As the world enters the post-Covid-19 phase, many countries and territories are simultaneously loosening restrictions and moving towards completely removing regulations, to open their doors to welcome international visitors back.
Cambodia
On March 17, the Cambodian Ministry of Health decided to waive the requirement to present a negative PCR test result for SARS-CoV-2 virus within 72 hours and exempt rapid Covid-19 testing for visitors entering Cambodia. Along with that, the authorities will re-issue entry visas to all international tourists, including those traveling by air, road and water.
However, the Cambodian Ministry of Health still encourages all visitors to self-test. In addition, all passengers must present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate upon arrival in Cambodia. If the entrant has not been fully vaccinated, they must quarantine for 14 days at a location designated by the Ministry of Health or a competent Cambodian authority.
Tourists visit Ta Phrom temple, part of Angkor Wat. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN)
Thailand
At a meeting on March 18, Kiattiphum Wongrajit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, said the Thai government plans to relax regulations for international tourists coming to the country. This is one of four steps to turn Covid-19 into an endemic disease.
Accordingly, for visitors coming under the Test & Go program, the mandatory regulations on presenting a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before entry will be abolished. Visitors to Thailand will only be required to take a PCR test upon entry and a rapid test after 5 days. The compulsory insurance value that visitors need to buy will be reduced from 50,000 USD to 10,000 USD.
Thailand tourism. (Photo: Internet)
Korea
On March 11, the Korean government announced that vaccinated foreign visitors will be exempt from quarantine upon entry and will not need a negative Covid-19 test certificate. Visitors only need documents proving that they have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization, between 14 and 180 days before entry, or have received the third dose.
However, the announcement also stated that citizens from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Myanmar will not be eligible for this new policy.
UAE
Fully vaccinated travelers to Abu Dhabi, UAE do not need to be tested before departure, and can get a free PCR test upon landing. While traveling in UAE, travelers need to update their vaccination certificate on the Alhosn app to enter shopping malls, restaurants...
International tourists to the UAE. (Photo: Getty)
Maldives
Currently, visitors, whether vaccinated or not, do not need to present a negative Covid-19 test result when entering the Maldives and can freely travel between islands in the Maldives. However, visitors must still complete a travel health declaration within 48 hours before flying. The government also encourages PCR testing on the third or fifth day after entry.
Jordan
Since March, people entering Jordan have no longer needed to undergo PCR testing before arrival or upon arrival. However, visitors are still required to wear masks and practice social distancing when using public transport and in outdoor spaces.
Slovenia
Slovenia is the fourth country in the world to lift all entry requirements, allowing foreign visitors to enter as they did before the pandemic. Slovenia’s RVT (recovered/vaccinated/tested) program has been suspended at the border as well as within the country. Now, visitors will no longer need to present a negative test result, proof of recent recovery, or a vaccination certificate to enter the country. Museums, restaurants, resorts, and other activities have also reopened without proof of Covid-19.
However, although Slovenia has removed most Covid-19 related restrictions, wearing masks is still mandatory at indoor public events/activities.
Bee tourism in Slovenia. (Photo: Internet)
Older brother
From 4:00 a.m. on March 18 (local time),UK does not require Covid-19 testing before and after entry, no need to fill out an entry form and no need to quarantine. This new regulation applies to everyone, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.
Norway
All entry requirements have been lifted. As well as lifting all entry requirements, Norway has also lifted all domestic restrictions on masks, quarantine periods and vaccine passports. Bars, restaurants and museums are open and you can attend all types of events, such as concerts and conferences.
Iceland & Ireland
From February 25, Iceland removed all regulations on epidemic prevention upon entry, no longer requiring PCR test papers before boarding a plane, at the airport or quarantine, as well as vaccination certificates.
Ireland has also lifted Covid-19 restrictions, including vaccinations.
Thousands of tourists witness a volcanic eruption in Iceland. (Photo: AFP)
Romania
On March 9, Romania lifted all Covid-19-related entry requirements at its borders and within the country. Tourists will no longer need to present a negative test result or proof of vaccination to enter the country.
Face masks remain mandatory when traveling within the country, but vaccine passports and other procedures such as restrictions on the number of people have been scrapped.
Other countries and territories that do not require quarantine or a negative Covid-19 test: El Salvador, Mexico, Bahrain, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Montenegro, Curaçao, Aruba, Mongolia, Moldova, France, Canada.
