Why have countries perceiving higher COVID-19 risk imposed severe penalties for those violating the rules? Has the threat of coronavirus variants led to the extension of travel restrictions by nations? Are vaccination passports a practical approach to revive travel scenario?
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Governments across the globe responded promptly to the pandemic’s growing repercussions and imposed several restrictions to curb infection. The outcome was rewarding to a significant extent as many countries could get off the hook. Safe to say that the world has come a long way from stringent lockdown to resuming business activities.
However, the near-term outlook for tourism remains in the doldrum as international border closures, and necessary travel restrictions continue to affect the way we travel. While one may not be a fan of regulations, abiding by them is crucial for a sustainable future. Much to rule breakers’ chagrin, governments in different countries have come up with penalties on tourists flouting the travel guidelines.
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So be cautious!
Let us cast an eye on what consequences you could face if you violate the travel rules in these countries:
The United Kingdom
The UK has further tightened the rules for those travelling from countries perceived as at high risk of transmitting coronavirus variants. Significantly, travel has been banned from red list countries except for British and Irish citizens and those having UK residence rights. Failure to comply would result in fines up to £ 10,000 and 10 years in prison.
Furthermore, those travelling from the UK would also be required to fill a document for ‘Declaration to Travel’ from the government website and produce the completed form on spot checks. The failure to provide the same could lead to a £200 fine.
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The United States of America
Varying states have imposed a different set of measures and penalties for travellers entering the States. People entering Connecticut (from states other than New York, Rhode or New Jersey) are required to self-quarantine, the failure of which can result in a fine of USD 500.
Meanwhile, anyone not complying with COVID-19 quarantine and other Massachusetts testing requirements must pay a fine of USD 500 per day.
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Japan
Japan is clearing the decks for hosting the Summer Olympics by maintaining strict controls after extending the state of emergency on 7 March 2021. Significantly, Japanese authorities are vigilant about a further spike in cases and have decided to keep the foreign visitor ban.
From mid-February 2021, the country has decided to fine foreign residents returning from countries reported to have COVID-19 variants. The penalties include revoking residency status, fine up to ¥ 1 million and one-year jail.
The government intends to welcome visitors from 21 March 2021 who hail from nations declared safe from new coronavirus variants.
Canada
Canada has also geared up its effort to reduce non-essential travel to mitigate new virus variants’ risk. Anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for 2 weeks at the designated quarantine facility. The penalty is stringent and goes up to CAD 3000 a day for breaking the rules. Furthermore, if travellers do not comply with the standard set of instructions, they can face a maximum fine of up to CAD 750,000 or six-months jail.
Singapore
Singapore, known mainly for the exquisite experience is heavily reliant on the tourism sector. It has all hands-on deck to revive its travel-based economy. From discussion vaccination passports certification to striving to form an air travel bubble with Hong Kong, the country is trying every possible course to boost the country’s travel scenario.
Meanwhile, it remains vigilant concerning COVID-19 infection, and thus, most travellers must quarantine at a hotel or home for 14 days on arrival. However, Singapore’s immigration authority indicates that a person can face a USD 7500 fine, up to six months imprisonment or both in case of violation of the rules.
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Source: Kalkine Media
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