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COVID-19 Watch: What You Should Know About The Mandatory Quarantine Protocols Of Top Tourist Destinations

As nations around the world prepare to reopen their borders amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many top tourist destinations are putting quarantine protocols in place to curb the further spread of the dreaded new coronavirus. 

These protocols mainly require travelers to self-isolate for 14 days—the incubation period of the virus—at designated quarantine facilities, where medical care and basic needs will be provided. 

We rounded up the mandatory quarantine protocols of top tourist destinations for your reference. Please note that the information stated below is accurate as of publishing time. Some rules and regulations imposed by countries are subject to change without prior notice, so be sure to check the official website of the embassy of the country you will be visiting. 

 

Australia

All travelers arriving in Australia, including citizens, have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. If you are traveling to Australia and don’t have a suitable place to self-isolate, designated quarantine hotels are available, where you will be provided with food water, and medical equipment (should it be needed) daily. 

 

Canada

Canada has passed a Quarantine Act, which requires all arrivals to confirm that they have a place to stay in quarantine in the country. Visitors without a suitable place to isolate must stay in designated quarantine facilities as declared by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.

 

China

While the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak can be traced to China, the country is slowly reopening its borders to international travelers. Foreign nationals visiting must undergo tests for the virus, conducted at most airports, and stay in designated quarantine hotels or at their home in China for 14 days. Travelers must also download a special smartphone app so their movements can be tracked.

 

Hong Kong

All inbound travelers, including citizens, are subject to health checks and a 14-day quarantine. Hong Kong’s airports are equipped with temperature screening and COVID-19 testing booths to check on all passengers for symptoms. Travelers will be able to receive their results within eight hours. If you are tested negative, you will be allowed to make your way to your place of stay for quarantine. You will also be required to wear a tracking bracelet connected to a smartphone app for 14 days for authorities to monitor your movements. Violators will face fines and jail time. 

 

Japan

COVID-19 testing is in place at airports in Japan for international arrivals, and all travelers are to isolate for 14 days at home or in special quarantine facilities. Upon presenting quarantine officers with their address and contact details, travelers will be provided with a private ride by the Health Ministry. They will then be shuttled to their destination since arrivals are prohibited from using public transport. 

 

Singapore

International arrivals are subject to self-isolation for 14 days in a “hotel room or similar accommodation provided by the Singapore government,” according to the local Health Ministry. Known for its stringent fining policies, Singapore has also imposed fines of up to 10,000 SGD and a jail term of up to six months for those who will defy quarantine rules. 

 

South Korea

All arrivals, including transiting travelers, are required to undergo temperature checks and must fill out a questionnaire on health and travel history. Foreign nationals and citizens of South Korea leaving the airport are to quarantine at home or at government-designated facilities for 14 days according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. A room at these facilities cost 100,000 KRW per day. Those who are allowed to quarantine at home must install a smartphone app so authorities can track their movements. 

 

Spain

International travelers, including Spanish citizens, are required to quarantine for 14 days. This is to be observed until May 24, when Spain is expected to lift its current lockdown phase. Should it be extended, the same quarantine protocols will apply. All international arrivals must also remain indoors. The only time they can go out is when they have to buy essentials, visit healthcare centers, and if there’s an urgent “situation of need.”

 

Taiwan

All international arrivals are subject to temperature checks and a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days at home or in a quarantine facility. Travelers’ movements will be tracked via a mobile app during their time of self-isolation. Those staying in a quarantine facility will be transported in special “epidemic-prevention taxis.” Violators of Taiwan’s quarantine protocols will face fines of up to 1,000,000 TWD. 

 

The United Kingdom

The UK has imposed a 14-day isolation period for all inbound travelers, exempting returning citizens and Irish citizens. 

 

Got any travel plans dampened by the global pandemic? Be sure to exercise extra-precautions when you finally take that trip. In the meantime, stay at home and have delicious Taiwanese goodies delivered right at your doorstep so you can munch on something yummy during your movie marathon with the fam!

 

 

*Featured image by Adam Melnyk on Shutterstock

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