Top travel destinations without Covid restrictions
As vaccination rates increase by the day and people all around the world start accepting that the Covid-19 virus could be part and parcel of their daily lives, more destinations are lifting travel entry requirements entirely for travelers.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says that Covid-19 has entered the endemic stage for many countries and the easing of borders is being set into motion. IATA's latest study of travel restrictions for the world's 50 major air travel markets revealed that their vaccinated travelers have increasingly more destinations to travel to.
In this article, we highlight several destinations popular among travelers where they can travel to without being subjected to various Covid-19-related tests and quarantines.
Cambodia has been widely acknowledged by industry members as "ASEAN's most open destination". And it's living up to its accolade as fully vaccinated travelers are no longer subjected to Covid-19 tests and quarantine upon entry from March 17 onward. Meanwhile, visa on arrival for passengers arriving by land, air and waterway has also resumed.
Back in July 2020, the Maldives had been one of the first few countries to open without quarantine requirements. Since March 4, the country scrapped all remaining travel requirements, meaning that fully vaccinated international travelers need not present a negative Covid-19 test to enter the country.
Furthermore, the Maldives has removed its mask mandate, allowing visitors to fully take in the country's fresh air and truly experience the wide breadth of unique experiences on this island paradise.
As of Feb. 26, the UAE will no longer require PCR tests for fully vaccinated visitors. Under the new relaxed guidelines outlined by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, vaccinated visitors need only show a vaccine certificate with an approved QR code. Unvaccinated travelers are allowed entry, but they will still have to present a negative pre-arrival PCR test result within 48 hours.
UAE has also dropped the need for physical distancing in public places. Masks remain mandatory in public indoor spaces, but optional outdoors.
From March 18, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are free to travel to England without taking any Covid-19 tests, quarantining, or completing a UK passenger locator form. Previously, the Covid test and quarantine exemption only applied to fully vaccinated travelers.
Guinness fans, rejoice! Starting from March 6, international travelers visiting Ireland can do so without any Covid-19 restrictions. The Irish government announced that travelers from other countries are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid. They are also exempted from the requirement to fill in the passenger locator form.
However, travelers who plan to go to Northern Ireland (to visit the first official Game of Thrones Studio Tour perhaps?) after staying in Ireland will still be required to follow the UK's travel requirements, including completing a UK passenger locator form.
On Feb. 17, Switzerland lifted nearly all its pandemic restrictions as the country said that the Omicron wave has not translated into a peak of hospitalizations. Under the new policy, there is no test or quarantine requirement at present for vaccinated travelers entering Switzerland, and travelers entering do not have to fill out an entry (passenger locator) form.
Additionally, when traveling around Switzerland, tourists and locals alike no longer have to wear a mask or present a vaccination certificate to enter bars, restaurants and other indoor venues such as sports facilities, theaters or concert halls.
From March 23, people traveling to the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area no longer need to show a negative test result. The Netherlands has also on Feb. 25 lifted its self-quarantine requirement.
However, to qualify for a Covid-19 test-free and quarantine-free arrival, travelers still need to show proof of vaccination or recovery.
Italy has eased entry requirements for travelers visiting from non-EU countries. As of March 1, fully vaccinated or recovered travelers no longer need to take a Covid-19 test. Additionally, unvaccinated individuals are also granted quarantine-free entry, but they will still be required to present a negative test result. Italy will ease mask requirements from April 30.
The land of fire and ice has lifted the entirety of its Covid-19 biosecurity measures with effect from Feb. 25. This includes border policies, social distancing, mask mandate, and gathering limitations. International travelers can now visit Iceland's world-famous glaciers without having to present a negative test and show proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travelers visiting Canada need not provide a negative Covid-19 test. Travelers may still be selected out of random for testing, much like how travelers are randomly selected for baggage checks, but they will not be required to quarantine while awaiting their test results.
Source: Travel Weekly Asia
