Different countries and territories have taken different approaches toward preventing the spread of the new Omicron variant. Here are the most up-to-date information for Globe Aware volunteers, but please be aware that governments can change their regulations on a moment’s notice.

Travel restrictions by country following the Omicron variant outbreak

Lilit Marcus and Barry Neild

CNN

December 4, 2021

(CNN) — Just as many countries around the world were beginning to loosen their border restrictions, reports of a newly detected coronavirus variant in South Africa sent many of those doors slamming shut again.

The new B.1.1.529 variant was named Omicron by the World Health Organization on November 26.

Different countries and territories have taken different approaches toward preventing the spread of this new variant.

The most up-to-date information is below, but please be aware that governments can change their regulations on a moment’s notice. Check back for further updates.

India has extended the suspension of scheduled international flights through 31 January 2022 over concerns of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Globe Aware volunteers will be updated when our India dates will be available for booking.

India extends international flight ban to January 2022

By Alfred Chua
December 2021
FLIGHTGLOBAL

India has extended the suspension of scheduled international flights through 31 January 2022 — days before it was due to reopen its borders — over concerns of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

A notice from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India adds that the flight ban will not apply to cargo flights and passenger flights “specifically approved” by the authorities.

Prime Minister Hun Sen made an unexpected announcement that all fully vaccinated international travelers could visit the whole of Cambodia freely without quarantine from now on. All travelers, including Globe Aware volunteers, would have to show two negative Covid tests — one taken no less than 72 hours before travel and one on arrival in Cambodia.

Cambodia re-opens to fully vaccinated travellers

15 NOV 2021
BANGKOK POST

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has announced that fully vaccinated foreign travellers can visit the kingdom without quarantine from Monday, giving a boost to the Covid-hobbled tourism industry.

Travel restrictions imposed to tackle the pandemic put the brakes on Cambodia’s burgeoning tourism industry — revenue plummeted to $1 billion last year, down from nearly $5 billion in 2019, when the country attracted 6.6 million visitors.

Globe Aware programs provide safety and reliability, but it never hurts to be cautious when you’re somewhere unfamiliar, especially if you continue your travels after your completed volunteer vacation. Here are some tips to stay safe abroad when traveling!

Travel tips: Six steps you need to take in order to stay safe

29 Nov 2021
TravelDailyNews

The world is such a big and complex place, and sometimes you need to take precautions when traveling. You want to make sure that you’re as prepared as possible before you go anywhere because if something bad were to happen, it could be disastrous. Here are six steps you need to take in order to stay safe while traveling.

US officials are tightening travel regulations again after the discovery of the Omicron variant in late November. Globe Aware volunteers should know about the two new measures that have been put in place by the U.S. government before traveling.

New US travel rules: What you need to know about the changes prompted by Omicron

Marnie Hunter and Forrest Brown
CNN
December 6, 2021

(CNN) — Just when we thought US travel rules were starting to stabilize, along comes Omicron.

The dominoes fell quickly after South African health authorities informed the world of their discovery of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in late November.

The Biden administration rolled out controversial travel bans on arrivals from eight nations in southern Africa. Travelers found themselves unexpectedly stranded. And now US officials are tightening travel regulations again.

Globe Aware volunteers can consider booking India for travel in 2022. India will resume international flights to all countries from December 15, after a gap of 20 months, though there will be restrictions on the number of flights permitted from a country depending on its health risk status.

Come December 15, India will resume scheduled international flights

Jagriti Chandra
NOVEMBER 26, 2021
THE HINDU

India will resume international flights to all countries from December 15, after a gap of 20 months, though there will be restrictions on the number of flights permitted from a country depending on its health risk status.

Key destinations for Indians such as U.S., Canada, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka are permitted to have 100% of pre-COVID capacity. Europe and countries like Singapore will be allowed 75% of pre-COVID flights, while China and Hong Kong will be allowed 50% of pre-COVID flights. India has air-service pacts with at least 109 countries.

The decision, however, comes even as several countries are tightening travel restrictions after a new coronavirus variant has been identified in South Africa.

Globe Aware shares the latest updates from around the world. News includes that this week countries around the world imposed travel restrictions after the discovery of a new Covid-19 variant, Omnicron, in South Africa and more.

What we learned about global travel this week

Maureen O’Hare
CNN
27th November 2021

(CNN) — Countries around the world imposed travel restrictions after the discovery of a new Covid-19 variant in South Africa, more than 2.3 million Americans traveled by air on a single day for Thanksgiving, and in Asia-Pacific, New Zealand and the Philippines revealed new reopening plans.

Ready to see family and friends? Globe Aware volunteers can follow these these tips for a smooth traveling experience during the Thanksgiving holidays.

Thanksgiving travel tips

Nov. 19, 2021
By Katherine Shaver
The Washington Post

Travel and public health experts say these tips can help travel go more smoothly during the busy Thanksgiving holiday:

• Research vaccination requirements and other pandemic-related rules, such as for face masks, at your destination.
• If driving, get your vehicle’s battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels checked to prevent breakdowns, especially if you have put off routine maintenance while driving less during the pandemic.
• If flying internationally, check with your airline about coronavirus vaccination or testing requirements for your destination, as they will be enforced before you board.
  Remember that masks are still required on airplanes, trains, buses and other transit systems, as well as in airports, train and subway stations, bus terminals, and other public transportation hubs.
• Meet arriving airline passengers on the airport’s “departure” level, which is typically less congested than the arrivals area, especially in the late afternoons and evenings.

This holiday travel season is shaping up to be the busiest and most chaotic in some time as people return to the roads and skies in nearly full pre-pandemic force. As Globe Aware volunteers prepare for travel during this busy holiday season, follow these guidelines to ensure a safe experience.

Tips for Travelers Facing Chaos and Crowds This Season

Patience and preparation are essential if you’re flying or driving over the holidays

By Bill Fink
AARP
November 15, 2021

This holiday travel season is shaping up to be the busiest and most chaotic in some time as people return to the roads and skies in nearly full pre-pandemic force within a weakened travel infrastructure that has yet to revive enough to efficiently meet the demand.

The Philippines is slowly opening to foreign travel, and is already allowing countries under the Green category or low risk to enter without quarantine. For volunteers interested in this program for 2022, please email us at office@globeaware.com for more details.

Philippines Exempts Fully Vaccinated Foreign Travelers From Quarantine, Eases Restrictions

Philippines is easing its COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Fully vaccinated foreign travelers coming to the country will not be required to undergo facility based quarantine anymore. International travelers coming to the country from places which are classified as green or low risk will just require a negative Covid-19 test report within 72 hours of their departure.