AR
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UAE ‘s vaccination campaign against the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing, as is across the world. Citing this favorable situation, countries are easing travel restrictions and opening their borders for foreign travellers. According to Our World in Data, a total of 10.3 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered globally, with 4.22 billion people having been fully vaccinated.
On Wednesday, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that all restrictions related to Covid-19 will be completely lifted by mid of February. Furthermore, the Supreme Committee of Crisis & Disaster Management in Dubai has also announced that all Covid-19 restrictions will be gradually lifted from February 15.
Below is the list of countries that have already opened up for foreign travelers or are going to allow foreign travelers to visit in February.
Australia
Australia last week announced of reopening its borders for vaccinated travellers starting from February 21, 2022. This is after two years of restrictions as the new coronavirus cases number are on the decline. "If you're double-vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia," Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said earlier in Canberra.
New Zealand
New Zealand government had announced last week about a phased reopening of its border after two years for foreign travelers.
Initially, only vaccinated New Zealanders in Australia would be allowed to travel from February 27 without requirement of staying in a state-managed quarantine facility. But New Zealand citizens in other countries will be only permitted to travel after two weeks.
Foreign vaccinated people will be allowed to enter New Zealand from March 13. But around 5,000 international students can only enter from April 12. Tourists from visa-free countries can travel by July and those from the rest of the world cannot enter until October. But all travellers would still require to self-isolate for 10 days.
The Philippines
On Thursday, Manila announced of lifting a ban on foreign travellers after two years. Under the new rules visitors from 157 visa-free countries who are vaccinated have to carry negative Covid-19 test for entering the country with no requirement to quarantine on arrival.
“If you’re unvaccinated, you walk around and if you get contaminated, you will be awfully very, very sorry for yourself and your family,” President Rodrigo Duterte warned Filipinos earlier this week.
Bali (Indonesia)
Indonesia’s tourism capital Bali has opened for travelers from all countries earlier this month. It had opened for visitors from China, New Zealand, Japan and some other nations from October 2021. Indonesia had also opened two islands near Singapore for visitors last month.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s National Recovery Council has recommended a complete reopening of borders from March 1 with no quarantine requirement for foreign travellers. But travellers would be required to undergo Covid-19 screening before departure and also on arrival.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times