Tag: testing

Random Testing On Arrival In Canada Could Force Tourists To Quarantine
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Although a majority of the Western World has dropped all of their entry requirements already, tourists visiting Canada still risk being sent to quarantine when randomly selected for testing on-arrival and given a positive Covid result – even if no longer infectious. Whether you’re vaccinated or recovered, Canada makes no distinction.

From the onset of the pandemic, the North American country has resorted to countless measures to curb the viral spread. Among the most controversial ones, unvaccinated Canadians were, for a period of time, unable to board flights in Canada, and most foreigners, Americans included, were routinely turned away at the border.

These stricter rules have been relaxed and the world has moved on, but Canada still hasn’t fully let its guard down and continues barring international travel:

Canada’s Strict Border Rules Keeps Punishing Tourists Regardless Of Vaccination Status

It’s September 2022, and tourists, Canadian expats and business travelers can enter Canada once more. The country is no longer completely sealed off from the rest of the world, as it had been throughout 2020, and with each passing month, cross-border connectivity with the United States gets stronger – be it more flights, or reinstated railway links.

On the downside, Ottawa lawmakers have shown a firm reluctance in easing Canada’s much criticized travel rules – rules many deem outdated and unjustified by science. Yes, non-Canadians can visit for non-essential purposes, but they must tick a number of boxes to be eligible for travel. Among those there is a requirement to be fully vaccinated.

On top of that, they must submit personal information and agree to being tested on arrival. The policy, briefly paused at the peak of the summer travel chaos, was quickly reinforced as soon as congestion eased. While not all are subject to testing, those who do get picked must comply, and must test at an off-site location, no longer located in the arrival hall.

Interestingly, once their testing is conducted, tourists are not required to isolate while waiting for their results. If positive, they will be contacted by authorities and expected to isolate for 10 full days from the date of issue, regardless of having been allowed to walk freely at first, and irrespective of holding a vaccine certificate or recent recovery proof.

Are Canada’s Travel Rules Even Consistent At This Point?

To further add to the confusion, the province of Ontario, of which Toronto is a part of, has recently ended a five-day quarantine requirement residents faced when testing positive for Covid. Evidently, this goes against the federal resolution and the ten-day isolation period still applying to some tourists landing in Ontario.

The apparent inconsistency has been noted by visitors: as reported by Global News Canada, a San Francisco-based traveler was recently selected for testing upon arrival at Toronto Pearson Airport, soon after the program’s resumption. The result was allegedly delayed for ‘several’ days, until she contacted the lab for further information.

She was then ‘shocked’ to find out it came back positive and she needed to isolate for 10 days from that date. The San Franciscan assumed it was a ‘typo’, considering she and her partner had recovered from the disease recently and had voluntarily isolated for twelve days ahead of traveling. This mounted up to nothing, as a quarantine order was still issued.

The woman, Mrs Denise Chenier, had received a booster dose and reportedly obtained negative rapid antigen tests at their final destination in Thunder Bay while waiting for the official results, suggesting the detailed PCR test picked up a former infection. Prior to that, she had already spent a number of days in Canada quarantine-free.

Mrs Chenier is not the only complying American having their vacation plans ruined by the testing policy: roughly 1 in 20 travelers are affected, with both vaccinated and unvaccinated U.S. citizens facing mandatory isolation when failing to obtain a negative PCR. For that reason, having persistent viral levels is still a concern, at least in Canada.

The Problem With False Positives

Nearly three years into the pandemic, now we know PCR tests may pick up both current and recent infections, even if the patient has already recovered. In some cases, the viral load remains high for weeks or months after the disease has subsided; this can lead to the so-called ‘false’ positives, and in Mrs Chenier’s case, or an arguably unnecessary 10-day quarantine.

Ottawa is aware of these problems, but continues defending PCR usage as the ‘gold standard’ for detecting the virus. Conversely, yet another infectious disease specialist, Colin Furness of the University of Toronto, has rebuked the Canadian Government’s decision, joining a growing list of experts calling for these hurdles to be removed.

‘You’re shooting at a dartboard with a blindfold on‘, argues Mr Furness, in light of the recent data showing fully vaccinated, or recovered individuals who are perfectly healthy and non-infectious may still be required to quarantine when issued false positives. He believes the ‘current plan’ is not at all effective in doing disease surveillance, nor transmission control.

Besides the obstacles facing the tourism sector, these random tests are partly to blame for Canadian airports’ tarnished reputation as some of the worst for delays in the world. With an average 5,000 people being marked for testing each day, bottlenecks at the border have become more common, as well as agitation and other incidents.

What Are The Rules For Entering Canada Right Now?

This is the criteria for being eligible for travel to Canada today:
- Non-Canadians must be fully vaccinated*
- They must have no Covid symptoms upon boarding
- All travelers must download the ArriveCAN app, where they must upload their personal information, including proof of vaccination
- Pre-departure tests are no longer required, but random on-arrival tests are taking place
- Masks are required on all Canada-bound flights, trains, and other cross-border service
*Recovered individuals may be eligible to enter when presenting proof of at least one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or at least two doses of another Covid vaccine accepted by Canada, alongside their recovery certificate issued within the last year

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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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September 2, 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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June 21, 2022
Canada Suspends Random Covid Testing On Arrival To Reduce Travel Disruption

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After the United States dropped the testing requirement for vaccinated travelers, including returning American citizens, Canada has now decided to suspend random tests on arrival temporarily as airports struggle with rising travel demand. Starting June 11, only unvaccinated passengers will be subject to testing landing in Canada.

The move comes as numerous airports around the globe battle staffing constraints and an overwhelming demand. Although this is surely a step in the right direction, this is by no means a definitive decision. The Canadian Government has reiterated the relaxation has a validity date and, soon enough, random testing will be reinstated:

Vaccinated Travelers Can Avoid Random Tests Until June 30

From June 11 to June 30, incoming vaccinated travelers will no longer be selected for random testing landing at one of Canada’s main points of entry. Even though the country has scrapped pre-departure testing for the vaccinated a while ago, it had continued to enforce the highly criticized post-arrival random testing measure.

This means that, over the next three weeks, only the unvaccinated will still be required by law to undergo testing, if selected by health authorities, when landing in Canada. On July 1, the requirement for the vaccinated to undergo random testing will return, albeit with significant changes: as stated by the Government, all testing will be moved ‘off-site’.

In other words, travelers will not be required to provide a sample at the airport itself, being moved instead to a different location in a bid to ease the burden placed on understaffed airports. As of now, the Canadian Government has not yet specified how the changes will be effected, or exactly what ‘off-site’ means.

From our understanding, ‘lucky’ travelers could now be conducted to testing facilities outside the airport’s arrival halls, seeing that testing sites that have been set up in their vicinity will be dismantled in the upcoming weeks. This is yet to be confirmed by Canada, and we will keep our readers updated once more information is provided.

Airports In Canada Call For Measure To Be Fully Scrapped

For weeks, airports in Canada have urged the Government to further ease its strict Covid screening at the country’s international hubs as unavoidable cancellations are already set to have a devastating effect on passengers this summer. Enforcing random testing on-arrival would only worsen disruption and prompt further delays.

The Greater Toronto Airport authority (GTAA) has been calling for the program to be suspended for weeks, acknowledging that, in its current state, the hub cannot manage both increasing passenger numbers and enforce the country’s Covid policies. As GTAA states, arrival figures will increase by ‘some 50 per cent’ during summer.

In a recent interview with CBC, Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault revealed the Government decided to grant the three-week pause in order to help reduce disruption at airports. According to him, the suspension will give the government enough time to set up off-site testing booths away from the increasingly busy arrival halls:

‘It’s going to make sure that the airports flow more quickly’, added Boissonault. He acknowledged that airports are not designed to house mini health care centers and that the revised policy will help staff and ease congestion. Although the measure will be reintroduced shortly, for the Minister, ‘this is a good step in the right direction’.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra also conceded the Canadian Government ‘recognizes the impact that significant wait times at some Canadian airports are having on travelers’. Alghabra confirmed authorities will continue working with airports, airlines, and other key sectors of the travel industry to find long-term solutions.

Although the suspension will help airports in Canada, and the subsequent translocation of testing centers ensure airport staff can carry out their work uninterrupted, frustration among passengers may continue to grow, as random testing is set to return next month. As the Government has already confirmed, the vaccinated will not continue being exempt from July 1.

Government Believes Policy Is Necessary Despite Experts’ Recommendations

Addressing the public’s animosity towards the measure and defending the measure, Marie-France Proulx, a spokesperson for the Health Ministry, has asserted that randomized testing is ‘the only way’ to detect new variants being imported into Canada, especially now that provinces and territories are no longer doing massive testing.

Randomized testing is not the only concern shared by those traveling to Canada in the post-Covid world. Recently, the Government has come under fire for proposing a new law enabling border officers to search the phones of those arriving in Canada, further alienating restriction-wary travelers that are favoring countries with no strict policies in place.

Within the Parliament, Opposition Conservatives have pressed the Trudeau Administration to lift all remaining Covid restrictions for those visiting Canada, including the vaccination requirement and randomized testing. The latter’s three-week pause may be seen as a positive development, but it is still a small victory for opponents.

As health experts themselves call for randomized testing to be scrapped for good, we may see the Canadian Government reconsidering its tough stance. Many see the policy as ‘unnecessary’ now that there is ‘widespread natural and vaccine-induced immunity’, and one that only increases bureaucracy at airports.

In sum, if you’re vaccinated, you have until June 30 to enter Canada without fear of being picked out for testing.

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June 13, 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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June 11, 2022
Airlines Rally Together Against Testing Rule To Enter U.S.

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Several different airlines across the country have rallied together in an effort to fight against the Covid-19 testing rule that’s currently required to enter the country via air. Despite several countries around the world either considerably easing or removing their Covid-19 related entry requirements, the U.S. has yet to do so. Even though its nearby neighbors Canada and Mexico do not requiring testing, the U.S. has stood firm on the rule and airlines in the country are not happy.

With all signs pointing towards a busy summer of travel – despite the issues the industry is facing – as it stands it will be American travelers returning home who’ll be out of luck and out of pocket regarding the current testing rules. Here’s a look at what the airlines have had to say about the current Covid-19 testing rules, why they feel they have to go and what steps they’ve taken to get them changed.

Airlines Challenge Testing Requirements – Information For Travelers

According to the CDC, travelers who are flying into the United States – regardless of their vaccination status or their citizenship – must take a viral Covid-19 viral test no more than 1 day before their flight. Alternatively, travelers may also show proof of recovery from Covid-19 in the form of a positive test result taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that they are cleared to travel.

Whereas once this was the norm in countries across the world at the height of the pandemic, many countries have now removed such a requirement – leaving the United States in the travel dark ages when it comes to entry requirements. However, major airlines across the country are fighting to get the rule overturned to make entry into the country much easier for travelers.

The United States’ testing rules were described by American Airlines Chief Executive Robert Isom as “nonsensical” – and he has a point. Isom pointed out the fact that the Boston Red Sox baseball team flew to Toronto to play a game, yet rode a bus home to avoid the testing requirements, with those who cross the land border not needing to take a Covid-19 test like those who fly into the US.

Isom, who pleaded his case with politicians during the week, also highlighted the negative impact that the rule was having on US tourism. Currently, international travel figures in the US are down 14% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with Americans worried about testing positive and becoming stranded abroad. He also stated that 75% of the countries currently served by American do not have testing requirements.

Delta were also amongst the airlines criticizing the current policy, with Chief Executive Ed Bastian highlighting the fact that 44 of 50 countries the airline serves do not require testing. Bastian stated that removing the policy would result in a travel boom. He said:

“We know it will help induce and incent travelers to go abroad, bring more commerce in, more business in so hopefully they will get it done soon.”

Airlines for America, a trade association and lobbying group that represents major North American airlines, also met with a deputy White House Covid-19 coordinator Tuesday in a bid to try and get the testing rules reversed. Whilst the government hasn’t yet given any indication that the requirement will be dropped, travelers will be hoping that the constant pressure on all sides will lead to changes sooner rather than later.

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June 5, 2022
Travel Industry Continues Pressing U.S. Government For Removal Of Pre-Departure Testing

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The U.S. travel industry – including the nation’s major airline carriers – has once again urged the American government to remove the pre-departure testing requirement for vaccinated travelers entering the country.

On May 31, representatives from the travel industry met with members of the White House to discuss the matter – in an attempt to have the pre-departure testing requirement removed for fully vaccinated international travelers wanting to enter the United States of America.

And, not only are those in America’s travel industry arguing that the pre-departure testing requirement is a deterrent to those looking to visit the country, but they also claim it is harming the nation’s economy.

The President and CEO of Airlines for America echoed this in a statement – following yesterday’s meeting – by saying: “Quite frankly, the only impact the pre-departure testing requirement is having is a chilling effect on an already fragile economy here in the U.S.”

Major U.S. Airlines Believe Removing The Pre-Departure Testing Requirements Will See More Tourists Enter The Country

The biggest airlines in the U.S. are calling for the Biden administration to remove the pre-departure testing requirements for international visitors – as they argue that this is likely to be acting as a deterrent to those considering visiting the U.S. for tourism purposes.

And, there is no doubt that this could well be the case – especially with the number of international travelers to the States still more than 10 percent below pre-pandemic levels.

This is in contrast to its neighboring country, Mexico – which has had zero covid-related entry requirements for months, and is on the verge of seeing a return to pre-pandemic tourist numbers.

The nation is expecting as many as 40 million international visitors to enter its doors this year.

This Is Not The First Time That The U.S. Government Has Been Urged To Remove The Pre-Departure Testing Requirement

A few weeks ago we reported that more than 260 companies had signed a letter addressed to the Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, asking for the White House to remove the covid testing measures for fully vaccinated visitors arriving into the United States.

The letter had been signed by the nation’s largest airline companies – including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest – as well as major companies from the travel industry such as Hilton, Marriott and Disney.

The U.S. Is One Of The Few Nations That Still Requires Travelers To Undergo Pre-Arrival Testing

Just over a month ago we reported that the United States of America was one of the only few nations that still requires travelers – in particular those who are vaccinated – to undergo pre-departure testing for Covid-19 before being able to enter the country.

And, the fact that the nation still requires fully vaccinated travelers to undertake a Covid-19 test prior to their departure to the U.S. is sure to come as a surprise – especially as more and more countries around the world are removing ALL of their Covid-related entry requirements.

In the last few days and weeks we have seen some of the most popular destinations for tourists – including the likes of Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Vietnam – having removed all of their entry requirements, following in the footsteps of the many countries that had previously done so.

It will therefore not come as a surprise that the U.S. travel industry continues to push for the removal of the pre-departure testing requirements – in particular for those who have received their full Covid-19 vaccination.

You can keep up to date with the latest travel requirements for international visitors wanting to enter the U.S. by clicking here.

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June 3, 2022
260 Companies Urge Biden To Remove Testing Requirement To Enter U.S.

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The letter was signed by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hilton, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Disney, and other relevant businesses and organizations in the travel industry

Over 260 companies from the tourism industry made an urgent call on Thursday to the Biden administration to remove covid testing measures for vaccinated travelers to enter the United States.

Businesses and organizations in the US Travel Association sent a letter to the White House addressed to Dr. Ashish Jha, COVID-19 Response Coordinator. The main request states: “We encourage the Administration to expeditiously terminate the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers.”

In the document, the parties involved explained that the country is at a new stage, that there is a stronger immunity in the population, and that all COVID-19 measures need to change too. They mentioned that people are going back to work, school, and other normal activities, demonstrating that there is a new healthier reality.

The tourism industry in the US counts on international travelers for its recovery, and while the COVID-19 test is still mandatory to enter the country —even for vaccinated travelers— there will be an obstacle to succeeding in that process.

This was also addressed in the letter: “Given the slow economic recovery of the business and international travel sectors, and in light of medical advancements and the improved public health metrics in the U.S., we encourage you to immediately remove the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers.”

The letter was signed by large and relevant corporations in the industry such as American Airlines, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Universal Parks and Resorts, Hilton, Marriott International, and Expedia Group. National associations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, and Cruise Lines International Association were also involved, as well as airports and other small and mid-sized businesses.

The Biden Administration has already made changes in other pandemic-related measures and provided alternatives like the free at-home test—that does not work for travel or entering the US— delivered a few months ago. The Tourism Industry expects a response regarding the request for the removal of the entry test soon and so do travelers.

Will This Letter Make A Change?

It is not the first time the US Travel Association addressed the Biden Administration for urgent changes on travel measures related to the COVID-19. Last year, the president of the institution, Roger Dow, also requested new measures for the “Next Great Chapter” for the recovery of the industry, only this time the request is more precise.

In the new letter, presented on May 5, requesting the removal of the COVID-19 test for vaccinated travelers, the organizations also presented data and other strong arguments, such as the economic costs of maintaining this measure.

According to the information provided in the document, compared to 2019 business travel spending was still below 56%, and international travel spending was 78% down.

Foreign governments with similar vaccinations and infection rates —like Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom— that have eliminated testing for international travelers we also considered as references in the statement. And they added: “Further, since the federal government does not require negative tests for entry at our land-border ports of entry with Canada and Mexico, it no longer makes sense to keep a pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement in place for vaccinated inbound international air travelers to the U.S.”

Businesses and organizations insisted that international travel is safer now and that the testing mandate is no longer necessary. The Washington Post reported a few weeks ago that the last government statement said by White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients in a briefing was: “There are no plans to change the international travel requirements at this point”.

The Travel Industry is currently expecting a response to the letter and within the next few days we’ll see if the US Government considers the request.

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May 9, 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:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Oceania Cruises Adds Cabins For Solo Travelers, Expands Eco-Friendly Tours

Very High Travel Demand is Back, But Are Airports and Airlines Ready For it?

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!

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
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April 20, 2022