Coronavirus-related news continues to make headlines around the world. From Thailand reopening to some countries to WHO approval for Covaxin, here are some of the major travel news highlights these past weeks.
COVID jabs for children expected to boost travelling
This week, the CDC approved the Pfizer-BioNTech jabs for children ages 5 to 11. The approval clears younger children to begin receiving the jabs, which means the number of families looking to travel with children heading into the holiday season will likely experience a surge.
For travelling families, particularly those with younger children, the restrictions associated with unvaccinated travel have always been the prime consideration in determining where to travel. Parents generally avoid destinations where children ineligible for the COVID jabs will be subjected to stringent testing and quarantine requirements.
95 countries now on Abu Dhabi’s green list
Abu Dhabi has added new additions to its green list of countries from which travellers may arrive without necessitating quarantine regardless of their vaccination status. Among the new additions are Lebanon, Turkey, and the Philippines.
Abu Dhabi had earlier eased its quarantine requirements by allowing fully vaccinated travellers from all destinations to arrive without having to isolate upon arrival. Those who have yet to be vaccinated are subject to quarantine only if they are arriving from countries outside of Abu Dhabi’s green list.
The US reopens its borders to vaccinated travellers
From 8 November, fully vaccinated travellers from around the world may finally travel to the US for the first time in 20 months. The CDC has confirmed that air travellers will also need to present a negative PCR test in addition to the required vaccine certificate. Only vaccines approved by WHO and vaccines accepted by the FDA will be recognized for entry.
Land borders with Canada and Mexico will also be reopened. Those travelling to the US via its land borders will not be required to provide a negative PCR test result. The only entry requirements for these travellers are their proof of vaccination and passport.
WHO approves India’s Covaxin
India is now reaching out to more countries after its COVID vaccine Covaxin received a nod from WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). A number of countries have so far approved and recognized the Covaxin including Australia, Greece, the Philippines, and most notably, the United States.
Thailand reopens for tourists
Thailand’s borders are now open to fully vaccinated visitors for the first time in 18 months. Thai authorities are keen on opening the borders to ensure the country’s tourism sector remains competitive. Visitors from more than 60 countries considered “low risk” are now allowed to visit without quarantine.
Thailand had been preparing for its reopening for tourism with the implementation of the Phuket Sandbox program as well as the gradual easing of its quarantine requirements.
