Updated 14 October 2022
In light of a worldwide relaxation of COVID-19 precautions and the general reopening of tourist travel, we have updated our COVID policies. This page will be updated as needed.
We believe that travel is vital to understanding and participating in the world around us. We also accept that any travel, be it in your neighborhood or across the world, has inherent risks and dangers. While we cannot remove every risk from travel, we have policies and processes that help reduce and mitigate risk for our pilgrims. This extends to mitigating risk from COVID.
These policies reflect our best understanding of the pandemic and are designed to ensure the highest level of safety for our pilgrims and our partners. We will follow the guidance and regulations of any local or national government, so these policies could be superseded by more restrictive requirements based on your actual destination. Please see the country specific sections below for more detailed information.
Vaccination
We require all participants to be fully vaccinated using a COVID-19 vaccine that is approved by either the CDC, the NHS in the UK, or the European Medicines Agency. In addition, we require all participants to have their first booster if recommended by the US CDC. We strongly encourage anyone who is eligible for a second booster to obtain it before traveling. As of today (1 June 2022), we do not require a second booster.
Pre-departure Testing
We strongly encourage every participant to take a pre-departure COVID test. While a PCR test is the gold standard, at-home rapid tests are also acceptable. This test may be required for some countries, so please see below for country-specific details. If you test positive, you will be required to follow the CDC isolation guidelines and will not be able to join the trip. We will work with you and your insurance company to obtain refunds for any prepaid, non-refundable expenses.
Masks
While traveling, we always have a private coach with sufficient space to distance ourselves and sufficient airflow to reduce the risk of transmission. We currently do not require participants to wear a mask. We encourage you to wear a mask in any situation where it makes you more comfortable, including on the coach, in queues, and in enclosed areas where social distancing is not possible. If a participant begins to exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms during the pilgrimage, we will require them to wear a mask when around others.
Testing on the Trip
Unless required by a local or national government, there is no requirement to test for COVID during a trip unless you become symptomatic. If you begin to exhibit symptoms of COVID, we will require and provide a lateral-flow test which provides results within 15 minutes. If you test negative, we will require daily testing as long as you exhibit symptoms.
Testing Positive While Traveling
If you test positive while on a pilgrimage, we will work with you and your insurance company to coordinate isolation and transportation per the requirements of the local or national government.
Participants who test positive will not travel with the group on the coach, but the specific arrangement for transportation will depend on our location when the positive test result is received.
If you test positive and have to interrupt your trip, we will work with you, and your insurance company if applicable, to coordinate lodging, meals, and return travel to the US. Any costs related are your responsibility.
We encourage every participant to obtain a travel insurance policy that covers COVID related illness and disruption.
Testing for Returning to the US
Effective 12 June 2022, the US CDC has removed the requirement that passengers entering the US provide a negative COVID test.
Germany
Germany currently does not require vaccination or testing for incoming travelers. There is no requirement to complete a pre-arrival form. There is no current masking or social distancing requirement.
Ireland
Ireland currently does not require vaccination or testing for incoming travelers. There is no requirement to complete a pre-arrival form. There is no current masking or social distancing requirement.
Israel/Palestinian Territories
Israel currently does not require vaccination or testing for incoming travelers. You are required to complete an entry form starting 10 days prior to your arrival. There is no current masking or social distancing requirement. All arriving passengers are required to carry travel insurance that covers the cost of treating COVID-19.
Jordan
Jordan currently does not require vaccination or testing for incoming travelers. You are required to complete an entry form before arrival. There is no current masking or social distancing requirement. All arriving passengers must have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their stay in Jordan.
Switzerland
Switzerland currently does not require vaccination or testing for incoming travelers. There is no requirement to complete a pre-arrival form. There is no current masking or social distancing requirement.
UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales)
The UK currently does not require vaccination or testing for any incoming travelers. There is no requirement to complete a pre-arrival form. There is no current masking or social distancing requirement.
