Oh how we missed travelling around without masks!
International travel had taken a hit ever since the spread of COVID-19. Even though a few borders had gradually opened up, travellers had to go through compulsory quarantine, multiple RT-PCR tests and wear masks throughout. But now travelling without quarantine is possible!
With Covid-19 cases easing around the world, many countries are now welcoming people without the earlier mandatory quarantine. For some countries, you have to be fully vaccinated with the approved vaccine of that country and present the certificate on arrival and some ask for RT-PCR tests, but there are few countries that are allowing you even without a vaccination certificate.
Read along to know which Countries allow quarantine free travel.
Fiji
This month on, Fiji has started allowing travellers from its partner countries quarantine-free travel. Well, India is on the list among many others. You are required to present an RT-PCR valid 72 hours prior to departure. You need to also have travel insurance, a confirmed 3-night accommodation booking from an approved hotel, and an airport transfer booking from the hotel. On the second day of your arrival, you will have to take a mandatory RT-PCR test.
Thailand
Fully Vaccinated travellers can visit Thailand without having to quarantine. All you need is a negative RT-PCR test and required insurance. Though you will need to apply for a Certificate of Entry, which will be given by the Thai Embassy or the Consulate.
UAE
If you are travelling to Abu Dhabi you do not need a negative RT-PCR test or to quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or are under 16 years of age or you hold a recovery certificate from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure. However, you are required to provide a negative PCR test if you are not vaccinated or transiting through, and your final destination requires a test to be done.
For those travelling to Dubai, you need to either present a fully vaccinated certificate or a negative RT-PCR test or a Certificate of recovery issued within one month before the date of arrival.
Maldives
The Maldives is open for fully vaccinated tourists. You do not have to quarantine but show proof of vaccine and are recommended to take a test within 2-3 days of arrival. Travellers who have symptoms of COVID-19 may take an antigen test. Wearing a mask is only mandatory in all health facilities and outbreak areas (where sample positivity is above 20%).
Sri Lanka
Fully vaccinated travellers can visit Sri Lanka without the need to present RT-PCR Tests or Rapid Antigen Tests before or on arrival. Travellers above the age of 12 years who are not fully vaccinated need to mandatorily present a negative pre-departure COVID-19 PCR Test report done within 72 hours prior to departure or a negative Rapid Antigen Test done within 48 hours prior to departure.
Nepal
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers can enter and explore Nepal without having to quarantine. All you need to show on arrival is either a fully vaccinated certificate or a negative RT-PCR test.
Malaysia
From April 1st, 2022, Malaysia will be welcoming travellers that are fully vaccinated without having to quarantine. However, they will still need to take an RT-PCR test before departure and an antigen test on arrival.
UK
The United Kingdom has recently eased its travel restrictions in order to boost tourism. Wearing a mask, undergoing quarantine, COVID-19 tests, Passenger Locator Forms etc have all been relaxed.
Turkey
Fully vaccinated travellers are welcome in Turkey without having to quarantine. A negative PCR test report of validity 72 hours before departure is required in order to be exempted from quarantine. Children under the age of 12 will be exempted from PCR test and vaccination certificate submission on arrival. Non-vaccinated travellers are required to undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days.
Bahrain
Those visiting Bahrain, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated do not have to take an RTPCR test before departure or on arrival. They are only required to download the “BeAware Bahrain” app before their travel and need to undergo regular health screening and temperature checks at the airport.
Italy
Travellers can enter Italy by showing their fully vaccinated certificate of jabs taken within nine months or receiving a booster shot. Unvaccinated travellers can either show their covid recovery certificate of up to six months validity or by presenting their negative RT PCR test not older than 72 hours. They can also show the report of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours. However, all travellers will be required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in Itlay.
Bali
Fully vaccinated travellers are exempted from having to quarantine. They need to present a negative PCR test report and also provide proof of a four-day hotel booking.
Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, Australia, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Vietnam and a few other countries have also relaxed their quarantine rules and covid protocols.