Tag: Removes

Jamaica Removes All Entry Requirements For Tourists
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After more than two years of countless updates to its entry requirements and travel warnings, Jamaica is fully reopening to all travelers without restrictions.

Set to come into effect on Friday, April 15, 2022, Jamaica has decided to lift its pre-departure Covid test requirements for travelers. The pre-departure test was the last remaining Covid-related entry requirement in place for international arrivals to Jamaica.

As a result, the Caribbean island nation will be the latest country to lift all of its Covid health-related entry restrictions for international tourists.

Pre-Departure Testing Requirement Scrapped

Jamaica’s current travel restrictions state that all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative Covid test result (antigen or PCR) no later than 3 days from travel prior to boarding their flight. This requirement will be dropped for all travelers from tomorrow, April 15th, regardless of vaccination status.

Entry Restrictions For Jamaica: Update For Travelers

As of April 15, all tourists can enter Jamaica with:
- No pre-flight testing requirement
- No on arrival or post-arrival testing for Jamaica
- No proof of vaccination is required for entry
- No quarantines
- No countries banned due to case numbers or variants
Jamaica’s Indoor Mask Mandate Also Being Dropped April 15th

Internal health restrictions are also being dropped throughout the Caribbean island nation. On the same day that the pre-departure testing requirement will be removed, Jamaica’s ongoing mask mandate for public indoor spaces will also be dropped for tourists and locals alike.

The current measures were put in place on March 18 under an official Public Health Enforcement Measures Covid-19 Order, which included the pre-flight testing and face mask requirement. The other measures included in the Order will remain in place for the time being, according to local reports. They are:
- All persons who test positive for Covid while in Jamaica (local or tourist) must self-isolate at their accommodation until they’ve recovered.
- Giving the protection of identity for persons who might test positive for Covid.
- Owners and operators of businesses (hotels, restaurants, tour agencies), places of worship, educational institutions, etc, are required to ensure the health of all patrons by making sure hand washing/hand sanitizing stations are available upon entry.
Officials want to remind everyone that while the reported Covid case numbers in Jamaica are low at this time, the issue of new variants and the potential for case numbers to increase continues to be a reality.

Jamaica Began Easing Travel Restrictions In March 2022

Following the omicron wave and a peak in cases, Jamaica began relaxing some of its entry restrictions for travelers just last month.

From March 1st, the restrictions that were eased included the travel authorization form required to be filled out before departure to Jamaica as well as any quarantine requirements. The maximum attendance for large events was also raised from 50 to 100 persons.

Visa-Free Entry For Travelers Around The World

Jamaica is a well-known and beloved vacation spot with US and Canadian tourists any time of year.

On top of travel restrictions being scrapped, visitors from over 100 countries including the US, Canada, and the UK can enter Jamaica visa-free. New flight routes from the US to popular tourist destinations in Jamaica have also been added this year, making travel to the island much more accessible.

CDC Lowers Advisory For Jamaica

Just this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered their health risk advisory for Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica was moved down to a Level 1: Low-Risk category due to a very low daily case average of 26 reported cases.

The US State Department lowered its risk warning for Jamaica last month, putting the island nation at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel status.

Read More:

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Masks On Flights Remain Mandatory For At Least Another Two Weeks

Top 7 Places To Visit On Your Next Trip To Jamaica

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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 15, 2022
Chile Removes Entry Requirements on April 14
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Chilean authorities announced on Tuesday that starting on Thursday, April 14th, international travelers will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a PCR test to enter.

This means that travelers from all nations, regardless of vaccination status, can once again enter Chile test-free and quarantine-free.

After this announcement, Chile became the 31st country in the World to remove most entry requirements, just one day after Greece announced dropping COVID-related demands, and the second country in South America, right after Argentina.

According to the information shared on the Chilean news website Diario Financiero, the undersecretary of Public Health, Cristóbal Cuadrado, explained that travelers without a complete vaccination series certificate approved by Chilean authorities will be allowed to enter the country, but will not get a health card that is required to do certain activities such as enter specific restaurants or bars.

Covid tests will not be required either, but some passengers might be asked to take one, Cuadrado said that non-resident tourists could be randomly selected upon arrival for a mandatory test.

The Chilean government also recently announced that they will open land borders starting on May 1, and starting on April 14th masks will no longer be required outdoors. However, face coverings will still be required in regions like Arica, Tarapacá, and Isla de Pascua.

Chile has been consistent in prioritizing very strict rules for travelers, but has been easing measures within the past few days. The Chilean population represents one most successful inoculation cases in the World as 93,58% of the population has at least two vaccination doses.

What Travelers Must Know Before Traveling to Chile

Now that Chile removed its most strict travel rules and joined the list of countries without COVID entry requirements, more tourists —especially hikers and nature lovers— will be interested in visiting this fascinating destination.

Those traveling across Latin America, will now be able to include Chile as part of their route, and they can enter through the main land borders between Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, or by air through international airports.

There are still a few requirements US and Canadian travelers must consider prior to arrival. The International airport—Arturo Merino Benítez— in Santiago, Chile’s capital, recently shared valuable information for travelers on Instagram. These are the main considerations for travelers starting on April 14:
- Passengers must fill out the C19 form, an affidavit for travelers, prior to arrival.
- A PCR test will not be required upon arrival
- The validation of vaccination certificates will be optional, those who don’t do it won’t get access to the local “Pase de Movilidad”, a virtual health certificate to enter certain establishments and perform certain activities. (more about this below)
- Random COVID tests could be performed, those who test positive must be isolated for 7 days.
- Proof of travel health insurance is still required, specifically a policy that includes medical coverage in the case of covid-19 infection.
Pase de Movibilidad – The Vaccine Passport Program Inside Chile

While proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Chile, they still have a pretty robust internal vaccine passport program in effect. Travelers will need to validate their vaccine certificates so they can access the Pase de Movibilidad app to enter indoor dining, domestic travel, cinemas, and theatres, organized tours, and large events like concerts or sports games.

It’s not an easy approval either. Travelers who want to validate their vaccination certificates —must have at least 3 doses— validated by the Chilean Ministry of Health, have to create an account at the site mevacuno.gob.cl, fill out the form of manual verification, and attach images of the ID document and a profile picture. Once submitted, they will get a response via email within 48 to 72 hours.

In addition to these considerations, travelers must stay up to date with recent announcements since local alert levels might change depending on the increase of covid cases and authorities’ criteria.

It in unkown when the Chilean government might retire the Pase de Movibilidad program, as they just recently created the booster shot requirement weeks ago.

Fewer restrictions, more travel

Not being required to take a PCR test 72 hours before entering Chile is great news for many travelers, as PCR-type tests can be expensive, and since they are used less than antigens in 2022, harder to find.

Also, since the travel considerations are similar for land entry, starting in May, travelers visiting Argentina can now easily include Chile in their itineraries.

As these neighboring countries remove covid restrictions and open borders, more adventurers will find it easier to tour Patagonia, see Chilean and Argentinian glaciers and also have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Torres del Paine and the Fits Roy in the same journey.

The Metropolitan region also has plenty of entertainment for travelers and the coastal cities have beautiful landscapes and delicious food.

Read More:

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Countries Without Any Travel Restrictions Or Entry Requirements

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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 14, 2022
Brazil Removes Pre-Departure Testing For Vaccinated Americans

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In a move that will certainly encourage more travelers to visit the country, Brazil is seemingly moving away from its strict entry protocols and relaxing travel rules. As part of the new guidelines that have been announced late last week, vaccinated foreigners no longer need to submit a negative PCR within 72 hours of boarding their flight.

Previously, all international arrivals were subject to pre-departure testing, including Brazilian nationals and those habitually residing in the country, irrespective of vaccination or recovery status. Now, Brazil joins an expanding list of countries in the Americas that are opening up to vaccinated travelers restriction-free once more.

Negative Tests, Health Declaration Form No Longer Needed

Following a joint ordinance issued by four of its ministries, including the Ministry of Health, the Brazilian government waived on April 1 the pre-departure testing requirement for both vaccinated Brazilians and foreigners arriving in the country. Additionally, as reported by the Brazilian Office of the Chief of Staff, the health declaration form (DSV) was also removed.

This means that, since April 1, tourists are only required to present a valid vaccination certificate in order to bypass testing. The decision was published on Brazil’s Official Journey with immediate effect, bringing South America’s largest nation in line with the more relaxed Covid approach of its neighbours, such as Colombia and Ecuador.

The list of approved vaccines in Brazil is extensive, with all the main ones in widespread use across the United States being accepted as proof of immunization, including Cominarty (Pfizer), Janssen, Oxford/Covishield and others. For now, Brazilian authorities have not added an expiry date to two-dose vaccine certificates, meaning two doses (one for Janssen) is enough.

Brazil accepts all types of digital and physical Covid certificates, including paper CDC cards. While some countries have been receptive of CDC-issued physical vaccine cards, others have required digital proof of vaccination with a readable QR Code. Luckily for those in possession of a CDC card, Brazil makes no distinction between digital or physical certificates.

Prior to this ordinance, Brazil expected visitors to present a PCR test within 72 hours of traveling, irrespective of having been vaccinated, which made it a much less appealing destination to those who have received their shots, but are warier of restrictions. Now, they can again visit Brazil freely with few Covid curbs in place.

Once inside the country, Covid measures may vary across different states, including mandatory mask usage and the presentation of Covid passes for entry into certain venues. In general, Brazil as a whole has been relaxing measures, with popular states like Rio de Janeiro and Bahia again ready to welcome tourists with very few restrictions.

Can The Unvaccinated Also Bypass Testing?

As for the unvaccinated, they have been unauthorized to visit Brazil throughout most of the pandemic, making it one of the most strict destinations in Latin America when compared to the restriction-free oasis of Mexico. According to the most recent ordinance, they may still face challenges when traveling to Brazil.

When reviewing the ordinance, we perceived that only vaccinated tourists continue to be granted entry to the country right now, while those who are not immunized can be denied boarding due to not having a vaccine certificate. There are, however, exceptions to that rule, which do not yet include travel for tourism purposes.

Those eligible to enter without a completed vaccination scheme include those with a medical condition that contraindicates vaccination, foreigners arriving from countries with a low vaccination coverage who have not yet been able to get immunized (the list does not include the United States or Canada), as well as Brazilian citizens and residents.

As reported by G1, the country’s leading news website, the unvaccinated must now present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test within one day of traveling. On the other hand, they are no longer subject to mandatory quarantine, being allowed to move freely in the country soon after landing so long as they present a negative test at the border.

Brazil Is Officially Open For Vaccinated Tourists

Recently, Brazil has started moving away once again from its harsher Covid protocols, which were mostly imposed in 2021, by allowing cruise ships to dock again and even launching a new Digital Nomad Visa, which allows digital entrepreneurs and remote workers to remain in the country legally for up to two years.

With a vast history and a diverse culture, which includes a mixed European and African heritage, Brazil is an ideal sunny destination for American travelers, especially now that it is officially open again for the vaccinated. When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are advised by the CDC to follow official guidance and get vaccinated in order to minimize Covid health risks.

Read More:

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Latvia Becomes The 26th Nation To Remove 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

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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 5, 2022