What is the latest on the vaccinated - arrivals policy?

As the worldwide vaccination programmes roll out…some slowing down due to lack of supplies and others are going round in circles, certain countries – especially those that are predominantly dependent on tourism are opening borders and openly welcoming arrivals who have already got the ‘jab’.

Ever since the beginning of this pandemic, there has been a see-saw of sudden closures and cautious openings. Verily, it is not a simple ‘open and shut case – instead one that throws down the gauntlet - the likes of which humanity has rarely encountered. 

Struggling on the one hand to contain and defeat the virus whilst desperately keeping some parts of businesses ‘open’ to protect economies, some countries, especially those that rely heavily on tourism are doing everything they can to lure tourists. One such strategy is to welcome vaccinated travelers without the hassle of ‘testing’ and quarantine.

The list of countries is not many but other countries will no doubt be watching how things pan out before joining - provided, they have controlled their own COVID-19 situation.  

Cyprus: Starting in May, all who have had both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be permitted to enter the country.

Estonia: All those who have been vaccinated and no more than six months have passed since, will not be required to undergo that country’s 10-day self-isolation policy.

Georgia: Vaccinated travelers from any foreign country can enter the country without the need to self-isolate. However they should have received both doses.

Greece: Whoever who has a vaccination certificate and those who have recovered from COVID-19 or have taken the test will be able to come to the country.

Iceland: Since 18^th March, those who have been totally vaccinated are allowed to enter, without testing and quarantine. This applies to citizens outside the Schengen.

Lebanon: Arrivals who produce proof of vaccination can bypass quarantine requirements. However, they need to present a negative PCR test taken 96 hours prior to their flight. Arrivals must also submit to a 2^nd test at the airport upon disembarking.

Panama: whilst the local media and the country’s Minister of Health assure those who are vaccinated – even if they come from other counties, need not have swab or carry out traceability, the countries official tourism site makes no mention of these exceptions to those who have received their doses.

Poland: Those who have been vaccinated and present a certificate confirming it are exempted from the country’s quarantine requirements.

Portugal: The country is open to arrivals from several countries except that arrivals from the Azores and Madeira Islands are required to show evidence of vaccination against COVID-19 to not have to quarantine or provide a negative test result.

Romania: Those who have been fully vaccinated are exempted from quarantine measures. However, travelers must ensure that a minimum 10 days have elapsed from the administration of the second dose until the date of direct contact or until the date of entry into the country.

Seychelles: Arrivals who are fully vaccinated can enter 14 days after the last dose. Nevertheless, a pre-departure test taken less than 72 hours is also a pre-requisite.

Hospitality Sri Lanka News

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