If, like us, you’re in desperate need of a holiday after what has been the strangest year we can remember, you’ll be pleased to hear many countries have reopened their borders to international tourists. Here’s a list of where you can travel to and the important travel information you need to know.
Brazil
Samba dancing has never sounded so appealing. Brazil is home to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches including the iconic Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Tourists have been flying in and out of Brazil since 29 July and the only requirement is that you have valid health insurance.
Barbados
The perfect place for a stroll on white sandy beaches, Barbados has been welcoming tourists back since 12 July. Only those with a negative test result taken within two days of arrival will be allowed entry. However, testing is available on arrival (Dhs550) for those who couldn’t get the test done before departure, but requires those to quarantine for 48 hours. Tourists arriving from a ‘high-risk’ country will also have to quarantine for seven days in a hotel (which you have to pay for yourself).
Cambodia
While Cambodia is usually a great place for a cheap getaway, due to COVID-19 all travellers are required to pay a hefty deposit of Dhs11,000 to cover a mandatory test and any other medical treatment required during your stay. Tourists are also required to bring a negative test result recieved within the past 72 hours and will also be tested on arrival. In addition, you’ll have to quarantine for 14 days regardless of the test result. Should someone on your flight test positive, all passengers are required to quarantine at a designated hotel costing Dhs4,700 each.
Egypt
Passengers from the UAE can now fly with EgyptAir to Egypt, which has resumed flights from a number of countries. Passengers are required to present a negative test result from within the past 72 hours. Before flying, be sure to check which resort area is open as not all of them are. Passengers may be required to self-quarantine depending on the test results, and there will be health screenings upon arrival.
Croatia
Game of Thrones fans might fancy a quick trip to Dubrovnik, also known as King’s Landing in the hit TV series. Travellers from any country are being allowed entry, however passengers must provide an accommodation booking and a negative test within 48 hours of arrival or self-quarantine for 14 days.
Greece
We’re sure you’ve spotted the plethora of influencers hanging out in Greece over the last few weeks; that’s because the border was opened on 31 August for travellers from the UAE, UK, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Tourists are required to provide a negative test result from a test taken up to 72 hours before arrival.
Zanzibar
Known for its beaches, national parks and more, Zanzibar is now welcoming tourists from the UAE. The island requires tourists to have a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival and will be screened. It is also mandatory to have health insurance.
Turkey
Residents from all countries are now allowed to enter Turkey although there will be health screenings and temperature checks upon arrival and quarantine will be applicable depending on the test results. Whether you fancy a walk around the city of Istanbul or a day on Ankara’s beaches, you are required to wear a mask at all times.
Seychelles Islands
Your dream holiday is only hours away as Seychelles has opened its borders and is welcoming tourists from low-to-medium risk countries. You will be required to provide a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of arrival or an antigen test.
Kenya
Home to the Maasai Mara National Reserve wildlife and world-famous safaris, the country has reopened its borders to all tourists from 1 August. It is mandatory to provide a negative PCR test result on arrival and temperature checks will be taken at the airport. Visitors will be given ‘passenger locator cards’ to trace tourists in case of an outbreak.
Montenegro
Visitors from the UAE, EU and Schengen countries are allowed entry to this European Island covered in beaches, mountains and an abundance of history. Social distancing and wearing masks are mandatory.
The Maldives
The ultimate island getaway has been allowing all tourists from 15 July and has also received the Safe Travel Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Tourists are required to have a negative PCR test upon arrival and are required to stay at their booked establishment throughout the stay.
Photos: Instagram and Unsplash
