Covid-19 News
Hong Kong could announce quarantine-free travel this week
Hong Kong could detail plans to end hotel quarantine for inbound travelers in a move designed to trumpet the financial hub’s revival
Japan to Fully Reopen to Tourists Despite Record Covid-19 Cases in August
The government of Japan is planning to fully reopen the country to international tourism, perhaps as early as October, according to reports from Nikkei Asia and the Fuji News Network, despite the fact Japan saw a record number of covid-19 cases over the summer.
Travel to Japan could soon become just a little bit easier
It feels like we’ve been waiting for Japan to open for a long, long time. After two years of being completely banned, travellers are finally being allowed back into the country – albeit with a lot of restrictions.
Samoa celebrates as borders reopen to international travellers
Samoa has welcomed back its first international arrivals since the start of the pandemic. Passengers on flights from American Samoa, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand were greeted by the Minister of Tourism, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster at Faleolo International Airport.
Easter Island reopens to tourism
Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is once again welcoming tourists following 868 days of border closures due to the pandemic. The official reopening was marked by the arrival of a group of 230 tourists.
Amsterdam hotels make strong recovery despite extended Covid restrictions
Amsterdam’s hotel sector has made a strong recovery with year-to-May data indicating strong growth, despite the late lifting of Covid-related travel restrictions in The Netherlands.
CDC eliminates Covid-19 programme for cruise ships
The CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect. CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers, crew and communities going forward.
South Africa lifts all Covid restrictions
South Africa has removed its final Covid restrictions, marking “the return to life as we knew it before the pandemic,” according to Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu. Testing requirements are no longer required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers to enter.
Bahamas eliminates travel health visa requirements
The Bahamas is easing Covid requirements for international visitors, with travellers no longer required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa to gain entry. All travellers will, however, still be required to present a negative PCR test.
Travel curbs ineffective limiting spread of Covid
ACI Asia-Pacific recommends a complete removal of international air travel restrictions, with the industry unable to fully recover amid curbs. Its study revealed that restrictions such as quarantine and testing are minimal in mitigating the spread of Covid.
Heathrow Airport enjoys busiest month post-pandemic
London Heathrow Airport is experiencing resurgent passenger figures, notching up a Covid-era record of 5.3 million passengers in May, about 79% of pre-pandemic levels, and an eight-fold increase on May 2021
‘Thailand Pass’ registration eased for international arrivals from 1 June 2022
Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration has approved the simplified Thailand Pass registration and entry rules for international arrivals, effective 1 June 2022.