As the fear of Omicron infection is gradually declining, a number of countries have scrapped the pre-departure PCR tests from their travel rules.
Apart from Bahrain and the UK, many other countries will no longer require pre-departure Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travellers.
Easing up the restrictions for fully-vaccinated passengers has been seen as a boost to international travel, reports Gulf News.
Bahrain, on February 4, has declared the in-coming travellers will no longer need to do a PCR test before boarding.
However, the kingdom’s Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) has announced that all unvaccinated travellers must follow precautionary quarantine.
The United Kingdom (UK) on February 11, scrapped testing measures for fully vaccinated travellers.
The British government stated the daily Omicron variant data is getting better and it was time for the country to be more open for travellers.
Sweden from January 18, has abolished the requirement of a negative RT-PCR test before entering the country
A statement released by the government stated: “Travellers are no longer considered to pose a particular risk of affecting the spread of Omicron in Sweden." Sweden has also stopped testing for Covid-19 even among people showing symptoms.
France on February 12, has similarly announced the end of the requirement for a negative Covid-19 test for all fully-vaccinated arrivals into the country.
India from February 14, requires no pre-departure RT-PCR test for fully-vaccinated travellers.
Last week, India said that passengers from "more than 80 countries" would be allowed to travel to the country with just a negative RT-PCR test report or a certificate of completing the primary vaccination schedule.
Denmark has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions on February 1.
It has become one of the first EU member states to scrap most pandemic restrictions as the country no longer considers the Covid-19 outbreak a “socially critical disease.”
Greece lifted the travel restriction on February 7, allowing all travellers with an European Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
The country expects summer travels to start from March 1.
Portugal, too from February 2022, permits entry as long as travellers can show a recognized proof for vaccination.
All air passengers will be able to enter Portugal if they can show a valid digital European Union certificate or recognized proof of vaccination.
Norway, from February 4 has scrapped almost Covid-19 restrictions as the country.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced the end of restrictions on Saturday morning.
Switzerland, on January 12, announced scrapping the pre-departure PCR test for fully-vaccinated inbound travellers.
The tourists will also not be required to show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test before entering the country.
Thailand also announced easing entry requirements for vaccinated visitors from all countries from February.
However, the fully vaccinated travelers have to take the Test and Go program if they undergo a RT-PCR test on arrival and spend a night in a pre-booked hotel.
Vietnam, on February 15, removed restrictions on international passenger flights. Slowly, the country's authorities have begun easing the curbs in recent months, allowing visitors since November.
Countries intending to lift restrictions
Kuwait from February 20, will allow fully vaccinated passengers to enter the country, without having to undergo home quarantine.
However, a negative PCR test is still mandatory for unvaccinated travellers.
Cyprus, the country which largely replies on tourism, will lift all travel restrictions from March 1. Travellers will have to show valid vaccination certificates and booster shot certificates nonetheless.
Canada plans to list the restriction from the end of February. The government is widely expected to announce dropping the mandatory pre-arrival PCR Cpvid-19 test for travellers who can show proof that they are fully vaccinated.
