We all know that travel restrictions are… what’s the term… confusing at best. British Airways is trying to help its passengers with a new interactive map
You can find the map at https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/incident/coronavirus/entry-requirements#requirements
The new page is in partnership with global tech company Sherpa, which has developed an online tool that provides travellers with the latest travel rules for inbound and outbound destinations.
This tool brings together the latest information for over 100 countries, providing thousands of sources, and using millions of data points to stay up to date. The map, that the airline plans to further integrate into ba.com, will also help customers understand what is needed for their return to the UK.
You’ll be to explore the globe to see what travel restrictions each country has in place before booking a trip, searching visually by traffic light colour or by typing in their choice of destination. There is also a tab that allows customers to indicate whether or not they are vaccinated, which will adjust the results.
Some examples: A traveller from the UK heading to Spain:
Looking at Germany, it has a different set of requirements:
Meanwhile, a traveller heading to the USA has different things to encounter
There is a date and airport search tool that can give you some detailed results you need to to query a specific destination:
No dice heading to Chicago.
But better options to Spain.
In Quotes
Jack Smith, British Airways’ Head of Digital said:
“We know that travel in this new Covid era can feel overwhelming for our customers, and our job is to make their lives as straightforward as possible. This new tool, which has been tried and is trusted by our joint business partner, American Airlines, will help people navigate the differing entry requirements, to allow for a smooth booking and travel experience.”
On announcing the partnership, Max Tremaine, CEO Sherpa said,
“Supporting the return to travel, we’re honoured to be working with the team at British Airways. Together, we are providing their customers with the information they need to make informed booking decisions and travel confidently again.”
Making planning a little easier
We all know that travel is more than a pain, with more paperwork and tests needed than before. A tool like this makes that planning a little easier.
However, you should always check other official sources in regards to where you are travelling and its entry requirements
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The map is a good start, but is it showing the re-entry requirements after entering the country. Could be that you can easily enter but need to jump through some hoops on the way back