The economies of Southeast Asia, which rely heavily on tourism for growth, are beginning to loosen their limitations on the number of tourists who may visit their most popular destinations, from Bali to Bangkok.
As the COVID-19 epidemic recedes, travel destinations worldwide relax COVID-19 entrance requirements. Taiwan was the most recent to announce loosened guidelines.
The Taiwanese government said on Monday, September 5, that some nations would again be able to enter without a visa starting on September 12.
Here is a look at some of the big Asian locations’ new admission requirements as tourism ramps up.
SOUTH KOREA
You can now travel to South Korea without presenting a negative result from a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
Since September 3rd, arriving visitors have 24 hours to perform an on-arrival PCR test and submit the results via the country’s Q-code website.
All passengers, even those under six, must sign up for Q-code before flying.
If they want to stay for less than 90 days, visitors who qualify for visa-free entry must additionally sign up for the K-ETA or Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation.
From June 8, South Korea no longer required passengers to report for quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
JAPAN
From September 7, tourists can visit Japan on pre-arranged trips without a guide. But in contrast to many other large economies, the nation still imposes rigorous border controls.
All passengers had to undergo testing before they could leave. However, beginning on September 7, everyone arriving, even citizens of Japan, who have gotten their third vaccination, is excused from producing documentation of a negative COVID-19 test.
It may be necessary to test and quarantine a tourist upon arrival, depending on where they are traveling.
Japan’s “blue list” includes Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, the U.s., the U.k., and France, where visitors do not need to undergo arrival testing or quarantine. Additionally, a COVID-19 immunization certification is not required.
HONG KONG
On August 12th, Hong Kong reduced the mandatory hotel quarantine period from 7 days to 3.
They then have another four days of self-monitoring to complete. If their tests return negative, individuals can venture out during this period, as long as they stay away from high-risk locations like pubs and restaurants where mask-off practices occur.
Travelers can only enter Hong Kong if they are adequately protected.
A pre-departure PCR test must be completed 48 hours before the flight’s planned departure time for passengers three and older.
Additionally, they must confirm their bookings for three nights at a specified quarantine hotel beginning with their arrival in Hong Kong. This affects all visitors who spent 14 days or more outside of China before arriving in Hong Kong.
MALAYSIA
From August 1, no pre-departure COVID-19 test or on-arrival COVID-19 test is necessary, and all passengers are permitted entry into Malaysia irrespective of their COVID-19 vaccination record.
The traveler’s card field in the MySejahtera android application will no longer be required.
According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, officials would keep an eye on visitors’ health problems at all Malaysian international entrance ports.
All new arrivals from outside should self-monitor their wellness, follow the SOPs, and be recommended to visit a medical institution if they are feeling poorly, according to Mr. Khairy.
THAILAND
Before entering Thailand, visitors once needed to register for a Thailand Pass using an internet portal.
Travelers to Thailand must present a vaccination certificate as identification at the border.
People who aren’t completely immunized will need to prove they aren’t HIV positive with a negative PCR test or an ART result from a medical expert.
It is unnecessary to quarantine if these conditions are satisfied.