These Countries Will Welcome You Without An RT-PCR Test

i Countries Indians can travel to without RT PCR - Turkey - Pamukkale

Here’s a useful list of a few of the countries that Indians can travel to without an RT-PCR test

Many Indian travellers are all set to travel but are not sure they can handle the protocols made mandatory by COVID-19. A Return to Travel survey from Agoda found that Indian travellers’ biggest concern was getting their heads around the changing restrictions and vaccination and quarantine requirements set by different countries. But Agoda’s recent ‘India-genous Travel’ survey also revealed that 39% of Indians anticipate travelling internationally this year. Good news here for every anxious traveller – and even cool ones: as Omicron starts to subside, countries around the world are reopening borders, easing entry restrictions and laying out the welcome mat for international visitors, including Indians.

If you are fully vaccinated, you will not need to present a negative RT-PCR test on arrival in the countries in this feature… Here, too, from the travel major are exciting and offbeat things to do at these destinations.

i Countries Indians can travel to without RT PCR - Egypt - Cairo and the River Nile

Egypt
If you’ve always wanted to visit the Gift of the Nile, you need to be vaccinated with Covishield or AstraZeneca to enable you to fly to Egypt without an RT-PCR test. All you need to do is fill a health declaration form and you’re all set.

You will be in the land of the Great Pyramid of Giza, but don’t forget to also check out the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and the famous Khan el-Khalili Market in Cairo. Also on your itinerary should be sailing down the Nile River in a felucca (above), a traditional wooden sailboat, and the hot-air balloon ride over Luxor. Also visit the Sahara el Beyda, the white desert national park, or travel to Hurghada to experience Egypt’s expansive underwater marine life – you can take a submarine ride or even go scuba diving. Don’t miss a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo if you want to soak in some of the country’s fascinating culture.

i Countries Indians can travel to without RT PCR - Bahrain - city of Manama

Bahrain
Often considered the best-kept secret in the Middle East, this island country on the Persian Gulf is now welcoming visitors without a pre-departure PCR test irrespective of their vaccination status.

There is much to see and do in Bahrain. Visit the famous and ancient Al Jasra House and Al Bahrain site museum to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and civilisation. Try out traditional Bahraini dishes such as muhammar – sweet rice with dates – across the island. Wander through Manama Souq for some amazing spices, souvenirs and delicious sweets, and set aside some time to dive into Dive Bahrain, the world’s largest underwater theme park, and to go kayaking and try other water sports at Nurana islands.

Lebanon

Fully-vaccinated travellers do not require a pre-departure PCR test to fly into Lebanon if they received their second jab at least six months before travelling. All you need to do is upload your vaccination certificate on the Ministry of Health’s website.

Lebanon might be small in size but it is certainly big in adventure, and has so much to offer. This geographically-diverse country affords you mesmerising panoramas, rich history and architecture, and delectable cuisine that will make your trip a truly memorable one. Explore one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman temples in Baalbek – the temple of Bacchus (above), the famous cedars of Lebanon in the Chouf, on Mount Barouk, and the Beiteddine Palace that dates back to the eighteenth century. Take a tour by boat at Byblos to enjoy the sunset in the birthplace of the Pheonician civilisation, and hike the beautiful Qadisha Valley to explore old churches and monasteries. Don’t miss the Baatara Gorge Waterfall that drops 255 metres down into the Balaa Pothole, a cave of Jurassic limestone.

i Countries Indians can travel to without RT PCR - France - lavender fields in Provence

France
Last month, France decided to scrap the requirement of the RT-PCR test for fully-vaccinated travellers.

While visiting one of the most romantic destinations in the world, you must, of course, visit the Eiffel Tower, go cruising down the River Seine, pay your respects at Mont-Saint-Michel, or wander around the Old Quarters of Paris. However, there is so much to experience beyond the capital. Stroll through the famous lavender fields in Provence (above), take a helicopter ride over the French Alps, take a stroll through Dijon – a pedestrian city where cars are not allowed, explore the vineyards in Burgundy, taste exquisite Champagne in Champagne, and delight your taste buds in Lyons.

Turkey
Vaccinated individuals from across the globe are welcome in Turkey without an RT-PCR test. They need only fill a health form 72 hours prior to their arrival.

The Land of Four Seasons is perfect to resume your travel post pandemic, offering a unique blend of cultural influences from Asia, Europe and the Middle East paired with unforgettable natural wonders. Relax in the thermal pools (main image) of Pamukkale; the pure white travertine terraces cascade down the slope looking like an out-of-place snowfield amid the green landscape. Explore Konya, one of the oldest cities in the world, which has been inhabited since 3 BCE, and Kaymakli – an underground city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Take a hot-air balloon ride over the surreal rock valleys of Cappadocia; unwind with a traditional hamam (Turkish bath) experience, and enjoy the buzz in Istanbul, the city on the Bosphorus.

i Countries Indians can travel to without RT PCR - Norway - Saltstraumen Maelstrom

Norway
Travellers vaccinated within nine months of their arrival in Norway do not need an RT-PCR test to enter; you will need a booster shot in case the final dose has exceeded the period.

If you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Midnight Sun, chasing the Northern Lights and seeing the Arctic Circle will definitely be at the top of your itinerary. This Scandinavian country also cocoons stunning mountains, glaciers, museums and a whole bunch of activities to do on your holiday. Adventurers can hike to Mount Floyen, a 399-metre summit that will give you the best view of the city of Bergen, explore the Geirangerfjord region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its icy Norwegian scenery, marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Arctic Cathedral, and even visit Saltstraumen Maelstrom, the world’s most powerful whirlpool.