Tag: Tourism

Why This Caribbean Country Is Breaking Tourism Records
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The Caribbean is a popular destination for Americans with so many islands to choose from, each offering its own unique appeal, but one country is breaking records and beating visitor numbers more than ever before.

Grenada is becoming a more popular destination for Americans, who account for more than 60% of visitors. This is helped by its proximity to the United States, which is a five-and-a-half-hour flight, regular flight itineraries to get travelers to the island, and an attractive digital nomad visa program.

This small island country had a stand-out November, accepting over 14,000 visitors which was the highest-ever total of visitors on record, and December is projected to stay on track for breaking the record for the same period in 2019.

“We continue to build our brand equity so that travelers keep Grenada in their consideration set of destinations they want to visit,” said Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority. “We are laser focused on attracting visitors who want to take advantage of our safe environment, numerous community initiatives and who want to get out and about.”

Why Is Grenada Popular For Tourists?

Crystal-clear waters, rainforest trekking, pristine landscapes, aromatic spices, and friendly people are just some of the reasons that attract visitors to this beautiful and safe destination – not to mention its continuous balmy temperatures with an average of 82 Fahrenheit. This oval-shaped island measures only 13 square miles, which means you could drive around the island in under six hours, but you’ll be distracted to stop by all the beautiful views and attractions along the way.

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Due to its history, Grenada has some interesting cultural influences since the British took over control of the French in the 1700s, so the country has a mixture of Amerindian, French, and English customs. You’ll find this, particularly in its cuisine, which reflects a variety of different cultures, such as its national dish – Oil Down, which is a salted meat and vegetable stew. You’ll also come across the heavy French influence as seen by the names of places and people’s last names, making this a diverse city to explore and witness its many customs.

What Are The Best Things To Do In Grenada
- Swim In Its Glorious Beaches: with over 45 different beaches to explore, each consisting of fine white sand, clear waters, and beautiful views, you’ll find it hard to choose between them. Grand Anse beach is a favorite among tourists, due to its long stretches of perfect sands with gorgeous views and offerings of water sports, such as water skiing, parasailing, or kayaking.
- Discover Its Underwater Sculptures: Grenada was home to the world’s first underwater sculpture park and contains 75 sculptures to either get up close and personal via snorkeling or scuba diving or view from a glass bottom boat. Installations include an underwater Jesus Christ, children holding hands, a newspaperman, and more.
- Search For The Best Waterfall: Amongst Grenada’s rainforests, you’ll discover some breathtaking hidden gems – waterfalls. From the Seven Sisters waterfalls that create a large pool for swimming to Mount Carmel Falls which drops water 100 feet down a sharp edge, many of these waterfalls require some beautiful hikes through the jungle, which gives you an opportunity to see the local fauna and wildlife.
- Learn About Grenada’s Agriculture: Belmont Estate is a popular tourist attraction that allows you to learn about Grenada’s agriculture scene, such as a tree-to-bar craft chocolate experience, a tour through its organic farm as well as a farm-to-table meal at its restaurant. Grenada wouldn’t be complete without a spice tour of its different spices, such as cloves, mace, and cinnamon, as well as a tour of its river Antoine Rum Distillery to taste some local rum.
- Taste-Test The Delicious Cuisine: from checking out the best barbecue joints firing up the fish, pork, and chicken to tasting authentic Caribbean food at the local restaurants, there’s a long list of flavorful food you’ll have to try in Grenada, which has been dubbed Spice Island.
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January 4, 2023
This Beautiful Southeast Asian Country Has Lifted All Travel Restrictions Returning To Normal Tourism
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Another Southeast Asian destination has lifted all Covid requirements returning to normal ahead of 2023. With immediate effect, Americans are no longer be subject to strict health controls traveling to Laos which is one of the most beautiful, and awe-inspiring countries in the sub-continent.

After sealing itself off from the rest of the world for most of the pandemic, Southeast Asia began to timidly reopen for tourism earlier this year as Covid cases dwindled. Fast forward a few months, and foreigners are welcome across a majority of states without restrictions or any border formalities, making it one of the easiest regions in the world to travel.

Luckily for the unvaccinated, the reopening trend is showing no signs of slowing down, even after the latest viral surge arising from China:

The Only Landlocked Country In Southeast Asia Is Lifting All Border Restrictions

2 years and 9 months after the World Health Organization issued a historical declaration confirming Covid as a pandemic, prompting numerous countries across the globe to shut down in response and clamp down on leisure travel, the small and gorgeous, but often overlooked nation of Laos is finally ready to reinstate normality.

Similarly to its closest neighbors, namely Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia decided to fully abolish all health-related border mandates on December 28, in the lead up to the New Year – it turns out Kayak editors were right when they boldly claimed that 2023 would be a ‘comeback year‘ for Asia, after all…

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Entering Laos in 2023, Americans and all other incoming passengers will no longer be required to present a vaccination card, nor undergo testing prior to departure when failing to qualify as fully immunized. Additionally, all on-arrival and post-arrival testing policies applying to the latter group have been canceled, ending months of vaccine discrimination.

Lastly, there are no quarantine requirements upon arrival to Laos, as the country has done away with all special provisions pertaining to the health crisis that had remained in force throughout 2022. Effectively, we’re witnessing a return to 2019 entry guidelines, including the reinstatement of visa-waiver agreements and visas on-arrival.

Do Americans Need A Visa To Enter Laos?

In short, yes, but the visa application process couldn’t be simpler.

American citizens can travel to Laos without requesting a visa in advance, but they must apply for one upon landing at one of the authorized points of entry, such as the Wattay International Airport. Applications are made on-site and tourist visas are normally issued for 30 days for a fee of USD $35, though they may be extended for a further 60 days upon request.

Alternatively, U.S. passport holders are eligible to apply for an e-Visa before departure through the official website, in order to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport. Other than visa procedures and carrying a passport valid for at least six months, tourists are exempt from presenting any health declaration, or disclosing their vaccination status.

In sum, all of the below applies to international travelers arriving in Laos:
- No mandatory vaccination
- No pre-departure, on-arrival, or post-arrival testing
- No health declaration forms to be completed prior to flying
- No quarantine
Within the country, some Covid measures are still enforced, such as social distancing and mask wearing in certain premises, though the severity of requirements may vary across the country depending on infection levels. Once in Laos, foreigners are advised to follow all rules set out by local authorities, even when travel restrictions have been lifted.

Before the reopening, only fully vaccinated travelers were allowed to enter Laos test-free. The unvaccinated were required to undergo an ATK (Antigen) test 48 hours before departure. Since December 28, however, all travelers are treated equally irrespective of immunization status, nationality, and country of departure.

Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Despite its lack of sea access and colder temperatures, Laos is a Southeast Asian gem deserving of your attention. A mountainous territory rich in nature and famous for its distinct multi-cultural character, torn between centuries-old Buddhist traditions and the legacy of French colonialism, it can be a surprising, and rather unusual, cultural destination for 2023.

We like unusual.

Vientiane, the capital, is home to the That Luang monument, where Buddha’s breastbone is reportedly kept, French-inspired architecture and communist-era landmarks. Elsewhere in the tiny country, visitors will find grand waterfalls, river islands, elephant reserves, and a quaint, sparsely-populated countryside virtually unspoiled by mankind.

Lastly, Laos is a country packed with historical ruins and pilgrimage sites. One of the holiest is Wat Phu, a UNESCO-protected archaeological complex dating back to the 5th century and originally built as a Hindu temple. Today, it is open for tourists for a negligible fee of 50,000 LAK, or only US $2.88, and it is totally worth the two-and-a-half journey from Vientiane.

More information about tourist activities in Laos, as well as visa requirements, can be found here.

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December 30, 2022
Dominican Republic Sets New Tourism Record And Now Has Over 100 All Inclusive Resorts

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Following the trend of several other sunny destinations, the Dominican Republic has just set another all-time tourism record. In August of this year, the Dominican Republic welcomed over 620,000 tourists, shattering its previous 2019 record. World-renowned beaches spotted with luxury all inclusives keep visitors coming back to this Caribbean gem year after year.

How Much Has Tourism Grown?

The Dominican Republic – especially Punta Cana – is becoming a staple on every tropical traveler’s wish list. New resorts are constantly springing up, and visitor counts continue to outpace previous years. The last year before the pandemic, 2019, was the country’s biggest year ever for tourism. However, 2022 has consistently been bigger. Air arrivals from January through August 2019 amounted to 4,664,036 visitors. This year saw an increase of about 5.15%, with total air arrivals for the same months amounting to 4,904,160 visitors.

Who Is Visiting?

Americans are the biggest market for the Dominican Republic, followed by Canadians. From January to August of this year, about 1.64 million Americans have flown to the Dominican Republic, taking up a 38.4% share of all international air arrivals. In second place is Canada, which has sent just over 384,700 air arrivals to the country. Hotel occupancy rates have been high all year, with an average rate of 72.4% between January and July. July was the most-booked month, with a hotel occupancy rate of 77.4%.

What’s Special About The Dominican Republic?

The Resorts

The Dominican Republic draws many different types of travelers. One of the most popular ways people visit the country is by staying at an all-inclusive resort. Most of the popular resorts are located in Punta Cana, which, like Cancun, is becoming an area known for its incredible beaches and a vast range of all-inclusive resorts. The Dominican Republic is home to over 100 all inclusives, and Punta Cana claims over 70 of them.

Travel Off Path recently looked at Punta Cana all-inclusives from January 14^th through January 21^st to get an idea of average costs for this coming winter. We found that, on average, Punta Cana’s 4-star all-inclusives were $239 per night, and there were 5 properties available for the dates chosen. For 5-star all-inclusives, the average nightly price was $422 per night, and there were 63 properties available. Compared to another all-inclusive hotspot, Cancun, the prices are quite favorable.

The Beaches

Punta Cana’s beaches are not as developed as Cancun’s, but that’s not a criticism. Punta Cana offers a better chance of finding a secluded place along the beach to call your own for an afternoon. The most popular beach is Bavaro Beach, which gives travelers a chance to feel like they are walking right into a postcard due to its appeal to the eye. For travelers taking advantage of an all-inclusive property, there are endless options dotting the beaches in Punta Cana.

The Weather

Many travelers head to the Caribbean every year to escape the cold for a week or two over winter. Indeed, the Dominican Republic is the perfect escape, and the weather in the most popular region, Punta Cana, is ideal in January. The average temperature is 76.6°F (24.8°C), and there are typically only 11 days of rain. Likewise, the ocean is inviting at an average temperature of 80°F (27°C), and the sun dutifully shines over the clear-blue waters each day. It can get a bit humid, with an average humidity of 76%, but with a bit of shade and a cold drink, most travelers would never notice.

Getting There

Most travelers to the Dominican Republic fly into Punta Cana Airport. Presently, Punta Cana does not have quite as many direct flights as Cancun. Still, airlines are noticing Punta Cana’s increase in popularity and have begun offering more nonstop flights. As a result, for a getaway in January, twenty U.S. cities will fly directly to Punta Cana (PUJ). Canadians will have eight cities flying directly to PUJ. For more detailed information on which cities and airlines are flying directly to Punta Cana this winter, read more HERE.

The Dominican Republic is making a name for itself, and this country’s tourism sector will likely continue to grow every year. Punta Cana is a significant draw for tourists interested in visiting the country, but there are even more hotel hotspots in the works. Additionally, travelers interested in visiting can read about how Punta Cana compares to Cancun HERE.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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

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September 16, 2022
Canada And Australia Tourism Suffering As Many Countries Setting All Time Arrival Records

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The world has finally started to reopen this year, leading to some of the most intense travel demand ever seen. It’s made for a chaotic travel season, but it’s also meant that many countries and destinations are breaking tourism records. Croatia, Greece, Austria, Los Cabos, Cancun, and many other areas are smashing previous arrival records from before the pandemic. However, not all countries see the same tourism growth. Specifically, Canadian and Australian tourist arrivals are still much lower than pre-pandemic levels.

How Bad Is It?

Canada and Australia are both far below their pre-pandemic visitor counts, but Australia is the worst. Travel data shows Australian arrivals down by 65% when compared to pre-pandemic levels. Likewise, Canada is down by 31% compared to pre-pandemic levels when combining international air arrivals and land arrivals from the United States.

What’s The Hold-Up?

Many countries around the world began dropping all Covid requirements as early as March in order to bolster tourism efforts. Canada and Australia were much more cautious in their approach. Both countries have had some of the harshest rules and regulations regarding Covid. The countries only recently started to ease requirements. Australia is now completely reopen but has only been that way for about a month. The country dropped all of its Covid entry requirements in early July, making it one of the slowest tourist destinations to do so.

Canada is worse regarding entry requirements and lagging far behind the most developed countries, as it still has several strict rules in place. Unvaccinated travelers still cannot visit Canada without compelling reasons, such as a death in the family. However, even if unvaccinated travelers can gain entry to Canada, they will be subject to Covid testing and a mandatory 14-day quarantine. As other countries completely strip away all Covid rules, Canada’s approach seems draconian. Especially after the continued loosening of guidelines from the CDC.

Canadian Travel Woes

As if the strict measures weren’t bad enough, Canada has hit several other bumps on the road to tourism recovery. Most notably, Toronto Pearson International Airport is currently the worst airport in the world for flight delays. Between May 26^th and July 19^th, Pearson had 52.5% of their scheduled flights delayed. Travelers are aware of how bad delays and cancellations have been this summer, but Toronto Pearson takes the cake. If Covid entry requirements weren’t holding travelers off from a trip to Canada, the state of its largest airport certainly might be.

Another significant roadblock for travel to Canada is the ArriveCAN app. The app was initially intended to serve as a Covid-19 screening app for travelers to prove their vaccination status before arrival. Non-compliant travelers were subject to delays, a quarantine, or even a $5000 CAD fine. The app has received criticism for privacy concerns and numerous bugs that have made its use frustrating for travelers.

Recently the app glitched out and told vaccinated travelers that they had to quarantine or face a $5000 CAD fine. Many travelers are unaware of the app or may not even have a smartphone. This leads to further delays at border control as short-staffed border control workers have to take time away to walk travelers through the app.

The Bottom Line

Canada and Australia had some of the strictest responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and have been slow to ease Covid-era requirements. When compared to countries like Greece, which doesn’t even require travelers to quarantine after testing positive, Canada and Australia’s responses look especially harsh. Although Australia has reopened completely and Canada is partially open, travelers have not felt comfortable going back to these destinations.

Travelers may have lost trust in these destinations and fear getting caught up in the mix of freshly implemented travel restrictions on holiday. While many tourist destinations around the world continue to outpace previous arrival records, it looks like Canada and Australia will be waiting a long time for their recovery.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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

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August 18, 2022
New Tourist Train Connecting Cancun To Major Tourism Destinations Will Launch Next Year
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Maya Train Set To Connect The Yucatan Peninsula Like Never Before

An exciting new railway system is set to be unveiled in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in 2023 after the government removed roadblocks surrounding its development. The controversial project will connect the popular hub of Cancun with countless towns, cities, and sites around the region like never before.

Cancun, along with the likes of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is an incredibly popular destination for sun-seeking vacationers but suffers from a lack of connectivity with the wealth of cultural attractions in its surrounding area. The vast majority of visitors to the region have their sights set on an all-inclusive resort in the hotel zone and rarely venture out unless on an organized tour.

The new railway project, The Maya Train, is set to change all that. The sprawling 948-mile line will connect Cancun with the entire peninsula with ease, offering tourists and residents alike the chance to explore the region with independence, transforming the landscape for the industry. The line will pass through the states of Quintana Roo, Yucutan, Chiapas, Campeche, and Tabasco.

If estimates are correct, tourists will now be connected with as many as 190 individual cultural sites, archeological zones, or tourist attractions. 46 Mayan sites will be accessible, as well as 14 of Mexico’s “Magical Towns,” which are villages or towns noted for their cultural significance or beauty.

The final product will be a large loop with two offshoots to reach destinations slightly further out and will feature twenty individual train stations at strategic points around the peninsula.

Tourists can expect the typical big names to all have their own station. Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos, all the major beach destinations, will be connected along their short strip of the Mexican Caribbean coast, opening the opportunity for resort loyalists to try a quick trip to another town with ease.

More exciting is the new kind of travel experience it will provide regular visitors and new ones alike. Cancun is generally avoided by cultural tourists due to the lack of historic sites in the immediate vicinity and the emphasis on luxury and resort life. When the system is completed, travelers will now be able to visit the likes of Merida, recently named one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Merida highlights a drastically different experience from the beachside resorts, offering a chance to try more local food, understand the colonial history of the area, and move at a different pace than the hotel zones.

There’s also a stop for the world-famous Mayan ruin, Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world. Previously, if visitors to Cancun or Tulum had intended to visit the site, the easiest way would have been to book an organized tour or rent a car. The train simplifies the accessibility issues of visiting, adding to the value of a stay anywhere in the peninsula.

Other interesting stops on the line include often neglected Quintana Roo capital Chetumal and several other lesser-known inland towns.

The project hasn’t been without its controversies, however, and dissenters have successfully stalled its construction several times. Environmentalists and historians have scorned the seemingly rushed development of the Maya Train. Many claim the construction in some areas is bulldozing through valuable undiscovered Mayan archeology zones, destroying pieces of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Those protecting the environment are concerned about underground caverns and cenotes that will be destroyed in the process. Many of these caves were also sacred places for the Mayan civilization and could also be valuable archeology sites. Others have highlighted the destruction of rainforest areas in the region.

Mexico’s government is often accused for cutting corners for financial benefit, and it appears to have wrangled its way around any further roadblocks by declaring the project a “National Security Project,” which grants it priority over some of the cultural discrepancies that have been brought to light.

If all goes to plan, the train linee should be functional by the end of 2023, although it is likely it may be extended into 2024 along with Tulum’s new airport.

A full list of the intended Maya Train Stations are listed below:
- Palenque
- Tenosique
- Balancan
- Escárcega
- San Francisco de Campeche
- Mérida, Izamal
- Chichén Itzá
- Valladolid
- Cobá
- Cancún
- Puerto Morelos
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto
- Bacalar
- Calakmul
- El Triunfo
- Boca Del Cerro
- Xpujil
- Nuevo Xsan
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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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July 21, 2022
5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In Africa Open For Tourism
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Still relatively unexplored by Westerners, Africa is perhaps the most underrated continent in the world. From its Pacific to Indian Coasts, the cradle of humanity is brimming with culture and ready to be re-discovered following two years Covid.

Unlike several well-known destinations in Asia or the Caribbean, which still impose stricter travel rules, others in Africa, which are just as paradisiac, are welcoming U.S. travelers with open arms and very simple entry requirements.

Here you will find 5 off the beaten path destinations in the African continent which are currently open for American, Canadian, and British visitors, whether testing or vaccination is needed for entry, and most importantly: what these unheard-of countries have to offer.

Cape Verde

Looking for spotless beaches with the clearest of waters, luxury resorts that are much more affordable than similar beach retreats in the Maldives or Cancun, and a warm tropical climate all year-round? Cape Verde might be that dream destination you never knew you needed.

An archipelago off the Western coast of Africa, this country is steeped in History, owing its dual European-African identity to its strong links to Portugal, and featuring several island getaways vacationers can pick from, including the tourist hotspots of Sal and Boa Vista.

Covid Entry Requirements For Cape Verde

When it comes to Covid entry requirements, Cape Verde is noticeably one of the easiest countries to visit in the African continent right now. In order to enter, Americans need to fill out a Travel Form in advance and present only one of the following documents:
- A vaccination certificate certifying full immunization with all required doses of an approved vaccination scheme;
- A recovery letter dated no earlier than 90 days prior to departure;
- A negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of flying;
- A negative Rapid Antigen test result obtained 48 hours before flying.
Once in Cape Verde, other than regular temperature checks at the airport, visitors are not required to undergo further testing or observe quarantine, being able to enjoy their time in the sun worries-free. On the other hand, presenting Covid documents may be necessary for inter-island travel.

Mozambique

Like Cape Verde, Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony and a nation boasting incredible wildlife, beaches, and marine parks. Straddling the Indian Ocean coast, this hidden gem is just as intriguing as its neighbor South Africa, but without the usual crowds of tourists.

Here you can visit the Quirimbas Archipelago, comprising 250km of coral islands, explore the impressive ruins of Ibo, an island owing much of its History to the Portuguese colonial period, or then just relax at quieter beaches such as Tofo.

Covid Entry Requirements For Mozambique

While Mozambique does not require proof of vaccination to enter, it also does not differentiate between existing categories of travelers, expecting all incoming passengers to present proof of a negative PCR test, issued up to 72 hours prior to travel.

U.S. citizens also require a visa to visit Mozambique, which is issued upon arrival. Travelers are advised to contact Mozambican authorities in order to obtain more information on visa fees, which may vary depending on the duration of their stay. In summary, they must carry:
- A negative PCR test result issued up to 72 hours prior to traveling;
- A return ticket;
- An accommodation booking.
Despite the availability of visas on arrival, the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique advises Americans to obtain their visas in advance from the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, noting that some ‘U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not having obtained the proper type of visa in advance’.

Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago country in the Indian ocean, off the Eastern coast of Africa, and one of the most developed nations in the whole continent. Its small capital, Victoria, offers a more relaxed city break, while the Morne Seychellois National Park allows visitors to get back in touch with nature.

Boat trips are also a common activity across the Seychellois islands, which are famous for water activities and some of the most beautiful secret beaches in Africa. When visiting, travelers are likely to land in Mahé, the main island, and the country’s most important hub.

Covid Entry Requirements For Seychelles

As of March 15, 2022, fully vaccinated visitors no longer need to take Covid tests before traveling to Seychelles. If more than six months have passed since completion of a primary vaccination scheme, they must have received a booster in order to continue being eligible to bypass testing.`

Other travelers are also welcome, though they may have to undergo testing prior to flying, especially those who are unvaccinated and have not had Covid in the year preceding travel. Generally, travelers must select one of the Covid proofs of entry below:
- A vaccination certificate dated less than 6 months;
- A booster dose;
- A recovery certificate dated less than a year prior to travel;
- A negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel;
- A negative Rapid Antigen test in under 24 hours.
Tanzania

Tanzania is yet another surprising destination in Southeastern Africa, cornered between snowy peaks to the North, the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to the West, Mozambique to the South, and the Indian Ocean to the East.

It is home to the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in all of Africa, and the autonomous island of Zanzibar, which features the UNESCO-listed Stone City. Classical African safaris and wildlife observation are also popular activities among visitors.

Covid Entry Requirements For Tanzania

Tanzania is open for tourism.

Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid are exempt from all kinds of testing before and after arrival to Tanzania, but they must be able to present a valid certificate with a readable QR code upon landing. This means U.S. citizens who only hold a physical CDC card may face further challenges.

Alternatively, those who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate can enter by presenting either a negative RT-PCR or NAAT test result. The test must be performed within 72 hours of departure and presented at the border upon landing. Thus, Americans are advised to hold either a:
- Digital vaccination certificate with a QR code; or a
- Negative PCR or NAAT test result performed 72 hours prior to flying.
São Tomé and Principe

An island-country located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Principe has been made famous for its striking nature, which includes unique rock formations and an abundance of rainforests. As another former colony of Portugal, its cities also feature traditional Portuguese architecture.

Beach lovers will also inevitably fall in love with the country, which boasts miles of pristine coastline. Some of its most famous attractions are the Rolas Island, a small island with turquoise water beaches, the Cão Grande peak, which is a major national landmark, and the Blue Lagoon.

Covid Entry Requirements For São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Principe has some of the easiest Covid entry requirements on this list. All are welcome irrespective of vaccination status, though all travelers must undergo testing prior to departure. Once through the border, Americans are free to explore the islands unrestricted.

In sum, they must present a single document:
- A negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of traveling.
Whether it’s unexpected beach breaks, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the Saharan drylands, or city-hopping across different nations, there is surely no shortage of landmarks to be visited in Africa.

As more countries in this continent reopen for tourism, Americans are advised to follow official CDC guidance ahead of making travel plans, and ensure they are covered for any Covid-related eventualities while abroad.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

5 Alternatives to the Classic African Safari Trip

10 Non Stop International Flight Routes You Can Take From The U.S. This Year

U.S. State Department Issues 28 New Travel Advisories

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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 9, 2022
India Opens For Tourism Allowing International Flights and Restoring E-Visas
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India became the latest country this week to start the process of welcoming back tourists. After two long years, the South Asian nation has now reopened for international commercial flights and tourists can apply for a visa or an e-visa to visit for non-essential reasons.

The Indian government also announced this week that it would be lifting the travel restrictions that have been in place since March of 2020, in order to revive its heavy-hit tourism industry.

Here’s what we know so far about India’s tourism reopening.

India’s Ongoing Flight Ban Removed On March 27th

As of March 27, 2022, India’s ongoing ban on international flights has been removed and the country is now welcoming international commercial flights carrying passengers for non-essential and tourism-based travel. This is the last step that was needed for India to begin fully reopening for international tourism.

Over the past two years, flights in India were operating under an air travel bubble model. With this system, flights carrying travelers from a number of destinations were banned from crossing the country’s borders.

Following the removal of this week’s flight ban, major flight routes between Dubai and the destinations of New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have been given the go-ahead.

According to an official for India’s Director General of Civil Aviation, over 60 international airlines serving travelers from 41 countries across the globe will resume weekly flight services to major destinations throughout India. There are also plans to ramp up flights on Virgin Atlantic between London and New Delhi by June 2022.

More International Flights Means Shift To Full Reopening Of International Tourism To India

Officials in India started easing travel entry requirements in early 2022. In February of this year, the country dropped the mandatory quarantine and testing on arrival for fully vaccinated travelers.

Despite the easing of some entry restrictions, there was still an international flight ban in place which meant that tourist numbers remained very low throughout the country.

Updated Entry Requirements For Travelers To India

Under the new guidance, vaccinated as well as unvaccinated travelers from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and more can travel to India for non-essential reasons.

Here are the current entry requirements for all travelers to India:
- All passengers aged 5 and over must fill out the official self-declaration health form at the Air Suvidha portal at least 72 hours before departure.
- Unvaccinated travelers can enter quarantine-free if they have a negative Covid PCR test result taken no later than 72 hours from travel.
- Fully vaccinated travelers (a full course of a two-dose or one-dose vaccine) are exempt from pre-departure testing requirements
- Testing requirements don’t apply to travelers under the age of 5
- All international travelers to India might be subject to a random Covid test upon arrival, but this will be a rare occurrence.
India’s E-Visa Program Also Restored

Now, tourists with a visa or an e-visa can travel to India for non-essential purposes.

On top of the easing of entry restrictions and the removal of the flight ban, the Indian government has restored its 5-year tourist e-visa program which they suspended in March 2020.

India will restart its ten-year visa program for US tourists and they will also allow Japanese tourists to apply for a ten-year tourist visa. You can learn more about India’s travel visa program here.

CDC Travel Advisory For India

In its weekly travel update on Tuesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its health advisory for India from High (Level 3) to Low (Level 1).

You can find out more information about the rules and guidelines for India’s reopening on their official tourism website.

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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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March 31, 2022