The masks are still being phased out in Europe, Israel and Vietnam are canceling PCR testing upon arrival, and New Zealand and Laos are reopening to tourists, reports ATOR.
From May 16, all pandemic restrictions for tourists are lifted by Austria. Guests do not need to present a vaccination certificate, proof of recovery or PCR test result. When entering restaurants and museums, it is not required to present a vaccination certificate and wear a mask. But it is still needed in medical institutions, supermarkets and public transport.
As of May 15, Vietnam lifted all carriage restrictions for arriving guests. Now tourists will not have to have a negative PCR or antigen test result at the airport of arrival. Russians do not need a visa to visit this country if they plan to stay there for no more than 15 days. True, there are no direct flights, a connecting flight costs at least 100 thousand rubles one way in May.
Myanmar also opens to tourists from May 15. A state in Southeast Asia will open the application for electronic visas. Travelers will need: a vaccination certificate (Sputnik V and Sputnik Light are suitable) or a PCR test.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are canceling the recommendation on the mandatory wearing of medical masks at airports and on board aircraft as of 16 May.
But the final decision lies with the airlines. In Spain and Italy, they said they would not follow European recommendations. Spain maintains a mask regime on public transport, including airplanes. And Italy at least leaves this requirement in force until June 15.
In France, on the contrary, from May 16, the mask regime in public transport will be abolished. Protective equipment will be canceled on domestic flights and trains. Experts explain that Russians can visit France for tourism purposes: visas are issued, a negative PCR test result not older than 72 hours is enough to enter.
From May 20, Israel will no longer require a PCR test upon arrival. From May 10, foreigners can already present an antigen test result no more than 24 hours before boarding instead of a PCR test.
From May 9, Laos reopens to tourists. Russian citizens can stay without a visa for 30 days. Foreigners fully vaccinated — enter the country without tests. Russian Sputnik V and Sputnik Light were recognized. Unvaccinated citizens aged 12 and over must undergo a rapid antigen test no later than 48 hours before departure and present the results upon arrival.
New Zealand has announced it will open its borders to tourists on July 31, three months ahead of schedule. Only vaccinated travelers will be allowed to enter the country as they are now, while New Zealand recognizes 35 vaccines, including Russian, and they also need to be tested. Tourists from the Russian Federation require a tourist visa to travel to New Zealand. While accepting requests for it is suspended, informs RIA Nowosti.
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