TEight new additions to the health ban list, as of November 14 (yesterday), are: Bahrain, Chile, Iceland, Cambodia, Laos, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turks and Caicos. Of the eight, these are the most feasible – or soon to be – vacation destinations:
Dubai: After December 2, You can visit. Here’s the FCO advice: Travelers from the UK to Dubai have the option to either submit a negative Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before departure, which is valid for 96 hours from the test date, or take a test. PCR test upon arrival at Dubai airport. Travelers to the rest of the Emirates must have taken a test within 96 hours and had a negative result before leaving. Depending on your port of entry, you may also need to undergo a second test upon arrival, wear a government-provided wristband and complete a period of self-isolation or quarantine.
Chile: Not yet, but on Thursday Chilean authorities announced Santiago International Airport (not a land border) will be open to international visitors from November 23, according to a set of protocols (including a negative Covid test certificate) – but without a quarantine period. The timing is perfect.
Iceland: All passengers can choose to either self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival or take two tests for Covid-19, one upon arrival and the other 5-6 days later. In the meantime, you have to isolate yourself, which makes the trips somewhat difficult. The test fee is 11,000 ISK, or 9,000 ISK if booked in advance, and the second test is free. Children born in 2005 or later will be exempt from testing and self-isolation.
Cambodia: There are many hoops to jump in, and you have to be careful where you change planes (Kuala Lumpur is okay; Singapore is not). If you wish to enter Cambodia, you will need:
- Get a visa before arrival – The Visa Waiver and Visa on Arrival policy and e-Visa arrangements are suspended indefinitely
- Obtain a medical certificate, no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel, from a competent health authority stating that you do not have Covid-19. You should not use the NHS Test Service to take a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You must arrange for a special test.
- Have proof of insurance that includes a minimum of $ 50,000 for medical coverage
Turks and Caicos: If you are visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, you must obtain prior permission to travel through the confirmed TCI Gate. This requires evidence of negative Covid-19 testing from a reputable facility made within 5 days before arriving in the TCI, proof of health / travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage and a completed health screening questionnaire. However, the only flights to the islands pass through the United States, and they are not on the travel corridor list. Today’s news can inspire airlines to launch direct flights, of course, so watch this space.
the two seas: Bahrain International Airport remains open, including for transit and transport passengers, and visas have been reintroduced on arrival for 68 nationalities including the United Kingdom. All arrivals in Bahrain will be required to undergo and pay for the Covid-19 Enhanced Access Test and need to self-quarantine until the test results are received. Anyone residing in Bahrain for 10 days or more must retake the test on the tenth day after arriving in the Kingdom. You will be asked to download the “BeAware” application before testing. You should check Bahrain Visa portal For the latest information.
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