they are
re-opening to tourists who have received both doses of a Covid vaccination.
See the following:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/countries-open-to-vaccinated-travelers/in
dex.html .

  Some countries require proof of international medical insurance, some
require a monetary deposit in the thousands of dollars. 

  Oh yeah, don't forget... All air passengers age 2 and older must show
proof of a negative Covid-19 test within the last 72 hours to re-enter the
United States, including US Citizens returning from trips to other
countries. 

  Going on a DXpedition involves a lot of planning in normal times, with
flight reservations, arranging for ham-friendly accommodations, excess
baggage issues, rental car arrangements, arranging for licensing, planning
and packing all your equipment and antennas, etc., etc. Now it is even more
complicated with all the travel and medical restrictions in place due to the
pandemic. 

  It's no wonder we are seeing so few Dxpeditions announced on the DX news
websites, and so many have been cancelled or postponed.

  So, bottom line, I don't know when I will be going... Guess it depends on
how bad I want it... hi... DX Is! 

73,
Jeff - K5WE

Also KH6/K5WE, V31WE, PJ4/K5WE, KP2/K5WE, FJ/K5WE, PJ5/K5WE, PJ5W, PJ7/K5WE,
XR0YS, ZF2WE, VP2VEM