Amelia Island resident Ken Timmerman sent us information on his travels abroad. Ken is no newbie to traveling abroad. He was a journalist during many wars and his first Middle East reporting trip took him to Beirut in July 1982. He’s lived in Egypt and Lebanon, worked with freedom fighters in Iran and Iraq, and has been held hostage by Muslim terrorists in a war zone. Yet his latest travel experience has him shocked. Read his thoughts here and prepare yourself if you plan to travel abroad anytime soon.

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As you know, Christina and I are currently traveling in Europe. Navigating the Covid restrictions has been a challenge. But in the end, the Europeans have decided to accept U.S. Vaccination certificates issued by the CDC in lieu of Covid tests.

This is important because it costs over $200 to get a PCR or antigen test in Europe.

Given the rational attitude (for once) of the EU, it is frankly shocking that the latest CDC guidelines require all Americans returning from European travel to present a negative PCR test, even if they have been vaccinated in the US.

Are they trying to tell us that they have no confidence in the vaccines they have been hyping for over a year as the “only solution” to the pandemic?

I find this outrageous. It’s also a punishment of U.S. Taxpayers who have shelled out all the money for vaccine development.

I have asked our Congressman, John Rutherford, to look into this, since this is a specific punishment of his constituents.

I am attaching below the latest guidance from the Department of State and from the CDC for reference.

All best wishes,

Ken

COVID-19 Travel Guidance for U.S. Citizens 

COVID-19 Travel
May 28, 2021 

COVID-19 Travel Guidance for U.S. Citizens
Negative COVID-19 test required for all air passengers coming to the United States

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information1.html#ExternalPopup>  requires all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recovery for all passengers two years of age and over prior to boarding. Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information1.html

June 17, 2021 update from CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

This one is more specific on the requirement for US citizens, including those who have been vaccinated, for a negative covid test for entry to their home country.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html