Recently, thirty-two countries have entered into an air bubble agreement to facilitate international travel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement allows for the resumption of air travel between these countries with certain regulations and protocols in place.
The air bubble concept is being implemented by countries as an alternative to bilateral air travel agreements, which have been difficult to negotiate due to the constantly changing COVID-19 situation. The air bubble agreement is a temporary arrangement and will be re-evaluated as the situation evolves.
Countries that have been included in this air bubble agreement include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Maldives, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
The air bubble agreement comes with certain regulations and protocols that must be followed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew during air travel. In addition to following the standard health guidelines, passengers will also be required to undergo a COVID-19 test before boarding the flight. They must also fill out a health declaration form that will be reviewed by the immigration authorities upon arrival.
Moreover, passengers must also download the contact tracing application mandated by the respective country`s government. They must also agree to follow the quarantine protocols prescribed by the destination country. Non-compliance with the protocols and guidelines could result in fines, deportation, or quarantine.
In conclusion, the air bubble agreement is a welcome development for travelers who have been stuck in their home countries due to travel restrictions. However, it is important to remember that the virus is still prevalent, and we must adhere to the guidelines and protocols set forth by the authorities to ensure a safe and seamless travel experience.