by Michael Smith, Mart Faheed

Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, almost every country across the globe had imposed necessary restrictions to contain it. Now, countries across Europe, North America, The Caribbean island, and other regions have started to ease lockdown measures, and are gearing up to resume both domestic and international travels.

Tourists coming to the UK are required to go into quarantine for 14 days.Photocredit: Maja Hitij/Getty Images

A lot of safety measures have been put in place to contain the spread of this pandemic. The EU, under its plan for a tourism comeback, wants countries with similar COVID-19 infection levels to relax common border closures first—ahead of a full though a gradual return to travel freedom Europe-wide.

[size=14pt]Here’s a list of countries that have gradually eased the lockdown and travel restrictions:[/size]

1. United Kingdom (Resumption date: June 8, 2020)

Tourists Arriving into the UK will be quarantined for two weeks from June 8, today, in a move that has caused anxiety in the hospitality sector.

Travelers arriving by various modes of transportation: plane, ferry, or train - including UK nationals - must give an address where they will self-isolate. Rule breakers will be fined £1,000.
Even though the move has been roundly condemned by the various stakeholders in the travel sector, with British airline threatening a lawsuit and Ryanair branding the decision as useless, The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, argued, the laws were designed “to prevent a second wave” of coronavirus.

2. Netherland (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)
The Netherlands will be reopening to tourists from countries in the European Union and the Schengen area, from June 15th. The new announcement that was made on June 3rd explained that foreign tourists from countries where the COVID-19 health risks were similar or lower than the Netherlands would only be admitted into the country for tourism and relaxation purposes.


The countries that can travel to the Netherlands as of June 15th include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania Luxembourg, Malta Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom


3. Maldives (Resumption date: July 1, 2020)
The Maldives is getting ready for a phased reopening of the tourism sector by establishing the necessary protocols to suit the new normal.

According to the statement by the country’s Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed, disclosed, the Maldives is planning to reopen from July 1. The official statement issued by the Ministry board read, “We are planning to reopen our borders for visitors in July 2020.”

The country is all set to welcome tourists from Asian countries, including India, China, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, and in the Middle East. Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways will begin commercial operations and tourists arriving by private plane or yacht would be allowed to enter the country.


4. Cyprus (Resumption date: June 9, 2020)

Cyprus is setting the stage high as it plans to open doors to international tourists starting from Tuesday(June 9, 2020), after a three-month shutdown, and a bold scheme to cover health care costs for visitors.

Even though arrivals in the country’s airport is expected to be down by 70 percent this year due to the havoc brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a leap of faith for the small Mediterranean holiday island. Cyprus will also cover accommodation, dining, and medical care for any tourists who fall ill with the COVID-19 illness during their stay, as well as accommodation and meals for their families and close contacts.

5. Sri Lanka (Resumption date: August 1, 2020)
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is planning to reopen for tourists from August but under strict guidelines, including multiple coronavirus tests during their stay, officials said Saturday.

While addressing the media, Sri Lanka’s tourism ministry said that travelers will be able to visit from August 1, however, they must carry a COVID-19 free certificate issued not earlier than 72 hours before boarding.

Even with this document, visitors arriving in the country will have to take another virus test at the airport. A further check will be done four to five days later — and a third if staying for more than 10 days.

“While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind,” the ministry said.

6. Switzerland (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)
Switzerland is planning to reopen its border to tourists from 30 countries on June 15th, 2020.

Switzerland’s official government tourism site posted this announcement Yesterday June 5th 20,20 on twitter.

According to the announcement “Switzerland will open the borders to all EU and EFTA states and Great Britain on June 15”.
No announcements have been made for countries like the USA, Canada that are outside the 30 European countries that will be allowed into Switzerland on June 15th.

Here’s the full list: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom


7. Jamaica (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)
Addressing a virtual media briefing on June 4 with relevant stakeholders in the tourism industry, Jamaica's Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, outline various protocols for the reopening of the tourism sector. The country has also considered every necessary plan to reopen the Jamaica borders for the tourism industry on June 15, the country’s Ministry of Tourism also said, a “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)-resilient corridor” has been established, restricting the movement of visitors to the Northern end of the island.


8. Italy (Resumption date: June 3rd, 2020)

The Italian government had reopened the tourism industry has on June 3rd, British visitors will be able to travel to the country with no quarantine restrictions put in place.

Flavio Zappacosta, manager for the board in UK & Ireland, stated: “The tourism industry is one of Italy’s key economic drivers, so it is with utmost importance that we open for business as soon as it is safe to do so.

9. Spain (Resumption date: Mid-June, 2020)

Span has announced that tourists from low-risk COVID-19 countries will be welcomed into the country if it eventually opens its doors to international tourism in mid-June, thanks to the ‘safe travel.

Disclosing this in an interview with Euroweeklynews, Spain’s, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, Efe, Reyes Maroto noted that if the concept of the safe corridor can be agreed, Spain would prioritize and welcome tourists from countries with low rates of coronavirus, such as Germany and the Nordic nations. However, holidaymakers from the UK would “have to wait to come to Spain until the country’s coronavirus statistics improve”, confirmed Maroto.


10. Greece (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)

Greece is planning to reopen its border to visitors from 29 countries from June 15, days before its peak tourism season begins. The list does not include the UK or the USA. Visitors to the country will be subject to random coronavirus testing.

As reported by Reuters, visitors from 29 countries will be allowed to enter Greece from 15th June. The latest move comes at a time, the Greek government — and other countries — looks to mitigate the damage to the economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.


11. Belgium (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)

Belgium, whose capital hosts the EU headquarters, may open up to international tourists once the bloc’s travel ban on foreign tourists hopefully ends on June 15, according to report. Currently, all travelers must self-isolate for 14 days. Tourist sites however along with cafes, restaurants and museums won’t open until June 8. Masks are mandatory for public transport.


12. Austria (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)
Even though restrictions have already been relaxed as of May 15,
Austria is planning a total reopening of its border with Germany is set for June 15. According to the Brussels Times, Germans represent 30% of annual tourists in Austria, so the return of Germans marks an important road to recovery.


13. Croatia (Resumption date: Early June 2020)

Like many other countries, The Southeastern European country is also getting ready to loosen border restrictions, possibly from early June. Talks for bilateral border agreements to reopen the country to tourism are underway with Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, Croatia's tourism minister, Gari Cappelli, said.


14. Denmark (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)

From June 15, Denmark's border restrictions will be lifted for tourists from Germany, Iceland, and Norway. Then the travel bubble will hopefully grow over the coming weeks to include more arrivals.


15. France (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)
Hotels, restaurants, and bars have reopened since June 2, though only serving customers for now on terraces, or for takeout.


French borders will be reopened to tourists from EU and Schengen countries on June 15. Quarantine measures will be reciprocal. So U.K. and Spanish citizens face 14 days of self-isolation. Other travelers must either show a negative corona test until at least July, or self-isolate.


16. Norway (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)
Even though The government has been advising Norwegians to avoid unnecessary leisure travel, and to prepare to “make use of their closest holiday country this summer”–that is, to holiday at home.

“By 15 June, the Norwegian government will decide whether or not to open up the borders for travelers from the other Nordic countries,” says Visit Norway. “By 20 July, the government will decide if travelers from other nearby countries can visit Norway this summer.” For others, from outside of Europe. the date may be as late as August 20. Borders have been closed to all but citizens and residents since mid-March.


17. Turkey (Resumption date: June 2020)

Well, Whether it's between Asia and Europe, Istanbul can also be considered a European city.
Turkish measures hope to pave the way for tourism arrivals from late May, with international flights possible from June.

According to tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the country wants tourism to rebound soon. Turkey is working on an internationally recognized certification system, in order to classify tourist destinations, and hotels and restaurants, as "coronavirus-free zones” under strict health protocols. Tourists would have to provide health documents on arrival declaring themselves to be coronavirus free.

18. Hungary (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)
Borders set to open with Austria from June 15. Limited flights are operating. Further, in Budapest, parks, shops, and outdoor bars and restaurants are open. Masks are mandatory across the country.


19. Iceland (Resumption date: June 15, 2020)

The government will likely ease restrictions on tourists by no later than 15 June. Borders have remained open to Schengen countries. Also, a health certificate will be required on entry, or one can opt for an alternative of 14 days’ self-isolation. Further, tourists arriving in the country will need to download the country’s tracing app. Some flights are operating, as are some taxis and buses. Social distancing must be done in public places.


20.Ireland (Resumption date: June 2020)
Some ferry services and flights will continue to operate between the United Kingdom and Ireland. All arrivals will be subject to 14 days’ self-isolation and are required to provide details of accommodation while in Ireland. Public transport is allowed but limited. Some pubs and restaurants reopen from June 29, whereas museums, hotels, and galleries are to reopen from July 20.


21. Bali (Resumption date: October 2020)
The Indonesian island now hopes to welcome tourists back by October, provided its infection rates stay low.
"The coronavirus has collapsed the Balinese economy ... it's been a steep drop since [mid-March] when social-distancing measures were put in place," Mangku Nyoman Kandia, a Bali tour guide, told ABC News in April. "No tourist, no money."
All foreign nationals, except for diplomats, permanent residents, and humanitarian workers, are currently banned from Indonesia, and anyone entering the island must undergo a swab test and provide a letter stating they are free of Covid-19.


22. Mexico (Resumption date: Mid-June, 2020)
Mexico is planning to open its tourism industry back within weeks. The border between the US and Mexico border is closed to "nonessential" travel until at least June 22 and most international flights in and out of Mexico's key airports are currently suspended or significantly reduced.


23. St. Lucia (Resumption date: June 4, 2020)

St. Lucia has also reopened its tourism industry since June 4. The tropical destination, which closed its borders to foreign travelers on March 23, is to begin its phased reopening on June 4, when it will lift its borders to visitors from the United States.

The country has presented a plan for protecting both locals and visitors. Guests can skip an otherwise mandatory 14-day quarantine, though there are lots of restrictions. Here’s an infographic showing the basics of St. Lucia’s plan, and then I’ll get into more details below.


24. Aruba (Resumption date: June 15 and July 1, 2020)

The Caribbean island of Aruba is planning to open its doors to travelers once again at some point between June 15 and July 1.
However, the visitor's bureau for the Caribbean island, which has reported just over 100 confirmed coronavirus cases -- as of press time -- says this "tentative" date may change if Aruba opts to "consider additional precautionary measures as needed."
Tourtelegraph also Learnt that there's no mention of any Covid-19 testing requirements for arrivals, tourists will be required to undergo temperature checks on arrival.

Source: https://tourtelegraph.com/destination-and-tourism/24-international-destinations-set-to-reopen-for-tourism-activities/

To be honest, It's not easy updating this. So to those that want to travel --including lalasticlala, start preparing and pray Nigeria relaxed the restriction our international borders.

Good info



See my siggy

Ipromote:
Good info

:

. FP material

Wow.. This is well constructed analysis.

baseg25:

. FP material

The UK 14 days quarantined rule is not attractive for tourism at all. Anyway they will reverse it soon.

Cc lalasticlala.

Oya more reply, what do you think

Thanks for sharing

Petyprincess:
Thanks for sharing

and Nigerian governments are still increasing false result of covik 1 9 to us

yemmywesey:
and Nigerian governments are still increasing false result of covik 1 9 to us

Nobody what they are doing self. Let's hope they open soon sha

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.

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.

You are right, but most of these European countries, are even organize. But the truth as far as health is concerned, is to avoid any tourist activities this year.

baseg25:

You are right, but most of these European countries, are even organize. But the truth as far as health is concerned, is to avoid any tourist activities this year.

Their well organized systems 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:


Their well organized systems 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.

You are right sha.

You know Nigeria will never learn. For instance, South Africa has postponed all tourist activity till next year. The Naija that we know, may start allowing tourists into the country as from July.

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.

People don't look at vacations in that way... But whether we like it or not it will take time for everything to become normalise again. Many of this countries makes billions of $ from tourism annually, without tourists there economy will be shattered. So what do you expect?

They will have to come to up with a way to balance both concerns — health issues from COVID and economy

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.

Funny you

Lalasticalala good morning

baseg25:

You are right sha.

You know Nigeria will never learn. For instance, South Africa has postponed all tourist activity till next year. The Naija that we know, may start allowing tourists into the country as from July.

Indeed. The government here in SA has made it very clear they will put lives before all else. But they also don't want to damage the economy, so we'll see how they will strike a balance. With the scientific models showing that SA covid will only peak in September, you're right, international tourism won't open up anytime this year.

TMKsouth:


Indeed. The government here in SA has made it very clear they will put lives before all else. But they also don't want to damage the economy, so we'll see how they will strike a balance. With the scientific models showing that COVID will only peak in September in SA, you're right, international tourism won't open up anytime this year.

Exactly. Sometimes we need to choose the health and safety of the populace over the economy.

Busolami2015:


People don't look at vacations in that way... But whether we like it or not it will take time for everything to become normalise again. Many of this countries makes billions of $ from tourism annually, without tourists there economy will be shattered. So what do you expect?

They will have to come to up with a way to balance both concerns — health issues from COVID and economy

another valid point.

does it also apply for student

Africa do not have what it takes to withstand the outcome of closing their borders in it's entirety for longer period. I support the non-essentials travel to be ban for now though

TMKsouth:


Their well organized systems 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.

jizzyjordan:
does it also apply for student

I don't think so

Abeg , Seychelles nko? and Cape verde? Anyone has info on those?

Gokoyer0:
Africa do not have what it takes to withstand the outcome of closing their borders in it's entirety for longer period. I support the non-essentials travel to be ban for now though

It's a catch-22 situation, doomed if you do and doomed if you don't reopen. It's a lesson for the future to diversify our economies. That's why SA can afford to shut tourism till next year - other sectors will make up for the shortfall.

TMKsouth:


It's a catch-22 situation, doomed if you do and doomed if you don't reopen. It's a lesson for the future to diversify our economies. That's why SA can afford to shut tourism till next year - other sectors will make up for the shortfall.

exactly. Nigeria still depends on fossils fuel.

gimakon:
Abeg , Seychelles nko? and Cape verde? Anyone has info on those?

I will find out. I might rename this thread to a live updates thread.

baseg25:
I will find out. I might rename this thread to a live updates thread.

Thank you very much

OK oo

After Locakdown if you wana go explore Bali then please check this out
https://balichalo.com/bali-itinerary/

Great.

I wish more countries reopen for tourism activities. My friends from Europe want to try the Lemosho route from Altezza but unfortunately, they cannot come yet. I hope that soon they can go on a long-awaited trip to Africa.