Well, this is the question that most people ask. Even when the pandemic ends, people won’t feel comfortable to travel outside of their town. Indeed, the Coronavirus crisis will also influence people’s way of thinking. Well, we said in the beginning that some rules will remain. For instance, you will need to prove that you are not infected and the country you visit needs to prove it is safe for tourists.
Countries in the Arab region were one of those where tourism suffered the most. Do we even have to mention how many people visit Dubai each year? Most people go there between January and April because of the decent climate. However, the Coronavirus crisis messed up the plans of tourists and many entrepreneurs as well.
Governments of these countries had to apply certain restrictions. For instance, Saudi Arabia suspended the VISA-s of tourists that live in coronavirus-hit countries since the end of February. This happened only months after this kingdom opened its borders with the new VISA-s.
Everyone in the world is expecting the end of lockdowns. Many experts predict people will have the chance to travel normally in the second half of June. Arab countries might be a good choice because of different reasons. There are many attractive beaches, historical monuments, etc. However, tourists will have to wait for a bit more to get the chance to visit these countries
Who would have thought that in a blink of an eye, the national and global communities would face a crisis worse or perhaps more severe than the 1918 flu pandemic? This sinister virus not only caused people to panic and fear of the unknown but also affected their economies and livelihoods to a total catastrophe. Countries worldwide are forced to deal with a pandemic, forcing local and international health organizations to figure out strategies to contain or limit the spread of the virus.
It is obvious that the virus has significantly affected all the industries around the world. However, one of the most affected is those who are in the tourism industry. This is because tourism is highly dependent on travel which was halted in recent months due to nations implementing lockdown measures on their borders. This now leads to many people asking what will happen to the industry after the devastation of Covid-19?
Table of Contents
The Future of Tourism
Countries with little to know cases of Covid-19 will still surely impose travel restrictions from those who is traveling from countries with high cases? This is more likely going to happen despite the slow transition to normal business operations.
Due to this, the government may encourage its citizens to embrace local tourism for now. This type of move can somehow help mitigate potential further loss in the industry. However, this type of strategy may not be effective for nations who are highly dependent on foreign tourism to fuel their economy.
Oddly enough, countries that got the worst blow from the recent events are the highly popular tourist destinations. Therefore, some people propose that those who want to travel to a foreign country must present a certificate of immunity before entering the borders. Doing this will be possible as soon as there will be enough evidence to establish that those who have been infected in the past have significantly lower chances of getting the infection again.
Conversely, the host countries should also prove that their country is safe for incoming tourists as well. This is more than just having a low number of reported infections, but it also means having a credible and reliable system that could assist tourists in case they get sick or contract the disease. Provisions may be offered, such as private treatment, if this happens.
Destination countries should also take efforts to make their nationwide transportation safer. This either means nations must undergo bilateral arrangements with other countries or to improve the visa application procedures through online applications.
Traveling in This Pandemic
The loosening of travel restrictions is already starting in some countries. This is not because the coronavirus has already stopped but because the country needs it to protect what is left of the economy. For example, in the U.S., the limits are now more relaxed. However, if you are still uncertain when you will be visiting The U.S., you can use the Coronavirus Live Map in the U.S. to keep track of the situation.
However, you must still apply for an ESTA VISA on usaestaonline.com to be allowed to travel to the country for transit, tourism, or business visits not more than 90 days even despite the urgent need for more tourists.
How to Start your Visa Waiver Application?
As aforementioned, when you intend to visit the country for whatever purpose you have, you must apply for an ESTA US beforehand.
You must first get an ESTA to transit or travel to the U.S if you are from a Waiver Visa Program nation. The visa waiver system is run by the Department for Homeland Security of the United States government. They will be in-charge and check your ESTA applications submitted electronically online.
If you need more than one ESTA’s for your partner, family, or friends, you can do so in one application using this service. After completing all the necessary information required, you can click on the option to add other accompanying travelers.
How to apply?
Failure to show an ESTA upon arrival or crossing, the border of the U.S. can lead to denial of entry and a hefty fine. Applying for an ESTA is just natural. Just follow the steps below.
- Fill in all the necessary information of each traveler.
- Make sure that all dates of each traveler are correct and accurate.
- Pay the required fees through debit/credit card or bank transfer.
- Receive your ESTA approval through your email.
Although the COVID-19 Pandemic has taken its toll on the local and global economies and even in the tourism industry, people should not lose hope. Once this is done, recovering from the detrimental effects of the Pandemic may slowly and gradually take place. But, if people will continue to support the strategies implemented by the government and other international bodies, success will be within reach.