The future of travel is vaccine certificates: These are the popular destinations and tourist attractions requiring proof of vaccination
Editor's Note
This week alone has brought efforts by various cities, attractions and businesses requiring proof of vaccination for attendance.
On Thursday, President Biden even suggested vaccination might be a prerequisite for international travel down the line.
"You’re going to fly abroad ... you’re going to have to have proof. You’re not just going to be able to say, 'Yeah, I got tested,'" Biden told reporters during a media briefing on July 29 regarding COVID-19 and the delta variant.
Although many countries have implemented pre-travel testing and/or quarantine requirements for incoming visitors, the decision on vaccination thus far has been made by each individual country, including in the European Union, where decisions are generally made as a collective body. On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU had "kept its world and delivered" on its target to vaccinate at least 70% of adults in the EU with at least one dose.
"Today we have achieved this target," she said on July 27. "And 57% of adults already have the full protection of double vaccination."
The United States is not far behind, where the CDC reports that just over 69% of adults have been poked with one shot as of July 30, falling just short of Biden's initial goal to reach 70% vaccination by July 4. "My guess is: If we don’t start to make more progress, a lot of businesses and a lot of enterprises are going to require proof for you to be able to participate," Biden said on July 29.
It seems a lag in vaccination rollout has led to efforts by several cities, destinations and companies to take matters into their own hands when it comes to requiring proof of vaccination.
Just this morning, the Broadway League announced that proof of vaccinations and masks will be required to attend all performances in New York City’s Broadway through October. Various mayors have reimplemented mask measures, including in Florida, where masks will be once again required at Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney Company confirmed that it will also require all park employees to be fully vaccinated starting this fall, with "certain limited exceptions."
Read more: Broadway will require vaccination and masks to attend shows
Earlier this week, on July 26, various outlets reported that the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance issued a statement recommending member bars require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test at the door due to the "recent uptick in cases of COVID-19 among our staff members."
Read more: CDC changes its mask recommendations for vaccinated people
"It will be the official position of the SF Bar Owner Alliance that any customer who wishes to remain inside our establishments show proof of vaccination or a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test," the statement said. "Guests without these verifications are welcome to sit outside in parklets or other spaces we offer."
In New York City and Washington, D.C., Danny Meyer, founder of Union Square Hospitality Group, told CNBC on July 29 that proof of vaccination will be required for all employees and indoor patrons at the group's full-service restaurants, including Maialino Mare and Anchovy Social in D.C. and Gramercy Tavern, the Modern and Union Square Cafe in New York. The policy, which goes into effect Sept. 7, will exclude popular burger joint Shake Shack for now.
Similar efforts have been made by governors to implement rules to apply to hotels, including in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
"Due to the rise in cases within the local population in main Quintana Roo cities, the government is strengthening the safety and prevention measures, which have been in place since the destinations' reopening last year," the Quintana Roo Tourism Board said via email.
The following guidelines have been in place and enforced since last 2020:
- Half capacity for restaurants outside hotels
- Closure of some of the main avenues in downtown Cancun from midnight to 5 a.m.
- Face masks are required in public spaces, along with social distancing
"Restaurants and bars not complying will face closures," the tourism board said. "They have been given fines but some restaurants and bars have still not complied."
Mazatlan Mayor Luis Guillermo Benítez Torres also introduced similar guidelines last week, applicable in hotels and public places, as noted by Forbes.
The government stated that in order for restaurants and bars to operate at a higher capacity, they would have to create a “safe health space;” that would mean vaccinating and testing all their employees, requiring guests to present proof of vaccination or antigen tests. This was a suggestion on how to create a safer environment, but it was never a state mandate or requirement. As of today, no restaurant, bar or hotel has announced implementing these measures.
When it comes to domestic employers, CNN reported that Google, Facebook, Netflix, Uber, Lyft and the Washington Post are among several companies that have implemented vaccine requirements for employees wishing to return to the office.
Read more: Masks to be required again at Walt Disney World and Disneyland as of July 30
Taking this all into consideration means that if you find yourself in one of these destinations, as a traveler or local alike, be prepared to be subjected to vaccination or testing requirements. Entry and exit requirements are rapidly changing, so be sure to double-check before you plan to go anywhere.
For domestic travel restrictions, the Biden administration will continue to use "science and public health" to guide their decisions.
"The administration understands the importance of international travel and is united in wanting to reopen the international travel in a safe and sustainable manner," White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a press briefing yesterday. At the time of publication, she reinforced to reporters that the White House will not be implementing a national vaccine mandate at this time.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.