Three more countries across three different continents have each recently relaxed their entry requirements, making it easier for travelers to be able to visit and adding to the rapidly expanding list of countries to cut their overall restrictions. Tunisia, Jordan and Cyprus have each removed their Covid-19 testing requirements for tourists, streamlining the entry process for travelers whilst also making each of them more affordable and attractive as a travel destination.
With more and more countries making it easier to enter from abroad – and removing their local Covid-19 restrictions completely – all signs are pointing towards a bumper summer of travel after several years of disappointments and setbacks. Here’s a look at how the restrictions are changing in Tunisia, Jordan, and Cyprus, plus a reminder of any other restrictions in these countries that travelers need to be aware of.
Restrictions Changing – What Travelers Should Know
Tunisia is making several changes to its restrictions that will see it go from being a country with some of the strictest restrictions to one that is much more relaxed. The North African country, famed for its ancient cities and structures, had previously required a 7-day stay in a quarantine hotel upon arrival, on top of a PCR test taken within 48 hours or an antigen test taken with 24 hours of departure – but now, entry is much smoother for travelers.
The country has removed the Covid-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers completely – a change that has become popular around the world in recent weeks. On top of that, the nationwide curfew is now a thing of the past, giving travelers more time to enjoy all it has to offer. Travelers must still complete the Traveler Locator Form, whilst masks must still be worn in public spaces.
Jordan too is set to introduce sweeping changes to its Covid-19 related entry requirements in the coming days that are bound to put it at the forefront of more travelers’ minds. The country, which is home to stellar attractions such as the Dead Sea and Petra, had previously had one of the most rigorous testing regimes around, which required travelers to perform tests prior to arrival, upon arrival, and even a further test to get out of quarantine.
Fortunately for travelers, these requirements are set to become a thing of the past. From March 1st, Jordan will be removing both its pre-flight PCR testing requirement and its arrival testing requirement for all travelers, vaccinated or not. Social distancing is still being enforced throughout the country, whilst travelers must wear a mask in public establishments, on public transportation, and in all government facilities. There is no curfew, and businesses are open as per usual.
Cyprus is another country that has also seen a dramatic change in its entry requirements recently. Under the old restrictions, all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, had to either show a negative RT-PCR test report or self-quarantine upon arrival – restrictions that put many travelers off of the idea of visiting the European island. However, from February 21st, these restrictions changed.
Now, travelers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 do not need to take a test prior to flying to Cyprus – regardless of their nationality or their country of origin. The country is also removing its temporary Omicron-related testing upon arrival requirement from February 28th. Unvaccinated travelers will face various entry requirements based on their country of departure. Face masks are still compulsory in the country, whilst travelers may need to use the Cyprus SafePass to enter some establishments.
