<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People looking to nip away for long weekends without having to book a Covid test and self-isolate should consider the Channel Islands. The islands, which include Jersey and Guernsey, have recently axed all Covid travel rules, which means you can enter without needing a pre-travel form, Covid tests or even any self-isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jersey announced the move earlier this month after removing all requirements for Covid tests and self-isolation for arriving travellers. Guernsey made the move yesterday (February 17), also removing requirements for a pre-travel form, Covid tests or self-isolation, reports The Mirror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, holidaymakers arriving in the UK from within the Channel Islands will not need to fill out a passenger locator form or take Covid tests. Brits’ holiday options have been increasing in recent weeks with several countries easing restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source: My London News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique has relaxed its entry requirements for vaccinated travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The destinations now accept either a negative antigen test result taken one day before travel to Grenada or a 72-hour pre-departure PCR test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All travellers must also submit a travel health declaration form to the ministry of health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: breaking travel news<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dominican Republic has lifted all its domestic Covid-19 measures, although some restrictions remain for inbound travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key changes include scrapping any remaining mask mandates, easing social distancing rules and ending vaccine pass requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: TTG Media<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Singapore plans to substantially ease travel and social restrictions once the current wave of COVID infections peaks amid mounting evidence that the Omicron variant is less threatening than its predecessors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The government will restore and progressively raise quotas on so-called vaccinated travel lanes, the Ministry of Health said in a statement Wednesday. Visitors entering the city-state via these VTLs from Feb. 22 will not need to take a polymerase chain reaction test upon arrival and can take a supervised self-swab instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Fortune<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n European countries have continued to ease their Covid-19 travel rules as the threat from the Omicron variant starts to recede across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n France is no longer requiring fully vaccinated visitors from the UK and other third countries to take Covid tests after changing its rules on Saturday (12 February).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finland is also making a similar move to scrap pre-entry testing for visitors from outside the EU and Schengen travel area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neighbouring Norway has lifted its requirements for vaccination certificates and testing when entering the country. The requirement to fill out a digital registration form has also been removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Business travel news Europe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n From 4am on 11 February all testing requirements removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and only a simplified passenger locator form needed, ahead of half term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Changes come as children aged 12 to 15 in England can now prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection for outbound travel with the digital NHS COVID Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark are only some of the most recent countries part of the European Union and Schengen Area that have decided to facilitate entry rules, at least for travellers from other EU and Schengen countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The removal of the restrictions has been mainly based on three factors. First, the Omicron variant is a milder version of COVID-19 and less worrying. Second, citizens are tired of the ongoing restrictions, and third, these countries have come to the conclusion that travel restrictions do not prevent the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: schengenvisainfo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia has announced the reopening of its borders to vaccinated tourists and other visa holders for the first time in almost two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “If you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reopening, on 21 February, will be welcome news for many sectors including international education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: bbc<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n France, Portugal and Greece have each updated their entry requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, with changes coming into effect in time for half-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccinated tourists travelling to Portugal will no longer need to provide a negative test result to enter, although unvaccinated passengers will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greece has also dropped pre-departure test requirements for fully vaccinated arrivals. However, as with many other EU states, it will require arrivals that have had their second jab more than 270 days ago to have had a booster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n France also announced it would soon drop its requirement of a negative Covid test for vaccinated travellers from outside the EU, as daily infection numbers continue to fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Guardian<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Governor David Ige today announced that Hawaii\u2019s Safe Travels program will continue unchanged at this time, that domestic travelers will not be required to include proof of COVID-19 booster shots. Individuals who received their primary COVID-19 vaccination series 14 days prior to arrival, or those who provide an acceptable negative pre-travel test, will continue to be exempt from the mandatory five-day quarantine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Hawaii Tourism<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Denmark\u2019s government has decided to lift all COVID-19 restrictions within the country, becoming the first European Union country to implement such changes to its rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, the mandatory quarantine requirement for persons who have tested positive for the virus has also been abolished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: schengenvisainfo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n New Zealand has announced it will begin reopening to the world, signaling an end to nearly two years of tough border rules that have separated families and shut out almost all foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern outlined a five-step plan Thursday that will allow fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens to start traveling from Australia later this month. They will need to self-isolate on arrival — but they won’t need to go into state-run quarantine facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By July, fully vaccinated people from Australia or visa waiver countries — including the United Kingdom, the United States, and many European nations — will be able to enter New Zealand and self-isolate on arrival, according to the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jersey’s Safer Travel Policy will be suspended from Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inbound travel to the island will return to unrestricted, pre-pandemic measures, including the removal of all testing and isolation for all arriving passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will also no longer be necessary to complete a pre-departure travel form before travelling to Jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Government of Jersey said it would phase out all Covid-19 restrictions by 31 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The governments of Norway and Denmark have eased Covid requirements for international travellers to the two countries, alongside changes to domestic Covid restrictions. By contrast, Sweden has chosen to extend its temporary travel ban on non-essential international travel until February for European travellers, and until the end of March for all other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finland also eased its Covid-related border regulations for all EU member states and Schengen area countries on 1 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: ITIJ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Germany has added another 12 countries and regions to its list of \u201chigh risk\u201d areas due to the spread of Covid-19, including Singapore, Oman, Pakistan and Ukraine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The full list of the countries which were moved to Germany\u2019s high-risk category on Sunday (30 January) is: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, New Caledonia (French overseas territory), Guatemala, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Singapore and Ukraine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travellers from countries and regions on this list must present proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 to be able to enter Germany without having to go into self-isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Business Travel News Europe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n People arriving back in Wales from overseas will no longer need to take a test before departing, it has been confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fully-vaccinated travellers arriving in Wales will not be required to take a test on or before day two and unvaccinated arriving travellers will not be required to take a day eight test or self-isolate for 10 days following arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: WalesOnline<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Under a new decree signed by Health Minister Roberto Speranza late on Tuesday, \u201cthe \u2018green pass\u2019 will be sufficient for travellers coming from countries within the European Union\u201d from next month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means arrivals from other EU countries from February will no longer need to show both proof of vaccination or recent recovery plus a negative test result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will also remove a requirement for unvaccinated passengers to quarantine for five days on arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: thelocal.it<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Holiday bookings have jumped with “notable increases” in trips planned for February half-term and Easter ahead of Covid travel tests being scrapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jet2 said bookings had increased by 30% on last week after the announcements that rules would be relaxed for people arriving in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rule changes mean fully-vaccinated people arriving in those countries from abroad do not need to take Covid tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The change will come into effect from 04:00 GMT on 11 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coronavirus testing for double-vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK will be scrapped from 4am on 11 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a boost for travel firms and families planning trips abroad, eligible passengers will no longer have to take a post-arrival lateral flow test (LFT). The change will save families about \u00a3100 a trip. The industry body Airlines UK said it was a \u201clandmark day\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Guardian<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel between India and Canada will become easier now as Ottawa has removed India-specific Covid-19 testing requirements that made the process cumbersome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In its latest update, the Canadian government\u2019s travel advisory for India no longer contains the mandatory requirement for obtaining a negative RT-PCR test prior to boarding from a single laboratory located at Delhi airport. The norms applicable to passengers flying from India to Canada will be those implemented overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Hindustan Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hong Kong is cutting the length of mandatory quarantine for people arriving from overseas from 21 to 14 days, even as the southern Chinese city battles a new surge in COVID-19 cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In-person school classes will remain suspended until Feb. 21 and flight bans from the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Britain where case numbers remain high will be extended until Feb. 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: globalnews.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thailand<\/a> is set to re-relax its entry requirements for foreign travelers starting next month after recent concerns about an Omicron<\/a>-related surge proved to be short-lived and the outbreak less severe than anticipated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After Thursday\u2019s meeting of the Southeast Asian nation\u2019s main COVID-19 task force\u2014the \u2018Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration\u2019, chaired by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha\u2014the government said that fully vaccinated and recovered foreign travelers from all countries will be able to apply online<\/a> for visas under its ‘Test & Go<\/a>‘ (a.k.a. ‘Thailand Pass’) program from February 1, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An earlier incarnation of the ‘Test & Go’ quarantine-free entry scheme was rolled out in November 2021 as Thailand\u2019s vaccination rates rose and COVID-19 cases declined. But, in December, the discovery and ensuing global spread of Omicron prompted Thai authorities to suspend the program<\/a> in light of the fresh viral threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: travelpulse.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Europe officially closed its borders to the US for over a year, as the country suffered some of the worst COVID-19 impacts in the Global North.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the EU has opened travel back up to US citizens because it is now one of the most vaccinated countries in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The list<\/a> of the countries Americans can travel to right now is under constant review. Full vaccination status is required in many for entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: euronews.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that the U.S. government has launched its free coronavirus test delivery website<\/a>, securing a test for work, school or just for peace of mind got easier for many Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How useful will these tests be for travelers who need a negative result to fly to their destination?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though some domestic destinations with testing requirements \u2013 including Puerto Rico<\/a>, Hawaii<\/a> and the U.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 accept self-tests, they must be performed in front of a telehealth proctor. The same is true for international travelers returning to the USA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, you’ll have to pay close attention to what sort of at-home test you take before submitting it to your airline. Read the article<\/a> to know about what at-home tests you can use to enter the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: usatoday.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced on Friday that dozens of countries were being classified as high risk areas because of the Covid situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the countries added to the \u2018orange list\u2019 are Argentina, Australia, Luxembourg, Sweden, Dubai, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Iceland, Estonia, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: thelocal.de<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n France has today eased strict COVID travel restrictions for arrivals from the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Friday, all travellers, regardless of the vaccination status, will have to present a negative test (PCR or antigenic) no older than 24 hours to enter France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccinated people will however no longer be required to justify a compelling reason to visit the country and will no longer have to submit to a period of self-isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: euronews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thailand plans to start collecting a 300 baht ($9) entry fee from foreign holidaymakers as the tourism-reliant nation predicts a recovery for the pandemic-hobbled travel industry once the current Covid wave eases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fee will help fund the development of local tourist attractions and an insurance program for visitors, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, said in a statement Wednesday. The levy will be added to air ticket prices from April, while the method of collections from entry by land has yet to be determined, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Hindustan Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Italy has become the latest European country to tighten its Covid-19 rules as the spread of the Omicron variant continues rapidly around the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The country now requires visitors to use its \u201csuper green pass\u201d, which certifies full vaccination or recovery from Covid infection, to gain access to hotels, restaurants, bars and all local and regional transport services (excluding taxis and international flights).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new restrictions came into force on Monday (10 January) and will apply until 31 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: businesstravelnewseurope<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dallas-based airline announced it\u2019s partnering with the testing company CityHealth to mail out COVID-19 tests to international passengers. The test is approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for travel purposes. The kit normally costs $75, but Southwest passengers can lock in a discounted rate of $50 per test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travelers can order their RapidReturn test kit directly through the CityHealth website<\/a>. Test kits are shipped Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. PST and tests ordered after 3 p.m. PST on Friday will be shipped Monday. That means if you have a weekend trip planned, you may want to order your test kit early in the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: thepointsguy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Royal Caribbean International has confirmed it will cancel voyages on four ships due to \u201congoing Covid-19-related circumstances around the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cruise line said an \u201cabundance of caution\u201d had seen it move forward with the cancellations despite its health and safety measures, including vaccination and testing requirements for guests and crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guests booked on the cancelled sailings would receive compensation options, including a full refund, the company said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: breakingtravelnews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Israel is set to remove all of the countries currently on its omicron no-fly list of “red” nations on Thursday. “The Ministry of Health recommends to the government to remove at this stage all countries from the red list,” the ministry said in a statement. After receiving government and parliamentary approval, travel will again be allowed to the United States, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mexico, Switzerland and Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: DW<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The French government published a decree on Thursday removing the African country from its list of locations subject to highly restricted travel rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Africans will no longer be barred from entering France. The French government published a decree Thursday that removed South Africa from the list of places subject to highly restricted travel rules. Travelers who have received the jab will be able to enter the French territory without having to complete a self-isolation period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who are unvaccinated must on the contrary quarantine in France for 10 days under supervision from local authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Africa News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The rules on testing are to be eased for people travelling to England, the government has announced, following calls from the travel industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From 04:00 GMT on Friday, fully vaccinated travellers coming to England will no longer have to take a test before they travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And from Sunday, rather than taking a PCR test on day two of arrival, they can take a cheaper lateral flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rules for self-isolating on arrival will also change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel firms and airlines have reported surging bookings following the relaxation of Covid testing requirements for travellers returning to the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EasyJet said there were almost three times as many flights bought in the UK in the hours following the prime minister\u2019s announcement on Wednesday than in the same period the week before, while holiday firm TUI said there had been \u201can immediate and strong uptick in bookings\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n British Airways Holidays said searches for holidays on its websites increased by nearly 40% compared with the week before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Guardian<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Singapore will freeze new ticket sales for quarantine-free travel in an effort to limit exposure to imported omicron cases, the health ministry said in a statement Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The suspension, which begins Thursday and runs through Jan. 20, applies to flights and buses into the city-state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travelers who have already booked tickets under Singapore\u2019s vaccinated travel lane arrangements will still be able to enter the country without serving quarantines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases, more than 110 million Americans are hitting the roads and crowding airports at near pre-pandemic levels, according to AAA. Last year, only about 80 million traveled for the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We’re 27% ahead of where we were last year,” said Robert Sinclair, a senior manager of public affairs at AAA Northeast. “Without a doubt, people have more confidence with the vaccines and the boosters.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Six million will fly, many of them skittish and packing their Omicron trepidation with their toiletries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CBS news<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amid the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Thailand has announced some changes to its inbound quarantine-free travel status for some visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thailand reported its first Omicron case December 6 and decided to change its travel policies shortly afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of midnight on December 22, no new applications for quarantine exemptions under the Thailand Pass scheme will be considered. The government says this is a temporary suspension rather than a permanent ban, but there’s no date yet for when the hold might be lifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brazil has announced a new ordinance regarding entry for international travelers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic following a recent supreme court ruling in favor of requiring proof of vaccination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, visitors must now present proof of COVID-19 vaccination approved by Anvisa, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency, a negative test result taken within 72 hours of boarding and a completed Traveler’s Health Declaration. Under the latest requirements, Brazilians and foreigners residing in the South American country who have departed by December 14 will be exempted from providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination or quarantining upon their return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: TravelPulse<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n France is tightening Covid restrictions for travellers arriving from the UK, as the government in Paris tries to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. From Saturday, most travellers who are not French residents or citizens must give a “compelling reason”. Some lorry drivers and students will be able to travel, but Brits visiting relatives are not currently listed. All arrivals will have to provide a negative Covid test less than 24 hours old and isolate for at least two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Foreign travellers can opt to show a rapid antigen test or a PCR test to enter Greece, the country said on Thursday. Previously, proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or negative testing were necessary to travel to Greece. Health authorities said on Wednesday that the measure – which will be in effect from Dec 19 – would require a PCR test no more than 48 hours old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Channel News Asia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n India and Switzerland have further tightened their connections by creating an air bubble agreement that permits both countries\u2019 carriers to operate flights between India and Switzerland. Recently authorities in India have also announced an agreement with Australia in order to restart commercial passenger services after the suspension of regular international flights due to the Coronavirus situation, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Schengenvisainfo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The British government announced on Tuesday that it would lift a ban on non-citizen and legal resident arrivals from Nigeria and 10 southern African countries. As of early on Wednesday, all African countries on the UK’s “red list” will be removed. Health Minister Sajid Javid said that the travel ban is “now less effective in slowing the incursion of omicron from abroad.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: DW<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n From December 21st, people travelling to Sweden from Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland will be required to show a valid Covid pass, said the government on Thursday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Under current rules, everyone travelling to Sweden needs to show either an EU vaccine certificate or a vaccine certificate from a so-called \u201capproved\u201d country, alternatively a negative test no older than 72 hours or proof of recovery from Covid-19 \u2013 the exact rules depend on which country you\u2019re travelling from, and some categories of travellers are exempt from the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: thelocal.se<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Israel has extended its COVID travel restrictions, including an entry ban for foreigners, by another 10 days in an effort to curb the spread of the omicron variant, the Health Ministry announced Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The extension takes effect on Sunday, meaning these regulations will be in place until December 22, when the government may decide to extend them further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: HAARETZ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n People coming to the UK must show proof of a negative Covid test before they travel, as new rules to limit spread of the Omicron variant come into effect. Contacts of a suspected Omicron case are already required to self-isolate for 10 days, including the fully vaccinated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the introduction of the government’s new measures, all travellers aged 12 and over will have to show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test – even if they are fully vaccinated – before setting off. It must be taken in the two days before departure for the UK and private test providers must be used – so free NHS lateral flow kits are not allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the restrictions will not be applicable to cargo flights and those approved by the regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). All scheduled international flights to and from India were banned from March 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the statement by DGCA mentions that scheduled international flights will be allowed on selected routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: khaleejtimes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n New requirements for all inbound U.S. travelers to show negative Covid test results the day before departure take effect Monday. The measure applies to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, as well as visitors and immigrants. Airlines are waiving some change fees for certain destinations that aren\u2019t accepting visitors from abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Global Visa Center World (GVCW) has announced that Indian citizens and residents of India can now enter Greece following the Covid-19 testing protocol as a precautionary measure against the pandemic. According to the latest regulations, limited categories of visitors are now allowed to enter Greece, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1) Citizens of the EU & Schengen Area countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2) Residents of a limited number of third countries, including residents of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Business-standard.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Philippines will ban travellers coming from France to prevent the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the presidential office said on Wednesday. The ban, which applies to everyone who has been in France in the past 14 days, runs from December 10 to December 15. This adds to an earlier ban on travellers from South Africa and 13 other countries to prevent Omicron, which has yet to be detected in the Philippines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: khaleejtimes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday imposed stricter coronavirus testing requirements for international travelers entering the country. He also laid out a plan to fight the advance of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States over the coming winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each international traveler will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test within one day of departure for the United States, a change from the current three-day policy. The rule will apply to both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, Biden extended the mandate for wearing masks on public transportation and in airports from January 18 to March 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: VOA news<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n France will require all UK travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test from Saturday 4 December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new rules will apply to all countries outside of the EU, regardless of a person\u2019s vaccination status. The test can be either a PCR or an antigen, taken within 48 hours of travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal announced the new measures as the country seeks to tighten entry rules in response to the new Omicron variant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: euronews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Israel is to ban foreigners from entering the country for 14 days and use surveillance to halt the spread of the new Covid variant, local media report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ban is expected to come into effect at midnight on Sunday, following full cabinet approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Israel has so far confirmed one case of the potentially more infectious Omicron variant first detected in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A ban on new incoming flight bookings in Japan has been dropped, the country\u2019s government said this morning. The policy, aimed at halting the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, only came into force yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The transport ministry on Wednesday issued a request to international airlines to stop taking new reservations for flights coming into Japan until the end of December as an emergency precaution to defend against the Omicron variant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the ministry said this morning it has retracted the request after receiving criticisms from inside and outside the country. The WHO has also called for travel restrictions to be dropped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: city am<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The UK will place six southern African countries back on its red list of travel restrictions after a surge in cases of a heavily mutated coronavirus variant caused alarm among global health officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travellers returning from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini will be forced to quarantine for 10 days at a government facility from midday on Friday, government officials said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct flights from the six countries will be banned from midday on Friday until hotel quarantine is up and running from 4am on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Financial Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n People hoping to travel to the European Union next year will have to get a booster jab once their original Covid vaccines are more than nine months old, under new proposals from Brussels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Thursday, the European Commission proposed a nine-month limit for vaccine validity that would apply for travel within and to the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the plans are approved by EU ministers, from 10 January 2022 non-EU travellers will be required to show proof of an EU-approved booster jab once their original vaccine status is more than nine months old. Similarly, travellers between the member states would have to meet the same requirement to avoid Covid tests, quarantine and other restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Guardian<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Portugal, one of the world’s most vaccinated nations, has reimposed some restrictions to stop a surge in Covid-19 cases, ordering all passengers flying into the country, even those fully inoculated, to show a negative test on arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It doesn’t matter how successful the vaccination was, we must be aware we are entering a phase of greater risk,” Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr Costa has also announced those fully vaccinated must also present a negative coronavirus test to enter nightclubs, bars, large events and care homes, and reimposed mandatory mask-wearing in indoor spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: RTE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Malaysia and Singapore said on Wednesday they will partially reopen their borders next week to fully vaccinated citizens and some others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaders from both countries said limited travel will be allowed across the land border from Monday, with plans to gradually relax restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air travel will reopen on the same day to fully vaccinated passengers, allowing quarantine-free travel between the two countries, with fewer restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: khaleejtimes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. has issued a travel advisory for Germany and Denmark due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the two European countries, Reuters reports. The European region as a whole has seen a recent rise in infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now considers both Germany and Denmark “Level Four: Very High,” telling Americans to avoid travel there. The State Department also issued “Do Not Travel” advisories for both countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Numerous European countries are on the CDC’s list of “Level Four” countries, including Austria, Britain, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Romania, Ireland and the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: cbsnews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unvaccinated travellers from Belgium, Ireland, Greece and the Netherlands will have to self-isolate for up to ten days on arrival in Germany as the Robert Koch Institute adds four new EU countries to its list of risk areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of Sunday, November 21st, people visiting Germany from each of the four countries will be subject to strict entry rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under guidance from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), all travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece and Ireland now have to register on Germany\u2019s Digital Entry Portal and upload proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test before entering the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who can\u2019t present proof of vaccination or recovery will be legally obliged to head straight to their destination in Germany and self-isolate there for up to ten days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Local.de<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Airline travel this Thanksgiving season is expected to approach prepandemic levels, Transportation Security Administration officials said on Wednesday. The agency is preparing to handle about 20 million air passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The large volume of travelers expected comes as inoculation rates across the United States have risen, allowing many families to gather safely for the first time since 2019, when T.S.A. screened 26 million people. The uptick also signals a willingness by people to resume customary holiday travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: NY Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Travellers who have had a booster or a third dose will be able to demonstrate their vaccine status through the NHS COVID Pass from Friday 19 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The addition will enable those who have had their booster or third dose to travel to countries including Israel, Croatia and Austria who have already introduced a time limit for the COVID-19 vaccine to be valid for quarantine free travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Booster and third doses will not be added to the domestic COVID Pass as it is not a current requirement for individuals to receive booster doses to qualify as fully vaccinated. It will also not be necessary to show evidence of a booster for travel into England at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Israel will put Germany, Italy, Greece and several other countries under travel warning \u2013 designated orange \u2013 beginning November 26, but no nation will be put under a travel ban, or a red designation, at the moment, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the ministry, the other countries that will become orange next Friday are Bhutan, Chile, Guatemala, Kosovo, Luxembourg, South Korea and Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Traffic Light System for foreign states, orange countries are those considered at risk for corona compared with yellow countries, where the risk is considered low, and red countries, where the risk is high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Jerusalem Post<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n India opened its borders to fully vaccinated foreign tourists entering the country on commercial flights for the first time in nearly two years on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tourists entering the country must be fully vaccinated, test negative for the virus within 72 hours of their flight and follow all Covid-19 protocols, according to the health ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travelers from countries that have mutual agreements with India on the recognition of vaccination certificates, including the United States, United Kingdom and multiple European nations, can leave the airport without undergoing a Covid-19 test. However, they must monitor their health for 14 days after their arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNN Travel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Travellers can enter mainland without undergoing quarantine from first week of next month, under accelerated reopening likely to coincide with China\u2019s Olympic medallists visiting city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the number of people granted the exemption will be restricted to a few hundred per day initially, mainland sources say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Coronavirus Pandemic<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals the United States tourism sector could experience year-over-year growth of 36 per cent in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a significantly faster improvement than the overall global tourism recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The outlook is even more rosy for 2022, with the travel sector in the United States expected to grow by another 28 per cent, reaching nearly $2 trillion of the United States economy for a contribution exceeding pre-pandemic levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By comparison, in 2019, the United States tourism sector\u2019s contribution to GDP represented nearly $1.9 trillion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: breakingtravelnews.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mediterranean island-nation of Malta may be small but its response to the pandemic has been mighty. Once enforcing some of the strictest restrictions in Europe, the country has finally been able to open its borders and welcome back visitors safely, boasting one of the world’s highest vaccination rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearly 81% of all Malta residents are fully vaccinated. In fact, Malta and Portugal are the only two nations in Europe that have reached a more than 80% vaccination rate across their total population (including teenagers age 12 to 17, who have been eligible to get the vaccine since summer 2021), according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control<\/a> (ECDC). This make them two of the only places likely to avoid a winter resurgence says the ECDC director<\/a>, and among the safest places to travel in 2021. Visitors to Malta must be vaccinated themselves if they want to skip a 14-day quarantine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The country is more than ready to welcome back vaccinated international visitors \u2013 especially those looking to take advantage of their company’s new remote work policies. In June 2021, Malta launched their Nomad Residence Permit<\/a>, which enables visitors to keep their current employment in another country and live in Malta for up to a year (with the opportunity for renewal). Applicants must prove they can work remotely, work for an employer or offer freelance or consulting services and earn at least the equivalent of \u20ac2,700 monthly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: bbc.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nothing in modern memory has changed city life quite like Covid has. From the closure of city-centre offices to mask mandates to restaurant restrictions, pandemic precautions have transformed the landscape of cities across the world, likely for the long term. In fact, the pandemic is the first of its scale to happen to us as an “urbanised” species. When the Spanish Flu hit in the early 1900s, only 14% of humans lived in cities, but today that figure has risen to 57%, according to estimates by the UN Population Division<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, cities have had to become even more vigilant in terms of health protections and overall security to better protect their populations. To clarify what changes have led to higher safety, the Economist Intelligence Unit recently released the 2021 Safe Cities Index<\/a>, which ranks 60 cities based on 76 safety indicators across infrastructure, digital life, personal security, environmental factors and, of course, health \u2013 with pandemic preparedness and Covid-19 mortality included this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those ranked at the top of the index \u2013 including Copenhagen, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo \u2013 all had factors that illustrate how overall safety correlates to a strong sense of social cohesion, total population inclusion and societal trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: bbc.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A new study found that rising traveler confidence levels would result in more Americans hitting the road or taking to the skies for the Thanksgiving<\/a> and Christmas holidays in 2021 than last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association<\/a> (AHLA), 29 percent of Americans are likely to travel for Thanksgiving and 33 percent expect to travel for Christmas, an increase from 21 percent and 24 percent, respectively, compared to last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for how respondents will get to their destinations, 68 percent of Thanksgiving travellers and 64 percent of Christmas<\/a> travelers plan to drive, while another 11 percent and 14 percent plan to fly commercial, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When hitting the road, 68 percent of Thanksgiving<\/a> travellers and 66 percent of Christmas travellers plan to stay with family or friends, while another 22 percent and 23 percent plan to stay in a hotel, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: travelpulse.com<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fully vaccinated travellers from low-risk areas will not have to provide a negative COVID-19 test when entering Tasmania under a tweak to the state’s December 15 border reopening plan, Premier Peter Gutwein has announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a change to the plan that will see Tasmania reopen to COVID hotspots, the 72-hour pre-travel testing requirement will not be needed for some states, but it will remain in place for high-risk areas such as Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The states that Tasmania currently considers low risk are: Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: abc.net.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n About half the flights to and from Beijing city\u2019s two airports were canceled Tuesday, according to aviation industry data site VariFlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n China has a strict \u201czero tolerance\u201d policy for controlling the coronavirus. Local authorities are on high alert after a handful of locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the weekend indicated the latest spike in cases might be spreading beyond just a few regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beijing\u2019s health commission announced Monday that residents who had left the city for business trips or leisure trips to areas with confirmed cases should \u201cpostpone\u201d returning, according to a CNBC translation of the Chinese text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. state of Hawaii will accept all vaccinated international travellers under new federal requirements that are set to come into effect Nov. 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A statement Tuesday from Hawaii Gov. David Ige says non-U.S. citizens travelling directly to the state from an international destination must show both a vaccination record and negative COVID-19 test result \u2013 either a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) or antigen \u2013 within three days of boarding a flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Airlines will screen passengers prior to their departure. Foreign passengers who fail to meet both requirements will not be allowed to board their flight. However, the state will not apply any other requirements for passengers flying directly into Hawaii from an international destination. Similar rules will apply for U.S. citizens flying to Hawaii internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: ctvnews.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Costa Rica continues to be among the most stress-free international destinations this fall as it remains open with no COVID-19 testing or quarantine requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, beginning January 8, 2022, all of the country’s hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, casinos, shops, museums, art and dance academies, gymnasiums and adventure tourism businesses will only be allowed to admit people who have been fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine such as Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca and Janssen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: travelpulse<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Business travel spend is expected to reach two-thirds of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022, with the Middle East and Asia-Pacific spearheading the recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Middle East, business travel spend is expected to increase 49 per cent this year \u2013 stronger than leisure travel spend at 36 per cent \u2013 followed by a 32 per cent rise in 2022. Spend in Asia-Pacific is set to grow 32 per cent this year and by 41 per cent next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recovery in Europe is expected to be slower, with 36 per cent growth this year and 28 per cent in 2022, while the figures for Africa are 36 per cent this year and 23 per cent next, and for the Americas 14 per cent growth this year and 35 per cent in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Business travel news Europe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n New Zealand on Thursday said it would begin easing Covid-19 restrictions that have been in place on its national borders since March 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chris Hipkins, minister in charge of New Zealand’s Covid-19 response, said that from November, travelers from Pacific countries such as Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu will no longer need to quarantine on arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 14-day hotel quarantine period will be shortened to seven days for fully vaccinated travelers from abroad, with a plan to move to a system of home isolation for fully vaccinated arrivals later in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNN Travel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fully-vaccinated arrivals from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Haiti and Venezuela will no longer have to quarantine in a hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the red list system will be kept in place and a country could be added back on it if cases rise there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The changes announced by the Department for Transport will apply to passengers arriving in all four nations of the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Canadian government last week ended its advisory against nonessential foreign travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The guidance ends a warning first issued when the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020 and corresponds with the success of Canada\u2019s vaccination campaign, as reported by Reuters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Tico Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Come Monday, Thailand will be lifting quarantine restrictions for travelers from more than 40 countries who have been fully vaccinated \u2014 even though less than half its population has been completely inoculated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of Oct. 27, only around 42% of the Thai population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Our World in Data. In comparison, other countries in the region such as Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore have had more than 70% of their population fully inoculated against Covid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: cnbc<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Norwegian health minister Ingvild Kjerkol confirmed on Thursday that the country will continue existing entry restrictions in the midst of an increasing trend of Covid-19 infections. New domestic restrictions will not be reintroduced at the current time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe government has decided to retain several corona measures which were assessed removable. The current system of downgraded TISK [testing, isolation, contact tracing and quarantine, ed.] should have been lifted now according to the plan, but will be continued for the rest of the year,\u201d Kjerkol said at a briefing on Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: The Local<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The federal government has quietly lifted its advisory against all non-essential travel abroad that was introduced in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic \u2014 as long as those travellers are fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The advisory was lifted on the same day Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled Canada\u2019s international proof of vaccination system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Global News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Malaysia aims to reopen to international tourists in November, and travelers from neighboring Singapore could be among the first to be allowed into the country, the Malaysian tourism minister told CNBC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minister, Nancy Shukri, said she\u2019s meeting officials from Singapore next week to discuss resuming cross-border travel between the two countries. She added Malaysia would be opening up to Singapore \u201cvery soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are open (to) Singapore as long as Singapore is open to us as well,\u201d Nancy told CNBC\u2019s \u201cStreet Signs Asia\u201d on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Morocco has banned flights to and from the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several UK airlines and holiday companies have been told by the Moroccan government that flights will be suspended from 23:59 BST on Wednesday until further notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flights between Morocco and Germany and the Netherlands have also been suspended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Australian government has started producing COVID-19 vaccination certificates for safe overseas travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Citizens and Australian visa holders with valid passports and who have COVID-19 vaccination records on the Australian Immunisation Register can obtain this international proof of COVID-19 vaccination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The certificate can be downloaded digitally or printed and is compatible with COVID-19 travel apps, such as the International Air Transport Association Travel Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Healthcare IT News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Qantas and Jetstar are bringing forward the restart of their international flights, with Australian-based employees to return to work in early December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flights will restart solely out of Sydney to Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Johannesburg, Fiji ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Qantas also plans to launch a new route from Sydney to Delhi before Christmas and will bring back two of its Airbus A380 aircraft earlier than planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The announcement comes on the heels of Mr Perrottet’s declaration that all forms of quarantine would end for vaccinated travellers entering NSW from November 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: 9 news<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new U.S. travel policy will block entry to foreign nationals who have recovered from Covid-19 and then gotten one dose of two-dose vaccines — a standard that France and the European Commission consider full vaccination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. announced on Friday that it would open its borders to vaccinated travelers beginning Nov. 8, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that would include \u201cany combination of two doses\u201d from two-shot vaccines. An agency spokeswoman confirmed that people with just one dose would be excluded, regardless of whether they\u2019ve also recovered from Covid-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Bloomberg<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n New rules allowing travellers returning to England to take lateral flow tests instead of more expensive PCR tests will come into force on 24 October. The government says the changes will take effect in time for families returning from half term breaks. Fully vaccinated passengers will be told to upload photos of their Covid-19 tests for verification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. will reopen its land borders to nonessential travel next month, ending a 19-month freeze due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the country moves to require all international visitors to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vehicle, rail and ferry travel between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico has been largely restricted to essential travel, such as trade, since the earliest days of the pandemic. The new rules, to be announced Wednesday, will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the U.S. regardless of the reason for travel starting in early November, when a similar easing of restrictions is set to kick in for air travel into the country. By mid-January, even essential travelers seeking to enter the U.S., like truck drivers, will need to be fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: AP news<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Asia-Pacific airlines have lost billions of dollars this year, with jets grounded in COVID-19 transportation freezes. Now, as some of the world’s strictest pandemic-related travel rules begin to ease, they’re ramping up flights and ticket offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asian travel agencies and carriers told Reuters they’re seeing a surge in bookings and travel enquiries as countries like Malaysia and Vietnam allow domestic flights to resume from this week after months of strict lockdowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n India is lifting a domestic capacity cap, while Singapore, Thailand and Fiji are opening without quarantine to vaccinated international travellers from select countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: reuters<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Singapore and Malaysia have each revealed plans to start reopening their borders as the Southeast Asian neighbors move away from their zero-Covid strategies toward living with the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Sunday the country would end its domestic and international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated residents from Monday, after reaching its target of full inoculation for 90% of the adult population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNN travel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bali has reopened to international travelers for the first time in more than a year. It’s a big step in the Indonesian holiday island, welcoming back tourists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travellers must now be vaccinated, quarantine in a hotel for five days and follow strict visa requirements under new entry rules for travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport is now open to travellers from 19 countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, France, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and New Zealand, authorities said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: abc.net.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel agency On the Beach has pledged to continue its free Covid test deal for fully-jabbed holidaymakers through the 2022 summer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The offer applies to bookings made before October 31, 2021, with the company promising to cover the cost of tests required for fully vaccinated holidaymakers heading to Spain, Greece and Cyprus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tests will be automatically ordered when the holiday is booked and delivered to the customer a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Wales Online<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Faced with reciprocal measures from India against British nationals over the last few days, the UK government has lifted restrictions on Indian travellers to the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From October 11, there will be no quarantine for Indian travellers who are fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Announcing this on Thursday night, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said, \u201cFrom Monday the 11th of October, a traveler from India to the UK, double jabbed with COVID shield [Covishield] or another vaccine recognized by the UK regulator does not have to be quarantined. So, it will be easier and cheaper to enter the UK. This is great news.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Indian Express<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Days after the UK government lifted restrictions on Indian travellers who are fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine, India has withdrawn a travel advisory that added Covid-19 related additional checks and restrictions on those arriving from Britain, including a mandatory 10-day quarantine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Indian Express<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The number of countries on the UK Covid travel red list will be cut from 54 to seven, the government says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n South Africa, Brazil and Mexico come off the red list, which requires travellers to quarantine in an approved hotel at their cost for 10 full days. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes begin on Monday and “mark the next step” in opening travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This latest move will be seen as a boost to the airline industry and families separated during the pandemic. Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti and the Dominican Republic remain on the red list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting October 30, everyone age 12 and older will need to provide proof of full vaccination to travel departing from Canadian airports, on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains. In addition, marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels (including cruise ships on voyages of 24 hours or more) will be required to be fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There will be a “short transition period,” ending on Nov. 30, where travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated can show a valid negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of travel. After November 30, travellers will not be able to board trains or planes unless fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: yahoo! News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n India will reopen to tourism from October 15, the government said, after more than a year of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foreign nationals will be able to apply for a visa for the first time since March 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s government imposed a strict lockdown in response to the pandemic. Foreigners traveling to India via commercial flights will be able to enter on fresh tourist visas starting November 15, 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: aljazeera<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Economist Intelligence Unit recently released the 2021 Safe Cities Index, which ranks 60 cities based on 76 safety indicators across infrastructure, digital life, personal security, environmental factors and, of course, health \u2013 with pandemic preparedness and Covid-19 mortality included this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those ranked at the top of the index \u2013 including Copenhagen, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo \u2013 all had factors that illustrate how overall safety correlates to a strong sense of social cohesion, total population inclusion and societal trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC Travel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n New Zealand has announced tighter border restrictions as new cases of COVID-19 emerged in areas previously free of the coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are introducing the requirement for air travellers aged 17 and over, who are not New Zealand citizens, to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand,\u201d Christ Hipkins, the minister for COVID-19 response, said on Sunday. The national flag carrier Air New Zealand also announced it was introducing a \u201cno jab, no fly\u201d policy for passengers on all international flights from February 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: aljazeera<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vietnam is planning to reopen key tourist destinations to vaccinated visitors from countries deemed a low COVID-19 risk from December, the government said on Wednesday, October 6, ahead of a full resumption targeted for June next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vietnam imposed tight border controls at the start of the pandemic in an effort to keep out COVID-19, with some initial success, but that harmed its burgeoning tourism sector, which typically accounts for about 10% of gross domestic product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: CNN Travel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia will reopen its international border from November, giving long-awaited freedoms to vaccinated citizens and their relatives. Since March 2020, Australia has had some of the world’s strictest border rules – even banning its own people from leaving the country. Travel would not immediately be open to foreigners, but the government said it was working “towards welcoming tourists back to our shores”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At present, people can leave Australia only for exceptional reasons such as essential work or visiting a dying relative. Entry is permitted for citizens and others with exemptions, but there are tight caps on arrival numbers. This has left tens of thousands stranded overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: bbc<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since last Sunday, those who want to get tested for COVID-19 for travel purposes will have to pay between \u20ac29 and \u20ac49, as France will no longer provide free testing for the virus for those who do not have symptoms or haven’t been in contact with an infected person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The French Prime Minister Jean Castex has announced that COVID-19 tests taken for reasons other than those related to medical conditions will no longer be free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such a decision was announced on Sunday, September 26, and is expected to enter into force on October 15, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: schengenvisainfo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The number of international travellers arriving into Ireland jumped by more than 100pc in the weeks after travel restrictions were lifted, new figures show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In August 2021, 821,700 passengers arrived on overseas routes \u2013 a rise of 116pc compared with July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same month, 781,000 passengers left on overseas routes \u2013 a rise of 82pc on the previous month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ireland\u2019s restrictions on international travel were lifted on July 19, sparking a sharp rise in the number of people travelling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Independent.ie<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fully-vaccinated people travelling to Scotland from overseas will no longer have to take pre-departure Covid tests, the Scottish government has confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The change will benefit Scots returning home from abroad and visitors from non-red list countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scotland will also “align with the UK post-arrival testing regime” but details have still to be finalised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: bbc<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The United Kingdom has promised to simplify COVID-19 travel rules for Nigeria nationals and other international visitors following frustrating tales by travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n British High Commission in Nigeria at the weekend said the travellers will experience some ease in their travel experiences from Monday, October 4, 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom October 4, 2021, the current system will be simplified. There will be a single red list of countries and territories where stricter rules apply, and there will also be a \u201crest of the world\u201d list, with simplified travel measures,\u201d UK high commissioner in Nigeria Catriona Laing said in a statement. Liang said the \u201crest of the world\u201d list will include countries currently on the UK\u2019s amber list, such as Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: TheGuardian Nigeria<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n President Joe Biden will ease foreign travel restrictions into the United States beginning in November, when his administration will require all foreign nationals flying into the country to be fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All foreign travellers flying to the US will need to demonstrate proof of vaccination before boarding, as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of flight, said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients, who announced the new policy on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Aljazeera<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Changes would see border rules aligned much more closely with the UK since the pandemic started, the States said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) said from 23 September anyone who could prove they were fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Jannsen would see fewer restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From 4 October any traveller from the Common Travel Area will only have to take lateral flow tests, it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: BBC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The deal covers new bookings made before October 31 this year and covers the cost of tests required for fully-vaccinated holidaymakers to travel to Spain, Greece, the Spanish and Greek islands, and Cyprus until the end of October next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The offer, bringing estimated savings of up to \u00a3200 for a group of four, also extends to people in Wales, following changes to testing requirements by the Welsh government, in addition to those living in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Travel Weekly<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n International travellers can heave a sigh of relief as Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) on Thursday said the African nation has reopened its borders for travellers from India, which were closed for a brief period due to the second wave of Covid-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The temporary ban of passenger flights from India was revoked after a brief period of suspension since May this year as a result of the spike of Covid-19 pandemic in the country, KTB said in a statement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: India.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Croatian citizens could benefit from the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by the end of the US fiscal year and be able to travel to the US without visa requirement by the end of 2021; Croatia\u2019s Ministry of the Interior has stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: schengenvisainfo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccination certificates issued by UAE health authorities will be accepted in the UK, Britain\u2019s Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps announced on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting October 4, travellers will be able to enter the UK if they show proof of two Covid jabs taken in the Emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Khaleej Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The green and amber lists will be merged into one category of low-risk nations and the number of places on the red list will be reduced, some reports say. And according to The Times, Turkey could be taken off the red list in time for the October half-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Data expert Tim White has told Sky News that as many as 12 countries could lose their red designation: Argentina, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Sky News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good news for Indian travellers wanting to visit the UK! Starting October 1, those travelling to the UK from India will not have to take the super expensive RT PCR Coronavirus tests. The UK government is thinking of a way out. In the coming days, the UK might drop quarantine restrictions for the countries in its amber category. And now that India is also a part of the amber list, most probably the PCR tests would also stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Times of India<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nGrenada relaxes Covid-19 tourism regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dominican Republic lifts all domestic COVID rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Singapore will lift most travel restrictions after Omicron wave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
France, Finland and Norway relax Covid travel rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
February 11<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
UK\u2019s new travel rules take flight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More EU Countries Agree That Travel Restrictions Don\u2019t Prevent COVID-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Covid: Australia to reopen borders to international travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
France, Greece and Portugal relax Covid travel restrictions as half-term nears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19 Booster Shots Not Required for Travel to Hawaii<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
February 4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Denmark Lifts All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions, Becoming First EU Country to Do So<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Zealand announces plans to reopen to the world<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Jersey’s inbound travel restrictions to be dropped<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scandinavia adjusts Covid travel rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Germany adds 12 countries to \u2018high risk\u2019 Covid list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
January 28<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wales brings in new Covid test rules for international travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Italy to simplify Covid travel rules for EU arrivals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Holiday bookings jump as UK Covid travel tests axed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
UK scraps Covid testing after arrival for double-vaccinated travellers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canada removes India-specific Covid-19 testing rules for travellers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hong Kong cuts quarantine time for foreign travellers to 14 despite COVID-19 surge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
January 21<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thailand Relaxes Travel Restrictions as Omicron Concerns Subside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can American citizens travel to Europe? Here are the latest updates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Free COVID-19 tests are on their way. Will they work for travel in the USA?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
January 14<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Germany adds nearly 40 countries to Covid \u2018high risk\u2019 list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paris eases strict COVID rules for arrivals from the United Kingdom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thailand to charge foreign tourists an entry fee of $9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Italy extends Covid restrictions to curb spread of Omicron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Southwest Airlines flyers can now get a COVID-19 test in the mail before travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Covid-19 forces Royal Caribbean cancellations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
January 7<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Israel to lift omicron travel bans to US, UK<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
France lifts travel restrictions on South African travelers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pre-departure travel tests to be scrapped<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Britain races to book holidays after Covid testing relaxed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
December 24<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Singapore to suspend new ticket sales for quarantine-free travel starting Thursday<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More than 110 million Americans to travel for holidays despite COVID-19 surge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thailand’s quarantine-free travel pass suspended amid Omicron variant concerns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brazil Announces Updated COVID-19 Entry Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
December 17<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
France to drastically restrict travel from UK<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Greece further amends COVID-19 travel rules for foreigners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
India & Switzerland Sign Air Travel Bubble Amid COVID-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
UK to lift travel ban on African countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sweden rolls out new travel restrictions ahead of Christmas holidays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
December 10<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Israel Extends COVID Entry Ban for Foreigners, Weighs Europe Travel Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Omicron travel rules come into force<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
India extends international flights ban until January 31, 2022<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Omicron is prompting new rules for international travel to the U.S. Here\u2019s what you need to know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Greece lifts travel restrictions for Indians, Covid test mandatory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Philippines introduces new travel ban to prevent Omicron spread<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
December 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biden Imposes New US Coronavirus Travel Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
France travel restrictions: COVID test required for UK travellers from Saturday<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Israel to impose travel ban for foreigners over new variant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Japan partly reverses Covid travel ban as Omicron variant increasingly appears to be \u2018mild\u2018 mutation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
November 26<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Southern African countries put on UK travel red list over Covid variant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
EU moves to place Covid booster jabs at heart of travel rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Negative Covid test now required for entry to Portugal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malaysia, Singapore set to reopen borders to some travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
U.S. adds Germany and Denmark to “do not travel” list as COVID cases rise, joining several other European countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Germany adds four EU countries to Covid \u2018high risk\u2019 list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
November 19<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thanksgiving Air Travel May Rise to Near 2019 Level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boosters to be added to NHS COVID Pass for travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Israel puts more countries under travel warning, none under ban<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
India opens borders to vaccinated foreign tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Coronavirus Hong Kong: launch of quarantine-free travel to mainland China \u2018brought forward to early December\u2019, but numbers tightly limited<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
November 12<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
US tourism sector to outpace 2019 next year<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malta: The island welcoming digital nomads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The world’s five safest cities post-pandemic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More Americans Expected to Travel During Thanksgiving, Christmas Holidays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
November 5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tasmania tweaks December 15 border plan to drop pre-travel COVID tests for low-risk states<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Half of Beijing\u2019s flights are canceled as China\u2019s capital city tightens Covid restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Looking to travel to Hawaii? Here’s what you need to know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Costa Rica Updates COVID-19 Travel Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business travel spend to reach two-thirds of pre-Covid levels by end of 2022<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
October 29<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the world’s most closed-off nations to start easing Covid-19 travel restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
All countries to be removed from UK’s travel red list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canada lifts Covid-19 global travel advisory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thailand looks to welcome tourists again \u2014 less than half its population is fully vaccinated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Norway to retain Covid-19 travel restrictions as infection rate increases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
October 22<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Canada lifts blanket advisory against non-essential travel introduced amid COVID-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malaysia could reopen to international tourists in November, says tourism minister<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Morocco bans UK flights due to Covid cases rising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Australia rolls out COVID-19 vax cert for international travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Qantas to bring forward restart of some international flights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New U.S. Travel Rules Bar Foreign Covid Survivors With One Shot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
October 15<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Covid-19: Cheaper travel tests to start on 24 October<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
US to reopen land borders in November for fully vaccinated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asia’s airlines ramp up flights, offers as tough COVID travel curbs ease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malaysia and Singapore ease international travel restrictions in pivot to living with Covid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bali reopens to international flights from 19 approved countries as COVID cases decline following increased vaccinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On the Beach extends free Covid travel test deal to cover summer 2022 bookings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From Oct 11, no UK quarantine for those with 2 Covishield jabs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
India lifts travel curbs on those arriving from UK<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
October 8<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
UK travel red list cut to just seven countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canada\u2019s new COVID-19 travel rules are very clear: \u2018You\u2019ve got to be vaccinated’ if you plan on taking a trip, PM Trudeau announces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
India set to reopen to tourist visas as COVID situation eases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The world’s five safest cities post-pandemic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New Zealand tightens travel rules as COVID spreads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vietnam to fully reopen by June 2022<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
October 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Australian border to reopen for first time in pandemic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
France will no longer offer free COVID-19 tests for travel purposes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CSO figures show steep rise in arrivals into Ireland as Covid travel rules eased<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scotland’s international travel testing regime to be relaxed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19: UK to \u2018simplify travel rules\u2019 for Nigeria, others<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
September 24<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biden eases travel to US to those with COVID vaccinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Guernsey to have fewer restrictions for visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On the Beach extends free Covid tests to cover 2022 holidays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kenya Reopens Borders For Travellers From India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Croatians Could Travel Visa-Free to US By Year\u2019s End, After the COVID-19 Entry Ban Is Removed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Covid-19: UK to accept travellers with UAE-issued vaccine certificates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
September 17<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19: Major changes to travel rules could be announced today<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
UK likely to relax travel norms for Indian fliers from October 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n