Travel News & Updates

Why does it seem we need a horrendous accident for common sense safety changes to be made? Looking back in history, two tragedies come to mind, which resulted in significant changes to safety protocols. One was the sinking of the Titanic and another, more recently in 2010, the “Station” nightclub fire in the US state of Rhode Island. It took the loss of 100 souls for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to re-write policies, and issue new code provisions in 2006 for fire sprinklers and crowd management in nightclub-type venues.

Covid-19 tests showing results in 15 to 30 minutes are set to roll out worldwide, potentially saving thousands of lives and decelerating the pandemic in poor and rich countries alike. Low- and middle-income countries will be supplied with 120m rapid antigen from two companies for $5 each or less. One of the tests, from South Korean company SD BioSensor, has been given emergency approval by the WHO, while the other, from the US company Abbott, is expected to get it shortly for a test it manufactures in South Korea.

Greece has lifted diving restrictions eliminating depth limits and allowing diving at archaeological sites and sunken ships without an escort. The move follows a passed 2019 bill easing scuba diving laws and is part of a larger group of incentives to encourage the return of international tourists following the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

After closing its borders in March, the Maldives is set to reopen for tourism. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism, a phased reopening is planned, with incoming flights to its main international airport set for July, well ahead of a planned year-end opening.

Austria

The border to neighbouring Germany will be opened on 15 June. Borders to Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary may also be opened on 15 June. Until further arriving travellers are required to present a current negative Covid test or self-quarantine for 14 days.

Baltic countries

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania opened their internal borders on 15 May but remain closed for travellers from other countries.

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/346984041.jpg?itok=C3FBAiry","video_url":"https://vimeo.com/346984041","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

If a visitor to Cyprus tests positive for the coronavirus this summer, the government will cover many of their expenses — including food, drink and lodging — according to a new plan that maps out how the island nation can revive its crucial tourism industry.

Tourists "will only need to bear the cost of their airport transfer and repatriation flight". It is part of a package of measures aimed at drawing visitors back to the island, which has reported few cases.

Cyprus say it will ease restrictions on international air travel on June 9.

With Covid-19 restrictions easing, divers can now access the latest information about diving accessibility and restrictions in a particular country with the click of a mouse. PADI has created an interactive world map utilizing the most up-to-date information from each PADI dive center.