Tag: Countries

These Countries Are Still Ranked As High Travel Risk By the CDC
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 2 hours ago

Top destinations for American travelers such as Canada, Costa Rica, France, and the United Kingdom are on Level 3

A few weeks ago the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States changed its travel advisory levels. “Level 4 Special Circumstances/Do Not Travel”, which used to be the highest risk category is now restricted for extreme cases such as health care infrastructure collapse or if a new COVID-19 variant emerges.

Level 3 is currently called “COVID-19 High” and it is the highest risk category, the destinations on this level are not recommended for travelers. A country is assigned to this level when there have been over 100 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people over the last 28 days. At the moment there are 109 countries in this category, including the British Virgin Islands, a destination added last Monday.

If travelers visit high-risk locations on level 3, they should have their vaccines up to date. CDC considers that those who visit destinations in this category are more likely to get sick from COVID-19, especially without vaccinations or with a weakened immune system.

Despite the ease of travel restrictions worldwide and new routes and services offered by airlines, some popular destinations for American travelers are of high risk. According to the CDC, these top destinations are still on Level 3:
- Aruba
- Belgium
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
- The United Kingdom
The United States is not included in this list but it is also in red color in the map provided by the CDC.

Other Destinations On Level 3

Travelers should stay up to date with travel restrictions and the CDC recommendations. To see all countries included in the list of each category, they must visit the COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination page. But here’s a good summary of the most visited locations.

Perhaps Europe is the continent with the most popular countries for travelers included in the list. The CDC considered these countries of high risk: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, The Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

In the Caribbean, these islands have high levels of COVID-19 according to the information provided by the CDC: Aruba, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, and Dominica.

In North America, Canada and the United States are also marked as high risk. In Central America, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama; and in the south, the CDC has warned about Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

Australia and New Zealand were also flagged as dangerous and, according to the agency, adventurous travelers visiting attractive destinations in Asia should stay cautious before visiting Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, or Vietnam, also included on level 3.

CDC’s Recommendations

Even though many airlines removed the mask mandate and many countries removed covid–related travel restrictions, the CDC still urges travelers to wear masks during flights, stay up to date with covid vaccines —including boosters—, and consider the destination’s specific travel recommendations.

At the moment, almost 25 countries are in “Level 2: Covid-19 Moderate” —which means 50 to 100 covid cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days. In this category are included attractive destinations such as Mexico, The Bahamas, Fiji, and Paraguay.

Those who prefer to follow the agency’s advice can visit destinations on “Level 1: COVID-19 Low”, which includes countries with 50 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people. There are over 50 countries on this list, including attractive destinations like Colombia, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and India.

The level categories represent a dynamic system that is constantly changing and being updated depending on recent information related to each destination. Revising CDC’s updates and detailed information on a country is a good strategy for travelers who will be visiting foreign countries and want to stay safe.

Read More:

U.S. State Department Issues 12 New Travel Advisory Updates

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

CDC Urges Americans To Wear Face Masks When Flying

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
May 11, 2022
These Are The Safest Countries For Travel According To Americans
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 50 seconds ago

A new survey has revealed which countries Americans believe are the safest for travelers. Whilst travel advisories do a great job in keeping travelers informed about which countries are safe to travel in and what risks travelers might face in those countries, nothing really captures the vibe of how safe or dangerous a destination feels quite like hearing it straight from the traveler’s mouth – and that’s exactly where the latest travel safety survey took their information from.

Published by travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, the survey shows the perceived safety level of destinations around the world from the eyes of American travelers – and it could make for illuminating reading ahead of the much-anticipated, potentially record-breaking summer of travel this year.

Here’s a look at the results of the survey, plus a look at what entry requirements of the top countries on the list.

Survey Reveals Safest Destinations – Information For Travelers

The survey carried out by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, called the 2022 “State of Travel Insurance Report”, was conducted in September 2021. The insurance company asked more than 1,500 Americans about their perceptions of the safety of different countries, taking into account not only traditional safety worries such as crime, terrorism, transportation, and health, but also the safety of travelers who are female, LGBTQ, or people of color.

According to American travelers who were surveyed, these ten countries are deemed to be the safest to travel to in 2022:
1. Canada (Score: 71.94)
2. Iceland (Score: 70.88)
3. Sweden (Score: 70.42)
4. Japan (Score: 68.58)
5. Ireland (Score: 66.75)
6. Switzerland (Score: 66.01)
7. South Korea (Score: 65.84)
8. Thailand (Score: 65.81)
9. New Zealand (Score: 65.27)
10. Australia (Score: 65.18)
According to the President of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Carol Mueller, this year’s survey saw a notable shift in terms of what travelers deem to be their primary safety concerns.

Whereas once terrorism and violent crime were amongst a traveler’s biggest worries, this year’s survey reflected the situation around the world, with travelers supposedly most concerned about their freedom of movement and staying free from disease.

Entry to the top spot, Canada, is relatively simple for vaccinated travelers, with testing now removed, but unvaccinated travelers remain unable to enter for tourism purposes.

Iceland, which took the second spot, is easier to enter, with the country having removed all of its Covid-19 related restrictions back in February. That means both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are able to enter without any barriers. Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland to have removed all of their testing and vaccination requirements.

Here are the entry requirements for the rest of the top 10:
- At present, only fully vaccinated travelers may enter Australia, but they can do so without needing to take a test beforehand. Find out more here
- All travelers to South Korea must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight, whilst there is a mandatory 7-day quarantine upon entry for travelers who are unvaccinated
- Thailand has recently removed both its pre-departure and on-arrival testing requirements. However, travel insurance with a coverage of $10,000 is needed, as is registration for the Thailand Pass
- At present, only vaccinated visitors from visa waiver countries, and visitors from other countries who already hold a valid visitor visa can enter New Zealand and self-test on arrival. Further border restriction easing will take place throughout the year
- It is not currently possible to enter Japan
Read More:

Italy Drops More Restrictions Including Vaccine Passports and Mask Mandate

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 In 2022

Thailand To Start Charging An Entry Fee From August

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
May 3, 2022
These 2 European Countries Are Among The Last To Finally End Mask Mandate
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 8 hours ago

Two European countries that were among the last to cling on to an indoor mask mandate have now officially dropped their mask wearing requirements.

Spain and Portugal, two heavyweights of European tourism and popular vacation destinations for travelers from all over the world, made the changes to their mask policies just this week, a move that is bound to put the two Iberian countries back on the map for millions of tourists this summer.

With these changes being made, travel to Europe has never been closer to normal than at any stage during the pandemic so far. Here’s a closer look at what exactly is set to change in Spain and Portugal – including in which situations masks are still expected to be worn by travelers – plus a recap of which European countries have ditched the masks already and which are yet to do so.

Spain Drops Mask Requirement – Information For Travelers

Spain’s decision to drop the indoor mask mandate became official on April 20th. The change means that travelers visiting the country will now no longer have to wear a mask in establishments such as bars, cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, sports stadiums, concert halls, shopping centers, supermarkets, gyms, and schools – making the experience of visiting Spain for many travelers just like it was in pre-pandemic times.

Travelers will however be expected to wear masks in the following situations:
- Hospitals and other health-related businesses such as dental clinics and pharmacies
- Care homes
- On public transport, which includes airplanes, buses, trains, metros, taxis and ferries
It is also recommended that people who are over 60, immunosuppressed or pregnant should carry on wearing masks when appropriate indoors. Masks are also recommended in crowded spaces when social distancing isn’t possible.

Portugal Eases Mask Mandate – What Travelers Should Know

Spain’s neighbor Portugal has also removed their indoor mask mandate this week, with the change going live from April 21st. The change to the policy means that travelers will now no longer be required to wear a mask when visiting several different types of indoor establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, shopping centres and museums. The removal of the indoor mask mandate was made possible due to low infection and high vaccination rates in the country.

As is the case with Spain, there are still some exceptions to the rule which means that masks will still be required in some situations. This includes when using all types of public transport. Masks will also need to be worn by travelers when visiting healthcare institutions and places that are frequented by vulnerable people in order to minimize the potential spread of the virus in such places.

In removing their indoor mask mandate, Portugal and Spain have joined several other European nations that have also waved goodbye to face masks in recent weeks.

These include popular destinations such as the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Netherlands, Croatia, Poland, Latvia, France, Czechia, Germany, and Romania.

Whilst Italy still has a mask mandate in place, it is expected to repeal it next month.

In order to enter Spain, travelers must either be fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months, with no testing requirements in place. Travelers to Portugal must either be vaccinated against Covid-19, have a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival. The need to fill in a passenger locator form prior to entering Portugal has also been removed.

Read More:

Top 3 Most Sought-After European Destinations This Summer

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Switzerland Removes All Entry Requirements

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
April 24, 2022
Many Flights Under 2 Hours Now Banned In France. Which EU Countries Are Next?

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 7 hours ago

France has become the first country in Europe to ban domestic flights under two hours within the country. This new rule, coming into effect in April 2022, will affect any routes under two and a half hours that have another form of transportation connecting them. For example, flights from Paris to cities like Bordeaux, Nantes, and Lyon will no longer operate, as substantial rail and bus options exist.

The ban is an attempt to reduce the country’s carbon emissions as a part of France’s larger plan to go carbon neutral.

This ban was voted on in 2021 after the French government bailed out its domestic carrier Air France after it reported losses due to Covid-19. Wrapped up with the bailout was a condition that Air France become more environmentally conscious.

Could Other EU Nations Follow This Move?

Austria has already begun enacting similar policies. Austrian Airlines was bailed out in 2020 also due to losses from the COVID pandemic. The stipulation in their bailout is that the airline had to eliminate domestic flights where alternative train journeys under three hours were available, affecting the carrier’s route between Vienna and Salzburg. It is estimated that 80 percent of short-haul trips in Austria can be replaced by rail travel due to its vast rail network, OBB.

The German government has been playing around with the idea of banning short-haul flights for quite a few years. But they have received a lot of resistance from labor unions and airlines. Instead of an outright ban, at the moment the German government has doubled the tax on all short-haul airline tickets. This is a way to discourage what they view as unnecessary air travel and push more people onto trains.

It looks as if Spain might soon follow France’s bold move. Spain has stated their intention to impose a similar ban on flights under 2.5 hours where a train or bus can supplement the route. An additional step that Spain is considering is the taxation of frequent flyer miles and taxing all flights based on their distance.

Sweden and the other Scandinavian countries are also taxing flights more aggressively. Different from the other countries mentioned Sweden is taking the approach of “Flight Shaming”. They even have a word for it…Flygskam. Domestic travel was down 9% in the last year, likely due to travelers making the decision to travel in different ways.

More Than Just A Few Countries

Short-haul flight bans appear to have public support throughout the EU. A 2020 survey from the European Investment Bank found that 62 percent of Europeans support an E.U.-wide ban on short-haul flights. This would be a massive shift in the way that we travel through Europe. Companies like Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz, and more, would suffer greatly from bans like this.

It appears that a ban like this could be possible within the EU because of the vast and connected rail network that exists on the continent. A traveler can already get from the westernmost point of the Iberian peninsula to the Baltics by train relatively efficiently. And companies like Eurail make it easy for travelers to hop on and off intercity trains.

An Environmental Movement

Greenpeace is calling for a ban on all domestic flights and transportation from Vienna to Prague, Budapest, and Munich because of how connected all of these destinations are by high-speed trains. They are also advocating making connections with night trains, including Vienna to Warsaw, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Zurich, Venice, Hamburg and Frankfurt. This could make traveling Europe more green, but also slower.

It could be some time before the EU and other governments implement similar rules as France, but the writing is on the wall. We can see where the trend is moving and it’s moving towards trains. With the cost of flights going up regardless, this might be the summer of rail travel.

Read More:

These Mexico Destinations Have Finally Removed Mandatory Face Masks Outdoors

Italy And Spain Will Not Yet Join Other EU Nations In Removing Entry Requirements

Brazil Removes Pre-Departure Testing For Vaccinated Americans

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

[ad_2]

Source link

April 5, 2022
These 3 Asian Countries Ease Entry Requirements Starting Today
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 6 hours ago

From today, 1 April, three popular tourist destinations in Asia – Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – are easing their entry requirements for international visitors.

Starting today (1 April) Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are making it easier for travelers to enter for tourism purposes.

And, the news will certainly be welcomed by those looking to explore all that these truly fascinating – and culturally-filled – nations have to offer.

Let’s take a closer look at how each of these three hugely popular tourist hotspots are now making it easier for travelers to enter.

Malaysia

Having reported just a few weeks ago that Malaysia had announced it would finally reopen its borders for tourists from 1 April, it is actually now happening – with the nation once again beginning to welcome visitors through its doors.

Whether you are looking to experience some island life by visiting the likes of Langkawi – or wanting to get up, close and personal with the tallest twin towers on the planet – Malaysia definitely offers something for everyone.

For fully vaccinated travelers, entry to Malaysia is now possible by adhering to the following entry requirements:
- present proof of full vaccination – having received a ‘full dose’ of one of the following vaccines: CanSinoBio; Janssen; AstraZeneca; Moderna; Pfizer; Sinopharm; Sinovac; or Sputnik V
- show a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate – travelers must have taken the test no more than 48 hours before their departure
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival – which is at the expense of all travelers
- obtain travel insurance – which includes coverage of up to MYR 84,200 (US$20,000) for any Covid-19 medical expenses
- download the MySejahtera mobile application – and complete the pre-departure form on the app before arriving into Malaysia.
For visitors heading to the state of Sarawak, there is an additional requirement to complete an eHealth declaration form.

Those that have recently been infected with Covid-19 are exempt from having to present a negative PCR test result on arrival if they have a recovery certificate that has been issued no less than 11 days before departure – or no more than 60 days prior to arrival.

Travelers that are unvaccinated – or not fully vaccinated – are also able to enter Malaysia, however, they will need to undergo quarantine at their own expense, as well as adhere to the same entry requirements as listed above for fully vaccinated visitors.

Singapore

Just last week we reported that Singapore was simplifying its entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers – and now the news rules have come into effect.

You can check out how to be considered fully vaccinated by clicking here.

Here are the new entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers wanting to visit Singapore:
- show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19
- present a negative Covid-19 PCR or Antigen-Rapid test result – with your test needing to be taken no longer than 48 hours prior to your arrival
- obtain Covid-19 travel insurance – which includes coverage of Covid-19 medical expenses and has a minimum coverage of $30,000 Singaporean dollars
- complete an online healthcare declaration form.
At this present time if you are not fully vaccinated you are unable to enter Singapore for tourism purposes – and must therefore have an ‘exceptional reason’ to be granted permission for entry.

Only unvaccinated citizens of the country – along with those who have a permanent residency in Singapore – are allowed entry, with a requirement for both to undergo 7-day quarantine and Covid-19 testing.

Thailand

Thailand is now allowing fully vaccinated travelers – from all nations – to enter the country without the need to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test.

For those that have received their full vaccination, entry to the country is now possible by:
- registering for a Thailand Pass – which must be obtained before departure
- showing proof of your full vaccination against Covid-19 or valid proof of recovery from Covid
- booking a ‘Test & Go’ SHA Extra+ or Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel
- undertaking a Covid-19 PCR test at your SHA Extra+ or AQ hotel, as well as self-testing yourself with an ATK test (provided by your hotel) on day 5 after your arrival
- Obtaining travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000.
Individuals that are under the age of 18 – but are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult – do not need to show proof of vaccination.

Instead of opting for Thailand’s ‘Test & Go’ program, fully vaccinated travelers can instead choose to enter the country using one of the nation’s ‘Sandbox’ options.

If you are unvaccinated you are able to enter Thailand for tourism purposes – however – you will be required to adhere to the following entry requirements:
- register for a Thailand Pass – which must be obtained before departure
- book 5 nights at an AQ hotel – which has been reduced from 10 nights
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test on day 1 of your arrival – and undergo another PCR test on day 5
- install an ‘alert’ application onto your mobile device – and have it turned on at all times as a Covid-19 precautionary measure.
Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Vietnam Now Has The Easiest Entry Requirements In Southeast Asia

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
April 1, 2022
These 20 Countries Are Now Back To Normal Entry Requirements
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 8 hours ago

Although many nations still have Covid-related restrictions, 20 nations have completely scrapped all COVID-19 entry requirements within the last few months and have returned entry rules ‘back to normal’. As a result, travelers can enjoy the below countries without:
- countries banned due to case numbers or variants
It’s essentially pre-pandemic ‘normality’ for entering these 20 countries:

Mexico

Mexico was an outlier during the COVID-19 pandemic because it remained open with few entry requirements. However, the nation removed all remaining COVID-19 restrictions—which included a passenger locator form—months ago. Mexico remains the top destination for North Americans.

El Salvador

El Salvador became the first nation to accept bitcoin as legal tender; it also became the first nation worldwide to scrap all entry requirements on November 15, 2021. People refer to El Salvador as the ‘Land of Volcanoes’ for its incredible volcanic scenery, but now ‘Bitcoin Nation’ might start to become a more popular nickname.

Norway

If you fancy a Norwegian nature experience, now’s the best time to visit because there are no entry requirements. As of February 12, 2022, Norway ended all COVID-19 measures. As a result, it’s a fantastic place to visit if you’re a hiking enthusiast.

Slovenia

Slovenia is one of the least-known European nations despite its stunning beauty—including the iconic Lake Bled. However, Slovenia ended all entry requirements on February 21, 2022. The nation still mandates masks in indoor areas, though.

Iceland

Iceland is a popular destination for all Western tourists, especially in the summer months. Better still, the iconic island nation has removed all entry requirements on February 25, 2022. In addition, Iceland has scrapped most of its internal restrictions.

Bahrain

Bahrain might not be the first place you think of when booking a vacation, yet the nation is full of superb architecture and history. The nation also removed all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on February 26, 2022.

Jordan

Jordan is a fabulous destination for travelers. The eclectic mixture of stunning desert and ancient temples—including Petra, which is one of the 7 new wonders of the world—makes it a great destination. Jordan also ended all entry requirements on March 1, 2022.

Ireland

Ireland, largely thanks to Dublin, incredible road trips, and stunning coastline, is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. The nation removed all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on March 7, 2022, as the government seeks to help Ukrainian refugees. Mask mandates have also been removed.

Hungary

Hungary is home to Budapest—one of the greatest cities in Europe with a mixture of hot springs, glorious architecture, and underrated food. The nation ended all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on March 7, 2022.

Romania

Romania is an excellent destination if you fancy an affordable European getaway with endless gothic architecture. And, as of March 9, 2022, the nation scrapped all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements.

Saudi Arabia

Although Saudi Arabia isn’t a popular destination for North American tourists, the nation is attempting to build its tourism industry. The country scrapped all remaining COVID-19 entry requirements on March 9, 2022, but still has a few light internal rules in place.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a relatively unknown destination for most non-Europeans. However, the small nation in the Balkans is home to glorious nature and scenery. The country removed all COVID-19 entry requirements on March 10, 2022, and would make an excellent addition to anyone’s bucket-list.

Curaçao

Do you fancy a stunning Caribbean getaway? Curaçao may tick all the boxes for you. The Caribbean island nation removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions on March 10, 2022. It’s the perfect getaway for Americans and Canadians, with direct flights that will get you there faster than you think.

England

England has always been a popular destination for foreign tourists because of its history, greenery, and London. Still, England maintained most of its COVID-19 entry restrictions until recently. But, as of March 18, 2022, England has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements; there are zero internal restrictions as well, like masks for example.

Maldives

It’s challenging to find a more idyllic, beautiful tropical destination than the Maldives. The nation ended its state of emergency on March 15, 2022. As a result, there are no entry requirements for any travelers, meaning everyone can enter test-free, vaccinated or not.

Aruba

Aruba is a gorgeous Caribbean island with stunning beaches and a strong Dutch cultural heritage. The nation removed COVID-19 entry requirements on March 16, 2022. The only remaining rule is the digital passenger card which acts more like an online customs form.

Mongolia

Mongolia was closed for the entire COVID-19 pandemic. After some initial confusion, Mongolia has officially opted to remove all COVID-19 entry requirements on March 15, 2022. Although it’s an adventurous destination, Mongolia’s nature is utterly breathtaking.

Moldova

Moldova is one of the most affordable and least known European nations. If you’re interested in the Soviet Union, you’ll find some of the best Soviet architecture here. The country ended all entry requirements as of March 16, 2022.

Gabon and Yemen

Gabon and Yemen removed all entry requirements on March 18, 2022. However, there’s little information on entry other than no testing, no proof of vaccination, or quarantine on arrival. While the U.S. State Department only issues a Level 2 for Gabon, Yemen is still a strict Level 4, Do Not Travel.

As more and more nations remove their pandemic-related entry requirements, we will keep an updated list here: “Countries Without Entry Requirements or Travel Restrictions”

Read More:

TSA Extends Mask Mandate For Flights And Airports Until April 18

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

U.S. Issues New Travel Advisories For 14 Countries

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
March 24, 2022
U.S. Issues New Travel Advisories For 14 Countries
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 2 mins ago

The US Department of State has handed out a further 14 new travel advisory updates. The new updates, which were published yesterday on the State Department’s website, provide travelers with accurate and up to date information about the risks they might encounter when traveling to a specific location. Whilst many of the most recent updates were caused due to high levels of Covid-19 within a country, other factors may also be taken into consideration.

Issued as part of the State Departments’ attempts to keep travelers safe and informed throughout the pandemic and the uncertain times facing the world, the latest updates are the ninth individual round of updates to be published this month alone. Here’s a closer look at what the travel advisory system is, what the updates mean for travelers and which countries saw their travel advisories updates yesterday.

U.S. Travel Advisories – What Are They?

The State Department’s travel advisory warning system was designed to be a simple way to keep travelers aware of the risks faced when traveling abroad. Formerly known as Travel Warnings and Travel Alert, it has undergone several facelifts throughout the years, with the current iteration employing a color-coded and number-based system to make it even easier for travelers to understand.

Travel advisories warning levels themselves are updated as needed, based on the current security and safety information available. The different warning levels and colors are as follows:
- Level 1 warnings (blue) – this is the lowest threat level for travelers, and asks travelers to exercise normal precautions in that destination
- Level 2 warnings (yellow) – these ask travelers to exercise increased caution in that country
- Level 3 warnings (orange) – these ask travelers to reconsider travel to that destination
- Level 4 warnings (red) – these are the most severe, and explicitly warn travelers not to travel to a specific country
Latest Updates – What Travelers Should Know

At the start of the pandemic, the majority of travel advisory updates saw Level 4 warning issued to countries as the world struggled to get to grips with the spread of Covid-19. Thankfully, as time has gone on, more and more Level 2 warnings are being handed out to countries, reflecting the improvement of the Covid-19 situation around the world. Of yesterday’s 14 updates, nine of them were Level 1 and 2 whilst no Level 4 updates were awarded, which suggests the situation is improving.

The travel advisory updates are as follows:

Level 3: Albania, Bolivia, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea-Bissau

Level 2: Gabon, Guinea, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, The Gambia, Zambia

Level 1: Cabo Verde, Comoros

Being Level 1 countries, the travel advisory pages of Cabo Verde and Comoros do not show any health and safety concerns for travelers. Of those countries that have been awarded Level 2 and Level 3 advisories, Covid-19 was cited as an issue on every country’s page, other than Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, travelers should be aware that other risks were also cited on the updates, ranging from crime and health issues to more serious threats such as terrorism and kidnapping.

Before taking any international vacations, travelers should do their research on the destination they are visiting, and travel advisories are a vital source of information. Whilst they don’t legally prevent a traveler from taking a trip – meaning travelers are free to visit a Level 4 country if they wish – they can help a person make an informed choice about whether or not it is safe to travel. Regardless of the destination and its warning level, travelers should make sure they have a solid travel insurance policy to keep them protected when abroad.

Read More:

This Popular Beach Destination Is One Of The Safest In Mexico

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

What It’s Like To Visit Thailand Right Now

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
March 23, 2022
55 Countries Vaccinated Americans Can Enter Test Free
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 6 hours ago

There are 55 countries that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to take a Covid-19 test.

Having originally been closed for tourism purposes, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, and then having reopened for visitors – but with an enforced list of requirements for entry and restrictions in place – countries are continuing to relax their entry requirements.

And, there are even 11 nations that have removed all of their entry requirements in the last few weeks.

However, the purpose of this article is to take a look at the countries – throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia – that no longer require fully vaccinated American travelers to take a Covid-19 test in order to visit.

It is important to note, however, that although the below nations no longer require visitors to undergo Covid-19 testing, they may still require you to obtain health insurance – which would cover any Covid-19 medical expenses – as well as complete certain forms before – or upon arrival.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Here are the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to take a Covid-19 test:
- Belize
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Panama
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
There are thirteen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean now welcoming fully vaccinated citizens from the U.S. – without the need to undergo Covid-19 testing – with some of the most popular tourist destinations listed above.

Whether you are looking for a vacation full of action and adventure – or wanting to sit back, relax and take in the beautiful surroundings – Colombia certainly has it all.

And, if it is the golden white sand – and clear blue waters – that you have been dreaming about, then Mexico could certainly make your dreams come true, with the nation serving up some of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches on the planet.

Europe

Here are the countries in Europe that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to take a Covid-19 test:
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Germany
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
As you can see from the length of the above list, the majority of nations in Europe no longer required fully vaccinated American travelers to take a pre-departure – or on arrival – Covid-19 test in order to enter.

This includes the likes of some of the most visited nations on the planet, such as France – which features the beautiful regions of Brittany and Dordogne – along with Italy, the United Kingdom and Greece, nations that certainly cater for the needs of all travelers.

And, for travelers that are looking to travel on a budget, there are certainly destinations – within the European nations listed above – that allow for this also.

Africa & the Middle East

Here are the countries in Africa and the Middle East that fully vaccinated Americans can now enter without having to take a Covid-19 test:
- Angola
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Oman
- Senegal
- Tunisia
Although the majority of countries in Africa – and the Middle East – still require travelers to undergo testing for Covid-19 in order to enter their territory, the above six nations do not.

With some ‘off the beaten path’ countries being present in the list – there are certainly some great travel options to choose from.

This includes the country of Jordan, which boasts the exotic Wadi Rum desert – a unique world heritage site that offers you the opportunity to explore its interesting historical and archeological sites.

And, if it is an authentic Arabic experience that you are looking for then Oman could be the place for you – with the nation serving up some wonderful and fascinating destinations for tourists.

Asia
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Some countries in Asia continue to have a significant number of entry requirements – with multiple Covid-19 testing, compulsory health insurance – and even quarantine – still requirements for visitors wanting to enter.

However, as the short list above shows, there are in fact some nations in the region that have made entry pretty simple for American travelers – with no Covid-19 testing required.

This includes the likes of Sri Lanka – which offers a number of glorious destinations, vibrant cities, as well as the opportunity to explore its ancient monuments – and Nepal, which offers some of the very best when it comes to nature, culture and adventure.

Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Canada Removes Testing For Entry April 1st

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
March 22, 2022