The Travel Emporium

12/05/2023

17/04/2022

He is Risen ! Alleluia! ! Wishing you a Blessed Resurrection Sunday ! May Our Risen Lord always fill our hearts with hope and joy and love 🙏🏻 ❤️ 🙏🏻

07/01/2022

France is the latest country in Europe to reopen to South African travellers following a ban imposed in late November.

06/01/2022

MAURITIUS TRAVEL BAN LIFTED !

TRAVEL BAN LIFTED
6 January 2022
As of Friday 7 January 2022, the Covid-19 travel ban imposed by the Republic of Mauritius on the
Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and
Zambia will be lifted and commercial passenger flights from these countries to Mauritius can resume.
Travellers are requested to get in touch with airlines and tour operators to confirm availability of
flights, as well as the necessary Covid-19 protocols to follow. Full details of Covid-19 entry
requirements and safety protocols are online: www.mauritiusnow.com
“We are very pleased that South Africans can once again travel to Mauritius. The Covid-19 has placed
significant pressure on all nations to do the right thing and we thank South Africans and the South
African travel industry for their patience in this regard,” says Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius
Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
The Mauritian health authorities are continuing to implement a wide-ranging COVID-19 response and
are presently prioritising the rollout of booster doses for those who are already double vaccinated.
The vaccination of 15 to 18-year-old is also well underway.
The health authorities remain confident in their ability to manage the recent increase in infection
rates and will continue to follow world-leading scientific advice in this regard.
“Sanitary protocols throughout the Mauritius hospitality industry remain at the very highest
standards, ensuring that the local community and international guests are afforded maximum
protection from the virus. Visitors can book holidays to Mauritius with a high degree of confidence
that their trips will be enjoyable, safe, and secure,” says Arvind

Want to discover Mauritius Now? Find the latest news, travel advice and Mauritius holiday inspiration from MTPA, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

21/12/2021

Christmas in Venice 🇮🇹 🎅 🎄

20/12/2021

Christmas in Canada 🇨🇦 ⭐️🎄

Christmas in Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦🎄❄

📷

18/12/2021

Christmas in Ireland 🇮🇪 🎄 ❄️

18/12/2021

Christmas in George , South Africa 🇿🇦 🎄⭐️

15/12/2021

DAILY TRAVEL NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA / UNITED KINGDOM: UK removes African countries from red list
The UK Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, announced that all 11 African countries would be removed from Britain’s red list last night (December 14), Travel News reports.

The removal from the red list is effective from 04h00 GMT today (December 15). Any traveller returning, or arriving, from any of those 11 countries will no longer have to isolate in a government-approved quarantine hotel for two weeks at the cost of £2 285 (R48 700).

The temporary testing measures for everyone arriving in the UK will remain for now, including taking COVID-19 tests within 48 hours prior to departure and PCR tests within two days of their arrival.
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UNITED KINGDOM: UK testing requirement to remain
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has tweeted that all current testing requirements remain in place for now “and will be reviewed in the first week of January”.

Before the onset of the Omicron variant, Aviation and Maritime Minister Robert Courts had said a review of regulations could come before Christmas, but this is no longer applicable, says TTG Media.
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ENGLAND: COVID pass starts in England
Adults in England must from today (December 15) show a COVID-19 pass to enter nightclubs, big sports matches and other large events.

The Commons also backed the continuation of mandatory mask-wearing in most indoor settings, according to the BBC.
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ITALY: Italy to extend state of emergency
The Italian government is expected to extend its COVID-19 state of emergency until March 31, 2022 as it debated further health measures last night (December 14).

While the draft could yet be amended, the legislation would mean an extension to current rules on the use of the ‘green pass’ health certificate and the country’s four-tiered system of health measures with regions classified as white, yellow, orange and red risk zones, The Local It reports.
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RUSSIA: Russia retracts unpopular COVID restrictions
Russian authorities will not introduce some of the restrictions for the unvaccinated that were announced a month ago.

The regulations would have restricted access to domestic and international flights and trains to those who have been fully vaccinated, have recently recovered from COVID-19, or are medically exempt from vaccination, ABC News says.
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ITALY / MAURITIUS / GREENLAND: CDC updates advisories as cases increase
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday (December 13) put Greenland, Italy and Mauritius on its ‘Level 4: COVID-19 Very High’ list, meaning they each have case rates of more than 500 per 100 000 people.

The CDC advises against travel to all countries designated under this list of more than 80 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Ukraine, South Africa and Russia.

The travel warning comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across Europe, UPI reports.
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BRAZIL: Brazil on track to mandate vax proof for visitors
A Supreme Court justice in Brazil has ruled that all travellers arriving in the country must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

The decision challenges a more lenient rule supported by President Jair Bolsonaro, who opposes mandatory immunisation against COVID-19.

The ruling must be reviewed by the 11 judges of the Supreme Court next week, according to Aljazeera.
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NORTHERN IRELAND: Northern Ireland COVID passports enforceable
Hospitality venues in Northern Ireland must now check for proof of COVID-19 vaccination or face fines of up to £10 000 (R212 500).

The vaccination passport system is enforceable to “help limit the transmission of COVID-19 in higher risk settings”, and affects pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, says TravelMole.

Travelinfo © Copyright 2021

14/12/2021

Follow our live update for the latest news and analysis of Covid-19 from South Africa and around the world.

14/12/2021

Christmas at Disney Land 🇺🇸🥰🕯🇺🇸

10/12/2021

DAILY TRAVEL NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA: SA weighs risks of stricter lockdown
South Africa’s government is weighing the risks that a stricter lockdown might pose to the economy as it considers tightening restrictions to curb surging coronavirus infections, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele says.

The authorities were monitoring hospital admissions before any decision was taken on what new measures to introduce, Gungubele told reporters yesterday (December 9).

The Presidency has yet to set a date when President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation again, Business Tech reports.
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UNITED KINGDOM: UK restrictions could be rolled back 'very quickly'
Sajid Javid, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has hinted the government could very quickly remove its curbs on travel, according to TTG Media.

He told the Commons on Wednesday (December 8) that if the Omicron variant of COVID-19, "as is expected", becomes the dominant strain of COVID, "there will be less need to have any kind of travel restrictions at all".
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GERMANY: Germany issues minor travel update
Germans can still visit South Africa, the country stated yesterday (December 9). It is just South Africans who cannot, with a very small set of exceptions, still visit Germany, Business Insider confirms.

The statement was described as an "update on the German travel restrictions" that came "following many inquiries by press and public".

Lufthansa continues to fly to South Africa, and "German tourists may travel to South Africa and continue to do so", said the German Embassy in Pretoria in a statement.
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AUSTRIA: Austria to reopen for most tourists
Austria is set to end its temporary ban on tourism to the country after Monday (December 13). The lockdown has been in place since November 22, says Travel Off Path.

To enter Austria, tourists must show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID, or a COVID PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling to the country. Those with proof of vaccination or recovery are not required to show a PCR test.

However, there is still a travel ban on arrivals from South Africa.
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NEW YORK: NYC restricts unvaxxed from age 5
Children aged 5-11, along with adults, will now be asked for proof of a full COVID vaccination before being allowed into locations in New York City, including restaurants and cinemas, from Tuesday (December 14), Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced.

Although, unlike adults at the moment, only one shot will be required, says the Independent.
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SOUTH AFRICA: State of disaster extended again
The South African Government has again extended the state of disaster.

It will now expire on January 15, 2022, the 19th extension since it was initially declared at the end of March 2020, News24 reports.

This comes while a decision has not yet been taken by Government on imposing a vaccine mandate.
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SOUTH AFRICA: SA approves Pfizer booster shot
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority has approved the third Pfizer COVID vaccine booster dose for people over the age of 18.

The booster jab is to be administered at least six months after individuals have received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, Business Tech says.

A third dose of the Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine in individuals aged 12 years and older, who are severely immunocompromised, is to be administered at least 28 days after the individual’s final vaccine dose.
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COLOMBIA: Colombia announces new entry requirements
From December 14, all arrivals in Colombia must show proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test result taken no later than 72 hours prior to travel, according to Travel Off Path.

Travellers must have received their final vaccine dose within 14 days of departure. Any traveller who cannot show proof of vaccination must show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

Travelinfo © Copyright 2021

10/12/2021

Christmas in France 🇫🇷 🎄⭐️

09/12/2021

DAILY TRAVEL NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA / CAMBODIA: Cambodia lifts ban on African countries
Cambodia has lifted its entry ban, imposed on November 29, for passengers arriving from 10 African countries – Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe – and passengers who have visited these countries in the last 14 days.

Arrivals from these countries must still take a rapid antigen test. If the result is positive, they must take a PCR test.

All foreign travellers must quarantine for seven days on arrival and 14 days if unvaccinated, says Business Standard.
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UNITED KINGDOM: UK moves to COVID ‘Plan B’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday (December 8) confirmed that England would move to ‘Plan B’ following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.

From tomorrow (December 10), face coverings will become compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship, the UK government website confirms.

From December 15, and subject to parliamentary approval, the NHS Covid Pass will become mandatory for entry into nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather – including unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4 000 or more attendees and any event with 10 000 or more attendees.
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INDIA: India updates int’l travel rules
International passengers travelling to India will now need to declare their current health status on the Air Suvidha portal before boarding their flight.

Passengers must submit a copy of their passport, vaccination certificate, and RT-PCR negative test conducted within 72 hours of departure.

Those travelling from ‘at-risk’ countries must also undergo a test on arrival, Times of India reports.
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EUROPE: EU mulls mandating pre-departure tests
Pre-departure COVID-19 testing may soon become obligatory throughout the EU Member States for inbound travellers, including those vaccinated and those who have recovered from the virus, according to Schengen Visa Info.

The move, already adopted by the UK, has been strongly criticised by Iata, which claims it is against the EU guidance.
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ITALY: Italy tightens restrictions for all travellers
Officials in Italy this week unveiled a new ‘Super Green Pass’ system, which is in place from December 6-January 15.

The new pass tightens restrictions on any unvaccinated persons in higher-risk regions of the country, says Travel Off Path.

This Super Green Pass will give holders – who must be fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID within the last six months – access to non-essential services in parts of the country.

However, people will have to take a test every 48 hours (and have a negative result) in order to keep their Green Pass.
The Green Pass will now expire after nine months, reduced from the previous 12 months.
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HAWAII: Extreme weather conditions hit Hawaii
Hawaii has been hit by a potent storm this week, causing snow, flooding and winds of nearly 145km/h, the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane.

A blizzard warning and a state of emergency were declared on Monday (December 6).

According to the National Weather Service office in Honolulu, Nene Cabin and Keaumo in Hawaii County have received the most rainfall in the state.

On the roads near the dormant volcano Mauna Kea, the highest peak in the state, up to 20cm of snow has been recorded, says eTurboNews.
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ENGLAND: Work continues at Gatwick Airport rail station
Work at the rail station at one of the UK’s busiest airports, Gatwick, is due to enter the next stage today (December 8) to construct a second concourse above existing platforms.

Work is already under way to widen platforms and improve access to the terminal. When work is complete, the station will also have more escalators, lifts and stairs.

Work on the new facility is scheduled to take until 2023, TTG Media reports.
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BERMUDA: Bermuda changes testing requirements
The Bermuda Tourism Authority has announced the first significant easing of COVID-19 border restrictions since the island reopened in July 2020.

Rapid antigen testing has been added as an approved option for pre-arrival testing of vaccinated travellers, according to Travel Agent Central. All travellers to Bermuda are also still required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival.

Travelinfo © Copyright 2021

08/12/2021

CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
https://fb.watch/9M6SiPJr4X/🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

07/12/2021

Christmas in the USA 🇺🇸 ⭐️ 🎄

07/12/2021

DAILY TRAVEL NEWS

UNITED KINGDOM: UK to review COVID restrictions
A review of the UK’s COVID restrictions will take place as early as next week, Downing Street sources have said.

The Sun quotes insiders saying Boris Johnson will bring forward his update on the Omicron variant from the original December 18 date.

Ministers will break the cycle of three-week updates to reassure the country as they are allegedly worried the public will lose trust if they have to make another last-minute change to Christmas celebrations.
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ITALY: Italy tightens curbs on unvaxxed
Italy tightened curbs yesterday (December 6) on unvaccinated people, limiting their access to indoor seating at bars and restaurants, museums, cinemas, clubs and sporting events.

A basic green health pass, available to the unvaccinated but only if they have had a negative COVID-19 test within the past 48 hours, is still valid for all workers.

The basic pass is now mandated for all public transport, reports Reuters. There is a €400 (R7 000) fine for those without the pass.
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PORTUGAL: Portugal enters ‘state of calamity’, tightens restrictions
Portugal has tightened passenger entry requirements and mandated masks indoors as the country enters a ‘state of calamity’, according to the Independent.

The crisis declaration, Portugal's second this year, is one step below a state of emergency and gives the government the legal authority to impose stricter measures without parliamentary approval.

Individuals must show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, or a negative virus test, to enter restaurants, cinemas, gyms and hotels. Nightclubs, hospitals, nursing homes and sports venues also require negative tests, even from those who are vaccinated.
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HAWAII: State of emergency in Hawaii ahead of flooding
The Hawaiian islands could experience "catastrophic flooding" from a storm system lasting until the end of today (December 7), according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Rainfall amounts of 25-38cm are anticipated, with isolated areas of 50-63cm possible, CNN reports.

Hawaii Governor David Ige declared a state of emergency yesterday (December 6) due to the heavy rains, which he said were “anticipated to continue to cause flooding damage to public and private property”.
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FRANCE: France further restricts all nations
France has increased COVID-19 entry restrictions. Arrivals from outside the EU must now provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival and show proof of vaccination.

Gabriel Attal, a spokesperson for the French government, told Bloomberg, “We are getting more worried by the day.”

France will also require a negative test from all travellers inside the EU. EU travellers will need to provide a negative PCR or antigen test within 24 hours of arrival in France instead of 48 hours.

Additionally, from December 15, anyone who received a shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine must prove they’ve received a booster jab.
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WESTERN CAPE: Weather warning for Western Cape
The Western Cape has been hit by heavy rain and wind, resulting in several road closures, including Meiringspoort – which was still not open yesterday (December 5) – and Swartberg Pass.

In George, several road closures were in place yesterday, with the municipality advising residents to stay at home if possible, News24 reports.

The South African Weather Service has released an orange warning for flooding in areas along the Garden Route, in the Klein Karoo and Overberg.

"Certain communities may be cut off and inaccessible. Large amounts of small hail causing slippery roads may be expected, which can contribute to increased vehicle accidents," the warning said.

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UNITED KINGDOM: UK reintroduces pre-departure testing
Starting tomorrow (December 7), the UK will further tighten its entry requirements for foreign travellers, including those coming from non-red-listed countries.

All international travellers aged 12 and over, regardless of vaccination status, will need to provide proof of a negative pre-departure test – either PCR or lateral flow – taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure.

Airlines will be responsible for checking that travellers have their negative pre-departure tests, along with their completed passenger locator forms, and no one will be permitted to board a UK-bound flight without one, says Travel Pulse.
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INDONESIA: Villages buried after Indonesian volcano erupts
A huge cloud of hot ash engulfed villages on the Indonesian island of Java on Saturday (December 4) when Mt Semeru erupted.

Fourteen people are known to have died and dozens were injured, emergency authorities have said.

Rescuers in the district of Lumajang are searching for survivors amid the devastation, according to the BBC.

Travelinfo © Copyright 2021

06/12/2021

DAILY TRAVEL NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA / SWITZERLAND: Vaxxed SAs may now enter Switzerland
Switzerland no longer obliges vaccinated travellers from all countries – even from its red list of high-risk countries – to quarantine on arrival.

However, unvaccinated third-country nationals entering the Schengen area from countries or regions at risk will be refused entry to Switzerland for short-term stays (tourism and VFR) without gainful employment of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days – apart from certain exceptions (hardship cases).

Travellers will now need to take a second PCR or rapid antigen test between the fourth and seventh day after their arrival in Switzerland, at their own cost.

Rapid antigen test results will now only be valid for 24 hours rather than 48 hours, says Travel News.
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ZAMBIA: Quarantine on arrival in Zambia
According to a recent notice on the website of the Zambia Ministry of Health, all entrants into Zambia coming from countries where there are cases of Omicron have to undergo 10 days of quarantine on arrival.

Returning citizens, residents and permit-holders may quarantine at home, but non-residents are required to quarantine in designated quarantine centres, at their own cost.
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SOUTH AFRICA / CANADA: Canadians can return home from SA
Canada announced on Saturday (December 4) that it would allow Canadians to return home from South Africa if they had a negative molecular test taken within two days of departure, and leave on flights transiting through Frankfurt on or before December 13, CBC reports.

They must also have a molecular test on arrival and wait for results at a designated hotel. Negative results mean that travellers must quarantine for 14 days at home and take another test on day eight.
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: US int’l travel testing rules take effect
New rules requiring international air travellers arriving in the US to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within one day of travel took effect at 00h01 (December 6), according to Reuters.

Under previous rules, vaccinated international air travellers could present a negative test result obtained within three days of their day of departure. Unvaccinated travellers have always needed to provide a negative COVID-19 test within one day of departure.
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UNITED KINGDOM: UK has no plans to mandate vax
The UK has no plans to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory, after German leaders backed a move to restrict people choosing not to get the jab, reports the Independent.

Austria has already announced that it will make vaccinations compulsory from February, while Greece is planning to fine over-60s who refuse to get the jab.
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SOUTH AFRICA / GAUTENG: Gauteng in fourth wave - NICD
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says Gauteng will officially be in the COVID-19 fourth wave today (December 3).

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says the National Coronavirus Command Council will meet soon to decide whether to implement additional lockdown restrictions, News24 reports.

"Nationally, we are seeing a sustained increase in all provinces except the Northern Cape,” says Michelle Groome, head of Public Health Surveillance and Response at the NICD.
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: US to extend mask mandate
US President Joe Biden will extend a requirement for travellers to wear masks on aircraft, trains and buses and at airports and transit stations, until mid-March, according to The New York Times.

The mandate was originally set to expire on January 18.
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: CDC expands surveillance at airports
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding surveillance efforts at four international airports across the US, says Travel Pulse.

The agency will be assisted by testing service, XpresCheck, at terminals in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, four of the busiest international airports in the country.

"This programme allows for increased COVID testing for specific international arrivals, increasing our capacity to identify those with COVID-19 on arrival to the United States and enhancing our surveillance for the Omicron variant," CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky explained.

Travelinfo © Copyright 2021

03/12/2021

DAILY TRAVEL NEWS

ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe – quarantine update
New restrictions for entry to Zimbabwe apply to all travellers and are effective immediately. Vaccination does not feature in the regulations.

PCR testing at Robert Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Nkomo International Airport and Victoria Falls international Airport upon arrival is now mandatory. The Health Ministry says it will establish airport PCR testing laboratories, and the PCR test will be done for a nominal fee, yet to be gazetted.

Those who test negative must quarantine for 10 days at a site determined by the government, while those who test positive must quarantine for 14 days.

PCR testing is not required for children under five years one month (61 months) old, Travel News reports.
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GERMANY: Germany further restricts the unvaxxed
Under new rules in Germany, those wishing to go to bars and restaurants, or shop anywhere but in stores carrying basic necessities — like pharmacies or grocery stores — have to present proof of vaccination or documentation of recovery from COVID-19.

Some of those restrictions have been in effect already in some states. The agreement set a uniform nationwide standard yesterday (December 2), according to The New York Times.
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IRELAND: Ireland mandates testing for entry
In new regulations posted on the Irish government website on Wednesday (December 1), “all arrivals will need a negative or not detected” COVID-19 test to enter.

Those vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 can present a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival, or a PCR test no more than 72 hours old. Unvaccinated arrivals must present only a PCR test up to 72 hours old rather than an antigen test.
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: US issues December travel advisories
The US State Department has issued 10 new travel advisories for December in addition to the eight African countries that were issued ‘Level 4’ warnings on November 30.

Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago, Timor-Leste, Poland, Papua New Guinea and Niger were handed ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ advisories.

St Lucia, Guyana, Guinea-Bissau, French Polynesia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica and Bermuda all received ‘Level 3’ warnings, while Djibouti, Benin and Argentina were classified as ‘Level 2’.

The British Virgin Islands and Senegal were each handed a ‘Level 1’ warning level, says Travel Off Path.
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Aged 60 and unvaxxed? – postpone travel
The World Health Organization has advised people 60 and older who are not vaccinated or have not previously had COVID-19 to postpone travelling "to areas with community transmission", citing the spread of the Omicron variant, says CBS News.

According to the WHO, essential international travellers should be prioritised during the pandemic, while other travellers should aim "to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, to get vaccinated when it is their turn and to adhere to public health and social measures at all times and regardless of vaccination status".
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: US ban is 'temporary' to 'buy time to prepare'
US restrictions on travel from southern Africa because of the Omicron variant would be temporary, Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said yesterday (December 1) after health officials identified the first US case of the virus.

The travel ban will not prevent infected people from arriving "but we needed to buy some time to be able to prepare," he said. “We look at this as a temporary measure. We’re really very early in the process.”

Omicron has a larger number of mutations, around 50, than any other variant. The mutations have been associated with increased transmissibility and immune evasion, while other effects are unknown, Bloomberg reports.
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EUROPE: EU advises daily travel revisions for Member States
The European Union presented a new proposal yesterday (December 1), on a common and co-ordinated EU approach to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 across Member States.

The proposal, among others, lists a daily review of the essential travel restrictions as one of the ways to fight the spread of the virus through travel.

Currently, the majority of the Member States review restrictions on travel only once a week.

Germany, Norway, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and others update their list on Fridays, whereas Cyprus updates on Tuesdays, and Spain on Mondays.

Other countries, like France, update their list of safe countries only occasionally when needed, says Schengen Visa Info.
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CAPE TOWN: Cruise ships cancel Cape Town stops
Many cruise ships scheduled to dock in Cape Town over the next six months have cancelled, according to Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Tourism in Cape Town, James Vos.

None of the 36 cancelled cruises relates to the popular ‘local’ MSC South Africa East Coast cruises, whose season launches on December 6. These are going ahead as planned, Travel News confirms.

Travelinfo © Copyright 2021

02/12/2021

DAILY TRAVEL NEWS
OUTH AFRICA: Countries further restrict SA travellers
The following countries have issued new travel restrictions on traffic originating from Southern African countries, including South Africa, due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. (These may include but are not limited to quarantine upon arrival, additional testing, or vaccination requirements):

Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Norway, Jordan, Fiji, Bangladesh, South Korea, Indonesia, Slovenia, Finland, the Bahamas, Mongolia, Macau, Brunei, Lithuania, Peru, the Ukraine, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Poland, Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, Ecuador, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Iceland, Chile, Paraguay, St Vincent and The Grenadine, Aruba, and Uzbekistan.

The situation is extremely fluid and changing constantly. Please monitor Travelinfo for regular updates.
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FRANCE / SOUTH AFRICA: Flights to resume for French nationals
Flights from South Africa to France and six other Southern African countries can resume from Saturday (November 5) with "extremely reinforced protocol", and for French nationals and EU residents only.

Other international travellers arriving in France from outside Southern Africa must have a COVID test upon arrival, with a negative result still requiring a seven-day quarantine, while a positive test will require a 10-day quarantine, according to RFI.

Non-EU arrivals must now also provide a negative test conducted within 48 hours of arrival, vaccinated or not.

Unvaccinated travellers from EU member states must present a test taken within 24 hours, says Travel News
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: US may tighten testing regulations
Current US entry requirements require all incoming arrivals to take a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their flight, according to Travel Off Path.

Yesterday (December 1), a White House official said Biden administration officials were evaluating a requirement that all incoming international travellers would have to obtain a negative COVID-19 test just one day before their trip, shortening the window by two days.
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CANADA: Canada bans more nations, requires testing
Canada will require people arriving by air from all nations except the US to take a COVID-19 test on arrival, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said yesterday (December 1). “They will then need to isolate themselves until they get the results of their test,” he confirmed.

Canada is also expanding a ban on travellers from southern Africa to cover Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt, bringing the total to 10, says Reuters.

Canadians and permanent residents who have been in the 10 countries, even those who are fully vaccinated, must also be tested before entering Canada.
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SINGAPORE: Singapore halts reopening plans
Singapore will hold off on more reopening measures while it evaluates the Omicron variant and will increase testing of travellers and frontline workers, authorities said yesterday (December 1).

A quarantine-free entry policy for vaccinated arrivals will not be extended to more countries for now, while current social distancing measures will remain in place, Reuters reports.
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THAILAND: Thailand restricts all African countries
People who arrive in Thailand from countries in Africa not subject to a ban will still have to quarantine for 14 days and be tested for COVID-19, according to the Bangkok Post. They also are no longer eligible to apply for the Thailand Sandbox programme.

From today (December 1), travellers are not be allowed into Thailand if coming from any of the countries that are banned – Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa or Zimbabwe.
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NETHERLANDS: New variant in Netherlands earlier than thought
The new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was present in the Netherlands earlier than previously thought, officials say.

It was identified in two test samples taken in the country between November 19 and 23, before the variant was first reported by South Africa.

It is not clear whether those who took the tests had visited southern Africa, the BBC reports.

It was previously thought that two flights that arrived from South Africa on Sunday (November 28) had brought the first cases of the variant to the Netherlands.
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CANADA: Canada bans unvaxxed travellers from public transport
Unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 will no longer be able to board a plane or passenger train in Canada (effective yesterday, November 30), and a negative COVID-19 test will no longer serve as a substitute.

While anyone coming into Canada or boarding a plane or train inside the country must be vaccinated, there are currently no quarantine measures in place except for people who have recently transited through southern Africa, the CBC says.
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GHANA: Ghana bars unvaxxed from some spaces
Ghana is ordering access to beaches, restaurants, night clubs and stadiums be prohibited unless visitors have been fully vaccinated.

While the Omicron variant has not yet been identified in Ghana, the government health service is “taking steps to protect the country towards the Christmas season,” Ghana’s health service Director General Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said.

Ghana’s land borders are closed and air travellers are required to have a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and antigen tests upon arrival, Africa CGTN confirms.

Travelinfo © Copyright 2021