Slovenia is Open to Visitors

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.

VaccineTime Frame
BionTech/Pfizerat least 7 days
Modernaat least 14 days
AstraZenecaat least 21 days
Johnson & Johnsonat least 14 days
Covishieldat least 21 days after the first dose
Sputnik Vat least 14 days
CoronaVac (Sinovac)at least 14 days
Sinopharmat 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.

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Reviving Travel Confidence

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.

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Explore Switzerland – Reopening to Visitors

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.

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5 European Countries Open to American Visitors

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

Looking forward to visitors from Third Party countries, Germany is relaxing travel rules

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

Stroll the streets of Paris once again

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

Whether you explore by bike or by barge, the Netherlands is re-open for business

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.

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Travel Restrictions in Response to the Delta Variant

The Delta variant has become the latest strain to cause further travel restrictions. The Delta variant, first identified in India, has now become dominant in a number of countries worldwide. Considered to be much more transmissible and labelled a ‘variant of concern’, its spread has lead to changes in travel restrictions – particularly in Europe. The rising Delta cases have resulted in some rapid changes to entry requirements since last week.

Cathedral of Saint May of the See in Seville, Spain, as the sun goes down.
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, Sevilla, Spain

These are some recent changes to travel restrictions as a result of the Delta variant:

Malta

Thanks to the dominance of the Delta variant in the UK, Malta will only allow fully vaccinated travellers from the UK to enter the country.

Portugal

Also restricting travellers from the United Kingdom is Portugal. Any arrivals from the UK who did not receive the second dose of the vaccine more than 2 weeks prior to arrival must quarantine for two weeks. This will be in effect until the 11th of July.

Spain

Spain, too has added restrictions for UK arrivals, requiring a negative PCR test for all non-vaccinated travellers.

Greece

Greece requires travellers from Russia to present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or a rapid test no older than 48 hours, and be tested again on arrival. This applies to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers.

Germany

Germany has placed a travel ban on those coming from Portugal, Russia and the UK because of the high number of variant cases in those countries.

Poland

Poland has placed a mandatory 10 day quarantine on all arrivals from outside of the Schengen Zone. This is to prevent further spread of the Delta variant within the country.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has banned all flights from the UK because of the concerning number of Delta cases in the country.

United States of America

USA has heightened its ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for the UAE, Liberia, Mozambique, Uganda and Zambia thanks to a surge of cases in those countries.

If you wish to book a trip, we would advise checking with your government before travelling as restrictions can change rapidly.

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Safe Travels Reports From SafeScore

The SafeScore team believes in data transparency and accuracy. This is why we like to demonstrate what goes into SafeScore’s Safe Travels reports. If you want even more detail and a demo, contact us today!

It’s all in the numbers

Every day our system updates with the daily positive Covid19 case numbers from each country around the world. We source our information from Johns Hopkins University, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Our algorithms cross-reference these numbers with each country’s population size to give the traveller an overall view of the Covid19 situation in any country.

Safe Travels

We track what each airline and airport is doing to keep their staff and passengers safe. Our reports tell you if the airport you’re travelling through uses plexiglass screens and sanitizes its furniture. If the airline you’ve chosen is still blocking the middle seat, we’ll let you know. We’re all in this together and we should all play our parts!

A young woman looks for her flight on the busy arrivals and departures boards at the airport.

Safe Travel Score

Our system factors in all the airline and airport data, and produces a safe score out of ten. Displayed on the Safe Travels report, it gives travellers a visual idea of the safety of their route, whether flying direct or not.

Travel Requirements

Travel requirements are the tricky ones as they change constantly, and inconsistently. We monitor requirements around the world and keep you up-to-date with changes as they come through. In our Safe Travels reports we show whether a traveller will need to quarantine at home, in a hotel, or not at all. Plus, we don’t want your travel budget affected by a surprise PCR test on your arrival in your destination, so we tell you that too.

Official Sources

Have you ever tried searching for something but you’re in the wrong country and the VPN isn’t correct? Or you have to go ten pages deep to find what you’re looking for? Believe it or not, this still happens with governmental Covid19 information. This is why, where we can, we give you links to governmental sources from each country, for your extra peace of mind.

If you would like more information on our reports, packages, and trial offers, contact a member of our team today – we’d be happy to help!

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