Tag: Removes

Belize Removes All Covid Entry Requirements
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And that’s one more down. After imposing some of the strictest entry rules in Central America, requiring either proof of vaccination or a negative test, and routinely issuing quarantine orders for those who tested positive on arrival, Belize is finally removing all of its Covid entry requirements, returning to a pre-pandemic state of normality.

According to the Belize Tourism Board, the lifting of the measures has immediate effect. This means that, from this moment forward, tourists will not be subject to Covid travel rules arriving in Belize. This is great news both for vacationers and long-term travelers country-hopping across the increasingly popular Central America.

Here is everything you need to know about Belize’s latest policy update:

No Vaccination, No Testing – Entry Is As Easy As It Was In 2019

Belize is one of trendiest places to be in the Americas right now. Home to a vast jungle where some of the best preserved Mayan-era monuments can be found, including the landmark Caracol ruins, and an immaculate Caribbean coastline with turquoise waters and sandy beaches, the small nation is ready to reclaiming its status as a tourism powerhouse.

More than two years into the pandemic, Kevin Bernard, Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness, has decided it is time to move on to the ‘next level’, one where the public is responsible for assessing Covid risks on their own, including whether they should wear masks, be vaccinated, or practice social distancing.

As Bernard stated, ‘it is now everyone’s personal responsibility to decide whether they want to be vaccinated or not‘, and that includes foreigners landing in Belize, who up until this week had been expected to comply with vaccine and testing requirements, as well as purchasing mandatory health insurance.

Luckily, since July 12, all of these prerequisites stopped applying.

Which Rules Have Been Scrapped And Which Ones Were Extended?

Bernard remarks that, now that ‘weaker variants’ of Covid are circulating and a majority of countries are jumping on the reopening trend, ‘the time has come’ for Belize to join them in taking the ‘pressure’ off of its health system, as well as easing rules at the border. In sum, none of the following are needed for travel to Belize:
- No vaccination or booster certificates
- No pre-departure testing, including for the unvaccinated
- No post-arrival testing
- No post-arrival quarantine, irrespective of immunization status
- No Covid health insurance
Flying from any departure points in North America into Belize City, or crossing any of the land borders with neighboring Mexico is as easy as it had once been, making this exciting country a strong contender for your next trip abroad. Direct flights are available from every major U.S. city, including Chicago, L.A., Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami and Orlando.

Despite the relaxation of health-related rules, the country’s authorities have reiterated that international visitors must continue booking their stays at a ‘Gold Standard’ hotel – namely one of the governments’ approved accommodation providers. The full list is available on the Belize Tourism Board’s official website.

Why You Should Still Get Insured Ahead Of Traveling To Belize

Even though insurance has ceased being an official requirement, it is our duty to remind you it remains a necessity. You wouldn’t think of traveling to another country without sufficient funds to cover all your expenses, the right amount of clothes or any of your travel essentials, so why are so many people treating insurance like it’s a waste of money?

In case you haven’t heard yet, air travel is in absolute turmoil right now, flight delays and cancellations having become the new normal. This includes airports in the Americas. Needless to say, purchasing insurance ahead of flying is a must, unless being stranded abroad or having travel plans ruined is not a big concern for you.

Even though they removed insurance as a precondition for travel, Belizean officials are aware insurance is still markedly important in the current volatile scenario. In fact, they are encouraging all travelers to get insured as an ‘extra level of protection’. You can find more about travel insurance fit for your trip to Belize here.

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July 17, 2022
Australia Removes All Covid Related Entry Requirements

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Travelers with eyes on visiting Australia rejoice, as the country has just removed all of its strict Covid-19 related entry requirements. The Land Down Under has made headlines throughout the pandemic for its strict, no-nonsense approach to dealing with the spread of the virus. From all but closing its borders to international travelers to implementing city wide lockdowns over a handful of cases, the country took extreme measures with the aim of keeping its people safe – but it looks like, at long last, its days of arbitrary entry restrictions have finally come to an end.

For the first time in years, it means that all visa-holding travelers will now be able to visit Australia and sample all the sunny, culture-filled country has to offer – and it comes just in time for summer. Here’s a look at the changes Australia has made to its Covid-19 related entry restrictions, including which entry requirements are on their way out, which other restrictions travelers should be aware of plus a look at the current Covid-19 situation in the country.

Australia Removes Entry Barriers – What Travelers Should Know

Up until recently, Australia boasted some of the strictest entry requirements in the world. On February 21st – when other countries were beginning to drop their entry requirements completely – Australia only made it possible for fully vaccinated travelers to enter, making entry to the country impossible for millions of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated travelers. However, as of Wednesday, these strict entry requirements are set to be a thing of the past.

On Sunday Australia’s home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, announced that the country would be removing all of its Covid-19 related entry requirements, making visiting the country not only much easier, but much more of an attractive proposition for millions of potential arrivals. In doing so, Australia has joined the likes of popular destinations such as Portugal, Thailand and several other countries who have also made changes to their entry requirements over the past few days.

That means that from Wednesday July 6th, travelers will no longer need to show proof of vaccination in order to be able to enter the country, allowing all visa-holding or visa exempt travelers to be able to enter for the first time since the pandemic took hold. With the country already having removed the requirement to take a Covid-19 test, it makes entry into the country just as easy as it was prior to the pandemic.

That’s not the only entry requirements change that Australia is set to make. Also from Wednesday, the country will be removing the requirement for inbound travelers to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration, or DPD. The DPD has long since come under fire ever since it was rolled out for being not very user friendly. However, the Minister Clare O’Neill stated that the system will likely make a comeback in the future to replace the paper-based incoming passenger card.

Travelers should be aware that state specific rules also apply in Australia and could be subject to change. Whilst there are no longer any rules in place regarding cafes, bars and restaurants, face masks must be worn when on public transport in each of Australia’s states, apart from the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Travelers will also have to wear masks when flying on both international flights to Australia and domestic flights within the country. More information on specific requirements for each state can be found here.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Australia has remained high yet steady for several weeks, with the country reporting an average of just below 33,000 positive cases of the virus per day. According to the US Travel Advisory system, Australia is a Level 1 country, meaning it is amongst the safest destinations to visit in the world.

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July 5, 2022
Portugal Removes All Entry Requirements For Travelers

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Portugal has become the latest country to remove all of its Covid-19 entry requirements.

The wildly popular travel destination was one of the few remaining major tourist destinations to still have relatively strict entry requirements in place. However, following today’s positive announcement, the sunny destination will now join the growing list of other countries on the continent and around the world that have liberated travelers of tests and vaccine passport requirements – just in time for a busy summer of travel.

Whilst the travel situation throughout Europe still looks fraught, with strikes, delays, and cancellations affecting the travel plans of many travelers, being able to visit Portugal without tests or any other kinds of documentation will likely bring some cheer to the great numbers of travelers looking to jet off to the country over the next few months.

Here’s a closer look at what exactly is set to change regarding entry to Portugal, and what else travelers should know about visiting the country.

Portugal Removes Entry Requirements – What Travelers Should Know

The last few months have been full of positive stories for travelers, particularly when it comes to countries dropping their Covid-19 related barriers and opening up to travel once more. However, whilst much of Europe has peeled back their entry requirements in favor of welcoming tourists back, some countries have resisted so far, including Portugal. However, that has now all changed courtesy of an announcement made by the country today.

Prior to today, entry to Portugal was still a relatively tall order for travelers, which saw many flock to alternate destinations on the continent as a result. In order to be able to enter the country, Portugal had required travelers to ensure that they had either proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection or proof of their vaccination against the virus. However, as of today, travelers will no longer need any of those things to enter.

The change to Portugal’s entry requirements was reported by the country’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) today. It states that travelers will no longer need to present a negative test result in order to fly into the country, nor will they need to show proof of vaccination through either the EU Digital Certificate or any other means.

In short, travelers are now free to enter the country in exactly the same way they were before the pandemic – armed with only a passport and a relevant visa where required.

The change is live now, meaning that travelers flying to the country from July 1, 2022 onwards will find the process of entering the country a relative breeze – just like it is to enter most other European destinations.

Following Portugal’s change, it means that there are just five countries in Europe that are still clinging on to their Covid-19 related entry requirements – Spain, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Malta.

According to the official document that brought about the changes, it was made due to the fact that “the epidemiological situation experienced in Portugal following the Covid-19 disease pandemic has remained relatively stable, as a result of the high vaccination coverage, the emergence of new drugs for the serious disease and greater knowledge about the infection”.

The dropping of the entry requirements comes at a strange time for Portugal – not that anyone is complaining – with the country currently reporting some of the highest Covid-19 statistics on the continent. The past week has seen an average of nearly 9,000 daily cases, with early June seeing as many as 70,000 cases reported in one day. However, with summer fast approaching and the country at risk of missing out on another consecutive year of a tourist drought, it seems Portugal has pivoted towards living with Covid-19 – though not entirely.

Whilst it may be a piece of cake entering the country, Portugal is still pretty strict with regards to managing the spread of the virus once travelers arrive. The country’s Minister of the Presidency, Mariana Vieira da Silva, revealed in a press conference this week that mask wearing on public transport, hospitals and pharmacies was still required and strongly recommended in other situations. That said, the change is a positive step in the right direction, and has firmly put Portugal back on the map as a serious destination for travelers to consider this summer.

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July 2, 2022
Turkey Removes All Entry Requirements
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After months of imposing stricter entry rules in response to Covid, Turkey is finally removing all health requirements for international arrivals. This means that, starting June 1, tourists will no longer be expected to present Covid certificates arriving at Turkey’s borders, as pandemic-related measures have been officially nullified.

The cross-continental nation, which hosts Europe’s largest metropolis (Istanbul), and some of Western Asia’s most memorable natural landmarks, will welcome visitors restriction-free for the first time in two years. Although it had progressively eased rules throughout 2021, it always stopped short of announcing a full-scale reopening… Until now.

Turkey Welcomes All Travelers Again

As confirmed by the Interior Ministry, undergoing tests for Covid will no longer be expected of any foreigners visiting Turkey starting June 1. Previously, those who did not present a vaccination certificate upon crossing the border were required to have a negative PCR 72 hours before entry, or a Rapid Antigen Test within 48 hours.

On top of that, being in possession of a vaccination certificate will no longer be a prerequisite for entry into the country for the vaccinated, as all Covid certificates have officially ceased being relevant travel documents. Now, both the vaccinated, and the unvaccinated, are treated the exact same way for entry purposes.

Although visa rules for certain nationalities are still in place, Turkey is open to all regardless of immunization status:
- No vaccination passes are required
- No pre-departure testing is demanded
- No post-arrival testing mandates are in place
- No quarantine orders are issued upon arrival
Vaccinated travelers had been previously exempt from the testing requirement, one of Turkey’s last standing sanitary barriers against Covid. However, with both vaccination and testing rules gone, Turkey has effectively reinstated its pre-pandemic state of normality, when visitors only had to worry about carrying a valid passport.

Masks Are Gone As Of This Week

According to the Interior Ministry, anti-Covid measures are determined on ‘global developments’ and infection trends, explaining Turkey’s once-harsh border protocols. Considering that the vast majority of Europe is open, and the world has started to move on from Covid, Turkish authorities saw it was time to lift curbs altogether.

On top of abolishing its travel rules, Turkey scrapped mandatory mask usage – with the usual exceptions. While facial coverings will continue being enforced in hospitals, where vulnerable populations are at a higher risk of experiencing severe forms of Covid, they are no longer necessary in all other settings, including public transport.

As of June 1, tourists are again free to travel Istanbul’s extensive transportation system, which includes scenic ferry rides, without face masks, or fear of being rebuked for opting not to wear one. Similarly, mask wearing has become voluntary in flights within Turkey, which are the preferred mode of travel for tourists once inside the country.

Infections in Turkey now account for only 1% of the February 8 peak, when over 100,000 new cases were recorded in a single day – and they are falling even further. The favorable epidemiological scenario even led President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who adopted tougher stances in the past, to argue that Covid is ‘no longer a global threat‘.

Why Visit Turkey In 2022?

Turkey is one of the most fascinating countries on Earth. Straddling the natural border between Europe and Asia, with the Northern part of Istanbul being its most notorious European asset, the ancient country is closely linked to other regional superpowers, having been an integral part of several empires throughout the centuries.

Here, tourists can find numerous landmarks that have shaped History as we know it, including:
- The magnificent Hagia Sophia Mosque
- The Walls of Constantinople, Istanbul’s former name
- The Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya
- The Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara, the country’s capital
- Ephesus, where parts of the Bible were written
- Aspendos, the best preserved Roman theater
- Cappadocia, a historical region famous for its cave houses
- The Ancient city of Troy, located on the Dardanelles Strait
Additionally, due to the Turkish Lira’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar, Turkey makes for a more budget-friendly destination when compared to other European hotspots, like the neighboring Greece or Cyprus. In fact its beach town Marmaris has just been named the most affordable summer destination in Europe this year.

Do I Need A Visa For Turkey?

American citizens need an E-Visa in order to enter Turkey, which can be easily obtained online prior to departure. After payment of the visa fee, which varies depending on nationality, it is usually delivered via electronic means within 24 hours of applying. Once granted, the visa allows Americans a 90-day stay as tourists.

Canadians are also required to obtain an E-Visa prior to visiting, while British citizens and most citizens of the European Union can visit Turkey simply by presenting a passport – and, in specific cases like France, even just National Identity Cards. For more information on visa rules that apply to specific nationalities, please visit this page.

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June 1, 2022
Cyprus Removes All Covid Related Entry Requirements

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Cyprus is set to remove all of its Covid-19 related entry restrictions from the beginning of next month. The popular island, located south of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea, has become the latest country around the world to announce the removal of its Covid-19 related entry requirements in a move that is set to be welcomed by travelers and businesses on the island alike as we head into a busy summer of travel on the continent.

In announcing the impending removal of its Covid-19 related entry requirements, Cyprus is following in the footsteps of its fellow European countries Belgium and Germany, who made similar such restriction-ending announcements during the past week. Here’s a run down of how the entry requirements are set to change for the country, plus a look at Cyprus’ other Covid-19 restrictions that will also be on their way out in the coming days.

Restrictions Removed – Information For Travelers

Despite being much smaller than most of its European neighbours, Cyprus typically performs well in terms of tourism. Prior to the pandemic, the country welcomed more than 4 million tourists per year, making it the sixth most visited country per capita of local population in the world. The pandemic all but ended travel to the country, with strict entry restrictions making a trip not all that palatable to travelers – but that could soon be set to change.

Just last night, the government of Cyprus made the announcement that the country would be removing all of its Covid-19 related entry restrictions, much to the delight of people in the country and travelers around the world. The removal of the current entry requirements will come into effect from June 1st, and will make travel into the country the same as it was prior to the pandemic.

The new changes mean that from June 1st, travelers will no longer be required to show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19, proof of recovery from the virus or a negative test result to enter the country. All travelers will need is a passport and a valid visa where applicable – just like how travel was in the good old days. The changes are for all travelers, regardless of their nationality or their country of origin. The need to fill out a passenger locator form was removed back in April.

The Cypriot government also made another significant announcement on Friday that will affect travelers heading into the country. From June 1st, the wearing of face masks will no longer be required in indoor areas – including airports – building on the previous changes that allowed travelers to go without them when outdoors. Whilst these are small changes, they make the idea of booking a vacation to the country far more appealing to travelers.

Travelers will still be required to wear face masks in medical-related places, such as hospitals and clinics, so visitors to the country should make sure to pack a few masks in their luggage just in case. According to Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos, the changes signal a return to normality for the island – a change that several other countries around the world have also been pivoting towards in recent months.

It’s been a good week as far as the easing of restrictions around the world is concerned, with more and more countries making it easier for travelers to enter once more. In Europe, the likes of Germany, Belgium and Austria have each removed their entry requirements, whilst several other destinations around the world such as Vietnam and Israel have also made it easier to visit.

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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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May 29, 2022
Israel Removes All Entry Requirements For Tourists
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Israel has become the latest nation to drop all COVID-19 entry requirements. The nation’s ministry of health said on Tuesday (May 17th) that they would ease the entry rules on Saturday, May 21st.

The director of the Israel Government Tourist Office in London, Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, said: “This is the news we have been waiting for, for more than two years.”

“It has been our highest priority to make the process of entering Israel the easiest it can be while responsibly looking after our passengers’ health and safety.”

“With Israel joining many other countries in dropping all Covid restrictions, I am hopeful the travel industry has now reached a crucial milestone in this post-pandemic world.”

Israel’s New Entry Requirements

All travelers—regardless of their vaccination status—can enter Israel from May 21st without showing proof of vaccination, testing, and mandatory quarantine. However, travelers still need to complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before travel, as they did before the pandemic.

Until Saturday, May 21, arrivals will have to continue to provide evidence of a negative PCR test or antigen test for COVID-19 when arriving by land, air, and sea; this also extends to any cruises departing from Israel.

In addition, all travelers landing at Ben Gurion Airport must take a test, which travelers must pay for. After the test, travelers must quarantine for 24 hours until they get the test results. These requirements will stay until May 21.

The Israel Government Tourist Office said cases have “dropped to a number low enough where it is safe enough to relax restrictions further”.

In summary, from May 21, travelers entering Israel no longer need:
- Proof of vaccination
- Proof of testing
- To undergo mandatory quarantine
- Proof of recovery
Therefore, Israel joins the growing list of nations back to 2019 pre-covid normality.

Israel’s Internal COVID-19 Restrictions

Although Israel is scrapping all COVID-19 entry requirements, there are still COVID-19 internal restrictions. These include:
- Social distancing and health regulations when traveling to the airport.
- Mask wearing in places with “high contagion potential” (hospitals, senior living facilities, and air travel.)
- If travelers show symptoms and test positive for COVID-19 after arrival, they must self-isolate for 5 days. Travelers may only leave self-isolation after testing on the fourth and fifth day—regardless of whether their symptoms have decreased.
However, Israel has ended its indoor mask mandate.

Israel’s ministry of health has also committed to continuing updates in the event of any further changes to the COVID-19 guidelines.

The COVID-19 Situation In Israel

Israel is currently recording its lowest number of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started. The current nationwide 7-day case average is 2,167. That’s down from a 7-day case average of 101,905 in January 2022.

The Top 3 Things to do in Israel
1. Visit Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the largest city in Israel. With over four million people, the city offers countless attractions, a cosmopolitan vibe, and plenty of beaches
1. Explore The Dead Sea
Jordan and Israel share the Dead Sea. Its shores are the lowest point on earth; as a result, the water is salty enough that swimmers can float on the water without sinking.
1. Explore Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the world’s oldest cities. With a history dating back 5,000 years, many people refer to Jerusalem as ‘the Holy City.’ It’s an important place for three of the world’s major religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

The Global Reopening

Although the United States hasn’t removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, including proof of vaccination and testing, many nations worldwide have now returned to normality. Austria and Vietnam removed all COVID-19 entry requirements yesterday.

You can check which nations are ba c k to normal here.

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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

Additional sources: ttgmedia
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May 17, 2022
Bulgaria Removes All Entry Requirements May 1
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Kicking off its highly anticipated tourist season, Bulgaria will be joining other European countries in removing all Covid entry requirements for foreign visitors ahead of summer. Once it officially scraps all remaining restrictions on May 1, this Eastern European country will become the 37th in the world to have done so, and immediately after nearby Albania.

Like many of its European siblings, Bulgaria clamped down hard on tourism during the Covid crisis. By enacting several different entry curbs throughout 2020 and 2021, at one time including a ban on all U.S. visitors, it saw its booming tourism industry reach all-time lows as travelers started avoiding overly strict countries altogether.

However, as other nations move toward treating Covid as endemic and adapting to the virus, Bulgaria has decided it is now time to follow suit and rebuild its reputation as a tourist-friendly destination:

Bulgaria Scraps All Restrictions Starting May 1

Up until recently, anyone seeking entry into Bulgaria had to observe a number of requirements, ranging from holding a valid vaccination certificate when fully immunized to undergoing Covid testing prior to entering. Some vaccinated passengers were also subject to testing, especially when arriving from the so-called Dark Red Zones.

Although those measures were certainly an improvement over the blanket bans imposed during the peak of Omicron, they still discouraged millions of travelers from visiting, especially those who are not vaccinated and feel somewhat targeted by specific restrictions.

Now, Bulgaria’s era of health screening of foreign arrivals has come to an end.

Starting May 1, 2022, American, Canadian and British visitors will only need a passport and the usual pre-pandemic travel documentation to visit this country, as confirmed by Asena Serbezova, the Bulgarian Minister of Health. While the pandemic-era EU Digital Covid Certificate will not be discontinued, it will no longer be a prerequisite for travelers arriving in Bulgaria.

In summary, entry in Bulgaria is again possible for both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated under the same rules, as there are:
- No testing before arrival
- No testing upon or after landing
- No quarantines, even for the unvaccinated
- No proof of vaccination
- No countries banned due to variants of concern or number of cases
- No Passenger Locator Forms to fill out
How Safe A Destination Is Bulgaria Right Now?

Back in April 1, the Balkan country also ended a nationwide State of Emergency following two years of Covid, which meant all remaining mandates, including indoor mask usage and social distancing were lifted.

To put it simply, Bulgaria is now back to what it was in 2019, prior to the viral surge, and all travelers enjoy frictionless entry again.

Cases have also been dropping consistently, with the country currently reporting an average of 60 infections per 100,000 people over the last week, or only 7% of the peak. As for vaccination rates, Bulgaria’s are among the lowest in Europe, as only 31.4% of the population is fully immunized, in stark contrast with fellow EU members such as France, Germany, and Ireland, which have all attained vaccination rates of over 60%.

Still, the country has not experienced viral rebounds since infections reached an all-time high in mid-January, even after a new variant of concern was identified in Europe. Despite the general recommendation that countries only enter an endemic phase once broad vaccination coverage is achieved, Bulgaria seems ready to bring forth the process.

Bulgaria – One Of The Most Underrated Countries In Europe?

Once a relatively obscure country in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has set out on a path to become a distinct summer destination as strong as neighboring Greece or Turkey in recent years. With an extensive Black Sea coastline, it offers tourists both sandy beaches and seaside resorts at much cheaper rates, as well as countless cultural and historical attractions.

Sunny Beach, one of the Bulgarian Riviera’s rising stars, has just been named the second most affordable summer destination in Europe. As it is not in the Eurozone, prices are much lower than the EU average, with travelers spending an average of only USD 33.78 per day when visiting Bulgaria.

On the other hand, other EU countries like Spain and France, which are both in the Eurozone, expect visitors to have a minimum of 100 euros in spending money per day.

Popular attractions in Bulgaria also include:
- Sofia, its Soviet-influenced capital
- The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Plovdiv, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe
- The Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Seven Rila Lakes
- The Tsarevets Fortress, one of the largest in the Balkans
- The Black Sea Coast, including the historical cities of Varna and Burgas
When visiting Bulgaria, travelers are advised to follow their own country’s recommendations regarding safety and health measures. U.S. citizens are also reminded that, although Bulgaria has no entry requirements in place, pre-departure Covid testing is still required when returning to the United States from abroad.

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April 30, 2022
Malaysia Removes All Testing For Vaccinated Travelers
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Malaysia has removed all of its Covid-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors entering the country – from May 1.

Other mandatory requirements for travelers – some of which also apply to Malaysian residents – are also being removed from the same date.

What Are The Current Entry Requirements For Vaccinated Travelers Entering Malaysia?

Since reopening for tourism at the beginning of this month – April – fully vaccinated visitors have been able to enter Malaysia by adhering to the following entry requirements:
- present proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 – with visitors required to upload the details of their vaccination to the MySafeTravel website
- download and register your details on the Malaysian government’s MySejahtera application
- complete a digital pre-departure form on the MySejahtera application
- purchase travel health insurance – which must cover you for up to US$20,000 for any medical costs relating to Covid-19
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test within 48 hours prior to traveling to Malaysia – with a requirement to upload your test results to the MySejahtera application
- undertake a professional Covid-19 Rapid-Antigen test within 24 hours of arriving in Malaysia.
And, inside the country, all travelers – along with Malaysian nationals and residents – are currently required to check themselves in when entering public places – which includes shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and all forms of public transport.

This is done using the MySehajtera application.

Malaysia Is Removing Most Of Its Covid-Related Entry Requirements For Vaccinated Travelers – From 1 May

In just a matter of days – starting on 1 May – entry to Malaysia for fully vaccinated travelers is set to become extremely simple, with only the following entry requirements remaining:
- show proof of full vaccination – including uploading your details to the MySafeTravel website
- download and register your details on the Malaysian government’s MySejahtera application
- complete a digital pre-departure form on the MySejahtera application.
Therefore, there is no longer the requirement to undertake any testing for Covid-19 – both prior to your departure and upon arrival.

You can find out how Malaysia defines an individual as being ‘fully vaccinated’ against Covid-19 by clicking here.

The same entry requirements also apply to individuals under the age of 12 – whether the child has received their full Covid vaccination or not – as well as those who have recovered from Covid-19 within 6 to 60 days prior to their planned departure to Malaysia.

The requirement to constantly check in – using the MySejahtera app – to indoor public areas, such as shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and all forms of public transport, will also no longer be mandatory.

What About The Entry Requirements For Unvaccinated Visitors – Are These Set To Change?

For visitors who have not received their full vaccination against Covid-19, there is still a requirement for such travelers to undertake a professional PCR or Rapid-Antigen test within two days of their departure to Malaysia.

The requirement for unvaccinated visitors to undertake a professional Rapid-Antigen test within 24 hours of their arrival will also remain – along with the mandatory 5-day quarantine, which also requires further Covid-19 testing on day 4 or 5.

The need to download and register on the MySejhatera application – as well as the requirement to complete a digital pre-departure – also remains mandatory for unvaccinated visitors.

There is, however – as is the case for fully vaccinated travelers – no longer a mandatory requirement for unvaccinated individuals to purchase Covid-related travel health insurance prior to entering Malaysia.

Outdoor Mask Mandate And Other Internal Covid-Related Restrictions Are Set To Be Removed

From 1 May, Malaysia’s mandatory outdoor mask mandate will cease to exist – with people only required to wear a face covering when inside indoor public areas, including all forms of public transport.

On the same day, those that are unvaccinated will once again be allowed to enter restaurants, as well as shopping malls – and physical distancing measures will also be removed.

And, the mandatory requirement for everyone to scan a QR code – in order to check in – upon entry to public places will no longer be enforced, and instead become optional for individuals.

Malaysia Joins Other Southeast Asian Nations In Removing Testing For Vaccinated Travelers

Malaysia has followed the likes of neighboring countries – Thailand and Singapore – who are also removing ALL testing requirements for vaccinated travelers. Travel to the entire South East region is now becoming the easiest it’s been over the past two years

Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Singapore Removes All Testing For Vaccinated Travelers

Thailand Removes All Testing Requirements For Vaccinated Tourists

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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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April 28, 2022
Thailand Removes All Testing Requirements For Vaccinated Tourists

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Thailand Significantly Eases Entry Requirements and Ends ‘Test and Go’ Program Thailand has taken a monumental step back to normality as the nation eases entry COVID-19 entry requirements. Despite reopening for tourism in 2020—albeit with the controversial Sandbox Schemes—Thailand’s entry requirements have remained strict, especially compared with Western nations. Thailand hopes easing entry requirements will attract …

The post Thailand Removes All Testing Requirements For Vaccinated Tourists appeared first on Travel Off Path .

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April 23, 2022
Australia Removes Testing Requirement For International Arrivals
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Following the reopening of its external border earlier this year, Australia now allows international arrivals to enter testing-free if they are fully vaccinated.

Previously, the country required travelers to submit a negative Covid test result prior to boarding their flights, even when immunized. Now, this major obstacle has been officially removed as of April 18, meaning those who can prove they have received all required doses of an approved vaccine can again travel to Australia freely.

Here is a summary of all the latest entry requirements for travelers in Australia in 2022:

Pre-Departure Testing Officially Removed Following Weeks Of Speculation

While Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had already signalled previously test-free travel to Australia was not a distant prospect, many in the traveler community were suspicious of his statement.

After all, Australia used to bar entry to all foreign individuals, and even some of its own citizens, throughout the pandemic.

As Australia has adopted an overwhelmingly strict border approach during Covid, many even feared the appearance of the newly-identified BA.2 variant would lead it to put up barriers again. Surprisingly, this did not happen, and the country started reopening after months of endless delays and uncertainty.

Now, it is also following through on its promise to further ease travel rules, especially for vaccinated tourists, who had still been subject to pre-departure testing before flying. Following an update on Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website, testing is no longer required for vaccinated tourists departing to Australia after April 18, 2022.

Testing-Free Does Not Mean Requirement-Free

Despite the long-awaited relaxation of testing rules, entry to Australia is still not bureaucracy-free, even for the vaccinated.

All arrivals are still required to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration, where they will be expected to provide contact details, their travel history in the previous 14 days, and make a legally binding declaration they are aware of the Covid measures in place across different Australian states.

In summary, when seeking to enter Australia as a vaccinated tourist from now on, you will need:
- A valid passport
- A valid pre-issued visa or travel authorization, depending on your nationality
- A vaccination certificate showing you were fully immunized with an approved primary vaccination course
- A completed Digital Passenger Declaration
What Vaccines Are Accepted As Proof Of Entry?

All widely commercialized vaccines are accepted as proof of entry by Australia, with visitors required to have at least two doses of the same vaccine, or a mix of two of the following, 14 days apart and 7 days prior to entry:
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- AstraZeneca (Covishield)
- Pfizer/Biontech (Comirnaty)
- Moderna Spikevax or Takeda
- Sinovac (Coronavac)
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin)
- Gamaleya Research Institute Sputnik V
- Novavax/Biocelect (Nuvaxovid)
- Certain variations of the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen*
*At least one dose

While this is far from being a complete lifting of measures as seen in Europe, it is still a huge milestone for a destination that had been completely off-limits to tourists for the best part of the pandemic.

Are Tourists Ready To Return To Australia?

As we stated previously, Australia is seeking to relaunch itself as a safe destination, as many foreigners are still wary of booking trips there.

Its controversial zero Covid approach and border closures still seem ingrained in the minds of tourists, even after international flights were allowed to restart. Even though the border is open for vaccinated individuals, Sydney Airport, the country’s most important hub, has still been ‘eerily quiet‘ compared to before.

Canadians, Brits and European Union/Schengen Area nationals do not require visas to enter or transit Australia, but they must still apply online for an ETA travel permit before flying, which only adds to the list of documents that need to be arranged in advance.

More information, including fees and other criteria visa-exempt nationals must meet, are available on Australia’s official Immigration and Citizenship website.

Once issued, an ETA is valid for up to 12 months.

What About The Unvaccinated?

Those who are yet to be immunized and who do not have a medically attested reason to qualify for an exemption to the travel ban continue to face an outright refusal of entry.

As described by the Department of Home Affairs, those who are unvaccinated and eligible for a travel exemption, as defined here, must apply in advance.

It is worth noting traveling for tourism purposes does not exempt unvaccinated visitors from the entry ban. Additionally, unlike the vaccinated, those who are exempt and are yet to be immunized must still undertake a pre-departure test.

This means either a PCR or NAAT taken within 3 days of scheduled departure or Rapid Antigen within hours.

Read More:

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10 Cities Where Travelers Will Have Trouble Getting An AirBnB

↓ Join the community ↓

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

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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
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April 20, 2022