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Booster Shots Gaining Steam, Singaporeans to Travel Again Soon & More: Wego Recaps Travel News

2021-08-23 12:53

As we approach the end of August, coronavirus-related travel news continues to make headlines around the world. From France’s continuing protest against Health Pass to Singapore’s quarantine-free travel program, here are some of the major travel news highlights last week.  

The US extends land border restrictions with Canada

While Canada has allowed fully vaccinated US citizens to cross the border since 9 August, the US is far from reciprocating that move. To the dismay of many, the US has yet again announced the extension of the land border restrictions with Canada until 21 September.

The extension does not affect Canadians’ ability to fly to the US or of Americans looking to enter Canada by land. Canada remains one of the countries open to American residents travelling for non-essential purposes.

Abu Dhabi eases entry requirements for travellers arriving by land 

The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee has outlined a series of updates concerning travellers from Dubai and other emirates entering Abu Dhabi via its land borders. 

The loosening of restrictions applies to fully vaccinated individuals able to provide a negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours of entry. The travellers will no longer be required to provide additional PCR tests on days four and eight. 

Thousands march in protest of France’s Health Pass

For the sixth consecutive weekend, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest the recently launched ToutsAntiCovid app, France’s version of the vaccine passport.

The French authorities report 200 different demonstrations across the country in cities such as Paris, Montpellier, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux among others. The nationwide march is estimated to have involved some 175,000 people calling for the rejection of the health pass for fear that it might create a two-tier society.

Uruguay and Chile begin administering booster shots

Uruguay and Chile have begun administering booster shots to their respective citizens to provide an added layer of protection against the delta variant. Both countries are utilizing the Pfizer vaccine as their third COVID vaccination dose. Uruguay started administering the booster shots on 11 August, while Chile followed suit on 16 August.

Both governments have recognized that the level of antibodies needed to create an immune response falls over the months, which is precisely the reason why a third booster shot has been deemed necessary.

Singapore to launch its first quarantine-free travel program

From 8 September, fully vaccinated travellers from Brunei and Germany will be able to partake in Singapore’s quarantine-free travel program. This announcement comes following the country’s achievement in successfully vaccinating more than 75 percent of its population.

Those interested in visiting Singapore from said countries will be able to do so by acquiring Singapore’s vaccinated travel pass. Travellers will have to prove that they have not travelled outside of their country of residence (Brunei and Germany) for the past 21 days and will also be subjected to numerous COVID-19 PCR tests, including pre-departure, on arrival, and post-arrival.

Source: Wego