(CNN) — Whether you’re a vaccine queen, a PCR prince or a quarantine king, there sure are a lot of requirements when it comes to getting around these days. Luckily CNN Travel is here to keep you updated on the latest developments. Here’s what we learned in pandemic travel this week.
1. The US is opening its air borders
The Washington Monument in Washington, DC, reopened to visitors in July 2021. Soon vaccinated foreign nationals will be able to visit too.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
By far the biggest travel news this week is that, after an 18-month ban, the US will finally be reopening its borders to vaccinated foreign nationals in November.
To gain entry, all foreign nationals will have to show proof of vaccination and a negative test taken within three days prior to the trip, as well as comply with enhanced contract tracing measures.
2. But its land borders remain closed
Canada has opened its land borders to the US but the favor has still to be returned.
Lars Hagberg/AFP/Getty Images
Canada reopened its land borders to the United States more than a month ago, but it’s still waiting for the welcome to be returned.
3. Three new destinations have been been added to the US ‘do not travel’ list
Covid cases have recently surged in Bermuda.
Alex Rosen/CNN
Nearly 90 destinations are now placed in the highest risk category, including tourist favorites such as France, Greece and Thailand. Destinations that fall into the “Covid-19 Very High” Level 4 category have had more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days, according to CDC criteria.
4. Australia is on track to reopen ‘by Christmas’
People arriving at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena NSW Health Vaccination Centre on August 27, 2021.
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
The government has set a number of goals that need to be achieved first, one of which is passing the 80% national vaccination rate. As of September 22, about 38% of Australians had received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.
When borders reopen, international visitors to Australia will also need to verify that they are fully vaccinated to be allowed entry.
5. Auckland police say they caught two would-be KFC smugglers
No one knows quite what’s included in Colonel Sanders’ secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, but it’s probably not $70,000 in cash and some empty ounce bags.
The two men, aged 23 and 30, will appear in court for breaching New Zealand’s strict coronavirus lockdown rules, and the police adds that “further charges are likely.”
6. Abu Dhabi has dropped its Covid-19 test requirement for domestic entry
From September 19, citizens, residents and tourists traveling to Abu Dhabi from other emirates in the UAE are no longer required to present a negative Covid-19 test result to gain entry.
7. Southeast Asia might be opening too soon, experts warn
Passengers scan an app to monitor their health status before boarding a yacht in Langkawi, Malaysia, on September 17.
Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are dropping their “zero-Covid” policies and looking to revive their tourism industries by reopening borders and public spaces.
8. The Vatican will require a Green Pass for entry from October 1
The Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica viewed from Via della Conciliazione in Rome in June 2020.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images
It follows the announcement by the Italian government last week that from October 15 the Green Pass will be mandatory for all workers, in both public and private sectors.
9. A Texas couple were asked to leave a restaurant for wearing face masks
The couple say that they’d been unaware of the policy when they entered the eatery and that they routinely wear masks when out and about because they have an immunocompromised four-month-old son.
“I spent my money on this business, I put my blood, sweat and tears in this business and I don’t want any masks in here,” Hang Time Sports Grill & Bar’s owner, identified only as Tom, told CNN affiliate KTVT on camera.
10. A Caribbean island is about to get a lot cheaper to enter
Just 21 people have reportedly visited Montserrat since March 2020. That could be about to change.
DeAgostini/Getty Images
But there’s good news for the shallower of pocket: The teensy volcanic island will reopen to vaccinated visitors from October 1. No minimum salary is required, but you will need to do a five-day quarantine and take a PCR test on Day 4.
11. Scandinavia just got more attractive
Not long after Denmark lifted most restrictions on daily life, Norway this week announced a similar move, albeit with a cautious eye on the Covid horizon. Meanwhile, Sweden is lifting travel restrictions to all countries from October 1, meaning its citizens now have a smorgasbord of options when it comes to booking an escape.
Travel into Sweden is still subject to restrictions though. Most travelers will need to show proof of a negative test and most non-EU countries are still banned.
CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez, Blane Bachelor, Alisha Ebrahimji, Jason Hoffman, Marnie Hunter, Lilit Marcus, Rhea Mogul and Carly Walsh, Ben Westcott and Jessie Yeung contributed to this report.
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