Here’s where you can go if you’re fully jabbed with the India-made vaccine!
Are you tired of watching friends or family post their travel reels on Instagram? While Covishield has got the green signal from many countries including ones in the EU—Covaxin is yet to receive the necessary approvals from the World Health Organisation (WHO)!
All is not lost, guys! There are a few countries that are now accepting Indians who’ve taken the indigenous vaccine. NOTE: The travel guidelines keep changing, so please visit the official websites for the following countries before planning your trip.
1. GREECE
Ancient ruins, endless coastline kissed by turquoise waters, delectable cuisine, a fantastic music scene and adventures for thrill seekers—Greece’s the perfect amalgamation of the old and new. If you’ve booked a trip to this European country, you’ll need one of the following three:
▶ A full vaccination certificate
▶ A negative PCR test taken not more than 72 hours before your travel dates
▶ Or a negative antigen test taken 48 hours prior to your departure
On arrival, you will be tested and screened again. If you’re in the clear, you can commence with your Greecian holiday!
For more information, visit the official Ministry of Tourism website.
2. MAURITIUS
Mark Twain once wrote that ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius’. As someone who has been to this island nation in the Indian Ocean, I have to agree. However, there’s so much more to Mauritius than its famed sapphire waters and luxury resorts. There’s hiking, road trips, world-class diving and snorkelling! So, if you want a relatively cheaper alternative to Maldives, book your trip! Those travelling to Mauritius will need the following starting October 2021:
▶ A negative PCR test report, conducted 3 to 7 days prior to your flight.
▶Upon arrival, the vaccinated passengers will have to get an antigen test, and have to be isolated till their day 7 PCR test results are back.
For more information, visit the Mauritius Now website.
3. NEPAL
If mountains are where you seek refuge from all of life’s troubles, Nepal is a must-visit! A trekker’s paradise, the country offers stellar views of the Himalayas, golden temples, wildlife safaris and charming villages. However, you’ll need:
▶ To quarantine for 7 days upon arrival—even if you have been fully vaccinated either with Covaxin or Covishield!
▶ To undergo a 10-day isolation with RT-PCR tests on the 7th and 11th day, if you’ve only got one dose or are unvaccinated!
▶ All passengers must present a negative RT-PCR test on arrival not older than 72 hours before the flight.
For more information, read the circular on the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal website.
4. SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is a fun place to be. Warm people, lots of elephants, fun train rides along the beautiful coast, tea and flavourful food—all of these at prices that won’t leave a gigantic hole in your pocket! Since our close neighbour has opened up its borders for us, it’s the perfect time to plan a getaway to this island country! Once you arrive, you will need:
▶ A negative PCR test result that is less than 72 hours old and then, get retested at the airport—even if you’ve been fully vaccinated with either one of the vaccines. You will have to remain in quarantine until you receive the test results!
▶ Unvaccinated travellers will need to undergo a 14-day quarantine before you can step out to explore the country.
For more information, check the travel alerts on the Srilankan Airlines website.
5. IRAN
If you’re drawn to places where echoes of ancient civilisations resonate down through the ages, Iran IS for you! What makes a good trip? It’s a mix of cultural experiences and the stories you share with the locals you meet. The Iranians are warm-hearted and welcoming. Plus, the country’s glorious architecture will transcend you to the ‘golden days’ of ancient Persia! Now, if Iran makes it to your holiday list, you’ll need:
▶ A full vaccination certificate
▶ A negative RT-PCR test report that’s less than 96 hours old—without which, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days.
You might even get retested on arrival and will have to be isolated while you wait for your test results. Although, you can only travel for essential purposes for now!
For more information, visit this e-visa website.
Travelling is going to be a little different for a wee bit longer! If you don’t mind going through the extra steps, you can plan a good holiday to get away from it all! Just stick to the guidelines!
[All Images Credit: Shutterstock]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle