Elsewhere, a global effort to drive down spiralling oil prices is under way, while this week’s Black Friday sale is forecast to bounce back to a record spend.
Here are the key headlines affecting travel on Thursday 25 November.
EU ‘to demand third jab for entry’ from 2022
British holidaymakers who have not had a booster jab may be banned from travelling to European tourist destinations. The EU is expected to unveil new Covid-19 travel guidelines based on vaccination status rather than country of origin, after its health agency recommended boosters for all. Tourists travelling to the EU could be required to show proof of their booster as early as Easter. (The i)
Winter family holidays under threat
Families with teenagers planning to ski or visit Christmas markets face forking out for frequent Covid testing and, in Austria, a total ban on entering public places. Winter family holidays are under threat because of a minefield of Covid restrictions for 12- to 15-year-olds who are unable to be double jabbed. Families face hundreds of pounds for frequent Covid testing in lieu of vaccination proof. (The i)
OPEC told to increase oil production
Major oil states including Russia and Saudi Arabia have been urged to ramp up production to bring prices down to “reasonable levels”. The International Energy Agency called on members of the Opec+ cartel to “comfort the global oil markets”. It took aim at Russia in particular, saying the country could “easily” increase output to Europe by around 15%. (The Telegraph)
US to release oil stocks to lower price
President Biden will release oil from the US’s strategic stockpile to drive down prices that are posing a threat to global economic recovery. Fifty million barrels of oil, about 2.5 days of US consumption, will be released “over the coming months”, in a move co-ordinated with China, India, Japan, South Korea and the UK. (Financial Times)
Black Friday shoppers to spend more than in 2019
Black Friday will see £84.7 billion spent, compared to £83.1 billion in 2019 and £79.7 billion last year, experts have predicted. Spending was lower last year because lockdown affected shoppers on the high street. (The Sun)
Barbados to become a republic
Barbados will remove the queen as head of state on 30 November. A handover ceremony will be attended by Prince Charles as the island transitions to a republic. It will remain a member of the Commonwealth. Supporters say the move will mark an end to colonialism. (The Telegraph)
New Zealand sets reopening date
Fully vaccinated travellers will finally be able to enter New Zealand from 30 April 2022, easing border restrictions in place since March last year. Easing of restrictions will come more than two years after the country first locked down. Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders in neighbouring Australia will be able to enter the country from 16 January. (Sky News)
