₦airaland Forum

Green Africa Airlines has announced that its flight operations will be delayed until July 2021 contrary to their expectations when they began to sell tickets on May 25th ahead of flights scheduled for June 24th (next week).

The airline has also suspended further bookings on its website and will be contacting customers who made bookings when the site reopens.

In a joint meeting between top officials of the regulatory body and Green Africa executives, it was determined that the airline’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) would not be available until July 2021 due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Founder and CEO of Green Africa, Babawande Afolabi, said, “This is certainly a bump in the road, and we are sensitive to the impact on our customers and other stakeholders.” In spite of this, we are confident in the NCAA’s support and commitment to get Green Africa into service, and we have also taken steps to compensate our affected customers.

In order to prevent future occurrences, Green Africa has temporarily suspended new bookings. Customers who booked previously will be contacted.

All customers who have booked flights with the airline website will be able to move their flights to future dates starting August 2021 at no extra charge.

Deny Incumbent Chairmen Second Term Tickets

…Party Leaders Seek Tinubu’s Intervention

The last might not have been heard of the crisis that trailed the conduct of the local government primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, as party leaders in Epe have accused the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat of circumventing the decision of the party hierarchy and imposing his choice candidates in the three councils in Epe.

Last week, the party released its final list of candidates across the 57 councils in the State, after reaching a decision to give first term chairmen automatic second term tickets in order, according to the party, to douse the tension that greeted the primaries in several councils across the State.


But fresh facts made available to Thepledge showed that the names of first term chairmen in the three councils in Epe, including Onanuga Samson Adeniyi of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area; Onanuga Samson Adeniyi of Eredo Local Council Development Area and Adedoyin Adesanya of Epe Local Government were conspicuously missing.

A reliable source who is one of the prominent party leaders in Epe, told Thepledge that the development ran contrary to the decision reached by the leaders’ days before the May 29 primaries, to give the three incumbent chairmen second term tickets on the basis that they performed well, most especially during the senatorial by-election in which Epe local government delivered the most votes for the party despite having the second least registered voters in the Senatorial district.

The source who did not want his name mentioned in print accused two lawmakers in the House of Assembly, Hon Abiodun Tobun (Epe Constituency I); Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu (Epe Constituency II) of circulating false rumors that National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had kicked against returning the incumbent chairmen, but that the rumors were soundly dispelled by the leadership of the party.

According to the source, Hon Ogunkelu, few days to the primaries had gone ahead to introduce an aspirant as the choice of the Deputy Governor contrary to the decision of the party leaders in Eredo LCDA.

“Hon Ogunkelu actually led his gang members to shoot randomly around the place even a day before the primaries so as to scare people away but he was shocked at the mammoth crowd of party faithfuls that trooped out on Saturday May 29. This is simply because leaders have signed their agreement to return the Chairmen”, the source said.

The source added that both Tobun and Ogunkelu continued in their plan to stop the incumbents and proceeded to feed the Deputy Governor with all sorts of falsehoods including the fact that the chairmen aren’t popular and that they are agents working for former governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who had given them N20million each to “fight for the election”.

The source said that days before the primaries, in order to resolve the lingering issues, two members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) from Epe Division, Chief Shakiru Akanni (Seriki-Bamu) and former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, met with the Deputy Governor but Dr. Hamzat insisted on going ahead with the primaries, apparently, based on the false information he (Hamzat) was fed with by Tobun and Ogunkelu.

“A few days before the primaries, having realized that their candidates have no slightest chances in the primaries they decided to disrupt the primaries. The deputy Governor actually told Alhaji Bamu and the Speaker two days before the primaries that there’s going to be chaos at Epe during the primaries and true to their plans they disrupted the primaries in almost all the wards.”

Before the primaries was disrupted, the source said, the incumbent chairman in Epe Local Government, Adedoyin Adesanya won convincingly in Wards A4 and C1 where the exercise was duly conducted and completed.

“The question to ask is why is the Deputy Governor of Lagos State using his influence as the Chairman of the Local Government Election Committee to impose his people in the three councils in Epe? We, as leaders in Epe will not allow such travesty to stand.”


“Why will Epe be singled out for such? Out of 42 incumbents who are first term chairmen have been given a return ticket except for the three Epe chairmen. The question everyone in Epe is asking, especially staunch followers of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is why single out Epe?”, the party leader asked?

Asked what the next step will be to address their complaints, the source said they are patiently waiting for Tinubu to be back in town to enable them table their grievances to him.

When Thepledge reached out to the office of the Deputy Governor, one of the aides who spoke anonymously, laughed off the allegations against his principal, saying that the Deputy Governor was not one to get involved in such party politics.



“These are just spurious allegations. I can tell you for a fact that it is not true. Yes, he is the Chairman of the Election Committee for the Local government polls, but that does not mean that he will take advantage of such to tamper with the process. Anyone can make such allegations, but I can assure you that nothing of such is true,” the aide said.

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved that domestic airlines shall serve pre-packed meals, snacks etc in sealed containers to their passengers during disembarkation but passengers are not allowed to consume in-flight.

This was made known in an All Operators Letter (AOL) signed by Director General NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu with Ref: NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/312 addressed to Accountable Managers on June 4th, 2021 titled ‘Public health guidelines for companies providing in-flight catering services to airlines operating domestic flights.

The letter read, “Catering Service providers have been identified by the Authority as one of the key service providers to airlines that are required to put in place COVID-19 risk management measures to assure the travelling public that catering products (meals, snacks etc) served on board flights are not a potential source of COVID-19 infection.

“With the resumption of domestic flight operations in the country, in-flight catering companies were required by the Authority to carry out regular risk assessments of their operations and put in place remedial actions to address any identified hazard to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 virus to their customers through their products.

“Catering in form of packed meals (food and snacks) can be served on domestic flights by in-flight catering companies who have carried out the appropriate risk assessment and have the approval of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

“Domestic airlines shall serve pre-packed catering products (Meals, snacks etc) in sealed containers to their passengers during disembarkation. No catering products shall be served or consumed in-flight by airlines or passengers respectively on any domestic flight.

The letter directed, “This AOL supersedes previous AOLs issued on in-flight catering services on domestic flights with respect to COVID-19 restrictions/limitations.

The NCAA stressed that Non-compliance with this AOL shall attract appropriate sanctions

Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has again demonstrated strong vigilance and crime alertness by foiling a man and woman’s attempt to traffick two babies at Malala Muhammed Airport, Terminal 2, Lagos, on June 7, 2021.

As disclosed in a media statement released by Air Peace’s Spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, the airline’s Passenger Service Executives and Security Personnel smelt a rat when the two adults, travelling to Asaba, were being checked in at the counter.

The statement reads: “On June 7, 2021, at MMA2, around 12:00 hours, a man and a woman, carrying two babies, approached our counter for check-in. Our Passenger Service Executive, being suspicious of the duo’s behaviour, questioned them about the babies. They said the babies belonged to them and were travelling to Asaba”.

In the ensuing investigation, Olisa revealed that the two adults, who hinted that the babies were three months old each, were questioned by a second counter staff member and security officials, but they told a different story.

“The two adults gave conflicting explanations to different staff- that the babies were being taken to the United Kingdom to unite them with their parents and later they said they were sending the babies to Zimbabwe for adoption”, he added, while also commending the staff for preventing the crime.

In response to further questioning, the adults admitted that they were not the babies’ parents. As a result, Air Peace’s Security Unit arrested both of them and took them to the MMA2 Police Station where they admitted they were agents involved in the trafficking of children.

The Police said they would transfer the case to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and action.

It can be recalled that the Air Peace crew prevented two child trafficking schemes in June 2018 on a Lagos–Banjul flight and in January 2019 on a Lagos-Port Harcourt flight respectively.

FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) has recently commissioned equipment including bird scaring gas canons, 15,000 rounds of 12G (heavy-calibre bird-scaring pyrotechnics), Hi-tech bird laser among others in a bid to improve on the safety of flight operations by effectively managing birds/wildlife hazards at the nation’s airports to manage birds/wildlife hazards at airports and to improve the safety of flight operations.

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At an event held at FAAN’s headquarters annex in Lagos, the Managing Director of the Authority, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, who was represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi noted that the equipment is some of the best you can get around, as the Authority procured them on the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The MD believes that the deployment of this equipment will usher in an era of safe flight operations, as incidents involving birds will be a thing of the past.

Captain Muktar Muye, the Authority’s Director of Airport Operations, expressed his delight at the arrival of the equipment. According to him, what was being commissioned was not just equipment, but also a complete package that includes a recommended storage facility, patrol vehicle, and trained personnel by International Civil Aviation Organization standards and recommendations.

Some of the hi-tech equipment commissioned include 3 different models of bird scaring gas canons, Day boxes for carrying pyrotechnics during Operations for safety, 15,000 rounds of 12G (heavy calibre bird-scaring pyrotechnics), Hi-tech bird laser, Personal Protective Equipment for staff dealing with wildlife, Purpose-built TYPE IV explosive storage magazine, Brand new Hilux jeep for Runway wildlife patrol, amongst others.

At the end of the event, MD/CE and Airport Operations Director representatives demonstrated how to use some of the equipment.

Also in attendance were the General Managers; Operations, Mrs. Olajumoke Oni; Environment, Mr. Nehemiah Auta; Special Duties, Mr. Kabiru Muhammed; Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, Mr. John Ekpe; Regional General Manager, South West, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba; representative of the GM Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Christabel Eromosele; Chief of Staff to MD/CE, Mr. Lawal Abdullahi, amongst others.

…Tinubu, GAC Asks Party Leaders To Produce Consensus Candidates In Volatile Councils

…Baba Eto May Lose Out In Ojodu LCDA, As Faleke Gets Nod To Produce Chairmanship Candidate

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Ahead of Saturday, May 29 primaries for the local government elections in Lagos State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is in a race against time to resolve the lingering impasse currently rocking several Local Governments as bickering and infighting among aspirants and party leaders has continued unabated.

On Monday, Thepledge had exclusively reported (Read here) that party leaders and some members of the Governors’ Advisory Council, GAC were at loggerheads, all in an attempt to gain upper hand on who emerges as the party’s chairmanship candidate.

The screening exercise which ended earlier this week seems to have done more harm than good as it had thrown up accusations and counter-accusations among party leaders and members accusing each other of attempting to sabotage a free and fair process.

In Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, the fate of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on political matters, Peter Ajayi seems to be hanging in the balance following his inability to pass the screening exercise held at the party secretariat in Acme Road, Ikeja on Tuesday.

Thepledge learnt that while the incumbent Chairman, Hon. Monsurudeen Obe was cleared by the party screening committee, Ajayi met a brick wall as he could not produce all the credentials required to scale the exercise.

The development has generated relief in Obe’s camp as Ajayi had looked poised to upset his quest to get a second term.

But when Thepledge reached out to a member of Ajayi’s campaign team who preferred not to be named, he dismissed reports that their aspirant has been disqualified, insisting that he is still in the race to win.

When our reporter sent a picture of the screening exercise showing clearly that Ajayi was not cleared by the screening committee, Ajayi’s campaign team member responded thus, “We know them well. We are not new in the game of politics.”

In Isolo LCDA, a former House of Representatives member, Hakeem Muniru, who seems to enjoy a strong support within the grassroots, is having a hard time as Bayo Olasoju, the current Vice Chairman of the Council and also campaign manager of Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KI De Ultimate is currently having the upper hand in the race for who becomes the next council chairman.

Olasoju, Thepledge learnt, is relying on his bosses’ closeness to the All progressives Congress (APC), National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa to pave way for his emergence as the party’s candidate for the July 24 election.

The battle for Isolo LCDA looks set to go to the wire with pressure being mounted on Muniru, a former protocol chief during the tenure of Tinubu to step down for Olasoju.

In Epe and Ikorodu, the story is the same. The Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat was accused of attempting to install some chairmen of the three councils within Epe and six within Ikorodu division, even as aspirants have frustrated efforts to produce consensus candidates.

In Agege, the battle line has been drawn as a fierce battle is brewing over the quest by Obasa to ensure his ‘boys’ get the chairmanship tickets without much hassles.

This move, Thepledge learnt, is to facilitate his 2023 ambition to clinch the Lagos West Senatorial District ticket.

Precisely, Obasa has penciled down incumbent Chairmen of Agege LG, Kola Egunjobi and Orile Agege, Sunday Babatunde to return for a second term unopposed.

The Speaker has also come under criticism for attempting to influence the emergence of candidates in the six councils under Alimosho, including Alimosho LG, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, Ayobo Ipaja LCDA, Egbe Idimu LCDA, Igando Ikotun LCDA and Mosan-Okunola LCDA.

“The Speaker has his eyes on 2023 and he is going all out in this council election to ensure his boys are in pole position to emerge as flag bearers. You know he will be coming up against a formidable challenge from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who is a well-known grassroots politician who knows his way around as well. So, the Lagos West Senatorial ticket is the driving force for the Speaker and as we speak, he is leaving nothing to chance,” a party leader in Alimosho told Thepledge.

In Ojodu LCDA, where House of Representatives member, James Faleke is slugging it out with a member of the Governors’ Advisory Council, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, aka Baba Eto, the pendulum seems to be swinging in favour of the federal lawmaker.

While Faleke is rooting for Alhaja Funmi Layeni, Baba Eto is bent on ensuring that his son, Segun Odunmbaku (who is currently the Council Secretary) is the party’s choice.

A reliable source within the party hierarchy said a meeting by the GAC on Tuesday, May 25 held in Ikoyi focused on the crisis that has erupted as a result of the build up to the council elections.

But rising from the meeting, the GAC, which is the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos, took far reaching decisions to prevent further crisis before and after the May 29 primaries.

In Ojodu, the GAC was said to have asked Faleke to produce the council chairman, while Baba Eto will have to make do with his son emerging as the vice-chairman.

But Odunmbaku’s camp insists that Layeni is not qualified to emerge as chairman of the council owing to her alleged questionable academic qualification.

Besides, they alluded to the fact that the Ogba axis has produced many Council Chairmen in the last 12 years, saying that it will be an injustice to deny other axes from doing the same.

Rising from the meeting, Thepledge also gathered that the GAC challenged the elders in the APC to intervene and resolve all the infighting among the aspirants in contentious councils, warning that if they refuse to solve the issues amicably and come up with a consensus candidate, then all aspirants will have to test their might at the primaries.

The source said the GAC members were of the opinion that incumbent chairmen who have performed in their first term should be given the nod to go for a second term.

“The concern of the GAC is that it is usually difficult to defeat an incumbent especially when they have performed. But the current situation with having several aspirants slugging it out with some incumbent chairmen is overheating the polity in the state and causing unnecessary crisis that will not benefit anybody,” the source said.

Meanwhile, despite a statement from Tinubu last Sunday distancing himself from backing any candidate and warning aspirants to stop attaching his name to their campaign, Thepledge gathered from an inside source within the party that a list consisting of choice candidates across the 57 councils has been sent to the former Lagos governor for ratification ahead of Thursday’s stakeholders meeting at the party secretariat.

A party leader from Somolu, who craved anonymity told this medium that the era of imposition is coming to an end because according to him, party leaders are becoming more and more sensitive to public opinion, which he ascribed to the social media. He said there is likely going to be a guided primary on Saturday.

“There will be primaries but it is likely going to be guided by powerful forces within the party. It is evident that the leaders are becoming increasingly sensitive to the wishes of the people which they are expressing in the social media. And that is why flagrant imposition of candidates is being avoided this time around, the source said.

mike8804:
Long overdue! I support Biafra as an Ekiti man,we hate oppression.

…Faleke, Odunmbaku Clash In Ikeja As Olusi Lock Horns With Ojora In Lagos Island

…I Have Not Endorsed Any Aspirant- Tinubu Insists

Things are no longer at ease for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State as the July 24 Local Government Elections has degenerated into a free for all, as party leaders are currently locked in a battle for supremacy, to pave way for their choice candidates to emerge as the party’s flag bearer.

In the last three weeks, there have been pockets of crisis in some local governments arising from the build-up to the party primaries slated for May 29.

But Thepledge gathered that a major crisis is brewing in Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) where a House of Representatives member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Mr. James Faleke is currently at loggerheads with a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Cardinal James Odunmbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto over the chairmanship candidacy for the council.

While Faleke is pulling enough weight for his own aspirant, Alhaja Funmi Layeni, Odunmbaku is bent on ensuring that his son, David Odunmbaku (who is currently the Council Secretary) emerges as the next chairman of the council.

Thepledge gathered from a top party member that Faleke, a former two-term Chairman in Ojodu LCDA and Odunmbaku had engaged in a shouting match due to their disagreement on the issue while neither of the duo is ready to back down.

A recent statement from Faleke to his supporters had read, “I have received calls and messages from most of our APC members from Ikeja Federal Constituency to ‘confirm if it is true that our governor has written a list of some aspirants as his anointed candidates?’

“I want to put on record all I have told those who called me that Governor Sanwo-Olu is the governor for all and has no special or anointed candidates within our Ikeja Federal Constituency or the state. All party members are for him.”

“Please disregard any pressure from anyone using his name or sending any list to all of you in the constituency.”

Faleke’s grouse, according to a top member of Layeni’s campaign team was that “they cannot serve the father and also serve the son”, referring to Baba Eto’s strong influence in the political structure of Ojodu LCDA.

The statement did not go down well with those in Odunmbaku’s camp who felt it was directed at them.

Odunmbaku on his part has insisted that his son is eminently qualified to contest.

Speaking at his son’s declaration for the chairmanship position a few months ago, Odunmbaku said, “I chose my son at the very last. You know I have been sponsoring other people with all my strength, politically and financially with the permission and blessing of Asiwaju Tinubu, putting people in respective positions in politics, ministries, local government administration, but I decided to sponsor my child in the final analysis, and not without the blessing of Asiwaju.”

A close associate of Odunmbaku’s son who preferred not to be named told our reporter that it was unfortunate that Faleke who Baba Eto supported to rise to limelight politically is now the one spearheading opposition against Baba Eto’s son.

“That is the height of betrayal. What does Faleke want again? He has been Chairman of Ojodu LCDA twice, he has been a member of the House of Representatives for two terms and this is the same Baba Eto that supported him, why is he now against his son’s ambition. This is the height of ingratitude; he is stabbing the back of the man who fed him. But Baba Eto is not perturbed by the conspiracy against his son. Besides, David is meeting critical stakeholders in the council and is focused on the task ahead,” the

In Lagos-Island Local Government, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the party leader of Lagos Central Senatorial District who is also a member of the GAC has also come under fire over his alleged involvement to ensure that his son, Adetoyese Olusi, who is the incumbent chairman returns for another term despite accusations from several quarters over his lackluster performance in his first term.

But Olusi’s plan has met a stumbling block as party members have vowed to oppose the move.

Besides, another aspirant, Prince Taorid Adewale Ojora, who enjoys popularity among the people of Lagos Island, has resisted attempts from emissaries from the party hierarchy to step down his ambition for Olusi’s son and has vowed to contest the primaries.

In Surulere Local Government, there is a cold war brewing among party members as two viable aspirants, the incumbent Vice Chairman of the council, Suleiman Yusuf and Idris Aregbe are currently in neck to neck to grab the chairmanship ticket.

While Idris Aregbe, who is currently the Youth Organising Secretary of the APC in Lagos enjoys the support of the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yusuf on the other hand has the backing of key grassroots’ leaders and members of the party in the local government, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, who hails from the council.

A party member from the local government who spoke to our correspondent said the party leaders are queuing behind Yusuf for obvious reasons and are confident of his candidacy producing good benefits for the people of Surulere, however adding that the party’s decision on who gets the ticket will be respected.

“Yusuf is our preferred candidate of choice. We respect other aspirants but that is our decision. Even the Speaker of the House of Representatives has given his blessings to him (Yusuf) and we are going all out to ensure that he emerges as the candidate during the May 29 primaries.”

But a top party source told Thepledge that Aregbe, who enjoys popularity within the party hierarchy and with the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is pulling heavy strings to land the party ticket and is confident of emerging the party’s choice.

“Aregbe will do better if he emerges as the candidate, but the big question is can he upset the odds against him? The battle is not between Aregbe and Yusuf, but against Aregbe and Gbajabiamila, because the Speaker of the House of Representatives is calling the shots in Surulere.

In Agboyi Ketu LCDA, the quest by the incumbent chairman, Mayor Dele Oshinowo to earn a second term ticket looks to be going according to plan after earning endorsement from members of the GAC in Kosofe including Otunba Bushira Alebiosu, Omoba Muyiwa Sosanya, and Dayo Bush respectively.

Lately, the lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Rotimi Agunsoye also threw his weight behind his candidature.

Thepledge however gathered from a reliable source that it is not yet Uhuru for the council boss as his ambition is currently a subject of debate among the party hierarchy in the GAC and leaders in the council, some of whom are opposed to his returning as chairman.

Despite the internal challenges plaguing the APC, a top party source told our correspondent that the party is confident of sweeping the council polls as the main opposition party in the state, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to him, is still grappling in the dark.

“If the PDP were on ground in Lagos, it would have made our party sit up and fix all these issues you have rightly pointed out as far as the Local government elections are concerned because such issues are capable of causing disaffection among party members and also have some effect on the likely outcome of the polls. But that is not the case,” the source said.

In Ejigbo LCDA, incumbent chairman, Monsurudeen Obe is in a race of his life in his bid to secure his second term ticket.

What earlier seemed as a coast-clear race for him became a hard nut to crack after Peter Ajayi, a senior aide of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, threw his hat into the race and is fast gaining ground and bagging endorsements from the who's who in Ejigbo as well as in the party hierarchy.

Thepledge learnt that Ajayi also has the full backing of Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde (a former ADC to Tinubu) and is poised to cause an upset in the primaries.

But the development has not gone down well with loyalists of the incumbent chairman who feel it will be a great disservice to the council if Ajayi is imposed on them.

“We have decided to stand on our mandate which is for a second term for Obe. All the politicking from Alausa which we are fully aware of will come to naught. Recently they were circulating rumour that APC leaders who are backing Obe are doing so in order to return Ambode for second term in 2023. This is the height of propaganda and lies from the pit of hell. They have failed in their bid and are clutching to any straw to save their already dead political ambition”, a member of Obe’s campaign team told Thepledge.

Last Friday evening, Thepledge also learnt that top APC leaders were locked in a crucial closed-door meeting at the residence of Tinubu in Lagos.

Among those who were present at the meeting include Tinubu, Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu and other members of the GAC. A source privy to the meeting said the meeting was called on the instance of Tinubu ahead of the May 29 primaries.

The party hierarchy, the source said, are concerned about the bad blood the crisis is generating among its members, noting that such could be inimical to the ideals of the party, especially going into a grassroots election.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday on the outcome of the meeting, Tinubu dismissed reports that he endorsed his preferred candidates for the upcoming council polls.

The APC Chieftain then urged all aspirants to compete with zeal, energy and to respect the results of the primaries.

Part of the statement read: “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would like it to be known by way of this statement, that he has no preferred candidates for the upcoming local government primaries.

“He has no intention to endorse any of the people contesting for the party nomination in any election, whether for chairmanship or councillorship positions.

“On this matter, Asiwaju believes he can speak for the rest of the GAC regarding their belief in the impartiality and transparency of the internal party process.

“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the other GAC leaders seek a free, fair, and transparent process in which the candidates who emerge are those who gather the most support among the party rank and file.

“Only in this manner do we best prepare ourselves for the general election.”

To this end, Thepledge gathered that Tinubu has called for a larger stakeholders meeting at the party secretariat in Acme, Ikeja to resolve all the differences before the primaries.

But a top party source said Tinubu’s statement denying that he had his choice candidates was only a smokescreen, insisting that the party stalwart, like previous council polls in the state, will have the final say on the chairmanship slots across the 57 councils.

“Those who are familiar with his style of politics know that the statement he made was just to douse the tension out there. But the truth remains that the party leadership knows that Asiwaju will have the final say as regards who gets what. The council election is crucial and there is no denying the interest he has especially as it is the last council elections before the 2023 general election,” the source said.

Nigerian airlines: Ibom Air and Dana Air signed a codeshare agreement, the first of its kind in the country’s aviation industry, to boost both airlines’ profitability in a highly competitive domestic market.

The codeshare agreement tagged: Dana-Ibom Alliance was signed at Ibom Air’s corporate headquarters at Victor Attah International Airport Uyo today, May 21, 2021.

The pioneering agreement provides Dana Air and Ibom Air with a business relationship in which both airlines operate flights to common destinations, while also serving destinations outside of each airline’s regular routes. By doing so, both airlines increase their market presence and competitive footprint for the benefit of the flying public.

Speaking at the event, Ibom Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr George Uriesi, said that a codeshare between two airlines would lead to increased capacity and frequencies into a shared destination, as well as offering options for the travelling public.

“With the initiation of this business alliance, both airlines have embraced a key global best practice. At Ibom Air, our business model and unwavering commitment remain schedule reliable, on-time departures and excellent service. Hence we are constantly on the lookout for better and more effective ways to serve our customers.
it took finding the right partner with the same mindset as yours. With the same philosophy committed to providing the basics to the customers, schedule reliability, on-time performance and excellent service essentially the philosophies that tie the two airlines.”

We are very hopeful that this is the beginning of a better way for our country to do business and we are looking forward to an alliance that will hopefully attract other airlines to join in with us or create something. We are very pleased about this, Ureisi said in an introductory statement.

Also speaking, Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Mr Mbanuzuo said” This discussion started about a year ago and we are happy to be here today, formalising it. This is the first of its kind for domestic airlines in Nigeria and a huge step in the right direction for both Dana Air and Ibom Air.”

“In just the same way, George said, these two airlines have the same approach, the same customer-centric attitude. That is one thing that aligns us, it is all for the benefit of our customers. We have some work to do, we have to retrain ourselves and even the airports we use have to retrain us, but I’m sure with time it will improve.”

A codeshare agreement means that an airline operates flights for another carrier, or coordinates passengers on its behalf so they can utilize multiple airlines and check-in once using a single flight code.

Six30:
So birds should stop flying? Is that possible?

Only 24 hours after an Aero Contractor aircraft was struck by a bird at Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), a Max Air Boeing 737 was also struck by a bird on Tuesday afternoon at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (AKIA), Kano.
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The Max Air aircraft 5N: BBM was carrying 140 passengers including the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and 139 other passengers.

Tourteleraph has learned that the aircraft had departed Kano for Abuja airport at 1:21 pm, but was forced to return nine minutes later when three engine blades were struck by birds on take-off at the airport.

Bird strikes on aircraft generate a loud sound that causes passengers to become agitated.

Pilot-in-command is believed to have informed passengers about the nature of the incident and returned to base to disembark them.

Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed and explained that NCAA had immediately called for a meeting with the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to deliberate on how such occurrence could be curbed in the future, stressing that bird strike could cause grave damage to aircraft.

As violence flared inside Israel and on a day when Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City killed 42 people, a senior Israeli tourism official in Dubai promoted the country as a must-see destination for Muslim tourists.

It might seem an odd proposition at an odd time given that major airlines have suspended flights to Israel amid the flare-up in violence and while the spread of coronavirus remains a threat.

But at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market on Sunday, billed as the first travel and tourism event to happen in person since the global coronavirus outbreak, a small Israeli booth — tucked behind Slovenia’s — marketed the country as the “Land of Creation.” Promotional videos advertised Israel’s vegan culinary scene, its beaches and urged: “Book Your Trip Now” to Tel Aviv.

And the devastating airstrikes on Gaza leading the world’s television news?

We were not talking about it. We are talking about the future. We are talking about what we can do to bring tourism to Israel,” said Ksenia Kobiakov, director of new markets development at the Israeli Tourism Ministry.

The presence of Israel at the travel and tourism event in Dubai highlights the United Arab Emirates’ business-first approach and demonstrates how rapidly ties with Israel have developed since the UAE and Israel signed an accord to formalize ties in September. It also signals how even the most brutal conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians are no longer viewed by some Gulf Arab leaders through a prism of Muslim or Arab solidarity, but as part of a wider calculation in a region gripped by multiple threats.

Israel’s tourism minister was scheduled to attend a panel at the conference on Gulf-Israeli tourism, but the panel was quietly renamed and her visit to Dubai did not transpire. Israeli tourism officials say the minister’s visit was never approved by the prime minister and the cancellation had nothing to do with the current fighting.

The first plane of Israeli tourists to the UAE landed in November. Since then, the UAE has welcomed tens of thousands of Israelis to its sandy beaches and marbled malls, with most flocking to Dubai.

Kobiakov said the hope is that Emirati citizens and foreign residents of the UAE will visit Israel in return and help its tourism sector rebound when the country is open again to tourists.

“We came here to show Israel as a new destination for the UAE and Gulf countries, as a very colourful, exciting destination that is open,” Kobiakov said.

In all her discussions with tour operators, airlines and others in Dubai on Sunday, the focus was on tourism and not politics, she said. There was no discussion of the current flare-up in violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

A plan to open visa-free travel between the two countries was delayed due to Israeli quarantine rules. The UAE and Israel, which have had some of the world’s most successful vaccination drives against the coronavirus, are on track to sign the visa-exemption agreement on July 1, Kobiakov said.

The current round of violence could impact Israel’s plans to lure back tourists, particularly its effort to appeal to Emirati and Bahraini citizens and not just potential investors or officials from these countries. Violence around the Al-Aqsa mosque in east Jerusalem drew a rare rebuke of Israel by both countries, which signed accords recognizing Israel last year.

At least 188 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including 55 children and 33 women, with 1,230 people wounded since long-simmering tensions erupted on Monday. Eight people in Israel have been killed, including a 5-year-old boy and a soldier. Violence has also roiled across Israeli cities between Jews and the country’s Palestinian Arab citizens, as well as in the occupied West Bank.

In its airstrikes, Israel has levelled a number of Gaza City’s tallest office and residential buildings, alleging they contain Hamas military infrastructure. Among them were the building housing The Associated Press office and those of other media outlets.

The UAE’s foreign minister stopped short of directly criticizing Israel in the most recent statement issued Friday. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed instead called “on all parties to take immediate steps to commit to a ceasefire, initiate a political dialogue, and exercise maximum restraint.”

On the sprawling premises of Dubai’s tourism event, Kobiakov’s schedule of back-to-back meetings affirmed the long-view approach to bilateral ties the UAE and Israel have taken.

“People don’t feel safe to travel now to Israel. It’s understandable. But this escalation, it will finish one day,” she said. “We know that all the conflicts are coming and they are going. Tourism is staying forever,” she added.

NIGERIAN Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have recently spoken about the financial constraints they are currently facing as it’s continues to run at a loss with over 40% revenue losses in just about 12 months due to COVID-19, and a 100% increased payment to the consolidated account

Captain Nuhu Musa Director General NCAA, made this known at the regional Headquarter of the regulatory body where he hosted the senate committee on Aviation. He also explained the agency commitment on better service delivery and huge regionalization drive. Stating how Lagos still remains the center of activities for aviation in the country.

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He laid emphasizes on how inflation in the country had affected the industry and how COVID 19 seems to have crash any hope of improving the industry’s contribution to the GDP.

Nuhu said, “One of our main challenges of the COVID-19 is the loss of revenue, from December 2019 to November 2020, we’ve had about approximately 40% drop in revenue because flights were not coming in which is a significant part of our income as the 5% Ticket Sales and Cargo Sales Charges. Out of this revenue we are required to pay 25% to the consolidated account which now we have been told is 50%.

“We are not doing cost recovery; we are actually operating at a loss. Let me give you an example, in Nigeria to get is an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) which is a licensing for running airline is N200, 000 that is $500 but in Gambia it is $200,000 when we charge $500 dollars. It cannot pay the cost of my inspectors to buy tickets and go for training.”

“So we are in a very tight situation and tight corner and things are not easy. We need help from the national assembly, we are doing our best but the numbers don’t add up. “

Captain Nuhu also pushed for the creation of more regional office across the nation explaining that this would not alone save airlines and times but would be cost effective and provide equal services everywhere across the country.

“Aviation activities in each regional office, we will carry the number of staff and the kind of tools and equipment they will need and the whole idea is so that each regional office has adequate staffing requirement, adequate tools; adequate offices, and everything to effectively and efficiently and comfortably deal with all field activities which includes mostly surveillance and enforcement.


“So obviously by that formula Lagos is the main hub in Nigeria and certainly Lagos will take a significant percentage, over 50% of the resources, I’m saying that but the committee will come up with it but the point Lagos will take the significant part of the resources because this is where the hub of the aviation industry is. So when we say we are moving to Abuja, it’s not like we are carrying everybody to Abuja.”


“And with the increasing developments of airports round the country, when the new airlines start coming the committee is also looking at the possibility of establishing additional regional offices to ensure that we cover the whole country, effectively and efficiently and maintain the same level of standard all over the country, we have our offices close to those airports so we’d have significant surveillance and oversight on those airports.”

“We want to decentralize certain functions and certain authorizations to regional offices so you don’t have to go to the main headquarters for everything, up to certain level you’d get some good services in the regional offices that would reduce the cost but for the airlines and reduce the inconvenience of having to go to Lagos or Abuja and also for us its easier when we have regional offices,. The inspectors for us can go and do their jobs instead of paying air fare from Lagos to Abuja and different corners of the country. In addition to better surveillance at the long run, it is more cost effective for us.”

As the world battles a new cold-weather wave of COVID-19 infections, perhaps international travel remains low on most people’s list of priorities. With lockdowns ending around the globe -- and yuletide fast approaching -- many countries have started to ease border restrictions and reopen for international tourism. Most Nigerians are still skeptical about Traveling -- with different requirements and procedures being laid out by many hotspot tourist destinations, all we can say is that International travel in the post-pandemic world can be challenging to say the least.

From Covid-19 test requirements, mandatory quarantines, country restrictions, the cost of these test requirements and more, finding out where to travel can be daunting. At Tour telegraph, we're going to make it easy for tourists who don't want to guesstimate if they have -- or have to -- followed all necessary health protocols of a particular country.

Most countries that have reopened their borders to international visitors are requiring specific testing protocols and/or quarantine upon arrival of travelers wishing to enter. Still, there are a handful of countries that right now, are demanding neither from foreign tourists.

The following are  countries  Nigerians Can Travel to Without COVID-19 Testing or Quarantine:

Albania
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Albania is open to international visitors, although some airlines have canceled or reduced flights into December. No COVID-19 testing or quarantine is required, but travelers can expect to undergo a health screening process upon arrival. All foreign citizens (including Nigerians) are now permitted to travel to Albania.

All normal ‘pre-covid’ entry requirements apply, like having a valid passport or Visa if necessary based on your nationality.

Brazil
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Brazil, which was an early epicenter of the global COVID-19 outbreak, reopened international air travel to foreign tourists on July 29. To get in, Nigeria travelers don’t even need to supply any test results or complete any quarantine in Brazil, unless their airline or another travel entity dictates that they do so. However, Travel insurance that covers COVID-19 is highly recommended.

Dominican Republic
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Aligning with the launch of the Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan on September 15th, The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic -- home to such popular tropical tourism spots as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo -- doesn’t require international travelers to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival, but passengers may be randomly selected for testing at their port of entry as part of surveillance efforts. Between three and ten percent of passengers (and those who display symptoms) will have a quick, aleatory breath test administered upon arrival. Standard health screenings, including temperature checks, will also be performed on all arriving passengers.

Travelers will also need to complete and sign a Traveler’s Health Affidavit (Download here as part of the immigration and customs forms provided by the airline or by Dominican authorities, attesting that they’ve not had any COVID-19 symptoms in the past 72 hours and providing their contact details for the next 30 days.

Colombia
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Colombia's tourism was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic but has since reopened and is now accepting visitors from all over the world. As of November 4, 2020 the above PCR testing requirement has been REMOVED as is no longer needed. There are no mandatory quarantines for travelers who present their negative COVID-19 test and are not showing symptoms of the virus. All arrivals will undergo a health screening, which will include temperature scans.
However, All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Colombia. All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Colombia including:Wearing a mask when instructed, Follow social distancing markers and instructions. All passengers will need to wear a mask during their in-bound flight, at all times within the airport terminal, and on any transportation to their final destination.

Costa Rica
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Costa Rica is the latest addition to this list, just coming on in November!. On October 26, Costa Rica removed their PCR testing requirements, and as of November 1, they dissolved their ‘countries approved' list and started welcoming all nations once again! No tests or quarantines are needed and all countries are welcome.
Visitors will only have to show proof of insurance, as well as fill out an online health form before entering.

Mexico
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Mexico has quickly become one of the most popular travel destinations during the pandemic due to having some of the easiest COVID-19 entry requirements in the world. Its stunning beaches, tropical climate, vast history and vibrant culture bring in almost 50 million tourists a year making it the 7th most visited country in the world prior to the pandemic. Travelers from ALL countries arriving by air are allowed to enter Mexico as Visa requirements still in effect for countries that require one. Mexico does NOT require a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid for entry. Travelers can expect to receive health screenings and temperature checks upon arrival at the airport, but those who pass are free to enjoy Mexico’s many delights (while observing public health and safety measures, of course).

North Macedonia
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Nigerians are permitted to enter North Macedonia without COVID-19 testing requirements or quarantine restrictions. Arriving passengers are subject to temperature checks via thermal cameras in the airport at passport control. Any travelers with symptoms like a fever or difficulty breathing will be refused entry at customs. The wearing of a mask at the airport is mandatory.

Serbia
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Apart from North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria or Romania; Tourists from Other Countries, including Nigeria, are allowed into Serbia without testing or quarantine requirements at this time, but all arrivals must take a self-assessment test, which they should repeat on the tenth day of their visit.

This is generally true, with some notable exceptions. Any Nigerian citizens entering Serbia from North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria or Romania will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a test taken within the previous 48 hours. There are no state-run or self-quarantine measures in place. Travelers are immediately free to explore Serbia. If a traveler tests positive for COVID-19 while in Serbia, they will face a mandatory quarantine.

Tanzania
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Tanzania -- a tourism favorite because of its incredible African safaris -- is accepting Nigerian citizens and other international travelers without testing or quarantine requirements. The only exceptions would be those whose airline or country of origin specifically requires a certificate of negative COVID-19 testing as a condition for traveling.

Health screening measures are in place at airports and other ports of entry, and passengers demonstrating symptoms must undergo enhanced screening and possible testing upon arrival. All arrivals will need to complete a Health Surveillance Form while en route for submission to Port Health authorities. Only travelers showing symptoms will be required to go into quarantine unless they have proof of a negative test. More so, Wearing face masks in Tanzania is highly recommended.

Turkey

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Nigerian tourists face no travel restrictions when going to Turkey, but international passengers are be required to complete an information form and will be checked for signs of infection upon arrival. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms will need to take a mandatory PCR test, and those with confirmed or suspected cases will be taken to a hospital for further examination, or to a dormitory to self-isolate.

N.B: The above reopening news can change at any time. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry before traveling. Happy Travelling!

iyke926:
I had a dream about a plane crash last night.

An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 (registration VT-AXH) skidded off the runway and shattered in two during a landing in heavy rain on runway 10 of Kozhikode airport on Friday around 19:40 local time. There were 174 passengers, 10 infants, 2 Pilots and 5 cabin crew onboard the aircraft.

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Air India Express flight IX1344 came from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

A state deputy said at least one person, the pilot, was killed, while media reported dozens of people hospitalised. Two passengers are also reported dead, while the first officer is in critical condition.

“The plane broke into two pieces and also did not catch fire. We do not expect a lot of casualties in this crash,” said an Air India official.

The accident happened at Kozhikode Calicut international airport, also known as Karipur Airport, in the state of Kerala (southern India).

Ukraine

Ukraine Tourism Reopening Date: June 15th, 2020

Ukraine has officially reopened for tourism on June 15, 2020, lifting the entry ban for foreigners and resuming commercial flights. However, all nations are not welcomed in the same manner, and certain countries have restrictions while others do not.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Due to the long nature of this list of countries, please see our full article on Ukraine reopening for tourism

United Kingdom

United Kingdom Tourism Reopening Date: June 8th, 2020

Visits from up to 60 countries is now possible for Britons from July 10th without the need to quarantine for 14 days on return.

The Foreign Office lifted its ban on non-essential travel to nearly all EU countries, British territories such as Bermuda and Gibraltar, and Australia and New Zealand.

Turkey, a popular holiday destination, is also included in the list.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Bonaire
Croatia
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Germany
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Malta
Mauritius
Monaco
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Réunion
San Marino
Seychelles
Sint Eustatius and Saba
South Korea
Spain
St Barthélemy
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Pierre and Miquelon
Switzerland
Taiwan
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Vatican City
Vietnam

Europe Reopening – A-Z Countries That Have Reopened For Tourism:

Austria – June 16, 2020
Belgium – June 15, 2020
Bulgari – July 16, 2020
Croatia – July 1, 2020
Cyprus – June 15, 2020
Czech Republic – June 15, 2020
Denmark – June 27, 2020
Estonia – June 1, 2020
France – June 15, 2020
Germany – June 15, 2020
Greece – July 1, 2020
Hungary – July 1, 2020
Iceland – June 15, 2020
Italy – June 15, 2020
Luxembourg – June 15, 2020
Malta – July 1, 2020
Netherlands – June 15, 2020
North Macedonia – July 1, 2020
Norway – July 15, 2020
Poland – June 13, 2020
Portugal – June 20, 2020
Romania – June 15, 2020
Slovenia – June 15, 2020
Spain – June 21, 2020
Sweden – June 15, 2020
Switzerland – June 15, 2020
Ukraine – June 15, 2020
United Kingdom – June 8, 2020

Hungary
Hungary Tourism Reopening Date: July 1, 2020

Hungary has reopened its borders for international tourism and is now accepting visitors from select countries all over the world, depending on risk classification.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing: all member states of the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland, (except for Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Other countries are permitted to enter Hungary but will face testing/quarantine requirements

Iceland

Iceland Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

Passengers arriving into Iceland from an approved country have a choice: They can either choose to be tested for Covid upon arrival (15000 ISK/ $110 USD) or to go into quarantine for two weeks.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine (but face Testing on arrival):

Algeria
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Georgia
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City




Ireland

Ireland Tourism Reopening Date: June 21, 2020

Ireland officially started reopening for tourism on July 21, 2020, by first allowing 15 ‘Green' nations to enter the country without quarantine.

Previous to the new rules in place, Ireland was requiring a mandatory 14-day quarantine for ALL nations entering, with the exception of Northern Ireland.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or testing:

Cyprus
Estonia
Finland
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Malta
Monaco
Norway
San Marino
Slovakia
See more information on Ireland reopening for tourism

Italy

Italy Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

Italy has now reopened for tourism and has recently updated the countries and nations that are permitted to visit, both with restrictions and without.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Vatican City
Other countries are permitted to enter Italy but face a 14 day quarantine upon arrival

Luxembourg

Luxembourg Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

Luxembourg first reopened borders to Germany, Belgium and France, and then extended entry to all EU, EFTA and Schengen nations later in June. Starting July 1, Luxembourg also reopened for select third-party nations as suggest by the EU.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Malta
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City

Malta

Malta Tourism Reopening Date: July 1, 2020

As of July 11, more countries have been added to Malta's approved no restriction list.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City

The Maltese government also issued the following statement regarding other countries:

“Any person coming from any other country and has not spent at least 14 days in any of the safe countries needs a special permit from health and may be obliged to do quarantine in Malta if accepted by the Health Authorities”

Montenegro

Montenegro Tourism Reopening Date: June 1, 2020

As of June 1st 2020, Montenegro has now reopened to tourists and accepting international arrivals from 130+ countries. For many people looking to still enjoy a European summer vacation, Montenegro might serve as the perfect country.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

ALL EU COUNTRIES
Algeria
Andorra
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Brunei
Belarus
Fiji
Philippines
Georgia
Indonesia
Iceland
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
South Korea
Cambodia
China
Costa Rica
Cuba
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Madagascar
Malaysia
Morocco
Mauritius
Mongolia
Mozambique
Nicaragua
Norway
New Zealand
Palestine
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Seychelles
Senegal
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Tunisia
Uruguay
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Montenegro is also welcoming some countries not on the list above but will require a negative PCR test for entry.

Netherlands

Netherlands Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

The Netherlands opened the border on June 15, 2020 to a list of EU countries, and on July 1st, expanded the list with third-party countries outside the EU.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Morocco
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
The Netherlands is not open to additional countries at this time

North Macedonia

North Macedonia Tourism Reopening Date: July 1, 2020

The Republic of North Macedonia has officially reopened for international tourism July 1, 2020 and is now allowing tourists from all countries to visit, restriction free.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

ALL
Temperature scans will be done upon arrival into North Macedonia. Any travelers with symptoms like a fever or difficulty breathing will be refused entry at customs.

Norway

Norway Tourism Reopening Date: July 15th, 2020

Norway will officially be reopening its borders for tourism on July 15th, 2020 to most European countries including the UK.

However, residents of Portugal, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Luxembourg will be excluded due to the high rate of covid-19 infection in those countries.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Republic of Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Poland
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Norway will not allow any third-party countries without a 10 day quarantine at this time however they are making some exceptions.

Poland

Poland Tourism Reopening Date: June 13th, 2020

Poland made the announcement today that it will be reopening its borders and lifting restrictions to visitors coming in from the 26 countries of the European Union, and the 4 EFTA nations.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Currently there are no new updates regarding non-EU countries.

Portugal

Portugal Tourism Reopening Date: June 20th, 2020

As of June 2020, Portugal has reopened its doors for tourism from select countries. Unlike some other countries now accepting tourists, mainland Portugal is not requiring a confinement/isolation period for the new arrivals.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Austria
Belgium
Canada
China
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Morocco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
There has been conflicting reports on Portugal's tourism reopening. Please see the link below for all the latest information.

[quote]Romania
Romania Tourism Reopening Date: June 15th, 2020

Romania has officially reopened its borders for tourism, allowing tourists from EU nations, as well as countries outside of the EU to visit.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Malta
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Rwanda
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City
The updated list of ‘Green Zone' countries will be posted weekly directly on the National Institute of Public Health of Romania page.

[/b]Serbia[/b]

Serbia Tourism Reopening Date: May 22nd, 2020

As of May 22nd 2020, Serbia is allowing visitors to travel to the country under normal ‘pre-Covid’ regulations. That includes no mandatory testing and no isolation period for arriving tourists.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

ALL Countries

Serbia is recently seeing a recent spike in Covid-19 cases and could see travel restrictions introduced in the near future.


Slovenia

Slovenia Tourism Reopening Date: June 15th, 2020

Slovenia has reopened its borders for international tourism, first by allowing select EU nations to visit in June, and further third-party countries to start visiting in July.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Malta
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Spain
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City
Passengers should expect a health screening from a border officer, as well as agree to temperature scans. Entry will be refused to tourists who show any symptoms.

Spain

Spain Tourism Reopening Date: June 21st, 2020

Spain reopened its border on June 21, 2020 to a list of EU nations, and July 3, 2020 to an expanded list of third-party nations outside the EU.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Croatia
Cyprus
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Passengers should expect a health screening from a border officer, as well as agree to temperature scans. Passengers are also being asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Sweden

Sweden Tourism Reopening Date: June 15th, 2020

Sweden has made some exceptions to their entry ban and are now allowing entry to a list of EU/EEA countries, and as of July 4, 2020 to an expanded list of third-party countries outside the EU.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Australia
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City
Sweden first responded to the suggestion by not making any exceptions for the third-party country list, but then made important updates on July 4 with the decision to include them in the entry ban exceptions.
Switzerland

Switzerland Tourism Reopening Date: June 15th, 2020

We have the full country list updated below, which includes the EU/EFTA nations that can currently travel to Switzerland, as well as the third-party countries outside the EU that have just been given permission to travel to Switzerland starting on July 20, 2020.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Croatia
Cyprus
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Rwanda
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Thailand
United Kingdom
Since mid-June, the number of new cases of coronavirus has been rising in Switzerland as infected persons have entered the country from countries within the Schengen area and from non-Schengen countries. Travel restrictions could change without notice.

Europe has officially started reopening for tourism after months of lockdowns due to Covid-19. In the past, these European countries have put in place strict measures — with most of them going into complete lockdowns earlier this year — to mitigate the surge of coronavirus. Now that case numbers are relatively low across the continent, some nations have already reopened, with others making plans on how to reopen soon.
https://tourtelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/eiffel-tower-tourtelegraph-750x430.jpg
The list below covers all of the countries in Europe that have officially opened for tourism, and which ones have no testing/quarantine requirements.

More so, We will cover which countries are allowed to visit each destination and what entry requirements you need to know before booking.

Please Note: This Article will be updated once weekly

All visitors to Europe will require travel insurance that covers Covid-19

Countries In Europe Reopening For Tourism

Albania

Albania Tourism Reopening Date: July 1, 2020.

Albania officially reopened its borders for tourism on July 1,, 2020 allowing tourists from all countries and nations to enter without restrictions.

Albania started lifting restrictions on June 1st for its closest neighbors crossing via land borders, and finally lifted all entry restrictions and travel bans for air and sea borders as of July 1st.
Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

All countries allowed


Andorra

Andorra Tourism Reopening Date: July 29, 2020

Andorra officially reopened its borders for tourism on July 29,, 2020 allowing tourists from EU nations to visit WITHOUT tests or quarantines.

All nations are actually now permitted to enter, but those not part of the EU will still face a 15-day quarantine.
Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Vatican City

Austria
Austria Tourism Reopening Date: June 16, 2020

The first 31 countries that have authorization to travel to Austria include all of the European Union nations, with the exception of UK, Sweden, Spain and Portugal.

Visitors from the approved EU countries can visit Austria without a quarantine period or testing.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing: All European Union countries with the exception of UK, Sweden, Spain and Portugal

Other countries may be allowed under special circumstances



Belarus
Belarus is reopening for tourism
Belarus Tourism Reopening Date: July 15, 2020

Belarus is now allowing over 70 nations to visit without a 14-day isolation period.

Some of those countries include

USA
UK
Canada
Serbia
Croatia
Japan
and more


Belgium
Belgium Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

From June 15, following all other major EU countries, Belgium made the decision to reopen for tourism from countries in the European Union, including the UK, and the four EFTA nations (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway.)

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Austria
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Other countries may still be permitted entry but with restrictions.




Bulgaria
Bulgaria Tourism Reopening Date: July 16, 2020

On July 17, 2020 Bulgaria made the decision to add more countries to the ‘approved' list, now allowing select third-party countries to also enter without testing or quarantines.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Vatican City
Other countries may be granted entry but will face additional requirements

Croatia

Croatia Tourism Reopening Date: July 1st, 2020

Croatia announced that EU/EEA countries and nations can enter with no reason given, while ‘third-party' countries outside the EU are welcome, but must show proof of accommodation or tourist activity.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Austria
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Other countries will be permitted entry but will face additional requirements

Cyprus

Cyprus Tourism Reopening Date: June 15th, 2020

Cyprus is so keen to get its tourism industry back on track, officials are offering to cover the costs of any travelers who test positive for Covid-19 while on vacation in the Mediterranean island nation.

According to a letter shared with CNN, the Cypriot government will pay for lodging, as well as food, drink and medication for tourists who are taken ill with coronavirus during their visit.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Austria
Canada
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Japan
Latvia
Lichtenstein
Lithuania
Malta
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Switzerland
Cyprus has two other lists of countries that are allowed entry but will face additional testing/quarantine requirements.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

The Czech Republic is a major European destination that receives around 20 million tourists every year. A few weeks ago, the Czech government was only allowing citizens from Slovakia and Hungary into the country freely but has since lifted additional restrictions to try and reinstate much needed tourism.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Andorra
Austria
Australia
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
South Korea
Switzerland
Vatican City
Thailand
United Kingdom

Denmark
Denmark Tourism Reopening Date: June 27, 2020

Denmark has reopened its borders for international tourism, allowing in both EU nations and a few select countries outside of the EU to now visit.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Vatican City
Denmark also require tourists from the above listed countries to have booked a holiday stay for at least six days.

A holiday stay could be at a hotel, inn, bed and breakfast, AirBnB, holiday rental, private house, campsite, marina slip, etc.

Estonia

Estonia Tourism Reopening Date: June 1, 2020

Estonia officially started opening to select countries within the EU. As of July, Estonia has now reopened for additional third-party countries and will soon be launching their digital nomad visa program.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Cyprus
Denmark
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Malta
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Rwanda
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Estonia has also created a list of countries which will be permitted entry but will face quarantine.

France

France Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

Travelers within Europe will be able to visit France without any quarantine or restrictions starting on June 15th with the exception of the United Kingdom.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Cyprus
Romania
Rwanda
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
Uruguay
France is not allowing any additional countries at this time.

Germany

Germany Tourism Reopening Date: June 15, 2020

From 2 July 2020, unrestricted travel to Germany was added to an additional 8 countries outside of Europe.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay

Greece
Greece Tourism Reopening Date: July 1st, 2020

The full list updated below, includes the EU/EFTA nations that can currently travel to Greece, as well as the third-party countries outside the EU that have just been given permission.

Countries Allowed with No Quarantine or Testing:

Algeria
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lichtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Romania
Rwanda
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
United Kingdom
Uruguay
While there is no mandatory testing and no negative-PCR tests due upon arrival, each passenger will be screened and thermally scanned.

Many African nations are starting to reopen for international tourism. In the past, these African countries have put in place strict measures -- with most of them going into complete lockdowns earlier this year -- to mitigate the surge of coronavirus. Now that case numbers are relatively low across the continent, some nations have already reopened, with others making plans on how to reopen soon.

Below we have a list of every country in Africa, and what their current reopening status is: Not open for tourism, reopening soon, and now open. For the nations that have already reopened, we also include which countries are permitted to visit, plus any entry requirements

A-Z List of Africa Nation - Reopening for Tourism

Algeria

Not Open For Tourism

Domestic travel is still being limited, repatriation flights for foreigners stuck inside Algeria just started July 28, even though there have been a lot of speculations, no official news on when international tourism will resume.


Angola

Not Open For Tourism

Angola’s borders remain closed. Entry to Angola is prohibited except for Angolan nationals.

Benin

Not Open For Tourism

Entry Visas are restricted and not currently being issued. Travel is restricted to essential at this time.

Botswana

Not Open For Tourism

Entry to Botswana is open only to Botswana nationals and foreign nationals with valid residency visas. There are currently no commercial flights in to or out of Botswana

Burkina Faso

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]

Burkina Faso has made a statement about commercial flights resuming on August 1. Land and sea borders remain closed until further notice. It is unclear at this time if Visa issuing will also resume on August 1.

Burundi

Not Open For Tourism

Burundi plans to reopen land borders for essential travel on August 1. Commercial flights have not yet resumed, with the exception of a few repatriation flights.

Cameroon

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]

Cameroon has resumed a few commercial flights, though mostly for essential travel only. Land and sea borders are not yet open. They’ve started testing requirements to land in Cameroon airports for essential travelers, including a negative PCR test no older than 3 days.

Cape Verde

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]



Cape Verde has reopened sea borders for essential travel by passenger ferries. International flights have not yet resumed but are planned to restart in early August.




Central African Republic

Not Open For Tourism

CAR has just started to resume 1 commercial flight per airline a week, mostly restricted to repatriation flights and essential travel. A mandatory 21 day quarantine is in effect for any arriving essential travelers.

Chad

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]



Chad will resume commercial flights starting on August 1. All international travelers will be required to surrender their passport, quarantine at home for 7 days, and take a COVID-19 test on the 7th day. Passports will be returned upon the presentation of the COVID-19 negative test receipt.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]



The DRC plans to start reopening land borders and airports on August 15. After reopening, visitors into the DRC will require negative PCR tests, temperature checks, and the possibility of testing and/or quarantines upon arrival.




Congo

Not Open For Tourism

Commercial flights are still extremely limited to mostly repatriation flights. Borders remain closed until further notice.

Djibouti

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]



On July 17, Djibouti reopened the airport and restarted limited commercial flights. We are unsure if these flights are restricted to repatriation and/or essential travel only at this point, or if general tourism is now permitted.

All passengers entering Djibouti will receive a covid test upon arrival and will have to remain at the airport until results come through (approx 4 hours), at the cost of the passenger.

Egypt

Now Open

Egypt started reopening borders for tourism to seaside resorts as of July 1.

Travelers will have to the following:

Have a valid visa.
Wear a mask on the flight and at the airport.
Fill out a health declaration card.
Show proof of travel health insurance.
Agree to have their temperature taken on arrival.
At this point, travelers are expected to remain in high-tourist areas and are not permitted to travel independently inwards throughout the country.

Egypt Reopening Borders For Tourism July 1

Equatorial Guinea

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]



Equatorial Guinea is currently in their domestic reopening phase, with domestic flights resuming as of June 15. Commercial flights are extremely limited at this point and are mostly used for repatriation and essential travel. All arriving passengers must present a negative PCR test taken no longer than 48 hours before arrival.

Eritrea

Not Open For Tourism

Airports in Eritrea remain closed and entry visas have been suspended until further notice

Ethiopia

Now Open
Ethiopia has now reopened the airport for international arrivals.

Passengers will need to bring a negative PCR test taken within 5 days of arrival. They are also required to self-isolate at home for 14 days. Visitors are tested again upon arrival.

Passengers that do not bring the negative PCR test will have a mandatory quarantine at government designated hotels for 7 days at their own expense. At the end of 7 days, a PCR test will be given

Gabon

Not Open For Tourism

Gabon remains closed for tourism at this time. Any essential travelers must quarantine for 14 days.

Gambia

Not Open For Tourism

Gambia is only allowing medical, cargo and repatriation flights at this time. Land borders remain closed.

Ghana

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]



Ghana has resumed domestic flights within the country. The current international travel ban is set to expire July 31. We are unsure at this time if the ban will be extended or removed.

Guinea

Not Open For Tourism

Guinea’s land borders are closed and commercial flights are gradually opening up based on reciprocity. However, since most other nations are not accepting travelers from Guinea, travel will continue to be very restricted.

Guinea-Bissau

Not Open For Tourism

Guinea-Bissau’s borders remain closed for tourism until further notice.

Kenya

Now Open
President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that Kenya will be reopening for international tourism on August 1st, 2020

Entry Requirements include bringing a negative PCR test, but the details of how long the traveler has to take the test before arrival have not yet been released.

Kenya Reopening Borders For Tourism on August 1st


Lesotho

Not Open For Tourism

Lesotho remains closed for tourism until further notice. Borders are closed for everything but essential trade.

Liberia

Now Open
Liberia has reopened for tourism as of July 1, but many restrictions are still in place. When they first opened they had a rule that if a passenger was coming from a nation with more than 200 active cases of the virus, they would be denied entry. Now, we believe that restriction has been removed and replaced with testing requirements.

Passengers arriving into Liberia will need to bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, undergo a temperature scan and health check, and could be tested again upon arrival. Anyone testing positive on arrival will be put into government quarantine for at least 14 days.

Libya

Not Open For Tourism

Libya is not open for tourism

Madagascar

Not Open For Tourism

Madagascar has suspended all international and domestic flights until further notice, as well as cruise ships.

Malawi

[color=#ff9900]Not Open For Tourism
[/color]
Malawi is currently closed for tourism until further notice. Flights are only available for the repatriation of Malawi nationals and essential workers.

Mali

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]


Mali just reopened flights on July 25 and is planning on reopening land borders on July 31st. It is unclear at this time if flights are reserved for Mali nationals, or if tourists can also enter at this time.

Arrivals need to bring a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. If they do not, a test will be performed on arrival while the passenger will remain in quarantine until results are processed.

Mauritania

Not Open For Tourism

Mauritania remains closed for tourism until further notice. Flights are only available at this time for national returning home or other essential reasons.

Mauritius

Not Open For Tourism

The tourism enforcer officer for Mauritius told us: “Note that the Government of Mauritius has not yet decided when borders will be opened. Furthermore, there will be protocols from the Ministry of Health that is going to be established.”

Morocco

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]

The current state of emergency was extended until August 10th. The partial reopening of Morocco’s borders started July 14, first to allow Moroccan residents to return and foreign citizens to depart the country.

While general tourism has not yet resumed, the reopening date is expected to be announced soon.



Mozambique

Not Open For Tourism

Mozambique’s state of emergency has been extended until September 30. General tourism has not resumed at this point. Entry into Mozambique is limited to nationals and individuals with valid residency.

Namibia

Not Open For Tourism

Namibia is currently closed for tourism. Entry to Namibia is prohibited except for Namibian nationals and foreign nationals resident in Namibia. All commercial flights in and out of the country have been suspended. The state of emergency has been extended until September 17.

Niger

Not Open For Tourism

Niger is not yet open for tourism. Commercial flights have not yet resumed, entry is only permitted for nationals returning home, and transiting through the country is not permitted.

Nigeria

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]

Nigeria reopened their passport offices July 1 and resumed domestic flights on July 8. Restrictions on domestic travel continue to lift.

While international flights are currently only available for nationals and residents, announcements are expected to be made soon on the resumption of tourism.

Rwanda

Now Open
Rwanda has officially reopened for tourism as of June 17, 2020

Nations that can visit = ALL

Entry Requirements = Testing is required before arrival and again upon arrival. In order to gain entry into Rwanda as a tourist, you must take a PCR test in your own country within 72 hours of departure and have negative results as proof. The negative test must be emailed to lab@rbc.gov.rw before your departure and a copy of the results brought with you to show customs upon entry into Rwanda.

At the airport upon arrival, travelers will be tested again with the results available in around 8 hours.

Learn more details in our Rwanda Reopening for Tourism Guide

Rwanda Officially Reopens For Tourism – All Countries Welcome

Sao Tome and Principe

Not Open For Tourism

Sao Tome and Principe is still currently closed for all tourism. A reopening date has not yet been set.

Senegal

Now Open
Senegal has now reopened for tourism, with entry requirements explained below.

Senegal reopened international flights on July 15, even though land and sea borders are still closed.

The state of emergency was lifted on June 30.

All arrivals into Senegal will require:

A health declaration form
A negative PCR test taken no longer than 7 days before departure
Undergo medical screening and temperature scans upon arrival

Seychelles

Now Open
As of June 1st the Seychelles have reopened to tourists from ‘low’ and ‘medium’ risk nations, with different entry requirements for each category.

There are 17 nations being classified as ‘low risk’ and 20 nations being classified as ‘medium risk’.

Visitors from the LOW RISK countries can bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours from date of travel, but if one is not available, a rapid test is also approved. Visitors from the MEDIUM RISK countries can only bring a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours of date of travel, with no rapid test option.

There are a few other entry requirements, which can be seen on our Seychelles Reopening For Tourism Guide

Sierra Leone

Now Open
Sierra Leone reopened for tourism on July 22, 2020. Flights are starting to be rescheduled, but land borders remain closed.

Entry Requirements:
Obtaining a travel authorization card from the government
A negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before departure
A health declaration card
Pre-payment for testing on arrival
A valid visa

Somalia

Not Open For Tourism

Somalia is currently closed to all tourism. No reopening date has been announced.

South Africa

Not Open For Tourism

South Africa is still closed for tourism. Only repatriation and humanitarian flights are operationg at this point. A reopening date has not been set, but some reports have suggested late 2020 or early 2021.

South Sudan

Not Open For Tourism

South Sudan is not open for tourism. All issuing of visas have been suspended, commercial flights are limited to repatriation flights, and government curfews are still in place.

Sudan

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]

Sudan just lifted bans on flights from Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE, but flights from other nations are still suspended until October 10.

Tanzania
Now Open
As of June 2020, Tanzania is now accepting tourists under normal and regular ‘pre-covid’ border rules. No mandatory quarantine period is currently in place, however temperature checks, mask wearing, and social distancing is in effect.

Countries Allowed to visit: ALL

However, under normal tourism laws, your country might require a Visa to enter Tanzania. There are currently 68 countries that can enter Tanzania Visa-free, with the rest requiring a Visa or Visa on Arrival.

There is no mandatory 14-day isolation or quarantine period for travellers into Tanzania.

Togo

Not Open For Tourism

Togo has not yet reopened for tourism. Land borders remain closed, and while there are a few flights that have resumed, they are mainly for returning nationals and essential trade.

Tunisia

Now Open
Tunisia is officially reopening its borders June 27, 2020 allowing tourists to enter based on a color-coded system based on risk assessment.

Tunisia has created a ‘Green’ and ‘Orange’ list for arrivals. ‘Green’ countries may enter with no testing or quarantines, while ‘Orange’ countries will need to present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure.

Uganda

Not Open For Tourism

Uganda is not open for tourism at this time. No formal date for reopening has been announced.

Zambia

[color=#ff9900]Reopening Soon[/color]

Zambia’s borders have reopened, with both domestic and international flights starting to resume, but tourist visa services remain suspended until further notice. Since a tourist visa is required to gain entry into the country, general tourism cannot resume until they restart visa applications.

Anyone the currently has a valid visa may be granted entry but will face both testing on arrival and 14-day quarantine.

Zimbabwe

Not Open For Tourism

Zimbabwe remains closed for tourism and is still under lockdown until further notice.

Earlier this year, Canada announced that international students would be exempt from a travel ban as long as they had a valid study permit or had been approved for a study permit prior to March 18, 2020.
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However, these rules have now changed, with the Canadian government now saying that students who had a study permit prior to March 18 will only be exempt from the travel restrictions if they travel for a ‘non-discretionary or non-optional’ purpose.

“All foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada must be coming to Canada for a purpose of travel that is non-optional or non-discretionary,” Rebecca Purdy, senior spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, said in a media interview.

“Seeking entry for the purpose of studying in Canada would generally be considered discretionary/optional unless there is a requirement for the student to be in Canada,” she said.

Crucially, this will mean that students who can study online in their home country are likely to be refused entry.

The changes have caused great concern amongst international students, who say that studying in their home country is not a feasible option because of time differences and because online study does not provide good value for money.

“There is a vast time difference between Canada and India,” said Mohammad Danish, a student who is planning on studying at Centennial College in Toronto.

“You have to wake up late at night to attend these classes… Many students are facing problems. Health-wise it is not feasible to stay up all night and study and then sleep all day.

“IRCC has told [students] that they are exempted from travelling but they are not being allowed into the country, not being allowed to board planes.”

Akshay Bhardwaj, another Indian student, explained that many students travel to Canada and chose to study abroad because they live in rural places where internet access is a problem.

“Rural areas in India do not have internet facilities… they often experience power issues,” he said.

The final decision as to whether a student will be allowed into Canada will be made by border services officers and not the IRCC, but guidelines that outline exactly what constitutes non-discretionary or non-optional travel have been published on the Canadian government’s website.

Border force will consider if students are already established in Canada and returning to their current residence and if their school is re-opening and they’ll be able to start classes after their quarantine period is complete.

Officials will also consider if a student’s program requires them to study in-person (such as the need for laboratories or workshops), if their program isn’t being delivered online or if they are unable to study online from their home country (including issues with bandwidth).

They will also consider if a student’s program is being delayed or cancelled, or if they have deferred enrolment to a future date.

Cindy McIntyre, assistant director of international relations at Universities Canada told The PIE that international students continue to be “very welcome” on Canadian campuses despite the barriers they face.

“We appreciate this is an incredibly disruptive and uncertain time for all students; however, universities are prioritising the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and their larger communities at this time, and they are working to determine the best and safest path forward,” she said.

Canada recently announced measures to support international students beginning a new program online this fall, including fast-tracking study permit processing and introducing a temporary two-stage process for international students who cannot submit all of the required documentation.

The UAE Cabinet has announced the cancelation of its earlier decision on the validity of visas and entry permits for those inside the country from March 1, 2020, until the end of December of this year.

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The move comes as part of a series of amendments which were approved on Friday.

The Cabinet has also approved a decision to amend a number of Resolutions related to the identity and citizenship sector and resumption of work with several procedures and decisions adopted when the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread during the last period, and in conjunction with the return of most activities and government departments to work and support the continuity of business, the Gulf news report.

The decision came after the current situation was studied in detail to ensure that there were no negative effects or repercussions on various sectors.

The Cabinet approved the cancellation of the decision regarding the validity of residency visas for expatriates, who are in or outside the country and if their visas expired between March 1 and March 31, 2020.


The decision on the validity of visas and entry permits for those inside the country from March 1, 2020, until the end of December of this year stands cancelled.

The decision on identity cards that expired on March 1, 2020, being considered valid until the end of December 2020, will also be cancelled.

The Resolution will come into effect from July 11, 2020.

The Council instructed the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to start collecting the fees due for providing services from July 12, 2020.

The Cabinet also cancelled the decision to stop the activation of administrative fines for violations mentioned in the decisions of the Cabinet that organise the services provided by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship as of 11th July, 2020.

The Cabinet instructed that the current services should be provided through electronic systems as far as possible to facilitate and limit the crowding of customers.

The service departments in the country should consider the renewed electronic identity card in the smart application of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship until the issuance of the identity card.

This step coincides with the return of normalcy in various fields and sectors, and the return of the international air traffic in a relative manner, as the national carriers in the country announced the launching of repatriations flights.

In conjunction, the government departments prepared to receive clients while applying the best preventive measures and social distancing standards, which enable all segments of society to obtain services safely.

TMKsouth:
Their well organized s ;Dystems didn't help them avoid becoming the epicentre of the virus for some time. I can understand opening up local tourism but not international one again. Isnt this how the pandemic took hold to begin with - globalization? Now people are rushing to go lay on Greek and Italian beaches again for the northern summer season? Madness! Africa's borders should remain shut.

TMKsouth:
What a risk to one's health and life, just so you can lay in the sun on vacation. I for one am not going anywhere. Those going to Italy and Spain are real daredevils.