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Which international destinations are reopening for tourists?

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Which international destinations are reopening for tourists?
(CNN) – Although most governments still suggest that international travel is “not important”, a number of popular destinations are beginning to ease the steps of limiting and limiting their Covid-19 border and moving towards welcoming tourists back.

Earlier this month, the European Union launched an action plan to reopen its internal borders in the summer, while countries such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania had formed a “travel bubble,” lifting restrictions on individual citizens.

A number of Caribbean islands are preparing to open their doors to foreign visitors in June, while destinations such as Mexico and Thailand plan to reopen region after region in the coming weeks.

If you are one of the many tourists who are waiting for news where you can travel to this year, here is a guide to the top destinations that make plans to reopen, as well as some of those who keep their borders tightly closed for now.

Cyprus

Batu Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou) - Cyprus Tourism Organization

Cyprus has promised to cover holiday expenses for Covid-19-positive tourists and their families.

Cyprus Tourism Organization

Cyprus is eager to get the tourism industry back on track, officials offer to cover the costs of every traveler who tested positive for Covid-19 while vacationing in the Mediterranean island nation.

According to a letter distributed to CNN, the Cypriot government will pay for lodging, as well as food, drinks and medicines for tourists affected by the corona virus during their visit.

The detailed plan is arranged in a five-page letter issued to the government, airlines and tour operators on May 26.

Officials have also designated a 100-bed hospital for foreign tourists whose tests have been positive, while a “quarantine hotel” consisting of 500 rooms will be available for patients’ families and “close contacts”.

“Travelers only need to bear the costs of airport transfers and repatriated flights, in collaboration with their agents and / or airlines,” the letter said.

The news came shortly after Cypriot Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos announced that hotels in the country would reopen on June 1, while international air travel would resume on June 9.

After the destination is reopened, visitors from only selected countries will be allowed to enter.

Incoming flights from Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia and Lithuania will be authorized first.

Starting June 20, Cyprus will also allow incoming flights from Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia and the Czech Republic.

However, this list will be expanded to include further countries in the coming months.

Travelers traveling to Cyprus will need to provide a valid certificate proving that they tested negative for Covid-19, while they will be subject to temperature checks on arrival as well as random testing during their trip.

The aim has been to put measures in place to protect tourists and residents, such as ensuring hotel staff wear masks and gloves, regularly disinfect sun loungers and keep tables in restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs at least two meters (6.5 feet) apart ) separate.

Bali

Tourists get ready to surf at Uluwatu Beach in South Kuta in Badung Regency on the island of Bali, on December 20, 2018

At least 6.3 million people visit Bali in 2019.

SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP through Getty Images

Bali has also successfully resisted a coronavirus outbreak, with fewer than 350 confirmed cases and, at the time of writing, a total of four deaths.

The island of Indonesia now hopes to welcome tourists back in October, provided the infection rate remains low.

Bali’s economy is highly dependent on tourism and the number of visitors has increased in recent years, with around 6.3 million people visiting in 2019.

“Coronavirus has brought the Bali economy down … ever since the sharp decline [mid-March] when social steps away are done, “Mangku Nyoman Kandia, a Bali tour guide, said ABC News in April. “There are no tourists, no money.”

All foreign nationals, except diplomats, permanent residents and humanitarian workers, are currently banned from Indonesia, and anyone who enters the island must undergo a swab test and provide a letter stating that they are free from Covid-19.

It is unclear what entry requirements will be if restrictions are lifted later this year, or whether Bali will accept tourists from areas affected by the pandemic.

Thailand

Visitors wearing face masks, amid fears of the spread of the COVID-19 corona virus, walk along the road on Hua Hin beach in Thailand on May 19, 2020

Thailand plans to reopen various regions gradually until the end of 2020.

JACK TAYLOR / AFP through Getty Images

Thailand has long been a major destination for travelers, receiving nearly 40 million foreign tourists last year.

However, visitors have been banned from entering the Southeast Asian country since March due to a pandemic.

While the number of cases here is relatively low compared to other destinations – Thailand has reported more than 3,000 confirmed cases and more than 50 deaths – officials do not take risks when it comes to reopening the country.

“This still depends on the plague situation, but I think the earliest we might see a return of tourists could be the fourth quarter of this year,” Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Thai Tourism Authority (TAT) told CNN Travel.

The governor went on to emphasize that there would be limits on who could visit which countries and regions they could go after restrictions were relaxed.

“We will not open at once,” he added. “We are still on high alert, we have not been able to bring down our guards.

“We have to look at the country of origin [of the travelers] to see if their situation really improves. ”

This effectively means Thailand is unlikely to open its borders to travelers from destinations that don’t seem to control the coronavirus situation.

Those granted permission to enter can be offered “long-term packages” in remote areas “where health monitoring can be easily controlled,” such as the remote islands of Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui.

However, the Thai border is tightly closed for now.

Prohibition of entry international commercial flights – excluding repatriation flights – recently extended to 30 June and Phuket International Airport remains closed.

Like many other global destinations, Thailand is currently focused on domestic tourism.

In fact, several resorts and hotels have been given permission to reopen – Hua Hin, which is located about 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Bangkok, is one of them.

Shopping centers, museums, markets and several tourist attractions have also reopened its doors, with the Grand Palace Bangkok to reopen on June 4.

France

Dona Ana Beach in Lagos on 18 April 2018 in the southern Portuguese region of the Algarve

French citizens will be allowed to take vacations at home during July and August.

DAMIEN MEYER / AFP through Getty Images

France is the most visited country in the world before the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, like the rest of the European Union, the current restrictions apply to all non-essential travel from outside the Schengen Zone (grouping of 26 countries which usually have open borders).

Tourists who enter the country, except EU citizens or arrivals from the UK, will be subject to a mandatory 14-day corona virus quarantine until at least 24 July.

Although the government is slowly lifting lockdown measures, with car trips of up to 100 kilometers now permitted and the beaches reopening, officials have explained that the country is in no hurry to reduce border restrictions for international travelers.

“Since the beginning of the crisis, border closure is a rule, and authorization to cross borders is an exception.

“What is good for tourism is often good for France, what attacks tourism attacks France,” he told a news conference.

Although some businesses have been given permission to reopen, hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes in the country will remain closed at least until June 2.

Even so, it is unlikely that establishments in Paris, which have been marked as “coronavirus” red zones by officials, will be allowed to open in the near future.

It was announced on May 29 that the country’s most visited museum, the Louvre, would reopen July 6.

“Tourism faces what may be the worst challenge in modern history,” Philippe added. “Because this is one of the crown jewels of the French economy, saving it is a national priority.”

He later stated that residents could take vacations in France during July and August.

Hotels in the country will depend on domestic tourism after it reopens, because all signs indicate that international travelers will not be able to enter in the future.

“When the locking action is softened, French tourists may want to stay close to home in the short term,” a spokesman for the French hotel chain Accor told CNN Travel earlier this month.

“This will be a moment for them to rediscover their own country and we will be there to welcome them.”

Greece

Athinios, Santorini

Officials in Greece hope to reopen the country on June 15.

cunfek / Getty Images

Tourism accounts for nearly 20% of Greece’s gross domestic product, as well as one in five jobs, so it is perhaps not surprising that the Mediterranean fishing to reopen tourists as soon as possible.

The European nation, which has managed to keep the number of coronavirus cases low by implementing tight locking early on, plans to allow travelers to return on June 15.

“The tourism period starts on June 15, when seasonal hotels can be reopened,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on May 20.

“Let’s make this summer an epilogue from [Covid-19] crisis, “he added.

Mitsotakis goes on to state that direct international flights to Greek destinations will slowly resume from July 1, and tourists are no longer expected to take the Covid-19 test or enter quarantine upon arrival.

However, Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis has indicated health officials will carry out tests on the spot if necessary.

“This summer’s tourism experience may be a little different from what you have had in previous years,” Mitsotakis said CNN earlier this month.

“Maybe there are no open bars, or there are no crowds, but you can still get a fantastic experience in Greece – as long as the global epidemic is on a downward track.”

Bars and restaurants are also permitted to run businesses again, while city hotels are scheduled to reopen on June 1, followed by seasonal hotels in July.

All international passengers must previously take the Covid-19 test upon arrival or enter quarantine for 14 days.

Mitsotakis has suggested tourists will be asked to undergo testing before their visit as a further precaution in the future, but this does not seem to be a problem anymore.

German

A view of the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) taken on March 3

The restrictions in Germany are being loosened gently as the country prepares to revive the tourism industry.

JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP via Getty Images

Although non-essential travel to Germany is banned at this time, land poets and thinkers intend to lift restrictions for EU countries from 15 June, according to the German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

Officials are also considering allowing visitors from Turkey, Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, although a final decision has not been made.

The proposal was listed in a paper called “Criteria for Enabling Intra-European Tourism,” which Suggest current travel warnings will be replaced by individual travel advice related to each country.

“Revitalizing tourism is important for both the German traveler and travel industry, as well as for the economic stability of each target country,” he wrote.

The Austrian / German land border is also reopened – travel between Austria and Germany will be possible starting June 15 – and restrictions across the country are being relaxed.

While the bar is still closed, the restaurant began reopening on May 18, while the hotel is permitted to reopen from May 29.

Mexico

An aerial view of an almost empty beach in Cancun, the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico

Over the next few weeks, Mexico will begin to open territory after region.

ELIZABETH RUIZ / AFP through Getty Images

Mexico aims to welcome returning visitors within a few weeks.

While the country is still locked, with hotels and restaurants not yet restarting business, officials plan to reopen the country little by little to get everything back on track.

“The target is first domestic travelers, followed by travelers from the US and Canada and then all over the world.

The border between the US and Mexico borders is closed for “unimportant” travel until at least June 22 and most international flights in and out of Mexico’s main airports are currently suspended or significantly reduced.

However, Delta Air Lines will improve and / or resume services from the US to Cancun, Mexico City Los Cabos and Puerta Vallarta in the coming weeks.

Quintana Roo, a state on the Caribbean side of Mexico which is home to people like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, hopes to reopen in mid-June, according to Marisol Vanegas, state tourism secretary.

“We want to revive tourism and hope to start opening sights and hotels between 10 and 15 June but don’t know which one,” he said.

“That depends on what the federal government allows us to do.”

Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, said he hopes to receive both international and domestic tourists in August and September.

However, the Riviera Nayarit beach destination, located north of Puerta Vallarta, currently has no immediate plans to bring back tourists, according to Richard Zarkin, public relations manager for the Convention and Visitors Bureau of the Riviera Nayarit.

Turkey

People enjoy the beach on August 16, 2019 in Oludeniz, Turkey.

Turkey aims to receive international visitors from mid-June.

Pictures of Burak Kara / Getty

Turkey generated more than $ 34.5 billion from tourism in 2019, and cross-continent countries want to get back in business.

According to Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the destination plans to restart domestic tourism in late May and hopes to receive international visitors from mid-June.

The country has set new guidelines for hotel and resort facilities, such as checking the temperature at the entrance and at least 12 hours of room ventilation after checkout. Guests will be asked to wear face masks and maintain social distance.

“The more transparent and detailed information we provide, the more we will get the trust of tourists,” Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy told Reuters earlier this month while revealing plans to open about half of hotels in Turkey this year.

Meanwhile, inter-city travel restrictions have been lifted, while restaurants, cafes, parks and sports facilities are permitted to reopen starting June 1, along with beaches and museums.

Grand Bazaar Istanbul, one of the biggest markets in the world, too prepare to reopen for the first time in two months on June 1.

Italy

Tourists wear masks at the Piazza Duomo in Milan, on March 5, 2020

Italy dropped mandatory quarantine for arrivals in “calculated risk” to attract tourists back.

PIERO CRUCIATTI / AFP through Getty Images

Italy has become one of the most severe destinations hit by this pandemic, but the very popular European country wants to boost the tourism industry and run it now because infection rates have slowed.

Travelers from the EU, along with Britain and the micro countries and kingdoms of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican, will be permitted to enter without having to enter quarantine from June 3, in a move the government described as “calculated risk.”

“We have to accept it; otherwise we will never be able to start again.”

Previous visitors must undergo quarantine two weeks before being allowed to enter.

All museums, including Vatican Museum of Rome, has been slowly reopened throughout May with distancing social rules. Bars and restaurants were allowed to reopen with a reduced number of visitors and a plastic shield to break up customers, on May 18.

Spanish

A woman wearing a face mask sits on Can Pere Antoni Beach in Palma de Mallorca on May 25, 2020

At least 84 million people visit Spain in 2019.

JAIME REINA / AFP through Getty Images

The Spanish lock is one of the toughest in Europe, but the restrictions are gently lifted. The beach will reopen in June while hotels in some parts of the country have been allowed to continue business.

From July 1, the European destination, which received a record 84 million visitors in 2019, will give EU tourists permission to enter without having to be quarantined for two weeks.

“Coming in July, we will allow the arrival of foreign tourists to Spain in safe conditions,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said at a recent press conference.

“We will guarantee that tourists are not at risk, and that they do not represent risks (to Spain).”

While there is little mention of opening borders for travelers outside the European Union, it is estimated that Spain hopes to follow in the footsteps of destinations such as Lithuania and the Czech Republic by building safe corridors, or “travel bubbles,” with the closest destination being managed to keep the outbreak under control.

“Border issues will be accompanied by the evolution of the health crisis.”

At present, it is mandatory for anyone over the age of 6 to wear a mask when in public, both indoors and outdoors, “where it is impossible to maintain [an interpersonal] distance.”

Maldives

Private jets and super cruise ships will be allowed to enter the Maldives starting June 1.

Private jets and super cruise ships will be allowed to enter the Maldives starting June 1.

ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP / AFP / Getty Images

It has become one of the most luxurious destinations in the world, but the Maldives seems to be more expensive to visit after it reopens.

The island nation, which consists of more than 1,000 islands, closed its national border and canceled all flights shortly after recording the first two cases of the corona virus in March.

The Maldives has recorded around 1,457 confirmed cases and five deaths from Covid-19 so far.

According to Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, the country could be in a position to receive tourists by the end of 2020.

“In the next three months, the Maldives will become the first Covid-19 free country in the Asian region, hopefully,” the Maldives online parliamentary meeting said.

“We are conducting a survey to start safe tourism when we reach that road.”

A gradual reopening It has been proposed that private jets and super yachts be allowed from June 1, chartered flights and private jets will incur a $ 50,000 landing fee.
The government has also issued a “Safe Tourism License” for tourist facilities that comply with government laws and certain safety requirements, such as having certified medical personnel available and holding an “adequate stock” of PPE equipment.

Travelers who travel must have a booking confirmed with tourist facilities with a “Safe Tourism License,” as well as a special $ 100 tourist visa available for those who are committed to spending a minimum of 14 days in the country.

Visitors also need to show a valid medical certificate stating that Covid-19 is free.

The Maldives received more than 1.7 million visitors in 2019 and the number is expected to increase to two million by 2020.

St. Lucia

Pigeon Beach in Saint Lucia is seen from Fort Rodney

St. Lucia will begin a gradual reopening on June 4.

DANIEL SLIM / AFP through Getty Images

St. Lucia is one of the few islands in the Caribbean that is trying to re-tourism.

The tropical destination, which closes its orders for foreign travelers on March 23, is to get started gradual reopening on June 4, when he was about to lift it bordered by visitors from the United States.

Those traveling to the country must show “official proof” of the negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of boarding their flight.

Visitors will also be subject to temperature checks and checks by the port health authority and must wear face masks and maintain social distance during their visit.

Officials also brought new safety measures for taxis to separate drivers and passengers.

“Our new protocol has been carefully crafted and will build trust between travelers and our citizens,” Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee words in a statement.

“The Saint Lucia government remains determined to protect life and livelihoods when the country starts its economy.”

Local businesses have also been permitted to reopen, provided they have the right cleaning steps and socially remote steps.

Details of the second phase of the reopening of the island, which will begin on August 1, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Portugal

    Dona Ana Beach in Lagos in the southern Portuguese region of the Algarve

Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva recently stated that Portugal is open and “tourists are welcome.”

LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP through Getty Images

Portugal is still in the process of easing restrictions on locking, allowing restaurants, museums and coffee shops to reopen with reduced capacity since mid-May.

But European nations want to revive the struggling tourism industry, with Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva recently stating “tourists are welcome.”

While visitors from outside the European Union are banned until at least June 15, some routes in and out of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil are still operating.

The land border between Portugal and Spain, which has been closed to tourists since March, cannot be reopened until EU travel restrictions are lifted.

“We will gradually begin to relax border controls,” Interior Minister Eduardo Cabrita said earlier this month.

Although the prospect of reopening for international tourists seems a little temporary, officials put measures in place to ensure foreign tourists will feel confident to return once they are able.

Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism, has launched “don’t cancel, delay” scheme, which allows tourists to reschedule any pre-arranged holidays to Portugal until the close of 2021.

This applies to all bookings made through accredited travel agents, together with hotels or Airbnbs, for trips scheduled between March 13 and September 30, 2020.

In addition, the national tourism authority Turismo de Portugal has created a free hygiene certification stamp to differentiate “Clean & Safe” tourism companies to increase visitor confidence.

Businesses must comply with cleanliness and hygiene requirements for Covid-19 prevention and control to receive a stamp, which is valid for one year.

According to Santos Silva, Portuguese airports will soon introduce health checks for arrivals, but visitors will not be subject to mandatory quarantine.

Aruba

A beach in Oranjestad, Aruba on August 27, 2013. AFP PHOTO / Luis Acosta (Photo credit must read LUIS ACOSTA / AFP / Getty Images)

Aruba has issued a “tentative” reopening date, which falls between June 15 and July 1.

LUIS ACOSTA / AFP / Getty Images

The Caribbean island of Aruba plans to open its doors for travelers once again at some point in between June 15 and July 1.

However, the visitor bureau for the Caribbean island, which has reported more than 100 confirmed cases of the corona virus, said this “tentative” date could change if Aruba chooses to “consider additional precautions as needed.”

Although there is no mention of the Covid-19 testing requirements for arrival, travelers will be asked to undergo a temperature check on arrival.

While non-essential businesses including shopping centers, cinemas, beauty salons and open restaurants are permitted to reopen on May 25, the island’s country has 10 things. until 5 pm curfew still applies.

This means the company must close at 10 pm. every day.

In addition, the Department of Public Health has introduced “Aruba’s Health & Happiness Code,” hygiene and hygiene certification programs are mandatory for all tourism-related businesses in the country.

Georgia

This aerial photo, taken on August 26, 2019, shows a residential district in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi

Georgia aims to welcome international travelers back from July 1.

VANO SHLAMOV / AFP through Getty Images

But the country was forced to close its winter resorts and bar all foreign visitors from returning in March because of the crisis.

Eager to revive the tourism sector, the country’s government said it plans to reopen it for international travelers on July 1.

The next phase will allow for domestic travel in a special “safe” tourism zone, while the last phase involves reopening the border and continuing several flights.

“[The] the tourism sector will be the first where emergency relief measures will apply. “

great Britain

Tourists stand near the Brandenburg Gate on March 13, 2020 in Berlin, Germany.

A mandatory 14-day quarantine has been issued for all arrivals to the UK from 8 June.

Maja Hitij / Getty Images

While other destinations are limiting leisure trips and taking steps to lure tourists back, the UK has chosen to impose more stringent regulations.

Under the new rules, all arrivals must provide an address, where they must stay for two weeks.

Those who break the rules will be fined up to $ 1,218.

The decision, which will be reviewed every three weeks, has shattered hopes of saving international tourism here in the coming weeks.

It is estimated that the move could prevent airlines from restarting flight operations quickly, while officials have warned there is little chance British citizens can go abroad this summer.

“I say, you cannot travel abroad at this time,” Transport Minister Grant Shapps said in a BBC television interview when asked whether Britons should book flights in July.

“If you order it, you are obviously basically taking the risk of where the virus is going and therefore where its travel advice is in the future.”

Currently, hotels will open in early July, but due to EU border restrictions still in effect, it is likely that the UK will focus on domestic travel for now.

Luxury country house hotel Beaverbrook is one of many companies waiting to be given permission to open their doors again while implementing major changes to protect guests and staff.

“We are still waiting for further clarification from the government about when the hotel can reopen, but we have been working behind the scenes to adjust our operations to ensure extra security for our staff and guests as we do so,” a spokesman from Surrey Hotel told CNN Travel earlier this month.

“All visitors and staff will be asked to submit temperature checks on arrival and are asked to clean their hands when entering all buildings on the estate.

CNN Kocha Olarn, Karla Cripps, Shivani Vora, and Elinda Labropoulou also contributed to this article.

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All Your Acrylic Nail Questions Answered: From Application to Care

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Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.  

How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?

The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.

Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.

How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?

Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:

  1. Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
  2. Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
  3. Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
  4. Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.

How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?

Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:

  1. Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
  2. Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
  3. Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.

Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?

When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.

If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.

What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?

Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:

– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.

– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.

– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.

– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.

Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.

Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?

If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:

– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.

– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.

Conclusion

Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.

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Jacqueline Troost Omvlee – A Tool in the Hands of the Russian Elite

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When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.

Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.

Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.

European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.

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Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life

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Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.

Creating an Optimal Habitat

One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.

  1. Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
  2. Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.

  1. Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
  2. Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
  3. Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Regular Health Checks

Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.

  1. Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
  2. Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.

  1. Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
  2. Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.

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