We enter September with a slew of coronavirus-related travel news still dominating the media. From the concerning new virus mutation to the US returning on Europe’s travel ban lists, here are some of the major travel news highlights last week.
Latest COVID variant of interest may be more resistant to vaccines
The WHO has added another addition to its list of closely monitored variants of concerns as a new strain of coronavirus dubbed the “mu” variant, becomes more prevalent in Colombia and Ecuador.
B.1.621, the mu variant’s scientific name, is the fifth variant of interest to be monitored by the WHO since March. A number of observed mutations have suggested that the mu variant could be more resistant to vaccines as reflected by the preliminary data. However, the WHO also stresses that further research is needed to confirm this.
The world’s tallest Ferris Wheel to open on 21 October in Dubai
After a series of delays, Dubai Holdings has finally announced that 21 October will be the official opening date of Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.
Located at Bluewaters Island off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence, the observation wheel stands at an impressive height of 250-meter. While the elevated view will surely impress guests, Ain Dubai will also offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience as well as other bespoke event offerings against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline.
Vaccination certificate expiry date implemented in some countries
Austria and Croatia, two EU member countries, have implemented a vaccine expiry date to determine the validity of a traveller’s vaccine certificate.
While Austria and Croatia are among the list of countries open for vaccinated travellers, authorities of both countries now require the vaccine certificates of international arrivals to be issued within 270 days prior to entry to be considered valid.
Fully vaccinated travellers with valid vaccine certificates are currently entitled to enter both countries and are exempt from certain requirements pertaining to on-arrival quarantine and testing.
EU countries reimpose ban on US tourists
A week following the US’ removal from the EU’s safe travel list, a number of European countries have updated their entry requirements for American tourists. As the EU council communicates its decision, member countries are free to implement the non binding nature of the recommendation in any way they see fit.
Bulgaria and Germany are now prohibiting entry for US tourists travelling for non-essential purposes. Italy will only allow fully vaccinated American tourists travelling for leisure purposes, as does the Netherlands with an added requirement of a 10-day quarantine. Portugal, on the other hand, will continue to welcome US travellers despite the EU’s recommendation.
As European countries update their entry restrictions and requirements, Americans looking to travel to Europe must now inevitably keep a very close watch as to which European countries are now open for US residents.
Asian countries establish travel bubbles with low-risk countries
In a bid to accelerate the recovery of their tourism sector, several Asian countries have established travel bubbles with countries with favorable epidemiological conditions.
Starting from 8 September, Singapore will allow fully vaccinated travellers from Germany and Brunei to enter Singapore for all purposes without having to undergo quarantine.
Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Thailand has kickstarted its tourist sandbox scheme by allowing tourists from 70 countries to visit the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui with no quarantine requirements in place.
South Korea and Taiwan have also established quarantine-free travel corridors with Saipan and Palau respectively.
