When Will International Travel Resume?

 

It’s the question on so many travelers’ minds: when will international travel resume? Some places will open up come summer, some places will likely hold off until the fall, and others are already open. Here’s the current rundown and my best guess of what to expect for places that haven’t announced a reopening date yet:  Where you can currently travel A handful of countries are already open to American travelers without any testing, quarantine, or vaccination requirements for entry. These include: 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇨🇷 Costa Rica 🇦🇱 Albania 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic 🇲🇰 North Macedonia 🇹🇿 Tanzania Three more countries have also announced that Americans who have been fully vaccinated can visit today: 🇧🇿 Belize 🇬🇪 Georgia 🇮🇸 Iceland Iceland—a tourist favorite, especially in the summertime—just announced last week that American visitors could bypass any testing/quarantine requirements, as long as they had already been vaccinated. Dozens more countries are currently open to American travelers as well—especially throughout the Caribbean and Latin America—but require a recent negative test.  Future reopening announcements A handful of countries have announced specific dates they’re targeting for when widespread international travel will resume. 🇬🇷 Greece announced that it’s aiming to welcome back international tourists with a negative test or proof of vaccination by May 14 🇪🇸 Spain is also hoping to resume international tourism for vaccinated travelers by mid-May 🇹🇭 Parts of Thailand like Koh Samui are targeting a reopening date of October 1 for vaccinated travelers 🇦🇺 Australia is currently looking at a broader re-opening date of October 31 🇬🇧 The UK has circled May 17 as the earliest restart date for international tourism, but they haven’t detailed what, if any, requirements (vaccination? negative test?) would be in place for visitors  Predictions Now that we’ve reviewed the current state of affairs, let’s get to my predictions for destinations that haven’t announced plans yet. (Many popular tourist destinations in Africa and Latin America are already open for travelers with a recent negative test, so I’ll confine my predictions to Europe and Asia which are largely closed to Americans or require a quarantine upon arrival.) 🇪🇺 Europe: A month or two ago, my sense was that much of Europe would likely reopen by the summer, especially southern European nations that rely heavily on tourism. Since then, my outlook has grown slightly more pessimistic. Vaccination rollout in the EU has been far slower than the US or UK, and another wave of infections may be building in the continent. While the EU is working on reopening borders by this summer for people who have been vaccinated, were previously infected, or test negative, exact timing on when Americans will be welcome back is still unclear. That said, I have some optimism from the fact that numerous countries are really pushing for earlier reopenings, from Greece to Spain to the UK. And reports that the US is planning to allow international visitors by mid-May increases Americans’ hopes of traveling overseas this summer, as some countries will want reciprocity before opening their own borders. My best guess on when Americans will be allowed to visit at least two EU countries without quarantine: 50% chance by June, 65% chance by July, 80% chance by August.  Asia/Pacific: Japan’s recent announcement that overseas fans would not be allowed at this summer’s Olympics struck a blow for hopes of an imminent reopening. Instead, like Thailand and Australia, I think an autumn reopening is more likely for much of the region at this point. My best guess on when Americans will be allowed to visit at least three APAC countries without quarantine: 50% by September, 80% by October. (The Maldives is already open with a recent negative test.) 🇺🇸 Reminder: need negative test to return to US Don’t forget that for all international trips right now, you’re required to show a negative covid test within three days of your return flight to the US. (Many hotels and resorts, especially in Mexico, are offering complimentary tests for guests before their trip home.) I think it’s likely that this requirement will be expanded in the next month or two to include a negative test or proof of vaccination. 🔁 Border restrictions are subject to change As has been the case throughout the pandemic, nothing is written in stone. Dates could get pushed back, but they could also get pushed up. That’s why I’ve been hammering the importance of making your travel plans in pencil rather than pen during the pandemic, especially international trips. Luckily, as we noted last week, most airlines are still waiving change fees on basic economy tickets as long as you book by the end of March (even for travel dates in the summer and beyond). Have you booked flights for international travel this year? Let us know on twitter.   Gear Up For Travel Giveaway

Mexico News Today Monday, March 22, 2021

 

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021

February homicides down 5%; lowest level since López Obrador became president The federal government reported that there were 2,626 homicide victims last month, which is 5.3% fewer than in February of 2020. FULL STORY

Mexicans turn gloomy; nation plunges 23 places on 2020 World Happiness Report The coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on Mexicans’ level of contentment in 2020, says a UN report. FULL STORY

Kansas City Southern announces planned merger  Canadian Pacific Railway’s proposed takeover of the Kansas City Southern railroad is a US $29-billion bet on smooth commerce between Canada, the United States and Mexico. FULL STORY ADVERTISEMENT Vaccinations to begin this week in two more of Mexico City's boroughs Officials said they hope to give a total of 251,375 doses. Coyoacán residents will receive the Pfizer shot, while residents in Tlalpan will receive the Sinovac jab. FULL STORY US officials visiting this week to discuss migration The meetings come as the Biden administration battles a growing political crisis over the rising number of unaccompanied migrant children crossing the border. FULL STORY Seniors’ pensions will be more than double by 2024 Individuals will see their retirement payments increase annually and reach 6,000 pesos (US $292) every two months in 2024. FULL STORY Seismic alert malfunctions twice in 12 hours The first time the alarm sounded was due to human error, the second was caused by a problem with the system. FULL STORY In Tijuana, 1,500 migrants are hopeful the new US president will let them in Hundreds of men, women and children are camped out in a tent city outside the El Chaparral pedestrian crossing, praying President Biden will allow them to enter the United States. FULL STORY OPINION In Mexico City, a ray of hope in the pursuit of functioning criminal justice system There are few positive narratives about Mexico’s system of justice, but the capital's local investigative units offer some cause for optimism, writes Manuel Vélez. FULL STORY Cartel lieutenant in custody after Nayarit gunfight A man believed to be a high-ranking Jalisco New Generation Cartel member has been arrested after a shootout in Rincón de Guayabitos. FULL STORY RELATED: Gunfire, grenades reported in Rincón de Guayabitos. FULL STORY MEXICO LIFE Edzná, a Maya site off the beaten path, is a hidden gem Situated 55 kilometers from the city of Campeche, the ancient city is surprisingly empty of visitors, writes Thilini Wijesinhe. FULL STORY MEXICO LIFE It can be hard to find but good yogurt kicks all sorts of dishes up a notch Sweet and savory recipes use yogurt to add moistness and richness while avoiding unhealthy fat, writes Janet Blaser in The Tropical Table. FULL STORY MEXICO LIFE Kitten season: not as happy a time as it might sound Mexico shares this problem with the rest of the world: too many cats and not enough homes, and more felines are born and abandoned at this time of year, writes Leigh Thelmadatter. FULL STORY THE MND POLL THE STORY: AMLO challenges US claim that narcos control one-third of Mexican territory. FULL STORY THE QUESTION:  Whom are you more likely to believe: President López Obrador or the US government? VOTE HERE LAST POLL: Should daylight saving time be eliminated in Mexico? 77% said that it should be eliminated. FULL RESULTS

Mexico News Today Friday, March 26, 2021

 

Subscribe / Log in to Mexico News Daily FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

Poll reveals that 40% of Mexicans would accept a government headed by the military Many people argue that the armed forces already have too much power, but four in 10 Mexicans wouldn't mind a government led by them, and almost eight in 10 are in favor of a government with a strong leader. FULL STORY

At 110 kilometers, Baja California hiking trail will soon be the longest one in Latin America The pastime is increasingly popular in the state, which is obtaining certification of its trails according to an internationally accepted system. FULL STORY

As death toll hits 200,000, health minister criticizes media for reporting it Mexico's Covid-19 czar Hugo López-Gatell found fault with media outlets for focusing on 'the saddest side of the epidemic.' FULL STORY Nearly 9 million students dropped out this school year Children, teenagers and young adults abandoned their studies due to the coronavirus, lack of money or because they had to work. FULL STORY Beware the politics behind vaccines from China, Russia, US official warns A top United States diplomat cautioned Mexico that the two nations' Covid-19 vaccine offerings are motivated by their own political interests and not Mexicans' well-being. FULL STORY Residents close Oaxaca tourist site, claiming only outsiders benefit San Lorenzo Albarradas landowners announced the closure of the Hierve el Agua attraction, saying tourism doesn't help the community. FULL STORY Farmers group says corn production likely to miss predictions by 3mn tonnes Yields of the crop will likely be lower than a government forecast of 27 million tonnes, says a farmers' association. FULL STORY Pianist, 12, wins international competition; will play at Carnegie Hall Alexander Vivero will perform at the fabled musical venue in New York after winning an award in the American Protégé talent contest. FULL STORY MEXICO LIFE Guerrero charity promotes whale watching that avoids stress for the animals Elisabeth Ashe highly recommends this whale-friendly tour near Zihuatanejo, run by guides trained to leave the animals' habitat undisturbed. FULL STORY Ex-governor of Tamaulipas pleads guilty in US to money laundering charge  Tomás Yarrington has admitted to United States officials that his motive was to hide millions in bribes that he received while in charge of the state. FULL STORY 1,100 evacuated after winds fan flames in destructive Nuevo León forest fire At least 14 communities of the Sierra de Santiago region fled their homes overnight after a wildfire that's already affected over 8,000 hectares of land got too close for comfort. FULL STORY Private sector 'stole' 76,000 clients from electricity commission: Bartlett Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) head Manuel Bartlett claimed that large companies partnered with private energy firms as a way to avoid having to purchase power from the nationalized power provider. FULL STORY ADVERTISEMENT Elections body rejects candidates for governor after they failed to file spending reports The electoral institute has barred two gubernatorial hopefuls in a move that is certain to increase tensions between it and the Morena party. FULL STORY MEXICO LIFE Idyllic beaches, magical mangroves and curious customs await in San Blas This coastal Nayarit community offers sand, surfing and boat rides through an extraordinary jungle-like estuary with exotic wildlife, writes John Pint. FULL STORY

Blocked Suez Canal Might Cause Another Toilet Paper Shortage By Jason Hall March 26, 2021

 

Blocked Suez Canal Might Cause Another Toilet Paper Shortage

By Jason Hall

March 26, 2021

The world could face another toilet paper crisis amid a global shipping container crisis.

Suzano SA, which is the world's largest producer of wood pulp, a material needed to make toilet paper, warned that a demand for shipping containers could delay its shipments, Bloomberg.com reports.

Suzano SA's Chief Executive Officer Walter Schalka said there could be yet another global toilet paper shortage if the problem continues as the company has already been forced to push back shipments originally scheduled for March into April.

Bloomberg reports there has already been a worldwide shipping crisis even prior to the ongoing situation at the Suez Canal, where a giant vessel is blocking shipping vessel traffic and could take days or even weeks to move. An increased demand for shipping containers from China has led to a shortage that has trickled down through the global economy for months and already impacted supplies of other products such as coffee and cheese.

News of another possible toilet paper shortage comes one year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, which led to retailers scrambling to meet the high demands of individuals panic buying products -- notably toilet paper -- in bulk while facing quarantine.

Last April, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told 'the TODAY Show,' "in the last five days, we've sold enough toilet paper for every American to have their own roll."

Photo: Getty Images

 https://www.milenio.com/estados/oaxaca-mantendra-abiertas-playas-semana-santa-pese-covid-19

Oaxaca will keep beaches open at Easter, despite covid-19

OSCAR RODRIGUEZ

/ 22.03.2021 18:06:18

The main beach destinations in Oaxaca , such as Puerto Escondido, Puerto Ángel, Zipolite and Bahías de Huatulco announced that for Easter they will have their beaches open, but with an occupancy in their hotels of 50 percent due to the epidemiological orange traffic light of Covid-19 .

Representatives of the tourism sector and service providers indicated, prior to the vacation period. that hotel occupancy will be at 50 percent, to avoid coronavirus infections.

Gustavo Ficachi Figueroa, president of the Huatulco Hotel Association, announced that in all hotels, hostels, and restaurants that are located in the municipality of Santa María Huatulco, a strict sanitary protocol will be applied to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV two.

"We are ready to receive tourism, we are complying with all the security measures that the different state, municipal and federal entities have required of us, both restaurants and different hotels, we have reinforced them, more strictly before the orange traffic light to prevent contagions and provide guarantees and security to our visitors ”, he pointed out.

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Meanwhile, the representative of the Ministry of Tourism in Huatulco, Raúl Sinobas, reported that as emerging actions, sanitary filters were installed at the beach destination in the different accesses by land and in the air terminal, where medical brigades ask each visitor for their medical and health certificate, in addition to disinfecting each vehicle that arrives in the area.

Likewise, the temperature will be reviewed, the mandatory use of face masks will be required and the healthy distance will be enforced both in land transfers, as well as in the spaces where tourists stay.

In an interview, the Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Oaxaca, Juan Carlos Castellanos, reported that a safety guide and an opening manual were created in consensus with the leaders and representatives of the various chambers of commerce and hotel and motel associations that it contains the protocols and aspects that must be reviewed and followed when receiving visitors at hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and tour operators.

He reiterated that the traffic lights proposed by the federal government for the reopening and operation of the tourism sector will be respected, so that each establishment operates with the capacity agreed by the color of the traffic light; and a log will have to be made in which the user's information is recorded, from their health status to contact information.

RLO