New Year holidays are a period during which many consider the opportunity to travel. And in a situation where not all destinations are available for travel, it is important to understand what you can choose from and what entry rules apply to a particular place. We have prepared a selection of vacation spots in late December and early January for those who want to relax in the warmth, go skiing and snowboarding, and also go shopping. Everyone will definitely be able to find an idea to their liking.
Warm holidays
Thailand
Entry rules: vaccinated tourists can visit the country as part of the “sandbox” program. To do this, you need to register on the Thailand Pass portal (add insurance, a vaccination certificate and a reservation for accommodation in one of the certified hotels). 72 hours before departure you need to undergo PCR testing and repeat it upon arrival, waiting for the result to be received at the hotel.
During the first seven days you can stay in the province of arrival. On the sixth or seventh day you need to pass the test and after that you can move to other regions.
Please note that from December 16, the period of stay in the province you arrived in will be reduced to five. In addition, it will also be possible to enter with a certificate of illness already suffered in the last three months (subject to receiving at least one dose of the vaccine). In addition, a second test upon arrival will replace the rapid test on days 4-5.
December is the ideal month to travel to Thailand. Warm, dry weather persists throughout the territory (average +30 ℃), at night in the areas of Phuket and Krabi the thermometer drops to 23 ℃, and in Samui, Bangkok or Pattaya – to 20 ℃. A holiday here will help you get away from the Russian winter and feel like you are in real summer. Tourists can enjoy paradise beaches, surfing, diving, various excursions and entertainment.
Mexico
Entry rules: PCR test or vaccination certificate is not required – just fill out a special form.
The best place to start getting to know the country is Mexico City. The capital of Mexico is a huge anthill with a labyrinth of streets that combine majestic colonial-era architecture with the heritage of the Mayan and Aztec tribes. Here, taco joints coexist with fashionable hotels, and organ grinders and mariachis roam the center. In Mexico City, everyone will find something to enrich their leisure time.
UAE
Entry rules: Russians need a negative PCR test (72 hours before), Upon arrival in Dubai, you will need to do a repeat test. Also don’t forget to install the COVID-19 DXB app. In addition, international health insurance that covers treatment for coronavirus is required, as well as a printed and completed health declaration.
The United Arab Emirates is an ideal choice for those who value comfort and ample leisure opportunities: impressive architecture, beach holidays and water parks, entertainment centers and a variety of shopping, safaris and much more.
Egypt
Entry rules: unvaccinated tourists need a PCR test (72 hours in advance). All arrivals require international health insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19 treatment. Tourists vaccinated against COVID-19 (including with the Sputnik V drug), are exempt from undergoing a PCR test. The second dose of the vaccine must be received no earlier than 14 days before travel.
Despite the fact that December is the month when the beach season in the country comes to an end, it is still warm in Egypt (about 22-25 ℃). It is better to start getting acquainted with the country from the capital – Cairo – the weather is conducive to wandering among the ruins, pyramids and mosques. And after, having collected impressions, you can go to the Red Sea and relax in one of the many coastal hotels.
Alpine skiing
North Macedonia
Entry rules: travelers must present one of three documents: a certificate of full vaccination (including with the Sputnik V drug), negative PCR test (taken 72 hours before arrival; a rapid test taken 48 hours before arrival is also suitable), or a certificate of illness not older than 45 days.
Mavrovo is the most beautiful ski resort in the country. The ski area is located at an altitude of 1860 to 1255 meters above sea level. There are slopes of all difficulty levels here – they are kept in perfect condition by snow groomers and snow cannons. In addition, there are evening ski areas.
Croatia
Entry rules: a negative result of a PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours before arrival (or an express test 48 hours before arrival) is required. Russians who have been vaccinated with Sputnik V or have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to provide test results. They need a vaccination certificate or a certificate of previous coronavirus infection.
Platak is the only ski resort in Croatia that offers beautiful views of the sea. There are trails for both beginners and experienced riders. Interestingly, most of them pass through a picturesque forest. Snowboarders and freestylers will appreciate the presence of a snow park with various figures for extreme tricks. The skiing season lasts from December to March. The length of the trails is 8 km.
Bulgaria
Entry rules: travelers must present one of the following documents: a certificate of full vaccination (including with the Sputnik V drug), negative PCR test (72 hours before) or a certificate with the result of a rapid antigen test (48 hours before), or a document confirming illness in the last 6 months.
Visit Bansko, a resort town located on the slopes of Pirin Mountain, where the largest ski center in the Balkans is located. There are pistes of all difficulty levels, including black and virgin ones, and there is also a fun park and a halfpipe for snowboarders. Snow falls from December to April, and the length of the slopes is 50 km.
Serbia
Entry rules: you must provide a negative PCR test result taken no later than 48 hours before arriving in the country.
Kopaonik is one of the best resorts in the country. Here the sun shines 200 days a year – it was even nicknamed “sunny mountain”. The resort has trails for athletes of all skill levels, including seven black ones, as well as freeride areas and a snowboard park. More than 90% of the slopes, which are covered with oak, beech, spruce and pine forests, are equipped with artificial snowmaking systems. The ski season lasts from November to April, and the length of the slopes is 62 km.
For shopping
Georgia
Entry rules: only a negative PCR test for coronavirus is required, done no earlier than 72 hours before departure. You also need to fill out a special form. Tourists vaccinated against COVID-19 (including with the Sputnik V drug), are exempt from taking the test.
Recently, the country has begun to attract tourists not only for its excellent cuisine, magnificent nature and friendly locals. Georgia is becoming a hotspot for young fashion designers from all over the world, and tourists go there to shop.
Greece
Entry rules: Russian citizens (regardless of vaccination status) must have a negative PCR test for COVID-19, passed no earlier 72 hours before arrival in the country or rapid test (48 hours). Upon arrival, additional testing will be carried out. You will also need to fill out a special form.
Russians traditionally associate the country with shopping. A shopping trip can be successfully combined with historical leisure, winter walks and even a ski holiday.
Uzbekistan
Entry rules: to visit the country you will need to undergo PCR testing for COVID-19 a maximum of 72 hours before departure. You must also take a PCR test again within seven days of arrival.
Uzbekistan is not the first destination that comes to mind when planning a new trip. But we definitely recommend visiting this Central Asian country. Breathtaking nature, unique cultural and historical heritage and national cuisine that will leave no chance not to fall in love – all this is about Uzbekistan. The country is also ideal for shopping – it’s worth coming here to find the perfect handmade carpet.
Turkey
Entry rules: to visit, you must present a negative result of a PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours before arrival (or an express test 48 hours before). Tourists vaccinated against COVID-19 (from Russian ones – Sputnik V), are exempt from undergoing a PCR test. Also, the test does not need to be done if you have already recovered from the disease; you just need to present a certificate of the presence of antibodies. In addition, you must fill out a special form.
When talking about places for shopping, you cannot ignore Istanbul and its Grand Bazaar – here you will find almost everything: from spices, sweets and tea to decorative items and antiques. Be sure to visit this historical trading place and bring with you a souvenir purchased there.
Our “Where to Go” project will help you with ideas for your upcoming vacation. You choose the month and city of departure, and we offer the most interesting and affordable options – with ticket prices and information about restrictions for tourists.
