Many Americans are begrudgingly getting used to the fact that they must submit a negative COVID-19 test in order to travel to most overseas destinations.
It’s just the way it is in this new and insane “normal.”
But the latest travel trend is taking it even further by demanding travelers take not just one COVID test, but THREE – and still give the government access to track their every move.
I know… it’s like we’re in some creepy sci-fi movie about a rogue government enslaving its people.
But that’s exactly what’ll happen should you decide to vacation at the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Known for sandy beaches and warm waters, BVI is a favorite hotspot for sailors and the elite with nearly 45-percent of the island’s economy coming from tourists.
After all, who doesn’t love a Caribbean vacation!?
However due to COVID-19, they had shut down everything and refused to let tourists in – until now.
But don’t book your ticket just yet. You’ll want to hear about the craziness you’ll be forced to endure first.
To start, you’ll need to fork over your own cash and take a specific kind of COVID-19 test – which you’ll then upload to their website to prove you don’t have COVID.
You’ll also have to apply for “travel authorization” which will require all of your contact information, plus answering travel and health questions.
Next, you’ll be required to buy expanded medical travel insurance should you get COVID-19 – and upload your insurance to their website to prove you actually have the proper coverage.
But … this won’t be enough to get you into the BVI just yet…
…once you arrive, they’ll give you another rapid COVID-19 test.
Surely now they have enough proof to let you take your vacation, right?
Nope. You’re not done yet!
Even after testing negative for COVID-19 (twice!), you will then be quarantined at one of their designated spots for four days and required to activate contact tracing on your phone.
Oh, and the day you arrive does not count as your first day of quarantine.
But wait, there’s more!
While you’re locked up like a prisoner on your own vacation, you’ll also be forced to wear a government-issued bracelet for monitoring.
But even after quarantining for 4-5 days, wearing a government tracking device, enabling contact tracing, and passing two negative COVID-19 tests… you still aren’t in the clear!
That’s right, in order to finally go out and enjoy your vacation, you’ll need to take yet another COVID test and prove you still don’t have COVID-19!
And for all of this, they’ll charge you only $175.
Oh, and make you pay for your own quarantine accommodations.
Absolute madness.
Prisoners in third-world countries get more freedom than this.
Yes, a lot of people are desperate to travel. But I can’t imagine many people will pay the money and go through such ridiculous hoops for a “vacation.”
Who wants to spend money for THREE COVID-19 tests and four nights in a pre-approved location?
Not me.
Being safe is prudent, but this crosses the line to pure insanity.
Of course, places like Singapore issue government tracking bracelets to their own citizens to “prevent the spread of COVID-19” – so in these warped times, anything goes.
As more countries begin to open up, expect to see even more craziness disguised as “safety measures.”
Welcome to the “new normal”.
Count me out.
To stay current on the latest Proud American Traveler stories, follow us on Facebook and be sure to like and share our posts!
