Travessentials

01/04/2022

Daily Travel Alerts

• UNITED KINGDOM: British Airways to cut flights
• FRANCE / UNITED KINGDOM: France reopens to UK pax
• ITALY: Italy to launch a digital nomad visa
• LOS ANGELES: Delta completes first phase of LAX project
• INDIA: India opens for tourism
• DENMARK / GREENLAND / FAROE ISLANDS: Denmark removes all COVID restrictions
• SPAIN: Spain travel restrictions update
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: CDC removes COVID-19 cruise ship travel health notice
• CARIBBEAN: Dominica announces full reopening of tourism sector

UNITED KINGDOM: British Airways to cut flights
British Airways CEO, Sean Doyle, says the carrier will have to cut flights over the next few weeks after thousands of passengers were stranded due to cancelled or delayed flights. Flights will be cancelled through the Easter holidays up until the end of May, reports Express.

The problem has been attributed to IT issues and staff shortages. According to The Times, flights were unable to take off and passengers were unable to board as a result of the failures.



FRANCE / UNITED KINGDOM: France reopens to UK pax
France is now allowing unvaccinated travellers from the UK to enter the country as it moves the UK to its green travel list, according to TTG.

Prior to the move, unvaccinated travellers could not enter unless they had an essential or compelling reason to do so. They also had to isolate for seven days on arrival.

Arrivals will also no longer have to submit a declaration form confirming a lack of COVID symptoms.

ITALY: Italy to launch a digital nomad visa
Travel Off Path reports that ‘highly qualified’ people who work remotely via technological means (e.g. a computer), either as entrepreneurs or employees of a company registered outside Italy, will be eligible for a new digital visa.

Italy is following Croatia, Malta and Spain with the digital visa trend, although nomads are advised to wait until the law is finalised before making plans.


LOS ANGELES: Delta completes first phase of LAX project
According to Travel Weekly, Los Angeles World Airports and Delta Air Lines have completed the first major phase of their joint Delta Sky Way project, which will ultimately consolidate terminals 2 and 3 at Los Angeles International Airport into one 27-gate complex covering 11ha.
The completed section includes a check-in lobby with 46 check-in positions and 32 self-service kiosks. A new 2 800sqm Delta Sky Club has also been finished and will open later this month.
The new lobby and seven TSA security lanes will open on April 20.

INDIA: India opens for tourism
After two years, India has now reopened for international commercial flights and tourists can apply for a visa or an e-visa to visit for non-essential reasons, reports Travel Off Path.

Under the new guidelines, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers from the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, among others, can travel to India for non-essential reasons.

The Indian government has restored its five-year tourist e-visa programme which had been suspended in March 2020.

In its weekly travel update on Tuesday (March 29), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its health advisory for India from High (Level 3) to Low (Level 1).


DENMARK / GREENLAND / FAROE ISLANDS: Denmark removes all COVID restrictions
Travellers from all other nations can once again visit Denmark under pre-pandemic rules, and all restrictions, including mandatory vaccine passes and mask usage, no longer apply, reports Travel Off Path.

This includes all third country nationals (non-Europeans) visiting from outside the European Union and the Schengen Zone. As of March 29, they no longer require pre-departure testing, post-arrival testing, or quarantine, irrespective of vaccination status.

Private institutions and airlines are still allowed to set out their own requirements regarding mask usage and COVID passes.

Although in continental Denmark COVID restrictions no longer exist, other rules may apply to the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

SPAIN: Spain travel restrictions update
According to Mirror, Spain no longer requires travellers to isolate or undergo testing if they have mild COVID symptoms.

However, anyone travelling to Spain, regardless of vaccination status, must fill out a pre-travel form and obtain a QR code to show at border control.

Teens aged 12-17 are allowed to visit, provided they have a negative PCR test result and are travelling with vaccinated adults. Children under 12 are exempt from the travel restrictions.

There are still some local COVID restrictions in place. Face masks remain mandatory in all indoor public spaces and social distancing remains in place.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: CDC removes COVID-19 cruise ship travel health notice
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its Travel Health Notice for cruise travel yesterday (March 30), according to Travel Agent Central, bringing the industry back to pre-pandemic operations.

"Travellers will make their own risk assessment when choosing to travel on a cruise ship, much like they do in all other travel settings,” a spokesperson for the health agency said.


CARIBBEAN: Dominica announces full reopening of tourism sector
The requirement for pre-arrival testing and testing on arrival for vaccinated travellers to Dominica has been removed, according to Loop News.

Social distancing guidelines will be removed from April 4. The mask mandate remains in place, with the government to review the situation in May.

22/03/2022

19/01/2022

Daily Travel Alerts - 19 January 2022


• AUSTRALIA: Queensland to reopen int’l border
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: US drops mandatory COVID cruising protocols
• AUSTRALIA / EGYPT / ARGENTINA / QATAR / URUGUAY: CDC moves 44 countries to highest-risk advisories
• NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand closes borders to new arrivals
• URUGUAY: Uruguay’s capital hit by flooding
• TONGA: No travel to Tonga following tsunami
• VIETNAM: Vietnam expands airports
• BHUTAN: Bhutan to reopen ancient trail

AUSTRALIA: Queensland to reopen int’l border
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the state’s international borders will reopen for Australian travellers from 01h00 on Saturday (January 22).

There will be no quarantine on arrival for fully vaccinated travellers, but those who are unvaccinated must quarantine for 14 days. All arrivals must take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arriving in Queensland.

More than 88% of the state’s eligible population is fully vaccinated and more than 91% have received at least one dose, says news.com.au

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: US drops mandatory COVID cruising protocols
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not extended its Conditional Sailing Order, which expired on Saturday (January 15). Cruise lines can therefore now treat the organisation’s guidance on COVID-19 measures on board ships as recommendations.

Vessels that elect not to continue following the recommendations set out by the CDC will be classified as ‘grey’ on the agency’s Cruise Ship Colour status list. This indicates that the CDC has not reviewed or confirmed the particular ship’s health and safety protocols.

‘Red’ vessels have reported cases of COVID-19 at or above the threshold for CDC investigation, ‘yellow’ meet the threshold, ‘orange’ are below the threshold, and ‘green’ ships have no reported cases of COVID-19, Tourism Update reports.

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AUSTRALIA / EGYPT / ARGENTINA / QATAR / URUGUAY: CDC moves 44 countries to highest-risk advisories
The US CDC moved a large number of countries onto its highest-risk travel categories for COVID-19 yesterday (January 18). By contrast, it moved only two nations to ‘Level 4: Very High Risk’ last week, according to CNN.

The 22 new destinations at Level 4 are Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Cape Verde, Egypt, Grenada, Guyana, Israel, Panama, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Uruguay.

The Level 3 category also saw 22 new additions: Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Jamaica, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Paraguay, The Philippines, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Sint Eustatius, Togo, and Uganda.

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NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand closes borders to new arrivals
New Zealand has temporarily blocked overseas citizens and visa holders from entering the country, citing the risk of the Omicron variant putting facilities under “extreme pressure”.

Officials announced last night (January 18) that new spaces in the managed isolation and quarantine system (MIQ) would not be released.

The COVID-19 Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, says while the pause is “temporary”, there is no date for when spaces would again be available, The Guardian confirms.

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URUGUAY: Uruguay’s capital hit by flooding
A deluge has struck Uruguay's capital of Montevideo, causing extensive flooding across the city as more than a month's worth of rain fell over the course of several hours.

50-100mm of rain fell in downtown Montevideo with up to 120mm recorded in Canelones, located about 40km north of the city.

The highest rainfall total was reported in Carrasco, a neighbourhood on the east side of Montevideo, where 147mm fell, AccuWeather reports.

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TONGA: No travel to Tonga following tsunami
Ash covering a runway has hampered relief efforts to Tonga, and two people are reported dead so far. However, communications are still limited and the extent of the damage is not yet known.

The eruption was felt as far away as the US. In Peru, two people drowned in abnormally high waves while beaches near the capital, Lima, were closed following an oil spill, says the BBC.

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VIETNAM: Vietnam expands airports
Vietnam intends to have 28 airports, 14 of them international, by 2030, according to a draft master plan for developing airports nationwide between 2021 and 2030 with a forward look to 2050.

On completion of the expansion, the country’s airports will serve about 275,9 million passengers and handle 4,1 million tons of cargo annually, according to TTR Weekly.

The Ministry of Transport will prioritise investments in major airports such as Noi Bai in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City. It will upgrade 22 existing airports and build six new ones: Long Thanh, Na San, Lai Chau, Sa Pa, Quang Ninh, and Phan Thiet.

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BHUTAN: Bhutan to reopen ancient trail
An ancient Trans Bhutan Trail will open in March for the first time in 60 years, following two years of extensive restoration.

G Adventures has been selected by the Bhutan Canada Foundation, the non-profit organisation that led the restoration of the trail, as the first group adventure operator when the trail launches to the public, TTR Weekly reports.

19/01/2022

Daily Travel Alerts - 18 January 2022

• ISRAEL: Israel cuts COVID isolation time
• RUSSIA / UKRAINE: Avoid travel to Ukraine – Canada
• BELIZE: Belize launches mandatory travel insurance
• LITHUANIA: Lithuania shortens entry quarantine
• MEXICO: Puerto Vallarta tightens restrictions
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: COVID regulation optional for US cruises
• FINLAND: Finland extends current travel restrictions
• HUNGARY: Hungary cuts vax certificate validity

ISRAEL: Israel cuts COVID isolation time
From tomorrow (January 19), travellers who test positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Israel can leave quarantine after five days (down from seven), but must have two negative tests and no symptoms.

The change was given approval by Health Ministry Director General Nachman Ash, according to Haaretz.

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RUSSIA / UKRAINE: Avoid travel to Ukraine – Canada
The Canadian government is urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Ukraine, in a new advisory citing “Russian aggression and military build-up in and around the country”, Reuters reports.

After talks between the US, its European allies and Russia ended last week, US officials warned that the risk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine remained high.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and “emphasised that any military incursion into Ukraine would have serious consequences, including co-ordinated sanctions”.

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BELIZE: Belize launches mandatory travel insurance
All foreign arrivals to Belize will need to apply for a mandatory Belize Travel Health Insurance from February 15, the Belize Tourism Board has announced.

The aim is to help protect travellers against “incurred medical and non-medical expenses if they test positive for COVID-19″ while travelling, says Travel Off Path.

The insurance will cost $18 (R280) and provide cover for up to $50 000 (R772 000) in COVID-related medical costs over 21 days. Also included are emergency assistance services for pre-existing conditions, including air evacuation.

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LITHUANIA: Lithuania shortens entry quarantine
Lithuanian authorities have shortened entry quarantine for travellers from risk areas from ten to seven days, Schengen Visa Info says.

The decision has been taken at a time when the majority of the rest of the EU and Schengen Area countries have also shortened the period of isolation for incoming travellers.

Since January 10, Estonia has also shortened the quarantine period from ten to seven days. Iceland and Slovenia have also shortened the quarantine mandate for travellers.

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MEXICO: Puerto Vallarta tightens restrictions
Puerto Vallarta, a Mexican vacation hotspot known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife is tightening COVID-19 restrictions.

Anyone in the state of Jalisco must show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours to enter establishments such as bars and clubs, as well as concerts and stadiums. The mandate applies to people aged 18 and older, according to Travel Off Path.

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: COVID regulation optional for US cruises
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships is now optional since the weekend, allowing cruise lines to set their own rules.

The Conditional Sail Order expired on Saturday (January 15), after being extended in October 2021, a year after it was introduced.

First introduced in October 2020, the order required all cruise ships in US waters to complete simulated test cruises or commit to having 98% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, says Travel Weekly.

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FINLAND: Finland extends current travel restrictions
Entry requirements will continue to apply to travellers visiting Finland until the end of the month, Schengen Visa Info reports.

Travellers must present a vaccination certificate to enter the country, and unvaccinated travellers must show proof that they are unable to be vaccinated, as well as a negative test result obtained within 48 hours prior to arriving.

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HUNGARY: Hungary cuts vax certificate validity
Hungary has shortened the validity of COVID-19 vaccination certificates to 270 days, with effect from February 15, according to Schengen Visa Info.

A COVID-19 booster will also be needed to qualify for a vaccination certificate from this date.

13/01/2022

Daily Travel Alerts - 13 January 2022

• ITALY / SOUTH AFRICA: Southern Africa still on Italy’s banned list
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: CDC expects Conditional Sail Order to end
• MEXICO: Mexico removes all entry requirements
• UNITED KINGDOM: Heathrow urges easing of testing rules
• HAWAII: Hawaii removes health questionnaire
• NEW ORLEANS: New Orleans reinstates mask mandate
• FRANCE / UNITED KINGDOM: France’s UK ban to end ‘within days’
• BRAZIL: Brazil hit by landslides, floods

ITALY / SOUTH AFRICA: Southern Africa still on Italy’s banned list
Despite individual EU countries lifting their ban on Southern African countries, and the EU itself lifting its ban, Italy’s Omicron-related ban remains in place.

Entry is still barred to all passengers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Malawi, or those who have been in those countries in the 14 days prior to travelling to Italy.

Only Italian nationals, their children, and their legal partners can return to Italy after having spent time in one of these countries for the time being, Travel News confirms.

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: CDC expects Conditional Sail Order to end
CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said during a Senate hearing on Tuesday (January 11) that she expected the Conditional Sail Order would expire as planned on Saturday (January 15).

However, she added that there had been a 30-fold increase in COVID cases on ships over the last two weeks because of the Omicron variant, and that she expected most cruise lines would continue to follow the order voluntarily, Travel Weekly reports.

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MEXICO: Mexico removes all entry requirements
Mexico has now officially discontinued its health questionnaire, and now has no COVID-19 entry requirements, making regulations no different from those in 2019, Travel Off Path confirms.

Previously, travellers by air had to complete a health questionnaire during the pandemic, including international flights and domestic flights.

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UNITED KINGDOM: Heathrow urges easing of testing rules
Heathrow has called on the UK Government to immediately remove testing for fully vaccinated travellers, as the airport reveals that at least 600 000 passengers cancelled travel plans from Heathrow in December due to Omicron and the uncertainty regarding government travel restrictions.

This was not the end of the year that the airport had hoped for, after welcoming only 19,4 million passengers in 2021 – less than a quarter of 2019 and lower than 2020 levels, says Business Traveller.

The airport also urged a “more predictable” plan for future variants of concern that involves restrictions only to passengers from high-risk destinations and allows for home quarantine rather than at a hotel.

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HAWAII: Hawaii removes health questionnaire
Tourists no longer need to complete a health questionnaire on Hawaii’s Safe Travels programme, which has been in place since 2020.

The quarantine period for domestic US travellers has also been cut from ten to five days, Euro News says.

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NEW ORLEANS: New Orleans reinstates mask mandate
New Orleans is enforcing its indoor mask mandate from 06h00 today (January 12) to address rising COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations, CNN reports.

The rule was expected to remain in place until further notice, Dr Jennifer Avegno, Director of the New Orleans Health Department, said yesterday (January 11).

"We strongly recommend a high-quality mask, and by that I mean a surgical mask, KN95 or N95, to provide the most robust protection," she said.

Additionally, beginning on February 1, indoor venues will require proof of full vaccination for entry.

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FRANCE / UNITED KINGDOM: France’s UK ban to end ‘within days’
France’s ban on UK travellers could end by the weekend, The Independent reports.

French MP Alexandre Holroyd says travel for vaccinated Brits could resume very soon, and ski operators are also extremely confident about the resumption of travel, says The Times.

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BRAZIL: Brazil hit by landslides, floods
Landslides and flooding caused by torrential rain have killed at least 10 people in south-eastern Brazil, the BBC reports.

The victims died in Minas Gerais state, where rivers have overflowed, leaving towns partially submerged.

More than 17 000 people have had to leave their homes and authorities are monitoring dams that could burst.

The civil defence authority says 145 of the state's 853 municipalities have declared a state of emergency because of the severe weather.

10/01/2022

Daily Travel Alerts - 10 January 2022

10 January 2022 Powered by Travelinfo Plus

• EASTERN CAPE: Floods overwhelm Eastern Cape cities
• WESTERN CAPE: R44 provincial road closed due to fire
• ISRAEL: Israel reopens to all vaxxed tourists
• SPAIN / SOUTH AFRICA: Spain opens for SAs, no quarantine
• ISRAEL: New site tracks Israel COVID restriction updates
• ZAMBIA: Zambia halves visa fees
• CARIBBEAN: Caribbean destinations update entry rules
• CYPRUS: Cyprus introduces new testing rules

EASTERN CAPE: Floods overwhelm Eastern Cape cities
At least six people, including a diver, have been killed in flash flooding from torrential rains in the Eastern Cape, IOL reports.

Sudden rains hit parts of the province, including East London, on Saturday (January 8). Within hours, low lying areas were severely flooded.

Some roads are completely submerged making access to distressed communities difficult.

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WESTERN CAPE: R44 provincial road closed due to fire
A fire in Kleinmond in the Overberg region of the Western Cape continues to burn, causing the closure of the R44 coastal road.

Firefighters have been battling the fire since Saturday (January 8), burning between the mountain and the R44 towards the Arabella golf estate. The provincial road has been closed since, says News24.

Reinard Geldenhuys, fire chief at the Overberg District Municipality, says attempts are being made to open the road to one-way traffic.

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ISRAEL: Israel reopens to all vaxxed tourists
Israel reopened its borders to vaccinated foreign tourists yesterday (January 9) after taking all remaining countries off its red list on Friday (January 7).

Travellers must have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 between the previous 14 and 180 days. Vaccination must take place at least 14 days before departure.

Travellers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure of their flight to Israel or a rapid test taken no more than 48 hours before their flight.

Upon arrival, visitors must take a PCR test and quarantine either until their results are returned or 24 hours have passed, The Times of Israel reports.

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SPAIN / SOUTH AFRICA: Spain opens for SAs, no quarantine
Spain has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from nine southern African countries, including South Africa, according to Travel News.

No quarantine is required on arrival but travellers must show proof of a negative test result (taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival if a PCR test, or 24 hours if a rapid antigen test).

All passengers arriving in Spain from any country, including those in transit to other countries, must complete a Health Control Form before departure and obtain their QR code to present at boarding and on arrival in Spain.

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ISRAEL: New site tracks Israel COVID restriction updates
Following the reopening of Israel, the Tourism Ministry launched a regularly updated COVID-19 information centre for incoming tourists yesterday (January 9), says The Jerusalem Post.

The new website, currently only available in English, will soon be translated and available in other languages, the ministry said.

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ZAMBIA: Zambia halves visa fees
To boost tourism arrivals, Zambia has cut its Visa fees by 50%, says Tourism Update.

Fees are now US$25 (R390) for single entry, US$40 (R630) for double entry, US$75 (R1 170) for multiple entry, US$50 (R780) for entry into Kavango Zambezi, and US$10 (R160) for a day trip.

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CARIBBEAN: Caribbean destinations update entry rules
Barbados and the Bahamas have updated their entry requirements, Travel Off Path reports.

From today (January 7), all visitors arriving in Barbados must produce a negative rapid PCR test result within one day of arrival, or a negative standard PCR test taken in the 72 hours preceding arrival.

The Bahamas has suspended the mandatory PCR test requirement for vaccinated travellers, which was due to come into effect today (January 7).

However, those planning to stay longer than 48 hours will still need to present a rapid antigen test in order to be granted entry, whether vaccinated or not.

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CYPRUS: Cyprus introduces new testing rules
Cyprus has introduced stricter testing rules for UK visitors, according to TTG Media.

The UK has been placed in the island’s ‘red’ category, with all travellers now required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before travel. Passengers also require a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before departure.

The UK FCDO says travellers aged 12 and above must also take a PCR test on arrival at the airport in Cyprus. Results are available within three hours and arrivals must self-isolate in accommodation until then.

In addition, UK passengers will be given five self-tests that must be used daily. Provided these are all negative, another rapid test must then be carried out at a mobile unit of the Ministry of Health.

09/01/2022

TRAVEL BAN LIFTED - Mauritius

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.

09/01/2022

Daily Travel Alerts - 09 January 2022


• SOUTH AFRICA / ISRAEL: Israel reopens to foreign nationals, unbans SA
• SOUTH AFRICA / SINGAPORE: Singapore lifts restrictions on African countries
• BRAZIL: Brazil updates travel requirements
• SPAIN / SWEDEN / FINLAND / PERU / MALTA: CDC deems 11 countries ‘high-risk’
• NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand delays border reopening
• UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: UAE to ban int’l travel for unvaxxed citizens
• ZAMBIA: Zambia now open to SAs
• SOUTH AFRICA / DENMARK: Denmark removes SA from virus variant category
• SOUTH AFRICA / MALAYSIA: Malaysia lifts African travel ban, but not quarantine

SOUTH AFRICA / ISRAEL: Israel reopens to foreign nationals, unbans SA
Vaccinated foreign nationals from most countries will be able to enter Israel beginning Sunday (January 9), the government said Monday (January 3), according to The Jerusalem Post.

In addition, vaccinated inbound travellers only need to quarantine until they receive the results of their PCR test taken upon landing or for the first 24 hours, whichever is shorter, since yesterday January 4.

The new rules will not apply to travellers of countries classified as ‘red’ – the highest level of risk of infection – but South Africa has now joined the ‘orange’ list alongside Lesotho, eSwatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

The US, Britain, UAE, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mexico, Switzerland, and Turkey remain on Israel's red list. Visitors from those countries require advance special permission from an Israeli committee to enter, Reuters reports.

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SOUTH AFRICA / SINGAPORE: Singapore lifts restrictions on African countries
Singapore has eased restrictions for 10 African countries. Travellers from those nations, or who have been to those countries 14 days before travelling can now enter or transit through the Republic.

Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are now classified by the Singapore government as Category IV, according to The Straits Times.

Arrivals from these countries must take a PCR test within two days prior to departure and take another test before the end of their 10-day isolation in Singapore.

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BRAZIL: Brazil updates travel requirements
International travellers arriving in Brazil must now show proof of vaccination, a negative test result (either from a PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure or an antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to departure), and complete the Traveller's Health Declaration.

Brazilians and foreigners residing in the country, and who left Brazil by December 14, are exempt from proof of vaccination or quarantine on their return.

Unvaccinated travellers who are Brazilian citizens or legal residents will be allowed to enter but must quarantine for five days and then take a new PCR or antigen test, says Travel Agent Central.

For now, travel from South Africa to Brazil is still not permitted.

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SPAIN / SWEDEN / FINLAND / PERU / MALTA: CDC deems 11 countries ‘high-risk’
The US CDC has added eight destinations to its highest-risk category for travel, 'Level 4'. They are Spain, Bonaire, Chad, Finland, Gibraltar, Lebanon, Monaco, and San Marion.

Peru and St Vinvent and the Grenadines have been moved to the CDC’s ‘Level 3’ travel advisory list.

Later, the CDC also added Malta, Moldova, and Sweden to the its highest-risk category of countries, CNN reports.

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NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand delays border reopening
New Zealand had originally planned a staged reopening of its international border, first to New Zealand citizens and visa holders coming from Australia from January 17, then from the rest of the world, and finally to all other vaccinated visitors from the end of April.

However, that reopening is now postponed. Travellers returning to the country must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours before travel, rather than 72 hours, and the government is temporarily lengthening time in quarantine from seven to ten days, according to The Guardian.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: UAE to ban int’l travel for unvaxxed citizens
The UAE has announced a ban on unvaccinated citizens travelling abroad from January 10. Fully vaccinated citizens will also require a booster shot to be eligible to travel.

However, the ban will not apply to those with medical or humanitarian exemptions, Times of India reports.

More than 90% of the UAE’s population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while around 34% had already received the booster jab as of December 24.

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ZAMBIA: Zambia now open to SAs
The Government of Zambia has announced that, with immediate effect, all travellers now only need a negative PCR test certificate obtained in the 72 hours before departure.

Vaccination is recommended but is not a requirement.

Previously, all travellers to Zambia from countries where the Omicron variant was present had to quarantine for 10 days on entry, says Travel News.

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SOUTH AFRICA / DENMARK: Denmark removes SA from virus variant category
Denmark has ended its travel restrictions on ten southern African countries that were considered virus variant areas since late November.

Arrivals from South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Malawi and Zambia are no longer obliged to quarantine upon arrival, Schengen Visa Info reports.

Arriving passengers may enter Denmark by presenting a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate or any document equivalent to the EU digital COVID-19 certificate.

Previously, arrivals from variant areas had to present a pre-departure test performed 48 hours before departure followed by a ten-day quarantine, which could be ended earlier by taking another test on the sixth day of isolation.

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SOUTH AFRICA / MALAYSIA: Malaysia lifts African travel ban, but not quarantine
Malaysia has lifted a travel ban on eight southern African countries, including South Africa. These countries remain on Malaysia’s list of ‘high-risk’ regions, however, according to Reuters.

Travellers from these nations must still undergo PCR testing two days prior to departure for Malaysia and test again on arrival.

Vaccinated travellers must quarantine for seven days and take another PCR test on day 5 and/or day 8. Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 10 days and take their additional test on day 7 and/or 10.