Every time we think that the world is getting better and recovering from Covid, we are entering another scare. This time it's labelled Omicron.
While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild, which is why it is now more important to follow Covid Protocols and Travel Guidelines. We are safe if we keep ourselves safe.
Countries across the world are once again imposing strict travel restrictions to prevent further spread of the virus and few countries have made the COVID booster shots a requirement for travellers.
Here’s a list of countries that have made COVID booster a requirement for travel.
1. Kuwait
Effective December 26,2021, citizens of Kuwait, who have not taken the COVID booster shot will not be allowed to fly out of the country. Travellers wishing to enter the country will also be required to show their negative PCR test report which should not be older than 48 hours on arrival.
2. The Netherlands
Starting February 2022, the respective authorities of the country will recognise only COVID-19 vaccination certificates, which indicate that the person carrying it has received a booster shot. The Netherlands will also shorten the validity of vaccination certificates to nine months. Those who fail to meet this requirement will be required to follow additional entry rules.
3. France
The French Government has announced that travellers over the age of 65 will be classified as unvaccinated if they haven’t received their booster shots by December 15. French President Emmanuel Macron also stated that both travellers and citizens must have had a booster shot after their six weeks and five months of taking their second shot. Although travellers over 65 without booster shots will be allowed to enter France, they will not be allowed entry to many of France’s indoor venues.
4.Croatia
Croatia was the first nation in the world that announced a maximum vaccine validity, and stated that travellers will be required to present a proof of vaccination which is not older than 365 days. Reports also have it that any traveller, who has received their second vaccine dose in early 2021, will now be required to show proof of booster shots. If they fail to do so, travellers will be required to face further COVID-19 restrictions from this year.
5.Israel
The nation announced that all fully vaccinated travellers over 180 days ago will now require booster shots. Apart from this, visitors will be required to wait until 14 days to enter the spot after their booster shot dose. Also note, Israel won’t permit any traveller who received their final vaccine dose over 180 days ago.
6.Austria
Effective November 8, 2021, vaccines have been made compulsory for all citizens in Austria. The nation also declared that the full vaccination status will expire nine months after the second dose. Booster shots are mandatory to enter entertainment spaces, bars, and restaurants if they reach the expiry date of their vaccine dose.
7.Greece
Greece has made vaccine passports mandatory for certain indoor spaces such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Apart from this, anyone over the age of 60, including tourists, will now be required to get their booster shot in the next month, else they will not qualify for the vaccine passport. Moreover, the Greek Prime Minister is pushing the EU to ensure that the booster shots are made mandatory if travellers want to use EU’s digital health pass in the future.
8. Switzerland
Switzerland announced that it won’t be recognizing any traveller as fully vaccinated after 365 days of taking their second vaccine dose. However, travellers will still be able to visit the destination without the Swiss vaccine passport, but will not be allowed to enter many indoor spaces.
Corona is not yet over and it is important for us to follow protocols and keep ourselves and our families safe.
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