China was once the epicentre of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> but went back to the old normal soon as the world struggled to control the spread of the pandemic. However, things seem to be getting worse in Asian country once again.

On Wednesday, China reported its highest daily number of Covid infections in the past few months. This came as mass testing and contact tracing campaigns revealed a trail of Delta variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infection-impacts-intelligence-levels-in-recovered-patients-study-402793" hreflang="en">Coronavirus infection impacts intelligence levels in recovered patients: Study</a>

China reported 71 domestic cases on Wednesday, which is the highest since January and is being labelled as one of the worst outbreaks of coronavirus in the country.

This new number was found as the local government started mass contact tracing and testing programmes around the country and put millions of people under strict lockdown.

Locals were seen waiting in long queues outside testing centres in China, even in the areas battling severe humid and hot temperatures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-delta-variant-breaches-chinas-virus-defences-402692">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-delta-variant-breaches-chinas-virus-defences-402692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China had once allowed its residents to return back to pre-Covid normal. However, the country is now imposing strict lockdown rules to control the spread of the ‘variant of concern’. The government has decided to tighten travel privileges as hundreds of Delta variant cases were linked to airport employees.

On Wednesday, China temporarily&nbsp;suspended issuing entry and exit documents for all non-essential and non-emergency travellers. Also, the local governments have advised citizens to not leave their regions unless there is an emergency.

In addition to this, Nanjing and Yangzhou have suspended all domestic flights and the capital city Beijing has suspended 13 rail lines and stopped all inbound long-distance ticket sales from 23 stations. Meanwhile, all residents of Zhengzhou need to show a negative Covid test to leave the city.

China was once the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus but went back to the old normal soon as the world struggled to control the spread of the pandemic. However, things seem to be getting worse in Asian country once again.

China was once the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus but went back to the old normal soon as the world struggled to control the spread of the pandemic. However, things seem to be getting worse in Asian country once again. On Wednesday, China reported its highest daily number of Covid infections in the past few months. This came as mass testing and contact tracing campaigns revealed a trail of Delta variant. Also read | Coronavirus infection impacts intelligence levels in recovered patients: Study China reported 71 domestic cases on Wednesday, which is the highest since January and is being labelled as one of the worst outbreaks of coronavirus in the country. This new number was found as the local government started mass contact tracing and testing programmes around the country and put millions of people under strict lockdown. Locals were seen waiting in long queues outside testing centres in China, even in the areas battling severe humid and hot temperatures. WATCH | China had once allowed its residents to return back to pre-Covid normal. However, the country is now imposing strict lockdown rules to control the spread of the ‘variant of concern’. The government has decided to tighten travel privileges as hundreds of Delta variant cases were linked to airport employees. On Wednesday, China temporarily suspended issuing entry and exit documents for all non-essential and non-emergency travellers. Also, the local governments have advised citizens to not leave their regions unless there is an emergency. In addition to this, Nanjing and Yangzhou have suspended all domestic flights and the capital city Beijing has suspended 13 rail lines and stopped all inbound long-distance ticket sales from 23 stations. Meanwhile, all residents of Zhengzhou need to show a negative Covid test to leave the city.

China imposes strict international travel restrictions after highest daily Covid infections

The UK has been following strict travel restrictions due to the recent surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, especially from the Delta variant. However, the country might be looking to reopen its international borders completely very soon.

As the UK’s travel industry suffered a loss, the country’s Finance Minister, Rishi Sunak, has written to the Prime Minister that the current border rules are doing massive damage to the country’s economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-wife-carrie-expecting-second-child-after-miscarriage-402210">UK PM Boris Johnson, wife Carrie expecting second child after miscarriage</a>

Sunak has reportedly called UK’s entry and exit rules to be "out of step with our international competitors", and has stressed that these rules have particularly negatively impacted the hospitality and travel sectors.

These reports have hit the media a week before the two ministers are scheduled to meet to discuss travel restrictions and rules for August.

The UK has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases, related to the Delta variant, in recent weeks, due to which the government has placed strict travel regulations, especially for travellers coming from the Delta variant-dominant areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-media-channel-banned-from-youtube-for-covid-misinformation-402200" hreflang="en">Western media channel banned from YouTube for Covid misinformation</a>

Sunak’s request has also come ahead of the holiday season. He has, reportedly, stated that the country’s success of the vaccine programme should be directly proportional to the weakening of travel restrictions.

In the past few weeks, international governments have criticised Boris Johnson-led government’s decision to restrict travel. UK had claimed that the travel restriction of France locals in the UK was due to the "prevalence of the so-called Beta variant, in particular in the Reunion bit of&nbsp;France". A French minister, however, described these measures to be "excessive" and "discriminatory".

The UK has been following strict travel restrictions due to the recent surge in coronavirus cases, especially from the Delta variant. However, the country might be looking to reopen its international borders completely very soon.

The UK has been following strict travel restrictions due to the recent surge in coronavirus cases, especially from the Delta variant. However, the country might be looking to reopen its international borders completely very soon. As the UK’s travel industry suffered a loss, the country’s Finance Minister, Rishi Sunak, has written to the Prime Minister that the current border rules are doing massive damage to the country’s economy. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson, wife Carrie expecting second child after miscarriage Sunak has reportedly called UK’s entry and exit rules to be "out of step with our international competitors", and has stressed that these rules have particularly negatively impacted the hospitality and travel sectors. These reports have hit the media a week before the two ministers are scheduled to meet to discuss travel restrictions and rules for August. The UK has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases, related to the Delta variant, in recent weeks, due to which the government has placed strict travel regulations, especially for travellers coming from the Delta variant-dominant areas. Also read | Western media channel banned from YouTube for Covid misinformation Sunak’s request has also come ahead of the holiday season. He has, reportedly, stated that the country’s success of the vaccine programme should be directly proportional to the weakening of travel restrictions. In the past few weeks, international governments have criticised Boris Johnson-led government’s decision to restrict travel. UK had claimed that the travel restriction of France locals in the UK was due to the "prevalence of the so-called Beta variant, in particular in the Reunion bit of France". A French minister, however, described these measures to be "excessive" and "discriminatory".

UK's Rishi Sunak urges Boris Johnson to relax Covid travel restrictions

Saudi Arabia warned on Tuesday that citizens visiting destinations on its list of countries blacklisted due to Covid-19 will face three-year travel bans following their return.

Those found to have travelled to restricted countries would face "hefty penalties... as well as being prevented from travelling abroad for a period of three years", the interior ministry said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the spread of new variants, the ministry warns against travelling to countries on its (restricted) list, whether directly or indirectly via other countries."

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-two-doses-of-vaccine-compulsory-for-international-travel-and-much-more-399076" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-two-doses-of-vaccine-compulsory-for-international-travel-and-much-more-399076&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDj5f7wYPyAhXYxDgGHRsQDxMQFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1bNUobVKzC19CYdYYdxrm4" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-two-doses-of-vaccine-compulsory-for-international-travel-and-much-more-399076" target="_blank">Saudi: Two doses of vaccine compulsory for international travel</a>

According to the kingdom's state airline Saudia, citizens are barred from travelling to 16 countries, including the neighbouring United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

In its latest update to travel restrictions earlier this month, Riyadh said it had suspended flights to the UAE, Ethiopia and Vietnam to protect against a coronavirus variant.&nbsp;

The move comes after the oil-rich kingdom permitted fully immunised citizens to travel abroad, after a ban on foreign trips that lasted more than a year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/for-the-first-time-saudi-women-stand-guard-in-mecca-during-haj-399747">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/for-the-first-time-saudi-women-stand-guard-in-mecca-during-haj-399747/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UAE, and especially the emirate of Dubai, is a key leisure destination for Saudis.

The decision was taken due to "the spread of a new mutated strain of the (Covid-19) virus", the interior ministry said at the time, without explicitly mentioning the increasingly widespread Delta variant.

The variant, first detected in India and now present in dozens of countries around the world, is the most contagious of any Covid-19 strain yet identified.

The UAE announced in June it had recorded cases of the Delta variant.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia meanwhile put major limits on the annual hajj pilgrimage in an effort to combat infections.&nbsp;

It has officially recorded more than 520,000 cases of coronavirus, including 8,189 deaths.

Saudi Arabia warned on Tuesday that citizens visiting destinations on its list of countries blacklisted due to Covid-19 will face three-year travel bans following their return.

Saudi Arabia warned on Tuesday that citizens visiting destinations on its list of countries blacklisted due to Covid-19 will face three-year travel bans following their return. Those found to have travelled to restricted countries would face "hefty penalties... as well as being prevented from travelling abroad for a period of three years", the interior ministry said on Twitter. "Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the spread of new variants, the ministry warns against travelling to countries on its (restricted) list, whether directly or indirectly via other countries." Also read | Saudi: Two doses of vaccine compulsory for international travel According to the kingdom's state airline Saudia, citizens are barred from travelling to 16 countries, including the neighbouring United Arab Emirates. In its latest update to travel restrictions earlier this month, Riyadh said it had suspended flights to the UAE, Ethiopia and Vietnam to protect against a coronavirus variant. The move comes after the oil-rich kingdom permitted fully immunised citizens to travel abroad, after a ban on foreign trips that lasted more than a year. WATCH | The UAE, and especially the emirate of Dubai, is a key leisure destination for Saudis. The decision was taken due to "the spread of a new mutated strain of the (Covid-19) virus", the interior ministry said at the time, without explicitly mentioning the increasingly widespread Delta variant. The variant, first detected in India and now present in dozens of countries around the world, is the most contagious of any Covid-19 strain yet identified. The UAE announced in June it had recorded cases of the Delta variant. Saudi Arabia meanwhile put major limits on the annual hajj pilgrimage in an effort to combat infections. It has officially recorded more than 520,000 cases of coronavirus, including 8,189 deaths.

Saudis breaking Covid travel rules face 3-year exit ban

Due to worries about the rising infection rate caused by the delta variant, the United States issued a notification on Monday that it will keep existing COVID-19 limitations on international travel in place for the time being.

It was the latest indication that the White House is having to rethink its approach to the coronavirus pandemic as the more contagious version spreads across the country.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | World Business Watch: American and Southwest airlines lifted by travel rebound

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-american-and-southwest-airlines-lifted-by-travel-rebound-399969/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the restrictions would continue for now.

"Driven by the delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated, and appears likely to continue in the weeks ahead," she said.

The rising cases also are causing the administration to take a closer look at policies on wearing masks.

The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first major federal agency to require COVID-19 vaccines for its healthcare workers on Monday.

Over the weekend, US health officials said they're considering modifying the federal government's mask-wearing requirements.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Due to worries about the rising infection rate caused by the delta variant, the United States issued a notification on Monday that it will keep existing COVID-19 limitations on international travel in place for the time being.

Due to worries about the rising infection rate caused by the delta variant, the United States issued a notification on Monday that it will keep existing COVID-19 limitations on international travel in place for the time being. It was the latest indication that the White House is having to rethink its approach to the coronavirus pandemic as the more contagious version spreads across the country. Watch | World Business Watch: American and Southwest airlines lifted by travel rebound White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the restrictions would continue for now. "Driven by the delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated, and appears likely to continue in the weeks ahead," she said. The rising cases also are causing the administration to take a closer look at policies on wearing masks. The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first major federal agency to require COVID-19 vaccines for its healthcare workers on Monday. Over the weekend, US health officials said they're considering modifying the federal government's mask-wearing requirements. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: US to keep travel restrictions in place due to concerns about Delta variant

London's Heathrow Airport and Britain's main airlines urged the UK to open up travel to vaccinated passengers or face more job losses, as hopes rose that travellers from the United States could be given the green light this week.

Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye said Britain could exempt fully vaccinated US citizens from quarantine in the coming days, in what would be a huge boost to the country's aviation industry which continues to be plagued by uncertainty.

Strict rules which the government has previously altered with little notice has meant that Britain's travel sector remains in the doldrums while Europe's has partially recovered.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-to-lift-international-travel-restrictions-soon-due-to-delta-variant-official-400836" hreflang="en">US not to lift international travel restrictions soon due to Delta variant: Official</a>

Airlines UK, the industry body representing British Airways,&nbsp;Virgin Atlantic, easyJet,&nbsp;and others, warned more aviation jobs would go if the government did not make changes at its next travel review expected later this week.

It wants quarantine to be scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers from the United States and the European Union, with more countries added to Britain's green list for low risk travel.

Holland-Kaye noted the EU had opened up unilaterally with the United States, adding: "There's no reason why the UK shouldn't do the same. I think that could happen this week."

Heathrow, which before the pandemic was Europe's busiest airport, said Britain's travel restrictions were suppressing trade volumes and traveller demand, pushing its cumulative pandemic losses to $4 billion.

Passenger levels at Heathrow were about 20-25 per cent&nbsp;of their pre-pandemic levels, while European airports are already back to about 50 per cent, said Holland-Kaye.

"Without the passenger planes going to global markets like the US, UK exports aren't getting out of the country, and the UK will fall behind and that will cost jobs, unless we open up," he told Reuters on Monday.

For the whole of 2021, Heathrow forecast 21.5 million passengers would travel through its terminals, a big jump from 4 million in the first six months of the year as travel returns, but a long way off the 81 million who used its facilities in 2019.

Holland-Kaye said he was encouraged by a recent pickup as school holidays started. Separately Ryanair&nbsp;

said it was seeing strong summer bookings.

Heathrow said worries over potential new UK restrictions or other countries barring UK travellers, had pushed it to seek a waiver of its Heathrow Finance ICR covenant for 2021 to cover it in case passenger numbers significantly miss its 21 million forecast.

For the six months to June 30, Heathrow posted an adjusted pretax loss of 787 million pounds, compared with a 471 million loss for the same period last year.

London's Heathrow Airport and Britain's main airlines urged the UK to open up travel to vaccinated passengers or face more job losses, as hopes rose that travellers from the United States could be given the green light this week.

London's Heathrow Airport and Britain's main airlines urged the UK to open up travel to vaccinated passengers or face more job losses, as hopes rose that travellers from the United States could be given the green light this week. Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye said Britain could exempt fully vaccinated US citizens from quarantine in the coming days, in what would be a huge boost to the country's aviation industry which continues to be plagued by uncertainty. Strict rules which the government has previously altered with little notice has meant that Britain's travel sector remains in the doldrums while Europe's has partially recovered. Also read | US not to lift international travel restrictions soon due to Delta variant: Official Airlines UK, the industry body representing British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, and others, warned more aviation jobs would go if the government did not make changes at its next travel review expected later this week. It wants quarantine to be scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers from the United States and the European Union, with more countries added to Britain's green list for low risk travel. Holland-Kaye noted the EU had opened up unilaterally with the United States, adding: "There's no reason why the UK shouldn't do the same. I think that could happen this week." Heathrow, which before the pandemic was Europe's busiest airport, said Britain's travel restrictions were suppressing trade volumes and traveller demand, pushing its cumulative pandemic losses to $4 billion. Passenger levels at Heathrow were about 20-25 per cent of their pre-pandemic levels, while European airports are already back to about 50 per cent, said Holland-Kaye. "Without the passenger planes going to global markets like the US, UK exports aren't getting out of the country, and the UK will fall behind and that will cost jobs, unless we open up," he told Reuters on Monday. For the whole of 2021, Heathrow forecast 21.5 million passengers would travel through its terminals, a big jump from 4 million in the first six months of the year as travel returns, but a long way off the 81 million who used its facilities in 2019. Holland-Kaye said he was encouraged by a recent pickup as school holidays started. Separately Ryanair said it was seeing strong summer bookings. Heathrow said worries over potential new UK restrictions or other countries barring UK travellers, had pushed it to seek a waiver of its Heathrow Finance ICR covenant for 2021 to cover it in case passenger numbers significantly miss its 21 million forecast. For the six months to June 30, Heathrow posted an adjusted pretax loss of 787 million pounds, compared with a 471 million loss for the same period last year.

Heathrow, airlines tell UK to open up travel as hopes rise for US visitors

Contrary to assumptions, rumours and expectations, the US will not be lifting the existing travel restrictions for now, due to the fear of the possible widespread of the Deadly Delta variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

"Given&nbsp;where we are today with the Delta variant,&nbsp;the United States will maintain existing&nbsp;travel restrictions at this point," a White House official was quoted by news agency Reuters. "Driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated&nbsp;and&nbsp;appear likely&nbsp;continue to increase in the weeks ahead."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-resilient-singapore-aims-to-start-quarantine-free-travel-400803">'Covid-resilient' Singapore aims to start quarantine-free travel</a>

Currently, the US has restricted entry of any visitor and most non-US citizens who, in the last 14 days, have travelled to the UK, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, brazil and 26 Schengen countries without border controls.

In addition to this, all land borders with Mexico and Canada will also remain closed to non-essential travellers till at least August 21, even though Canada is planning to allow fully vaccinated Americans to enter the country from August 09.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-and-pfizer-mixed-shots-boost-antibody-levels-study-400778">AstraZeneca and Pfizer mixed shots boost antibody levels: Study</a>

A few days ago White House spokesperson, Jen Psaki, had said that allowing free international travel is "something we would all like to see — not just for tourism, but for families to be reunited".

The announcement has come at a time when several states are reporting an alarming increase in Covid infections, especially of the Delta variant.

Several experts and government officials have also urged locals to get fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. US President Joe Biden has reached out to anti-vaxxers on several occasions and has requested them to drop their hesitancy and get vaccinated to put an end to the pandemic.

Contrary to assumptions, rumours and expectations, the US will not be lifting the existing travel restrictions for now, due to the fear of the possible widespread of the Deadly Delta variant of coronavirus.

Contrary to assumptions, rumours and expectations, the US will not be lifting the existing travel restrictions for now, due to the fear of the possible widespread of the Deadly Delta variant of coronavirus. "Given where we are today with the Delta variant, the United States will maintain existing travel restrictions at this point," a White House official was quoted by news agency Reuters. "Driven by the Delta variant, cases are rising here at home, particularly among those who are unvaccinated and appear likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead." Also read | 'Covid-resilient' Singapore aims to start quarantine-free travel Currently, the US has restricted entry of any visitor and most non-US citizens who, in the last 14 days, have travelled to the UK, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, brazil and 26 Schengen countries without border controls. In addition to this, all land borders with Mexico and Canada will also remain closed to non-essential travellers till at least August 21, even though Canada is planning to allow fully vaccinated Americans to enter the country from August 09. Also read | AstraZeneca and Pfizer mixed shots boost antibody levels: Study A few days ago White House spokesperson, Jen Psaki, had said that allowing free international travel is "something we would all like to see — not just for tourism, but for families to be reunited". The announcement has come at a time when several states are reporting an alarming increase in Covid infections, especially of the Delta variant. Several experts and government officials have also urged locals to get fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. US President Joe Biden has reached out to anti-vaxxers on several occasions and has requested them to drop their hesitancy and get vaccinated to put an end to the pandemic.

US not to lift international travel restrictions soon due to Delta variant: Official

Canada is all set to lift non-essential travel restrictions for fully vaccinated US citizens from August 9. The country will then reopen its borders to all vaccinated foreign travelers from September 7.

Canada to open border to fully vaccinated Americans from August 9

Nearly five million Britishers received a shot of the AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>. However, nobody told them that they would end up facing travel restrictions due to this.

Several British holidaymakers are telling people that they cannot board a flight if they have been inoculated with the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. This decision has been taken as the vaccine has not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and therefore is not accepted by the EU vaccine passport scheme.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-press-pfizer-for-more-evidence-of-need-for-booster-shot-397936" hreflang="en">US officials press Pfizer for more evidence of need for booster shot</a>

When several Britishers took the vaccine shot, there were not aware that AstraZeneca candidates will not be allowed to travel overseas. Some locals have had to return back from the airport due to this inconvenience.

The shocking news has come a few days after a spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said, "All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS Covid Pass as Vaxzevria. The European Medicines Agency has authorised this vaccine and we’re confident travel will not be affected."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-johnson-johnson-vaccine-can-cause-rare-neurological-complication-warns-us-fda-397718" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine can cause rare neurological complication, warns US FDA</a>

This has also raised fears about the usage of the Covid passport for domestic travel and entries into entertainment venues such as clubs and pubs. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has assured locals that there was "no reason at all" why the vaccines approved in the UK would not be approved in Europe.

"I'm very confident that that will not prove to be a problem," he had said.

Locals are now worried and experts believe this could further lead to vaccine hesitancy in people.

Nearly five million Britishers received a shot of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. However, nobody told them that they would end up facing travel restrictions due to this.

Nearly five million Britishers received a shot of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. However, nobody told them that they would end up facing travel restrictions due to this. Several British holidaymakers are telling people that they cannot board a flight if they have been inoculated with the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. This decision has been taken as the vaccine has not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and therefore is not accepted by the EU vaccine passport scheme. Also read | US officials press Pfizer for more evidence of need for booster shot When several Britishers took the vaccine shot, there were not aware that AstraZeneca candidates will not be allowed to travel overseas. Some locals have had to return back from the airport due to this inconvenience. The shocking news has come a few days after a spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said, "All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS Covid Pass as Vaxzevria. The European Medicines Agency has authorised this vaccine and we’re confident travel will not be affected." Also read | COVID-19: Johnson & Johnson vaccine can cause rare neurological complication, warns US FDA This has also raised fears about the usage of the Covid passport for domestic travel and entries into entertainment venues such as clubs and pubs. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has assured locals that there was "no reason at all" why the vaccines approved in the UK would not be approved in Europe. "I'm very confident that that will not prove to be a problem," he had said. Locals are now worried and experts believe this could further lead to vaccine hesitancy in people.

UK travellers who took AstraZeneca Covid vaccine barred from travelling: Reports

In a bid to further ease its travel curbs, Germany lifted a ban on travellers from India, the UK, and three other countries, where the delta variant of coronavirus has been found in the samples of COVID-19 patients.

Germany eases travel curbs, lifts ban on travellers from India and UK

France is re-introducing tighter rules on arrivals from UK who are not French residents to curb the spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>, notably its Indian variant, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Britons and other non-EU arrivals will again have to prove that they have a "compelling reason" to enter France, it said.

The ministry did not define "compelling", but the government has previously said that family, health or professional reasons could be acceptable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-quarters-of-new-covid-infections-in-uk-due-to-b16172-variant-of-concern-health-minister-387920" hreflang="en">Three quarters of new Covid infections in UK due to B.1.617.2 'variant of concern': Health minister</a>

France had relaxed that requirement in March for the United Kingdom, as well as a number of other non-members of the EU, which Britain left last year.

But again from Monday "compelling reasons will be required for non-EU foreigners who are not residents in France and who come to France from the United Kingdom", the ministry said in a statement.

It said in addition those visitors would have to self-isolate for seven days on arrival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-vaccinate-children-over-12-from-june-7-387996" hreflang="en">Germany to vaccinate children over 12 from June 7</a>

The ministry added, however, that, for now, there would be "no systematic checks" to ensure compliance with the requirement, "given the low incidence of Covid in Britain".

Visitors from Britain will still need a PCR or antigen test less than 48 hours old to be allowed into the country.

The French move comes after Germany said that travellers arriving there from the UK have to submit to a quarantine period of two weeks, regardless of whether they can provide a negative test result for the virus.

A French quarantine order is already in place for arrivals from Brazil, India, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Colombia, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Bahrain, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Police are authorised to carry out random spot checks to ensure that quarantine rules are respected, with non-compliance punished with fines of up to 1,500 euros ($1,800).

The coronavirus variant first detected in India has now been officially recorded in 53 territories, a World Health Organization report showed Wednesday.

France is re-introducing tighter rules on arrivals from UK who are not French residents to curb the spread of Covid, notably its Indian variant, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

France is re-introducing tighter rules on arrivals from UK who are not French residents to curb the spread of Covid, notably its Indian variant, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. Britons and other non-EU arrivals will again have to prove that they have a "compelling reason" to enter France, it said. The ministry did not define "compelling", but the government has previously said that family, health or professional reasons could be acceptable. Also read | Three quarters of new Covid infections in UK due to B.1.617.2 'variant of concern': Health minister France had relaxed that requirement in March for the United Kingdom, as well as a number of other non-members of the EU, which Britain left last year. But again from Monday "compelling reasons will be required for non-EU foreigners who are not residents in France and who come to France from the United Kingdom", the ministry said in a statement. It said in addition those visitors would have to self-isolate for seven days on arrival. Also read | Germany to vaccinate children over 12 from June 7 The ministry added, however, that, for now, there would be "no systematic checks" to ensure compliance with the requirement, "given the low incidence of Covid in Britain". Visitors from Britain will still need a PCR or antigen test less than 48 hours old to be allowed into the country. The French move comes after Germany said that travellers arriving there from the UK have to submit to a quarantine period of two weeks, regardless of whether they can provide a negative test result for the virus. A French quarantine order is already in place for arrivals from Brazil, India, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Colombia, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Bahrain, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Police are authorised to carry out random spot checks to ensure that quarantine rules are respected, with non-compliance punished with fines of up to 1,500 euros ($1,800). The coronavirus variant first detected in India has now been officially recorded in 53 territories, a World Health Organization report showed Wednesday.

France reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK

EU&nbsp;leaders on Tuesday welcomed the introduction of a bloc-wide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> pass that they hope will&nbsp;unlock&nbsp;a tourist surge this summer.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The 27 member states want the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Digital&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;Certificate, to be launched July 1, to turn the page on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> restrictions that have crimped Europeans' cherished freedom of movement.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-passport-the-european-covid-certificate-a-users-guide-386729">Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide</a></o:p>

Coupled with a separate plan to let in fully vaccinated travellers from countries outside the&nbsp;EU, to be defined by the middle of June, Europe believes its vital tourist industry could claw back some of the losses racked up since the start of the pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told a media conference after the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;that more than 300 million&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> doses will have been delivered by the end of this week, rising to 400 million next month.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-lines-up-covid-travel-pass-eiffel-tower-to-reopen-386873">EU lines up Covid travel pass, Eiffel Tower to reopen</a></o:p>

"If we continue like this, we have confidence that we will be able to safely reopen our societies," she said, adding the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;was on track to meet its goal of fully inoculating 70 per cent of adults by late July.<o:p></o:p>

"Progressively, we should return to the ability to move freely throughout the European Union," European Council President Charles Michel said.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coming-soon-the-vaccine-passport-362262">Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’</a></o:p>

EU&nbsp;countries and the European Parliament struck an agreement last week on the legislation to come into force in mid-June for the&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;certificate. Von der Leyen said all the technological infrastructure would be ready by June 1.<o:p></o:p>

The leaders of Greece, Spain and Croatia, whose economies strongly rely on tourist spending, were particularly effusive about the common document.&nbsp;

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-mulls-vaccination-passports-to-bring-back-tourists-366038">European Union mulls 'vaccination passports' to bring back tourists</a></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

They all had wipe-out summer seasons last year, but are already starting to welcome back foreign travellers, ignoring Brussels' plea to coordinate at an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;level.<o:p></o:p>

QR code verification<o:p></o:p>

Luxembourg's prime minister, Xavier Bettel, pointed out that a scannable QR code on the certificates will stymie the "hugely copied" PDF files of test results or vaccinations that some people were using to cross borders.<o:p></o:p>

The&nbsp;EU's&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;will show the bearer's vaccination status, or whether they have immunity from a&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;infection they have recovered from or the result of a&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-plans-to-open-up-countries-to-more-foreign-tourists-this-summer-382579">EU plans to open up countries to more foreign tourists this summer</a></o:p>

Conscious that the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has procured up to 4.4 billion vaccine doses over the next two years, far more than it needs for its population of 450 million, leaders have rallied to a pledge made at a&nbsp;G20&nbsp;summit&nbsp;in Rome last Friday to share 100 million doses to countries in need by the end of this year.<o:p></o:p>

Denmark and Sweden each promised three million doses from their stocks at the&nbsp;summit. Germany, Italy and France had already pledged higher amounts.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-let-vaccinated-us-tourists-visit-this-summer-380444">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a></o:p>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she also pushed leaders to agree to a mechanism to "react quickly and cohesively" if worrying new coronavirus variants popped up.<o:p></o:p>

The Brussels gathering of&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders on Tuesday also looked at ways to share out the burden on battling climate change, to meet the target of cutting emissions by 55 per cent over the rest of this decade.<o:p></o:p>

Von der Leyen's commission has been tasked with mapping out the next steps, including potentially unpopular ones such as slapping carbon taxes on cars and buildings.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-faces-new-sanctions-from-west-over-forced-landing-of-plane-arrest-of-journalist-387190">Belarus faces new sanctions from West over forced landing of plane, arrest of journalist</a>&nbsp;</o:p>

The first day of the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;on Monday was overshadowed by Belarus, which sits just outside the&nbsp;EU's eastern borders, forcing down a Ryanair passenger plane the day before to arrest an opposition journalist and his companion who were on board.

<o:p>Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-leaders-call-for-sanctions-against-belarus-over-ryanair-plane-hijacking-arrest-of-journalist-387120">EU leaders call for sanctions against Belarus over Ryanair plane 'hijacking', arrest of journalist</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-leaders-call-for-sanctions-against-belarus-over-ryanair-plane-hijacking-arrest-of-journalist-387120/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

EU&nbsp;leaders unanimously blasted the action and moved to cut Belarus out of European airspace as part of a package of sanctions that will be developed further.&nbsp;

EU leaders on Tuesday welcomed the introduction of a bloc-wide COVID-19 pass that they hope will unlock a tourist surge this summer. The 27 member states want the EU Digital Covid Certificate, to be launched July 1, to turn the page on coronavirus restrictions that have crimped Europeans' cherished freedom of movement.

EU leaders on Tuesday welcomed the introduction of a bloc-wide COVID-19 pass that they hope will unlock a tourist surge this summer. The 27 member states want the EU Digital Covid Certificate, to be launched July 1, to turn the page on coronavirus restrictions that have crimped Europeans' cherished freedom of movement. Also Read | Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide Coupled with a separate plan to let in fully vaccinated travellers from countries outside the EU, to be defined by the middle of June, Europe believes its vital tourist industry could claw back some of the losses racked up since the start of the pandemic. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told a media conference after the summit that more than 300 million COVID-19 vaccine doses will have been delivered by the end of this week, rising to 400 million next month. Also Read | EU lines up Covid travel pass, Eiffel Tower to reopen "If we continue like this, we have confidence that we will be able to safely reopen our societies," she said, adding the EU was on track to meet its goal of fully inoculating 70 per cent of adults by late July. "Progressively, we should return to the ability to move freely throughout the European Union," European Council President Charles Michel said. Also Read | Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’ EU countries and the European Parliament struck an agreement last week on the legislation to come into force in mid-June for the Covid certificate. Von der Leyen said all the technological infrastructure would be ready by June 1. The leaders of Greece, Spain and Croatia, whose economies strongly rely on tourist spending, were particularly effusive about the common document. Also Read | European Union mulls 'vaccination passports' to bring back tourists They all had wipe-out summer seasons last year, but are already starting to welcome back foreign travellers, ignoring Brussels' plea to coordinate at an EU level. QR code verification Luxembourg's prime minister, Xavier Bettel, pointed out that a scannable QR code on the certificates will stymie the "hugely copied" PDF files of test results or vaccinations that some people were using to cross borders. The EU's Covid certificate will show the bearer's vaccination status, or whether they have immunity from a Covid infection they have recovered from or the result of a Covid test. Also Read | EU plans to open up countries to more foreign tourists this summer Conscious that the EU has procured up to 4.4 billion vaccine doses over the next two years, far more than it needs for its population of 450 million, leaders have rallied to a pledge made at a G20 summit in Rome last Friday to share 100 million doses to countries in need by the end of this year. Denmark and Sweden each promised three million doses from their stocks at the summit. Germany, Italy and France had already pledged higher amounts. Also Read | EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she also pushed leaders to agree to a mechanism to "react quickly and cohesively" if worrying new coronavirus variants popped up. The Brussels gathering of EU leaders on Tuesday also looked at ways to share out the burden on battling climate change, to meet the target of cutting emissions by 55 per cent over the rest of this decade. Von der Leyen's commission has been tasked with mapping out the next steps, including potentially unpopular ones such as slapping carbon taxes on cars and buildings. Also Read | Belarus faces new sanctions from West over forced landing of plane, arrest of journalist The first day of the summit on Monday was overshadowed by Belarus, which sits just outside the EU's eastern borders, forcing down a Ryanair passenger plane the day before to arrest an opposition journalist and his companion who were on board. Also Watch | EU leaders call for sanctions against Belarus over Ryanair plane 'hijacking', arrest of journalist EU leaders unanimously blasted the action and moved to cut Belarus out of European airspace as part of a package of sanctions that will be developed further.

EU summit welcomes Covid certificate to unlock travel

The United Kingdom will review&nbsp;its "traffic light system" which includes countries listed on the Covid travel "red list" on&nbsp;June 28. Further&nbsp;reviews will also take place on July 31,&nbsp;October 1.

More than 40 countries have been listed on&nbsp;UK's travel red list, making it difficult for travellers from these countries&nbsp;to&nbsp;enter the western European country. The includes five&nbsp;countries from South Asia - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Nepal. The red, amber and green list rules for COVID-19 is a system put in place by London&nbsp;to&nbsp;deal with international incoming passengers amid the pandemic. If a country is on the red list, then travellers have&nbsp;to&nbsp;undergo 10 days in quarantine and two&nbsp;Covid tests.

India was put on the red list in April as COVID-19 cases surged, which also&nbsp;led&nbsp;to&nbsp;the postponement of&nbsp;UK&nbsp;PM Boris Johnson's India visit for the second time in a row. He was&nbsp;the&nbsp;first to visit India in January. Indian PM Modi has also cancelled his visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;UK&nbsp;next month for the G7 meet due&nbsp;to&nbsp;the pandemic.

UK&nbsp;reviews&nbsp;its lists every three weeks. The "check point"&nbsp;review&nbsp;on 28 June, 2021 will take into account the domestic and international Covid situation and if current measures can be rolled back. The green watchlist and amber watchlist will be published on a three-weekly basis&nbsp;to&nbsp;provide an indication as&nbsp;to&nbsp;travellers from which countries can enter the country.

The United Kingdom will review its "traffic light system" which includes countries listed on the Covid travel "red list" on June 28. Further reviews will also take place on July 31, October 1.

The United Kingdom will review its "traffic light system" which includes countries listed on the Covid travel "red list" on June 28. Further reviews will also take place on July 31, October 1. More than 40 countries have been listed on UK's travel red list, making it difficult for travellers from these countries to enter the western European country. The includes five countries from South Asia - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Nepal. The red, amber and green list rules for COVID-19 is a system put in place by London to deal with international incoming passengers amid the pandemic. If a country is on the red list, then travellers have to undergo 10 days in quarantine and two Covid tests. India was put on the red list in April as COVID-19 cases surged, which also led to the postponement of UK PM Boris Johnson's India visit for the second time in a row. He was the first to visit India in January. Indian PM Modi has also cancelled his visit to UK next month for the G7 meet due to the pandemic. UK reviews its lists every three weeks. The "check point" review on 28 June, 2021 will take into account the domestic and international Covid situation and if current measures can be rolled back. The green watchlist and amber watchlist will be published on a three-weekly basis to provide an indication as to travellers from which countries can enter the country.

UK to review its travel 'red list' in June which bars travel from countries including India

The US, which has urged its citizens not to travel to India due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there, on Friday encouraged those in the country to book their tickets to return home through currently available flights.

The United Airlines and Air India are continuing to operate numerous direct flights weekly from India to the US, a State Department health alert said.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-surge-in-india-heartbreaking-us-determined-to-help-the-country-vp-kamala-harris-383627" hreflang="en">COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris</a>

Additional flight options remain available on Air France, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways via transfers in Paris, Frankfurt, and Doha.

US citizens who wish to depart India are encouraged to book tickets through the airlines, the health alert said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-american-physicians-sending-5000-oxygen-concentrators-to-india-383606" hreflang="en">Indian-American physicians sending 5,000 oxygen concentrators to India</a>

It is mandatory for anyone travelling to the US (two years and older) to take a COVID-19 test no more than three days before travel and show a negative result to the airline before boarding the flight, it said.

The passengers should be prepared to show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official stating clearance for travel).

Travellers are encouraged to follow post-travel guidance once in the US, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sees-record-4187-covid-19-deaths-401078-new-cases-govt-383617" hreflang="en">India sees record 4,187 COVID-19 deaths, 4,01,078 new cases: Govt&nbsp;</a>

The US this week reissued its travel advisory on India, urging its citizens not to travel to the country due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there.

"Do not travel to India due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism," the State Department said on Wednesday in its latest travel advisory that looked identical to the one issued on April 28.

Both the travel advisories have been marked ''Level 4'' which is the highest warning level.

On April 28, the Department approved the voluntary departure of family members of US government employees.

On May 5, the Department approved the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees.

The US, which has urged its citizens not to travel to India due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there, on Friday encouraged those in the country to book their tickets to return home through currently available flights.

The US, which has urged its citizens not to travel to India due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there, on Friday encouraged those in the country to book their tickets to return home through currently available flights. The United Airlines and Air India are continuing to operate numerous direct flights weekly from India to the US, a State Department health alert said. ALso read | COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris Additional flight options remain available on Air France, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways via transfers in Paris, Frankfurt, and Doha. US citizens who wish to depart India are encouraged to book tickets through the airlines, the health alert said. Also read | Indian-American physicians sending 5,000 oxygen concentrators to India It is mandatory for anyone travelling to the US (two years and older) to take a COVID-19 test no more than three days before travel and show a negative result to the airline before boarding the flight, it said. The passengers should be prepared to show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official stating clearance for travel). Travellers are encouraged to follow post-travel guidance once in the US, it said. Also read | India sees record 4,187 COVID-19 deaths, 4,01,078 new cases: Govt The US this week reissued its travel advisory on India, urging its citizens not to travel to the country due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there. "Do not travel to India due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism," the State Department said on Wednesday in its latest travel advisory that looked identical to the one issued on April 28. Both the travel advisories have been marked ''Level 4'' which is the highest warning level. On April 28, the Department approved the voluntary departure of family members of US government employees. On May 5, the Department approved the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees.

US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes. If anyone wanted to travel farther, the person had obtained permission slips.

"For me, it's freedom," 80-year-old Parisian Madeleine Bugnion told Reuters. "I kept on taking walks but I never went past the 10 kilometres (radius),"

Most said they were especially looking forward to the relaxing of the 7 p.m. nightly curfew and the resumption of outside service for cafes, bars and restaurants that is set to take place on May 19.

"I believe it is something everyone is looking forward to but we have to remain vigilant and keep in mind that the priority is to stay alive, and avoid having overcrowded hospitals," said Parisian Olivier Lacombes.

In order to tackle surge in cases, France began its national lockdown at the end of March.

Under pressure from business and a weary public, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday (April 30) a four-phase plan to ease restrictions.

France reported 113 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals on Sunday (May 2), down from 195 on Saturday (May 1), and the lowest since October, health ministry data showed, on the eve of an easing of the country's lockdown restrictions.

France has accelerated its vaccination campaign.

The health ministry on Sunday said 15.8 million, or 23.7% of the population, have received a first shot of vaccine and 6.5 million, or 9.4% of the population, have received two shots.

(With inputs from agencies)

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes.

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes. If anyone wanted to travel farther, the person had obtained permission slips. "For me, it's freedom," 80-year-old Parisian Madeleine Bugnion told Reuters. "I kept on taking walks but I never went past the 10 kilometres (radius)," Most said they were especially looking forward to the relaxing of the 7 p.m. nightly curfew and the resumption of outside service for cafes, bars and restaurants that is set to take place on May 19. "I believe it is something everyone is looking forward to but we have to remain vigilant and keep in mind that the priority is to stay alive, and avoid having overcrowded hospitals," said Parisian Olivier Lacombes. In order to tackle surge in cases, France began its national lockdown at the end of March. Under pressure from business and a weary public, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday (April 30) a four-phase plan to ease restrictions. France reported 113 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals on Sunday (May 2), down from 195 on Saturday (May 1), and the lowest since October, health ministry data showed, on the eve of an easing of the country's lockdown restrictions. France has accelerated its vaccination campaign. The health ministry on Sunday said 15.8 million, or 23.7% of the population, have received a first shot of vaccine and 6.5 million, or 9.4% of the population, have received two shots. (With inputs from agencies)

France eases regional travel restrictions

Sri Lanka on Sunday imposed travel restrictions on the number of air passengers arriving in the country for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It has been decided to limit the number of passengers that can arrive from one flight to 75," the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka said, reported Colombo Page.

This limitation will be effective from Monday (May 3) morning for 14 days. All airlines have been informed about this decision, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).&nbsp;

After two weeks, the situation in the country will be taken into consideration and a decision will be made whether to lift the restrictions or further tighten, the CAA said.&nbsp;

According to the existing restrictions, the number of passengers that can be flown in an aircraft is 75 Sri Lankans and an additional number of foreigners.&nbsp;

However, due to the prevailing dangerous situation, the total number of arrivals on an aircraft has been limited to 75, reported Colombo Page.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka for the seventh consecutive day set an all-time high for coronavirus cases on Sunday, reporting over 1800 individuals confirmed positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 111,753 cases, reported Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry.

Sri Lanka on Sunday imposed travel restrictions on the number of air passengers arriving in the country for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "It has been decided to limit the number of passengers that can arrive from one flight to 75," the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka said, reported Colombo Page.

Sri Lanka on Sunday imposed travel restrictions on the number of air passengers arriving in the country for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "It has been decided to limit the number of passengers that can arrive from one flight to 75," the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka said, reported Colombo Page. This limitation will be effective from Monday (May 3) morning for 14 days. All airlines have been informed about this decision, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). After two weeks, the situation in the country will be taken into consideration and a decision will be made whether to lift the restrictions or further tighten, the CAA said. According to the existing restrictions, the number of passengers that can be flown in an aircraft is 75 Sri Lankans and an additional number of foreigners. However, due to the prevailing dangerous situation, the total number of arrivals on an aircraft has been limited to 75, reported Colombo Page. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka for the seventh consecutive day set an all-time high for coronavirus cases on Sunday, reporting over 1800 individuals confirmed positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 111,753 cases, reported Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry.

Sri Lanka imposes travel restrictions on air passenger arrivals for two weeks

As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad.

In a shocking announcement, the health minister of the UK, Matt Hancock, has said that anyone who travels from England will be subjected to a fine of £5,000 ($6,900). The fine will stay in place till the end of June, as the country officials are tightening the country’s border controls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjABegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mEgWROqNVTHyxyh7GvLCs" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543" target="_blank">Banksy painting to raise millions for UK health service</a>

“The earliest date by which we will allow for international travel...is the 17th May. That has not changed,” Hancock told a local news channel, Sky News.

While the decision sent waves of shock across the nation, the question of whether or not people can travel across the country borders for work still remains unanswered. The question of whether people can travel for specific reasons will be answered by the government in a report due on April 12.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05cei9EINKvMDvDocK4w51" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05cei9EINKvMDvDocK4w51" target="_blank">UK records lowest daily coronavirus death toll since September</a>

Following this news, the shares of easyJet , British Airway-owner, Jet2 and TUI&nbsp;went down between 3 to 4 per cent in early trade on Tuesday.

As of now, all vacations and summer holidays are banned in the UK due to the increasing coronavirus cases. Hancock has claimed that the government is yet to decide on whether or not the government will allow people to step outside for a summer holiday.

“The reason for that is that we are seeing this third wave rising in some parts of Europe and we're also seeing new variants and it is very important that we protect the progress that we've been able to make here in the UK,” &nbsp;he said.

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad.

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad. In a shocking announcement, the health minister of the UK, Matt Hancock, has said that anyone who travels from England will be subjected to a fine of £5,000 ($6,900). The fine will stay in place till the end of June, as the country officials are tightening the country’s border controls. Also read | Banksy painting to raise millions for UK health service “The earliest date by which we will allow for international travel...is the 17th May. That has not changed,” Hancock told a local news channel, Sky News. While the decision sent waves of shock across the nation, the question of whether or not people can travel across the country borders for work still remains unanswered. The question of whether people can travel for specific reasons will be answered by the government in a report due on April 12. Also read | UK records lowest daily coronavirus death toll since September Following this news, the shares of easyJet , British Airway-owner, Jet2 and TUI went down between 3 to 4 per cent in early trade on Tuesday. As of now, all vacations and summer holidays are banned in the UK due to the increasing coronavirus cases. Hancock has claimed that the government is yet to decide on whether or not the government will allow people to step outside for a summer holiday. “The reason for that is that we are seeing this third wave rising in some parts of Europe and we're also seeing new variants and it is very important that we protect the progress that we've been able to make here in the UK,” he said.

UK to impose £5,000 fine on locals travelling abroad amid surge in coronavirus

France on Thursday eased travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK. Other countries include Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea.

France had banned all travel from outside the EU in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The measure had been adopted in large part to limit the spread of the more infectious variant of Covid-19 that first emerged in England.

But due to the changing pandemic situation, "it will no longer be necessary to prove a compelling reason for travel to or from Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Travellers from these seven countries will still need to present negative COVID-19 test result. The test should have been taken a maximum of 72 hours beforehand.

Travel to other countries outside the EU still remains limited to essential reasons but the foreign ministry said the number of exemptions are being increased to allow couples to reunite and children to attend school.

France on Thursday eased travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK. Other countries include Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea.

France on Thursday eased travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK. Other countries include Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea. France had banned all travel from outside the EU in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The measure had been adopted in large part to limit the spread of the more infectious variant of Covid-19 that first emerged in England. But due to the changing pandemic situation, "it will no longer be necessary to prove a compelling reason for travel to or from Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Travellers from these seven countries will still need to present negative COVID-19 test result. The test should have been taken a maximum of 72 hours beforehand. Travel to other countries outside the EU still remains limited to essential reasons but the foreign ministry said the number of exemptions are being increased to allow couples to reunite and children to attend school.

France eases travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK

COVID-19 has disrupted the world economy. With the rollout of vaccines, things are slowly limping back to normal. Not everyone gets vaccinated at the same time. How can nations ease‌ the COVID-19 travel restrictions, some say a vaccine passport could be the answer. WION brings you more details.

Does a vaccine passport is a practical solution, will it allow traveling freely?

India's ministry of home affairs today announced graded relaxation of travel restrictions on Thursday after it had curtailed inward and outward movement of international passengers since February amid the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-govt-announces-new-relaxations-in-line-with-unlock-40-to-resume-economic-activity-324142"> coronavirus</a> pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unlock-40-news-government-announces-reopening-schools-colleges-326397">Also Read - Unlock 4.0: Government announces reopening schools, colleges</a>

According to the new guidelines, the government will restore all existing visas except electronic visa, tourist visa and medical visa with immediate effect.

"Foreign nationals intending to visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unlock-50-news-after-uttar-pradesh-sikkim-gujarat-government-contemplates-reopening-schools-colleges-336844">India</a> for medical treatment can apply for a medical visa including for medical attendants," the MHA said. &nbsp;"If the validity of visas has expired, fresh visas of appropriate categories can be obtained from Indian missions," the MHA informed.&nbsp;

All OCI and PIO card-holders and other foreign nationals waiting to visit India except on a tourist visa will be permitted to enter the country through air and water routes from airports and seaport immigration check posts, the government announced.

It includes flights operated under the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-900000-indians-have-returned-from-abroad-under-vande-bharat-mission-mea-317099">Vande Bharat</a>" mission, air transport bubble arrangements and commercial flights as allowed by the ministry of civil aviation.&nbsp;

"All travellers will however have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the ministry of health and family welfare regarding quarantine and other COVID-19 related issues," it said.

India's ministry of home affairs today announced graded relaxation of travel restrictions on Thursday after it had curtailed inward and outward movement of international passengers since February amid the coronavirus pandemic.

India's ministry of home affairs today announced graded relaxation of travel restrictions on Thursday after it had curtailed inward and outward movement of international passengers since February amid the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read - Unlock 4.0: Government announces reopening schools, colleges According to the new guidelines, the government will restore all existing visas except electronic visa, tourist visa and medical visa with immediate effect. "Foreign nationals intending to visit India for medical treatment can apply for a medical visa including for medical attendants," the MHA said. "If the validity of visas has expired, fresh visas of appropriate categories can be obtained from Indian missions," the MHA informed. All OCI and PIO card-holders and other foreign nationals waiting to visit India except on a tourist visa will be permitted to enter the country through air and water routes from airports and seaport immigration check posts, the government announced. It includes flights operated under the "Vande Bharat" mission, air transport bubble arrangements and commercial flights as allowed by the ministry of civil aviation. "All travellers will however have to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the ministry of health and family welfare regarding quarantine and other COVID-19 related issues," it said.

Indian government announces graded relaxation on international travel

The United States on Friday turned down a request by Chinese airlines for additional weekly flights between the two countries but said the decision was not meant to escalate tensions over travel restrictions.

The United States on Friday turned down a request by Chinese airlines for additional weekly flights between the two countries but said the decision was not meant to escalate tensions over travel restrictions. In a statement, the US Department of Transportation said the decision was made to "maintain the parity" in scheduled passenger services between the two countries, adding it was willing to review the decision if Chinese aviation authorities adjusted their policies affecting US carriers. "The Department has conveyed to our Chinese counterparts that this order is a procedural matter only and that it should not be viewed as an escalation on our part," the Transportation Department statement said. Earlier this week, the United States and China said they would each allow four weekly flights between the two countries. The Transportation Department said on Monday in its revised order on China flights that the US government still hoped China will agree to restore full U.S. flight rights under their bilateral aviation agreement. The United States had threatened to bar Chinese passenger flights on June 16 due to Beijing's curbs on U.S. airlines amid simmering tensions between the world's two largest economies, and has raised concerns about the number of charter flights Chinese carriers want to fly. Among US airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines had each sought to restart daily passenger flights to China in June but changed their plans in the absence of government approval. (With inputs from Reuters)

US turns down Chinese airlines' request for additional flights

India has announced multiple visa restrictions and updated its travel advisory for Indian citizens. The idea is to ensure that COVID-19 carriers do not enter the country. In this segment, know India's travel restrictions for Indian Nationals

Know India's travel restrictions for Indian Nationals | Coronavirus Outbreak

Leaders in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas rolled out bans on big gatherings and stricter travel restrictions as cases of the new coronavirus spread around the world.

The United States on Saturday reported its first death from the disease, a man in his 50s in Washington state, where officials said two of the state's three cases have links to a nursing home with dozens of residents showing disease symptoms.

Although most Americans face a low risk from the virus, more U.S. deaths could be imminent following the nation's first, CNN quoted Vice President Mike Pence as saying.

"We know there will be more cases," Pence told CNN's Jake Tapper in a clip released on Saturday, echoing President Donald Trump's earlier comments that additional cases in America were "likely."

Travellers from Italy and South Korea would face additional screening, Trump and top officials told a White House news briefing, warning Americans against travelling to coronavirus-affected regions in both countries.

Pence said an entry ban on travellers from Iran would be expanded to include any foreign nationals who have visited Iran in the last 14 days.

The United States may also restrict travel on its southern border with Mexico, officials said. However, they encouraged Americans to travel around the country, including states that have recorded some of its more than 60 cases.

The outbreak is disrupting flight demand and many airlines have suspended or modified services in response. After Saturday's press conference, the White House held a call with airlines to discuss new travel restrictions.

American Airlines Inc said late on Saturday it was suspending all U.S. flights to Milan.

New Cases

Ecuador on Saturday reported its first case, in a woman who had travelled from Madrid, while Mexico reported four cases, all in people who had visited Italy.

Brazilian officials confirmed that country's second case, a patient in São Paulo who recently visited Italy.

As governments worldwide stepped up efforts to halt the spread of the virus, France announced a temporary ban on public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in confined spaces. It reported 16 new cases for a total of 73 and cancelled a half-marathon of 40,000 runners scheduled for Sunday.

Switzerland said it is banning events expected to draw more than 1,000 people.

More than 700 tourists remain quarantined at a hotel in the Canary Islands, after several Italian guests there tested positive for coronavirus.

Schools and universities in Italy, which is experiencing Europe's worst outbreak of the disease, will stay closed for a second consecutive week in three northern regions. The country has reported more than 1,100 cases and 29 deaths.

Analysts have warned that the outbreak looks set to shunt Italy's fragile economy into its fourth recession in 12 years, with many businesses in the wealthy north close to a standstill and hotels reporting a wave of cancellations.

Focus on Iran

Iraq reported five new cases of the disease, bringing its total to 13, and Qatar reported its first Saturday, leaving Saudi Arabia as the only Gulf state not to have signaled any coronavirus cases.

The majority of infections in other Gulf countries have been linked to visits to Iran or involve people who have come into contact with people who had been there.

Armenia reported its first infection on Sunday, in a citizen returning from neighbouring Iran.

Tehran has ordered schools shut until Tuesday and extended the closure of universities and a ban on concerts and sports events for a week. Authorities have also banned visits to hospitals and nursing homes as the country's caseload hit nearly 600.

One Iranian lawmaker, elected in Feb. 21 polls, has died from the disease along with more than 40 other Iranians, and several high-ranking officials have tested positive for the virus.

Azerbaijan said on Saturday it had closed its border with Iran for two weeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Two Azerbaijanis who traveled to Iran have tested positive for the disease and quarantined.

Mainland China reported 573 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Feb. 29, up from 427 the previous day, national health officials said on Sunday in China. The number of deaths stood at 35, down from 47 the previous day, taking the toll in mainland China to 2,870.

The epidemic, which began in China, has killed almost 3,000 people worldwide, the ministry said.

Thailand reported its first death from the virus on Sunday, while in Australia, a former passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off Japan died in the western city of Perth.

Churches closed in South Korea as many held online services instead, with authorities looking to rein in public gatherings, as 376 new infections took the tally to 3,526 cases.

Leaders in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas rolled out bans on big gatherings and stricter travel restrictions as cases of the new coronavirus spread around the world.

Leaders in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas rolled out bans on big gatherings and stricter travel restrictions as cases of the new coronavirus spread around the world. The United States on Saturday reported its first death from the disease, a man in his 50s in Washington state, where officials said two of the state's three cases have links to a nursing home with dozens of residents showing disease symptoms. Although most Americans face a low risk from the virus, more U.S. deaths could be imminent following the nation's first, CNN quoted Vice President Mike Pence as saying. "We know there will be more cases," Pence told CNN's Jake Tapper in a clip released on Saturday, echoing President Donald Trump's earlier comments that additional cases in America were "likely." Travellers from Italy and South Korea would face additional screening, Trump and top officials told a White House news briefing, warning Americans against travelling to coronavirus-affected regions in both countries. Pence said an entry ban on travellers from Iran would be expanded to include any foreign nationals who have visited Iran in the last 14 days. The United States may also restrict travel on its southern border with Mexico, officials said. However, they encouraged Americans to travel around the country, including states that have recorded some of its more than 60 cases. The outbreak is disrupting flight demand and many airlines have suspended or modified services in response. After Saturday's press conference, the White House held a call with airlines to discuss new travel restrictions. American Airlines Inc said late on Saturday it was suspending all U.S. flights to Milan. New Cases Ecuador on Saturday reported its first case, in a woman who had travelled from Madrid, while Mexico reported four cases, all in people who had visited Italy. Brazilian officials confirmed that country's second case, a patient in São Paulo who recently visited Italy. As governments worldwide stepped up efforts to halt the spread of the virus, France announced a temporary ban on public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in confined spaces. It reported 16 new cases for a total of 73 and cancelled a half-marathon of 40,000 runners scheduled for Sunday. Switzerland said it is banning events expected to draw more than 1,000 people. More than 700 tourists remain quarantined at a hotel in the Canary Islands, after several Italian guests there tested positive for coronavirus. Schools and universities in Italy, which is experiencing Europe's worst outbreak of the disease, will stay closed for a second consecutive week in three northern regions. The country has reported more than 1,100 cases and 29 deaths. Analysts have warned that the outbreak looks set to shunt Italy's fragile economy into its fourth recession in 12 years, with many businesses in the wealthy north close to a standstill and hotels reporting a wave of cancellations. Focus on Iran Iraq reported five new cases of the disease, bringing its total to 13, and Qatar reported its first Saturday, leaving Saudi Arabia as the only Gulf state not to have signaled any coronavirus cases. The majority of infections in other Gulf countries have been linked to visits to Iran or involve people who have come into contact with people who had been there. Armenia reported its first infection on Sunday, in a citizen returning from neighbouring Iran. Tehran has ordered schools shut until Tuesday and extended the closure of universities and a ban on concerts and sports events for a week. Authorities have also banned visits to hospitals and nursing homes as the country's caseload hit nearly 600. One Iranian lawmaker, elected in Feb. 21 polls, has died from the disease along with more than 40 other Iranians, and several high-ranking officials have tested positive for the virus. Azerbaijan said on Saturday it had closed its border with Iran for two weeks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Two Azerbaijanis who traveled to Iran have tested positive for the disease and quarantined. Mainland China reported 573 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Feb. 29, up from 427 the previous day, national health officials said on Sunday in China. The number of deaths stood at 35, down from 47 the previous day, taking the toll in mainland China to 2,870. The epidemic, which began in China, has killed almost 3,000 people worldwide, the ministry said. Thailand reported its first death from the virus on Sunday, while in Australia, a former passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off Japan died in the western city of Perth. Churches closed in South Korea as many held online services instead, with authorities looking to rein in public gatherings, as 376 new infections took the tally to 3,526 cases.

Gatherings banned, travel restricted as coronavirus cases grow worldwide

The Sri Lankan government has reacted strongly to the travel restrictions imposed by the US on the island nation`s Army chief Lt. General Shavendra Silva and his family over "credible" evidence of human rights violations in decades-long civil war, media reports said on Saturday.

In a statement on Friday night, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said: "The government of Sri Lanka takes strong objection to the imposition of travel restrictions on Lt. Gen. Silva and his immediate family members by the Us, based on independently unverified information."

The government reiterates that Lt. Gen. Silva was appointed as the Commander of the Army taking into account his seniority and that there were no substantiated or proven allegations of human rights violations against him, the Daily Financial Times quoted the statement as saying.

"His elevation as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff by the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was on account of his being the most senior serving military officer.

"The Sri Lankan government requests the US to verify the authenticity of the sources of information and to review its decision," the statement added.

 
The Us said on Friday it would refuse entry to Sri Lanka's army chief over "credible" evidence of human rights violations in the bloody 2009 finale to the civil war.

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, whose appointment last year drew wide international criticism, will be ineligible to visit the United States, as will his immediate family, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. 
&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government has reacted strongly to the travel restrictions imposed by the US on the island nation`s Army chief Lt. General Shavendra Silva and his family over "credible" evidence of human rights violations in decades-long civil war, media reports said on Saturday.

The Sri Lankan government has reacted strongly to the travel restrictions imposed by the US on the island nation`s Army chief Lt. General Shavendra Silva and his family over "credible" evidence of human rights violations in decades-long civil war, media reports said on Saturday. In a statement on Friday night, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said: "The government of Sri Lanka takes strong objection to the imposition of travel restrictions on Lt. Gen. Silva and his immediate family members by the Us, based on independently unverified information." The government reiterates that Lt. Gen. Silva was appointed as the Commander of the Army taking into account his seniority and that there were no substantiated or proven allegations of human rights violations against him, the Daily Financial Times quoted the statement as saying. "His elevation as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff by the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was on account of his being the most senior serving military officer. "The Sri Lankan government requests the US to verify the authenticity of the sources of information and to review its decision," the statement added. The Us said on Friday it would refuse entry to Sri Lanka's army chief over "credible" evidence of human rights violations in the bloody 2009 finale to the civil war. Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, whose appointment last year drew wide international criticism, will be ineligible to visit the United States, as will his immediate family, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

Sri Lanka takes strong objection to US travel restrictions on army chief

travel-restrictions

Travel Restrictions, News on Travel Restrictions, stories on Travel Restrictions, articles on Travel Restrictions, Travel Restrictions stories at Wion, Travel Restrictions news, Travel Restrictions latest news