The Omicron variation struck just when the travel industry appeared to be returning to normalcy. With the development of the new variant, countries around the world are enacting new travel restrictions to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Meanwhile, certain countries are contemplating vaccination validity as a solution, and others are making COVID booster shots mandatory for international travellers.

The following is a list of countries where a COVID booster is required for travel.

Kuwait

Kuwait has become the latest country to make a COVID-19 booster dose mandatory for anyone intending to enter the country due to an increase in Coronavirus cases. The order became effective on December 26, 2021. While citizens of Kuwait who have not received the COVID booster shot will not be allowed to fly out of the country, visitors will be needed to present a negative PCR test report that is no more than 48 hours old when they arrive. Note that if a passenger fails to present a PCR test report or is not vaccinated with a booster shot, they will be denied entry to Kuwait.

The Netherlands

Hugo de Jonge, the Dutch Minister of Health, has announced that, beginning in February 2022, the country’s various authorities would only recognise COVID-19 vaccination certificates that show the bearer has had a booster shot. This also means that the validity of vaccination certificates in the Netherlands will be reduced to nine months. Those who do not meet this condition will be subjected to additional entry requirements.

France

If travellers above the age of 65 have not received their booster shots by December 15, they will be classified as unvaccinated by the French government. Both travellers and citizens, according to French President Emmanuel Macron, must have received a booster shot six weeks and five months following their second vaccination. Travelers over 65 who do not get booster shots will be able to enter France, but they will be denied access to several of the country’s indoor events.

Croatia

Croatia was the first country in the world to announce a maximum vaccine validity period, requiring travellers to show proof of vaccination that was less than 365 days old. According to reports, anyone who has had their second vaccine dose before the beginning of 2021 would be required to show documentation of booster shots. If they do not comply, travellers will be subjected to additional COVID-19 restrictions beginning this year.

Israel

By having one of the world’s fastest vaccine rollouts, Israel set a new record. I t then reopened to foreign visitors in the summer. According to recent press sources, the country has announced that all fully vaccinated travellers who travelled more than 180 days ago will need booster shots. Aside from that, visitors must wait 14 days after receiving their booster shot before returning to the location. Also, anyone who hasn’t had their final vaccination dose in over 180 days will be denied entry to Israel.

Austria

Austria has the lowest vaccination rates in the Western world, which is why it just declared that vaccinations are now mandatory for all citizens. The country also decided that the full vaccination status will expire nine months following the second dose. The aforementioned rule went into effect on November 8, 2021. Furthermore, if a person’s vaccine dose has expired, they will need booster shots to enter entertainment venues, clubs, and restaurants.

Greece

In response to an increase in COVID-19 cases around the world, Greece has tightened COVID-19 restrictions and made vaccine passports compulsory in select indoor venues such as restaurants, bars, and cafés. Aside from that, anyone over the age of 60, including visitors, will be obliged to obtain a booster shot within the next month or risk losing their vaccine passport. Furthermore, the Greek Prime Minister is pressuring the EU to make booster shots a requirement for travellers who wish to utilise the EU’s digital health pass in the future.

Switzerland

Switzerland has announced that traveler would not be considered fully immunized after 365 days of receiving their second vaccine shot. Furthermore, the COVID-19 certificate regulations in Switzerland are in line with those issued by the European Union. However, travelers without a Swiss vaccine passport will still be able to visit the country, but will not be allowed to enter many indoor venues.

– India’s new age travel digital media