Coronavirus-related travel news continues to make headlines around the world. From India rolling out guidelines for international arrivals to Bali green list countries, here are some of the major travel news highlights this week.
India issues fresh travel guidelines
International passengers travelling to India are required to adhere to updated travel guidelines for COVID-19 effective 25 October. All international arrivals must provide a negative RT-PCR test report prior to boarding their flight. Previously, the PCR test requirement was valid only for those arriving from the UK.
Additionally, the Indian government has classified countries into two categories: travellers coming from ‘at risk countries’ and travellers from countries ‘excluding those enlisted as countries at risk.’
Passengers from at-risk nations need to undergo additional testing at the airport and may be subject to quarantine measures depending on their country of departure. On the basis of reciprocity, countries exempting fully vaccinated Indian citizens with nationally recognized or WHO recognized vaccines will be allowed certain relaxations on arrival.
England allows lateral flow tests for travel
COVID-19 travel rules have been relaxed for those returning to England, allowing fully vaccinated holidaymakers to take cheaper lateral flow tests instead of PCRs. The move allows fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving from countries not on the UK’s red list to use a lateral flow test on or before day two of their arrival in England.
Lateral flow tests must be taken as soon as possible on the day of arrival in England or at the latest before the end of a passenger’s second day. Furthermore, lateral flow tests for international travel must be purchased from a private provider.
Bali introduces its green list of countries
In a recent announcement, the Indonesian government has given permission to 19 countries to be able to travel to Bali along with the Riau Islands. However, only travellers from 19 specified countries are permitted to enter the Indonesian island for non-essential purposes, effectively creating a Bali green list.
According to officials, the specified countries were chosen based on data showing low positivity rates. Among the 19 permitted countries are the United Arab Emirates, China, France, India, and Saudi Arabia.
Thailand prepares to open its borders
Thailand has announced that fully vaccinated travellers coming from a list of 46 countries and territories, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Japan, Singapore, the UK and the US, will soon be eligible to visit without quarantining.
Among Thailand’s travel requirements are tourists must be able to provide proof of an insurance policy that covers treatment for COVID-19 up to USD 50,000 along with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
The success of the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programs combined with the rising level of vaccination across the globe has contributed to the travel reopening.
Italy has launched its new national airline
Italy's new national airline, ITA Airways, has been launched recently with a promise to bring pride back to its national flag carrier, after Alitalia, Italy's legacy airline, went bankrupt and ceased operations.
The launch of Italy’s new airline is an encouraging sign as it signifies the upward trajectory of travelling and tourism. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia also announced the launch of its second national airline as part of an integrated effort to boost the country’s tourism.
