In travel news for February 22, 2022 we talk COVID Policy changes for Japan, Hawaii, and Israel.
Japan continues to be one of the most difficult destinations to visit. Previously we talked about how the Prime Minister of Japan told reports he “plans to look into easing boarder controls”. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, it’s more than we’ve had since the beginning of the pandemic. Many in the travel industry viewed this as the first step towards Japan reopening to travelers. Today we have some more good news. Japan has officially announced that as of March 1 a limited number of business travelers and students will be able to visit the island. Most travelers, including tourists are still not be allowed visit. This is one more step towards the countries eventual reopening. As more information becomes available we will share it here, so if you haven’t yet subscribed to our YouTube channel now’s as good a time as any.
Yesterday we release a video “COVID Travel Explained: Hawaii Travel Restrictions” where we talked about how Hawaii Travel Restrictions. Today we have a good follow up. Maui has announced it’s dropping the requirement for proof of vaccination for those visiting bars and restaurants. The Mask Mandate is still in effect, and very soon Hawaii will be the only state with such a mandate. We are keeping an eye on Hawaii and we will update you with any future changes to their covid travel policies.
And finally, Israel will allow unvaccinated travelers to visit the country starting March 1. Travelers will still be required to provide a negative COVID PCR test taken before departure. Travelers will also be required to take a second PCR test upon arrival, then quarantine in their hotel until the results of the second test are available. Israel has had one of the most restrictive border policies in the world, that is of course compared to ountries that has been allowing foreign visitors. Relaxing restrictions is a welcome sign that COVID is starting to become less of a factor for travel.