The Omicron version struck just when the travel sector appeared to be returning to normal following Civic-19. With the development of the new variety, countries throughout the world are enacting new travel restrictions to prevent the virus from spreading further. Meanwhile, many countries are exploring vaccination validity as a possible solution, and others are making COVID booster injections mandatory for international visitors. Booster injections for international vacations are prohibited in the countries listed below.
France
Due to the present Covid crisis, the French government has announced that passengers over the age of 65 who have not got their Covid for booster shots will be classified as unvaccinated, according to AFP. Both passengers and citizens, according to French President Emmanuel Macron, must have received a booster shot six weeks and five months following their second vaccination. Travellers over 65 who do not get booster shots will be able to enter France, but they will be denied access to several of the country’s indoor events.
Austria
Vaccination certificates in Austria will only be valid if they show that the second vaccine dosage was given no more than 9 months ago, according to new laws that take effect on December 6th.
Anyone entering Austria will also need proof of full immunization (2 jabs) or proof of the previous infection (the medical record must specify the date of recovery (for visitors from the UK: an NHS email/text indicating a positive test is not sufficient). A negative PCR test with a 72-hour validity period or proof of a booster injection will also be required (booster is valid from the first day)
Kuwait
Kuwait has become the latest country to make a COVID-19 booster dose mandatory for anyone intending to enter the country due to an increase in Coronavirus incidence. The order became effective on December 26, 2021. Citizens of Kuwait who have not had the COVID booster shot will not be permitted to fly out of the country, and travellers intending to enter the nation will be required to present a negative PCR test report that is no more than 48 hours old when they arrive. Note that if a traveller fails to present a PCR test report or is not vaccinated with a booster dose, they will be denied entry to Kuwait.
Israel
If you are planning a trip to Israel, ensure the following conditions. According to recent press sources, Israel has just stated that all fully vaccinated tourists who have been away from the country for more than 180 days would now require Covid booster doses. As a result of an increase in omicron variant infections, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett recently announced that Israel would provide a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine to adults over 60 and medical personnel. Aside from that, passengers will have to wait 14 days after receiving their booster shot before entering the area.
Greece
Greece has enhanced COVID-19 restrictions and made vaccine passports required for specific indoor locations such as restaurants, bars, and cafes because of the highly transmissible Omicron variety. Individuals travelling to Greece may be required to perform a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. To be eligible for the vaccine passport, everyone over the age of 60 must obtain their COVID-19 booster dosage within the next month. Travellers who want to use the EU’s digital health pass in the future will need booster shots as well.
All adults who have received their initial vaccine doses or have tested positive for COVID-19 will receive booster shots three months after they have received their initial vaccine doses or have tested positive for COVID-19 in Greece. After the booster shot, vaccine certificates will be valid for seven months, and individuals who do not receive the third dosage will be considered unvaccinated.
Switzerland
Switzerland has announced that after 365 days of receiving their second vaccine shot, no traveller would be considered fully immunized. Furthermore, the COVID-19 certificate regulations in Switzerland are consistent with those granted by the European Union. Travellers without a Swiss vaccine passport will be able to visit the destination, but will not be permitted to enter numerous indoor venues.
The Netherlands
Hugo de Jonge, the Dutch Minister of Health, has declared that beginning in February 2022, the country’s relevant authorities would only recognize COVID-19 immunization certificates that show the bearer has received a Covid booster dose. In the meanwhile, the Netherlands has decided to reduce the validity of Covid immunization certificates to nine months. Those who do not meet this condition will be subjected to further entry requirements.
Saudi Arabia has restrictions on booster shots
To be considered completely vaccinated, all visitors to Saudi Arabia must obtain and produce proof of immunization (COVID 19 vaccine certificates) with one of the following permitted vaccines:
- Comirnaty or Pfizer BioNTech
- Covishield or Vaxzevria, Oxford AstraZeneca
- Spike Vax or Moderna
- Johnson & Johnson
- Travellers who have been vaccinated with Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines will be allowed to enter the kingdom only after receiving a booster shot from one of the four authorized vaccinations.
Croatia
Croatia was the first country in the world to establish a maximum vaccine validity, requiring passengers to show proof of immunization that is no more than 365 days old. According to reports, any passenger who took their second vaccine dose before the beginning of 2021 will be forced to provide documentation of booster doses. If they do not comply, tourists will be subjected to additional COVID-19 limitations beginning this year.
Singapore
If travellers have received two doses of Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/ Covishield, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covexin, or one dose of Janssen at least two weeks before arriving in Singapore, they would be regarded as completely vaccinated.
Individuals 18 years and older must take their booster dosage within 270 days of finishing their initial vaccine series beginning February 14, 2022. In addition to the original dosages, a booster shot is required to be fully immunized against COVID-19.
Bangladesh
On Tuesday, Bangladesh began providing coronavirus vaccine booster doses to stave off the extremely dangerous Omicron variety. Booster injections are required for international tourists to enter Bangladesh, as well as frontline employees and persons over 60 who have received the second dosage at least six months ago, according to health officials.
Vietnam
As Asia opens up to tourism, Vietnam is one of several locations taking things slowly and carefully. The country will launch a pilot program next month that will allow a small number of fully vaccinated foreign tourists to visit Phu Quoc, an island in the southern province of Kien Giang known for its gorgeous white-sand beaches, without having to go through quarantine. There is one stipulation: travellers must have gotten their second immunization shot at least 14 days before arrival and no later than 12 months.
Conclusion
As European governments aim to fortify their populations against the Omicron form, the deployment of booster injections for foreign travel is continuing apace in January 2022.
