Dhaka: Many countries including popular tourist destinations around the globe have scrapped the pre-departure PCR test requirement for travellers as the Omicron concerns are lessening gradually. The move of relaxing certain travel curbs for fully-vaccinated passengers has been a boost to international travel.

Bahrain, on February 4, announced that inbound travellers will no longer need to do a PCR test before boarding. However, the kingdom’s Civil Aviation Affairs has announced that all unvaccinated travellers must follow precautionary quarantine.

The United Kingdom, on February 11, scrapped testing measures for fully vaccinated travellers. The British government stated the daily Omicron variant data is getting better and it was time for the country to be more open for travellers.

Sweden from January 18, abolished the requirement of a negative RT-PCR test before entering the country. A statement released by the government stated, “Travellers are no longer considered to pose a particular risk of affecting the spread of Omicron in Sweden." Sweden has also stopped testing for Covid-19 even among people showing symptoms.

France on February 12 similarly announced the end of the requirement for a negative Covid-19 test for all fully-vaccinated arrivals into the country.

India from February 14 requires no pre-departure RT-PCR test for fully-vaccinated travellers. India also said that passengers from "more than 80 countries" would be allowed to travel to the country with just a negative RT-PCR test report or a certificate of completing the primary vaccination schedule.

Denmark lifted all Covid-19 restrictions on February 1. It has become one of the first EU member states to scrap most pandemic restrictions as the country no longer considers the Covid-19 outbreak a “socially critical disease.”

Greece lifted its travel restrictions on February 7, allowing all travellers with a European Covid-19 vaccination certificate. The country expects summer travels to start from March 1.

Portugal, too from February, permits entry as long as travellers can show a recognised proof for vaccination. All air passengers will be able to enter Portugal if they can show a valid digital European Union certificate or recognized proof of vaccination.

Norway, from February 4, scrapped almost Covid-19 restrictions as the country. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced the end of restrictions on February 12.

Switzerland, on January 12, announced scrapping the pre-departure PCR test for fully-vaccinated inbound travellers. The tourists will also not be required to show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test before entering the country.

Thailand also announced easing entry requirements for vaccinated visitors from all countries from February. However, the fully vaccinated travellers have to take the Test and Go programme if they undergo a RT-PCR test on arrival and spend a night in a pre-booked hotel.

Vietnam, on February 15, removed restrictions on international passenger flights. Slowly, the country's authorities have begun easing the curbs in recent months, allowing visitors since November.