Coronavirus

TTG at 70: How travel took on the Covid crisis – and won

Covid decimated travel – a seismic shock on a whole new scale compared with the impact of the September 11 attacks and the Gulf War.

But in January 2020, there was no inkling of what was to come; agents made hay during what they described as “manic peaks”, uninhibited by the collapse just a few months earlier of Thomas Cook or Boris Johnson’s storming to power. With Johnson, on 31 January 2020, came Brexit, whereby TTG warned of additional visa rules from January 2021, something still to happen.

Spain scraps mask mandate after declaring Covid-19 health crisis over

Face coverings will no longer be required in health care facilities, social care centres or pharmacies

Ambassador Cruise Line to scrap final Covid-19 requirements

The line will confirmed it will be lifting all Covid-related vaccination and testing requirements on Thursday (22 June)

Brazil scraps all remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions

Travellers will no longer need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test to enter the country

China eases Covid-19 testing rules for all travellers

Those visiting the country must undertake a lateral flow/rapid antigen test – instead of a PCR test – 48 hours before boarding a flight

Travel and tourism sector GDP closing in on 2019 peak, data reveals

According to new statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry will be 5% off 2019 levels by the end of 2023

UK govt to abolish negative Covid test rule for China arrivals

From 4 April, those arriving in the UK from mainland China will no longer need to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test to gain entry

Windstar to lift Covid-19 vaccine requirement this summer

Crew, however, will still be required to be vaccinated and will be tested upon their first arrival to work, during their first week and as needed moving forward

Ambassador becomes latest line to ease Covid-19 restrictions

The line will relax pre-cruise vaccination and testing requirements from 3 April

Ministers and top officials joked about ‘locking up’ travellers during Covid

Former health secretary Matt Hancock’s leaked WhatsApp messages reveal how ministers and officials made jokes about travellers confined to quarantine hotels during pandemic

P&O Cruises scraps Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements

The line still ’highly recommends’ passengers are up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters where available

From 'floating petri dishes' to record sales, the incredible journey of the UK cruise industry

In recent years, cruise has been plagued with disruption and by bad press, but as the sector sails into 2023 off the back of a positive wave period, it’s safe to say – albeit quietly – cruise is back, senior reporter Will Payne writes for TTG

US House votes to end Covid-19 vaccine requirement for tourists

The requirement is one of the few remaining Covid-19 protocols

Saint Lucia removes final Covid-induced travel barrier

The government of Saint Lucia has confirmed a health screening form is no longer required for travel to Saint Lucia

Cuba introduces mandatory entry forms for arrivals

Visitors will need to obtain a tourist card before travel

China reopens borders after three-year Covid-enforced lockdown

Country reopens its borders for the first time since March 2020, but travellers looking to heard overseas will face restrictions

NCL reintroduces Covid-19 tests for guests embarking in China

The move comes in response to an increase in Covid-19 cases recorded in the country

Govt reintroduces pre-departure tests for China arrivals

England joins a growing list of countries to announce temporary Covid-19 measures as cases rise in China ahead of borders reopening next week

Hong Kong eases Covid entry restrictions for inbound tourists

From Thursday (29 December), people arriving in the city will no longer be required to take a PCR test

UK to consider reintroducing Covid tests for arrivals from China

Six flights from China are due to arrive in the UK next week as Beijing lifts zero-Covid policies

Abu Dhabi eases Covid testing and Green Pass restrictions

Guests are no longer required to present evidence of a recent negative PCR test for Covid-19 or complete the country’s Green Pass to gain entry

Bermuda eases entry rules three weeks earlier than planned

Previously, the Bermuda government announced Covid-19 legislation would come to an end on 30 November

Royal Caribbean axes pre-cruise Covid testing for all guests

Guests, regardless of their vaccination status, will no longer have to test for Covid-19 prior to boarding

Holland America Line drops pre-cruise testing

Effective immediately, unvaccinated guests sailing on “standard protocol” voyages will no longer need a test prior to sailing