Coronavirus-related news continues to make headlines around the world. From Bangkok’s hopeful bid to welcome tourists again to European countries closing the doors on unvaccinated US travellers, here are some of the major travel news highlights from last week.
England scraps vaccine passport plans and plans to ditch PCR testing for green countries arrivals
Upon examining the available evidence, England’s Health Secretary has announced that earlier plans of introducing UK vaccine passports to grant residents access to nightclubs, pubs, and other events where people gather in large numbers will not be implemented.
Further announcements made by the Health Secretary also include the government’s plans of ditching PCR testing for travellers departing from the UK’s green list of countries citing exorbitant costs as well as alleged malpractices by testing companies as the primary reasons. Travellers from the amber list of countries will also be extended the same courtesy.
Saudi Arabia lifts UAE travel ban
Saudi Arabia has lifted travel restrictions to and from the UAE allowing cross-border travels between the two countries to resume. The Saudi government has come to this decision following an evaluation of the latest COVID-19 developments in both countries.
Travellers from Saudi Arabia made up the bulk of the total international visitors to Dubai in 2020 just behind Indian travellers. Consequently, Saudi travellers are understandably elated at the prospect of once again visiting the UAE.
Umrah once again allowed for tourist visa holders
In another uplifting news from Saudi Arabia, Muslim tourists holding a visit or a tourist visa will be allowed to perform Umrah following the procurement of the Umrah permit by registering on the Eatmarna app as well as completing the required procedures on the Tawakkalna app.
The Umrah permit is obtainable only to those who have been fully vaccinated with the vaccines approved in Saudi Arabia. Proof of vaccination will be duly reflected on the Tawakkalna app’s immune status and will allow tourists to register on the Eatmarna app.
Bangkok poised to receive international tourists next month
Following the rollout of Phuket sandbox program a few months ago, Bangkok is set to receive fully vaccinated international travellers from October.
Vaccinated arrivals to Bangkok will not be required to undergo quarantine upon arrival. The government has also stated the possibility of other regions such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Hua Hin implementing the same policy in October.
France and Spain ban unvaccinated US travellers
In line with the EU Council recommendations, France and Spain have removed the US from their safe travel list following a surge in COVID cases. US travellers are now required to have been fully inoculated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency when travelling to said countries for non-essential purposes.
As of late, France is enforcing its travel ban on countries on its red list while Spain continues to issue tourist visas to eligible third-country travellers.
