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UK Amber List Additions, US Cases Soar & More - Wego Recaps Travel News

2021-08-09 12:10

Coronavirus-related news continues to make headlines around the world along with other exciting travel items. From Saudi Arabia’s first cruise ship voyage to COVID troubles in the USA, here are some of the major travel news highlights these past weeks.  

UAE reinstates flights and transit for some countries

Residents stranded in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria, and Uganda, may now enter the UAE but would first need to acquire approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if they’re residing in Dubai.

Furthermore, residents with valid UAE residence visas must have already been fully vaccinated in the UAE. They must have received the second vaccine dose at least 14 days before travel and carry a vaccine certificate.

Saudi super cruise ship departs on her maiden voyage

The first super cruise ship leaving from Saudi Arabia, the MSC Bellissima, has set sail for Aqaba in Jordan and Safaga in Egypt on her maiden voyage from the newly-inaugurated Jeddah Islamic Port ship terminal. 

The MSC Bellissima spans an impressive 315 meters with the ability to accommodate 4,500 passengers. Apart from its sheer size, the cruise ship also impresses by way of its opulent array of amenities such as restaurants, ballrooms, swimming pools, and gyms.

US cases on the up again

As vaccination slows in the United States, cases are on the rise again. The country is facing an average of 100,000 cases daily brought about by the rampant spread of Delta coupled with vaccine hesitancy and mask mandate debacle.

This troubling trend came amid relaxation of travel restrictions in most countries for vaccinated US travellers — UK and Canada among the ones creating the biggest buzz. Whether borders will be closed for Americans again if the new pandemic wave gets out of control remains to be seen.

Glasgow - Dubai connection restarts

Emirates Airline announces its resumption of the Glasgow - Dubai flight route starting from 11 August to 30 October 2021.

The Middle East’s largest airline will operate four weekly flights using its Boeing 777-200LR in a two-class configuration, offering premium services in Business Class and Economy Class. 

UK adds Bahrain, India, UAE, Portugal to amber list 

The UK has removed four countries namely Bahrain, India, UAE, and Portugal from its red list and into its amber list on Sunday, 8 August 2021. Among others, this means fully vaccinated travellers from said countries arriving in the UK will no longer be required to quarantine in government-approved hotels as per the amber list rules.

Samoa PM confirms negotiations with NZ, American Samoa travel bubble

While New Zealand’s travel bubble with Australia has been temporarily paused, a potential corridor between New Zealand and American Samoa is currently being discussed.

Negotiations are ongoing and that one significant recommendation to the cabinet was the possibility of opening up borders and quarantine-free travel between the two countries.

Source: Wego