GREECE: Country increases land border restrictions and introduces rapid COVID-19 testing

          The government of Greece has shut one border crossing with Albania and has started to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests on all visitors at its land borders, following sharp rises in COVID-19 cases. Visitors entering from land borders were already required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained at least 72 hours prior to travel; now upon arrival, they will be re-tested by Greek authorities. The measures came into effect as of 04.00 (GMT) today, 20 November.
          Albania
          Greece
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          QATAR AIRWAYS: Airline signs agreement with Air Canada to provide Toronto flight connections

          The middle-eastern airline has announced a finalised 'codeshare' agreement with Air Canada, for travel between Qatar's capital of Doha and the Canadian city of Toronto. The first flight will operate on 15 December and seats are now available for sale, offering a more seamless, one-stop connection between the two hubs.
          Canada
          Middle East
          Airline
          Qatar Airways
          Air Canada
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED STATES: Borders with Canada and Mexico to remain closed until at least 21 December 2020

          The U.S. government has announced that its land borders with both Mexico and Canada will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least another month until 21 December. The land border restrictions, aimed at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, were first announced in March and have thus far been renewed monthly.
          Canada
          Mexico
          United States of America
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          IRELAND: Country to decrease COVID-19 quarantine period for arrivals from 'high-risk' destinations

          The government of Ireland has announced that from 30 November those arriving from ‘red’ regions, which includes the UK and the rest of Europe, can reduce their quarantine period from 14 days to five by obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result at the end of the five day period. Previously, Ireland announced earlier this month that they would be aligning with the EU ‘traffic light’ system for international travel, which categorises regions in colour codes according to the effectiveness of their controls over COVID-19.
          Ireland
          United Kingdom
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED KINGDOM: UK government updates its 'travel corridor' quarantine exemption list

          The UK government has announced that from 04.00 (GMT) on Saturday 21 November, anyone arriving or returning from the following countries to England, Wales or Northern Ireland will NOT be required to self-isolate: Israel, Namibia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, Bonaire, St Eustatius & Saba, the Northern Mariana Islands and the US Virgin Islands. No countries were this week removed from the 'travel corridor' list.
          Middle East
          Sri Lanka
          United Kingdom
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Country updates COVID-19 entry requirements

          The government of the Caribbean nation has published its lastest update to COVID-19 entry requirements; travellers from all countries are now allowed to enter under regular visa requirements, however all arrivals into Antigua and Barbuda will need to provide proof of a negative COVID19 PCR test result, obtained a maximum of seven days prior to arrival. If the traveller shows symptoms on arrival or doesn't have an approved test result, a second test may be required at their own cost. All tourists visiting Antigua and Barbuda during the pandemic can stay at only authorised hotels and inns unless they agree to be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Visitors will need to abide by a current curfew, in effect from 23.00 to 05.00 (local time) until 31 December.
          Antigua and Barbuda
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          AUSTRALIA: State of South Australia to enter six day COVID-19 lockdown

          The government of South Australia has announced the state will go into a strict circuit breaker-style lockdown for six days in an attempt to get the recent COVID-19 outbreak under control. The lockdown will start at 23.59 (local time) on 18 November, and people will be heavily restricted from going outside of their homes; only one person per household will be able to leave each day, but only for specific purposes, and masks must be worn. Schools and universities will close, takeaway food restaurants will not be allowed to operate and pubs, cafes and coffee shops must shut their doors.
          Australia
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          BRITISH AIRWAYS: Airline to trial free COVID-19 testing on U.S. flights from 25 November 2020

          The airline is set to launch voluntary COVID-19 testing for passengers travelling to the UK from three US airports. The trial begins on 25 November and will be free to eligible customers on three flights: an American Airlines flight from Dallas Fort Worth to London Heathrow; British Airways from Los Angeles to London Heathrow, and British Airways from New York John F. Kennedy to London Heathrow. Passengers will be tested 72 hours before their trip, as well as during and after travelling. If they test positive before travelling, they will have to reschedule or cancel their flight, but will be able to rebook at a later date without a fee.
          United Kingdom
          United States of America
          Airline
          Borders
          British Airways
          American Airlines
          Business
          Leisure

          SEADREAM YACHT CLUB: Cruise line cancels remaining 2020 sailings

          The Norway-based cruise line, which was the first to resume cruise operations in the Caribbean, has now cancelled all remaining 2020 departures following a COVID-19 outbreak on board one of its ships.
          Barbados
          Jamaica
          Norway
          United States of America
          Cruise
          SeaDream Yacht Club
          Leisure

          LIFT: New South African budget airline to begin flying from 10 December 2020

          New South African budget airline Lift, co-founded by created of low-cost airline Kulula, will take to the skies in the country from 10 December with its fleet of three Airbus A320 aircraft. A first for low-cost airlines, Lift will allow greater ticket flexibility than other budget carriers; passengers will be able to change or cancel flights without penalty.
          South Africa
          Airline
          Lift
          Business
          Leisure

          OMAN AIR: Airline to launch new India connections from 19 November 2020

          The airline has announced that it will add twice-weekly services to the Indian cities of Chennai and Hyderabad from 19 November 19th, which will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays. The national carrier of the sultanate of Oman has also said that it will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently.
          Middle East
          Airline
          Oman Air
          Business
          Leisure

          CHILE: Country to re-open borders for tourism from 23 November 2020

          The country’s government has announced that Chile is set to open its borders for the first time in eight months, on 23 November; however, a measured approach is in place and arrivals will be subject to certain restrictions including pre-testing, completion of a health passport, adherence to insurance requirements and also being prepared to quarantine depending on the country of origin.
          Chile
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          TURKEY: Country announces new measures to curb increase in COVID-19 cases

          The country's government has said that it will introduce a partial curfew on weekends due to the increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19. In addition, the Turkish authorities have decided to close all cafes and restaurants in the country, allowing them to work only for take-out. No time frame has been given as to how long these new measures will remain in place.
          Turkey
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          ETIHAD: Airline to launch flights to Israel from 28 March 2021

          The Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad Airways has announced that it will launch a daily scheduled year-round flight to Tel Aviv in Israel from 28 March 2020. The launch of the flight follows the normalisation of diplomatic ties between the two nations, on 15 September.
          Middle East
          Airline
          Etihad Airways
          Business
          Leisure

          AMERICAN AIRLINES: Airline to trial new COVID-19 passenger mobile app

          The airline has announced plans to begin rolling out ‘Verifly’ this month, a new mobile app to help passengers easily understand COVID-19 testing and documentation requirements. It’ll be available from 18 November on selected flights, and will give passengers a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ status pre-travel depending on the amount of supporting information and documentation that has been provided.
          Australia
          South Africa
          United Kingdom
          United States of America
          Airline
          American Airlines
          Business
          Leisure

          IRAN: Country to increase COVID-19 restrictions as it enters virus third wave

          The country’s government is set to impose tougher COVID-19 restrictions from 21 November, and Iran enters its third wave of infections. The ‘red level three’ measures will be imposed in the capital Tehran, and 100 other towns and cities.
          Middle East
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          CUBA: Country announces updated COVID-19 entry requirements for tourists

          The country's government has announced that Cuba has re-opened its borders to international tourism; travellers from all countries are now permitted to visit the country under regular visa requirements. There are no online forms to fill out before travelling, however all travellers must complete a health declaration before arrival, and will be tested for COVID-19 at the airport. The traveller will then quarantine at their hotel for a maximum of 24 hours while awaiting test results. If the test is negative, the traveller can continue to enjoy their trip freely. There is no fee for the COVID-19 tests. All incoming travellers should have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip. Travellers visiting Varadero are required to have COVID-19 insurance and must bring proof of their hotel reservation.
          Cuba
          Borders
          Business
          Leisure

          UNITED KINGDOM: UK arrivals to Spain to require COVID-19 pre-testing from 23 November 2020

          The government of Spain announced last week that from 23 November, all passengers travelling to Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries, which currently includes the UK, are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained a maximum of 72 hours prior to arrival.
          Spain
          United Kingdom
          Borders