International travel updates: Cook Islands, Thailand, Singapore latest changes
Borders are reopening and testing requirements are now at a minimum.
International travel is getting easier with even more borders opening and quarantine and testing requirements being scrapped. Here are 5 of the biggest changes this month.
1. The Cook Islands
What's changed?
The reopening of New Zealand to Australians on 12 April has created a passage for Australians to get to the Cook Islands.
To get there, Australians will have to fly via Auckland on Air New Zealand. From 2 June you can also fly in on Jetstar.
All visitors over 5 years and 3 months old must be fully vaccinated to travel. This changes to visitors 16+ from 2 May 2022.
A supervised RAT must be taken in New Zealand and within 24-hours of departure to Rarotonga. From 2 May you can take this test in Australia 48 hours prior to your scheduled Auckland-Rarotonga flight.
All visitors must fill out a Cook Islands contact form within 96 hours of your scheduled flight from New Zealand.
Things to do while you're there:
- Cultural village tour with night show and buffet dinner. Learn about the local culture through sight, sound and taste on this 5-hour tour.
- Guided bike tour with lunch and swim. Explore the landscape on 2 wheels.
- Cook Islands turtle tour. Swim with these magnificent creatures.
See our guide to travelling to the Cook Islands from Australia.
2. Thailand
What's changed?
From 1 April Thailand has axed pre-departure testing requirements for travellers. However, vaccinated travellers will still need to have a PCR test on arrival and quarantine until you receive a negative result. A negative RAT is required on Day 5 as well.
Unvaccinated travellers still have to undergo a 5-day quarantine. Anyone flying into a sandbox area also has to stay there for 5 days before they can explore more of the country.
All visitors must apply for a Thailand Pass prior to travelling.
Things to do while you're there:
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok. Shop for food, trinkets and more from sellers on the water.
- Morning Buddhist almsgiving and temples tour in Chaing Mai. Wake up early and watch the locals give morning alms to the local monks.
- Phi Phi Islands adventure day trip. Be gobsmacked by the beauty of Thailand's Phi Phi Islands.
See our guide to travelling to Thailand from Australia.
3. Singapore
What's changed?
Since 1 April Singapore has scrapped its Vaccinated Travel Lane system as well as its on-arrival and pre-departure testings. Vaccinated Australians can visit the country quarantine-free.
To enter you'll still need to submit an SG Arrival Card and e-health declaration online 3-days prior to departure.
Things to do while you're there:
- Go on a night safari. Catch the nocturnal creatures at Singapore Zoo.
- Ride the Singapore Flyer. See Singapore from above on its famous Ferris Wheel.
- Visit Sentosa Island. Wander the tropical beaches, dine at fine restaurants and learn more about Singapore's history.
See our guide to travelling to Singapore from Australia
4. Bali
What's changed?
Bali's rules are changing quick and fast. From 6 April the island destination has ditched on-arrival PCR tests.
Vaccinated visitors are now only required to take a PCR test no more than 48-hours prior to arrival, have COVID-19 travel insurance and show proof of an accommodation booking.
Things to do while you're there:
- See Tanah Lot at sunset. Take in the colours of the horizon as they fall on this beautiful architectural site.
- Trek to the top of Mount Batur. Early riser? Catch the sunrise from the top of the mountain.
- Snorkelling in Nusa Penida. See what creatures are hidden under the blue waters.
See our guide to travelling to Indonesia from Australia.
5. Cyprus
What's changed?
As of 18 April, Cyprus has dropped its pre-departure and on-arrival testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.
Unvacinated travellers also have their rules relaxed. They need to present a negative RAT 24-hours prior to their departure. A PCR 72-hours prior to departure is also accepted.
The Cyprus Flight Pass form has also been scrapped.
Things to do while you're there:
- Cruise the Blue Lagoon. The waters are as blue as the name suggests.
- Tour the Troodos mountains and villages. Experience history and tradition on this mountainous village.
- Wave Dancer half day BBQ cruise. The place to be to relax, soak up the sun and dip into the water for a spell.
Other updates
- Vanuatu: From 1 July, international visitors can visit quarantine-free as long as they are fully vaccinated.
- Greece: To bring tourists in over peak season, from 1 May to 31 August travellers no longer need to present their vaccination certificates to enter spaces such as restaurants. There's also talk that showing your EU digital COVID certificate to enter Greece will be scrapped soon, too. From 1 June masks won't be mandatory indoors.
- Spain: On 20 April, Spain removed its indoor mask mandate. Masks are only required on public transport and in taxis, healthcare centres, including pharmacies, and aged care facilities.
Missed last month's updates? Get caught up.
Ready to head overseas? See where to book PCR tests for travel and all of our latest travel deals.
