International tourists can now visit Australia with restrictions relaxed for the first time in almost two years.
The nation implemented some of the world’s strictest Covid control measures back in March 2020 but these are being eased enabling trips Down Under to resume, reports the LiverpoolECHO.
Fully-vaccinated visitors can now enter the country – except for the vast state of Western Australia which is still operating a restricted entry policy – with tourism bosses a “strong rebound”.
More countries have been easing Covid travel rules with the European Union also recommending member nations relax many entry restrictions for UK visitors.
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The move has been welcomed for travel experts. Julia Simpson, chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said: “WTTC welcomes the sensible decision by the EU to drop travel restrictions before Easter.
“The patchwork of rules and regulations did nothing to prevent the spread of Covid but did cause immense damage to the economy of Europe, causing the loss of jobs and businesses. Now is time to rebuild travel and tourism and connect Europe to the world.”
Here are some of the countries that have recently changed their travel regulations.
Australia
The iconic Sydney Harbour in Australia will now welcome visitors
Fully-jabbed arrivals will not need a travel exemption or be forced to quarantine.
Anyone entering the country is also required to complete an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departure. The ATD includes a declaration regarding vaccination status.
However, unvaccinated visa holders will still need a valid travel exemption to enter the country – and these will not be granted solely for tourism purposes.
Inbound passengers must also provide a negative accepted Covid-19 test result.
Australian states and territories also have their own Covid-19 rules, with the strictest enforced by Western Australia state which covers a third of the island continent.
Spain
Mallorca is beloved by British tourists
(Image: Getty)
Children aged 12 and above from non-EU countries, such as the UK, now do not need to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus to enter the country.
Adults who are fully vaccinated and travelling from the UK can enter Spain without needing to test or quarantine regardless of your reason for travel. Those who received their second dose of the vaccine more than 270 days previously will now need the booster jab to gain entry.
Morocco
After swiftly closing its borders in October, Morocco is now welcoming fully vaccinated tourists again.
Passengers must also present a negative PCR result, and download, print and sign a passenger health form before arrival in Morocco.
Children under the age of six are exempt from the pre-travel PCR test requirement, and youngsters under 18 are exempt from needing to present a vaccine pass.
France
A general view of the beach in Nice, France
(Image: PA)
Only fully-vaccinated British citizens can visit for holidays without needing to quarantine. The country has scrapped test requirements so fully-jabbed holidaymakers won’t need a PCR or antigen test to visit.
Those who received their second dose of the vaccine more than 270 days previously will now need the booster jab to gain entry.
Unvaccinated travellers will still need an essential reason to visit.
All passengers will also need to sign a ‘sworn statement’ confirming they are not showing symptoms of coronavirus, nor have they been in contact with a confirmed case within 14 days before travel to France.
Norway
Norway’s border is now open with most restrictions within the country also lifted.
All travellers arriving in Norway must complete registration prior to arrival. This also applies to Norwegian citizens.
Arrivals must also take a test upon entering the country, regardless of their vaccination status. (People under the age of 16 are exempt).
Greece
Visitors are welcome in Greece with minimal restrictions in place
(Image: Getty Images)
Fully-vaccinated travellers from the UK are exempt from Covid test requirements.
Anyone over the age of 12 will need to fill out a pre-departure passenger locator form.
Visitors who have not been vaccinated or have only received part of the vaccine will need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or antigen tests within 48 hours of arrival.
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Cyprus
The island has removed its requirement for pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated arrivals. However, all visitors aged 12 and above must still take a PCR test on arrival at the airport, costing approximately £15.
They will be made to self-isolate at their accommodation until results are received which should be within three hours.
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