ER
MANY countries have decided to coexist with COVID-19. In fact, several countries have relaxed rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic for foreign tourists. One of them is to abolish quarantine obligations upon arrival.
Previously, almost all countries required foreign tourists to quarantine at certain hotels or locations. The length of the quarantine period varies from country to country depending on the policy of the authorities.
However, in line with the increase in COVID-19 vaccinations in many countries, the length of the quarantine period has been reduced or even abolished. Instead, the local government requires migrants to have received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine recognized by the destination country.
The following are several countries that have abolished quarantine obligations for travelers from abroad, both all countries and certain countries, such as:
1. Norway
As of January 26, 2022, tourists from abroad are allowed to enter Norway without having to undergo quarantine. Including, foreign tourists who have not been vaccinated.
According to a press release issued by the Norwegian Ministry of Health, the decision to end the quarantine requirements was implemented because the country considered this rule no longer necessary to control the spread of the virus.
Norway’s National Institute of Public Health states that migrants who do not have vaccination certificates make up only seven percent of the total number of people entering the country.
“Following recommendations from the National Institute of Public Health, the government removed the quarantine requirement as it was no longer deemed necessary for infection control,” the Norwegian Ministry of Health said, citing SchengenVisaInfo.com.
However, foreign tourists who have not been vaccinated are still required to take a Covid-19 test before entering Norway. Meanwhile, entrants who have received the full vaccine dose and have recovered from the COVID-19 infection are exempt from any entry rules.
2. Singapore
Singapore has begun to reopen its borders to foreign tourists in several countries, including from Indonesia. Through a special vaccination route or vaccinated travel lane (VTL), visitors from certain countries do not need to quarantine.
As of February 21, 2022, VTL tourists from Indonesia are free from quarantine and are only required to carry out a rapid self-antigen test under the supervision of the Singaporean authorities.
However, there are several conditions that must be met based on information from Safe Travel Singapore.
First, the foreign tourist has received the full COVID-19 vaccine dose (minimum 14 days after the 2nd dose) as evidenced by an English-language vaccination certificate and a QR code.
Second, overseas travelers must apply for a vaccinated travel pass (VTP) within 3-60 days before the date of departure to Singapore. Meanwhile, the validity period is 13 days from the date of entering Singapore.
Third, foreign tourists fly to Singapore using airlines that provide special VTL flights. Especially for Indonesia, so far Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines are available.
Fourth, overseas travelers do not have a travel history to non-VTL countries within seven days prior to departure to Singapore.
Fifth, they must show the results of the rapid antigen or PCR test with a maximum sample of 2×24 hours before the flight to Singapore.
Sixth, showing proof of ownership of health insurance with coverage for Covid-19 treatment costs and hospital costs in Singapore, a minimum of 30,000 Singapore dollars (approximately IDR 430 million).
3. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has relaxed rules related to the Covid-19 pandemic for foreign tourists and local residents who have been fully vaccinated.
From February 26, 2022, foreign tourists will not need to show the results of a PCR test before flying to Abu Dhabi if they have been fully vaccinated, according to information from Visit Abu Dhabi.
However, for entrants who have not received a complete vaccination or have not been vaccinated, they must still show a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours.
Alternatively, they must present a COVID-19 free certificate within 30 days before departure and have a QR code. This rule does not apply to immigrants under the age of 16.
4. Thailand
Thailand offers arrivals for foreign tourists without quarantine through the Test & Go scheme. The good news is that Indonesia is included in the list of countries that are allowed to register for the Test & Go scheme, aka without quarantine.
However, this quarantine-free scheme is only intended for certain countries. In addition, foreign tourists are required to get a full vaccination or two doses, at least 14 days before arrival in order to enter Thailand using this scheme.
Migrants from abroad must register with a special system to enter the Land of the White Elephant through the Thailand Pass Registration System website. Registration is done at least seven days before departure.
Registration for the Test & Go quarantine-free scheme through the Thailand Pass Registration System can be done from February 1, 2022. Complete requirements for entry into quarantine-free Thailand can be seen here.
5. Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the first countries to abolish quarantine for foreign tourists. The Cambodian government has waived quarantine obligations for all tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 since Monday (11/15/2021).
According to The Phnom Penh Post, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen explained that travelers who are fully vaccinated only need to undergo a rapid test and wait for the results at their accommodation. If the test result is negative, then they can travel in the country.
However, tourists who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 still have to undergo quarantine for 14 days.
6. United Kingdom
The British government has removed Indonesia from the country on the red list related to COVID-19. Citing the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia is officially out of the red list starting October 11, 2021 at 10.00 WIB.
With the revocation, Indonesian citizens can visit the UK without quarantine. However, the quarantine-free rule only applies to Indonesian citizens who have been vaccinated with two doses.
“It is not mandatory to quarantine, unless the results of the COVID-19 test on the second day show a positive result,” reads a statement on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Before arriving in the UK, foreign tourists from Indonesia who will visit the country are required to order an online COVID-19 test. They are also required to fill out the passenger locator form within 48 hours before departure.
After arriving in the UK, visiting Indonesian tourists are asked to do a Covid-19 test before the second day of arrival.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand will also relax overseas travel rules in five stages, including removing quarantine obligations.
In the first stage, quarantine is not carried out for foreign travelers who meet the requirements. Includes, New Zealand citizens, New Zealand permanent residents or resident visa holders, Australian citizens or residency visa holders, and others.
However, at this first stage, foreign tourists do not include immigrants who meet the quarantine-free requirements. The first phase begins on 27 February 2022. In the second phase, 4 March 2022, New Zealand will allow eligible foreign tourists to enter the country without quarantine.
“The borders are open to New Zealanders and tourists from all countries of the world, who are eligible. You don’t need to self-isolate when you arrive,” said an official statement from the New Zealand Department of Immigration’s website.
The condition is that the foreign tourist has received a complete vaccination dose and is from a country that is allowed to enter New Zealand. Even though they are free from quarantine, foreign tourists are still required to do a COVID-19 test before departure. The complete stages of New Zealand’s overseas travel easing can be seen at this link.
“If you are eligible to travel to New Zealand but were not vaccinated, you must remain in isolation and managed quarantine (MIQ) when you arrive,” they added.
8. Malaysia
Starting in early March 2022, Malaysia will again accept foreign tourists from all countries, without quarantine. This was conveyed by the National Recovery Council (NRC) led by former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
“The council has proposed that borders be opened soon to support economic recovery. We agreed that the country’s borders will be fully opened on March 1, 2022 without the need for mandatory quarantine,” Muhyiddin said, quoted by the Straits Times and Bloomberg.
However, tourists who will enter Malaysia must undergo a COVID-19 test before and upon arrival in the country, following the proposal of the Ministry of Health. Tourists entering Malaysia need to be tested for COVID-19 before departure and upon arrival.
9. France
The French government exempts foreign tourists from countries on the green list from quarantine obligations. They are only required to present a negative test result taken prior to departure to the country.
The regulation takes effect on February 12, 2022. Indonesia is included in the list of green countries by France. Indonesian citizens do not need to quarantine when they come to France.
In addition, foreign tourists who have received a full dose of vaccination can enter France without having to be tested, including countries outside the European Union.
According to the French Ministry of Interior, foreign tourists who have been fully vaccinated only need to present a valid vaccination certificate.
“Sufficiently prepared proof of complete vaccination to arrive in France, regardless of country of origin, as was the case before the distribution of the Omicron variant,” the French Interior Ministry wrote on its official website. [sources/photo special]
