August is here and coronavirus-related news continues to make headlines around the world. From Saudi Arabia’s latest strict measure to COVID troubles in Japan, here are some of the major travel news highlights these past weeks.
Foreign pilgrims to be granted Umrah-related entry starting from 10 August.
Following a successful Hajj season, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that foreign pilgrims will be allowed to partake in the Umrah starting from 10 August 2021.
Pilgrims from countries on its red list are still banned from entry, unless they spend 14 days in a third country following their departure.
A three-year travel ban awaits Saudi nationals found travelling to red list countries
The Saudi government also made changes that apply to its own residents, Saudi travellers will be subjected to a debilitating three-year international travel ban should they be discovered travelling to countries banned by Saudi Arabia. Additionally, legal action and heavy penalties also await travellers flouting the Kingdom’s strict COVID-19 travel regulations.
UK to allow quarantine-free travel for vaccinated US arrivals
The UK Minister of Transport, Grant Shapps, announced that starting from 4 August fully vaccinated passengers arriving from the US and countries listed on the amber list will no longer have to quarantine if their full jabs were from US or EU-approved vaccines.
The Philippines extends flight restrictions until 15 August
The Philippines travel ban for travellers from a list of 10 countries has once again been extended until at least 15 August as the government continues its proactive efforts to ward off the dreaded delta variant. Countries affected by the travel ban are Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the UAE, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Oman.
Pakistan to ban unvaccinated individuals from air travel and public venues
As per the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), air travel will no longer be accessible for individuals yet to be inoculated with one of the approved vaccines in Pakistan, nor will they be allowed to enter government offices, schools, restaurants and shopping malls.
Furthermore, all public sector workers, teachers, students, and retail staff above the age of 18 will also be required to be vaccinated by the end of August.
Japan COVID troubles and solutions
With the Olympics in full swing, Japan has seen new infections edging up sharply across the country.
In the midst of the pandemic, the Japanese government looks to vaccination as a way out—literally. The government is now accepting applications for vaccine passports for fully vaccinated residents planning on travelling abroad. The Japanese government has reportedly established the so-called vaccine bubbles with numerous countries, namely Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, and Turkey.
Abu Dhabi announces latest additions to its Green List
Updates to Abu Dhabi’s Green List of countries have been announced and are now in effect. Travellers from a total of 31 countries and territories will now be exempt from mandatory quarantine measures upon arrival in Abu Dhabi and will only be subjected to undergo PCR tests at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Additionally, vaccinated travellers will be required to take a follow-up PCR test on day 6, whereas unvaccinated travellers will have to take follow-up PCR tests on days 6 and 12.
