July 2021 - Page 2 of 2

Top Unusual Places to Visit in Paris

by Olivia Maurel14/07/202113/07/2021Travel

Home to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre; Paris has a long list of tourist attractions. But, if like us you’d prefer to skip the queues then look no further. These unusual places will give you the sightseeing edge.

The Alchemist’s House

Auberge Nicolas Flamel, and the oldest house in Paris

What is possibly Paris’s oldest house was owned by Nicolas Flamel, famed alchemist and wealthy Parisian. The house was completed in 1407, and it’s beautiful stone façade stands out against those of it neighbours on the historic Rue de Montmorency in the 3rd arrondissement. Whether or not you believe he did manage to turn metal to gold, you can still step back in time by dining in the bistro which now occupies the first floor. The Auberge Nicolas Flamel offers a set menu and a la carte dining for lunch and dinner. The tables by the windows are the perfect spot for lunchtime people-watching – when in Paris!

51 rue de Montmorency, 3rd arrondissement

Al Fresco Dining with the Ancient Romans

Arènes de Lutèce- an ancient Roman arena

If you’ve bought your ham and cheese baguette and don’t know where to stop for lunch, then take a seat at the Arènes de Lutèce. Rediscover a slice of Paris’ Roman past, sitting in the stalls of the ancient arena in the middle of the city – the arena, along with the Thermes de Cluny (Roman baths), are the last remains of the Gallo-Roman period in Paris. Entry to the arena is free of charge, and it is open almost year-round.

4 rue des Arènes, 5th arrondissement

The Oldest Patisserie in Paris

Once you’ve finished your baguette in the Roman arena, head to Stroher for an éclair for dessert. Founded in 1730, Stroher is the city’s oldest patisserie. Its founder, Nicholas Stroher travelled from the courts of the King of Poland in the 18th century, and settled in Paris, becoming Louis the XV’s pastry chef, and later running his own shop. From this site he invented the famous rum baba, and the shop continues to attract customers today. Now a registered monument, Stroher’s lavish interior was decorated by one of the leading artists of the 2nd Empire, and a collaborator on the decorating of the Opera Garnier. This is definitely one of the more unusual places to eat a vol-au-vent!

51 rue Montorgueil, 2nd arrondissement

Back to Nature in the City

A couple stroll through the cherry blossoms on the Promenade Plantée in Paris — Stroll through the cherry blossoms on the Promenade Plantée

The traffic, sirens, and crowds can get too much. So, we suggest heading to the Promenade Plantée for a breath of fresh air. Running for 4.7km through the southeast of the city, the promenade is a burst of greenery elevated above the exhaust fumes and hooters. Officially known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumon, the natural haven was constructed along disused railways lines. If you can, take an hour out of your day and stroll past sheets of towering bamboo and delicate cherry blossoms. Step down onto the street at any time and pop into the art galleries dotted along the route. Finish your walk in the Bois de Vincennes, Paris’s largest green space, and feel like you really have escaped to the country.

1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont, 12 arrondissement

Picnic in the Park

A small temple sits on top of a craggy hill at the edge of a lake in arc des Buttes-Chaumont — Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Waterfalls just a stone’s throw from the city centre? Your eyes do not deceive. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a showcase of folly, whimsy, and a Parisian’s weekend escape. Situated in Belleville, the park is just far enough out, that it has escaped attraction from tourists. If you do venture out though, you’ll find temples, informal gardens and, of course, waterfalls. The Parc is one of those unusual places where you can enjoy a picnic with a view over the city, meander along the pathways, and explore the caves, all in one spot. The park is open daily and entrance is free.

1-7 rue Botzaris, 19th arrondissement

Changing Travel Decisions in a New Climate

by Anthony Cicuttini14/07/202113/07/2021Advisor's Corner / Travel

For anyone that has taken a class or has experience with regression modelling, they will be familiar with the common error term that that accounts for “everything else” outside of the variables being assessed. Without trying to immediately bore the reader with a refresh of statistical analysis, the COVID pandemic has caused this error term to balloon to such effect that traditional considerations when making travel decisions need a re-think. Having a travel budget ready to go and a good price from an airline is no longer all that is needed to get a person on plane.

Border closures, enhanced travel requirements, and lockdowns at origins and destinations have all contributed to the variability in how travellers make decisions, which ultimately effects demand levels.

Passenger Demand Shifts

An evening flight preparing for take-off

Prior to the pandemic, air access was a major constituent part of travel demand. Makes sense. If air services are not readily available, then demand cannot be satiated. Data from IATA in their May Air Passenger Market Analysis indicates the changes to load factor, or percentage of seats filled, for key markets for May 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. The key take-out from the findings is that load factors are depressed against historical norms. In other words, passengers are not willing or able to travel in line with what airlines have previously expected.

Market (Domestic and International)	Load factor % pts difference
Africa	-14.8%
Asia Pacific	-12.6%
Europe	-24.4%
Latin America	-6.5%
Middle East	-34.1%
North America	-13.3%

Findings show that load factors are depressed against historical norm

While this is an oversimplification to some degree, it nonetheless illustrates the point. The importance of other factors has risen considerably.

It is perhaps likened to an inverse relationship shown in the chart below. Prior to the pandemic, traditional drivers of demand ranked high compared with background “noise” factors. Now, traditional considerations have taken a back seat. As the COVID pandemic matures and eventually becomes a relic of history, this relationship is likely to return to some degree of normality. Until then though, these error terms will continue to cause pain for travellers and the travel industry.

Thanks to the pandemic, traditional considerations have taken a back seat

What is a traveller to do?

View over a city from an Egyptair flight

Information. Lockdowns, border closures, and ever-changing travel requirements leads travellers down the path of taking even more charge of their own destiny. While travellers have always taken responsibility for ensuring they meet government and airline requirements, these were fairly straight forward and well known. The pandemic has caused a shift in the workload for travellers. The question is then, how can this workload be managed or minimised?

Safescore provides a solution to this problem by consolidating travel quarantine, COVID information, testing requirements, and border entry information onto a single platform. The goal is to reduce the workload for travellers and provide insights that can build confidence.

Tagged : Analysis / Aviation / Travel / Travel Data

Approved Vaccines & Their Travel Timeframes

by Olivia Maurel13/07/202120/07/2021News / Travel5 Comments

The Europe Union has maintained that restarting tourism is vital in the recovery of the GDP in the region. Many European countries have now been adding specific restrictions, exemptions, and timelines for those who wish to get one of the Covid-19 vaccines and then travel.

This process, like much of the pandemic, is not straight-forward. Different vaccines have varying approval ratings depending on your destination. Some allow you to travel 7 days after one type of vaccination, but only 21 days after another. Certain countries not need PCR tests from vaccinated arrivals, whereas others prefer to require documentation of both.

It’s a spaghetti junction, and we’re not surprised if it gives you a headache. Below we’ve broken down the requirements of some countries when it comes to different categories of travellers.

This list has been updated to include France’s changes to vaccination timeframes and the addition of Covidshield to its approved vaccine list. (19.07)

This list has been updated to include Finland‘s relaxation of entry rules for vaccinated travellers from the EU and Schengen zones. (19.07)

Vaccination rules further complicate travel regulations

Germany

Germany recognizes the following vaccines and manufacturers:

BionTech/Pfizer
Janssen-Cilag International (Johnson & Johnson – single dose)
Moderna Biotech, Spain
AstraZeneca AB, Schweden

Arrivals must provide proof that the second dose of the vaccine was administered no less than 14 days before their arrival in Germany. The vaccination certificate must be in English, German, French, Italian, or Spanish.

Slovakia

Depending on the infection rates in their country of origins, fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from strict travel regulations on arrival in Slovakia.

Vaccinated arrivals from Green List countries are exempt from quarantine if they arrive no earlier than 14 days after their second vaccination dose, or no earlier than 21 days after their first vaccination dose. The administered vaccines must be recognized by the EU.

Vaccinated arrivals from Red and Black list countries may only be exempt if they provide work contracts and proof of residence either within Slovakia or in the country they arrived from. For a complete list of the traffic light countries please visit Slovakia’s official website here.

Ireland

Up until and including the 18th of July, visitors to Ireland who have received a full dose of an approved vaccination will be exempt from the mandatory hotel quarantine. The approved vaccines and their timeframes are:

BioNtech/Pfizer: 7 days after the second dose
Moderna: 14 days after the second dose
Oxford-AstraZeneca: 15 days after the second dose
Johnson & Johnson: 14 days after a single dose

Travel to Ireland is still restricted, the ban against non-essential travel is expected to lift on the 19th of July.

France

Vaccinated travellers who are allowed to enter France must provide proof that they have received one of the following vaccines:

AstraZeneca: 7 days after the second dose
Moderna: 7 days after the second dose
Pfizer: 7 days after the second dose
Johnson & Johnson: 4 weeks after the single dose
Covidshield – New addition to list, details coming

If the traveller has already recovered from Covid-19, then they can enter France no earlier than 2 weeks after the first dose of the vaccine.

United Kingdom

From the 19th of July, fully vaccinated travellers who have received one of the NHS approved vaccines (AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) will be exempt from mandatory quarantine when arriving from amber list countries.

United States

The CDC exempts fully vaccinated travellers from its 7-day self-isolation recommendation for arrivals in the United States. Fully vaccinated travellers are those who have either:

Received the second dose of a 2 dose vaccine more than 14 days prior to travel
Or, received a single dose vaccine more than 14 days prior to travel

Greece

Greece does not require travellers to submit a negative PCR test if they are fully vaccinated with one of the following vaccines:

Pfizer/BioNtech
Moderna
Astra Zeneca/Oxford
Novavax
Johnson + Johnson/Janssen
Sinovac Biotech
Gamaleya (Sputnik)
Cansino Biologics
Sinopharm

The vaccination certificates must hold all relevant information and be in either English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Russian.

Finland

Finland has relaxed entry requirements for fully vaccinated travellers from the EU/Schengen Zone, as well as those who have fully recovered from Covid-19. The vaccinated traveller can enter Finland no sooner than 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine. A Covid-19 recovery certificate must be less than 6 months old, and the travellers must be fully recovered.

The following vaccines are currently accepted for entry to Finland:

Pfizer-BioNtech
Spikexav, formerly Moderna
Vaxzevria, formerly AstraZeneca
Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
BIBP/Sinopharm
Coronavac (by Sinovac)
Covishield

The certificates must be in English, Finnish, or Swedish. Please note that there is no mandatory testing for leisure travellers who fall into the above categories.

Tagged : EU Travel / Travel Advice / Travel Restrictions / US Travel

Summer in Sweden – Who can visit?

by Olivia Maurel13/07/202114/07/2021News / Travel

This week, visitors eager to spend their summer in Sweden are in luck. The country has relaxed entry requirements for more Third Party countries. Travellers from these countries are now allowed to visit Sweden for tourism, and other non-essential reasons.

Sweden is re-opening to more visitors this Summer

Travellers from the following Third Party countries are now permitted to enter Sweden:

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Jordan
Kosovo
Montenegro
Qatar
Moldova
Saudi Arabia

Travellers from these countries join the current list of Third Party countries who are exempt from the entry ban. These are:

Albania
Australia
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Lebanon
Macau
Moldova
New Zealand
North Macedonia (the Republic of)
Serbia
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
USA

All arrivals must present a negative PCR test result which is no older than 48 hours on arrival.

Citizens, or residents of the European Union, and the EEA are also exempt from entry bans to Sweden, but must also provide a negative PCR test. This remains the case even if the traveller is fully vaccinated.

Residents and citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, or Norway, can travel to Sweden without any restrictions and do not have to submit a PCR test result. These exemptions not apply if the traveller has been outside one of these countries prior to arriving in Sweden.

Travellers from countries not mentioned still face an entry ban for Sweden. This has been extended until the end of August 2021.

What to Expect

Although some restrictions remain in place, there is no tight lockdown in Sweden

If you are travelling to Sweden this summer, certain restrictions remain in place. There are limits on the number of people in a gathering. For example, in venues such as bars a restaurants, no more than eight people are allowed to sit at the same table. All businesses are following strict protocols and limiting the number of people on their premises at any given time. If you are planning to travel more than 15 kilometres by public transport, it is important to note that busses and trains can only seat half of their capacity, so booking in advance is recommended.

For more travel regulations and exemptions for entry to Sweden, please visit the Swedish Police Authority’s website here.

Tagged : EU Travel / Summer Travel / Sweden / Travel / Travel Advice / Travel Restrictions

Slovenia is Open to Visitors

by Olivia Maurel12/07/202113/07/2021News / Travel / Uncategorized1 Comment

Slovenia has announced that it is open to visitors from countries all over the world. Border restrictions, which were previously strict quarantine requirements, have been relaxed for those coming from countries on Slovenia’s Orange, Red, and Dark Red lists.

Prejama Castle in Slovenia, built into the rock of the side of a mountain — Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Orange List Arrivals

While the country is open to visitors from a long list of countries, those on the green and orange list will have the easiest time. Under the new regulations, travellers from countries on the orange list will not need to quarantine if they provide one of the following on arrival:

An EU digital COVID certificate, or Third Country digital certificate
A negative PCR or Rapid Antigen Test result
A certificate of recovery from Covid-19
A certificate of complete vaccination
Or, a certificate confirming both of the previous two

Countries and regions on the orange list include: Andorra, Belgium, France, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

Red List Arrivals

Travellers arriving from the higher risk red list countries will need to provide either a certificate of recovery, or vaccination, or both, in order to skip quarantine on arrival.

This list includes over 35 Third Party countries, and the EU zones of Cyprus, La Réunion island (France), and a number regions in Spain, including the Canary Islands.

Dark Red List Arrivals

Travellers from ‘very high risk’ countries on the dark red list need to provide the same as above. Foreigners arriving from one of these countries will not be allowed to enter Slovenia.

Liechtenstein is the only nation on the European mainland which appears on this list. Other countries include the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Oman, the Maldives, Malaysia, South Africa, Tanzania, and much of South America.

For the complete list of countries and their colours, please visit the Slovenian government’s website here.

Vaccinated Travellers

Once fully vaccinated, the length of time you need to wait before travel varies per vaccine. Make sure that you give yourself enough time between your jab and your trip – as seen in the table below. We also suggest that, in addition to digital versions, you carry hardcopies of all your documents.

Vaccine	Time Frame
BionTech/Pfizer	at least 7 days
Moderna	at least 14 days
AstraZeneca	at least 21 days
Johnson & Johnson	at least 14 days
Covishield	at least 21 days after the first dose
Sputnik V	at least 14 days
CoronaVac (Sinovac)	at least 14 days
Sinopharm	at least 14 days

Time before travel varies according to the vaccine received

Slovenia has often been overlooked as a European holiday destination, but this is changing quickly. The tiny country offers visitors everything from a Mediterranean coastline, hugging Italy’s borders, to historical towns and mountains, and is one of the most ‘green’ destinations in the world.

Tagged : EU Travel / Summer Travel / Travel / Travel Restrictions / Vaccinated Travel

Reviving Travel Confidence

by Helen Woodrow07/07/202106/07/2021Advisor's Corner / Opinion / Uncategorized1 Comment

Whatever your reason to connect – to spend time with loved ones, to conduct business or to experience different parts of the world, Covid-19 has sent travel confidence into a free-fall and travel stress sky high.

Stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing the unknown was formerly a rallying call to the adventure of travel. Now, it is a quagmire of border closures and colour coded restrictions, passenger caps, travel bubbles and bridges, PCR and antigen testing, mandatory hotel quarantine and home isolation periods, face covering rules and vaccination requirements, all in a seemingly constant state of flux.

Although many domestic travel markets are well on the way to recovery, international travel is perceived as volatile and fragmented. Each country goes its own way in charting a course through the pandemic from suppression, to elimination, eradication and all points in between. Global attitudes to travel vary widely as a result, and even seasoned travellers are hesitant to dust off their passports given the difficulty of pivoting to a new normal.

Flight switchboard in airport displaying flight destinations and times — Varying international travel regulations heighten hesitancy in travellers

So What Will It Take to Get International Travel’s Mojo Back?

The answer will vary depending on what Pandemic Persona you are. After riding the Covid-19 safety, economic and emotional rollercoaster over the course of 2020 and 2021, it is fair to say that our attitudes towards the previously sanguine realm of international travel have shifted markedly. So too have our personas. User-centered design relies on identifying personas (customer groups with a set of similar behaviours, attitudes and values) and then tailoring products and services to respond to their wants and needs.

Pre-pandemic, passengers took travel safety and security largely for granted. Priorities related to travel were increasingly centered around nice to have creature comforts such as, free WiFi, food and beverage offerings, comfortable seating and ritzy washrooms. But Covid-19 has flipped our prioritization on its head. At front and centre now, are essential hygiene factors, personal space, and clarity around Covid-19 requirements. Together, these contribute to the overall journey feasibility and reassure passengers that their health and safety is a priority.

The Many Faces of Pandemic Personas

Identifying Pandemic Personas and addressing their respective needs is key to salvaging travel confidence. You may recognize yourself in one of the following evolving personas:

The Cautious Traveller

Wants to travel, but is concerned about the unknown in an environment where nothing seems predictable. They place high value on their own, and their family’s, health and safety, tending to go above and beyond requirements. They tend not to trust others to do the right thing. Cautious Travellers need to understand the regulations and protocols that will be encountered on their journey and be prepared for what lies ahead.

The Reluctant Traveller

Has to rather than wants to travel and finds the thought of travel emotionally and physically stressful. This traveller is displaced from the familiarity and security of home by necessity – perhaps due changing circumstances, a family emergency, or travelling for work. In everyday life they manage fine and can resolve their own issues, but as a Reluctant Traveller they find the thought of navigating restrictions unwelcome and bewildering and are likely to benefit from journey guidance.

The Unconvinced Traveller

Unsure about the pandemic and effectiveness of measures taken to defeat it. Not bothered about health risks. Unlikely to put any of their own time into discovering what is required of them and destined to bump against the sides of unwelcome regulatory surprises they encounter. Information needs to be pushed to them, for example by their travel agent or airline, as they will not seek it out themselves.

The Emergent Traveller

Feeling ready to emerge from domestic hibernation, they have conscientiously followed Covid-19 restrictions and wish to continue to do so as they venture forth. Self sufficient, organised and methodical by nature they will research what to expect of any journey and destination, and will remain vigilant to Covid-19 protocols.

The Comfortable Traveller

Keen to relax and recharge after a tough year and happy to spend more for curated, premium services. This persona wants to be taken care of and is likely to use a travel booking entity; expecting them to do the planning and provide tailor-made information. The Comfortable Traveller desires their journey to be smooth, stress free and personalized.

Travel Confidence and Confident Travellers

A personal taking a photograph on their smart phone of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris — Whether confident or cautious, every Pandemic Persona requires clear and current travel information

Despite their differences, all of these Pandemic Personas have a common need for reliable travel insight, presented in a readily digestible format, as a key enabler of travel confidence. SafeScore compiles route specific safety and border data from hundreds of airlines, airports and border authorities and keeps it up-to-date. Which countries are open to you and your family? Which can you transit? PCR testing requirements? Quarantine rules? SafeScore regularly updates vaccination and infection rates as well as a growing repository of other aggregated data.

What knowledge would it take to help convert you, your family, your employees or your clients into Confident Travellers? Let SafeScore know. They’d love to hear from you.

Tagged : Advisor's Corner / Confident Travel / Travel / Travel Advice

Explore Switzerland – Reopening to Visitors

by Olivia Maurel07/07/202106/07/2021News / Travel / Uncategorized1 Comment

Switzerland has opened its borders to visitors from low-risk countries, as well as those from the EU and Schengen zone. The Swiss tourism industry has received a much needed boost as the government has relaxed entry restrictions to a number of key markets in the last few weeks. The country anticipates a rise in visitors eager to explore Switzerland this summer.

The country has scrapped travel restrictions for these travellers provided they present one of the following:

Proof of full vaccination (at least 14 days prior)
OR official proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the last 6 months
OR a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours
Alternatively, a rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours presented before boarding

Beautiful Swiss valley with wooden chalets, and flanked by snowy mountains. — Explore Switzerland’s beautiful landscapes

What Is Open?

What is a holiday without sightseeing? Exploring Switzerland certainly won’t leave you deprived. Hotels and other accommodation are open, and operating with strict Covid-19 protocols. There are a wealth to choose from, and for every budget. The Boutique Hotel and Restaurant Glacier, for example, is a 150 year old chalet cushioned by mountains. Recently renovated, it offers visitors panoramic views and luxury relaxation with the intimacy of a small hotel. Alternatively, if you’d rather do your own thing, the list offers everything from apartments, to camping and, at a higher altitude, mountain huts.

Museums and excursions and attractions are also operating, with strict compliance to protocols. The famous premium panoramic trains are in operation, threading through the mountain passes, their wraparound windows give travellers the ultimate alpine views. Sightseers must wear masks at all times, and stay in their allocated seats in order to comply with social distancing. Visitors are advised that there might be a reduced meal service on board. Other experiences, such as exploring caves, mountain climbing, and walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs, are also operational and excited to welcome visitors.

How to get there

Swiss Air, the national carrier, operates on a number of routes. Flights are operational to a large number of European cities, as well as further afield, such as New York, Dubai, and Johannesburg. Contact your local airline for specific details.

From chocolates to green, rolling mountains, now’s the time to explore Switzerland and all of the natural beauty beauty it has to offer.

Tagged : EU Travel / Re-Opening / Safe Travel / Summer Travel / Switzerland / Travel

Australians Support Travel Bubbles, Survey Says

by Olivia Maurel07/07/202106/07/2021News / Opinion / Travel

A recent survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia (CCIWA) has found that a large number of Australians want strict Covid-19 restrictions to end. The survey, which included a group of over 3000 people from different demographics and different areas of the country, found that the majority wanted to ‘move past’ Covid. Travel bubbles stand out as the strongest avenue to end the country’s hard closure to international travel.

Fairly isolated from the world since the start of the pandemic, Australia’s strict border closure is, understandably, beginning to chafe. As the vaccine rollout increases, many respondents want to be exempt from restrictions if they’ve been vaccinated. These figures were highest in New South Wales (53.4%) and Victoria (60.3%).

From an economic standpoint, nearly 60% indicated that they felt overseas migration was important as a source for economic growth. This ties in to the 53% of people who feel the need for international migration routes to re-open. Travel bubbles and corridors are terms that have been bandied about throughout the pandemic. There have been many attempts to open corridors in order to facilitate business travel – some more successful than others. Public sentiment, according to the study, supports travel bubbles with countries with a high vaccination rate.

Travel Bubbles Receive Support

Travel bubbles are an important element to a cautious recovery for Australia’s economy. Australia’s hard closure has, in particular, damaged the tourism industry. Ranked in the top 10 of the world’s most affected economies in terms of tourism, travel agreements could assist in mitigating some of the loss. When travel has been allowed, rapidly changing rules have made travellers reconsider their plans. With a standardized re-opening plan, and unchanging regulations, travel bubbles could bring the country’s tourism sector out of the slump. Across the country, 57% of Australians agree, supporting the idea of travel bubbles and are keen to travel again.

An eagerness to restart the economy, twinned with a sensible approach towards vaccine rollout and travel could be the ultimate balance that Australia needs to oil its hinges and re-open its doors.

Tagged : Australia / Travel / Travel Bubbles / Travel Restrictions

5 European Countries Open to American Visitors

by Olivia Maurel06/07/202106/07/2021News / Travel / Uncategorized2 Comments

As the European Union maintains its objective to re-open for tourism this season, travellers in the United States can start holiday-planning. The United States’ vaccine rollout has been amongst the world’s quickest, allowing cross-Atlantic tourism to start once again. Deprived of overseas visitors for months, the EU looking forward to welcoming American visitors, as the tourism industry re-awakens.

The following countries are open to travellers from the United States (with varying levels of restrictions).

Cyprus

Turquoise seas are the perfect escape from Covid ennui

Cyprus has put the US on its ‘orange list’, along with a few other third party countries. This means, that arrivals to Cyprus will need to present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. All travellers to Cyprus must complete the CyprusFlightPass within 48 hours of the start of their journey. The island’s beautiful beaches, and historical tourist attractions are looking forward to welcoming back both EU and American visitors.

Germany

Germany has put the USA on its ‘Covid safe’ list of countries, allowing US travellers to enter the country for tourism purposes. America is among a small number of countries from which Germany allows non-vaccinated visitors. Also on the list are arrivals from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, amongst others. Travellers to Germany must follow the strict mask mandate in place, which includes the wearing of specific masks, such as the FFFP model.

France

At last – one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations is open to US travellers! The French government has relaxed restrictions for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors from America. The latter must present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours on arrival, while vaccinated travellers face no restrictions. France’s museums and attractions are open, but with health and safety protocols in place.

The Netherlands

Dust off your bicycle bell! As of the beginning of July, the Netherlands has relaxed most travel rules for ‘low-risk’ arrivals. As a result, visitors from America no longer need to provide a PCR test result, or self-isolate on arrival. These new rules apply regardless of the traveller’s vaccination status. Business has mostly resumed as normal in the Netherlands. For example, restaurants, nightclubs, and theatres are all open, and have social distancing rules in place.

Switzerland

Enjoy the last weeks of summer in the Swiss alps

Switzerland has dropped its quarantine requirements for travellers with an approved vaccine. Included on the list are those from the United States and Canada. Visitors who have been fully vaccinated will face no entry restrictions to Switzerland, while non-vaccinated travellers will need to provide a PCR test result. All arrivals to Switzerland must complete the public health entry form.

Travellers are advised that this list is not exhaustive, and travel restrictions can change quickly.

Tagged : EU Travel / Re-Opening / Summer Travel / Travel / US Travel

Canada: Borders to Re-open with USA

by Olivia Maurel05/07/202106/07/2021News / Travel

Government responses to the pandemic have differed the world over. Of all the controversial border closures (and there have been a lot), high on the list are Canada and the United States. Closed since March 2020, the world’s longest land border is finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Are Canada’s borders finally ready to re-open?

Canada has at last, offered some reprieve to travellers outside of the country. Previously, those eligible to enter Canada, had to undergo stringent testing and quarantine. This has now been relaxed to allow fully vaccinated Canadians to re-enter the country without needing to quarantine. The 14-day quarantine requirement has been in place for over a year, restricting family visits, cross-border trade, and tourism. Now at least, Canadian citizens can avoid two weeks of isolation when visiting family members.

Full Re-Opening in Sight?

An ochre maple leaf held up in a leafy, green forest. — Hopes are high that Canada’s borders will soon fully re-open

Nevertheless, full celebrations will have to wait a little longer. Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau announced an extension on the non-essential travel ban until the 21st of July. The Prime Minister has reassured the country though, that Canada is heading towards a full re-opening in the coming weeks, despite a cautious approach.

The promise of the re-opening for tourism is good news for the travel industry. Air Canada, which aims to make the most of what’s left of the summer season, has re-opened networks. In June, the national carrier recalled over 2000 workers in anticipation of travel starting up again. According to a recent study by the Mastercard Economics Institute, the move is certainly needed. Results indicate that Canada’s travel rebound is trailing behind the US, Australia, and others as its domestic market had failed to perform robustly.

Responses to the relaxed regulations are tepid, but, the move is a step in the right direction, and at the right speed, according to the government. The travel industry simply hopes it isn’t too little, too late.

Tagged : Canada / Summer Travel / Travel Restrictions / US Travel