Hong Kong to end hotel quarantine for international arrivals
Hong Kong is to further ease its Covid-19 travel restrictions from next week, removing the requirement for international visitors to undergo hotel quarantine. Currently overseas arrivals must complete three days of compulsory hotel quarantine, followed by a further four days of “medical surveillance”, during which they must test daily.
From 26 September, visitors will be able to travel to their residence or accommodation of choice and will be required to “self-monitor” for three days. During this time they will be able to go to work but will not be allowed to enter bars or restaurants. In addition, the current requirement to present a negative PCR test before departure for Hong Kong will be replaced by a rapid antigen test.
Netherlands lifts Covid-19 travel restrictions
The Dutch government has lifted its remaining Covid-19 entry restrictions for all incoming travellers, including unvaccinated visitors. The new rules came into effect on 17 September.
Spain scraps travel health control form for non-EU arrivals
Spain is easing some of its Covid-19 entry rules for visitors from non-EU countries. The country is no longer requiring travellers from countries such as the UK, US, Australia, and Canada to fill in and present its health control form, known as the SPTH, on arrival in Spain. The move came into effect on Tuesday 20 September, although non-EU passengers will continue to have to present proof of being fully vaccinated, having recovered from Covid within six months or a negative test result.
Travellers face more disruption from France ATC strikes
European flights are set to face further disruption later this month with another planned strike by French air traffic control (ATC) workers. Members of the SNCTA union walked out for 24 hours on Friday (16 September) causing around 1,000 flights to and from France to be cancelled. The strike also affected flights passing through French airspace.
SNCTA is now planning another longer three-day stoppage from 28-30 September unless the dispute over wages and working conditions can be resolved.
Travel news as a glance:
- Latest UK rail strikes set for 1, 5 and 8 October
- Flybe adds Isle of Man routes from Heathrow and Belfast City from October 2022
- American Airlines unveils new business and premium economy products
- EVA Air offers business class meals to economy passengers for a fee
- Virgin Atlantic and JetBlue order new SAF derived from CO2
- Air New Zealand extends expiry date on all credits to 2024