I am positive! Do I need to self-isolate or isolate?
If you test positive, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you isolate and delay travel for 10 days, regardless of symptoms or negative tests performed during isolation. The country where you are residing may have its own regulations on quarantine and isolation. Rules vary from country to country and the quarantine period can be longer than the 10 days recommended by the CDC. Across Europe, many countries follow the instructions from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control recommends that fully vaccinated people self-isolate after testing positive. If their symptoms improve and they feel better for at least 24 hours and they test negative for the virus twice in a 24-hour period, they can stop isolation. Or, if they test negative once every six days, they can stop the isolation. Unvaccinated people are advised to self-isolate for 10 days, but may remain in isolation if they meet the same requirements for a negative test.
Some other destinations, particularly in Asia, may require quarantine or mandatory isolation in a government facility or designated hotel for 14 days or more.
Do I need to tell government officials that I am active?
This will depend on the regulations in the country you visit, so be sure to check what they say on the local health department websites. In most places, travelers are not required to officially report a positive test result to the government, although if you are tested in person at a local health facility, the results are usually sent to regional or national health authorities.
Where can I stay if I have to quarantine?
Most countries, including popular European destinations such as Greece, Italy and France, allow travelers who have tested positive to choose their own accommodation during the period of self-isolation. is recommended. You can find this information on The website of the US embassy. If you’ve booked a hotel or Airbnb for your trip, it’s a good idea to call ahead and see what their policy is for quarantines and if they have room left if you need to extend your stay.
Some properties will require you to isolate yourself in a separate room, even if your family members or traveling companions test negative. You should also ask about access to food and medical facilities, especially if you are in a remote area.
It’s helpful to have a plan B in case your hotel or rental cannot meet your needs, or for a cheaper option if you have to self-isolate for 10 days. Many countries have designated “quarantine hotels” or apartments, and some resorts in popular tourist destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Mexico allow guests to quarantine at a discounted rate.
Feeling good, but still positive. What now?
While most people are likely to test negative within 10 days of a positive coronavirus test, for some it can take weeks or even months, according to health partnerships. Global Gavi, Vaccine Alliance. If you find yourself in that position and feel well enough to travel, you can return to the United States but will need to get “Recovery Document.”
