March 14 2022 | By Bronwen Largier | Image: DoubleTree by Hilton in New Caledonia
New Caledonia reopened for international travel without the need to quarantine on arrival for fully vaccinated travellers late last week, while Malaysia will reopen under similar conditions from April 1.
For fully vaccinated travellers to New Caledonia, a rapid test or a PCR test is required prior to entering the island and a rapid test must be taken two days after arriving.
“It is a big day for the country as restrictions are being lifted,” said New Caledonia Tourism’s general manager Julie Laronde.
“After more than two years of COVID closure, it is a very exciting time and the opportunity to rebuild tourism to New Caledonia. We cannot wait to welcome our Australians neighbours back to our shores!”
The only caveat for travel to New Caledonia is for those overdue for a third booster vaccination dose – those who received their second COVID-19 vaccination dose more than nine months ago will need a booster to enter the destination.
Meanwhile in Malaysia, the government has announced it will reopen the country’s borders from April 1, with no quarantine required on arrival, from April 1 for fully vaccinated international travellers. Those entering the country will be required to have a PCR test within two days prior to travel, or a rapid test for those who have recently had COVID-19.
A professionally administered rapid test is also required within the first 24 hours of arrival into Malaysia.
“We are delighted with the latest government’s announcement for the resumption of international travel and look forward to engaging with airlines and travel trade to ramp up marketing efforts to promote Malaysia as a safe travel destination,” said Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri.
“With the upcoming reopening of international borders, it is timely for our marketing agency, Tourism Malaysia to implement its Strategic Plan 2022-2026 in undertaking strategic transformation, forging smart partnerships, enhancing tourism promotion and optimising its strategic communication as well as media engagement.”