The Netherlands became the latest country to end its travel ban against South Africans on Thursday 23 December, along with seven other Southern African countries.
The other countries that are also unbanned now are Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
However, Schengen Visa info states that these countries are still classified as very high risk due to the new Omicron variant, and travellers from these countries will face more stringent requirements.
Travellers will be required to take a PCR test not older than 28 hours before departure or an antigen test not older than 24 hours. These requirements apply to all travellers regardless of vaccination status.
Furthermore, a quarantine requirement of ten days is mandatory but can be reduced if by taking a test at a public health facility five days after entering the country.
Amid Omicron, Thailand suspends quarantine-free travel pass
Even though one country may have loosed its restrictions, Thailand suspended their quarintine-free travel pass on Wednesday 22 December, over concerns about the new Omicron variant.
According to IOL, the Thai government stopped issuing new applications for quarantine exemptions from midnight, December 22.
The government stated that this is a temporary suspension, no reference was made as to when it would be lifted.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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