From the UAE to Egypt: a list of countries that welcome the return of tourism

More than 142 million people around the world have been infected with the Coronavirus as vaccination processes have been smoother in some countries compared to others. But even though the epidemic has not yet reached its finish line, many are eager to make plans to tourism trips or reunite with beloved ones.

The health risks remain clear, especially with the emergence of the new virus variables, which may push countries to change their laws at any time and oblige their citizens to strict quarantines.

Both the US State Department and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide coronavirus risk assessments by country. Below is a list of countries that most international passport holders can still visit for their holidays:

Albania

Albania is located on the Adriatic Sea and is still open to visitors. Although there are no requirements for a Covid-19 test or quarantine upon entry, visitors should expect to undergo a health examination.

Armenia

If visitors want to enter Albania, they must obtain a negative result for the Covid-19 test within 72 hours of arrival, or take a test upon arrival for about US$40, and then self-isolate until the result is obtained.

The Bahamas

Visitors aged 11 years old and above must have a negative Covid-19 test result no more than 5 days prior to their arrival.

Once the negative result is obtained, they can apply for a Bahamian health travel visa, where they must subscribe to health insurance for Covid-19.

It is also important to take a test on the fifth day of their stay if not leaving before.

The United Arab Emirates

All visitors over the age of 12 years old must have medical insurance, with a negative test for Coronavirus during the past 96 hours by a nationally recognized body.

It is also important to show the test certificate upon check-in and complete the health statement form before travel, in addition to registering for the Covid-19 DXB application.

The protocol varies according to where you are travelling from; passengers from some countries are required to take an additional test upon arrival. At the time of writing, anyone who has been in South Africa or Nigeria has been denied entry in the last 14 days.

Barbados

The new protocols will begin on 8 May. Until then, all travellers must complete and submit an online travel form 24 hours before departure.

Visitors must submit a valid negative result for the Covid-19 test, within 72 hours of arrival. It is also important that all travellers do a quick test upon arrival.

You must also quarantine on an approved hotel or resort until you get a second test and a negative test result. It is reported that the quarantine period is not less than five nights, so visitors will put an electronic tracking bracelet.

Morocco

This destination is open to specific travellers only; you must have a reservation with a hotel or a Moroccan travel agency or even be invited by a Moroccan company.

You will be asked to show a negative printed result issued in a maximum of 72 hours.

There are no mandatory quarantine measures, but a local curfew is in place. It is reported that flights from Australia, Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand have been suspended until further notice.

Belize

You can bring an official vaccination card stating that you received the vaccination at least two weeks before your arrival. Otherwise, you must get a negative corona test result within 96 hours of arrival or a rapid test within 48 hours of arrival.

You can also take the test on arrival for US$50.

Turkey

Turkey requires that all passengers have a negative test result that does not exceed 72 hours.

International travellers must fill out an entry form and prepare to be tested for coronavirus symptoms.

Flights to Turkey from Brazil, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and South Africa have been suspended. Travellers who have visited these countries in the past 10 days face mandatory two-week quarantine at government-designated accommodation.

Tunisia

Tunisia is home to sunny Mediterranean beaches and ancient Roman ruins and is open to travellers, but some direct flights to the UK may be suspended, for example.

You will need to complete an online questionnaire before your arrival and submit a negative test result for Coronavirus within a period of no more than 72 hours of travel.

You must also quarantine for five days, then take a second test.

Egypt

Passengers need to present a negative test result no more than 72 hours prior to their departure.

However, travellers from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, the UK, Paris, and Frankfurt are allowed to extend this period of time up to 96 hours, due to the long travel periods.

It is very important to submit hard copies, not digital, as they are not acceptable. You may be required to show proof of health insurance.

You can travel to the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh without a corona examination, but you must be tested upon arrival and quarantine until you get a negative result.