Visas and Passports

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Dear Globetrotter:

The US opened its land and water crossings along the Mexico and Canada borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, regardless of their countries of origin, on Nov. 8. The borders had been closed to all foreigners except essential workers since March 2020. US citizens and permanent residents had been allowed to cross back into the US with proof of a negative COVID test during the border closure.

Vaccinated US and Canadian travelers planning to visit France can apply for digital vaccine certificates allowing entry to the country as well as to indoor venues. To qualify, you must have been vaccinated with one of the four vaccines recognized in the EU: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson.

To apply, visit www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/passe-sanitaire-etrangers?locale=en, create an account and follow the application instructions, which will include uploading scans of your proof of vaccination and passport photo page.

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Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to another edition of readers’ On-the-Road Travel Tips. Little did we know that this COVID-inspired undertaking over a year ago would take on a life of its own. We greatly appreciate all of the positive feedback about it that we continue to receive, and please keep sending in your tips related to anything that enhances the travel experience while actually traveling. Keep in mind our 125-word (or close) limit.

In this time of continuing challenge but renewed hopes, we are happy to unveil another selection of readers’ On-the-Road Travel Tips (each followed by my own comments). If there’s something special that you do to make your travel experience work better while actually traveling, we invite you to share your wisdom in the form of a travel tip in 125 words or fewer. See my email address at the bottom.

A new Thailand tourist visa was introduced on Nov. 23 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To apply, a traveler needs to fill out a visa application form and a health declaration form, both available from Thai consulates (visit thaiembdc.org for a link to the consulate nearest you).

On Sept. 8, China accused Indian soldiers of firing on its positions along the countries’ contested border in the Ladakh region. India denied the claims and said that Chinese soldiers fired in the air during a skirmish.

If either report is true, it would be the first time in more than 45 years that live fire occurred on the border. The two countries signed a treaty in 1996 that bans the use of guns or explosives along the border.

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Dear Globetrotter:

Welcome to the 535th issue of your monthly foreign-travel magazine.

Visitors to Japan can get a reloadable PASMO Passport smart card with which to easily pay for public transportation and some taxis and for purchases at some vending machines and stores (look for the “PASMO” logo at checkout).