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Canada is just across the border from the USA, but news emerged that the country currently looks at tightening travel restrictions. Actually, not just against people for far-flung counties, either. Reports emerged this week, that the country considers heavy restrictions for folks from the USA. Actually, that includes their own returning residents. This week, the news emerged just as the UK lifted their bans on Africa which related to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, The USA seems to dither about lifting the same ban.
Canada In Talks About Tighter Travel Restrictions
Domestic travel seems like a more reliable vacation option for folks in the USA right now. Unfortunately, the coronavirus brought so many different travel bans in the last 18 months. So, it becomes difficult even planning a trip outside the country. Actually, there are plenty of local flights of short duration that people can opt for Stateside. Consider that a flight from Tulsa to Denver takes less than an hour and a half. We reported that Southwest Airlines offers quick and efficient service for their flight. Additionally, it comes with complimentary drinks and snacks. Still, it makes sense to be aware of the fact that sometimes flights between the states, might get canceled.
Shortly, if you hope to visit Canada in the near future, you might run into trouble as they discuss tight restrictions. Actually, even if you hankered for a visit to Wales in search of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table legends, then you would probably have failed in your mission recently. With the emergence of the Omicron variant in Africa, the UK quickly brought in heavy bans and restrictions. Notably, that mainly affected travelers from Africa. Now, the USA talks of bans to Italy. Additionally, if you booked a sunny summer safari in Africa, you can’t go there easily as before. Countries like Zimbabwe quickly reacted to the news that the USA slapped a travel ban on African flights by introducing mandatory quarantines.
Canada And Fears Of Omicron
US News reported that Reuters broke the news that our northern neighbors seriously consider banning all non-essential foreign travelers into the country. Plus, that includes those traveling from the USA. CBC noted that no decision was reached yet but it’s wise to anticipate something: especially as the county considers quarantine and more testing for their own people returning home. Like the USA, the country was quick to slap a ban on 10 African countries. The UK swiftly followed suit.
While it seems very unlikely that Canada lifts the African ban any time soon, the UK did just that. Forbes reported that the decision came after news emerged about the Omicron variant. Apparently, it was present in Europe even before South African scientists announced it there. Actually, in the same article, the fact that the USA dithers about lifting the ban was mentioned. The outlet cited an opinion piece in the New York Times this weekend that felt the ban was immoral. Africans rage about the flight bans as being racially motivated. In fact, the term “travel apartheid” was coined.
Canada And The USA Knee-Jerking About Omicron?
While travel bans become commonplace these days, CNN reported that their analyst, Dr. Jonathan Reiner spoke against them at the end of November. At the time, he argued that bans only provide “an illusion of protection.” Actually, he likened the bans to “locking a screen door.” he added, “You feel like you’ve done something to protect yourself, but you really haven’t.” In fact, he feels bans might discourage various countries from investigating further variants.
Canada and USA might be knee-jerking, especially as it seems like the Omicron variant is pretty much all over the globe already. Potentially, reports emerge, that it’s quite a lot milder than previous variants like Delta. Mind you, some reports out of Africa reveal that children seem more affected by it than adults. At the moment, the USA might soon consider lifting the ban on African flights. However, right now, the Biden administration seems to adopt a wait-and-see attitude.
Stay At Home or Travel The World?
Canada might tighten restrictions, the USA decision-makers can’t seem to make up their mind, and the UK lifts bans. However, it’s an uncertain time across the world. As people grow tired of being confined and as covid fatigue sets in, there’s a temptation to cast caution to the wind. However, the virus still remains relatively unpredictable. Other folks just wish that everyone would stay home. Concerns come during the holiday season, as more people seem likely to travel to a vacation destination. What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments below.
Remember to check back with us often for more news about travel restrictions across the globe. Come back often for updates about interesting destinations and travel experiences.
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