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The United Kingdom will remove the visa requirement for Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) state nationals visiting the country from 2023.A number of countries were added to the United Kingdom’s list of countries eligible for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. The ETA scheme is a key part of the UK government’s move to have a fully digital border by the end of 2025. Before ETAs are introduced in 2023, travellers from GCC countries will continue to use electronic visa waivers which can be completed online before entering the UK.

As a result of staffing problems at Schiphol, all airlines will only be able to board a maximum number of passengers from Amsterdam in July and August. And KLM is no exception. The maximum number will vary from day to day. To remain within this limit, KLM will restrict ticket sales and cancel a number of flights – albeit on a limited scale. By taking such measures, KLM expects to remain within the agreed number of boarding passengers, enabling us to provide our customers with clarity, despite the ongoing operational challenges at Schiphol. For example, passengers who have already booked do not need to worry whether their trip will be going ahead.

The South African Government has done away with the remaining COVID-19 regulations from 22 June 2022. Travellers passing through South Africa’s borders no longer require proof of vaccination status, test results or proof of recovery from Covid-19. All other safety regulations like the wearing of masks and limits on gatherings have also been removed.

The Northern Runway rehabilitation programme at Dubai International (DXB) has surpassed its midway point on schedule paving the way for the reopening of the runway on June 22, operator Dubai Airports has announced. The essential work involves resurfacing the entire 4.5km long Northern runway, strengthening the wider runway strip, as well as reinforcing the paving on key taxiway entries and exits, and repairing drainage infrastructure. Aeronautical ground lighting, navigational aids and meteorological equipment are also being replaced, and a navigation aids substation is being relocated –as the Southern runway maintains operations at the world’s busiest international airport.

During the closure of the Northern Runway at Dubai International (DXB), a number of flights are being redirected to Dubai World Central (DWC) to ensure minimal operational disruption. During this time, Dubai Airports has announced multiple transport services between the two airports to cater to all travellers.Dubai Airports is providing a free bus service between all terminals of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airport, every 30 minutes, 24 hours per day, ensuring a seamless transfer experience.Dubai Taxi Corporation will remove the flag fall charges for any journeys starting at from DWC for airport customers.Those travelling via Uber car services can enjoy discounts quoting ‘DWC2022’ when booking a car through the app.RTA will continue to operate the bus routes N55 and F55, providing a cost-effective transport option from DWC.

The federal COVID-19 restrictions at the border are being extended until at least June 30, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Tuesday.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost carrier, has announced the introduction of its city check-in services in Abu Dhabi. The city check-in service aims to provide passengers with added convenience and flexibility by enabling them to drop-off their baggage and collect their boarding pass at a location near them before travelling with Air Arabia.

The northern runway at Dubai International Airport will be closed for 45 days between May 9 and June 22 to carry out overall refurbishment works and ensure continued safety and efficiency in operations. Officials recently announced several flights would be diverted to alternate airports. The scheduled programme of repair works at Dubai International Airport will see more than 1,000 flights per week diverted to other terminals at DXB, Dubai World Central (DWC), and Sharjah International Airport.

The northern runway at Dubai International Airport will be closed for 45 days between May 9 and June 22 to carry out overall refurbishment works and ensure continued safety and efficiency in operations. Officials recently announced several flights would be diverted to alternate airports as a result. The scheduled programme of repair works at Dubai International Airport will see more than 1,000 flights per week diverted to other terminals at DXB, Dubai World Central as well as Sharjah airport.

Dubai Airports confirms plans to close Dubai International’s (DXB) northern runway for a 45-day period between May 9 and June 22, 2022 to carry out complete refurbishment that will ensure continued safety and efficient operations. While regular runway maintenance is scheduled on a weekly basis, more extensive upgrades such as the one planned require a complete closure of the runway. Dubai Airports continues to invest in developing and maintaining its world class infrastructure to enhance customer service quality and capacity and maintain its position as the world’s busiest international airport.

Travellers no longer have to quarantine on arrival in Fiji. However, they must have a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result. The PCR test must be taken a maximum of two days before the scheduled day of departure and the antigen up to 24 hours before departure.

The Saudi Arabian government has reopened the visa-on-arrival scheme for holders of valid visas for the US, UK and Schengen area.The move comes two weeks after the country lifted all Covid-19-related entry restrictions and returns Saudi to pre-pandemic levels of openness.Citizens of any country who hold one of the three visas and who are travelling on one of the national carriers – Saudi, Flynas or Flyadeal – can now receive a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance.Visitors holding a valid US, UK or Schengen visa must have used it at least once to enter the issuing country or region in order to qualify for a visa on arrival in Saudi.

Singapore has unveiled plans for the Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) for all travellers.The new regulations, which replace the current Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme, will come into effect on April 1st.From next Friday, all countries will be classified either under the General Travel or the Restricted Category and border measures would be accorded by individual travellers’ vaccination status.All countries will come under the general category to begin with, with no destination in the restricted category.Travellers will no longer be required to undergo an unsupervised self-administered rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival in Singapore.However, they must still take a pre-departure test within two days before departing for Singapore and obtain a negative test result.

Botswana now allows unvaccinated travellers into the country, provided that they produce a negative COVID-19 test result. This is a reversal of last month’s decision to deny entry to travellers who were partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.

South Africa will remain at Adjusted Alert Level 1 with the following amendments taking effect on 23 March 2022; Indoor and outdoor gatherings are permitted at 50% of the total venue capacity, if there is evidence that a person is fully vaccinated, or a negative PCR test is provided. If proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test is not available, the current limits apply for venues (maximum of 1000 people indoors and no more than 2000 people outdoors. Where a venue does not permit these numbers with appropriate social distancing, only 50% of the capacity of the venue will be permitted). All COVID-19 health and safety protocols must be followed, including observance of guidelines for social distancing, sanitation, hygiene, and use of appropriate personal protective equipment, such as face masks where required. All international travellers arriving in South Africa must produce either proof that they are fully vaccinated, or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours. Masks must be worn for the duration of travel. A person entering the Republic must be subjected to screening on arrival at the point of entry, including the completion of a traveller health questionnaire. It remains essential to check the entry requirements of the country you wish to travel to, inclusive of any transits, stop overs as well as the end destination. Any returning South African citizens and residents will be subject to entry regulations and protocols.

Those travelling through Heathrow will no longer be required to wear a face mask after the airport announced that it is moving away from a mandate from tomorrow. In recognition that the pandemic is not over, however, Heathrow said it still strongly encourages those at the airport to continue wearing a face covering – particularly when coming into close contact with others. This, though, will no longer be a firm requirement.

Effective April 1, 2022 at 12:01 AM EDT, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water. Fully vaccinated travellers seeking to arrive in Canada before April 1, 2022, must still have a valid pre-entry test.

Vaccinated Australians will be allowed to enter New Zealand without needing to quarantine for COVID from April 12. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the border announcement on Wednesday morning. Ms Ardern said travellers from other countries with visa waiver arrangements with New Zealand would be allowed to enter without quarantine from May 1. We have now received guidance that it is safe to significantly bring forward the next stage of border re-opening work," she said. "We are ready to welcome the world back."

Malaysia will open its borders to international travellers from April 1st. The decision comes as the country transitions to an endemic phase of the pandemic, boosting the aviation and tourism sectors. The country has largely remained closed off to international visitors for two years. Under the new rules, fully vaccinated passengers will not be required to quarantine on arrival, provided they take a PCR test two days before departure and a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.

Saint Lucia has announced updates to its international arrival protocols. Beginning tomorrow 5 March, fully vaccinated travellers and in-transit passengers aged five and over must have a negative rapid antigen test or a PCR test taken one day prior to entering Saint Lucia. All unvaccinated travellers must present a negative PCR test, taken up to one day prior to entering Saint Lucia. All travellers must register their information and upload test results online prior to travel.