The highly transmissible omicron form is continuing to spread over the globe, leading destinations to race to adapt and keep travel operations running during the pandemic.
Some locations have altered gears by expanding the definition of “completely vaccinated” from just having received both doses of a two-dose vaccination or one dose of a single-dose vaccine to include a booster dose. This implies that people who would be deemed completely vaccinated in certain regions may need to acquire a booster dose if they wish to visit particular tourist spots in 2022.
Since COVID-19 vaccinations were introduced in the United States, much has changed. Here is what you need to know about booster needs in several popular travel locations before you go on your journey this year.
Austria
It is estimated that vaccine credentials will become invalid 270 days after the second immunization with a two-dose vaccine or 270 days after inoculation with a single-dose vaccine, according to the Austrian government. If you obtain a booster dosage within at least 120 days after receiving your second dose (or 14 days after receiving your single dose), you may prolong the validity of your prescription for an additional 270 days.
It is not necessary to present documentation of a negative PCR test while traveling through Austria if the traveler has already received a booster dose.
France
France is also introducing a requirement for travelers to use boosters. Everyone over the age of 18 who travels to France must provide evidence of a COVID-19 booster injection obtained five to seven months after their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccination in order to be eligible to utilize the country’s health pass. Obtaining a booster is necessary because France employs a health pass (also known as a “port sanitaire” or “pass vaccinal”) that passengers who do not have a booster will not be allowed to use.
Hawaii
Visitors to Hawaii who want to escape quarantine must submit evidence of immunization to the state’s “Safe Travels” program. Travelers who are fully vaccinated no longer need to undergo pre-travel testing or be quarantined upon arrival, while those who are unvaccinated may escape quarantine if they get a negative COVID-19 test from a reputable laboratory before leaving.
Along with the statewide scheme, local islands have developed their own set of laws to deal with the virus’s spread. On a single island, getting immunized against COVID-19 will no longer be sufficient protection.
The COVID-19 test or a booster injection “as soon as they are eligible” will be required for diners and gym customers at Maui venues. If it has been five months or more since the second dosage of Pfizer, six months or more after the second dose of Moderna, or two months or more since a dose of Johnson & Johnson, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a booster.
However, according to Hawaii News Now, Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino notes that diners may still eat outside without the need for a COVID-19 booster or a negative test, however the need may soon be extended to other islands, such as Oahu, and potentially the whole state.
Netherlands
As a result of this announcement, the Netherlands has said that only vaccination certificates demonstrating that the bearer has had a COVID-19 booster dose will be acknowledged. You shouldn’t be prevented from traveling to other regions of the European Union because you don’t have a booster at this time. Travelers who do not have a COVID-19 test would be required to produce confirmation of a negative result. The policy of the Netherlands is set to take effect in February of this year.
Singapore
Beginning on February 14, Singapore will only accept passengers 18 and older who have received their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within the past 270 days as completely immunized. Beginning March 14, this rule will apply to all passengers 12 years of age and older. Individuals who obtain a booster “shall continue to be classified as fully vaccinated beyond the 270-day period,” according to the Ministry of Health in Singapore.
Spain
Beginning on February 1, visitors to Spain will be required to produce documentation of a COVID-19 booster injection given within 14 to 270 days after entering the country. As at the beginning of next month, holders of a fully vaccinated EU Digital COVID Certificate will be allowed to freely traverse the border between the 27 member states of the EU without having to submit to a negative COVID-19 test.
As stated by the United States Embassy in Spain, “If more than 270 days (9 months) have elapsed since obtaining the previous needed dosage of their COVID-19 vaccination, U.S. nationals must produce documentation of having taken a booster injection at least 14 days before to arriving in Spain.”
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates does not force foreigners or even expats to follow by its new booster requirement, in contrast to the majority of the other nations on this list.
In accordance with the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, only citizens who want to travel outside the country will be needed to acquire a booster dosage. The fact that more individuals are being encouraged to go to the area is an indication that more people will be needed in the future.
Visitors older than 12 years old who fly to Dubai must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 72 hours of their departure for the time being. When traveling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai or another emirate, passengers who are fully vaccinated must complete a registration form and download an app in order to demonstrate that all “Green Pass” criteria have been completed in order to see the city’s attractions.
When landing in Abu Dhabi from another emirate, unvaccinated passengers must still be quarantined and tested if they come from a country that is not on the “green” list of nations.
