This story was updated on Aug. 31, 2021.
Tour operators are now requiring COVID-19 vaccine for travel from all guests.
Effective immediately, all adult guests traveling on Trafalgar, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations and Contiki, as well as Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold (excluding Australia and New Zealand) departing as of Sept. 1, 2021 will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests must be able to show documented proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca Vaxzervria, or Johnson & Johnson), with the final dose administered at least 14 days prior to the start of their trip.
“The wellbeing of our guests is our top priority,” says Melissa da Silva, U.S. president of Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations and Costsaver, in a press statement. “With many of the countries we travel to now requiring proof of vaccination to enter museums, restaurants, and historical sites, our new requirement will ensure that our guests are not only protected, but also enjoy their vacation as seamlessly as possible.”
For Trafalgar, Costsaver, Brenden Vacations, and Contiki, this policy will be in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2022, and may include the requirement of a booster shot to keep the vaccine current and valid. Guests will continue to be expected to comply with specific requirements imposed by airlines and/or governments.
“The decision to require our guests to be fully vaccinated will allow for a more seamless travel experience, providing extra peace of mind and confidence when booking our tours,” says Guy Young, president of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, in a press statement. “As the pandemic continues to evolve, countries in Europe and elsewhere are now requiring proof of vaccination to enter indoor venues such as museums and restaurants, making it challenging to navigate destinations without being vaccinated.”
For Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, all guests will be asked to provide an authentic COVID-19 vaccination certificate—electronic or paper showing date and time of the vaccination(s) with the final dose given at least 15 days before the start of the tour. Any testing that is required pre-travel will be the responsibility of the guest to organize, and the well-being director or travel director/concierge will facilitate any additional testing requirements for travelers while on tour.
Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold’s new well-being directors will be present on tours with 20 or more travelers. They are specially trained to provide additional support and assistance to guests
For more information, visit trafalgar.com/en-us/about-us/worry-free-travel/your-wellbeing-is-our-priority, insightvacations.com or luxurygldvacations.com.
AmaWaterways is also requiring a COVI-19 vaccine for sailing.
