Here are the countries dropping travel restrictions in April
From tropical islands to glacial lakes, these are the latest destinations welcoming back travellers this month.
A number of new countries have changed their Covid-19 rules for travellers with many eliminating current restrictions to bolster suffering tourism sectors and economies around the world.
After many gateways for overseas travel were shut down following Omicron’s outbreak last year, requirements around testing and vaccinations were reinstated, varying from country to country and often changing regularly.
In April, countries that have been shut off from the rest of the world since the pandemic was declared in March 2020 will join the list of destinations that have already had the travel restrictions downgraded or removed completely — much to the relief of travellers and tourism operators everywhere.
While some locations still require proof of booster shots for travellers to be considered fully vaccinated for entry, others have dropped their COVID-19 requirements altogether, streamlining overseas travel for Australians who have been isolated from most of the world for close to two years.
Here are the places that will drop Covid-19 restrictions for travellers in April.
Fiji
Among the list of countries set to reopen to all foreign visitors is one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations: Fiji. From April 7, all vaccinated international travellers will no longer be required to spend three nights at a Care Fiji Commitment certified hotel or resort when they arrive in the country.
The tropical island getaway is also getting rid of its “Travel Partner” system with select countries, meaning anyone can visit regardless of their country of origin.
Fiji’s Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made the announcement on Thursday night, saying visitors will now all play by the same rules.
“All visitors to Fiji will play by the same rules because from 7th April we will also do away with the Travel Partner system,” he said.
“In other words, anybody from anywhere in the world as long as they are vaccinated can come to Fiji.”
Singapore
Similarly, Singapore will lift restrictions for all vaccinated travellers from April 1. Visitors will be allowed to enter the country without quarantining as long as they take a pre-departure Covid test.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hailed the decision as a “major milestone” in its effort to “reconnect Singapore with the world”.
“It will give a much-needed boost to businesses, particularly the tourism sector, and it will help Singapore reclaim its position as a business and aviation hub.”
Only travellers on a “restricted list” will face issues entering Singapore, however there are currently no countries on that list.
Thailand is gearing up for an influx of travellers as the country prepares to remove several rules stopping people from visiting the bustling tourism hotspot.
Coming into play on April 1, fully-vaccinated travellers planning to visit Thailand will be allowed to enter the country without having to quarantine.
They will no longer be required to show proof of a negative Covid test result within 72 hours of arrival. Instead, travellers will only be required to undergo a PCR test when they arrive at their SHA+ or ASQ hotels where they are required to stay before travelling to other parts of the country.
Sweden will be welcoming visitors from countries outside the European Union from April 1 for the first time since the ban was introduced in March 2020. The requirement to present vaccination and test certificates when entering Sweden will be removed.
South Korea
South Korea’s quarantine rules will be eliminated for vaccinated travellers from April 1, however booster shots will be required for anyone who received their second vaccine more than 180 days ago.
Visitors will need to fill out a Q-CODE form with their passport details, vaccine record and travel information before arriving in South Korea.
Malaysia
From April 1, fully vaccinated tourists will be welcomed back to Malaysia for first time in two years.
“The government has decided to open its borders on April 1, 2022. We believe this decision will boost our economy and help revive our ailing tourism sector,” Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
However, there are still mandatory steps for both Malaysians and travellers, who will need valid travel documents to enter and exit the country.
While fully-vaccinated travellers are already able to travel to Canada without having to endure mandatory isolation under the country’s quarantine scheme, coming into effect today Australians planning to visit the home of maple syrup, Niagara Falls and crystal-clear lakes will be able to enter Canada without needing a negative COVID-19 test before their arrival.
However, Australians must apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) prior to entering Canada by air.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s flight ban on Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, UK, USA and Nepal will be lifted on April 1.
Its mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals is also set to be reduced from 14 days to seven days.
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