As the world battles a new cold-weather wave of COVID-19 infections, perhaps international travel remains low on most people’s list of priorities. With lockdowns ending around the globe -- and yuletide fast approaching -- many countries have started to ease border restrictions and reopen for international tourism. Most Nigerians are still skeptical about Traveling -- with different requirements and procedures being laid out by many hotspot tourist destinations, all we can say is that International travel in the post-pandemic world can be challenging to say the least.
From Covid-19 test requirements, mandatory quarantines, country restrictions, the cost of these test requirements and more, finding out where to travel can be daunting. At Tour telegraph, we're going to make it easy for tourists who don't want to guesstimate if they have -- or have to -- followed all necessary health protocols of a particular country.
Most countries that have reopened their borders to international visitors are requiring specific testing protocols and/or quarantine upon arrival of travelers wishing to enter. Still, there are a handful of countries that right now, are demanding neither from foreign tourists. The following are countries Nigerians Can Travel to Without COVID-19 Testing or Quarantine:
Albania
Albania is open to international visitors, although some airlines have canceled or reduced flights into December. No COVID-19 testing or quarantine is required, but travelers can expect to undergo a health screening process upon arrival. All foreign citizens (including Nigerians) are now permitted to travel to Albania.
All normal ‘pre-covid’ entry requirements apply, like having a valid passport or Visa if necessary based on your nationality.
Brazil
Brazil, which was an early epicenter of the global COVID-19 outbreak, reopened international air travel to foreign tourists on July 29. To get in, Nigeria travelers don’t even need to supply any test results or complete any quarantine in Brazil, unless their airline or another travel entity dictates that they do so. However, Travel insurance that covers COVID-19 is highly recommended.
Dominican Republic
Aligning with the launch of the Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan on September 15th, The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic -- home to such popular tropical tourism spots as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo -- doesn’t require international travelers to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival, but passengers may be randomly selected for testing at their port of entry as part of surveillance efforts. Between three and ten percent of passengers (and those who display symptoms) will have a quick, aleatory breath test administered upon arrival. Standard health screenings, including temperature checks, will also be performed on all arriving passengers.
Travelers will also need to complete and sign a Traveler’s Health Affidavit (Download here as part of the immigration and customs forms provided by the airline or by Dominican authorities, attesting that they’ve not had any COVID-19 symptoms in the past 72 hours and providing their contact details for the next 30 days.
Colombia
Colombia's tourism was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic but has since reopened and is now accepting visitors from all over the world. As of November 4, 2020 the above PCR testing requirement has been REMOVED as is no longer needed. There are no mandatory quarantines for travelers who present their negative COVID-19 test and are not showing symptoms of the virus. All arrivals will undergo a health screening, which will include temperature scans. However, All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Colombia. All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Colombia including:Wearing a mask when instructed, Follow social distancing markers and instructions. All passengers will need to wear a mask during their in-bound flight, at all times within the airport terminal, and on any transportation to their final destination.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the latest addition to this list, just coming on in November!. On October 26, Costa Rica removed their PCR testing requirements, and as of November 1, they dissolved their ‘countries approved' list and started welcoming all nations once again! No tests or quarantines are needed and all countries are welcome. Visitors will only have to show proof of insurance, as well as fill out an online health form before entering.
Mexico
Mexico has quickly become one of the most popular travel destinations during the pandemic due to having some of the easiest COVID-19 entry requirements in the world. Its stunning beaches, tropical climate, vast history and vibrant culture bring in almost 50 million tourists a year making it the 7th most visited country in the world prior to the pandemic. Travelers from ALL countries arriving by air are allowed to enter Mexico as Visa requirements still in effect for countries that require one. Mexico does NOT require a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid for entry. Travelers can expect to receive health screenings and temperature checks upon arrival at the airport, but those who pass are free to enjoy Mexico’s many delights (while observing public health and safety measures, of course).
North Macedonia
Nigerians are permitted to enter North Macedonia without COVID-19 testing requirements or quarantine restrictions. Arriving passengers are subject to temperature checks via thermal cameras in the airport at passport control. Any travelers with symptoms like a fever or difficulty breathing will be refused entry at customs. The wearing of a mask at the airport is mandatory.
Serbia
Apart from North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria or Romania; Tourists from Other Countries, including Nigeria, are allowed into Serbia without testing or quarantine requirements at this time, but all arrivals must take a self-assessment test, which they should repeat on the tenth day of their visit.
This is generally true, with some notable exceptions. Any Nigerian citizens entering Serbia from North Macedonia, Croatia, Bulgaria or Romania will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a test taken within the previous 48 hours. There are no state-run or self-quarantine measures in place. Travelers are immediately free to explore Serbia. If a traveler tests positive for COVID-19 while in Serbia, they will face a mandatory quarantine.
Tanzania
Tanzania -- a tourism favorite because of its incredible African safaris -- is accepting Nigerian citizens and other international travelers without testing or quarantine requirements. The only exceptions would be those whose airline or country of origin specifically requires a certificate of negative COVID-19 testing as a condition for traveling.
Health screening measures are in place at airports and other ports of entry, and passengers demonstrating symptoms must undergo enhanced screening and possible testing upon arrival. All arrivals will need to complete a Health Surveillance Form while en route for submission to Port Health authorities. Only travelers showing symptoms will be required to go into quarantine unless they have proof of a negative test. More so, Wearing face masks in Tanzania is highly recommended.
Turkey
Nigerian tourists face no travel restrictions when going to Turkey, but international passengers are be required to complete an information form and will be checked for signs of infection upon arrival. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms will need to take a mandatory PCR test, and those with confirmed or suspected cases will be taken to a hospital for further examination, or to a dormitory to self-isolate.
N.B: The above reopening news can change at any time. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry before traveling. Happy Travelling!
Source: https://tourtelegraph.com/destination-and-tourism/countries-nigerians-can-travel-to-without-covid-19-testing-or-quarantine/ |