Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has published a new category in which football fans of different nationals can enter the State of Qatar during the 2022 World Cup starting from the 1st of November. This special World Cup regulation is applicable from 01 November 2022 at 00:01 until 23 December 2022.
The categories are as follows:
* Qatari citizens according to a passport or ID card.
* Residents of the State of Qatar of all nationalities, whether Gulf nationals or other nationalities, who hold diplomatic residency cards and other nationalities who hold permanent residency and ordinary residency.
* Friendly military forces (American – British – French – Turkish – NATO forces) with the necessity of having a movement order.
* Holders of electronic visas previously issued, provided that it is valid / with the necessity to ensure their validity.
* Newborn visa for those born outside the country to a father and a mother residing in the country, provided that their residency is valid, and the mother is sponsored by the husband or an establishment, provided that the child is no more than 6 months old and holds a valid machine-readable child passport.
* Air transit visa for the other flight crew for a period of (96) hours.
Football fans must verify the following requirements to enter without any hassle:
* Fans and organizers of Hayya card holders, whether electronic, paper or plastic, according to the travel document registered in the Hayya card.
* Agents Must verify the validity of the Hayya entry permit, the expiry date, and whether it is for single or multiple entries, by scanning the electronic barcode on the entry permit. Please note that there is a Hayya card valid for a single entry of 24 hours (Agents MUST confirm that the 24 hours is satisfied by verifying the date of arrival and departure); other Hayya cards are open with multiple entries during the World Cup period.
* Agents Must also ensure that all the data recorded in the Hayya card conform exactly with the passenger’s travel document.
* When there is any error in the data or the matter requires an amendment in the data, the Hayya cardholder must immediately apply for the amendment. Passengers must NOT be accepted without obtaining approval.
* Travel documents for refugee holders of Hayya cards are not accepted except for travel documents for refugees issued by the Republic of Syria – the Lebanese Republic – the Jordanian passport without a national number, and the passport number begins with the letter (T). All other travel documents are NOT accepted unless there is prior approval by communicating with the Airport Passports Department.
* The pre-examination of the Coronavirus, whether (PCR) or rapid antigen test, has been cancelled for all arrivals to the country as of 1st of November 2022.
* Pre-registration in the Ehteraz platform is no longer required.
Please note: Visa on arrival, tourist, official, business and air transit visas will be temporarily suspended during the world cup 2022 event, except for emergency cases, for which a prior approval must be obtained from the Airport Passport Department, before accepting the passengers.
Source: US-Bangla Airlines | As of 14 November, 2022
The Department of Health issued a new circular on April 7, 2022, in which passengers can fill up the Health Declaration Form (HDF) online before arriving in Bangladesh.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Rules 2005, it is mandatory for incoming travellers to fill out a Health Declaration Form (HDF) during the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
At present, the rate of COVID-19 has decreased in different countries of the world including Bangladesh and most of the people have been vaccinated with COVID-19.
Passengers arriving in Bangladesh had to fill up the Health Declaration Form (HDF) manually and submit it to the Health Desk. For such a process, passengers have to stand in the queue for a long time.
To relieve passengers of this problem, the MIS branch of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh prepared an online Health Declaration Form (HDF).
The guidelines for the online Health Declaration Form (HDF) are as follows:
* Incoming passengers have to fill online Health Declaration Form (HDF) 3 days before entering Bangladesh. After completing the HDF, passengers will be able to download and print a health declaration card with a QR code.
The link to fill out the online Health Declaration Form (HDF) is http://healthdeclaration.dghs.gov.bd.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh | 7 April 2022
Travellers who are not eligible for a visa on arrival can now enter Indonesia with a B211A Visa. Before travelling to Indonesia, you will need to meet the visa requirements and apply online for this B211A Visa. There are two types of B211A visas available, a Business Visa and a Tourist Visa. Taking any of them will allow you to enter Indonesia through Jakarta and Bali. And after arriving in Indonesia you will get a 60 days validation visa starting from the arrival date.
Source: Bali.com
Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Singapore Quarantine-Free under the new Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) issued by the Ministry of Health in Singapore. This new regulation will be effective from 26 April 2022 and applicable to travellers from any of the Ministry of Health’s General Travel Category countries/regions.
For entry purposes by CAAS circular and follow the requirements are given below effective from 26-Apr-2022 until further instruction:
Important Information for passengers:
Source: US Bangla Airlines
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DSS) has published a new regulation in which tourists don’t need to carry any proof of documentation of COVID-19 to enter Thailand. Documents such as COVID-19 vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test result, Thailand-Pass registration and USD 10,000 health insurance are no longer required. This new regulation is effective from October 1, 2022, for all foreign visitors arriving in Thailand.
While arriving at the airport, no screening will take place. However, if someone is found sick, please notify the concerned authority and follow the instructions accordingly.
Source: Department of Disease Control, Kingdom of Thailand | As of 1 October 2022
Fully Vaccinated Travellers are no longer required to do a COVID-19 test and carry the negative report before their flights to Canada. This new ruling is effective from 1 April 2022 for all fully vaccinated travellers. Upon arrival in Canada, some travellers will be selected randomly for testing but will not require quarantine until receiving the test result.
However, travellers arriving before 1 April 2022 will need to provide a pre-departure COVID‑19 rapid antigen test result (taken 48 hrs before their flight) or a molecular test (taken 72 hrs before flight). The rapid antigen test must be conducted at a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service. Home self‑tests will not be accepted for travel.
Quarantine is mandatory for unvaccinated travellers with mandatory testing on arrival and on day 8 as well. Unvaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter Canada upon meeting one of the few exemptions.
Children travelling with fully vaccinated travellers will not require quarantine and other restrictions.
Passengers who have previously tested positive for COVID‑19 are required to provide proof of a positive COVID‑19 molecular test conducted between 14 and 180 days prior to departure, instead of a negative COVID‑19 molecular test.
Source: Emirates
Source: NOVOAIR & US-Bangla
Nepal announced that fully vaccinated international travellers can enter the country without pre-departure tests. Passengers have to provide a vaccination certificate showing a full dose of vaccination against COVID-19, completed at least 14 days prior to entering Nepal. A printed copy of the online form (International Traveler Online Arrival Form) to be filled by logging in to ccmc.gov.np.
Passengers without vaccination or incomplete vaccination before arriving in Nepal will need to show Negative COVID-19 test report done within 72 hours of boarding from the airport or if you are entering through the land border, done within 72 hours of entry.
After arriving in Nepal
Passengers with any COVID-19 related symptoms while entering Nepal may undergo health check-up. A mandatory antigen test (at your own expense) at the entry point if any symptoms are found. If tested positive, you are required to go to an isolation centre designated by the Ministry of Health and Population, the Government of Nepal, or to a hospital.
(Note: all the expenses including but not limited to, hotel quarantine, hospital, insurance, isolation, COVID-19 test etc. shall be borne by the traveller him/herself) Unvaccinated travellers are required to give valid reasons for not being vaccinated.
Vaccinated individuals can apply for a visa at the Embassy with a vaccination certificate of full dose completed 14 days before expected entry into Nepal and regular visa-related documents.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sultanate of Oman has published a new regulation in which all precautionary measures and procedures of Covid-19 in the civil aviation sector are lifted. This new regulation is published on 22 May 2022.
In addition, No more requirements of:
01) Health Insurance.
02) Vaccination Certificate
Source: Circular number, 28/2022-COVID-19; CAA Sultanate of Oman
The Ministry of Health of The State of Qatar has published a new regulation for Bangladeshi travellers going to Doha, Qatar, in which travellers must carry a negative COVID-19 certificate within 48 hours of departure. This is also applicable to new working or employment visa holders. However, Qatar ID holders or Old Employment Visa holders don’t need to follow travel requirements. This new regulation is applicable from 4 September 2022. Travellers must download the “Ehteraz” mobile application on their smartphones.
Source: Ministry of Public Health, State of Qatar | As of 4 Sep 2022
Saudi Arabia has launched a new regulation in which valid (tourist/business) US, UK or Schengen visa holders, who have visited these countries at least once can get a visa on arrival upon entering Saudi Arabia. However, residence permits or green card holders are not eligible for this.
Requirements List for valid (tourist/business) US, UK or Schengen visa holders:
* Passport validity 6 months or more from the entry time into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
* Passenger age 18 years or more. For less than 18 years old passengers, the presence of a guardian from the first degree is required (First degree: father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, and grandmother).
* The visa ( UK/ US/ Schengen) has to be used at least once, and a stamp must be on it.
* Visa Type: Tourist / Business
* Approved Airlines while entering Saudi Arabia: Saudia, Flynas and Flyadeal
* Visa must be valid at the time of arrival.
* Covid Insurance: SAR 180 must be purchased at the airport.
* The visa on arrival fees are SAR 300, and the cost of medical insurance to cover COVID-19 treatment is SAR 180, including tax, bringing the total to SAR 480 or USD 128. The payment must be credited by a credit card or an international bank card in Saudi riyals currency.
The time it takes to issue the visa on arrival from 5 to 30 minutes. The tourist visa on arrival’s validity is multiple entrie1s, valid for an entire year, and the permitted period to stay in the Kingdom is 90 days. The tourist visa on arrival can be used during its validity period, provided that it does not exceed the permitted period of stay inside the Kingdom (90 days).
Please note: you can use the tourist visa on arrival to perform Umrah, but not during the Hajj season.
However, if you do not hold a US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can apply through the embassy by bringing these documents:
Tourists without a US, UK, or Schengen visa can apply with the following documents:
* Proof of residence (in the country where the visitor resides).
* Return ticket.
* Proof of employment.
* Financial solvency/bank statement.
* Identification.
* Residence address (confirmed reservation is not required, just the address).
* Flight itinerary.
Requirements:
* Passport validity 6 months or more from the entry time into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
* Passenger age 18 years or more. For less than 18 years old passengers, the presence of a guardian from the first degree is required (First degree: father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, and grandmother).
The time it takes to issue the tourist visa is within 1 to 2 working days. The cost for a tourist visa is SAR 525, and a processing fee of SAR 10 for all applicants. The cost of the COVID-19 insurance will be included in the price of the tourism visa.
The tourist visa validity is multiple entries, valid for an entire year, and the permitted period to stay in the Kingdom is 90 days. The tourist visa can be used at any time during its validity period, provided that it does not exceed the permitted period of stay inside the Kingdom (90 days). You can use the tourist visa to perform Umrah but not during the Hajj season.
Current requirements as a tourist visa holder:
* Entry into the Kingdom is allowed regardless of immunization status.
* Travelers must hold a valid passport.
* A medical insurance is covering infection with the Coronavirus for everyone who enters the Kingdom (a Tourist visa already covers it).
* If you are going to drive, you must hold a valid international driving license, and the car must have insurance.
* Registration of arrival and registration of vaccine details is not required to enter the Kingdom, and fully vaccinated individuals can register their vaccine details through the Muqeem portal within 72 hours of departure https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home
* After registering in Muqeem, the status on Tawakkalna will be “Immune”.
* If you are not vaccinated, the status will be “Insured visitor” and you can perform any activity without any issue, exactly as you were vaccinated.
Source: CAA, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
PCR test result is not mandatory for any passenger(vaccinated or unvaccinated) during arrival and departure. All passengers are required to complete the Traveler Health Declaration form (IMUGA) within 48 hours of the flight time.
Travel-related quarantine is not required by any traveller. However, except for the arriving tourists and Maldivians (residing in the Maldives) to the Maldives, other travellers are advised to do a PCR test between the 3rd and 5th day of arrival.
Passengers must have confirmed return or onward tickets together with necessary visas, genuine pre-paid hotel booking and a valid passport with a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ).
Source: US-Bangla Airlines
Visa : Maldivian Visa can be made available upon arrival at Maldives’ Airport and at land entry points. You only need to show the return air ticket, itinerary & passport at the arrival desk for the visa. Tourists are required to fill up disembarkation and embarkation cards upon their arrival and departure.
Maldives visa on arrival is available on arrival for Bangladeshi citizens. The stay is usually short with a period of 1 month and the visa expires in 30 days. No visa fee is required for up to 30 days for Bangladeshi Citizens.
Travel to Spain
A new regulation has been issued by the Spanish Ministry of Health, dealing with the health measures to be implemented and concerning the travellers arriving in Spain. In this regard, it is mandatory for prospective travellers to know about the following:
PLEASE BE GUIDED ACCORDINGLY & ALWAYS STAY SAFE.
“We at BLS International have always valued and ensured the privacy of all our stakeholders and with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force effectively from 25 May 2018, BLS INTERNATIONAL has updated its Privacy Policy making the company duly complied with all the applicable provisions of European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) along with amendments, if any.
This new regulation is designed to unify the current data protection privacy laws throughout the EU, and to enhance the rights of European residents to protect their personal information. Our privacy policy entails the details regarding processing of personal data along with lawful grounds of -collecting, retaining and protecting it.
Japan has announced a new regulation for passengers travelling to Japan in which passengers with 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses don’t need a negative test result before travelling. This new regulation applies to every passenger effective from 7 September 2022.
Certified Vaccines are as follows:
* Pfizer
* Moderna
* AstraZeneca
* Janssen
* Bharat Biotech &
* Novavax
Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html | As of Sep 7 2022
Travel Update China
The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has made new regulations in which passengers travelling to China must take a nucleic acid test before travelling to China. They also updated the visa application requirements for foreigners. At present, the following categories of people are allowed to apply for a visa in China. These are as follows:
* Foreigners & their family members engaged in diplomatic activities.
* Foreigner & their families intend to work in china (Z visa), for commercial activities(M visa), or for exchanges and visits (F Visa).
* Foreigners who intend to visit family members in China (Q1 Visa, Q2 visa, S1 visa, S2 visa)
* Foreigners, high-level talents or skilful people urgently needed in China (R visa).
* Foreigners visit China for urgent humanitarian reasons.
* Other personnel approved to go to China by relevant Chinese Authorities.
Testing Requirements and Health Code
All passengers (including Chinese and foreigners) need to take two nucleic acid tests within 48 hours and 24 hours before boarding the aircraft in designated test institutions. After that, you are required to complete the procedures to apply for the Health code. These are as follows:
* After 2nd PCR test negative results, the passengers should apply for a health code.
* Login to the Health Code Portal.
* Following the steps to register, submit personal information, and upload two negative nucleic acid test reports. Other documents such as passport data page, proof of vaccination, valid Chinese visa or resident permit, etc. must be submitted accurately.
* The passenger from a third country needs to upload the entry stamp page by the Bangladesh Immigration Service.
* A screenshot of the email confirming the recovery of the COVID-19 confirmed by the embassy (only for those with a history of previous infection)
* Applicants should submit the health code application more than 6 hours before the flight departure time.
Important requirements for Passengers who were infected before
Persons with a history of the previous infection must recover for more than 14 days before applying for a health code and returning to China. The recovery confirmation process is as follows:
The traveller submits two negative nucleic acid test reports issued by the local testing agency to the embassy by email as proof of recovery (sampling time should be at least 24 hours apart, and the email address is [email protected] ), and the subject of the email is “Name +Passport No.+Phone No.+ Proof of recovery”. After the embassy has passed the review, it will reply to the email to confirm that the patient has recovered.
Source: http://bd.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/ | As of Jul 26, 2022
South Korea is opening its borders to vaccinated third-country nationals including Bangladesh. Tourists from Bangladesh can now apply for Korean Visa from the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka. Once your E-visa is approved, you can print the E-visa.
General Visa Requirements:
* Filled Visa Application Form
* Passport Sized 1 Color Photo of Applicant (Taken Within Last 6 Months)
* Passport with Minimum Validity of 6 Months.
* Photocopy of Valid Passport
* Valid Air-ticket Booking Slip
* Cover or Forwarding Letter of Applicant
Source: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/bd-en/wpge/m_2127/contents.do
The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) has introduced a new regulation allowing tourists from Bangladesh to visit Bhutan. This new regulation is applicable from 23 September 2022. Tourists from Bangladesh can now get a visa on arrival before entering Bhutan. You will be required to show your visa clearance letter at your point of entry. Upon furnishing the visa clearance letter, an appropriate visa will then be stamped on your passport.
According to this regulation, a standard sustainable development fee (SDF) will be charged to international tourists, which will be USD 65 per night. However, citizens of Bangladesh, India and the Maldives will be charged a concessional SDF of Nu. 1,200 (approximately USD 16) per night.
Requirements
* A valid passport (validity six months or more)
* Obtain an e-permit before visiting Bhutan
Source: CNN
Travel Update the Philippines
The Philippine Government has issued precautionary measures, mandatory protocols and requirements for international passengers arriving in the Philippines. Fully vaccinated travellers must follow the arrival procedures and complete requirements issued by PAD and the Philippines Government. However, Partially vaccinated or Unvaccinated passengers are required to complete a facility-based quarantine at the time of entering the Philippines.
Important Checklists:
* Incoming passengers must register to “ One Health Pass Portal” within 48 hours before the flight. Follow “ One Health Pass Registration Tutorial” for step by step guide.
* Unvaccinated children below 12 years need to follow parents’ quarantine protocols.
* Travel insurance is not required but highly encouraged.
* Pre-departure COVID-19 negative result (RT-PCR and/or Antigen) is mandatory.
Fully vaccinated travellers must possess and present any of the following proofs of vaccination:
* World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
* VaxCertPH
* National or state manual/digital vaccination certificate of the country/foreign government; or
* Other proofs of vaccination permitted by the IATF
List of COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized by the FDA-Philippines
* Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
* ChAdOx1-S[recombinant] VAXZEVRIA (COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca)
* SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated [Coronavac]
* Sputnik V Gam-COVID-Vac/Sputnik Light COVID-19 Vaccine
* Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Ad26.COV2-S (recombinant))
* Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine [Covaxin]
* COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified) [COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna]
* COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated [COVID-19 Vaccine Sinopharm]
* SARS-CoV-2 rS Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine [Covovax]
Source: Philippine Airlines