3 New Countries Allowing Vaccinated Travelers to Skip Testing
Each new day brings news of additional countries making exceptions for vaccinated travelers, most of which now allow inoculated passengers to skip testing requirements.
Three more countries this week have announced more flexible rules and entry requirements for visitors who’ve received a vaccine. However, for those travelers who prefer not to get the shot, or who can’t access vaccines yet because of slow-roll outs, the below nations are still open with PCR testing.
El Salvador
El Salvador reopened for tourism from all countries on September 19, 2020, and has since been requiring all arrivals to bring proof of a negative 72-hour PCR test for entry.
Now as of April 15, 2021, vaccinated travelers can bring proof of receiving their full treatment and will be exempt from the PCR testing requirement.
With no quarantines, health declaration forms to fill out, or curfews, El Salvador is one of the easiest countries to visit, especially now for vaccinated tourists.
Maldives
The stunning archipelago has been in the news recently for vaccine related news as they plan to offer the vaccine to unvaccinated tourists heading their way, as a novel way of boosting tourism.
In addition to their upcoming “visit, vaccinate, and vacation” strategy, they are also now offering testing exemptions for tourists that already have their shot.
The Maldives was one of the first destinations worldwide to reopen for tourism back in June 2020, and since they’ve kept their entry requirements easy and straightforward, travel to the islands has been popular throughout the pandemic. Normal entry requirements include bringing proof of a negative PCR test, administered no more than 96 hours before departure on the first embarkation point.
Starting April 20th, fully vaccinated passengers can now skip the 96-hour PCR testing requirement. Instead of taking a test, inoculated travelers will bring their vaccination certificate showing they have received their last (or single shot for J&J) at least 14 days before entering the Maldives.
Lebanon
Back in January, Lebanon first announced it was making a quarantine exception for vaccinated travelers, but they still required vaccinated passengers to bring a 96-hour negative PCR test.
Now as of April 19th, fully vaccinated passengers will also be able to skip the PCR testing requirement for entry into Lebanon.
The government of Lebanon will only accept vaccinated passengers who can show proof they have received their last shot at least 15 days before the departing flight.
Additional Vaccine Exemptions This Week
Earlier this week, three more countries added exemptions and exceptions to entry requirements for passengers who’ve already received their shots. Malta, Sri Lanka, and Ireland all recently updated entry rules to recognize vaccinated travelers, although Malta is the only one allowing full exemptions from testing.
The summary of their new vaccination exceptions are as follows:
Malta
Starting on April 15, 2021, Malta will now accept proof of vaccination from ‘Amber List’ passengers instead of a PCR test.
Sri Lanka
As of April 7, 2021, Sri Lanka removed some of the restrictive regulations for vaccinated travelers, like 1 less PCR test and a considerably shorter quarantine period.
Ireland
Travelers who have been fully vaccinated and coming from a ‘Red Zone’ country will not need to complete a 14-day hotel quarantine and may self-isolate at home.
Other recent nations to make exceptions and easier rules for vaccinated passengers include Croatia, Greece, Israel, Barbados, and Anguilla.
Source: https://bit.ly/3v0phgm
