Tag: Drops

Colombia Drops Vaccine Requirement For All International Travelers
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After three years of imposing strict health controls at its outer borders in a bid to keep COVID variants from being imported, Colombia has dropped the vaccine requirement, allowing all international travelers to visit without disclosing their immunization status.

Authorities have silently removed all vaccine and most pandemic-related mandates affecting tourists seeking entry into the South American country – as per the latest update published by IATA. This has been confirmed by one of our staffers who just entered the country without restriction.

But what does this mean in practice, and are there any requirements left for visiting Colombia now that vaccination is no longer mandatory?

What Has Changed Since The Latest IATA Update?

According to the Travel Regulations Map maintained by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where changes in border rules are tracked, Colombia has ceased requiring foreigners to present COVID proof of entry, based on the update dated May 4, 2023.

In other words, tourists will no longer be expected to present proof of vaccination boarding a Colombia-bound flight in their home country, or instead, undergo pre-travel testing, nor be subject to further checks landing at their destination.

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This is great news for unvaccinated travelers, particularly those coming from the United States, who had had their movements into and out of Colombia restricted before, from being banned to being forced to present a negative test for entry later on.

There is still one requirement that hasn’t been done away with:

The CheckMig Form Remains Mandatory, But No COVID-Related Questions

While pandemic-era entry rules are no more, the Colombian Government has kept the CheckMig form in place, and completing it is now the only requirement for flying to Colombia. Additionally, questions related to immunization have been removed from the form.

Whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, you must simply fill it out at most 72 hours and up to one hour before departure.

The CheckMig platform is Colombia’s pandemic-era solution for pre-travel registration. It serves as a travel permit, seeing that without completing it, you may be denied boarding or entry into Colombia. Fortunately, it is free to apply for, and all travelers are now treated the same, irrespective of vaccination.

You can find the form here.

No Vaccination Or Testing

To sum it up, traveling to Colombia, you are no longer expected to present a:
- Vaccination certificate indicating a complete vaccination course; or
- A negative antigen test undertaken prior to departure; or
- Undergo isolation upon arrival when unvaccinated, or having failed to complete a vaccination course; and
- Present mandatory COVID health insurance
As confirmed by the Colombian Consulate in Paris, France, the country has officially reinstated its pre-pandemic entry regulations. As long as they satisfy visa requirements and present a valid and ‘undamaged’ passport, foreigners will be granted entry hassle-free.

As a matter of fact, one of our editors-in-chief has just landed in Colombia today and has been able to verify that a vaccine or test certificate is indeed not required, either upon check-in at the airport or crossing the international border.

It is worth noting U.S. and Canada passport holders can remain in Colombia for up to six months without applying for a visa in advance, making it one of the easiest South American countries to travel to, unlike neighboring Brazil, which has recently shut its doors to North Americans by imposing a new tourist visa.

Why Visit Colombia In 2023?

Home to breathtaking and surprisingly diverse scenery, which comprises Andean peaks, dense tropical jungles, including a sizable portion of the Amazon rainforest, and a pristine coastline bounded by the Caribbean Sea, Colombia is the perfect natural world destination.

In Guatape, the historical heart of the Antioquia department, guests will find colonial-era, cobblestone towns and the landmark Rock of Guatape, which boasts a stunning panorama of the lakes below, while those crossing the Tatacoa Desert will be mesmerized by a Mars-like arid landscape.

Within driving distance of the town of Nobsa, in the Valley of the Sun, tourists will be met with rolling green hills dotted with vineyards and small traditional settlements.

Those venturing as far North as the Caribbean coast, on the other hand, will find vibrant city breaks, crystal clear beaches, remote islands surrounded by turquoise waters, and a rich Afro-Colombian heritage.

Recently, Colombia also launched a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), enabling remote workers to stay in the national territory for up to two years as long as they can prove a stable source of income and meet the remarkably low financial threshold for visa applicants.

At last, following years of uncertainty and COVID regulations, Colombia is open and eager to welcome you.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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May 5, 2023
The Netherlands Drops All Entry Requirements And Travel Restrictions
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Effective September 17^th, 2022, the Dutch Government has made the decision to get rid of all Covid-19 travel restrictions and requirements. This decision applies to all travelers, including those traveling into the Netherlands from outside the EU/Schengen area. The Netherlands kept their Covid protocols for travelers in place much longer than the majority of European countries. However, as of September 17^th, the country has officially taken its name off the list of the last European countries that still have entry requirements.

Currently, Spain is the last major European country with entry requirements still in place. As other long-time holdouts like the Netherlands drop their final remaining protocols, perhaps Spain will soon follow.

Who Is Most Affected? What Does This Mean For Travelers?

Until recently, the Netherlands had a complete ban on unvaccinated travelers from countries like America or Canada. As a result, this decision directly affects unvaccinated travelers from both countries. Before this decision, Americans and Canadians had to be fully vaccinated in order to visit the Netherlands. Visitors from EU/Schengen countries were allowed to enter the Netherlands without restrictions. Still, the country did not let up on protocols for any other travelers.

September 17^th’s decision means that unvaccinated travelers from all countries, including Americans and Canadians, will be able to enter the Netherlands without proof of vaccination or evidence of a negative Covid test. The country does not have any mask requirements in place, and all venues are open and operating normally. Traveling to the Netherlands now will offer an experience much like before the pandemic turned the world upside down.

Travel Chaos, Know Before You Go

This news will likely pique travelers’ interest, and some may be ready to book their next ticket out. Most travelers who visit the Netherlands go to the nation’s capital, Amsterdam. Indeed, the city was ranked as the 26^th most popular city in the world in 2019 when it welcomed 8.84 million tourists. Many people wanted to visit Amsterdam this summer even when the vaccine requirement was still in place. Unfortunately, the city’s airport was woefully underprepared. As a result, Amsterdam was the European capital of travel chaos this summer.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport had a rough summer, and it doesn’t look like it will get much better for travelers interested in visiting this fall. The airport announced on Friday, September 16^th, that it would reduce daily passenger counts by 18% through the end of October due to its labor shortage. The airport is one of the busiest in the world and is a significant transfer hub for many major airlines. However, the country recently made the decision to cut flights by almost 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels in an effort to combat climate change and get away from its “transfer hub” reputation.

An Odd Decision

Amsterdam is a city filled with beautiful canals, 16^th-century architecture, and of course – bikes. There are plenty of different things to do. Still, for many, the first thought after hearing about Amsterdam is of Marijuana. Famed for its lax rules regarding cannabis consumption well before most other countries in the world, Amsterdam has long been regarded as a haven for cannabis enthusiasts. Indeed, as much as 30% of all tourists that visit Amsterdam visit one of its coffee shops with the sole intention of purchasing cannabis, and it’s big business for the area.

That is why a recent push by the city’s Mayor may come as a surprise. The Mayor, Femke Halsema, intends to make cannabis purchases in the city a residents-only privilege. The plan has yet to be implemented. Still, travelers visiting with cannabis as one of their main reasons should keep an eye on the news to ensure they remain unaffected. This isn’t a set-in-stone change but is something being seriously considered – making it worth keeping tabs on.

Getting There

American travelers interested in visiting Amsterdam can fly direct from 20 U.S. cities, while Canadians can fly direct from 5. Travelers from both countries should be weary when flying back, as Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has had extremely long lines this summer. Go to the airport much earlier than you would have in the past, and try to avoid checking a bag if possible.

Travelers flying to Amsterdam from Canada should be extra careful if they fly out of Toronto Pearson or Montreal Trudeau airports. Both were recently ranked as the first and second worst airports in the world for flight delays.

U.S. Cities That Fly Non-Stop To Amsterdam
- Boston (BOS)
- New York (EWR)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- New York City (JFK)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Washington (IAD)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Miami (MIA)
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Austin (AUS)
- Houston (IAH)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Portland (PDX)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
Canadian Cities That Fly Non-Stop To Amsterdam
- Montreal (YUL)
- Toronto (YYZ)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Edmonton (YEG)
- Vancouver (YVR)
This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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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
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September 18, 2022
Bahamas Drops All Testing For Vaccinated Travelers

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The Bahamas has become one of the latest destinations around the world to drop its Covid-19 testing requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated against the virus. The Caribbean tourist hotspot, famed and adored the world over for its pristine, palm lined white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, made the announcement during the week, and will be hoping that the easier entry requirements will lead to a surge in the number of travelers heading there over the summer.

The move will be warmly welcomed by travelers and businesses on the islands alike, with The Bahamas previously being one of the few Caribbean islands to still have such strict entry requirements in place and suffering as a result of it. Here’s a look at what exactly is set to change regarding entry requirements in The Bahamas, and which travelers are affected by the country’s latest changes.

Bahamas Travel Made Easier – Information For Travelers

For decades now, The Bahamas have been the byword for the perfect Caribbean getaway. Featured on the front covers of travel guides and magazines the world over, the 700 plus islands of The Bahamas have welcomed tourists in great numbers, with more than 7 million taking the trip back in 2019. Whilst the pandemic and the restrictions that came with it have seen travel figures shrink, recent changes by the country could see that change this summer.

Last week, the government of The Bahamas revealed that they would no longer be requiring fully vaccinated foreign travelers to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to enter the country – making vacations to the country much easier and much more attractive for millions of travelers. The change of policy went live just yesterday, meaning travelers can now benefit from the change of restrictions and will only have to show proof of vaccination prior to boarding their flights to the country.

For unvaccinated travelers, there are still some hoops that need to be jumped through in order to be able to enter the country. Unvaccinated travelers aged 2 and above will be required to obtain a negative Covid-19 test result and present it check-in before being able to travel to The Bahamas. Travelers may use either a negative RT-PCR test or a Rapid Antigen test, but it must be taken within 72 of travel to be valid.

Thankfully, there are some exceptions to the rules that will be welcome by travelers with families. Children under the age of 2 are exempt from any testing requirements and can enter freely without needing a test. Travelers will also be glad to hear that the requirement to take a Covid-19 test in order to take part in inter-island travel has also been scrapped, with travelers now able to travel freely between the country’s 700+ islands and 2000+ beaches without taking a test beforehand – regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status.

The removal of the testing requirement for vaccinated travelers isn’t the only change The Bahamas made to streamline entry for travelers. The government also removed the requirement for travelers to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa in order to enter the country – saving prospective travelers time, effort and money. This change applies to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, and is effective now.

Speaking about his country’s changes, Chester Cooper,the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation in The Bahamas, said:

“The Bahamas is adapting to the continued evolution of this pandemic. We want to streamline the entry process for travelers as much as possible, all while ensuring we are protecting public health. We hope the changes to the pre-travel testing requirements combined with the elimination of the Travel Health Visa will reduce friction for travelers and further the recovery of our tourism sector.”

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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

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June 21, 2022
Thailand Drops The Thailand Pass For Easiest Entry Requirements Yet

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Thailand’s government has revealed its plans to completely drop the Thailand Pass needed for entry, paving the way for the country’s easiest entry requirements since the start of the pandemic. The popular Southeast Asian country, whose capital city Bangkok was once crowned the world’s most visited city back in 2019, has struggled to welcome tourists in large numbers since introducing strict entry requirements as Covid-19 spread, but that could all be set to change with the removal of the pass.

The removal of the Thailand Pass is just one of several measures that Thailand will be adopting next month as it repeals several Covid-related rules, such as the mask mandate and strict regulation of its nightlife industry. Here’s a look at what is set to change in the country, and how travelers can enter the country from next month.

Thailand Pass Removed – Information For Travelers

Ever since the Thailand Pass was launched last year, it has undergone several different facelifts and rule changes as the country reacted to the changing situation regarding the pandemic. From large insurance requirements and proof of vaccination, to booking stays in quarantine hotels and post-arrival testing, Thailand hasn’t made it easier for travelers to be able to enter the Land Of Smiles – until now.

Following a government meeting, it was revealed yesterday that Thailand would be removing its Thailand Pass requirements for all foreign travelers from July 1st. That means that travelers will no longer have to apply for a Thailand Pass in order to enter, nor will they need to purchase an insurance policy that covers Covid-19 prior to flying to the country. Thailand will also be removing its thermal scanning facilities at its borders.

There are still some Covid-19 related restrictions that are set to remain. Travelers will still need to have either proof of vaccination against the virus or a negative test result to enter the country, as arrivals will be randomly checked for these documents. Tests can be either a RT-PCR or professional ATK test taken within 72 hours of travel. Unvaccinated travelers who are randomly checked and cannot produce a negative test result will need to undergo a professional ATK test at the point of entry.

The Thailand Pass – with its bug-filled website and out of date entry requirements – has longer since been viewed with travelers as a significant barrier to travel, with many choosing to visit other, requirement-free destinations instead. Now that it is set to be removed, travelers are expected to travel to the country in their droves, bringing respite to the country’s ailing tourism industry.

Travelers will also be glad to know that the removal of the pass isn’t the only significant policy change starting on July 1st. Also from this date, the country will be partially repealing its mask mandate, making the wearing of masks when outdoors or in uncrowded places voluntary. Masks will still be required in situations such as public transport, markets and at concert venues, but travelers can look forward to mask-free strolls on the beach. More provinces are also set to become “green zones”, allowing more business types such as bars to open for longer.

Each of these changes are subject to their publication in the Royal Gazette, a process in the Thai legal system that is needed before changes become law, but their ascension into law is expected to be granted. It’s been a month full of change in Thailand, with the country also recently legalizing the use of cannabis – making it the first country in Asia to do so.

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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

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June 19, 2022
U.S. Drops Covid Testing Requirement For International Arrivals By Air
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It was announced earlier today that the U.S. will be dropping its requirement for all international arrivals by air to provide a negative Covid test result in order to enter the country. All Covid testing restrictions to travel to the United States will no longer be effective as of 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 12.

It was first reported by CNN early on Friday that the Biden administration would be dropping the requirement, and it was later confirmed by the new White House press secretary, Kevin Munoz.

According to the announcement, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention will reassess the rule after 90 days, taking into account any possible new variants that might emerge.

Testing Requirement Has Been In Place Since January Of 2021 – To End June 12, 2022

The Covid testing requirement for air travelers to the U.S. began back in January of 2021. When it was first introduced, the requirement was for all travelers aged 2 and over to show a negative rapid antigen test result taken at least 72 hours from departure.

Then in November, the administration tightened the requirements to only 1 day for all unvaccinated U.S. travelers, keeping the 3-day window for fully vaccinated travelers. At the same time, all unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens in barred from entering the country (with limited exceptions).

Covid testing requirements for travel to the United States were further tightened in December in the midst of the Omicron wave, and it was required for all travelers aged 2 and over to the US to show a negative Covid test result within one day of travel, regardless of citizenship.

And the 1-day testing window has remained in place ever since.

Testing Restrictions Only Apply To Air Travelers

It’s important to note that these new travel rules will only apply to international air travelers, as the land border between the U.S.-Mexico and the U.S.-Canada doesn’t require travelers to show a negative Covid test to enter.

According to the official US government guidance, all non-US travelers via land or sea might be required to show proof of full vaccination against Covid, however. This rule has been in effect since January 2022.

Here are the current testing requirements in the US:
- All passengers arriving via air to the US (mainland USA as well as its territories) must show a negative Covid test result taken no later than 1-day from their flight departure.
- Testing requirements apply to all persons over the age of 2, regardless of Covid vaccination status.
As of June 12, 2022, these requirements will no longer be in effect.

Starting June 12, the 1-day negative test requirement ends for:
- Returning U.S. citizens, both vaccinated and unvaccinated
- International arrivals, only fully vaccinated, as a vaccine requirement still exists for non-U.S. citizens to enter.
What About The Vaccine Requirement For International Travelers?

While a negative Covid test will no longer be required for air travelers to the US, unvaccinated non-US citizens and residents still won’t be able to visit the country for non-essential reasons.

So even though the testing requirements have been dropped, the United States won’t be joining this list of countries that have dropped all of their Covid-related entry requirements for international arrivals just yet.

Announcement Follows Months Of Pressure By Airlines And Travel Industry

Many companies in the travel industry including most US-based airlines have been pressing the Biden administration for months to drop the testing requirement for international air arrivals, arguing that it is no longer effective as a number of other nations have dropped their requirements.

Canada, Mexico, as well as many countries throughout Europe (including the UK) dropped their testing requirements while the US has held out. Many airline officials made positive remarks following today’s announcement.

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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
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June 11, 2022