Travel Update Qatar

The Ministry of Health of The State of Qatar has published a new regulation for Bangladeshi travellers going to Doha, Qatar, in which travellers must carry a negative COVID-19 certificate within 48 hours of departure. This is also applicable to new working or employment visa holders. However, Qatar ID holders or Old Employment Visa holders don’t need to follow travel requirements. This new regulation is applicable from 4 September 2022. Travellers must download the “Ehteraz” mobile application on their smartphones.

 

Source: Ministry of Public Health, State of Qatar | As of 4 Sep 2022

Travel Update Japan

Japan has announced a new regulation for passengers travelling to Japan in which passengers with 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses don’t need a negative test result before travelling. This new regulation applies to every passenger effective from 7 September 2022. 

Certified Vaccines are as follows:
* Pfizer
* Moderna
* AstraZeneca
* Janssen
* Bharat Biotech &
* Novavax

Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html | As of Sep 7 2022

Travel Update Thailand

 

Thailand's Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has published a new regulation in which tourists don't need Thailand-Pass registration and a USD 10,000 health insurance before visiting Thailand. This new regulation will be effective from July 1, 2022, for all foreign visitors arriving in Thailand.

To enter through Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints (in 22 provinces), fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of a vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers must show a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result taken within 72 hours of travel. However, random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand's international airports or borders. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers unable to show proof of a pre-arrival negative test will be required to undergo a professional ATK test at the point of entry. Thailand Pass and USD 10,000 health insurance are no longer required for everyone.

Travel Regulations:

* Travellers aged 18 years or older must be fully vaccinated for covid-19 at least 14 days before travelling to Thailand.
* Partially or unvaccinated travellers must show negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test results taken within 72 hours of travel.
* Travellers between 5-18 years, if parents are fully vaccinated, they don't need any vaccination certificate or RT-PCR test result. 
* Travellers between 5-18 years, if parents are not fully vaccinated, they need to show a vaccination certificate or RT-PCR test result. 
* Child below 5 years don't need any vaccination certificate or RT-PCR test

Source: US-Bangla Airlines | As of 21 Aug, 2022

 

Travel Update China

 

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has made new regulations in which passengers travelling to China must take a nucleic acid test before travelling to China. They also updated the visa application requirements for foreigners. At present, the following categories of people are allowed to apply for a visa in China. These are as follows:

* Foreigners & their family members engaged in diplomatic activities.
* Foreigner & their families intend to work in china (Z visa), for commercial activities(M visa), or for exchanges and visits (F Visa).
* Foreigners who intend to visit family members in China (Q1 Visa, Q2 visa, S1 visa, S2 visa)
* Foreigners, high-level talents or skilful people urgently needed in China (R visa).
* Foreigners visit China for urgent humanitarian reasons.
* Other personnel approved to go to China by relevant Chinese Authorities.

Testing Requirements and Health Code

All passengers (including Chinese and foreigners) need to take two nucleic acid tests within 48 hours and 24 hours before boarding the aircraft in designated test institutions. After that, you are required to complete the procedures to apply for the Health code. These are as follows:

* After 2nd PCR test negative results, the passengers should apply for a health code.
* Login to the Health Code Portal.
* Following the steps to register, submit personal information, and upload two negative nucleic acid test reports. Other documents such as passport data page,  proof of vaccination, valid Chinese visa or resident permit, etc. must be submitted accurately.
* The passenger from a third country needs to upload the entry stamp page by the Bangladesh Immigration Service.
*  A screenshot of the email confirming the recovery of the COVID-19 confirmed by the embassy (only for those with a history of previous infection)
* Applicants should submit the health code application more than 6 hours before the flight departure time.

Important requirements for Passengers who were infected before

Persons with a history of the previous infection must recover for more than 14 days before applying for a health code and returning to China. The recovery confirmation process is as follows:
The traveller submits two negative nucleic acid test reports issued by the local testing agency to the embassy by email as proof of recovery (sampling time should be at least 24 hours apart, and the email address is hsjc_bgd@163.com ), and the subject of the email is "Name +Passport No.+Phone No.+ Proof of recovery". After the embassy has passed the review, it will reply to the email to confirm that the patient has recovered.

Source: http://bd.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/ | As of  Jul 26, 2022

 

Travel Update Dubai

 

After 26 February 2022, passengers travelling from any country (GCC included) to Dubai must follow one of the following requirements in order to enter Dubai. These are:

* A valid vaccination certificate(s) that includes a QR code. This vaccination has to be approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates(UAE)
* A valid negative COVID-29 PCR test certificate. This has to be issued within 48 hours from the time the sample was collected to the boarding time. The approved health service provider must issue this certificate with a QR code
* A valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from COVID‑19 within 1 month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival

Please note:

* You must carry digital or printed PCR test certificates. Language English or Arabic is accepted. But SMS certificates are not accepted.
* You can carry COVID-19 vaccination certificates without QR codes, but it has to be issued by test centres approved by the country's national health authority.
* COVID‑19 PCR test or vaccination certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the departure point.
* For transit passenger(s), the rules and conditions for entry at the final destination will apply.

Source: https://www.emirates.com/bd/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/tourists/ | As of 27th July 2022

 

Travel Update Bangladesh

 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has published a new regulation in which fully vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers must fill up a mandatory health declaration form while entering Bangladesh. This is applicable whether you are entering Bangladesh through the airport, land port, or seaport.

The guidelines for the online Health Declaration Form (HDF) are as follows:

* Form should be filed within 72 hours before Departure time
* Not Applicable for kids of twelve or fewer years old
* Except for Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), other vaccines must have two doses to be considered completed / Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
* Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated passengers must fillup RT-PCR negative form

Fillup the health declaration form here: Health Declaration Form (HDF)

 

Requirements to Enter Bangladesh

* Passport Validity 6 months or more
* A Visa ( Pre-taken/ Visa on arrival)
* An online Health Declaration form.

For Fully Vaccinated Travellers

* Proof of COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate
* No pre-departure RT-PCR test
* No more Quarantine

Partially Vaccinated/ Unvaccinated Travellers Travellers

* Negative RT-PCR test result, 72 hours before flight
* Those testing positive will be required to isolate at a government-authorised facility for at least seven days until they test negative in a subsequent PCR test.

Children & Young people

Not Applicable for children and your people of twelve or fewer years old

 

Source:  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh

 

Travel Update Bhutan

 

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) has introduced a new regulation allowing tourists from Bangladesh to visit Bhutan. This new regulation is applicable from 23 September 2022. Tourists from Bangladesh can now get a visa on arrival before entering Bhutan. You will be required to show your visa clearance letter at your point of entry. Upon furnishing the visa clearance letter, an appropriate visa will then be stamped on your passport.

According to this regulation, a standard sustainable development fee (SDF) will be charged to international tourists, which will be USD 65 per night. However, citizens of Bangladesh, India and the Maldives will be charged a concessional SDF of Nu. 1,200 (approximately USD 16) per night.

Requirements

* A valid passport (validity six months or more)
* Obtain an e-permit before visiting Bhutan

 

Source: CNN

 

Travel Update South Korea

 

South Korea is opening its borders to vaccinated third-country nationals including Bangladesh. Tourists from Bangladesh can now apply for Korean Visa from the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka. Once your E-visa is approved, you can print the E-visa.

General Visa Requirements: 

* Filled Visa Application Form
* Passport Sized 1 Color Photo of Applicant (Taken Within Last 6 Months) 
* Passport with Minimum Validity of 6 Months.
* Photocopy of Valid Passport
* Valid Air-ticket Booking Slip
* Cover or Forwarding Letter of Applicant

 

Source: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/bd-en/wpge/m_2127/contents.do

 

Travel Update Nepal

Nepal visa on arrival system is open and Bangladeshi travellers can now visit Nepal with a visa-on-arrival facility. Plus, Nepal announced that fully vaccinated international travellers can enter the country without pre-departure tests. Passengers have to provide a vaccination certificate showing a full dose of vaccination against COVID-19, completed at least 14 days prior to entering Nepal. A printed copy of the online form (International Traveler Online Arrival Form) is to be filled out by logging in to ccmc.gov.np.

Passengers without vaccination or incomplete vaccination before arriving in Nepal will need to show a Negative COVID-19 test report done within 72 hours of boarding from the airport or if you are entering through the land border, done within 72 hours of entry.

After arriving in Nepal

Passengers with any COVID-19-related symptoms while entering Nepal may undergo health check-ups. A mandatory antigen test (at your own expense) at the entry point if any symptoms are found. If tested positive, you are required to go to an isolation centre designated by the Ministry of Health and Population, the Government of Nepal, or to a hospital. 

(Note: all the expenses including but not limited to, hotel quarantine, hospital, insurance, isolation, COVID-19 test etc. shall be borne by the traveller him/herself)

Unvaccinated travellers are required to give valid reasons for not being vaccinated. Vaccinated individuals can apply for a visa at the Embassy with a vaccination certificate of full dose completed 14 days before expected entry into Nepal and regular visa-related documents.

 

Travel Update Indonesia

 

Travellers who are not eligible for a visa on arrival can now enter Indonesia with a B211A Visa. Before travelling to Indonesia, you will need to meet the visa requirements and apply online for this B211A Visa. There are two types of B211A visas available, a Business Visa and a Tourist Visa. Taking any of them will allow you to enter Indonesia through Jakarta and Bali. And after arriving in Indonesia you will get a 60 days validation visa starting from the arrival date.

Requirements:

* Full doses of COVID-19 vaccine
* Copy or Scan your passport
* Birth certificate for children under 17 years.
* Bank statement minimum USD 2000 
* Photograph in proper colour and outfit (Formal, closeup just in your passport). Plus, send the soft copy and a half body picture.
* Travel/ Health Insurance. Your insurance should be covering you during your stay in Indonesia for covid. 
- Flight Ticket (optional, just if you book the flight already)

Visa Process Pricing

Regular
Fee: $265
Processing Time: 7-12 Working Days, from uploaded date.
Include with visa fee, sponsor and invitation letter.

Express
Fee: $360
Processing Time: 3-5 Working Days, from uploaded date.
Include with visa fee, sponsor and invitation letter.

Please Note:

The quotas have a limit on every working day and the regulation may change without any prior information. There are a lot of pending visas waiting for approval. Hence, there might be a slight delay in the processing time.

 

Source: Bali.com

 

Travel Update Sultanate of Oman

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sultanate of Oman has published a new regulation in which all precautionary measures and procedures of Covid-19 in the civil aviation sector are lifted. This new regulation is published on 22 May 2022.

In addition, No more requirements of:

01) Health Insurance.
02) Vaccination Certificate

Source: Circular number, 28/2022-COVID-19; CAA Sultanate of Oman

 

Travel Update Saudi Arabia

 

Saudi Arabia has launched a new regulation in which valid (tourist/business) US, UK or Schengen visa holders, who have visited these countries at least once can get a visa on arrival upon entering Saudi Arabia. However, residence permits or green card holders are not eligible for this.

Requirements List for valid (tourist/business) US, UK or Schengen visa holders:

* Passport validity 6 months or more from the entry time into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
* Passenger age 18 years or more. For less than 18 years old passengers, the presence of a guardian from the first degree is required (First degree: father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, and grandmother).
* The visa ( UK/ US/ Schengen) has to be used at least once, and a stamp must be on it.
* Visa Type: Tourist / Business
* Approved Airlines while entering Saudi Arabia: Saudia, Flynas and Flyadeal
* Visa must be valid at the time of arrival.
* Covid Insurance: SAR 180 must be purchased at the airport.
* The visa on arrival fees are SAR 300, and the cost of medical insurance to cover COVID-19 treatment is SAR 180, including tax, bringing the total to SAR 480 or USD 128. The payment must be credited by a credit card or an international bank card in Saudi riyals currency.

The time it takes to issue the visa on arrival from 5 to 30 minutes. The tourist visa on arrival’s validity is multiple entrie1s, valid for an entire year, and the permitted period to stay in the Kingdom is 90 days. The tourist visa on arrival can be used during its validity period, provided that it does not exceed the permitted period of stay inside the Kingdom (90 days).

Please note: you can use the tourist visa on arrival to perform Umrah, but not during the Hajj season.

However, if you do not hold a US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can apply through the embassy by bringing these documents:

Tourists without a  US, UK, or Schengen visa can apply with the following documents: 

* Proof of residence (in the country where the visitor resides).
* Return ticket.
* Proof of employment.
* Financial solvency/bank statement.
* Identification.
* Residence address (confirmed reservation is not required, just the address).
* Flight itinerary.

Requirements: 

* Passport validity 6 months or more from the entry time into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
* Passenger age 18 years or more. For less than 18 years old passengers, the presence of a guardian from the first degree is required (First degree: father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, and grandmother).

The time it takes to issue the tourist visa is within 1 to 2 working days. The cost for a tourist visa is SAR 525, and a processing fee of SAR 10 for all applicants. The cost of the COVID-19 insurance will be included in the price of the tourism visa.

The tourist visa validity is multiple entries, valid for an entire year, and the permitted period to stay in the Kingdom is 90 days. The tourist visa can be used at any time during its validity period, provided that it does not exceed the permitted period of stay inside the Kingdom (90 days). You can use the tourist visa to perform Umrah but not during the Hajj season.

Current requirements as a tourist visa holder:

* Entry into the Kingdom is allowed regardless of immunization status.
* Travelers must hold a valid passport.
* A medical insurance is covering infection with the Coronavirus for everyone who enters the Kingdom (a Tourist visa already covers it).
* If you are going to drive, you must hold a valid international driving license, and the car must have insurance.
* Registration of arrival and registration of vaccine details is not required to enter the Kingdom, and fully vaccinated individuals can register their vaccine details through the Muqeem portal within 72 hours of departure https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home 
* After registering in Muqeem, the status on Tawakkalna will be "Immune".
* If you are not vaccinated, the status will be "Insured visitor" and you can perform any activity without any issue, exactly as you were vaccinated.

 

Source: CAA, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 

Travel Update Malaysia

 

The Ministry of Health, Malaysia has issued a new ruling in which fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to do any COVID-19 test while entering Malaysia. Any pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test, on arrival COVID-19 RTK-AG test or even quarantine, is not necessary as well. However, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers must carry negative RT-PCR test results before travelling to Malaysia. This new ruling is applicable from May 1, 2022.

Entry Requirements are as follows:

* Install MySejahtera app on your phone. (Android / IOS)
* Complete the pre-departure form on the MySejahtera app before departure
* Verify vaccination certificate through https://mysafetravel.gov.my/
* Travellers travelling from Singapore required a pre-departure COVID-19 rapid antigen test
* Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated passengers must do e pre-departure RT-PCR test 2 days before the journey and a supervised RTK-AG test within 24 hours upon arrival. Moreover, they will need a quarantine for 5 days. 
* COVID-19 insurance is no longer required to enter Malaysia.

Travel Update Singapore

 

Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Singapore Quarantine-Free and do not need a pre-departure RT-PCR test under the new Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) issued by the Ministry of Health in Singapore. This new regulation is effective from 26 April 2022 and applicable to travellers from any Ministry of Health's General Travel Category countries/regions.

Important Entry Requirements:

* Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Singapore at least 14 days before travel without any quarantine. 
* Prepare proof of vaccination
* QR Code scan-able Vaccination certificate is mandatory for passengers, including passport name, passport number or date of birth, Vaccination Name, Vaccination date, and Country name of vaccination. 
* RT-PCR test for travel is not necessary for fully vaccinated passengers. 
* Fill up SG Arrival Card up to 3 days before arrival. 
* For Non-Vaccinated except child below 12 years requires an RT-PCR test.
* Entry approval is not necessary for fully vaccinated travellers.
* Entry approval is not required for Singapore citizens and PR holders.
* Work permit holder on IPA in CMP sector construction, shipyard and process sector must obtain entry approval until 30 April.
* Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated need to obtain Entry approval.

List of Approved Vaccines:

* One dose of CanSinoBIO/Convidecia vaccine
* One dose of Janssen/J&J vaccine
* Two doses of AstraZeneca, Covaxin, Moderna/Spikevax, or Covishield vaccine, administered at least 24 days apart
* Two doses of Novavax/Covovax/Nuvaxovid, Pfizer/BioNTech/COMIRNATY, or Sinopharm vaccine, administered at least 17 days apart
* Two doses of Sinovac vaccine, administered 13 days apart

 

Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/

 

Travel Update the Philippines

 

The Philippine Government has issued precautionary measures, mandatory protocols and requirements for international passengers arriving in the Philippines. Fully vaccinated travellers must follow the arrival procedures and complete requirements issued by PAD and the Philippines Government. However, Partially vaccinated or Unvaccinated passengers are required to complete a facility-based quarantine at the time of entering the Philippines.

Important Checklists:

* Incoming passengers must register to “ One Health Pass Portal” within 48 hours before the flight. Follow “ One Health Pass Registration Tutorial” for step by step guide.
* Unvaccinated children below 12 years need to follow parents' quarantine protocols.
* Travel insurance is not required but highly encouraged.
* Pre-departure COVID-19 negative result  (RT-PCR and/or Antigen) is mandatory.

Fully vaccinated travellers must possess and present any of the following proofs of vaccination:  

* World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis  
* VaxCertPH  
* National or state manual/digital vaccination certificate of the country/foreign government; or
* Other proofs of vaccination permitted by the IATF  

List of COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized by the FDA-Philippines

* Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
* ChAdOx1-S[recombinant] VAXZEVRIA (COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca)
* SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated [Coronavac]
* Sputnik V Gam-COVID-Vac/Sputnik Light COVID-19 Vaccine
* Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Ad26.COV2-S (recombinant))
* Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine [Covaxin]
* COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified) [COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna]
* COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated [COVID-19 Vaccine Sinopharm]
* SARS-CoV-2 rS Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine [Covovax]

 

Source: Philippine Airlines

 

Travel Update Canada

 

Fully Vaccinated Travellers are no longer required to do a COVID-19 test and carry the negative report before their flights to Canada. This new ruling is effective from 1 April 2022 for all fully vaccinated travellers. Upon arrival in Canada, some travellers will be selected randomly for testing but will not require quarantine until receiving the test result.

 

However, travellers arriving before 1 April 2022 will need to provide a pre-departure COVID‑19 rapid antigen test result (taken 48 hrs before their flight) or a molecular test (taken 72 hrs before flight). The rapid antigen test must be conducted at a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service. Home self‑tests will not be accepted for travel.

 

Quarantine is mandatory for unvaccinated travellers with mandatory testing on arrival and on day 8 as well. Unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter Canada upon meeting one of the few exemptions.

 

Children travelling with fully vaccinated travellers will not require quarantine and other restrictions.

 

Passengers who have previously tested positive for COVID‑19 are required to provide proof of a positive COVID‑19 molecular test conducted between 14 and 180 days prior to departure, instead of a negative COVID‑19 molecular test.

 

Source: Emirates

 

Travel Update Kolkata

 

Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to do an RT-PCR COVID-19 test before travelling and can enter quarantine free. However, non-vaccinated passengers aged over 5 years need a mandatory RT-PCR COVID-19 test, 72 hours before the journey.

All passengers must submit a self-declaration form on Air Subdha Portal before their scheduled flight. In the portal, they must upload a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate or RTPCR COVID-19 Negative Report. A printed hard copy of the filled form needs to be carried during boarding. Plus, onboarding the flight, passengers need to present vaccination certificates as well.

 

Source: NOVOAIR

 

Travel Update Maldives

PCR test result is not mandatory for any passenger(vaccinated or unvaccinated) during arrival and departure. All passengers are required to complete the Traveler Health Declaration form (IMUGA) within 48 hours of the flight time.
Travel-related quarantine is not required by any traveller. However, except for the arriving tourists and Maldivians (residing in the Maldives) to the Maldives, other travellers are advised to do a PCR test between the 3rd and 5th day of arrival.
Passengers must have confirmed return or onward tickets together with necessary visas, genuine pre-paid hotel booking and a valid passport with a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ).

Source: US-Bangla Airlines

 

Updated Travel Advisory for India

 

Online Air Suvidha registration & TN ePass is mandatory. Air Suvidha online registration should be completed with the genuine address in India & a valid contact number for further communication. Passengers must upload the vaccine certificate and COVID test report on the Air Suvidha portal. Quarantine is not required for passengers travelling to India.

Vaccinated passengers (double dose) will not need to complete pre and post-arrival COVID tests. Those tests will still be required for unvaccinated passengers 5 years of age and above. Below 5 years are exempted.

Source: US-Bangla Airlines

 

Sri Lanka Travel Update

Fully vaccinated travellers don't need to quarantine or present evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR/Rapid Antigen) test. Non-vaccinated travellers aged 12 years or above need to carry a Negative report in English with QR code for the PCR Test taken 72 hours before travel along with a Vaccination Card in English.
One-month insurance is mandatory for all tourists. The insurance can be purchased online for USD 12 with coverage of USD 50,000 including hospitalization if needed due to COVID-19 infection.
The Health Declaration Form can be filled up here with the following documents:
 - Vaccination card on the 1st dose & 2nd dose
 - Negative COVID-19 report for the test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.