The Canadian travel surge is here, and Canadians are booking trips around the world. Canadian agents say they’ve definitely seen a bump in requests since the federal government announced last week that, as of February 28, it would no longer require expensive PCR-style/molecular tests for people coming into Canada. Instead, Canadians and visitors will be able to show negative rapid antigen test results taken within 72 hours of their scheduled departure, or their arrival at a Canadian land border. “For sure removing the PCR Test was the catalyst. It was not only costly; it was time consuming running around trying Read more
travel restrictions
Travel to Europe could get a lot easier very soon. The European Council has recommended that EU members ease travel restrictions on passengers arriving from “third” countries, such as Canada and the U.S., starting March 1. Business Travel News Europe said the council recommends that member states allow non-essential travel for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the virus. To qualify as vaccinated, travellers must have had their last dose of their primary vaccination “at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before arrival or they have received a booster dose,” Read more
By Jim Byers Member, Society of American Travel Writers Masks will no longer be required on Carnival Cruise Line ships starting March 1, putting Carnival in line with other major cruise lines. A news release issued by the company says masks will be recommended for guests but not required on board for sailings departing on and after March 1. “We have had a very successful restart of guest operations thanks to the support of our guests, the commitment of our shipboard team, and the effective protocols we have put in place,” Carnival president, Christine Duffy said in the release. “There Read more
Israel will begin allowing entry to all tourists, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, starting March 1. Quoting a statement from the prime minister’s office said on Sunday, Global News and Reuters said entry into Israel will still require two PCR tests, one before flying in and one upon landing in Israel, the statement said. Right now, only COVID-19 vaccinated foreigners are allowed into the country. “We are seeing a constant decline in morbidity data, so it is time to gradually open up,” said Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. “In order to maintain to public’s trust and ensure Read more
Europe and the world are poised for a travel rebound, plus tourism optimism in the Canadian Maritimes and news about rules for visiting Hawai’i and Belize. Today’s Jim Byers Travel news update. EUROPE POISED FOR TRAVEL REBOUND THIS YEAR The European Travel Commission (ETC) predicts tourist arrivals to be just 20% below pre-pandemic levels in 2022, according to Hotel News Resource. The International Air Transport Association says that, worldwide, there was an 11-percentage point improvement between the January and February periods for air travel, which it said was the fastest such increase for any two-week period since the pandemic began. Read more
