Taken the COVID jab? Time to explore these 14 countries!

Posted on: Jun 16, 2021 | | Written by:

Taken the COVID jab? Time to explore these 14 countries!

Published on June 15, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

From scenic beaches to snow-capped mountains, the world is home to alluring destinations. For more than a year now, many Indian travellers have been eager to unleash the innate globetrotters in them, but the pandemic demanded restraint. Following the second wave of COVID-19, many countries decided to re-impose restrictions on international travellers. But diehard travellers still have hope, with a few countries reopening borders. However, you need to follow certain conditions. So, before you start packing your bags, take a look at 14 countries where fully vaccinated travellers are welcome.

1. Seychelles

One of the most popular beach destinations with a stunning coastline, Seychelles boasts beautiful coral reefs and nature reserves and rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. And it is now open to fully vaccinated travellers from any country. Tourists must provide their vaccination certificates issued by the national health authority of their country with the second dose administered at least two weeks before arrival in Seychelles. Along with the certificate, all tourists must carry a negative COVID-19 RT PCR report, which should be conducted within 72 hours prior to travel. If you carry both the documents, you can skip quarantine.

2. Iceland

The land of vivid contrasts, whether it comes to the climate, geography, or culture, Iceland is now open to tourists and should definitely be on your travel bucket list. Fully vaccinated travellers need not provide negative COVID-19 test report before boarding flights to this country. Iceland is also open to those who have been previously infected with COVID-19. However, all tourists must be tested for COVID-19 at the border and once the results are negative, they are free to explore the country.

3. Croatia

Currently, Croatia is allowing travellers only from EU/Schengen countries, provided they have a negative COVID-19 test report upon arrival. In the absence of the same, they should get one at the airport and be in quarantine until the results arrive. Visitors should also carry a vaccination certificate and the final dose should have been administered at least 14 days before their arrival.

4. Thailand

Irrespective of vaccination status or country of origin, all travellers have to quarantine for 14 days in a government-approved quarantine facility or an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility. The country cancelled certificates of entry (CeO) issued to non-Thai nationals from India from May 1.

5. Poland

If a traveller has been fully vaccinated, there is no need to quarantine. But they must show proof of taking both doses of COVID-19 vaccine in their home country.

6. Sri Lanka

The country has opened its borders to international travellers who have taken both doses of vaccine. However, they have to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and also on the seventh day of their stay. If the 2^nd test report is negative, they are free to move around in the country.

7. Georgia

Georgia is open to fully vaccinated tourists from all countries. But vaccination certificate confirming the administration of both doses is a must. Travelers who have not been vaccinated and arriving from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, the European Union, Israel, Kazakhstan, Norway, Northern Ireland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, or the United States must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, done within 72 hours prior to travel at the Georgian border. On their third day in Georgia, travellers must get a second PCR test done.

8. Romania

Located on the western shores of the Black Sea, Romania is known for its natural beauty and diversity and a rich cultural heritage. Tourists coming to Romania should be fully vaccinated and should have taken the second dose atleast 10 days prior to entering the border. Plus, the certificate must be issued by the national health agency in their home country. No quarantine required.

9. Russia

Despite fewer flights operating at present, Russia is one of the few countries that is allowing Indians to travel with tourist visas. Most of the attractive sights in Russia are found in or near St. Petersburg and Moscow, boasting world-famous art and architecture. A traveller needs to provide a negative RT-PCR test, dated no less than three days prior to arrival. Passengers will also have to undergo a test on arrival.

10. South Africa

From city life to adventure, wildlife to culture, breath-taking sceneries to sun-soaked coasts, it is time to discover South Africa. Those wishing to travel to this country are expected to produce an RT-PCR test no older than 72 hours. Health check-ups and screening will also be done upon arrival. Vaccination certificate is mandatory.

11. Turkey

A popular destination for tourists from India, Turkey is a rich haven for art and history lovers. Its crystal-clear blue seas promise endless adventures and unforgettable moments. Turkey is now open for travellers from India; however, a 14-day institutional quarantine is mandatory. Travellers above the age of six are also required to provide a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours prior to departure.

12. Egypt

Egypt, the land of temples, tombs, vast tracts of desert, historic treasures, ancient monuments and the beautiful Nile River, has a lot to offer. All those arriving from India and other countries affected by COVID-19 have to take a rapid DNA test upon arrival. An RT-PCR test done 72 hours before boarding is required too, along with a completed health declaration form that must be presented during boarding and upon arrival.

13. Lebanon

Tourists need to carry vaccination certificate with the second COVID-19 dose taken at least 15 days before their arrival in the country. Such travellers need not produce negative COVID-19 test report at the borders but a travel insurance policy providing coverage throughout their stay is mandatory.

14. Greece

The country of gorgeous beaches and museums is now open to tourists but has its own vaccine and testing requirements. Only tourists from EU, the US, the UK and Israel are allowed, if they can prove they have been fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test report.

Conclusion

To wrap up, several countries are now opening their borders to international visitors, relying on testing and quarantine requirements. So, those who have been fully vaccinated can now begin planning for their next trip to select countries. But staying safe and traveling with care should be the top priority. Apart from that, buying comprehensive international travel insurance is crucial, so that you can protect yourself against emergencies.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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