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International travel rules spurred by omicron variant could have ‘negative impact,’ expert says

ORLANDO, Fla. — New rules are in force for international travelers coming to Orlando International Airport and other airports nationwide.

It’s all an effort to control the coronavirus as the omicron variant has now crept its way into half of the states, including Florida.

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“I’m afraid that will kind of have a negative impact on travel,” said Dr. Robertico Croes with the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which is closely monitoring what the omicron variant is doing to tourism.

READ: Stricter international flight COVID-19 testing rules go into effect

“There’s nothing worse for travelers than uncertainty right now,” Croes said.

He said that people will choose to hold off traveling for a while because the situation is ever-changing.

READ: Holiday travel expected to near pre-pandemic travel volumes, TSA says

“There are so many rules that you have to take into account and be aware of, because otherwise you can have some issues when you arrive at the country,” Croes said.

As of this week, all inbound international travelers are required to test negative for COVID-19 within one day of departure for the United States, regardless of vaccination status.

READ: ‘When COVID goes up, tourist taxes go down’: How new travel rules could impact local tourism

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.