As Covid-19 vaccination rates climb steadily in many countries across the world, a growing number of countries are welcoming travellers who have received their coronavirus jabs.
Israel is one of the latest destinations to announce it will welcome fully vaccinated travellers. The country, which is a leader in terms of vaccination rates, will allow tourists who have been inoculated against Covid-19 entry from May 23. In doing so, it joins a host of other destinations where border restrictions have eased and quarantine or testing requirements have been dropped for vaccinated visitors.
If you've had your jab and are thinking about travelling, here's an updated list of where you can go.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is welcoming travellers who are fully vaccinated by waiving all pre-testing requirements. The tropical nation known for its azure waters and luxury resorts is already open to travellers, but new rules from the Ministry of Tourism mean those who have received approved vaccines have less rules to follow.
At the moment, the country is recognising the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines only.
Non-vaccinated travellers can also fly to the Bahamas, but must show negative PCR test results received no more than five days before arriving and undergo a rapid Covid-19 test on the fifth day of arrival.
Greece
Greece is getting set to reopen to international travellers who have been vaccinated. Starting Friday, May 14, the country will allow entry to visitors who can present either a vaccination document or a negative coronavirus test result. The country is also among one of the first European countries to launch a digital vaccination certificate for persons who have taken two doses of the vaccine.
Barbados
While vaccinated travellers will still need to quarantine in Barbados, it's only for one to two days while waiting on results from on-arrival PCR tests. Travellers must have received their final dose at least 14 days before travelling and, at the moment, Barbados is only recognising four approved vaccines: namely AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.
The country's tourism guidelines state that this may change if other vaccines – such as Sinopharm – are given emergency approval from the World Health Organisation.
Croatia
Croatia is welcoming travellers who have received their Covid-19 vaccinations. Tourists will be exempt from the country's testing and quarantine arrangements if they can prove that they have been vaccinated.
Visitors from any country who have completed their course of vaccinations at least 14 days prior to departure will be exempt from current travel restrictions, said Croatia's Ministry of the Interior on April 2.
Nepal
In March, Nepal announced it was opening to tourists who were fully vaccinated without the need for a mandatory PCR test.
The country's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has laid out detailed rules for travellers. "It is advisable for everyone to still get a PCR negative report taken within 72 hours as the airline or rule of some countries may require the same for outbound travel," states the guidance.
After arriving in Nepal, all tourists, even those who are vaccinated, must take a mandatory Covid-19 test at their own cost. If the result is negative, there is no quarantine period. Travellers also need a visa or recommendation letter from the Department of Tourism, plus proof of travel insurance.
Israel
Israel has announced it is reopening to travellers from Sunday, May 23. The first tourists to be allowed entry will be those in organised tour groups, as part of a pilot programme to restart tourism in the country.
Individual travellers will be allowed entry at a later date, but all travellers must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. In addition to vaccinations, travellers must show negative PCR test results, and take an antibody test upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
Seychelles
On January 14, the Seychelles became the first destination in the world to open its borders to vaccinated travellers from any part of the world.
Travellers who can prove they have had two doses of any of the four main vaccines currently on the market are able to enter the Seychelles with no quarantine requirements. The second dose has to have been administered at least two weeks before arrival in the country.
Visitors need to submit a certificate from their national health authority as proof they have been vaccinated, along with a negative Covid-19 PCR test result, obtained no fewer than 72 hours prior to travel.
The Indian Ocean archipelago has since opened its borders to all visitors, vaccinated or not, as long as they have a negative PCR test, taken fewer than 72 hours prior to travel.
Romania
Romania became the first country in Europe to exempt vaccinated travellers from having to quarantine upon arrival, as long as they fly in from a destination on Romania’s “yellow list”. This is updated regularly and previously included the UAE, however, this has since changed.
Visitors need to have completed two doses of the vaccine, at least 10 days prior to arrival, and need to show proof from the health unit where it was administered.
Estonia
The northern European country previously eased restrictions for visitors who had acquired immunity to Covid-19 – either by having been infected and then recovering from the virus, or by being vaccinated. However, the country has since suspended entry to travellers from several countries because of a rising number of cases.
Previously, tourist attractions were closed until April 25 and travellers were advised to postpone travel to Estonia, although general restrictions have loosened in May. This includes the reopening of shops, museums and restaurants but at limited capacity and with reduced hours. However, spas, pools and entertainment establishments (such as bowling alleys or cinemas) remain closed.
Estonia will admit people with no symptoms arriving from a member states of the EU, the Schengen area, or from the UK and Northern Ireland. Additionally, the Estonian border is open to passengers from third countries with a low infection rate and included in a list that is updated every other Friday, which can be accessed on the country's official advice website.
Iceland
Fully vaccinated or previously infected tourists from all countries can visit Iceland. Travellers who can show proof of vaccination are not required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before boarding flights to Iceland. All visitors must take a test when landing in Reykjavik and, if the result is negative, travellers are free to explore the country without any need to quarantine.
Georgia
Georgia has lifted all entry restrictions for foreign travellers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. “Citizens of all countries, travelling by air from any country may enter Georgia if they present the document confirming the full course (two doses) of any Covid-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia,” the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on February 1.
Ecuador
While it's currently battling high case numbers of Covid-19, Ecuador in South America is open to international travellers who can prove they have been vaccinated against the virus. Famed for its stunning Galapagos Islands, the country is not requesting negative test results from tourists who have had their jabs.
Montenegro
Tourists from any country can travel to Montenegro and vaccinated travellers are not required to show negative PCR test results upon arrival. To gain entry to the country on the Adriatic coast, travellers must present either a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or proof that they have received all doses of their Covid-19 vaccine at least seven days before arriving.
Poland
While Poland is open without mandatory 10-day quarantine for vaccinated travellers, the country is only allowing a limited group of people to enter owing to the pandemic. Currently, only citizens, residents, diplomats, essential workers, students and EU citizens can travel to Poland, and those who have vaccinations can avoid quarantine.
Phuket
The Thai island of Phuket has announced plans to reopen to tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. From Thursday, July1, international visitors can skip the country's strict 14-day quarantine when arriving in Phuket, as long as they have been fully vaccinated.
Cyprus
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is welcoming vaccinated travellers and has removed quarantine and testing requirements for those who can prove they have had their Covid-19 jabs.
From April 1, travellers from the UAE have been able to travel quarantine-free to Cyprus if they are vaccinated. Visit Cyprus, the country's tourism arm, states: "For persons travelling from certain countries, a vaccination certificate will be accepted as an additional facilitator for travel."
All travellers who can prove that they have received the required doses of an authorised vaccine will not be required to undergo any tests to visit Cyprus, nor will they have to quarantine.
The years Ramadan fell in May
Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
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Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Jazira: Mabkhout (52'), Romarinho (77'), Al Hammadi (90' 6)
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The Voice of Hind Rajab
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Rating: 4/5
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Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
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Rating: 2/5
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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In numbers
1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:
- 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
- 150 tonnes to landfill
- 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal
800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal
Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year
25 staff on site
