Technology has come forward in the form of apps & interactive websites that give tourists all on specific travel regulations of various destinations
Even for the few who enjoy the drudgery of planning trips prior to the pandemic, the novel coronavirus has turned booking flights and coming up with an itinerary into an excruciating experience. Checking up on travel regulations and then checking them again, making sure they are carrying the right documentation, and whether they are really not going to need to quarantine – it could prove to be a nightmare.
But like always, technology has come forward to save the day in the form of apps and interactive websites that give tourists all on specific travel regulations of the place they are travelling to. Here’s a list of a few must-have apps while travelling amid the pandemic.
Google and Apple Maps
Both Google and Apple have added new details to their map features for the destinations one would be visiting. Not sure about whether your favourite restaurant is still serving, or if there’s been a change in the timings? Apple Maps and Google Maps offer updates and you could even suggest edits. Also, depending on where you are based, Google Maps also displays Covid-19 testing centres and if users would be able to socially distance at public transit stations based on real-time commuter concentration tracked by the app. Google also launched filters to find out hotel and flight availability in selected locations recently.
Check & Fly
Available on iOS, this app, launched by Airports Council International, a body of global airport operators, lets travellers get a clear picture of what to expect at the airport they are flying to with regards to the health and hygiene measures in place especially geared for Covid-19. Through Check & Fly, airports communicate directly with flyers to help the latter arrive better prepared at their destination and try to ensure a hassle-free travel with regular updates related to check-ins, security and flights available through texts.
App in the air
This popular travel app has added a web-based functionality to its services, keeping in mind the travel restrictions enforced due to the spread of Covid-19. Just fill in your destination and departure countries, and a tab slides into view, listing the travel guidelines for both countries. The app’s booking tab, on the other hand, offers news of non-operational flights, schedule changes and recommends alternate itineraries while one is in transit. App in the Air is available on Google Play and App Store.
COVID Checker by Sitata
This is a comprehensive platform that will help tourists updated about the travel restrictions and the latest Covid-19 statistics of the country they are visiting. Sitata was one of the first to flag concerns regarding the worldwide spread of the virus – doing so as early as December 2019. Using AI to constantly monitor developments globally, the app provides in – depth information such as public transport status, if masks are to be worn, duration of the required quarantine, airport and border closures, curfews – pretty much everything one would need.
Travel Centre by IATA
For those who want to know if the documentation held by them is sufficient for their journey to a country and the basic health guidelines in the destination, IATA’s interactive platform, Travel Centre, is a one-stop shop. It takes no more than five minutes to find out – just fill in your details and the site will right away let you know if you fulfil the criteria. IATA’s maps are colour-coded for easy navigation and information. Different colours give a quick overview of the stringency of restrictions imposed while clicking on the individual countries on the map fires up an easy-to-understand list of who all are allowed to enter, the compulsory quarantine period and necessary documents or declarations for the particular country.
