Where to go & what factors to keep in mind before boarding your international flight

Many countries are planning to open their borders for international tourists, as the world is adapting to post covid new normal. As the global movement of tourists starts, a new form of tourism has emerged in 2021. People are so bored of being cooped up in their homes that they are itching to step out to explore again. The phenomenon of revenge travel refers to the desire to go on a vacation after an extended period of lockdown.Revenge tourism can help the industry bounce back, but it is essential for destinations to strictly enforce Covid protocol. With the travel industry seeing a cataclysmic shift in the last two years, a boost in some way or form was indeed needed. As many countries open their borders for travellers from India, people have already started to make their travel plans.
Popular international tourist destinations like London, Toronto, Paris, and Dubai have allowed vaccinated travellers to enter. Well, not just the famous destination that has started to attract tourists, revenge tourism is shedding some light on offbeat places as well. So here’s a list of the countries open to Indian passport holders in the post-covid world.
Italy: Italy was quick to recognize Covishield as one of the acceptable COVID-19 vaccines. So if you are fully vaccinated with Covishield & have been itching to roam the streets of Rome, then you can travel to the European nation and are also eligible for a green pass, said the Embassy of India in Italy.
UK: Lately, there’s been a lot of back and forth from the UK about international tourists, especially Indian travellers. But from October 11, Indians who have been fully vaccinated with WHO-approved Covishield will not be required to undergo the mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival in the UK. To know more about this, click here.
UAE: With the ongoing Expo 2020 World Fair, UAE (United Arab Emirates) has attracted businesses across the globe. That’s why the country lifted Covid-induced travel restrictions on entry for residents who have been fully vaccinated flyers last month.
Egypt: If you have wanted to see the pyramids of Giza or go on a relaxing cruise on the river Nile, then this is your time. Egypt is allowing tourists to enter from all over the world, but there’s a catch for tourists visiting from countries with the Covid-19 Delta strain. The passengers will have to take a rapid test upon arrival, which takes around 15-minutes. If the test results are negative, you can enter the country.
France: Winters in Paris is absolutely charming, so if you want to experience the city of love at its very best, then you can now travel to it without any issues. So, if you are vaccinated, you can travel to France with no restrictions linked to health conditions. To know about your eligibility, click here.

Countries like Sri Lanka, Kenya, Mauritius, Iceland have also opened their borders for Indian passport holders. However, there will be some restrictions in place concerning COVID-19 tests. Apart from the popular destinations, off-beat tourist destinations like Uzbekistan, Serbia etc., are also open for Indians. While we are at it, if you plan to visit countries like Russia or Turkey, be prepared for a mandatory quarantine stay. And only after you complete the quarantine & have a negative covid-19 test will you be allowed to travel to these countries.
Importance of having a vaccine passport!

A vaccine passport is proof that you’ve tested negative for COVID-19 or been protected against it. This passport can be digital, on your phone or you could physically carry it like a card. Many countries have made it mandatory for citizens to carry their vaccine passports to board a plane or visit a restaurant, movie theatre, or gym. Countries like Australia and Canada have asked their citizens to get the vaccine passport if they are fully vaccinated. This also applies to international travellers who are planning to visit these countries.
Importance of Travel Insurance!
Once you have decided where you want to go, it is advisable to opt for travel insurance. Even though an insurance policy cannot protect you from contracting the infection, it can definitely provide necessary medical help. Getting travel insurance to travel internationally is quickly becoming a norm in this post-COVID world.

The basic form of travel insurance policy can be divided into two segments - medical & non-medical covers. While the non-medical policy typically covers baggage related delays or loss, lost passports, hotel/airline cancellations and so on, the medical cover offers benefits for Medical Emergency and Medical Evacuation. Nowadays, insurance companies offer travel insurance, which usually covers travellers who caught Coronavirus during their trip.
Insurance companies, like Reliance General Insurance, have a comprehensive travel insurance plan that can help you avail all the necessary medical benefits on your trip. RGI offers specially designed plans for Asia, Schengen, the USA & Canada, and other countries. What’s even more interesting is that the brand has customized plans for family trips and solo travellers. To know more about Travel insurance plans offered by Reliance General Insurance, click here.
While there are many factors to consider before you plan your international trip, it is essential to note that no country allows unvaccinated tourists. So get yourself vaccinated, with the internationally recognized approved vaccine, if you haven’t done that already. Apart from this, there are specific golden rules that you have to abide by, like wearing a mask while travelling, maintaining acceptable social distance when at a public place etc. If you are outside, wash your hands with soap any chance you get, and in case you cannot, carrying an alcohol-based sanitiser is a definite must.
Let’s hope to see international travel resume fully, and tourism flourishes as it did before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Reliance General Insurance by Times Internet's Spotlight Team.