With travel reopening after the abrupt closures caused by COVID-19, airlines, companies, and travel agencies are looking for a way to add duty of care safety and security information to their platforms. More companies are now turning to APIs as an easy solution to add that functionality to their ecosystem.

What is an API?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a tool that allows one software application to communicate and share information with another. Using an API shortcuts the time and cost of developing your own software, securely feeding another company’s data into your platform, allowing you to focus on your business. A travel focused API can share travel information with airlines, travel agencies, and so much more.

Airlines and Flights

Many airlines have been grounded for months now; however, some are starting to operate flights again. Before providing travel options to your clients, it is important to know whether a destination is allowing flights to enter. Are airports open? If so, what are their safety and security requirements? Are international flights operating? Can you transit certain countries? These restrictions are constantly changing, and providing your clients with the most up-to-date information is key to giving them the confidence to travel again.

Entry and Border Restrictions

Is it possible to get into your destination country right now? Many governments have imposed restrictions on who can enter the country. Some countries have closed their borders entirely, and some have reopened to certain individuals. Some things to keep in mind are:

• Is the border open?
• Who is allowed in; and,
• Whether a COVID-19 test result is required upon arrival

With border requirements changing regularly, keeping up-to-date is getting more and more difficult. Having these restrictions fed into your  website will make it easier for your clients to plan a safe and efficient trip.

Health

The outbreak of COVID-19 has raised awareness and concerns around how disease can spread through international travel. Knowing about health risks posed to travellers before arriving at a destination can help slow the spread of these diseases. It is also important to know what kind of measures countries are taking to keep people healthy. 

Questions that might arise are:

• Is there a curfew?
• Are masks mandatory?
• What businesses are open and operating?
• How accessible is health care for foreigners?

Safety

The pandemic has caused political and economic tensions all around the world. In some cases, this put pressure on countries that were already unstable. Protests have broken out in many countries, which can put travellers at risk. Knowing about these situations before travelling is essential to staying safe while abroad. 

Sitata’s API

Sitata offers a comprehensive and easy to integrate travel API that provides you with the above information and more. By using Sitata’s interactive entry requirement data feed on your own platform, clients stay informed on the latest travel restrictions and local information, giving them the confidence to travel worry free.

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