Travel Briefs
MSC to Christen New Ship
MSC Cruises (877/665-4655, msccruisesusa.com) completed final sea trials off France's Atlantic coast in mid-September for its newest ship, MSC World Asia, testing the vessel's engines, maneuverability, fuel efficiency and safety systems ahead of a Nov. 25 delivery.
Thailand Shortens Visa-free Stays
Effective Sept. 15, Thailand replaced its 60-day visa-exemption scheme with a tiered system that shortens most stays. Citizens of 60 countries and territories, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Western Europe, are now permitted a maximum 30-day stay without a visa, down from 60 days.
Venice Daytripper Fee
Venice's access fee for daytrippers applied on 60 dates between April 3 and late July 2026, up from 54 paid dates in 2025.
Solomon Islands E-visa
US and Canadian citizens visiting the Solomon Islands as tourists must now apply for an e-visa through a new online system that went into full operation on Aug. 22, 2026, when the government activated online payment processing.
Ancient Judge's Tomb Found at Saqqara
Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities announced on Sept. 9 the discovery of a 4,300-year-old mastaba tomb at the Mariette Cemetery in Saqqara, about 20 miles south of Cairo. It belongs to Yunmen, a senior judge, and his father, Ity, a scribe who oversaw agricultural lands.
Capri Plastic Ban
The Italian island of Capri banned single-use plastic water bottles of 1.5 liters or less, along with disposable straws, cutlery, plates, cups and non-biodegradable bags, for the 2026 tourist season, which ran June 1 through Sept. 30. Violators faced fines of up to €500 (near $585).
Tourism returns to Australia
Australia opened its borders to leisure travelers for the first time since March 2020 on Feb. 21, 2022.
Zürich app
Offering tips, maps and other assistance for visiting Zürich, Switzerland, the Zürich City Guide app can be downloaded for free on Apple or Android.
International Russia travel restrictions
After Ukraine was invaded by Russia on Feb. 22, multiple countries began enforcing travel restrictions on Russia, including closing off airspace to Russian flights and limiting Russian travel companies from doing business internationally. On March 5, Visa and MasterCard suspended transactions in Russia.
New Malaysia flower garden
The Cameron Highlands Flora Park (lot 191, 39010 Brinchang, Cameron Highlands) in Pahang state, peninsular Malaysia, opened in November 2021.
Welcome to Türkiye
The nation of Turkey requested that its name be spelled “Türkiye” in other countries in order to match the country’s name in Turkish. Potential visitors can find the tourism board’s new website at https://goturkiye.com.
COVID restrictions ease
The United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark all removed certain COVID-19 restrictions in early 2022.
Booster required in France
As of Jan. 16 in France, anyone whose completed vaccination or recovery from COVID occurred more than seven months from the present must also have gotten a COVID-19 booster shot or they will not be allowed to enter indoor establishments such as restaurants, theaters or shopping centers or indoor sporting events.
Italy to limit Venice tourists
It was reported that the city of Venice, Italy, would limit day-trippers starting in 2022, requiring anyone planning to visit for the day to reserve a day online and pay a €5 (near $5.60) fee. However, at press time, no website on which to make a reservation had been revealed.
New border vaccine rules
As of Jan. 23, all non-US citizens, including permanent residents, entering the US via land or ferry are now required to show proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination. At press time, the US did not require a booster shot in order to be considered fully vaccinated.
Portuguese toys museum
In the village of Ponte de Lima, Portugal, toys made in Portugal between the late 19th century and the 1980s — including dolls, children’s furniture and zinc and wooden cars, planes and trains — are on display at Museu do Brinquedo Portug
Floriade Expo ’22
In Almere, Netherlands, the Floriade garden expo, held once every 10 years, is scheduled for April 14-Oct. 9, 2022. It will feature flowers and plant-growing innovations from more than 40 countries, and visitors will be able to sample and buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Russian czar palace
In Tsarskoye Selo, Russia, near the Catherine Palace, about 15 miles south of St. Petersburg, the Alexander Palace opened as a museum on Aug. 13, 2021.
Delta Air Lines miles change
Delta Air Lines has removed the ability to earn miles in its SkyMiles program on Basic Economy fares. On Dec. 9, members of its frequent-flyer program ceased earning miles for Basic Economy seats purchased on or after that date on flights departing on or after Jan. 1, 2022.
New France bike route
A 250-mile bike route following the river Seine in France from Paris to Rouen to the shores of Le Havre, Normandy, was completed in 2020. La Seine à Vélo is split into 12 stages — the longest being 29 miles — all suitable for casual cyclists.