Summer travel to Greece and Italy just became easier
The popular holiday spots have scrapped more of their Covid-19 restrictions, making vacationing a whole lot easier.
Travelling to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations has just become a whole lot easier as countries continue to drop the last of their coronavirus restrictions, much to the glee of the sunseekers looking to escape Australia’s winter weather.
Along with Fiji, which dropped its pre-departure testing requirements earlier this month, Greece and Italy have once again eased the regulations around travelling, while Vanuatu has announced it will be open to travellers from July 1.
But as each month ushers in a new sense of freedom, several popular destinations remain restricted to travellers, such as Japan, China and Macao, forcing people to wait until they can return to their go-to vacation spots.
Here are the destinations that will drop Covid-19 restrictions in May.
Greece
Those looking forward to a European summer spent sunbathing on the Greek Islands will no longer need to provide proof of vaccinations or get tested before arrival. They will also not be permitted to show proof of recovery from covid to enter indoor or outdoor spaces.
Greece is one of the countries to have lifted almost all of its covid laws for domestic and international flights, with passengers only required to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. They do, however, still have to be worn indoors until June 1.
All remaining coronavirus restrictions are set to be re-evaluated come September.
Italy
Italy has scrapped its passenger locator form and its Green Pass requirement - showing proof of vaccination, recovery from covid and negative test results - for people entering public spaces like restaurants and cinemas.
The Green Pass is still required for some settings, including hospitals.
Fiji
This month, Fiji will dismantle its pre-departure Covid-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated visitors after reopening to all foreign visitors in April. Another change coming into play from May 1 is that all visitors aged 16 and over must be fully vaccinated in a bid to protect Fiji’s local communities.
All international travellers entering the tropical Island getaway will have to book an in-country RAT test before leaving for Fiji which must be completed within 48-72 hours of arrival.
Switzerland
Switzerland is also gearing up for an influx of travellers as the country prepares to remove all remaining Covid-19 restrictions on May 2. Travellers from all countries will be allowed to enter without having to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Switzerland will also be among a number of countries scrapping its mask mandate.
Hong Kong
At the start of the month, Hong Kong will lift its ban on nonresidents flying into the city. However, overseas travellers must be fully vaccinated, show proof of a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before departure and comply with Hong Kong’s current quarantine requirements. International visitors will have to isolate for 14 days in a designated hotel. Alternatively, travellers can opt in to the early discharge program, where they must take a PCR test on day five and rapid tests on days six and seven. After returning a negative result, visitors are required to self-monitor for any symptoms for seven days.
Thailand
Known for its pristine beaches and golden temples, Thailand will be dropping all of its Covid-19 entry test requirements from May 1. Fully vaccinated tourists will no longer need to take a pre-departure or post-arrival PCR test under its new relaxed measures.