The role of translation in reopening borders to tourists

The global pandemic has had a huge impact on the travel and tourism industry. With the infection rate constantly fluctuating, translation has become an essential tool for ensuring the safety of both local citizens and international travellers.

Globalisation has meant that over the last few decades, more and more people have been able to visit different places as they please. This has transformed cities into hubs of multicultural and multilingual activity. As such, translation has developed an important role in making sure that everyone can understand important information, procedures and administrative documents.

The importance of translation in our day-to-day lives has shifted, and in the wake of the pandemic, it is now more important than ever.

Different countries, different restrictions

Travel restrictions were a necessary step in slowing down the increasing rate of infections, especially in the EU where people typically enjoy freedom of movement. With the arrival of summer and borders reopening, the authorities now need to take steps to ensure that tourists respect local health and safety measures.

One way of controlling the flow of travellers and safety restrictions has been to create red, amber and green lists of countries. When travelling between countries, the restrictions in place will depend on which colour list these countries fall under. Restrictions range from a 14-day quarantine and essential travel only, to mandatory face coverings and restaurants being restricted to outdoor seating.

The importance of translation

In this context, it is essential that data and information relating to restrictions is shared and understood by everyone. Therefore, governments and health authorities—as well as those working within the tourism industry—need to work with language service providers to translate this information.

By making the information, procedures and certificates available in different languages,  authorities and businesses can help guarantee the health and safety of people. These documents include passenger locator forms, vaccination certificates, travel restrictions, as well as test results.

Translating these documents now plays an important role in making sure that people come and go safely between EU countries and within the Schengen area. It is especially important that authorities and travellers alike understand whether a COVID-19 test is positive or negative.

Stay safe and choose a professional translation agency

When dealing with such important matters, working with a professional language service provider is the best and safest option. They will work with translators who are both native speakers of your target language and subject matter experts. With a mastery of jargon in both the source and target languages, they will ensure that your translations are clearly understood by their target audience.

With regards to the pandemic and reopening borders, it is essential that we take steps to ensure that the necessary information is understood by everyone. With governments, health authorities and tourism services working alongside language service providers, we can help protect the health and safety of locals and tourists alike.