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Philippines lifts quarantine for fully vaccinated international travellers

The Philippines has lifted the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated international travellers arriving more than 40 countries and regions with a low Covid-19 infection rate, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday. Roque said the new rule applying to travellers from the countries and regions included in a green list will take effect from Saturday until October 31, reports Xinhua news agency. For fully vaccinated foreign nationals, Roque said a negative RT-PCR swab test will be required to be taken within 72 hours before departure. Upon arrival, the traveller will no longer need to stay in a quarantine facility, but the passenger is urged to self-monitor for any symptoms until the 14th day, he said. For unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently verified, and those vaccinated but failed to comply with the test-before-travel requirements, Roque said they need to be isolated in a quarantine facility until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day. Foreign tourists are still barred from entering the Philippines as part of the border measures when the government imposed lockdown restrictions in March 2020. Only those foreigners granted special visas, including diplomats, were allowed to enter.

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India's first museum dedicated to alcohol opens in Goa

India's first museum dedicated to alcohol has opened its doors to 'spirited' enthusiasts in Goa. The museum 'All About Alcohol' is set up by local businessman, Nandan Kudchadkar, in Candolim village of North Goa. It houses hundreds of artefacts linked to feni, including large, traditional glass vats in which the local cashew-based alcohol was stored centuries ago. Speaking to ANI, Kudchadkar, who is a collector of antiques, said the idea behind the museum was to make the world aware of Goa's rich heritage, especially the story of feni, the strong local drink. "When I thought of creating a concept like this, the first thought that came into my mind was whether there is an alcohol museum in the world. There is absolutely no place where you can see the kind of stuff pertaining to alcohol anywhere in the world. If you go to Scotland, they are very happy about their waters, about their drinks etc. Similarly, in Russia, the people feel happy to showcase the drinks they have," he said. "When we come to India, we project alcohol differently. Following my instincts, I decided to set up India's first museum dedicated to alcohol here," he said. Armando Duarte, CEO, Alcohol Museum said, "One of our prominent drinks is Kaju Feni alcohol that is put on display here. This drink is fermented naturally. For Goans, the consumption of alcohol was a symbol of hospitality." Dr Malhotra, a tourist for Maharashtra who visited this place, said, "The amount of information preserved here is amazing. I am dazed and awestruck with the place. The amount of information, they have kept here for visitors to see is super amazing."

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International Travel Guidelines: Countries Indians Can Travel

Are you planning to travel and wondering about where you can go, given the pandemic restrictions? Well, here’s all that you need to know about the countries that have opened international travel in a post-pandemic time to boost their tourism: The whole world witnessed a strenuous time with the bout of dreadful Covid-19. Most of 2020 and 2019 were spent either in lockdown or quarantine. Many countries like the US, UK, had prohibited international travel, and there were so many people who couldn’t travel back to India and vice versa. However, now, with the vaccination meted out and countries allowing international travel, there is a great relief. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA America will open up international travel from November 8 for fully vaccinated travelers, wherein negative RT-PCR test and full vaccination proof must be shown. Further guidelines for unvaccinated individuals are yet to be declared. UNITED KINGDOM Fully-vaccinated Indians need not quarantine, but must show vaccination certificates and take an RT-PCR test on the second day of arrival. THAILAND From November 1, fully-vaccinated citizens of 10 countries (considered low-risk) will be allowed to enter Thailand with a negative RT-PCR test, without quarantine. But Indians have to show two RT-PCR tests during their 7days quarantine; the first on arrival and the second on days 6-7; beside the vaccination certificate BAHRAIN Bahrain will allow vaccinated visitors from certain nations. RT-PCR tests are must for completely vaccinated Indians (eligible for on arrival VISA) upon arrival, on the fifth day after arrival and on the tenth day after arrival. EGYPT Barring children under 6, RT-PCR test 72-hours before arrival is mandatory for travel. CHILE Chile has also made fully-vaccination certificate and negative RT-PCR report mandatory for travelers. Note your vaccine has to be approved by the Chilean Public Health Institute, WHO, the United States Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency. SRI LANKA Non-vaccinated travelers must quarantine at a government-approved hotel for 14 days (with RT-PCR test on arrival and exit of quarantine). While fully-vaccinated Indians need to show an RT-PCR test (done prior 72-hours) and vaccination certificate in Sri Lanka.

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US to open to fully vaccinated travelers from Nov 8

The United States of America will be opening to fully vaccinated travelers from November 8. Kevin Munoz, the White House Assistant Press Secretary, in a tweet announced, “The US’ new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on Nov 8. This announcement and date applies to both international air travel and land travel. This policy is guided by public health, stringent, and consistent.” From November 8 onwards, fully vaccinated travelers from India, Britain, Ireland, China, South Africa, Iran and Brazil, along with 26 countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece would be allowed to travel to the US. Travelers coming from these countries would be required to show proof of vaccination before boarding the flight, and would also need to submit a negative Covid-19 test. Foreign visitors travelling by land would not be required to show proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test. The CDC plans to soon issue new rules on contact tracing for international air travelers.

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Raffles Udaipur takes brand into India

Raffles Udaipur has welcomed its first guests, taking the brand into India for the first time. Offering a fresh perspective on the city of Udaipur and region of Rajasthan, it is set on a 21-acre private island in the middle of the serene Udai Sagar Lake. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the expansive property is reminiscent of a magnificent country estate, with beautifully manicured, ornamental gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding hills, tranquil lake and a 400-year-old temple. Arrival is via a scenic 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a calming boat ride tailed by migratory birds, as a natural spectacle unfolds before the eyes of visiting guests. Sightings of some of the most exquisite birds, such as the greater flamingo, the ibises, great egret, painted stork and pied kingfisher, paint a mystical picture as the guests move slowly towards the island. The hotel itself is an architectural marvel of 101 luxurious rooms, suites and signature suites that elegantly interweave western cultural references with Rajasthan’s royal heritage and elements of Mughal architecture. Guestrooms have uninterrupted lake views, private gardens, balconies, plunge pools and an east-west design aesthetic with murals, handcrafted furniture and other crafts by local artisans. “I am proud and delighted to see how Raffles Udaipur has opened to such acclaim and established itself as a market leader in such a short space of time. “As a member of Raffles’ close-knit global portfolio, it is bringing to life our shared vision of true hotel craft,” said Stephen Alden, chief executive of Raffles. Raffles Udaipur, as with every Raffles hotel around the world, reflects the cultural and natural heritage and mood of its location, offering unforgettable experiences, from a celestial cruise under the moon, to guided farm tours, astronomy, yoga and meditation. Raffles’ service is delivered by private butlers and thoughtfully tailored to individual travellers’ needs.

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Travelling to England? British govt announces new Covid testing rules. Details here

With the decline in Covid-19 cases, the UK has eased the travel rules for fully vaccinated passengers. Now passengers arriving in England from low-risk countries from October 24 will no longer have to take expensive Covid-19 tests. This means the travellers returning to England will have to take the lateral flow tests instead of the more expensive PCR test from October 24. "From 24 October fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving in England from countries, not on the red list can take a cheaper lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on or before Day 2 of their arrival into the UK. These can be booked from 22 October," the UK government said in its order. Under the existing system, PCR tests taken on Day 2 after arriving in England can cost about ₹7,722.85 ($103) per person. The UK government added that the eligible vaccinated will be able to order cheaper lateral flow tests from private testing providers as an alternative to a PCR, offering faster results. "Passengers will need to take a photo of their lateral flow test and booking reference supplied by the private provider and send it back to them to verify the result. Passengers are also able to book to have a test which they can take on their arrival into the UK at testing centres located in some airports," the UK government stated. However, travellers who have already bought a PCR do not need to buy another test, the order stated With the rule change, if anyone receives a positive result from lateral flow tests will be required to self isolate themselves and to take a free PCR test through the National Health Service. NHS Test and Trace tests - which can be ordered for free - cannot be used for international travel, the government said. This month, the UK announced that it will scrap tough COVID-19 quarantine travel rules for 47 destinations, including India, and said it would recognise the vaccine status of arrivals from more countries in the latest easing of restrictions. As a result, Indians who are full-vaccinated with locally-produced Covishield Covid-19 vaccine will not be required to undergo mandatory 10-day quarantine anymore. Besides, yesterday India withdrew the travel restrictions that it had imposed on UK nationals earlier. The Centre on Thursday said that the UK nationals won't have to mandatorily quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

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