COVID-19 Enhanced Safety Protocols
COVID-19 is now an inherent risk in all aspects of life, including travel. Getting back to the activities that are important to us, even just going to the grocery store, entails mitigating that risk. Fortunately, there are clear and tested actions we can take to enhance our own and others' safety.
Maintaining high levels of health, sanitation, and following the carefully developed protocols on our trips is of the utmost importance and will require everyone’s participation.
Behind the scenes, our approach is focused on six priorities: Screen, Prevent, Train, Monitor, Adjust and Support. Much of our work in these areas will be invisible to you, as it happens long before you arrive at your destination. We are screening and training our staff, monitoring developing science and regulations, adjusting our itineraries to avoid crowds and peak times, and supporting hotels, restaurants and our other suppliers to achieve leading health standards in the industry.
What will be more obvious to you are the measures that will be in place during your trip, and this is where we need your help and active participation. We are implementing a Combination Intervention Approach, which entails action on the part of guides and guests alike in four areas: respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, physical distancing and enhanced sanitation. Guests are expected to practice these protocols during the two weeks before their trip. Practicing enhanced safety protocols helps protect you, your fellow travelers, Expedition Leader(s), and local staff.
Protocols required for all guests and staff include:
• Face coverings where required by governing authority or business
• Handwashing and sanitizing
• 6 feet of physical distancing
Read more below about our specific protocols in each of these areas.
In addition to these protocols, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required in order to join your trip. All guests also must test negative on the COVID-19 test administered at the start of the trip. Additionally, many countries and some of our trips require obtaining a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure. Please click here to see the specific requirements applicable for your trip, and click the orange button below to review our answers to FAQs about Nat Hab's COVID-19 travel requirements.

In the event a guest or staff member shows symptoms of COVID-19 on your trip, Nat Hab field staff will administer a rapid test, if available, and consult with licensed physicians for medical advice and directions on next steps, as needed. Our staff will follow this advice, along with all Nat Hab COVID-19 protocols, in an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to other guests and staff. This includes separating the individual experiencing symptoms from the rest of the group.
We thank you in advance for supporting these efforts.

Respiratory Hygiene
- Face coverings are strongly recommended for guests and staff while in a vehicle or indoors in the presence of others, and they are required where mandated by the state, city, region or business visited on your trip.
- To provide the most protection, guests and staff are strongly encouraged to wear a KN95, N95 or surgical mask instead of a cloth mask.
- Windows in vehicles will be opened as often as possible to increase ventilation.


Hand Hygiene
- We will send each guest a personal container of hand sanitizer before your trip. Hand sanitizer will also be available throughout the trip.
- Guests and staff will be required to sanitize hands prior to meals and prior to handling communal equipment.
- Staff will receive enhanced training on CDC and WHO safety guidelines.
- Whenever possible, we will avoid self-serve food and drink options, as well as shared utensils and dishes.

Physical Distancing
- Guests and staff will be instructed to maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others throughout the trip, when possible, with the exception of family units or friends traveling together. If distancing is not possible, face coverings are strongly recommended.
- Guests will be encouraged to spread out within vehicles as much as possible.
- Outdoor dining will be arranged, when available.
- Expedition Leaders may alter the itinerary at any time if a location is too crowded and physical distancing is not possible.

Enhanced Sanitation
- Guests will receive sanitizing wipes before the trip to use for wiping down any personal items, if they wish to.
- Vehicles will be cleaned daily.
- Nat Hab equipment will be sanitized frequently.