Where to fly instead of Turkey thirsty for sun and sea? We have selected the best of the possible options where you can go instead of Turkey and compiled a top list with a detailed description of all the requirements for Ukrainian tourists.
Before we start with the details, I would like to clarify the principle on which we built our rating. We assessed the countries from a number of requirements that Turkey met all 100%:
- no need for a visa;
- availability of a diverse hotel base, with good value for money;
- spreading the all-inclusive diet;
- availability of sights;
- hotels have Russian-speaking staff;
- bathing season from May to October (more about comfortable sea temperature for swimming: where and when to rest).
The countries we have selected meet most of these requirements, and most importantly, they are open to Ukrainian tourists. And you can now book a tour or buy tickets.
Cyprus
The climate of Cyprus is similar to that of Turkey, as the island is adjacent to Antalya and Alanya. Cyprus is loved by both lovers of beach parties and family tourists. A variety of resort entertainment can be found no less than in Turkey.
To visit Ukrainians, it is very easy to get a free online visa through the website, you can say it is not needed. And there are plenty of all-inclusive hotels in Cyprus.
Entry conditions: Cyprus requires two PCR tests at your expense. One must be done 72 hours before departure. Another – at the airport after arrival. Children under 11 years of age do not need the test. In addition to applying for an online visa, in addition to departure, you need to register on the CyprusFlightPass website.
Tests are not required for those who have completed a full course of Satellite V (Gam-KOVID-Wak) vaccination. A copy of the certificate must be downloaded to CyprusFlightPass before departure. Make sure that the certificate is in English, with the code qr, filled in and without errors, indicating the valid passport for which your trip and pro-visa.
Egypt
Many beach lovers love Egypt as much as Turkey is Turkey’s main all-inclusive competitor.
Egypt is famous for its attractions and has won the love of those who do not mind watching fish underwater. Before the trip, do not forget to think about the entertainment program that you like.
Summers in Egypt are very hot. If you do not tolerate heat, it is better not to plan a vacation in July and August.
Entry conditions: Visa for 30 days is issued directly at the airport. You must have a negative PCR test, taken 72 hours before arrival and issued in English, with a blue stamp and qr code. Children under 5 years without a test.
UAE
You can fly to the warm sea in Dubai or Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah. Dubai is a beautiful modern city, an oasis in the desert, where there is something to see.
In the UAE, as in Turkey, 4-5 star hotels on 1 line with an all-inclusive system are enough, but they are much more expensive.
They also do not require a visa. When planning a vacation in the UAE, keep in mind that it is very hot and stuffy in summer. Therefore, it is better to consider this destination as an alternative to a trip to Turkey in spring (ideally take off in April and May) or autumn.
Entry conditions: One PCR test for coronavirus 72 hours before departure (in English) and the other at the airport free of charge. Children under 12 do not need to be tested. Before the trip, the declaration is filled out, and applications are downloaded to the phone (iOS | Android), where the test results will be displayed. You cannot leave your hotel until the 12-hour test result has been received.
Maldives
Paradise islands, where vacation has always been considered expensive. That’s how he stayed. But against the background of the closure of many countries and rising prices for open beach destinations can be considered and the Maldives. After all, prices have become high even in the Crimea and Sochi. And to compare the Maldives and the Black Sea coast – you know, nothing.
Some fly to the Maldives to take Instagram photos on a background of white sand and turquoise water. Others do not fly there – they argue that you can not drink alcohol (you can at the resorts!) And they are bored there.
In any case, in 2022 you should consider a vacation in the Maldives. Conditions for tourists are quite possible, in addition, there are direct flights.
Entry conditions: No visa required. The Maldives is admitted with a PCR test done 72 hours before departure. Children under one year do not need a test. You still need to fill out an electronic declaration 24 hours before arrival. If you find signs of SARS at the airport, you may be required to take another test at your expense ($ 100).
Cuba
Of course, it takes longer to fly to Cuba than to Turkey. But all-inclusive hotels do not require a visa, the sea and the sun. And, of course, the local Latin American flavor, for which you can endure a long flight.
Entry conditions: A negative PCR test performed 72 hours before departure is required. Upon arrival will make a second free. Children under the age of two are exempt from the tests. It is better to fly around.
Tunisia
Even before the tough times, Tunisia was a more budget-friendly alternative to Turkey. In general, the level of hotels does not fall short of the Turkish, and attractions are not as bright as, for example, in Egypt or the UAE. But still there are many who liked Tunisia.
Tunisia has allowed entry for package tourists, in 2021 flights of tour operators flew and tours appeared.
Entry conditions: So far, only vaccinated tourists who have bought a tour through a tour operator are allowed. Additionally, a negative test obtained 48 hours before departure is required. Selectively may be asked to take another test on arrival at the airport.
Montenegro
The European direction is popular among Ukrainians, in which the format of hotels is appropriate. If you want animation and all-inclusive, as in Turkey, this will not be the case.
Package tours to Montenegro are not yet sold, but you can fly yourself with transfers in other countries.
Entry conditions: Admission is free for Ukrainian tourists. No negative PCR test, no antibody certificate or vaccination certificate is required.
Greece
Greek islands, being in the same region with Turkey, have a similar nature, climate, cultural attractions. From the end of June flights are allowed on the routes: Thessaloniki, Heraklion (Crete), Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Araxos (Peloponnese).
Entry conditions: To enter the country you must pass a negative PCR test, which must be passed in 72 hours. Upon arrival you will have to take another test for free. Children under 12 do not need to take tests. An electronic application form must be completed the day before arrival.