May 2, 2022,
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Malaysia is relaxing virus restrictions including testing at airports and mask mandates, as infection rates flatten and the nation adjusts to living with Covid.
The country is scrapping mandatory testing on incoming vaccinated travellers and children under 12 from 1 May. Wearing masks outdoors will be made optional and social distancing measures dropped. Some entry restrictions will remain in place for unvaccinated travellers.
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia, welcomes the news. The airline is currently flying its MH1 and MH3 routes 11x weekly from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (LHR-KUL) until 29 June and will return to its full double daily service from 30 June onwards.
Daniel Bainbridge, Regional Director UK & Europe, commented: “I am delighted to see that the Malaysian Government is removing all pre-entry and arrival testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers. Malaysia Airlines is the only airline offering direct flights from the UK to Malaysia and international arrivals have increased dramatically since the border officially opened on 1 April. This further removal of entry requirements is an even clearer sign that Malaysia is fully open to the world, and Malaysia Airlines cannot wait to welcome more passengers onboard with our warm Malaysian hospitality.”
Hong Kong will allow non-residents to enter the financial hub from May for the first time in more than two years, a small step in unwinding stringent coronavirus restrictions which have turned the city into one of the world’s most isolated places.
Hong Kong’s rules for airlines that carry infected COVID-19 patients will also be eased slightly, the government said in a statement on Friday (Apr 22), with the threshold for suspending incoming flights rising to five infected passengers from three currently. A ban on individual airline routes will be shortened to five days from seven.
Foreign travellers will be subjected to the same procedure as residents, the government said. The announcement comes with daily infections less than 1000 for more than a week from a peak of more than 70,000 on March 3.
Travellers from all countries will soon be able to enter Switzerland without having to follow any COVID-19 rules as the latter will drop all of its measures on May 2. Starting from May 2, all travellers, regardless of their country of origin, will be permitted restriction-free entry to Switzerland.
“The entry restrictions currently in place will be lifted from May 2. As of that date, the usual rules for entering Switzerland will apply,” the statement of the State Secretariat for Migration said. Currently, all travellers are required to hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate in order to be permitted restriction-free entry to Switzerland.
However, as soon as the new entry rules start applying, travellers will no longer be required to hold a valid vaccination or recovery certificate. The Swiss authorities have explained that from May 2, travellers will only be required to follow the other rules, such as holding a valid passport or visa, if such a requirement applies to them.
April 25, 2022, Thailand lifts RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals from 1 May 2022
Travellers will be allowed to enter the kingdom without the pre-arrival nor arrival tests.
Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals beginning 1 May, 2022, and introduced two new entry schemes specifically customised for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
TAT Newsroom will be providing updates in detail via www.tatnews.org once the official directives have been announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.
New entry rules for vaccinated travellers:
International travellers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.
They are still required to register for a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/) with a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).
Once arriving in Thailand, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.
New entry rules for unvaccinated travellers:
International travellers who are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated will also no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.
They are required to register for a Thailand Pass with a 5-day hotel booking and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).
Once arriving in Thailand, they must proceed to undergo the quarantine for 5 days and undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 5.
Exception is made for unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system, they – like those fully vaccinated – will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.
Malta’s deputy prime minister and minister for health Chris Fearne, announced that the Health Authorities will be proceeding with their COVID-19 exit roadmap as planned. Malta will be further relaxing COVID-19 measures, including easing of restrictions relating to incoming travel.
Malta’s deputy prime minister also announced that as planned, as from now on, a vaccine certificate is no longer needed for persons to attend standing outdoor events, or seated indoor events.
“The decision to ease further COVID-19 restrictions related to travel continues to be a turning point in the government’s efforts to drive the Maltese Islands back to normality. We are committed that the coming months will generate excellent results in terms of tourism inflows as well as ascertain our ultimate goal of making Malta a hub of tourism excellence for the years to come,” outlined Clayton Bartolo, minister for Tourism.
Travellers will no longer need to fill in an arrival form or submit proof of vaccination or a previous infection when returning from abroad. However, it is still recommended travellers to verify the conditions of transport (including proof of infectivity, i.e. test, vaccination, illness) directly with the agreed public transport carrier (plane, bus, train).
Jan Herget, director at CzechTourism, said: “The Czech Republic has maintained its place in the world’s top ten – between Ireland and Canada. This topic is important in the marketing communication of the destination across segments, both towards the tourists themselves and especially at the level of B2B marketing, when it is necessary to assure our partners from large travel agencies or conference organisers that the Czech Republic is an objectively safe place for their clients.”
WASHINGTON/CHICAGO, April 18 (Reuters) – The Biden administration will no longer enforce a U.S. mask mandate on public transportation, after a federal judge in Florida on Monday ruled that the 14-month-old directive was unlawful, overturning a key White House effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Soon after the announcement, all major carriers including American Airlines (AAL.O), United Airlines (UAL.O) and Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), as well as national train line Amtrak relaxed the restrictions effective immediately. read more
Last week, U.S. health officials had extended the mandate to May 3 requiring travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains, and in taxis, ride-share vehicles or transit hubs, saying they needed time to assess the impact of a recent rise in COVID-19 cases caused by the airborne coronavirus. read more
Industry groups and Republican lawmakers balked and wanted the administration to end the 14-month-old mask mandate permanently.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, an appointee of President Donald Trump, came in a lawsuit filed last year in Tampa, Florida, by a group called the Health Freedom Defense Fund. It follows a string of rulings against Biden administration directives to fight the infectious disease that has killed nearly one million Americans, including vaccine or test mandates for employers.
Judge Mizelle said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had exceeded its authority with the mandate, had not sought public comment and did not adequately explain its decisions.
A U.S. administration official said while the agencies were assessing potential next steps, the court’s decision meant CDC’s public transportation masking order was no longer in effect. The administration could still opt to appeal the order or seek an emergency delay in the order’s enforcement.
“Therefore, TSA will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time,” the official said in a statement.
“CDC recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.”
The Transportation Security Administration said it will rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect on Tuesday.
No more masks on airplanes and trains in the USA:
The ruling comes as COVID-19 infections rise again in the United States, with 36,251 new infections reported on average each day, and 460 daily deaths, based on a seven-day average – the highest number of reported total COVID-19 deaths in the world.
The White House called the ruling “disappointing.”
The CDC first issued a public health order requiring masks in interstate transportation in February 2021. The TSA issued a security directive to enforce the CDC order.
The CDC and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) declined to comment.
United Airlines, American, Delta, Southwest Airlines (LUV.N), JetBlue (JBLU.O) and Alaska Airlines (ALK.N) said masks are now optional on their planes.
“We are relieved to see the U.S. mask mandate lift to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 has transitioned to an ordinary seasonal virus,” Delta said. The World Health Organization warned against comparing the virus to an endemic illness like the flu earlier this year, noting it is evolving too quickly.
The move could impact travel demand, which has roared back after a blip caused by the Omicron coronavirus variant. U.S. passenger traffic has been averaging about 89% of the pre-pandemic levels since mid-February, according to TSA data.
With the COVID-19 case count rising again, lifting the mandate could make some passengers wary, while prompting others to fly again.
Only 36% of Americans think it’s time for people to stop using masks and quarantines so that life can get back to normal after COVID-19, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. However, while a mere 16% of Democrats hold this view, a whopping 60% of Republicans do, according to the poll.
Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian last week acknowledged the risk, but said the airline still expected its flights to be full.
“It’s a question of individual accountability, personal accountability, making your own decisions rather than the government making decisions for people as to how to stay well,” Bastian told Reuters in an interview.
On Monday, Delta asked its employees to show “understanding and patience” as the unexpected nature of the announcement could result in “inconsistent” enforcement.
Since January 2021, there have been a record 7,060 unruly passenger incidents reported, 70% involving masking rules, according to the FAA. Thousands of passengers have been put on “no-fly” lists for refusing to comply with masking requirements.
Alaska said some passengers will remain banned, even after the mask policy is rescinded.
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April 13, 2022 – Greece travel restrictions
Greece is to remove all remaining Covid-related travel restrictions on 2 May, in time for its peak summer tourist season. The nation joins a list of 15 other European countries, including Sweden, Madeira and Cyprus, which have dropped entry rules as infection rates stabilise.
The Mediterranean country is expecting high numbers of visitors this year, with officials predicting revenues reaching 80% of 2019 levels, a record year before the pandemic brought travel to a halt.
Measures to be removed include vaccine certificates, recovery certificates and the requirement to wear masks in indoor public places from next month.
Greece’s Minister for Health, Thanos Plevris said that Covid had stabilised in Greece, allowing the country to proceed with the suspension of the protection measures, but he emphasised that the measure were being suspended, not abolished, and that the rules would be reviewed in September.
Travellers will no longer be required to take a pre-travel test, quarantine or provide proof of vaccination to enter the country. On the ground, vistors will no longer have to wear a mask in indoor spaces such as hotel lobbies, or show vaccine certificates to gain entry to certain venues.
Covid infections in the country have fallen in recent weeks, with authorities recording 15,000 infections and 64 deaths on 12 April. Out of a population of 11 million, some 72% are fully vaccinated.
Greece’s summer tourism season typically begins after the Orthodox Easter, which this year falls on 24 April.
The Greek Ministry of Tourism was voted ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’ at World Travel 2021
Source: breakingtravelnews
April 5, 2022 – removal of the Travel Health Notice for cruises
The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes the removal of the Travel Health Notice for cruises
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “The decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to remove the Travel Health Notice for cruising is well-deserved recognition that the industry has been sailing millions of travelers for
many months with highly effective protocols that make cruising among the world’s safest forms of socializing and travel.
“The cruise industry has gained strong momentum in recent months, with many travelers anxious to again begin enjoying holidays with family and friends, and the CDC’s decision begins to help level the playing field between cruise and land-based vacation options.
“This is also welcome news to the extensive network of suppliers, many of whom are small businesses, that depend on cruise for their success, which will continue to help provide significant positive impacts for economies and employment in countries and
regions around the world
For more travel advise on other countries
March 28, 2022 – UAE Reopen
People arriving in the UAE through land points, and regardless of their vaccination status, will no longer have to present a negative pre-arrival PCR test under new rules. However, the rules, to be applied starting March 29, require them to undertake the rapid Exponential Deep Examination (EDE) and wait for the result before they are allowed entry into the country.
The two authorities also stressed the need to adhere to the Green Pass protocol upon entering various events, tourist and cultural sites, and other places that require the presentation of Green Pass as a precondition for entry.
Source: traveldailymedia
March 25, 2022 – Singapore Reopen –
Singapore has unveiled plans for the Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) for all travellers.
The new regulations, which replace the current Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme, will come into effect on April 1st.
From next Friday, all countries will be classified either under the General Travel or the Restricted Category and border measures would be accorded by individual travellers’ vaccination status.
All countries will come under the general category to begin with, with no destination in the restricted category.
Travellers will no longer be required to undergo an unsupervised self-administered rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival in Singapore.
The departure test can be a polymerase chain reaction test, a professional-administered rapid antigen test or a self-administered antigen that is remotely supervised by a provider in Singapore.
Further, it is no longer necessary to travel on a designated VTL flight, and short-term visitors will no longer need to apply for a travel pass .
They are not required to present their VTP at boarding and arrival immigration.
All vaccination certificates, regardless of country of issuance and whether digitally verifiable or not, will be accepted as proof of vaccination.
Children aged 12 years and below are exempt from the vaccination requirement.
All travellers must submit their SGAC at within three days before entering Singapore.
Michael Rodriguez, area director northern and south-western Europe at Singapore Tourism Board, commented: “The latest easing of travel restrictions is a really positive step towards Singapore’s tourism recovery.
“As the entry process into Singapore becomes even more seamless, we look forward to welcoming more visitors from the UK to safely enjoy reimagined experiences.”
Source: breakingtravelnews
March 22, 2022 – Maldives entry requirements – The Maldives has eased its entry requirements, announcing that travellers will no longer have to present a negative Covid-19 test on arrival.
Valid from March 14, pre-flight and post-arrival tests are no longer a prerequisite of travelling to the Maldives and all travel-related quarantine is no longer required. The easing of restrictions is valid for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers and there is no proof of vaccination needed for entry. Furthermore, there are no restrictions imposed on specific countries due to variants or case levels. Wearing a protective facemask is still mandatory in all health facilities and in outbreak areas. Masks are recommended in crowded areas and on public transport.
Maldives entry requirements – The news is a huge boost for the Maldives’ hotels and resorts, making holidaying on the islands far easier for visitors. Emilio Fortini, GM at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa says, “We are really pleased with the easing of travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers. As international travel continues to return to normal, the team at Sheraton Maldives is very much looking forward to more visitors arriving.”
Source: traveldailymedia
March 22, 2022 -Myanmar reopens to travellers on 17 April, the government announced after a two-year shut-down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The junta’s announcement, however, lacked details on visa entry rules or the airlines intending to serve Yangon’s international airport.
Myanmar first closed the country in March 2022 to international tourists to tackle a surge in Covid-19 cases. However, since 1 February 2021, when a military coup swept aside the country’s legitimate government, Myanmar has descended into chaos and civil unrest, which has seen more than 1,600 civilians killed and an estimated 11,000 arrested and imprisoned.
The military junta announced that international tourists effective 17 April can enter the country, but official websites, including immigration and the country tourism ministry, have yet to clarify the visa requirements or whether the eVisa and visa-on-arrival facilities will be reinstated.
There are no details on which airlines will serve Yangon’s international airport that is currently open only to repatriation flights for Myanmar citizens and those entering the country on official business with the junta.
Myanmar reopens to travellers. As of 17 April, entry will be limited to just fully vaccinated travellers who must undergo two PCR tests during a week-long quarantine in Yangon on arrival.
Airline booking websites that offered up to 30 foreign flights to Yangon daily from cities around Asia pre-Covid-19 flagged travel suspension notices for flights throughout April suggesting no commercial scheduled flights are in the pipeline.
It is too early to identify airlines that might consider flying to Yangon, with the exception of Myanmar Airways International, which continues to offer repatriation flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur to Yangon. Thai Airways International flies ad hoc services from Bangkok.
Earlier in the year, Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration posted a notice on its website that said the ban on international travel and the issue of visas would continue until 31 March 2022.
Even if Myanmar opens a visa-on-arrival or eVisa facility for international tourists, travel firms are not optimistic they will see any bookings. There are strong sentiments against visiting the country. Travellers will be wary of the security risks and are likely to support a boycott of the country. As long as a military junta that usurped power from a democratically appointed government runs the country travellers will go elsewhere.
Source: traveldailymedia
March 21, 2022 – Hungary has phased out almost all Covid-19-related restrictions.
In relation to tourism, this means a return to pre-pandemic entry rules, as well unrestricted access to and use of accommodation and attractions.
There is also now no mandatory use of masks.
Travellers can enter Hungary without the need for any vaccination or immunity certificate or any type of tests.
At the same time, vaccination certificates are no longer required to access indoor congresses or conferences, accommodations and spas, or outdoor events of any type.
Land and water borders have been open without restriction since June last to those entering from Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Slovakia.
This was later extended to Ukraine, but until now air arrivals were subject to restrictions, including a PCR test.
Source: breakingtravelnews
March 21, 2022 – Hong Kong has begun the process of reopening its borders in response to growing demands from the business community.
A ban on flights from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, Nepal and the Philippines will end on April 1st.
At the same time, hotel quarantine for arrivals from those destinations will be cut to seven days from 14.
Hong Kong chief executive, Carrie Lam, also confirmed citywide Covid-19 mass testing will be put “on hold”.
Most social-distancing measures will be gradually eased from April 21st, including allowing dining-in at restaurants after 18:00.
Up to four people will be allowed at social gatherings during the first phase of reopening.
Although Covid-19 cases have skyrocketed in recent weeks, officials have begun to acknowledge the damage the absolutist approach to controlling the pandemic has had on the city.
The moves were reportedly spurred by frustration in the banking community and wider population, which has endured more than two years of effectively closed borders.
While curbs and quarantines kept the city virtually virus-free for much of the pandemic, the more contagious Omicron variant evaded measures, cutting a swathe through the city.
Hong Kong now has the highest Covid-19 death rate in the world, with hundreds of under-vaccinated elderly people and care-home residents killed by the virus.
Source: breakingtravelnews
March 21, 2022 – As the country prepares to downgrade the Covid-19 pandemic to endemic disease, Thailand is gearing up for a return to normality and boost economic recovery by further easing travel restrictions. Starting April 1, 2022 travellers may enter the country without the need to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel.
Source: traveldailymedia
March 17, 2022 – Electronic visa to Egypt – now available to 74 nationalities
An e-Visa is an official document permitting entry into and travel from Egypt.
The e-Visa is granted to citizens of the countries shown on the site.
Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card.
A link to download your e-visa will be sent to you. Passport authorities at ports of arrival can check the validity of your e-Visa on their system.
As is the case with other visas, Egyptian port authorities have the right to refuse entry to Egypt for an e-visa holder without any explanation.
The visa fee is collected through the website using a credit card, after registering the foreigner’s data.
Who requires a visa to enter The Arab Republic of Egypt?
A citizen of a foreign country, wishing to enter The Arab Republic of Egypt, generally must first obtain an e-Visa via the Egypt e-Visa Portal.
Nationals of the countries listed below may be issued with an e-Visa upon application on the Egypt e-Visa Portal.
The visa fee is collected through the website using a credit card, after registering the foreigner’s data.
March 17, 2022 – Cambodia lifts PCR-Test and Rapid Test requirements
From March 17, 2022, Cambodia has lifted two conditions for foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated to enter the country:
However, passengers must present a COVID-19 vaccination card recognized by their respective health authorities upon arrival.
Despite the easing of requirements, travelers are encouraged to self-test.
In addition, Cambodia has allowed the re-issuance of Visa on Arrival for all international travelers, by air, land, and sea.
March 17 2022 – Seychelles has shifted gear in its reopening and will no longer require visitors to present a negative PCR test.
Effective immediately, visitors over 18 years, having received the first two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine including a booster dose after six months since completing the primary series, will be considered fully immunised.
All fully immunised visitors will be exempted from pre-travel PCR test requirement.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test done in a certified laboratory within 24 hours before departure to Seychelles.
Potential visitors having tested positive to the Covid-19 virus – between two to 12 weeks prior to travel – are also exempted from pre-travel Covid-19 testing upon provision of
proof of infection and recovery.
As safe tourism experience remains essential, all visitors will still require travel insurance in addition to their medical insurance cover and are encouraged to book their stay at a certified accommodation.
Moreover, it is mandatory that all visitors apply for a travel authorisation prior to travel.
“The exemption of the PCR test for fully vaccinated visitors is certainly excellent news for Seychelles.
“With restrictions being removed and many destinations reviewing their PCR requirements for entry it was a necessary step for us as a destination to retain the interest of our potential visitors.
“As an industry, we are keeping our commitment towards safe tourism and we should not be complacent and remain vigilant to protect our population and our visitors,” said secretary for tourism, Sherin Francis.
The country has also recently eased other restrictions including the removal of the overnight curfew and closing time for entertainment services such as bars and casinos which became effective on March 1st.
For more travel advise on other countries
Book your travel Seychelles
Source: breakingtravelnews
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