Tanzania, Maldives, and Sri Lanka: what countries are open to Ukrainians in winter

Despite the spread of new coronavirus strains, some countries are opening their borders to Ukrainians. However, countries that have not restricted visits to their territories since the start of the pandemic are beginning to tighten travel restrictions for foreigners.

In general, the countries that are more loyal to travelers are those countries where a large percentage of GDP depends on tourism. So, this winter, tours to Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, and the UAE have become popular.

Where to fly in winter 2021

UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a popular winter destination. To visit the UAE, a PCR test is required, done no later than 72 hours before departure. You will also have to undergo re-testing at the UAE airport.

Coronavirus tests done in the country of departure are still unnecessary for children under 12 and UAE citizens.

Effective January 31, Dubai airports are required to perform rapid PCR testing or rapid antigen testing for passengers flying from Dubai to countries where pre-testing is required.

Tanzania

Tanzania also remains open to Ukrainians. It is ready to receive tourists even during the coronavirus pandemic. The main tourist destination in Tanzania is Zanzibar. The country is located in Africa, so it is always warm there in winter.

It is worth noting that to enter Tanzania, you will not have to present a negative coronavirus test result or to be quarantined. At the same time, an express test for coronavirus will have to be done at the airport if a passenger has symptoms of disease.

Maldives

To enter the Maldives, tourists need a certificate with a negative PCR test for COVID-19 in English, in addition, it is forbidden to leave the resort islands where they have come to spend their vacation.

No earlier than 24 hours before arrival, you must fill out a special form on the immigration portal Imuga to receive a QR code.

In addition to information about the state of health and the countries visited by tourists in the last 14 days, you must upload your photo and a copy of the PCR test. The received QR code is presented when passing through passport control. The same procedure must be done the day before departure from the Maldives.

Thailand

Thai authorities have opened the borders for the Ukrainian as well. The government has returned the visa-free regime—from now on, citizens of Ukraine will be able to stay in the country for up to 30 days.

However, to visit Thailand, tourists need to obtain a special certificate, book a certified hotel and return flights. In addition, you must have a negative PCR test for coronavirus, done no later than 72 hours before crossing the border, and go through a 14-day quarantine upon arrival at your own expense.

In addition, you need to make a Fit-to-Fly certificate (medical certificate of airworthiness) and an insurance policy that will cover the cost of treatment and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 illness.

Sri Lanka

To travel, you will have to issue an online visa in advance on the website of the Sri Lanka Migration Service.

You will also have to show a negative PCR test for coronavirus, done no later than 96 hours before arrival.

The first 14 days tourists can spend in 55 specially designated hotels, that are certified as first-level hotels. Such establishments are closed to local residents, with the exception of staff.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will have to take a coronavirus test before checking in. The second PCR test is done 5-7 days after or earlier if any symptoms appear.

Those who will have a positive PCR test for coronavirus during their stay will be isolated in their hotel rooms if they have no symptoms and taken to a hospital if they develop symptoms.

Visitors are also required to purchase local insurance for $ 12, that covers up to $50,000 for medical expenses. The policy is valid for 1 month.

At the moment, there are no exceptions to the entry requirements for tourists vaccinated against COVID-19.

Cuba

From January 1, tourists will have to provide a negative coronavirus test before flying to Cuba. One more test will have to be done upon arrival in Cuba.

In addition, from December 1, a sanitary fee of $30 has been introduced for everyone who arrives in Cuba to cover the cost of a coronavirus test—it is included in the ticket price.

Tourists also need to have insurance with coverage for COVID-19 treatment. Without it, you will have to purchase Cuban medical insurance for $30 upon entering the country.

What countries have tightened travel restrictions

Canada

The government of Canada has decided on stricter rules for travelers. From now on, when entering the country, tourists will have to do a COVID-19 test upon arrival.

In addition, you will have to spend up to three days in designated hotels until the test results are received. The tourist will have to pay for accommodation.

Travelers who are tested positive will be required to remain in quarantine at designated facilities, where they will be checked to see if they are carriers of new COVID-19 strains.

USA

All air passengers traveling to the United States from overseas must provide a negative COVID-19 test or a certificate of recovery from a new coronavirus type from January 26.

This order applies to both foreign citizens and US citizens.

The State Department also called on US citizens to reconsider the need for travel abroad and postpone all non-essential travel.

It is worth noting that when traveling abroad, it is worth purchasing an insurance policy that covers the costs of treating coronavirus. Some countries offer to purchase such a policy upon arrival.

What countries are open to Ukrainians in February 2021

Eurasian countries:

• Kazakhstan;
• Uzbekistan;
• Armenia;
• South Korea;
• Nepal;
• Bulgaria;
• Serbia;
• Montenegro;
• Albania;
• North Macedonia;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Great Britain.

Middle East countries:

• Iran;
• Afghanistan;
• Iraq;
• Turkey;
• Jordan;
• Saudi Arabia;
• UAE;
• Oman;
• Lebanon.

African countries:

• Egypt;
• Sudan;
• Chad;
• CAR;
• Republic of South Sudan;
• Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
• Somalia;
• Kenya;
• Uganda;
• Rwanda;
• Burundi;
• Tanzania;
• Malawi;
• Zambia;
• Zimbabwe;
• South Africa;
• Lesotho;
• Eswatini;
• Botswana;
• Namibia;
• Madagascar;
• Maldives;
• Comoros;
• Mauritius;
• Burkina Faso;
• Nigeria;
• Benin;
• Togo;
• Ghana;
• Gambia;
• Sierra Leone.

Countries of the Americas:

• Cuba;
• Bahamas;
• Haiti;
• Dominican Republic;
• Antigua and Barbuda;
• Jamaica;
• Barbados;
• Dominica;
• Saint Lucia;
• USA;
• Honduras;
• Mexico;
• Guatemala;
• Belize;
• Salvador,
• Nicaragua;
• Costa Rica;
• Panama;
• Colombia;
• Ecuador;
• Peru;
• Brazil;
• Guyana;
• Paraguay;
• Chile.