Travel advice to Scandinavia

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Scandinavia:
Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Denmark

Travel advice Denmark

Denmark welcomes fully vaccinated visitors from EU, Schengen and OECD nations (which includes the UK and USA). In most cases, for vaccinated visitors there is no mandatory quarantine period in Denmark, but please check carefully on the Danish Government’s info website, as there are some exceptions.

If you are not fully vaccinated but have a negative corona test, restrictions vary according to which country you are travelling from.

Travel advice Denmark

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Denmark?

July 26, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Finland

Travel advice Finland

Finland welcomes all fully vaccinated travelers

As of 26 July 2021, travel to Finland is possible for all travelers who meet the following health requirements:

You can present a certificate of having received the full COVID-19 vaccines 14 days prior to arriving in Finland. There is no mandatory testing for people who meet this requirement. Please refer to the Finnish institute for health and welfare for the approved vaccines.
Children born in 2006 or thereafter are not required to take part in a health examination or a COVID-19 test.

The certificate needs to be in either English, Finnish or Swedish. A certified translation can also be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU digital Covid certificate.

Finland welcomes fully vaccinated travelers and travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 from EU and Schengen countries

As of 26 July 2021, travel to Finland is possible for travelers from EU and Schengen countries who meet the following health requirements:

You can present a certificate of having received the full COVID-19 vaccines 14 days prior to arriving in Finland. There is no mandatory testing for people who meet this requirement. Please refer to the Finnish institute for health and welfare for the approved vaccines.
You can present a certificate showing that you have recovered from the COVID-19 disease within 6 months prior to arriving in Finland. There is no mandatory testing for people who meet this requirement.
You have received one COVID-19 vaccine shot at least a 14 days prior to arriving in Finland. In this case, you must also take a COVID-19 test 3–5 days after arriving in Finland. You must avoid contact with others and remain at home or in your place of accommodation until you receive confirmation of a negative test result. Please refer to FINENTRY for information on COVID-19 testing locations. Please refer to the Finnish institute for health and welfare for the approved vaccines.
You can present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken before entering Finland. In this case, you must also take a COVID-19 test 3–5 days after arriving in Finland. You must avoid contact with others and remain at home or in your place of accommodation until you receive confirmation of a negative test result. Please refer to FINENTRY for information on COVID-19 testing locations.
Children born in 2006 or thereafter are not required to take part in a health examination or a COVID-19 test.

The certificate needs to be in either English, Finnish or Swedish. A certified translation can also be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU digital Covid certificate.

Finland welcomes travelers from low-risk countries and regions. No certificate or COVID-19 test is required for persons arriving in Finland from low-risk countries and regions. For the list of low-risk countries and regions, please refer to the Finnish Border Guard website.

Please refer to the FINENTRY digital service to manage your travel to Finland.

For official information and more details on these entry requirements, please refer to the Finnish Border Guard and the Finnish institute for health and welfare. More information on entry requirements is also available on the Finnish Government’s COVID-19 pages.

TRAVEL TRADE

To find out more about leisure travel in Finland during the coronavirus pandemic from the travel trade perspective, please visit the Travel Trade Travel Recovery site at Businessfinland.fi.

Travel advice Finland

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Finland?

August 2, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Norway

Travel advice Norway

Entry with a valid COVID certificate

If you live in the EU/EEA/Schengen area and have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have had COVID-19 in the last 6 months, you can enter Norway when you can document this with a verifiable EU Digital COVID Certificate or a Norwegian, Swedish or Danish Covid certificate with a QR code. You will not have have to quarantine, undergo any tests or register when you enter Norway this way.

If you arrive by plane or ferry the arrival procedure is normally quick and easy. At some main border crossings, for example between Sweden and Norway at Svinesund, you might expect some queue if you come by car.

Unvaccinated minors may enter Norway if their parents are allowed to enter the country.

Protected persons who received their first vaccine dose between three and 15 weeks ago and children under 18 must quarantine on arrival, but may end their quarantine if they test negative no earlier than three days after arrival.

Please note that the information above does not apply to residents of the United Kingdom.

Entry from green areas in Europe

If you reside in a green area or country in most of Europe, you can also enter Norway without having to quarantine or take a test before arrival (although you will need to take a mandatory test at the border). For this to apply, you need to have stayed in a green area for the last 10 days prior to entering Norway.

Important information about travellers coming from green areas and how they can travel to Norway.

See which areas are green, orange, red, dark red and purple, and read more about entry, quarantine, duty to register on arrival, and testing rules on The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)’s official website. Changes to colour ratings are usually announced on Fridays and new regulations take effect at midnight the following Monday.

Please note that colour ratings can change at short notice if there is an outbreak or if the virus situation changes.

Travellers may experience longer waiting times than normal on arrival at airports and border controls in Norway, due to the need for testing and increased checks. Remember to arrive at the airport in good time before your departure. More information about flying to and from Norway is available at Avinor’s website.

Registering arrival to Norway

To help with coronavirus tracking and tracing, most travellers who do not possess a valid COVID certificate will be required to register their entry to Norway on the Norwegian government’s website before arrival. If you do not wish to register online, you can submit a form to the police at the border.

Entry is not permitted from non-green areas

If you live in an area that is not rated green, or arrive from most other countries outside the EU/EEA, you are currently not permitted to enter Norway unless you possess a valid EU COVID certificate or one of the exemptions on this page applies to you.

Travellers who are permitted to enter Norway from areas that are exempt or who travel via non-green areas (including transit or by public transportation), and who don’t possess a valid EU COVID certificate, must quarantine at a quarantine hotel or at an approved location.

The EU and Norway will also soon start lifting travel restrictions for some residents of certain third countries.

Quarantine

If you are arriving from or have visited an area requiring quarantine during the last 10 days, please see more detailed information about the rules for quarantine and testing upon arrival.

The cost of staying at a quarantine hotel is NOK 500 per night for both private individuals (adults) and employees.

If you are not required to stay at a quarantine hotel, it is important to remember that you are still required to complete your quarantine at a suitable location. During your quarantine, you should avoid close contact with others sharing the space, such as family members.

Further information

Please be aware that both national and local rules and regulations related to coronavirus and travelling in Norway may change frequently and at short notice. All travellers, both international and domestic, are therefore encouraged to seek out the most up-to-date information by visiting the relevant websites. It is recommended that you continue to follow precautionary guidelines, such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing, and abide by valid local regulations.

For the latest information and advice about the Coronavirus situation and travel:

The Government’s Q&A about entry to Norway

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)’s official website.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health’s official website (helsenorge.no).

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)’s official website.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates. By signing up, you will also receive a variety of other news stories from Visit Norway.

Travel advice Norway

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Norway?

July 15, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Sweden

Travelling restrictions for Sweden

As of 1 July, a Covid certificate is needed for foreign nationals in order to travel to Sweden. The certificate shows that a person has been tested negative, has been vaccinated against, or recovered from Covid-19.

Travellers from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway) do not have to present a Covid certificate.

There is a ban on non-essential travel to Sweden from countries outside the EU/EEA until 31 August.

For more information about the Covid certificate and travel to Sweden, please visit krisinformation.se: “International travel restrictions” and FAQ page of the Swedish Government.

You can also use Re-open EU, an official website of the European Union, that provides information on the various measures in place, including on quarantine and testing requirements for travellers, the EU Digital Covid certificate to help you exercise your right to free movement, and mobile coronavirus contact tracing and warning apps. The information is updated frequently and available in 24 languages.

Those who have travelled outside the Nordic countries are recommended to take a Covid-19 test on arrival in Sweden. This recommendation applies from 12 July to 31 August. Those who have been vaccinated with a dose at least three weeks before arrival in Sweden or those who have had Covid-19 in the past six months are exempt from the recommendation. Read more at krisinformation.se: “New recommendation for covid testing after a trip abroad”.

Recommendations and regulations when in Sweden

In general, businesses in Sweden are open but physical distancing applies and all businesses must take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading covid-19. For a summary of the rules and recommendations due to the coronavirus, please visit krisinformation.se: “Current rules and recommendations”.

During the summer, the restrictions in Sweden will be phased out in stages, based on a preliminary timetable. Read more at krisinformation.se: “How restrictions will be phased out”.

For general information about Covid-19 restrictions and regulations in Sweden, please visit krisinformation.se: “Covid-19 information for tourists”.

Travelling from Sweden

Please keep yourself informed of the different regulations that may apply in different countries for travelling from Sweden.

Please note
This page is based on information from the Swedish authorities. We strive to keep it updated with the latest changes, but as this kind of information may be due to change quickly and may also differ for parts of the country, you need to check what applies by visiting the links of this page as well as the relevant authorities in the country you are travelling from. Please note that Visit Sweden accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

Travel advice Sweden

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Sweden?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel platform to expand your travel knowledge, follow the latest destination news and participate in daily questions, like “Travel Trivia”, “Where in the World” and “Amazing Travel Facts”.

Travel advice to the Baltic countries

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Estonia

Travel advice Estonia

Currently the coronavirus infection rates have been constantly low, there are no restrictions on services and tourism attractions and you are invited to enjoy warm temperatures combined with refreshing swimming in the sea, (bog)-lakes and rivers.

Find all the latest data on Estonia’s infection rate per 100 000 inhabitants, our vaccination rate and overall healthcare information at the website of the Health Board.

Who can enter and how?

We welcome you with no restrictions from any place of the world if you are recovered or vaccinated. Entry to Estonia cannot be earlier than obtaining maximum protection depending on your vaccine type (7 or 14 days after the second dose etc). Also no restrictions apply in the case of TRANSIT, i.e. passing through the territory of the Republic of Estonia. Otherwise – depending on the infection rate of the country, testing and isolation rules apply. NB! IF YOU ARE:

VACCINATED / RECOVERED

Fully vaccinated no more than 12 months ago OR recovered + one dose of vaccine no more than 12 months ago OR no more than 180 days since diagnosis – NO TESTING, NO ISOLATION. https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers

NOT vaccinated / recovered – coming from EUROPE https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers

NOT vaccinated / recovered – coming from OUTSIDE Europe

https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers

About needed documents

Vaccination certificate. People who have been vaccinated while abroad can prove their vaccination by presenting an immunization passport, its copy, or a relevant certificate, that contains, in Latin or Slavic alphabet and in Estonian, Russian or English, among other things, the data of the person immunized, e.g. the disease against which the immunization was done, the date of the immunization, the immunization agent that was used, its lot number, the dosage administered, how many doses have been administered to the person, and the name and other data of the provider of the immunization. The proof can also be an officially certified printout from a database of another country.

Traveller’s questionnaire. All passengers arriving in Estonia by plane (including children for whom the data is provided by their parent) must fill in the traveller’s questionnaire before arriving in Estonia. You can do this up to three days before arriving in Estonia. The border guard or the airline may ask for confirmation of the border crossing declaration sent by e-mail either electronically or on paper. Those arriving by ship, bus, car or train are obliged to fill in the traveller’s questionnaire when arriving from a country marked in red in the table.

General rules

PCR up to 72 or antigen RDT test up to 48 hours before arrival and/or immediately after crossing the border. Isolation up to 10 days, can be shortened by testing. Second test (PCR) no earlier than on the sixth day after the first test.

https://koroonatestimine.ee/en/for-patients/paid-testing/

Children

Travelling with vaccinated/recovered adult: no isolation and testing for children UNDER 12. Please check the rules for children 12–18:

https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers

One-day visitors

If vaccinated/recovered, welcome! If not, you can visit Estonia for up to 24 hours without self-isolation with just one PCR test up to 72 or an antigen RDT test 48 hours before arrival – only from Europe and Annex 1 countries.

From August 2: mask is mandatory in public transport (not for children under 12); from August 9: vaccination/recovery certificate or rapid test if inside above 50, outside above 100 people (not in supermarkets)

https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/follow-the-you-are-safe-here-quality-label

Getting sick

When visiting as a part of a group, your group leader is responsible for giving the guidelines. Visiting individually, you can buy a rapid test from a pharmacy or get a PCR-test. Symptoms of COVID-19 and difference from flu or cold:

https://www.terviseamet.ee/en/what-covid-19

Before going home

To complete successfully your whole trip and have a smooth way back home, please check the requirements of your airline and in your country. You can self-generate a free-of-charge test certificate suitable for travel.

https://testi.me/en/

NB! Information published by the Estonian Tourist Board (Visit Estonia) regarding COVID-19 restrictions rely on information disclosed by official government organisations. Any data presented on Visit Estonia’s website is informative only – i.e. without juridical foundation, and should be viewed as such. Please keep in mind, that governmental authorities may change the conditions for entering and staying in the country with a short period of notice. Estonian Tourist Board does not take responsibility for your decisions to travel or to cancel a trip – neither for any other decisions you make based on the information presented on our website nor the possible consequences resulting. We recommend you to make yourself familiar with all the travel-related restrictions, including the ones related to specific transport connections, services to be consumed etc. In case you notice some contradictory or outdated information on this website, please be kind and inform us by writing to tourism@eas.ee.

Travel advice Estonia

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Estonia?

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Latvia

Travel advice Latvia

Currently, the cases of Covid-19 in Latvia are dropping and the government is gradually easing restrictions. It also affects travellers and Latvia is opening up to tourists.

Vaccinated people and former Covid-19 patients are able to travel without restrictions: there will be no testing before boarding the vehicle, no testing upon entry, and self-isolation requirements will be waived (restrictions still apply to people vaccinated or having overcome Covid-19 if they travel from particularly high-risk countries).

The ban on non-essential travel to Latvia, the requirement to perform a test before and after the trip, as well as the requirement for self-isolation for vaccinated and recovered remain only when traveling from countries with a particularly high risk to public health (Emergency brake regulation).

Non-Covid-19 certified (non-vaccinated, non-recovered, without negative test result) individuals are allowed non-essential travel from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and low-risk third countries, but non-vaccinated people must be tested before travel and self-isolate upon arrival. When returning from high-risk third countries, those individuals must additionally undergo a test upon arrival in Latvia. More information is available at covid19.gov.lv, as well as covidpass.lv website.

Travel advice Latvia

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Latvia?

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Lithuania

Travel advice Lithuania

As all touristic attractions are open in Lithuania, you can explore the country easily and only with minimal restrictions – the main ones are displayed in our answers below.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements are based on ECDC guidelines and are marked in different colours (green, orange, red, dark red and grey). For more details view here

Requirements by area color can be seen in the chart below.

Third countries (non-European Economic Area countries) that are not included in the ECDC maps are classified as grey area countries. Arrival for not vaccinated/recovered tourists is permitted from countries on the list here.

Travel advice Lithuania

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Lithuania?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Austria

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Austria

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Austria

ENTRY FROM COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WITH LOW EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RISK (INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES)

Travelers who have exclusively been to the United States or another “country or territory with low epidemiological risk” (listed in Annex 1 of the COVID-19 Entry Regulation) in the past 10 days may enter Austria without quarantine or pre-travel-registration if they provide upon entry a certificate of vaccination, a certificate of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result (see below for specific requirements).

If none of those certificates or test results can be provided upon entry, the person seeking entry must take a COVID-19 test at their own expense immediately (max. 24 hours) after arrival. In this case travelers are required to register in advance using the pre-travel clearance form.

Countries and territories with low epidemiological risk (as of July 8, 2021): Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Jordan, Kosovo, Macau, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Vatican City, and Vietnam.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VACCINATION/RECOVERY CERTIFICATES OR COVID-19 TESTS

Please note that only certificates and test results issued in English or German by a medical professional or public authority will be accepted.

Vaccination Certificate (e.g. “CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card” or Medical Certificate):

Inoculation with BioNtech/Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson&Johnson/Janssen, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, or Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines.
Start of validity: 21 days after the first inoculation
End of validity: 90 days after the first inoculation if partially vaccinated (received 1 of 2 prescribed doses) or 270 days after the second/only inoculation if fully vaccinated (received all prescribed doses)

Certificate of Recovery (or Medical Certificate):

Confirmation of the patient’s recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days issued by a medical professional or public authority,
OR a positive test for COVID-19 antibodies not older than 90 days

COVID-19 Test Result (or Medical Certificate):

PCR or rapid/antigen test for SARS-CoV-2;
Sample taken no earlier than 72 hours (PCR test) or 48 hours (rapid/antigen test) prior to entering Austria
Test results must include: full name and date of birth of the tested person; date and time of the sampling; test result; bar-/QR-code or stamp and signature of testing facility

B. ENTRY FROM AREAS OF VARIANTS OF CONCERN

Travelers who have been to an “area of variants of concern” (any country or territory listed in Annex 2) in the past 10 days are not allowed to enter Austria.

Areas of variants of concern (as of July 8, 2021): Botswana, Brazil, Eswatini, India, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

The entry ban does not apply for the following groups of persons or to the following travel purposes:

Austrian citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and Swiss citizens and all persons living in the same household,
Persons with a residence in Austria, the EU/EEA, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican or Switzerland, and all persons living in the same household,
Holders of a residence permit issued by Austria or an ID card according to § 5 of the International Headquarters Act,
Members of diplomatic missions and consular representations as well as employees of international organizations,
Entry for professional/commercial reasons, including sport professionals and artists,
Students and researchers,
Persons subject to a compulsory duty imposed by a court or public authority (e.g. persons summoned to a court hearing)
Entry for considerable reasons within the family (i.e. visits of a life partner, severe cases of illness, deaths, funerals, births, weddings, birthdays or support of family members in emergency situations). The reason(s) must be credibly established upon entry into Austria.

Any person who seeks to enter Austria claiming one of the above mentioned exceptions must:

complete the pre-travel registration form (no earlier than 72 hours before entry),
present upon entry a negative molecular-biological COVID-19 test (PCR test only, no rapid/antigen test) taken no earlier than 72 hours before the time of entry, AND
observe a 10-day home-quarantine at their residence or at an appropriate accommodation at their own cost. Quarantine may be terminated upon presentation of a negative result of a molecular-biological COVID-19 test taken no earlier than five days after entry (PCR test only, no rapid/antigen test). Persons subject to a compulsory duty imposed by a court or public authority by Austria or persons entering Austria for unexpected particular considerable reasons within the family are exempt from mandatory quarantine.

C. ENTRY FROM OTHER COUNTRIES

Travelers arriving from countries of territories not listed in Annex 1 or Annex 2, or who have been in such a country/territory within the past 10 days before entering Austria, must

complete the pre-travel registration form (no earlier than 72 hours before entry),
present upon entry a certificate of vaccination/recovery (see requirements above), or a negative molecular-biological COVID-19 test (taken no earlier than 72 hours (PCR test) or 48 hours (rapid/antigen test) before entry),
AND must observe a mandatory 10-day quarantine at their residence or at an appropriate accommodation at their own cost. The residence/hotel may not be left for the quarantine period. Quarantine may be terminated upon presentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than five days after entry.

Fully vaccinated (14 days after the last dose) persons, business travelers, persons subject to a compulsory duty imposed by a court or public authority by Austria, persons entering Austria for unexpected particular considerable reasons within the family or commuters entering Austria regularly (at least once a month) for family reasons or the visit of a life partner are exempt from mandatory registration and quarantine.

D. GENERAL EXEMPTIONS

Persons entering Austria for the following purposes are not subject to COVID-19 entry restrictions or mandatory quarantine:

TRANSIT through Austria without stop or unnecessary delay. A change in mode of transportation is admissible (e.g. plane to train, bus, taxi, etc.).
Reception of absolutely necessary medical services if the recipient is either Austrian Citizen, is subject to mandatory health insurance in Austria, or hold a treatment conformation from an Austrian hospital. The absolute medical necessity of the medical services must be certified by a licensed physician. One accompanying person is acceptable (certificate of vaccination/recovery or negative COVID-19 test required).

E. REGULATIONS FOR MINORS

Minors under the age of 12 are subject to the same entry requirements and conditions as the adult under whose supervision they are traveling with exception the testing requirement. (eg. quarantine if traveling with adult who does not have a certificate of vaccination or recovery)
Minors 12 years of age and older are subject to the same entry requirements and conditions as adults.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please note: This information does not replace legal advice and therefore no legal claims can be based on its use.

Additional or legally binding information on these entry requirements can only be provided by the responsible Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection: +43 1 71 100 86 22 86 or buergerservice@sozialministerium.at

Legal Text:
Regulation of the Federal Minister for Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection on entry into Austria in connection with COVID-19

Binding version:
BGBl. II Nr. 276/2021

Amended by:
BGBl. II Nr. 302/2021

Consolidated version (non binding)

Travel advice Austria

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Austria?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Albania

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Albania

August 3, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Albania

All land borders are open. However neighbouring countries may have different entry and exit restrictions on their side of the border. You should check before travelling.

Keep up to date with information from your tour operator, transport or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans. If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Albanian Embassy/Consulate. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.

Quarantine and testing requirements if you’re travelling to neighbouring countries from Albania

If you are a British national travelling from Albania to Kosovo or North Macedonia there is no requirement to self-isolate, nor provide a PCR test nor provide a proof of vaccination upon entry to Kosovo or North Macedonia.

If you are a British national travelling from Albania to Montenegro you are exempt from the requirement to have a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination, but only if you have not travelled elsewhere in the previous 15 days.

If you are a British national travelling from Albania to Greece you can enter it only by the following land borders: Kakavia and Qafë-Botë. Travellers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) no later than 11:59pm (Greek local time) on the day before arriving in Greece. You must provide either: proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece; proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorized laboratory, undertaken within the 48 hour period before the scheduled flight; or proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations (i.e. complete vaccine) completed at least 14 days before travel. Travellers with proof of either are exempted from the need to self-isolate on arrival in Greece. Failure to provide proof of either will likely result in the Greek authorities refusing you permission to enter Greece.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. The Albanian authorities require anyone staying longer than 90 days to apply at a local police station for a residence permit.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Albania.

Travel advice Albania

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Albania?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Vietnam

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Vietnam

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Vietnam

Those planning to travel to Vietnam should be aware of the latest restrictions currently in place:

Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners since March 22, 2020, until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measure will not apply to diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers.
Ho Chi Minh City authorities extended social distancing measures for another 15 days under the stricter Directive 16 from August 2. Under Directive 16 all non-essential businesses are services are banned while public transport including buses and taxis are suspended. The gathering of more than two people is banned and people are required to stay at home unless for food, medicine, or emergencies. Residents are also banned from leaving their homes, unless for emergencies, from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am in Ho Chi Minh City as well as most southern localities.
Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and several other cities and localities are also under strict social distancing measures under Directive 16. Hanoi imposed the measures since July 24.
Most localities require COVID-19 tests to enter and exit along with centralized quarantine for 14 days.
Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, and Pacific Airlines suspended most of their regular flight schedules from July 26 due to low demand and social distancing measures in several localities. Vietnam Airlines has reduced operations on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route to just two flights per day.
Around 10 provinces and cities have suspended flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City until further notice due to the current outbreak.
The health ministry has mandated that anyone coming or returning from Ho Chi Minh City undergo home quarantine for seven days and be tested three times.
Vietnam’s Immigration Department announced automatic visa extensions until July 31, 2021, for foreigners that entered the country on visa waiver programmes, e-visas, or tourist visas since March 1. The measure applies to those who entered Vietnam since March 1, allowing them to leave the country without any penalty or paperwork until July 31, 2021.
Vietnam is expected to trial vaccine passports from July where vaccinated foreign travelers will be allowed to quarantine for 7 days compared to the present 21-day requirement. The trial will be done in Quang Ninh province; however, foreign travelers will have to self-isolate for another 7 days after the initial 7-day centralized quarantine.
In light of the recent outbreak, Ho Chi Minh City has imposed social distancing measures since May 31, while Hanoi has reopened eateries and barbershops, though with restrictions.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health extended the mandatory quarantine period to 21 days from the previous 14-day requirement from May 5 after several patients, who came from abroad, tested positive after completing the requirement. The requirement applies to all foreign arrivals as well as those who have had contact with COVID-19 positive patients.
Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines resumed some international flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with South Korea, Japan, and Australia from April 3. Low-cost carrier VietJet has also resumed services including to Taiwan and Thailand. However, only repatriated approved Vietnamese citizens and approved foreign experts will be allowed to enter Vietnam.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed the government consider gradually resuming international flights in the three stages throughout the year.
Human trials of Vietnam’s locally made COVID-19 vaccine began with 60 volunteers on December 17 in Hanoi.
Vietnam and Japan have agreed to lift mandatory quarantine for short-term visits for businesspeople and officials from November 1. However, this will be done as per strict health protocols including testing and medical surveillance. Details of the protocols and procedures are yet to be released
The government on September 15 issued Notice No 330/TB-VPCP allowing Vietnamese carriers to resume international air routes with six countries – these are Guangzhou (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Taipei (Taiwan), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Vientiane (Laos). However, incoming travelers will need to present a negative RT-PCR test three days before departure and test again on arrival in Vietnam. Commercial flights, however, are yet to resume pending further instructions from government authorities.
Foreign employees will be allowed to quarantine at the company’s factory, the company headquarters, or at a designated hotel/facility. In addition, if they test negative twice, they could be released and self-quarantine at their residence or company headquarters in accordance with local health authorities.
While Vietnam Airlines began one-way flights to Japan on September 19, carriers will release specific schedules for air routes after official confirmation from the authorities.
On August 31, the Ministry of Health lifted the mandatory 14-day quarantine for foreign experts, investors, managers, and diplomats on short business trips of less than 14 days. However, they must comply with all other health measures and must follow their scheduled itinerary. If after 14 days they wish to stay in Vietnam, they can do so without quarantining, provided they test negative for the virus.
Vietnamese authorities will charge a quarantine fee for anyone entering Vietnam from September 1. However, the medical treatment of Vietnamese nationals in case they are infected by the pandemic will be covered by the state budget. Foreign nationals are required to pay for their own medical treatment. International arrivals who opt to stay at government quarantine facilities are required to pay at least VND 120,000 (US$5) per day.
Foreign employees that want to enter Vietnam should ensure they have a sponsor who can assist in obtaining the necessary paperwork and be prepared for a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival in Vietnam
Vietnam will grant e-visa to citizens of 80 countries from July 1, 2020 as per Resolution No. 79/NQ-CP. Details on the list of countries can be accessed here. While this is a positive sign, Vietnam’s borders remain closed to foreign visitors due to the pandemic and the government has not made any official statement on when the borders will reopen.
Vietnam’s Immigration Department on May 18 announced automatic visa extensions until June 30 for foreigners that entered the country on visa waiver programmes, e-visas, or tourist visas since March 1.
Foreigners that entered the country before March 1 including those with temporary residence permits will also be entitled to extensions till September 30 but must present proof of documents such as health declarations and official documents from embassies. For assistance, applicants can call the immigration helpline at 0243.9387320.
Travelers that are still in Vietnam can call the Tourist Helpline at +84378173371 for guidance on visas, accommodation, hospitals, embassy, or consulate details. The helpline is available from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. local time.
Vietnam lifted social isolation measures on April 23 with most businesses resuming operations. Nevertheless, measures such as wearing face masks and observing strict hygiene standards remain in place.
As of 12:00 pm on March 15, Vietnam suspended all visas and will deny entry to travelers from the UK and the 26 Schengen countries; this includes travelers that have visited or transited through these countries in the past 14 days. This will be effective for 30 days.
In addition, Vietnam has suspended visa on arrival for all foreign nationals except for those on official or diplomatic trips. Those who currently hold visas to enter Vietnam will need to undergo screenings and may be quarantined when entering the country.
From March 7, all travelers coming to Vietnam will be required to submit a health declaration upon arrival. Passengers can fill out this declaration at the airport or submit it online via this link (picture below).
Those that are assessed to have symptoms of the epidemic will be transferred to designated health facilities for isolation.
There is a temporary ban on travelers with travel history to mainland China, except for those on official or diplomatic missions.
We have also heard of travelers in more remote border crossings into Vietnam being denied entry if they possess any China visa history in their passport. If travel is required, we recommend using the main border entry-exit points.
Do not travel if you are sick; those that travel while sick, risk being quarantined, and undergo tests.
Visa-free travel has been suspended for South Korean and Italian nationals as well as ethnic Vietnamese from these countries. In addition, travelers arriving from or those that have transited through Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk in South Korea in the past 14 days will be denied entry.
In addition, visa-free travel has also been suspended for eight countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK from March 9.
Travelers from China that are permitted to enter Vietnam, as well as those from South Korea, Iran, and Italy, are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon entry.
Flights and passenger trains, as well as various border crossings to mainland China, remain suspended.
All Vietnam carriers have suspended flights to South Korea, while other foreign airlines have reduced the number of flights significantly between Vietnam and South Korea.
Flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao remain operational though they are operating with reduced capacity.
Additional restrictions are possible for travelers when they return to their country of origin, including entry restrictions and quarantine.

The Vietnamese government officially declared COVID-19 as an epidemic on February 1, with authorities taking swift and strict measures to contain the virus.

Several Vietnamese businesses, residential complexes, and restaurants have installed their own preventative measures to keep customers safe.

Due to the epidemic, travelers should monitor restrictions and comply with advisories issued by the local and national authorities.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is updating about the epidemic here, while the Tourism Ministry has also listed travel updates here.

In addition, basic precautions one can take to reduce their risk to the coronavirus as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) are:

Wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub;
Cover nose and mouth with tissues or inside of elbow when coughing or sneezing;
Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms;
Thoroughly cook meat and eggs; and
Avoid unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals.
Brought by

Vietnam Briefing

Travel advice Vietnam

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Vietnam?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Uzbekistan

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Uzbekistan

July 7, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Uzbekistan

The number of current COVID-19 cases in Uzbekistan has declined since its peak in late summer 2020. However, the infection rate is increasing significantly again. Currently, most schools continue to operate in-person, and groceries and household supplies are readily available with good distribution and open stores. Large gatherings and major religious services have been officially discouraged.

COVID-19 Testing:

Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Uzbekistan? Yes
If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
COVID-19 PCR tests are available at clinics and medical facilities throughout Uzbekistan. The cost of testing is typically between 200,000 and 350,000 Uzbekistani Soum ($20-$35 USD), and is paid by the patient prior to testing. U.S. citizens should inquire with the local government (Mahalla) or hotel for the nearest clinic. The following link includes a list of known clinics in Tashkent that provide PCR tests: https://uz.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-testing-facilities/
Test results are generally returned via the messaging app Telegram, or through clinic-specific patient portals.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

Has the government of Uzbekistan approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
Are vaccines available in Uzbekistan for U. S. citizens to receive? Yes, although supplies are still very limited.
Which vaccines are available in Uzbekistan? Vaxzevria (also known as Astra Zeneca) and the Uzbek-Chinese vaccine ZF-UZ-VAC2001
According to Uzbek health authorities, the government’s initial vaccination campaign against COVID-19 began on April 1 with the first residents of Tashkent and regional capitals getting their shots. The Health Ministry said on Telegram that people in district capitals and smaller settlements will start getting vaccinated on May 1, while vaccine doses will arrive in more remote areas in June. The ministry said the British-Swedish Vaxzevria (formerly known as AstraZeneca) and the Chinese-Uzbek ZF-UZ-VAC 2001 vaccines are initially being used. The initial rollout is for individuals older than 65, medical personnel, people with chronic diseases, schoolteachers and kindergarten teachers, and law enforcement and military personnel.
Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- U.S. citizens are permitted to enter Uzbekistan but usually need a visa. Please see the Country Specific Information on travel.state.gov for more details.

Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- A negative PCR COVID-19 performed within 72 hours of the initiation of travel is required for entry to Uzbekistan. Approved labs for testing in the United States can be found here: http://sanepid.uz/uz/docs/aqsh-hududidagi-tibbiyot-muassasalari-va-laboratoriyalar

Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Arriving passengers must complete a health screening form upon arrival.
- Arriving passengers who do not have a negative PCR test prior to travel will be subject to a rapid screening test at the airport. Passengers with positive results will be required to go to a quarantine facility.

Visa renewal processes for U.S. citizens currently in Uzbekistan has resumed normal operations.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? No
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Only if they test positive on a PCR test after arrival.
- If US Citizens arrive with a valid negative test, they do not have to quarantine.

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Masks are required in all forms of public transportation and taxis.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

Fines exists for non-compliance of mask-wearing and quarantine violation.

Consular Operations:

American Citizen Services are currently being offered. Please contact ACSTashkent@state.gov.
Only emergency and Mission-critical IV and NIV services are currently being offered. Please contact TashkentIV@state.gov or (for NIV) ConsularTashkent@state.gov.

Local Resources:

103 is the number to call an ambulance from a phone in Uzbekistan.
1003 is the hotline for medical questions related to COVID-19, with information provided in Russian and Uzbek only.
The Government of Uzbekistan has also established an official Telegram channel for information on COVID-19 related measures. The channel can be found at https://t.me/koronavirusinfouz. Please note that downloading the Telegram messaging application is necessary.
Should any official Uzbek government online resources become available to the general public, this section will be updated.
Other links:
- You can find more information on the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
- CDC page on COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uzbekistan.html

Travel advice Uzbekistan

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Uzbekistan?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Singapore

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Singapore

August 2, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Singapore

Information for Incoming and Outgoing Travellers

Advisory for Singaporean students studying overseas can be found on the MOE website and the Travel Advisory on the MOH website. Common concerns pertaining to the advisory have been addressed by MOE. MOH Press Release of 21 August 2020 includes information on travel for studies for students pursuing academic qualification overseas. FAQs on the MOH website (under Border Measures) also provides information for students on overseas studies.
Updates on Singapore’s border control measures in response to COVID-19 can be found on the Safetravel website. Information on the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration can be found on ICA’s website.
Singapore has implemented special travel arrangements with some countries/regions, such as China and Malaysia, to facilitate travel. Please refer to the ICA SafeTravel website for details.
Visitors from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand can apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) to enter Singapore. More information on the ATP can be found in the CAAS Press Release and on the ICA SafeTravel website.
Health advisory for persons issued with Stay-Home Notice (SHN) in Singapore can be found on the MOH website.
Information on Singapore’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme can be found on MOH’s website on Vaccination.
Transit through Changi Airport is allowed for specific travel routes. Travellers who wish to transit through Singapore should check directly with the airlines if their transit route is approved. More information can be found in the CAAS Press Release and the Changi Airport website.

Other COVID-19 resources

Overseas Singaporeans can also visit the Singapore Global Network (SGN) website for more COVID-19 related resources.
MCI’s COVID-19 Info Bot has summarised information from various government agencies.

Travel advice Singapore

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Singapore?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice South Korea

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice South Korea

August 3, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in South Korea

The U.S. Department of State currently has a level 2 travel advisory (Exercise Increased Caution) for the Republic of Korea (ROK) indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country. Please see the full language of the travel advisory here.
All travelers to Korea must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 72 hours of their departure.
There is a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entry for most travelers. Only those who have been vaccinated in Korea and whose vaccinations are registered in the Korean health care system may be eligible for active monitoring in lieu of quarantine at the discretion of Korean authorities at the point of entry. At this time, the Korean government does not recognize U.S. COVID vaccine records, including the CDC vaccination card, for active monitoring status upon arrival. Travelers vaccinated in the United States generally must still undergo 14 days of quarantine. However, limited categories of vaccinated travelers may apply for a quarantine exemption certificate at an overseas Korean Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. Significant restrictions apply, and the U.S. Embassy plays no role in these decisions. Please direct any questions to your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate. If you are not granted an exemption prior to travel, regardless of your vaccination status, most tourists must quarantine in government facilities at their own expense. COVID-19 screening measures are subject to change with little advance notice. General information is detailed below, but please consult the ROK COVID-19 Portal, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the Embassy of the ROK in the USA for the most up-to-date information on special COVID regulations and immigration procedures before your travels.
Although most stores and public buildings are open, national and local governments exercise authority to regulate businesses, schools, the size and type of gatherings, treatment and quarantine requirements for those who test positive for COVID, and testing mandates to respond to outbreaks.
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul is aware of mandates by local public health officials making COVID-19 testing mandatory for foreign workers. We have raised our concerns with senior level Korean authorities and will continue to advocate strongly for the fair and equitable treatment of all U.S. citizens in our shared efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. We encourage U.S. citizens in Korea to abide by all local laws, including mandatory testing. Non-compliance with these orders may result in fines. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor their local government website for up-to-date COVID testing information.

COVID-19 Testing:

Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Korea? Yes. PCR tests are more widely used, but both are available.
If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes. Typical wait time is 24 to 48 hours.
For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html. Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity. To submit information in support of an exemption, email seoulinfoacs@state.gov.
Testing for travel purposes. If you need a COVID test for travel or other purposes, many local hospitals and clinics offer them for a fee, usually between $100 and $300. The U.S. Embassy does not have designated testing centers. The ROK government maintains a list (in Korean) of all testing centers, including private clinics: https://www.mohw.go.kr/react/popup_200128_3.html. Also see Incheon Airport’s website for information on a testing clinic at Terminal 2 that provides testing certificates within 24 hours. Please note this testing center is located before passenger check-in and requires an appointment, so it is not available to passengers in transit. Please ensure that the clinic you choose will provide test results that comply with CDC guidelines and those of your airline as travelers present this documentation to their airline. For additional information, including recommendations and requirements after you travel, please refer to the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions.
Testing for health reasons. U.S. citizens experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact Korean health authorities at 1345 for English service or 1339 for Korean service to be directed to the appropriate facility. Local testing centers may offer free testing if you are identified by the government as a close contact, if you are suffering COVID symptoms, or if the local situation warrants expanded testing. Results from these testing centers are often texted directly to your mobile number and do not include your name.
Responsibility for treatment costs. The Korean government determines the treatment required and quarantine conditions for those who test positive for COVID, and U.S. citizens are reminded that they are subject to Korean laws while in the country. U.S. citizens who are infected with COVID-19 at any time due to violation of ROK preventive measures, such as quarantine measures and limits on group activities, or who submit false COVID-19 examination results must pay for their COVID treatment. Additionally, U.S. citizens diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of entry to Korea must also pay for their COVID treatment. The Korean government will continue to pay COVID treatments costs for U.S. citizens who are following all ROK guidelines and are infected with COVID after the 14-day quarantine period. Long-term residents who enroll in Korea’s national health insurance service may also have some of their treatment costs covered. More information about this policy is available on the Embassy of the ROK in the United States’ website. As treatment can be expensive, the Korean government recommends U.S. citizens purchase international health insurance before traveling to Korea. The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills. See State.Gov for more information on travelers insurance.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

Has the government of Korea approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
Are vaccines available in Korea for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes.
Which vaccines are available in Korea? The ROK government approved the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson Janssen, and Moderna vaccines for use. See the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety website for updates on the review process for various vaccines.
According to ROK guidance issued to local governments on COVID-19 vaccinations (in Korean only), foreigners living in Korea with valid residence cards (i.e., Alien Resident Cards commonly referred to as ARCs) are eligible to receive vaccinations in the same priority order as Korean citizens. See Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency vaccination statistics and FAQs on this website (in Korean only). Korea Immigration Service has information in English on current eligible populations. Contact your local government for more information on when vaccines will be available to your priority group and for vaccine registration information. You may also call 1339 to verify your local government’s contact information. See, for example, the COVID website for Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes. Pre-departure testing required for all inbound travelers to Korea, including those who have been vaccinated.
There is also a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entry for most travelers. See “Quarantine Requirements” below for more information.
– ROK COVID-19 Portal
– Korean Immigration Service
– U.S. military retirees living in Korea can visit the U.S. Forces Korea’s website to register for more information regarding COVID-19.
– The Embassy of the ROK in the USA has information about testing and quarantine requirements for short-term visitors to Korea.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes. Passengers arriving in the ROK by plane must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of their departure. Airlines will not board passengers without this negative PCR test result. Arriving passengers must submit the PCR test result on an original form issued by the testing center in the country of origin (in the English or Korean language) to quarantine authorities. Specific data is required on the test result certificate and is detailed on the Embassy of the ROK in the USA website. Required data includes:
1. Name that matches passport name;
2. Date of birth and/or passport number;
3. Type of test and test results;
4. Date of test and date of issuance; and
5. Stamp and/or seal and/or signature from the issuing facility is recommended. If it is not possible to get the testing lab’s official seal or a signature, an official name of the test provider should be included.
Authorities will deny entry to individuals who do not fulfill this requirement. Follow your airline’s guidance and consult with the nearest Korean consulate if you have questions. Policies regarding testing upon arrival and quarantine are unchanged by this announcement, and travelers will be tested either upon arrival or within three days of arrival, and then tested again before release from quarantine. ROK authorities will also apply the same requirement to all foreign crewmen on vessels arriving at ROK seaports. Please see “Transit Passengers” section below for information on COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers transiting Korean airports (e.g. those who do not pass through immigration).
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes. Arriving passengers will experience some combination of temperature screening, health questionnaires, quarantines, and/or COVID-tests, depending on points of departure, visa status, and nationality. All arriving passengers are required to download and respond to daily questions via a Self-Diagnosis Mobile App for 14 days. See: http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/selfcheck/. Passengers who are unable to download the mobile app must provide a valid local phone number and address in Korea to facilitate daily health monitoring by local government officials.
Exit requirements for long-term residents. Foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at www.hikorea.go.kr website. The cost is approximately 25,000 won, and the re-entry permit is valid for up to one year. Long-term residents who do not receive the permit and depart anyway may have to reapply for a visa before returning to Korea. For inquiries, call the Korean Immigration Contact Center at +82-1345.
Visa extensions. Travelers wishing to lengthen their stay in Korea must submit an online e-application, documenting the circumstances that compel them to extend their stay. Extensions will not be granted beyond the validity of the passport. Please refer to these websites for more information:
– http://www.hikorea.go.kr
– http://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/index.do

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? No
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes. There are no restrictions on domestic travel in Korea. However, those entering Korea from abroad will not be permitted to board domestic connecting flights (i.e., to Jeju or Busan) until completing government-mandated quarantine.
QR code-based access to facilities. Korea has a QR code-based registration system for patrons at restaurants, clubs, and other entertainment facilities across the country that are considered high risk for COVID-19. This system enables the government to conduct contact tracing as COVID cases are identified. Information on this system is available on the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s COVID-19 Portal.

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes. Most arriving passengers must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Travelers who were vaccinated in Korea and whose vaccinations are registered with the Korean health system may be eligible to be actively monitored instead of undergoing quarantine. At this time, the Korean government does not recognize U.S. COVID vaccine records, including the CDC vaccination card, for active monitoring status upon arrival. However, limited categories of travelers vaccinated overseas may apply for a quarantine exemption certificate at an ROK embassy or consulate overseas prior to travel. Significant restrictions apply, and the U.S. Embassy plays no role in these decisions. Please direct any questions to your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate. Please see the Embassy of the ROK in the USA website for more information.
Short-term visitors. Unless you receive a quarantine exemption prior to travel from an overseas Korean Embassy or Consulate, most foreign travelers on short-term travel will be required to quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own expense for 14 days. This includes U.S. citizens traveling on 90-day visa-free travel and short-term visa holders. The nightly cost at these facilities could range from $100 to $150 USD per night (approximately $1,400-$2,100 USD total) depending on various factors, and prices are set by the Korean authorities. Passengers that fall into this category will be required to sign a release form agreeing to these conditions prior to boarding a plane. Passengers who refuse to sign the form will be denied boarding. Details about the quarantine process and a copy of the release form are available on the Embassy of the ROK in the USA’s website: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/brd/m_4500/list.do. In some cases, Korean authorities have permitted immediate blood relatives or spouses of long-term residents to self-quarantine at their family’s home. Please bring proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate) with you, but understand that Korean immigration officials have the final authority to approve quarantine arrangements.
Long-term visitors or residential visa holders. Travelers who are long-term or residential visa holders are required to self-quarantine at their own residences and must undergo a COVID test within three days of arrival and again before their release from quarantine. All passengers who exhibit symptoms will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing on arrival at the airport and may be subject to additional procedures.
Transit passengers. Passengers originating from the United States who transit through Korean airports (who do not pass through immigration) do not require a negative PCR COVID-19 test and have no quarantine requirement for stays less than 24 hours. Passengers originating from other countries should consult the ROK Embassy in the country of their departure to find out whether a negative PCR COVID-19 test is required to transit through Korean airports. The Korean Immigration Contact Center can clarify testing requirements for transit passengers at telephone number +82-1345. Transit passengers should also confirm entry requirements at their onward destination. Please note, there are no COVID testing facilities available in airport transit areas.
Isolation exemption certificates for short-term travelers. Some U.S. citizens traveling to South Korea for business or emergencies such as a family member’s death may be exempt from self-quarantine requirements. Certain categories of vaccinated travelers may also apply for an exemption. Isolation exemption certificates must be approved prior to travel at a Korean Embassy or Consulate in the United States. See website for locations and procedures: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/index.do

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes. Despite reductions in flight services by several carriers, South Korea remains well-served by commercial aviation. Please see https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/index.do to check departure schedules and flight availability.
Is public transportation operating? Yes. Masks are compulsory on all modes of public transportation, including taxis and domestic/international flights. Drivers and pilots are authorized to deny passengers who refuse to wear a mask.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

Short-term visitors must provide passport information to lodging facility owners, who must forward it to the Ministry of Justice. Failure to comply could result in a fine of 500,000 won (approximately $500). More information is available on hikorea.go.kr.
Face masks are compulsory in public places (public transportation, demonstration sites and in healthcare facilities). Failure to wear an appropriate mask that covers both nose and mouth could result in a fine of up to 100,000 won (approximately $100).
People suspected of having COVID-19 who refuse to get tested can be fined up to 10 million won (approximately $10,000) or one year of prison.
Users and operators of high-risk businesses who violate disinfection and quarantine guidelines can be fined up to 3 million won (approximately $3,000).
Those who violate a self-quarantine order may be subject to a fine, arrest, or deportation. This includes failing to respond to daily checks conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW).
Local governments may enact their own fines for non-compliance with COVID-19 rules on gathering size, permitted activities and/or testing mandates.

Consular Operations:

American Citizen Services offers limited in-person appointments for passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Loss of Nationality, and notarials. Passport renewal applications (those using form DS-82) must be submitted by courier service. Please see information on all U.S. Citizen Services in Korea on the “U.S. Citizen Services” page of our website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has resumed routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services for all visa categories; however, the number of visa interviews per day will remain limited to ensure appropriate social distancing. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided online here to request an emergency appointment. Please see the latest information on U.S. Embassy Seoul visa services on the “Visas” page of our website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/visas/

Local Resources:

Travel advice South Korea

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to South Korea?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice New Zealand

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice New Zealand

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in New Zealand

Advice on international travel, quarantine-free travel, what happens when you arrive in New Zealand and how to safely travel within New Zealand.

Pre-departure tests to enter New Zealand
Most travellers legally must have a negative COVID-19 test to enter New Zealand. Find out more about New Zealand’s pre-departure testing requirements.

For the latest information please check the web site of the New Zealand government

Here you find the latest advice.

Travel advice New Zealand

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to New Zealand?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Kazakhstan

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Kazakhstan

July 30, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Kazakhstan

You must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test, taken within three calendar days of travel regardless of where they are traveling from. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. If you need to travel due to an extraordinary humanitarian emergency and you are unable to obtain a test, please see COVID-19 Testing Waivers, below. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Country-Specific Information

Due to the health risks associated with COVID-19, the Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory: Reconsider Travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 (Very High) COVID-19 Travel Notice for Kazakhstan.
The Kazakhstani Ministry of Health has confirmed 595,433 cases of COVID-19 in the country as of August 2, 2021. There are an additional 61,301 cases of pneumonia that are suspected to be COVID-19, though these have not been clinically confirmed.
S. citizens are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the Embassy and Consulate. Ensure you have added a trip to Kazakhstan on your profile to receive pertinent updates.
We urge U.S. citizens in-country to remain vigilant and to continue practicing social distancing, frequent handwashing, and enhanced disinfection measures. Please look for ways to prevent becoming a vector for the virus, such as avoiding social gatherings. We recommend that U.S. citizens continue to limit movement in public to essential trips. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please consult the CDC’s website.

COVID-19 Testing

Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Kazakhstan? Yes
If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
In general, it takes about two days to get an appointment for a COVID-19 test after requesting one, and results tend to be available in 24 hours. This is general information and may differ based on the provider used.
Click here to access a list of local medical providers who can advise on COVID-19 testing options. In addition, information on testing locations in Nur-Sultan is available in Kazakh or Russian by dialing local number 109. Information for locations throughout the country is available in Kazakh or Russian by dialing
For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html
Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity. To submit information in support of an exemption, email USAKZ@state.gov.

COVID-19 Testing Waivers for Travel to the U.S

Waivers to the testing requirement may be granted by the CDC on an extremely limited basis when extraordinary emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s health and safety, and testing cannot be completed before travel. There are no waivers available for individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Individuals – or air carriers seeking to allow boarding by potentially qualifying individuals – who believe they meet the criteria for a waiver should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at USAKZ@state.gov, and provide the information below. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will then submit the request to the CDC for consideration.

Name (family name/surname, given name), passport number and country
Cell phone number including country code of passenger or head of household if family unit
Email address of passenger or head of household if family unit
S. destination address
1. Is U.S. destination home address?
Departure date
Flight itinerary
Name of submitting entity if different from passenger
Name of company submitting on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
Name of point of contact submitting on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
Phone and email address for POC submitting waiver request on behalf of passenger(s) (if applicable)
Purpose of travel to the U.S. (provide brief explanation of why urgent travel is needed and how travel will contribute to health and safety of passengers(s))
Justification for testing waiver (e.g. no testing available, impact on health and safety)
Documentation to support justification for test waiver, if available (e.g. medical records or orders for medical evacuation)

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

Has the government of Kazakhstan approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
Are vaccines available in Kazakhstan for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes, for permanent residents (see below).
Which vaccines are available in Kazakhstan? Sputnik V, QazVac, CoronaVac and Sinopharm.
On April 7, 2021, the Minister of Health announced in a press briefing that foreigners who live and work in Kazakhstan and have permanent residence cards may receive COVID-19 vaccination free of charge just like Kazakhstani citizens. Currently, the only record of this announcement is in media reporting.
The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan initiated a multi-stage vaccination program on February 1, 2021. Please see the announcement for specifics on the plan.
Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, subject to strict limitations.
- The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Kazakhstan advises potential travelers to reconsider visits to Kazakhstan at this time due to the risk of COVID-19 in country. We remind you that the Kazakhstani border remains closed to foreigners with limited exceptions, including diplomats, direct-family members of Kazakhstani citizens, residency permit holders, some employees of designated companies in critical industries, and citizens of those countries with which Kazakhstan has resumed direct flights. Even U.S. citizens qualified for one of these exceptions MUST have a visa in order to enter the country, as the Government of Kazakhstan has extended the suspension of visa-free travel for U.S. citizens to Kazakhstan through December 31, 2021.
- In addition, foreign permanent residence holders and foreign family members of permanent residents and citizens may only cross the border once every 30 days. The family members must provide documentary evidence of the family ties (for example marriage and birth certificates).
- Kazakhstan requires that each entry into Kazakhstan be approved prior to entry regardless of whether the U.S. citizen has a single or multiple-entry visa. U.S. citizens planning to exit and re-enter Kazakhstan should ensure their sponsor has received approval from the Interdepartmental Commission prior to each re-entry.
- Please note that immigration questions are the purview of the Government of Kazakhstan, and we are not permitted to intervene on matters related to entering Kazakhstan. Such matters should be directed to the Kazakhstani Embassy in the United States or, if applicable, your employer.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- The Government of Kazakhstan requires foreign travelers arriving in Kazakhstan to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test with results dated no more than three days prior to their entry to Kazakhstan. If they are unable to provide negative PCR test results, they will be denied entry. The following are exempt: children under age five, Kazakhstani Government delegations, and cabin crew. As of April 30, 2021, citizens and permanent residents of Kazakhstan are also exempt if they can provide documentary evidence they have received a full course of vaccination for COVID-19. In addition, each traveler must undergo a temperature check and fill out a questionnaire on prior travel, potential COVID-19 exposure, and contact information. According to Decree 65 of the State Sanitary Doctor, those with elevated temperatures will be isolated in a facility for infectious diseases, regardless of a certificate of negative PCR test result.
- Please note that some countries may have PCR testing requirements even for transit. Therefore, travelers should check PCR testing requirements for all the stops along their transit route into or out of Kazakhstan. This information may be available on the COVID-19 web pages of U.S Embassies or Consulates in countries through which you will transit.
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
As of June 5, 2021, US citizens may no longer exit Kazakhstan with expired documents, to include visas. U.S. citizens needing to extend their Kazakhstani visas can contact the Migration Police:
- In Nur-Sultan: 31 Imanov St. (between Beisekbayev St. and Sembinova St.), Tel. 8-7172-374-851, 8-7172-374-899, 8-7172-374-867, or 8-7172-374-876
- In Almaty: 109A Karasai Batyr Street (near Nikolsky Bazar), Tel. 8-7272-544-684 or 8-7272-544-145
- E-gov website: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/migration/activities/services?lang=en
- Or on Facebook

Movement Restrictions

Is a curfew in place? No
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes, in some cases.
- As of May 11, 2021, the Government of Kazakhstan began prohibiting people who accompany departing travelers or meet arriving passengers from entering airports and rail stations in regions in high risk “Red Zones.” An exception exists for airports and rail stations participating in the “Ashyq” application system (please see further information on “Ashyq” in the Quarantine Information paragraph below).
- Kazakhstan’s regions are empowered to take additional measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as necessary, including erecting checkpoints to limit travel in and out of cities and oblasts. Before pursuing domestic travel in Kazakhstan, we urge you to research whether checkpoints might be in place that could restrict your ability to travel. For regional information please see this Kazakhstani “Electronic Government” website.
- Due to spikes in COVID-19 transmission, travel of U.S. Government officials within Kazakhstan is restricted without specific approval.

Quarantine Information

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Possibly
- Upon entering Kazakhstan, travelers with elevated temperatures will be isolated in a facility for infectious diseases.
Quarantine Measures: A wide variety of businesses – including gyms and fitness centers, pools, beaches, cultural facilities, museums, exhibits, entertainment centers, religious facilities, some movie theaters, food courts, and recreational facilities – are open, in some cases subject to restrictions on hours of operation subject to capacity limitations. However, some regional and local governments periodically impose restrictions in response to increases in the infection rate.
Ashyq Application: Businesses that would otherwise be closed or subject to opening and/or occupancy restrictions may open under less restrictive conditions by participating in “Ashyq,” an application that displays a color-coded risk status for each visitor based on information in Ministry of Health COVID-19 infection, PCR test, and vaccination databases. Individuals wishing to patronize these businesses must have the Ashyq application on a personal device or provide their passport. See here and here for more information.
Masks Required: The Chief Sanitary Doctor of Kazakhstan has mandated that masks be worn nationwide in public settings, including both indoor and outdoor spaces and on public transportation. Failure to comply with this measure could result in administrative penalty.
Personal Movement Limited: All large events and family gatherings are prohibited. Individual and group outdoor fitness activities are permitted, and people may walk in parks and other public spaces in groups of three or less.

Transportation Options

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
Is public transportation operating? Yes

Fines for Non-Compliance: Yes, individuals who fail to comply with restrictions face fines.

Consular Operations

American Citizen Services: At present we are offering all American Citizen Services including full passport and citizenship services, ballot collection, federal benefits services, and notarial services.
Visa services: Limited appointments for immigrant and non-immigrant visa services have resumed at the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty and the U.S. Embassy in Nur-Sultan, respectively. For more information on visa services, click here.

Local Resources:

For the most up-to-date information on restrictions in your city or region, please use this link.

Other links:

Travel advice Kazakhstan

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Kazakhstan?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice China and Hong Kong

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice China and Hong Kong

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in China and Hong Kong

Reconsider travel to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to the PRC’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for the PRC and a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Hong Kong, due to COVID-19. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

The PRC has resumed most business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within the PRC. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in the PRC, as testing and travel requirements frequently change.

There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Hong Kong. Visit the Consulate General’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Hong Kong.

Please monitor the Hong Kong government’s website for further updates on COVID-19, as testing, transit, and travel requirements frequently change.

Country Summary:

The PRC government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including by carrying out arbitrary and wrongful detentions and through the use of exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries without due process of law. The PRC government uses arbitrary detention and exit bans to:

compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations,
pressure family members to return to the PRC from abroad,
influence PRC authorities to resolve civil disputes in favor of PRC citizens, and
gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

In most cases, U.S. citizens only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there is no reliable mechanism or legal process to find out how long the ban might continue or to contest it in a court of law.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC, including Hong Kong, may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law.

Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign government personnel, and journalists from Western countries, have been arbitrarily interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also threatened, interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.

Security personnel may detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC government.

The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality. U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment, and the PRC government may prevent the U.S. Embassy from providing consular services.

XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION and TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence, are common in the Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet Autonomous Regions. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

Since the imposition of the National Security Law on June 30, 2020, the PRC unilaterally and arbitrarily exercises police and security power in Hong Kong. The PRC has demonstrated an intention to use this authority to target a broad range of activities it defines as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The National Security Law also covers offenses committed by non-Hong Kong residents or organizations outside of Hong Kong, which could subject U.S. citizens who have been publicly critical of the PRC to a heightened risk of arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution. PRC security forces, including the new Office for Safeguarding National Security, now operate in Hong Kong and are not subject to oversight by the Hong Kong judiciary.

Demonstrations: Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. On June 30, 2020, as part of its color-coded system of warning flags, the Hong Kong police unveiled a new purple flag, which warns protesters that shouting slogans or carrying banners with an intent prohibited by the law could now bring criminal charges.

U.S. citizens are strongly cautioned to be aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

Propaganda: A PRC propaganda campaign has falsely accused individuals, including U.S. citizens, of fomenting unrest in Hong Kong. In some cases, the campaign has published their personal information, resulting in threats of violence on social media.

Read the country information page for the PRC and for Hong Kong.

If you decide to travel to the PRC, including the Hong Kong SAR:

See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19 for mainland China. See the Consulate General’s COVID-19 page for updated information on COVID-19 in Hong Kong.
For the Hong Kong SAR, monitor local media, local transportations sites and apps like MTR Mobile or CitybusNWFB, and the Hong Kong International Airport website for updates.
Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
Exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep a low profile.
For the Hong Kong SAR, review your Hong Kong flight status with your airline or at the Hong Kong International Airport website.
Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
Enter the PRC on your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately.
If you plan to enter North Korea, read the North Korea Travel Advisory. Travelers should note that U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through North Korea, unless they are specially validated by the Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the U.S. Embassy on Twitter, WeChat, and Weibo. Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Crime and Safety Report for the PRC and Hong Kong SAR.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist

Travel advice China and Hong Kong

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to China?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Cambodia

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Cambodia

August 3, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Cambodia

Published 27.07.2021
1. All visa exemptions, visas on arrival and e-visas are suspended.
– This does not apply to passengers with a diplomatic visa (Visa A) or an official visa (Visa B) issued by Cambodia.
2. Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English.
3. Passengers must:
– obtain a health insurance policy issued by “FORTE” with a minimum medical coverage of USD 50,000. The insurance can be obtained at www.forteinsurance.com/covid-19-insurance; and
– deposit USD 2,000 at a designated bank on arrival.
This does not apply to:
– nationals of Cambodia;
– passengers with a diplomatic visa (Visa A) or an official visa (Visa B) issued by Cambodia;
– nationals of Cambodia with a foreign passport and a Visa K entry permit issued by Cambodia;
– passengers traveling on business with a âValidation Application on Payment Guarantee/Invitation” (VAPGI).
4. Passengers are subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival and quarantine for 14 days.

Detailed Tourist Information

Foreigners are now allowed to visit Cambodia but must comply with a long list of regulations.

All foreign visitors:

Need to have a certificate no more than 72 hours old confirming that they are not infected with the novel coronavirus.

Will be given an on-site PCR swab test.

Must have proof of $50,000 worth of travel insurance while in Cambodia.

Must quarantine for 14 days after arrival at a place designated by the government.

In addition, Cambodia has instituted a visitor-pays system of testing:

All visitors must pay for a COVID-19 test and associated expenses upon arrival in Cambodia.

Visitors must also make a $2,000 deposit to cover potential costs of quarantine, hospitalization, and even burial, should they fall ill with coronavirus while in the country.

Should the test come back positive for even one person on a flight:

All passengers from the flight will be quarantined in a state facility at their own expense.

If hospitalization is required, that will also be at the visitor’s expense.

It is currently not possible to enter or depart Cambodia through land borders as the Cambodia-Laos, Cambodia-Thailand and Cambodia-Vietnam land borders are closed.

As the number of new coronavirus cases continue to surge in both India and Cambodia, travellers from India have been banned by the Cambodian government.

Lockdown Details

On December 21, 2020, the Cambodian Ministry of Health announced the following guidelines:

1. The public is directed to wear masks, use hand sanitizers and practice social distancing. 
2. Shops, restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets, banks and other commercial areas must require customers to wear masks, use hand sanitizer, and engage in social distancing. 
3. The public is directed to avoid close contact with others, remaining in closed air-conditioned rooms, and gatherings of more than 20 people to minimize community transmission. 
4. Individuals who are unwell and suspect they are may have COVID-19 must seek consultation by calling 115 or visiting a designated government hospital. 

On March 20, the Cambodian government announced comprehensive closures to include all public and private educational institutions at all levels throughout the country. Additionally, there is a nation-wide temporary suspension of cinemas, art theaters and museums. Authorities have also closed certain businesses and buildings in response to the current outbreak (known as the “February 20 incident”). In-person dining at restaurants, coffee shops, and food service stores, as well as all sales of alcohol have been suspended in locations under curfew and lockdown measures. On March 23, the Cambodian government mandated the wearing of masks in geographic areas where there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the community as determined by the Ministry of Health. As of April 14, these geographic locations include Phnom Penh and the provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Prey Veng, Siem Reap, and Svay Rieng. Please refer to announcements by the relevant Cambodian government officials for specific details.

Certain cities and provinces have implemented curfews. These curfew measures suspend in-person restaurant and food stall service and forbid most types of gatherings and travel within the city during curfew hours. Exceptions to restrictions during curfew hours include travel for emergency medical need, gatherings with family members, and travel for work for those businesses permitted to remain open.

Cambodian authorities have imposed lockdown measures for certain areas designated as “Red Zones,” “Dark Yellow Zones,” or “Yellow Zone

“Red Zones” are subject to the following restrictions:

-All individuals within the “Red Zones” must not leave their residence, except for medical emergencies, for COVID-19 testing as directed by the relevant authorities, or to receive a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as determined by the relevant authorities.
-All markets, food sales, work and business activities are suspended except for a limited number of emergency and other services as determined by the authorities.
-The Ministry of Commerce is responsible for transporting food and water to residents within the “Red Zones.”
-Travel through these “Red Zones” is not permitted.

“Dark Yellow Zones” are subject to the following restrictions:

-All individuals within the lockdown areas must not leave their residence for the duration of the lockdown period, with some exceptions.
-Certain essential businesses may remain open despite the lockdown, but may be subject to stricter requirements, such as minimizing their staffing to no more than 2%.
-For those traveling to work in essential businesses allowed to remain open during the lockdown, a travel permit from the “Executive Committee to Manage and Lead the -Implementation of the Lockdown” is required in addition to an ID and employment certificate.
-Up to two individuals per household are permitted to leave their residence to purchase food from the nearest shop in their neighborhood, but may do so no more than three times a week and must have a valid form of identification with them.
-Groups of up to four people may travel to seek medical care within or outside the lockdown area, but require permission from the local authorities.
-Travel for COVID-19 testing or vaccination as determined by the relevant authorities is permitted.
-Individuals are permitted to leave their residence to exercise outdoors in the nearby vicinity of their home, but are limited to groups of no more than two persons.
-Officials of diplomatic, UN, and international finance organizations are permitted to travel, but must present their employment and identity documents. They may be accompanied by a Cambodian driver.
-In addition to an ID and employment certificate, journalists must present travel permits issued by the Ministry of Information.
-Travel from “Dark Yellow Zones” to “Yellow Zones” for the above purposes is permitted.
-Travel and business activities permitted under the lockdown measures are prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. except in emergencies and other limited instances.

“Yellow Zones” are subject to the following restrictions:

-All businesses are permitted to operate, except for schools and entertainment businesses (such as karaoke, beer gardens, clubs, discos, resorts and parks, massage, liquor stores, cinemas, theaters, museums, gyms, and sport centers).
-Private meetings or gatherings must not exceed more than ten people, with limited exceptions. All gatherings must adhere to health and safety measures.
-All gatherings involving alcohol are prohibited.
-Travel from “Yellow Zones” to “Dark Yellow Zones” is limited in accordance with “Dark Yellow Zone” restrictions.
-Travel and business activities permitted under the lockdown measures are prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. except in emergencies and other limited instances.

Travel to the airport is permitted with identification and travel documents (such as flight tickets).

Certain areas in Phnom Penh have been designated as “Yellow Zones” (effective through July 7). While there are no areas designated as “Red Zones” in Phnom Penh, individual buildings may be designated as subject to stricter lockdown measures. Non-designated areas permit in-person dining and are not subject to curfew measures, but prohibit gatherings of more than 15 people and prohibit certain “high-risk” businesses (such as schools, bars and other entertainment businesses, museums, resorts, massage parlors, cinemas, theaters, gyms, and sports centers), effective until July 3.

Cambodian authorities have also announced lockdown measures and zone designations for Stung Treng (effective through July 8), Kep (effective through July 5), Ratanakiri (effective through July 4), Preah Sihanouk (effective through July 4), Banteay Meanchey (effective through July 10), and Siem Reap (effective until July 10) subject to the aforementioned restrictions. Stung Treng, Kep, Ratanakiri, Preah Sihanouk and Banteay Meanchey have further extended their curfew restrictions to apply between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m, whereas Siem Reap has extended their curfew restrictions to apply between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. (not 3:00 a.m.). Please refer to announcements by the relevant local authorities for the latest updates on specific zone designations.

Sources

https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/covid-19/worldwide-travel-restrictions.html
Data Source: covidcontrols.co

Travel advice Cambodia

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Cambodia?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Azerbaijan

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Azerbaijan

August 3, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Azerbaijan

Tourist Entry: Partially Allowed
Testing: Covid19 test is required for all countries.
Quarantine Required: Yes
Quarantine Details: Quarantine for 14 days required for all countries.

Local Restrictions

Lockdown in Effect: Partial
Events: Partially Allowed
Transport: Operational with restrictions
Shopping: Open
Restaurants and Bars: Open with restrictions

Detailed Travel Advisory

Published 29.07.2021
1. Until 1 September 2021, passengers are not allowed to enter.
– This does not apply to:
– nationals of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Hungary, Israel, Qatar, Russian Fed., Turkey, USA and United Arab Emirates;
– British nationals;
– residents of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.
Residence permits issued by Bahrain and Qatar must be valid for a minimum of 95 days on arrival and those issued by the United Arab Emirates must be valid for a minimum of 185 days on arrival.
2. Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure of the last direct flight to Azerbaijan.
– This does not apply to passengers younger than 1 year.
3. British nationals and nationals of Bahrain, Hungary, Israel, Qatar, Russian Fed., Turkey, USA and United Arab Emirates must have:
– a COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code showing that they were fully vaccinated; or
– a COVID-19 recovery certificate with a QR code.
– This does not apply to passengers younger than 18 years.
4. Residents of Bahrain, Qatar and United Arab Emirates must have:
– a COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code showing that they were fully vaccinated; or
– a COVID-19 recovery certificate with a QR code.
– This does not apply to passengers younger than 18 years.

Detailed Tourist Information

Foreigners visiting Azerbaijan for the UEFA EURO 2020 games should submit at least one of the following documents to be able to obtain a visa from May 1 till July 5, 2021, at the checkpoints on Azerbaijan`s state border:

-official invitation letter from the Organizing Committee or from the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA)
-accreditation card or another document from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
-a ticket or a document confirming the receipt of a ticket to the game for the citizens of the playing team countries

For the attention of football fans visiting the UEFA EURO 2020 games:

-PCR tests are not required to enter the Baku Olympic Stadium and attend the games
-You are required to present a negative PCR test at the airport taken at most 48 hours before your departure. PCR test centers will be available at the Fan Meeting Points in the Port Baku Park and Baku Eye area, as well as at the Baku Olympic Stadium. Moreover, you can get a PCR test at one of the clinics and laboratories listed here – https://www.azal.az/en/information/covid-clinics

Citizens and residents of Russia, Turkey, the United States, Bahrain, the UAE, Great Britain, Israel, Hungary and Qatar are able to travel to Azerbaijan by air under the following conditions:

-submission of an official document issued by the relevant country (COVID passport) on complete vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 for passengers over 18 years of age and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before the flight
-submission of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before the flight for passengers aged from 1 to 18 years

-Restrictions on travelling to and out of Azerbaijan by air or land are in force until the 1st of August, except for cargo and charter flights.

-For more information on available flight options, please visit the official website of Heydar Aliyev International Airport – https://www.airport.az/

-Border officials are taking necessary steps to disinfect land border crossings.

Travellers are advised to carry additional supplies of necessary medication in carry-on luggage.

Lockdown Details

The special quarantine regime will remain in effect until September 1, 2021, according to a July 22, 2021 decision by Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers.

Effective May 31, 2021 masks are no longer required in outdoor spaces, but remain obligatory indoors, subject to fines.

Most public transportation, including the Baku Metro, reopened on May 31, but will not operate on weekends.

As of June 10, 2021, beaches, sport and health centers, places of religious worship, malls, and shopping centers are reopened, subject to COVID-related restrictions. Schools are open for a mix of in-person and remote learning.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/azerbaijan/entry-requirements

Azerbaijan (Travel Restrictions, COVID Tests & Quarantine Requirements) – Wego Travel Blog

Travel advice Azerbaijan

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Azerbaijan?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Armenia

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Armenia

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Armenia

COVID-19 travel restrictions

According to the amendments of the Government Decree: № 1514-N of 11 September, 2020 which entered into force on 17 May, 2021:

upon entering the territory of the Republic of Armenia travelers will be asked to provide:

1. a COVID-19 PCR test certificate* with a negative result taken within the previous 72 hours, or
2. a certification* of complete vaccination against COVID-19 with 2 dosages and the second dosage taken at least 14 days before entering the country.

a certificate with a negative result or a vaccination certificate is not required for children up to 1-year-old (0-11 months 29 days).
the travellers entering the territory of the Republic of Armenia from the territory of the Russian Federation should present the certificate through “Путешествую без COVID-19” mobile application.
For foreigners, the entry to the Republic of Armenia continues to remain open both via air and land borders.
The quarantine on the territory of the Republic of Armenia due to COVID-19 has been determined to 11 July, 2021.

If the travellers have been registered in the ARMED system, the vaccination certificate can be provided via ArmedeHealth mobile application. The traveller can present the vaccination certificate via mobile application or present the printed version of the certificate from the application protected with a QR code.

Non-holders of the relevant certificate are subject to PCR sampling at the airport or border checkpoint sampling points and to compulsory isolation until the negative result will be obtained.

The person will be hospitalized if corresponding symptoms are detected as a result of the examination.

In case of rejection of sampling or examination, all non-holders of the relevant certificate are being isolated for 14 days.

The PCR test-related expenses should be covered by the traveller.

* – The certificate should be in Armenian, Russian or English printed on the official letterhead and should contain the following information:

all contacts and the name of the head of the medical institution where the test/vaccination was taken,
the name, surname, date of birth, and passport number of the examined/vaccinated person,
the result of the test, the vaccine manufacturing name and the product’s serial number, the dates of the first and the second dosages, signed by the head of the medical institution with its seal․

Government Armenia travel advise

Travel advice Armenia

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Armenia?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice France

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice France

August 2, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in France

Passengers allowed to enter:

nationals of France, their spouses and children;
nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City (Holy See) and an EEA Member State and their spouses and children;
British nationals who are beneficiaries of the Agreement on withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and their family members. They must not arrive from Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russian Fed., Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia, Uruguay or Zambia;
passengers arriving from Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Comoros, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR China), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Rep.), Kosovo (Rep.), Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Ukraine, Vanuatu or Vatican City (Holy See). They must have not been outside these countries in the past 14 days;
passengers with a residence permit issued by Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City (Holy See) or an EEA Member State;
merchant seamen;
students. They must not arrive from Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russian Fed., Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia, Uruguay or Zambia;
passengers with a Laissez-Passer;
deadheading crew;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19;
More exemptions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/104zuyhq

2. Passengers arriving from red list countries: Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Costa Rica, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russian Fed., Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tunisia, Uruguay or Zambia must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken at most 48 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.

This does not apply to:
passengers younger than 12 years;
merchant seamen;
French military personnel returning from a mission abroad;
deadheading crew;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state that they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19.

3. Passengers arriving from green list countries (except Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain): Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Comoros, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong (SAR China), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Rep.), Kosovo (Rep.), Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Norway, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Ukraine, Vanuatu or Vatican City (Holy See) must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.

This does not apply to:
passengers younger than 12 years;
merchant seamen;
French military personnel returning from a mission abroad;
deadheading crew;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state that they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19;
passengers with a positive COVID-19 PCR test issued at least 11 days and at most 6 months before departure from the first embarkation point.

4. Passengers arriving from Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal or Spain must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken at most 24 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.

This does not apply to:
passengers younger than 12 years;
merchant seamen;
French military personnel returning from a mission abroad;
deadheading crew;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state that they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19;
passengers with a positive COVID-19 PCR test issued at least 11 days and at most 6 months before departure from the first embarkation point.

5. Passengers arriving from the United Kingdom must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken at most 24 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.

This does not apply to:
passengers younger than 12 years;
merchant seamen;
French military personnel returning from a mission abroad;
deadheading crew;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state that they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19.

6. Passengers arriving from all other countries (orange countries except United Kingdom) must have:

a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken at most 48 hours before departure from the first embarkation point; or
a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.
This does not apply to:
passengers younger than 12 years;
merchant seamen;
French military personnel returning from a mission abroad;
deadheading crew;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state that they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19.

7. All passengers must have a completed sworn statement obtained at https://tinyurl.com/104zuyhq

This does not apply to deadheading crew.

8. Passengers entering or transiting through France from orange and red list countries must present a completed Travel Certificate before boarding and to immigration upon arrival obtained at https://tinyurl.com/104zuyhq

This does not apply to:
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19.

9. Passengers could be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival. More details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/4wtws28x
10. Passengers could be subject to self-isolation or quarantine for up to 10 days.

This does not apply to passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and accompanying children younger than 18 years. The certificate must state they received:
the first vaccine dose of Janssen at least 28 days before arrival; or
the second vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival; or
the first vaccine dose of AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covishield, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech at least 7 days before arrival and a proof of previous infection with COVID-19.
More exemptions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/4wtws28x

Travel Advisory on COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak | Oman Air

Travel advice France

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to France?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Turkey

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Turkey

August 2, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Turkey

Effective 30 June 2021, flights from Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, South Africa and Sri Lanka are suspended.
2. Passengers are not allowed to transit through Adana (ADA).
3. Until 31 July 2021, passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before arrival, if in the past 14 days they have been in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa or Sri Lanka.

This does not apply to passengers younger than 6 years.

4. Until 31 July 2021, passengers arriving from Egypt, Iran, Singapore or the United Kingdom must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before arrival.

This does not apply to passengers younger than 6 years.

5. Until 31 July 2021, passengers arriving from a country other than Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, must:

have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before arrival; or
a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken at most 48 hours before arrival.
This does not apply to:
passengers younger than 6 years;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival;
passengers arriving from Hungary or Serbia with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued by Hungary or Serbia, and their accompanying minors younger than 18 years;
passengers with a COVID-19 recovery certificate issued at most 6 months before arrival;
merchant seamen.

6. Passengers arriving from a country other than Egypt, Iran, Singapore or the United Kingdom, could be subject to a PCR test at their final destination in Turkey.
7. Until 14 September 2021, a completed “Traveler Entry Form” must be presented at check-in and upon arrival. The form can be obtained at https://register.health.gov.tr

This does not apply to passengers younger than 6 years.

8. Passengers could be subject to quarantine for up to 14 days, at their own expense, in a government designated hotel. Details can be found at www.shgm.gov.tr/tr/covid-19-tedbirler/6599-izolasyon-otelleri and https://www.hssgm.gov.tr/Covid19Tedbirleri
9. Diplomatic and official passports issued to nationals of North Macedonia (Rep.) which expired on 31 July 2020 or later are considered valid until 31 December 2021.

Travel Advisory on COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak | Oman Air

Travel advice Turkey

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Turkey?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Indonesia

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Indonesia

July 30, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Indonesia. Passengers allowed to enter:

nationals of Indonesia;
passengers with a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP). They must not have been in India in the past 14 days;
passengers with a temporary residence visa. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days;
passengers with a diplomatic or service visa. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days;
passengers with a diplomatic or service stay permit. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days;
passengers with an e-visit visa with a visa number ending with LN. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days;
passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card. They must not have been in India in the past 14 days;
passengers traveling under the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA). They must not have been in India in the past 14 days.

2) Passengers are not allowed to transit.
3) Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English.
4) Airline crew must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 7 days before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English.
5) Passengers are subject to COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and quarantine for 5 or 14 days.
6) A completed “electronic health awareness card (e-HAC)” must be presented upon arrival. The card can be obtained before departure at https://inahac.kemkes.go.id/
7) Airline crew with a crew ID card are visa exempt if they are listed in the General Declaration and wearing uniform.
8) Deadhead crew will be given an entry stamp. They must:

have a valid crew ID card or crew member certificate;
provide written notification to Immigration Officer proving they will be on duty on the return flight. The notification must be received by Immigration Officer minimum 24 hours from arrival.

9) Suspension of all visa exemptions and visa on arrival facilities.
10) Effective 6 July 2021, passengers and airline crew must have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated.

This does not apply to:
passengers with a diplomatic or service visa;
passengers with a diplomatic or service stay permit.

Travel Advisory on COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak | Oman Air

Travel advice Indonesia

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Indonesia?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Switzerland

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Switzerland

July 30, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Switzerland.
1. Passengers are not allowed to enter, except:

This does not apply to:
nationals and residents of Liechtenstein and Switzerland;
passengers with a “D” visa issued by Switzerland;
passengers with a “C” visa issued by Switzerland;
nationals of EEA Member States;
passengers arriving from Schengen Member States;
passengers arriving from Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Croatia, Cyprus, Hong Kong (SAR China), Ireland (Rep.), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Rep.), Lebanon, Macao (SAR China), Moldova (Rep.), Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, USA or Vatican City (Holy See). If they transit through other countries, they must stay in the international transit area of the airport;
until 1 August 2021, passengers arriving from Rwanda or Thailand. If they transit through other countries, they must stay in the international transit area of the airport;
effective 2 August 2021, passengers arriving from Ukraine. If they transit through other countries, they must stay in the international transit area of the airport;
spouses, registered partners, children under 21 years, grandchildren under 21 years, dependent children, dependent grandchildren, dependent parents or dependent grandparents of nationals of EEA Member States. They must present proof of their relationship;
passengers with proof of being spouses, registered partners, children under 21 years, grandchildren under 21 years, dependent children, dependent grandchildren, dependent parents or dependent grandparents of “British Citizens”, “British Overseas Territories Citizens” from Gibraltar or British nationals with a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom, who have a residence permit issued by Switzerland:
with reference to the CH-UK agreement form 25 February 2019; or
issued before 1 January 2021;
residents of Schengen Member States returning directly via Switzerland to their country of residence;
unmarried partners of residents of Switzerland. They must have a written invitation from the residents in Switzerland and present proof of their relationship;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at most 12 months before arrival. Vaccines accepted are AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac. More details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/hyk4cbj7
unvaccinated passengers younger than 18 years if they are traveling with their fully vaccinated parents/guardians..
Passenger holding a refugees or stateless person travel document issued by Switzerland
Passenger holding cross border permit ( G permit)
Effective 19 July 2021, passengers arriving from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Jordan, Moldova (Rep.), Montenegro, Qatar or Saudi Arabia.

2. Passengers are not allowed to transit if arriving from a non-Schengen Member State to another Schengen Member State.

This does not apply to:
nationals and residents of EEA Member States and Switzerland;
passengers arriving from Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Croatia, Cyprus, Hong Kong (SAR China), Ireland (Rep.), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea (Rep.), Lebanon, Macao (SAR China), Moldova (Rep.), Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, USA or Vatican City (Holy See). If they transit through other countries, they must stay in the international transit area of the airport; until 1 August 2021, passengers arriving from Rwanda or Thailand. If they transit through other countries, they must stay in the international transit area of the airport;
effective 2 August 2021, passengers arriving from Ukraine. If they transit through other countries, they must stay in the international transit area of the airport;
spouses, registered partners, children under 21 years, grandchildren under 21 years, dependent children, dependent grandchildren, dependent parents or dependent grandparents of nationals of EEA Member States and Switzerland. They must present proof of their relationship;
passengers with a “D” visa issued by a Schengen Member State they are traveling to;
passengers with a “C” visa issued by Switzerland;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at most 12 months before arrival. Vaccines accepted are AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac. More details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/hyk4cbj7
effective 19 July 2021, passengers arriving from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Jordan, Moldova (Rep.), Montenegro, Qatar or Saudi Arabia.

3. Passengers with a Schengen “C” visa issued by Switzerland before 16 March 2020 must have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at most 12 months before arrival. Vaccines accepted are AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac. More details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/hyk4cbj7
4. Passengers must have:

a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point; or
a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken at most 48 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. They could be subject to a COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR test upon arrival at their own expense
This does not apply to:
passengers with a “C” visa issued by Switzerland before 16 March 2020;
passengers with a positive COVID-19 test result of a test taken in the past 6 months. They must also have a recovery certificate;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at most 12 months before arrival. Vaccines accepted are AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac. More details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/hyk4cbj7
passengers younger than 16 or 12 years, depending on their country of departure. Details can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2xllqfnn
nationals and residents of Switzerland with no possibility of getting tested in the departure country. They must complete a self-declaration form obtained at https://tinyurl.com/2xllqfnn . They are subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival;
more exemptions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2xllqfnn

5. Passengers must:

provide the contact details electronically at https://swissplf.admin.ch/home ; or
complete the “Contact Tracing Card” form. The form is available at https://static.vueling.com/corporative7/media/1647/swiss_authority_arriving_passenger_contact_tracing_card-pd.pdf or on board.
This does not apply to:
passengers with a positive COVID-19 test result of a test taken in the past 6 months. They must also have a recovery certificate;
passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated before arrival. More details can be found at https://www.bazl.admin.ch/bazl/en/home/good-to-know/air-passenger-rights/coronavirus.html#accordion_16682954201622213736412
6. Passengers must complete the “Contact Tracing Card” form before arrival. The form is available at https://static.vueling.com/corporative7/media/1647/swiss_authority_arriving_passenger_contact_tracing_card-pd.pdf or on board.
7. Passengers could be subject to quarantine for 10 days. A list of quarantine exemptions can be found at https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/empfehlungen-fuer-reisende/quarantaene-einreisende.html
8. PCR test facility is available in Zurich airport

Travel Advisory on COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak | Oman Air

Travel advice Switzerland

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Switzerland?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice Russia

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice Russia

August 3, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Russia. Passengers are not allowed to enter.

This does not apply to:
nationals of the Russian Fed. and their family members;
permanent residents of the Russian Fed.;
British nationals and nationals of Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China (People’s Rep.), Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, North Macedonia (Rep.), Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, USA, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela or Viet Nam if arriving on a direct flight from Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China (People’s Rep.), Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, North Macedonia (Rep.), Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, USA, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela or Viet Nam;
residents of Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China (People’s Rep.), Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, North Macedonia (Rep.), Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, USA, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela or Viet Nam if arriving on a direct flight from Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China (People’s Rep.), Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, North Macedonia (Rep.), Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, USA, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela or Viet Nam;
students with a written approval issued by their university. The approval must have been submitted to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Fed. by the university;

2. Passengers entering or transiting the Russian Fed. must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 3 days before arrival. The test result must be in English or Russian. A notarized translation to Russian is accepted.

This does not apply to:
nationals of the Russian Fed.;
nationals of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan arriving from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

3. Nationals of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan arriving from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued at most 3 days before arrival. The test result must have a green QR code obtained in the app ‘Traveling without COVID-19’.
4. Flights from Tanzania to the Russian Fed. are suspended.
5. Passengers could be subject to self-isolation for 14 days.
6. Passengers must complete an “Application Form” and present it upon arrival. The form can be obtained at https://www.rospotrebnadzor.ru/upload/авиаАнкета%20RUS.docx
7. Suspension of e-visa issuance.

Travel Advisory on COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak | Oman Air

Travel advice Russia

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to Russia?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Travel advice India

Written by Traveltalksteam on August 4, 2021. Posted in Travel Advice.

Latest Travel advice India

July 30, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in India
1. Flights to India are suspended until 31st Aug 2021.

This does not apply to relief, repatriation and humanitarian flights.

2. Passengers are not allowed to enter.
This does not apply to:

nationals of India;
residents of India;
nationals of Nepal and Bhutan
spouses of nationals of India; They must present proof of the marriage and a copy of the Indian national’s passport;
Passengers with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet ;
students if one of the parents is a national of India or OCI card holder;
minors if one of the parents is a national of India or OCI card holder;
spouses of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder. They must present proof of the marriage and a copy of the OCI card;
single parents of a minor who is national of India or OCI card holder;
passengers with a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card
passengers with a visa (excluding Medical Visas issued on or before 21 October 2020, and Tourist visas (TYPE T) issued by India;
passengers with an E-visa (excluding E-Tourist visas) issued by India
passengers returning from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives or Nepal via India to their country of residence via India to their country of residence.

3. Passengers are not allowed to transit through Bangalore (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Delhi (DEL), Hyderabad (HYD), Kolkata (CCU) or Mumbai (BOM)) to a third country .
4. E-Tourist visas and tourist Visas (Type T) are no longer valid.
5. Medical visas issued on or before 21 October 2020 are no longer valid
6. Passengers must complete the self-declaration form at www.newdelhiairport.in before departure.
7. Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. The test must be uploaded at www.newdelhiairport.in. kindly check variation on the validity of RT-PCR for few states mentioned below in this section
8. Passengers arriving from Afghanistan, Bahrain, France, Germany, Iraq, Kuwait, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Russian Fed., Ukraine or United Arab Emirates are subject to a Coronavirus (COVID-19) molecular test upon arrival at their own expense.
9. Passengers arriving from Brazil, South Africa or United Kingdom are subject to a Coronavirus (COVID-19) molecular test upon arrival and another test on day 7 at their own expense.
10. Passengers arriving in India:

are subject to medical screening and;
must present a completed Self-reporting form obtained at https://www.newdelhiairport.in/covid19.

11. Passengers could be subject to quarantine for up to 14 days. Details can be found at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021.pdf
12. Passengers who are arriving from or have transited through the United Kingdom must be traveling on a direct flight from the United Kingdom to India.
13. Airline crew who are arriving from or have transited through the United Kingdom:

must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point; and
are subject to a Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test upon arrival.

14. All Passenger shall wear marks and maintain social distancing norms at all times during air travel
15. If any passenger on board does not adhere to wearing of mask properly even after repeated warnings shall be de –boarded and shall be treated as unruly passenger.
16. “As per the latest instruction from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) passengers who violate the standard operating procedures (SOPs) or do not wear masks during a flight shall be put on the ‘no-fly list’ and no longer be allowed to fly if you don’t wear masks or comply with the COVID related protocols.Therefore passengers who intentionally don’t use a face mask, and poses a risk to other passengers, they will be put on ‘no-fly list’ by flight commander or the cabin crew after assessment.”On board the Aircraft, in case any passenger does not adhere to wearing mask properly even after repeated warnings, he/she should be de-boarded, if need be, before departure. In case, any passenger on board an aircraft refuses to wear mask or violates the “COVID-19 Protocol for Passengers” even after repeated warnings, during the course of flight, such passenger may be treated as “Unruly Passenger” as defined in para 3.1 of Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part VI (dated 8th September 2017) and the procedure in respect of handling such unruly passenger, as provided in above mentioned CAR, shall be followed by the concerned Airline
17. Passenger travelling out of INDIA on International flights must have PCR test report with QR code.
18. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards which have expired are considered valid until 31 December 2021.
Effective 22nd February 2021 (23:59 IST) following applies

Part A – For all international travellers except travellers coming through flights originating from United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East
All travellers should (i) submit self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) before the scheduled travel (ii) upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report.
This test should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey.
Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise.
They should also give an undertaking on the portal or otherwise to Ministry of Civil Aviation,Govt. of India, through concerned airlines before they are allowed to undertake the journey that they would abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority to undergo home quarantine/ self-monitoring of their health for 14 days, or as warranted.
Arrival in India without negative report shall be allowed only for those traveling to India in the exigency of death in the family.
If they wish to seek such exemption under para (iii) above, they shall apply to the online portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) at least 72 hours before boarding. The decision taken by the government as communicated on the online portal will be final.

Before Boarding

Do’s and Don’ts shall be provided along with ticket to the travellers by the airlines/agencies concerned.
Airlines to allow boarding only those passengers who have filled in the Self-Declaration Form on the Air Suvidha portal and uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report.
At the time of boarding the flight, only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board after thermal screening.
All passengers shall be advised to download Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices.
Suitable precautionary measures such as environmental sanitation and disinfection shall be ensured at the airports.
During boarding all possible measures to ensure physical distancing are to be ensured.

During Travel

Suitable announcement about COVID-19 including precautionary measures to be followed shall be made at airports and in flights and during transit.
While on board the flight, required precautions such as wearing of masks, environmental hygiene, respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene etc. are to be observed by airline staff, crew and all passengers.

On arrival

DE boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing.
Thermal screening would be carried out in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the airport. The self-declaration form filled online shall be shown to the airport health staff.
The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to medical facility as per health protocol.
The passengers who have been exempted for pre-arrival RT-PCR testing (as approved and indicated on the online portal in advance) will show the same to the respective State counters. They will be prioritized for sample collection in the designated area, samples collected and permitted to exit the airport. They shall monitor their health for 14 days (subject to negative test report of the sample taken at the Airport that would be conveyed to such travellers by the concerned State authorities/airport operators).
All other passengers who have uploaded RT-PCR negative certificates on Air Suvidha portal shall be allowed to leave the airport/ take transit flights and will be required to undertake self-monitoring of their health for 14 days.
All such passengers will also be provided the list of the National and State level surveillance officers and the respective call centre numbers, so as to inform State/National Call Centres in case they develop symptoms at any time during the quarantine or self-monitoring of their health.

Part B – For all international travellers coming/transiting through flights originating from United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East
All the clauses as above (part A) shall be applicable to such travellers coming/transiting from flights originating in United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East except for clauses on testing, quarantine and isolation as specified below:
All international travellers coming/transiting from flights originating from United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East as described in the scope above should submit Self-Declaration Form (SDF) for COVID on the online Air Suvidha portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) before the scheduled travel and will be required to declare their travel history (of past 14 days).

- While filling SDF, apart from providing all other information required in the SDF, passengers need to select:

Keeping in mind the testing requirements for passengers from UK, Brazil and South Africa, who have to take connecting flights, airlines should keep the passengers informed about the need for transit time of a minimum 6-8 hours at the entry airport (in India) while booking the tickets for connecting flights.
All the passengers arriving from United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East shall be carrying negative RT-PCR Test report for which test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey. The same also shall be uploaded on the online portal (www.newdelhiairport.in). iv. Airlines to allow boarding only those passengers who have filled in the SDF on the Air Suvidha portal and uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report.
The concerned airlines shall ensure that prior to check-in, the traveller is explained about this SOP particularly clause (ix) of part B of this SOP, besides displaying the same prominently in the waiting areas of the airports.
Airlines should identify the international travellers arriving from/transiting through United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa (during past 14 days) and segregate them in-flight or while disembarking to facilitate the authorities to follow the due protocol in respect of these travellers.
In-flight announcements must also be made explaining the relevant information to the passengers. Relevant information in this regard shall be prominently displayed in arrival area and waiting area of the airports of arrival.
The immigration officers of these identified airports shall also ensure identification of travellers (from their passports) who originated or transited from UK, Brazil and South Africa (during past 14 days).
All the travellers arriving from/transiting through flights originating in United Kingdom, Europe or Middle East shall be mandatorily subjected to self-paid confirmatory molecular tests on arrival at the Indian airports concerned (port of entry). Entry made in the SDF regarding telephone number and address would be reconfirmed.
Adequate arrangements for passengers waiting for their confirmatory molecular test as well as test results duly following effective isolation may also be made at the airports in conjunction with the airport authorities.
The airport authority shall ensure streamlining of the systems for testing at the concerned airports to ensure seamless sampling, testing, and waiting arrangements to avoid crowding and inconvenience to passengers. Once passengers arrive at the entry airport, Airport Operator should lay down a well-defined flow for such passengers at their respective arrival terminals leading to the waiting lounges and to the exit from the terminal.
Airports can provide options to the passengers to do online booking of the confirmatory molecular test through respective website (Air Suvidha portal) or other appropriate platforms as well as to do offline booking. As far as possible digital payment facilities to be ensured.
Sample collection cum waiting lounge for the passengers should follow all sanitization and physical distancing related guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time.
The States/UTs Government concerned should set up helpdesks at airports concerned to facilitate implementation of the SOP.
Travellers from UK, Brazil and South Africa taking connecting flights from the arrival international airport (‘T” in their SDF).
Give sample at designated area and exit airport only after confirmation of negative test report which may take 6-8 hours.
Those transit travellers from UK, Brazil and South Africa who are found negative on testing at the airport shall be allowed to take their connecting flights and would be advised quarantine at home for 7 days and regularly followed up by the concerned State/District IDSP. These travellers shall be tested after 7 days and if negative, released from quarantine, and continue to monitor their health for a further 7 days.
All those tested positive shall undergo the procedure as detailed in clause (xviii) below.
All travellers from UK, Brazil and South Africa existing at the arrival airport:
Will give their sample in the designated area and exit the airport. They will be followed up by the State Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
The concerned State authorities/airport operators will collect and convey the test report to the traveller.
If tested negative, they will remain in home quarantine for 7 days and regularly followed up by the concerned State/District IDSP. These travellers shall again be tested after 7 days and if negative, released from quarantine, and continue to monitor their health for a further 7 days.
All those tested positive shall undergo the procedure as detailed in clause (xviii) below.

All other travellers from Europe and Middle East (other than those in flights originating from Brazil, South Africa and United Kingdom) who have to exit the destination airport or take connecting flights to their final domestic destination:
Shall give samples at the designated area and exit the airport.
The concerned State authorities/airport operators will collect and convey the test report to the traveller.
If the test report is negative, they will be advised to self-monitor their health for 14 days.
If the test report is positive, they will undergo treatment as per standard health protocol.
Travellers from Brazil, South Africa and United Kingdom, testing positive
(either at the airport or subsequently during home quarantine period or their contacts who turn positive) shall be isolated in an institutional isolation facility in a separate (isolation) unit coordinated by the respective State Health Authorities. They would earmark specific facilities for such isolation and treatment and take necessary action to send the positive samples to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Labs.
If the report of the sequencing is consistent with the current SARS-CoV-2 virus genome circulating in the country; the ongoing treatment protocol including home isolation/treatment at facility level as per case severity may be followed.
If the genomic sequencing indicates the presence of new variant of SARS-CoV-2 then the patient will continue to remain in a separate isolation unit. While necessary treatment as per the existing protocol will be given, the patient shall be tested on 14th day, after having tested positive in the initial test. The patient will be kept in the isolation facility till his sample is tested negative.
The State-wise passenger manifest of the flights originating from Europe and Middle East and landing at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai airports in India for the said period shall be conveyed by the Bureau of Immigration to State Government/Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) [idsp-npo@nic.in and designated e-mails provided by the respective State Governments] so that this data would be provided to the surveillance teams. This data of manifests provided by Bureau of Immigration will be supplemented by the online Self- Declaration Forms available on ‘AIR SUVIDHA’ portal.
All the contacts* of travellers arriving from UK, South Africa and Brazil who test positive (either at the airport or subsequently during home quarantine period), shall be subjected to institutional quarantine in separate quarantine centers and would be tested on the 7th day (or early if develop symptoms). Contacts testing positive shall be accordingly further followed as mentioned in Clause above.
Information regarding any passenger covered within the scope of this SOP, who has moved to another State will be immediately notified to the concerned State Health Authority. If any passenger is not traceable initially or during any duration while being followed up should be immediately notified to Central Surveillance Unit of IDSP by the District Surveillance Officer. International Travellers on short stay
International travellers (covered under Part A or Part B) on short stay (less than 14 days) and who have tested negative and remain symptom free, shall undergo all the procedures as above and shall be permitted to leave India under proper intimation to their District/State health authorities, subject to them fulfilling the requirement of the airlines and destination country.
Contacts of the suspect case are the co-passengers seated in the same row, 3 rows in front and 3 rows behind along with identified Cabin Crew. Also, all the community contacts of those travellers who have tested positive (during home quarantine period) would be subjected to institutional quarantine in separate Quarantine Centers for 14 days and tested as per
ICMR protocol. Below are the official links for further reference. https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021.pdf https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Algorithmforinternationalarrivals.pdf

Passengers arriving into State of Kerala(CCJ/TRV/COK)
1. If the district is having airport, the health administration will do the arrangements to collect the samples of the international travelers for the COVID testing and get it tested at no costs to the passengers.

Passengers arriving in to Cochin (COK)
1. Passengers must wear Personal Protection Equipment(PPE), which includes N95 mask, face shield, hand gloves and PPE gown for safety of self and co-passengers.
2. Passenger should have sanitizer for frequent disinfection of hands during the travel.
3. Passengers should submit a self-declaration form on www.newdelhiairport.in at least 72 hours before the scheduled travel and carry the acknowledgment mail with unique reference number while boarding.
4. The details of passengers shall be entered at least two days prior to travel date into https://covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in
a. The Air tickets shall be issued as per the priority, shown below:
b. Those who have lost employment/ cancellation of work visa
c. Those on expired visit visa and stranded abroad
d. Pregnant women
e. Elderly with co-morbidities
f. Children separated from families
g. Others
5. Passenger manifest of each flight must be submitted to ceonorkaroots@gmail.com , the manifest shall have information of passenger seat number (in sequence), Name of the passenger, Contact Number , Destination Address and Pin code of the destination address
6. Passengers arriving COK shall submit completed Affidavit to authorities in arrival.

Passengers arriving in to Delhi (DEL)
7. Passengers are not allowed to transit Delhi (DEL)
8. All passengers should submit Online SDR(Self-declaration form) 72 hours prior to arrival at WWW.newdelhiairport.in and for any kind of exemption from institutional quarantine they should request on same site.
9. All passenger must hold negative RT-PCR certificate within 96hours prior to arrival.
10. Passengers can have RT-PCR test in DEL at airport upon arrival. Payment INR5000 (INR 2500 for Test INR 2500 for lounge usage for 06hrs). Passenger needs to wait for 06 HRS at airport to get his report.

Passengers arriving in to State of Tamil Nadu (MAA)
11. Passengers traveling to Chennai (MAA) must have a printed medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 96 hours before departure and the certificate must be in English. Passengers must complete TN E-pass prior to acceptance at departure.
12. Passengers traveling to Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) must have a printed medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) RT-PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 96 hours before departure.
13. All Travellers should submit self-declaration form ( SDF) on the online Air Suvidha portal ( www.newdelhiairport.in) before the scheduled travel and to declare their travel history ( of Past 14Days ) .
14. All the passengers who are travelling to Tamil Nadu from Europe and Middle East should carry negative – RT PCR Test Report for which Test should have been conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey and uploaded the online Air Suvidha Portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) . The passenger should submit the negative RT PCR test report to the District Collector , Chengelpet on arrival at the airport .

Passengers arriving in to State of Karnataka (BLR)
15. Travellers must submit the Air Suvidha self-reporting form on the online portal https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registrationat least 72 hours before scheduled travel. It is mandatory to fill this form prior to boarding.
16. Passenger must print the Self-Declaration form (SDF) and on arrival this form must be provided to immigration
17. All passengers must download Aarogya Setu app, Quarantine Watch app and ApthamitraApp on their mobile devices. (https://covid19.karnataka.gov.in/new-page/softwares/en).
18. Business/ short term travellers whose duration of stay is between 48 hours and 7 days shall produce the negative RT-PCR test report for verification upon arrival at BLR Airport to the State Government officials to be exempt from quarantine. Such passengers shall submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the test report. Business Travellers must carry following documents;
19. Return Air Ticket to confirm return date of travel
20. Purpose of visit / invitation letter
21. Place of stay / hotel reservation
22. Valid visa
23. Business Travellers with less than 48hours stay do not require COVID-19 Test or Quarantine upon arrival
24. Business Travellers with stay between 48hours and 7 days require COVID-19 test (self-paid) upon arrival unless passenger is holding a RT-PCR negative Test Report issued with 96hours prior to departure.
25. The cost of COVID-19 test (only on need basis) shall be borne by the passengers (**RAT: Rs 700 | ***RT-PCR: Rs 2,500) or as per guidelines issued by Govt. of Karnataka from time-to-time.
26. All International passengers arriving in Karnataka from any country shall have COVID negative certificate (issued within 72 hours from time of departure) If passenger arrive without a COVID-19 negative certificate they will be mandatorily subjected to RT-PCR test for Covid-19 at the port of entry to Karnataka.
27. RT-PCR test facility (Auriga Research Facility) is available in the Airport premises, which passengers can avail at their own cost. Passengers can make pre booking through web portal http://aurigaresearch.in/ or just aurigaresearch.in and make an online payment. Upon arrival Passenger must produce the copy of payment receipt to avail the RT-PCR test.
28. RT-PCR testing shall be done for all passengers originating from UK, including those transiting in other airports outside UK.
29. Those who are RT-PCR positive shall be under hospital isolation and positive samples shall be sent to NIMHANS, Bengaluru for molecular testing.
30. Passengers who are RT-PCR negative, shall be under strict home quarantine for 14 days.
31. Contact details of all such passengers should be informed to District Surveillance Officers for quarantine follow-up.
32. In view of new variants of SARS-COV-2 virus identified from Brazil and South Africa it is mandatory that international travelers who have visited/transited through Brazil and South Africa, irrespective of their negative RTPCR certificate before boarding the flight, should additionally undergo RT-PCR testing at Bengaluru airport. Those who test positive shall undergo institutional quarantine for 14 days & the positive sample shall be sent to NIMHANS for Genome sequencing. They shall be discharged after consecutive 2 sample are negative through RT PCR, done 24 hrs. apart. And those who test negative shall be in home quarantine for 14 days & a follow up RT PCR shall be conducted on 7th day.
33. It is mandatory for all the passengers travelling in flights originating from United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East to possess a RT-PCR Negative test certificate (not older than 72 HrsJ before boarding the flight. Additionally, these passengers shall undergo RT-PCR test after arriving in Karnataka. The sample for the said RT-PCR test shall be collected and tested by ICMR approved laboratory set up at Airport premises both Bengaluru and Mangalore Airports. The cost of the test shall be borne by the passengers. The testing laboratory shall charge Rs 500/- per test for RT-pCR (with pooling of samples @ 1:3) and the result shall be conveyed within 4 hrs, whereas a maximum of Rs 3000/- shall be charged for Express RT-PCR Test (Abbott) and the result to be conveyed within 30 minutes. The International passengers from United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa shall be allowed to leave the airport premises only after obtaining the RT-pcR negative test result. The person testing positive shall comply with the protocol issued by GoK. Further, the International Passengers other than United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa, shall be allowed to leave the Airport premises after submission of samples for RT-PCR Test. The result ofthe test shall be conveyed to the concerned in due course for further action.
34. Lateral Flow Test (Lamp Test) is considered to be equivalent to RT-PCR.
Passengers arriving in to State of Maharashtra (BOM)
1. Must complete online application form for self-reporting/declaration at www.newdelhiairport.in. Passengers are required to carry two copies of the printed Self-Reporting Form for submission to authorities on arrival.
2. Passengers who are residents of Mumbai & who undergo COVID19 RT-PCR test at CSMIA after landing, need to sing the undertaking form and can proceed to their residence.
3. All Passenger must carry a negative RT-PCR test report taken 72 hours prior to arrival.
4. Passengers carrying negative RT-PCR test report can travel to home district.
5. All passengers arriving from Middle East, Europe & South Africa are subject to screening and symptomatic passenger shall have to undergo RT-PCR test
6. All the passengers arriving from Middle East, Europe and South Africa shall be subjected to mandatory institutional quarantine at their own cost, for 07 days.
a. However, RT-PCR test will be conducted during 5th to 7tH day at the hotels at the cost of the quarantined passengers. If the report of the test is found negative, the passenger would be discharged from the institutional quarantine after 5 to 7 days with the advice of 7days mandatory Home Quarantine.
b. If the test result is found positive the passenger will be admitted to the COVID facility

The following exemptions apply: Covid-19 Vaccination has commenced in various countries and many passengers have completed their both the dosage of Covid-19 vaccine. Further, medical professionals who are intending to travel for life saving surgeries/ attending critical patients have been requesting for exemption from quarantine. Considering these developments, the new norms for passenger exemption from Institutional Quarantine shall be as follows:
1. Elderly passengers above 65 years of age.
2. Pregnant woman in advanced stage of pregnancy
3. Both Parents accompanying children below 5 years of age
4. Passengers having serious illness and require immediate medical attention such as cancer, severe physical disability, mental illness, cerebral palsy on production of supporting documents and medical conditions that need admission in medical institutions immediately
5. Extreme family distress condition i.e. father, mother, son, daughter in critical condition(On death bed), severe accident in family, death of immediate family member (only on production of convincing support documents to the airport staff)
6. Passengers who have completed their both Covid-19 vaccine dosage (on production of both vaccination certificates and also a self-declaration in prescribed format has to be produced).
7. Medical Professionals that intend to travel for performing life saving surgery/ attending critical patients (on production of proof from the hospitals where the surgery/medical service is intended to be performed) Passengers from above categories may be considered exemption from institutional quarantine/quarantine, subject to providing required documents to the satisfaction of In-charge Officer at the Airport. The exempted passengers shall strictly follow quarantine rules and regulations and shall be liable for appropriate action for any breach of quarantine rules.

Passengers from above categories may be considered exemption from institutional quarantine/quarantine, subject to providing required documents to the satisfaction of In-charge Officer at the Airport. The exempted passengers shall strictly follow quarantine rules and regulations and shall be liable for appropriate action for any breach of quarantine rules.
Passengers arriving in to State of Telangana (HYD)
Telangana State requirement – All passengers arriving to Hyderabad Airport must enroll in Air Suvidha Portal without fail. Those who failed to do so will not be given Health clearance from APHO and those passengers (Including Transit Passengers) to be segregated and made sure that airlines/ GMR will get them registered before APHO desk after arrival.
The passengers who have registered themselves in the Air Suvidha Portal but have given wrong details (like date of arrival & Flight No.) will not be visible in compiled list for the concerned flight and concerned date; those passengers will also have to register themselves with corrected information.

1. If passenger has filled online self-declaration (SD) form in air suvidha portal :
a. Soft copy of uploaded SD form to be shown
b. 01 physical SD form to be submitted at state protocol desk
c. 01 physical SD form to be submitted at immigration counter
d. 01 home quarantine form for individual pax / family.
e. If pax is going to institutional quarantine 03 hotel forms each passenger at level D hotel desk.
f. Pax to carry hard copy of RT-PCR negative test report.

2. If passenger has NOT filled self- declaration (SD) form in air suvidha portal :
a. 01 physical SD form to be submitted at state protocol desk
b. 01 physical SD form to be submitted at immigration counter
c. 01 home quarantine form for individual/family
d. If pax is going to institutional quarantine 03 hotel forms each passenger at level D hotel desk.
e. Pax to carry hard copy of RT-PCR negative test report.

Travel Advisory on COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak | Oman Air

Travel advice India

For more travel advise on other countries

Want to travel to India?

More about our Facebook Group

Click if you want to join

Author: Traveltalksteam

Latest Travel advice Scandinavia: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden

Travel advice Denmark

Travel advice Finland

Finland welcomes all fully vaccinated travelers

Finland welcomes fully vaccinated travelers and travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 from EU and Schengen countries

Travel advice Norway

Entry with a valid COVID certificate

Entry from green areas in Europe

Registering arrival to Norway

Entry is not permitted from non-green areas

Quarantine

Further information

Travelling restrictions for Sweden

Recommendations and regulations when in Sweden

Travelling from Sweden

Travel advice Sweden

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Estonia Travel advice Estonia

Who can enter and how?

About needed documents

General rules

Children

One-day visitors

Getting sick

Before going home

Travel advice Latvia

Travel advice Lithuania

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Austria

B. ENTRY FROM AREAS OF VARIANTS OF CONCERN

C. ENTRY FROM OTHER COUNTRIES

D. GENERAL EXEMPTIONS

E. REGULATIONS FOR MINORS

FURTHER INFORMATION

TWITTER @AUSTRIAINUSA

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Albania

Quarantine and testing requirements if you’re travelling to neighbouring countries from Albania

Regular entry requirements

Visas

Passport validity

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Vietnam

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Uzbekistan

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Singapore

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice South Korea

COVID-19 Testing:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Movement Restrictions:

Quarantine Information:

Transportation Options:

Fines for Non-Compliance:

Consular Operations:

Local Resources:

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice New Zealand

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Kazakhstan

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice China and Hong Kong

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Cambodia

Detailed Tourist Information

Lockdown Details

Sources

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Azerbaijan

Local Restrictions

Detailed Travel Advisory

Detailed Tourist Information

Lockdown Details

Sources

More about our Facebook Group

Latest Travel advice Armenia

Latest Travel advice Scandinavia:
Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden

August 4, 2021: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in Estonia

Travel advice Estonia