Update on traveler screening related to H1N1 virus


In response to travel-related concerns for the H1N1 virus, various countries have been screening passengers arriving from affected countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reports VPF partner travel agency Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

The screenings are taking place at points of entry for land, air, and sea. The current process for those three countries is as follows:

  • The United States is neither conducting enhanced entry screening of passengers arriving from Mexico nor conducting exit screening for passengers leaving the United States for Mexico.
  • In Canada, all arriving travelers may be subject to routine screening with quarantine offices stationed at all airports taking direct flights from Mexico.
  • In Mexico, screening is being conducted at airports and land borders for any passengers departing Mexico. Passengers with virus symptoms will be asked to have a voluntary physical examination for further evaluation.

Screening techniques include:

  • Thermal scans to detect any fever
  • Health declaration card completion for official documentation
  • Disinfectant foot mats on which travelers must wipe their shoes
  • On-board screening done by flight crews and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quarantine officials in some impacted areas globally

At this time, any passenger believed to be ill or displaying symptoms such as high fever, coughing, nausea and/or diarrhea, impaired breathing, or a skin rash may be subject to quarantine for up to seven days in certain countries. Medical attention is generally provided at a cost to the traveler, according to the CDC.

Because screening specifics are continually evolving, travelers are encouraged to monitor updates from their airlines and/or local authorities in their departure and arrival destinations to determine potential travel delays.

At this time, it is important to note that neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the CDC has imposed or recommended travel restrictions related to the virus. Both agree that imposing restrictions of this nature will do little to stop the spread of this specific virus.

Recommending “continued precaution” for travelers, the CDC has provided detailed advice around pre-trip, during travel, and post-trip behavior to reduce individual risk of contamination. More >>