Unlocking Asia Pacific Travel: Which Countries Are Open for Tourism Now?

Mandatory quarantines are perhaps the least desirable element of going abroad in the post-pandemic world. Fortunately, with the implementation of the vaccine passport, many countries are easing their quarantine requirements and making allowances to accommodate international arrivals.

As of May 2022 these countries are open to visitors without compulsory quarantine: Cambodia, Fiji, French Polynesia, India, Indonesia, Laos, The Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and The United Arab Emirates.

While these countries do provide a quarantine-free entry, in most cases waiving the quarantine period is contingent on the testing and/or vaccination status of the visitor (see the table below). Please note that mandatory quarantine will still be imposed on those who test positive during the health screenings conducted at the airport.

Here’s the list of Asia Pacific countries open to international tourists without quarantines:

Australia entry restrictions

All incoming international travelers are requested to provide proof they’ve had two doses of an approved vaccine. A negative Covid test result is no longer required to board the plane. Unvaccinated international travelers who arrive in Australia may be considered for visa cancellation, detention, and removal.

If you arrive by plane you should complete a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) available online.

Official government pages contain up-to-date information about currently available visa options.

Quarantine rules

Quarantine rules are determined on a state level. Reduced quarantine may apply depending on the state or territory the visitor is traveling to. Most states require travelers to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours of arriving in Australia.

Visas

Cambodia has resumed its visa on arrival service, which cost US$35 for a maximum stay of 30 days. Some nationalities have to arrange visas in advance, before arrival – by applying online on the Cambodian Government’s official portal evisa.gov.kh, or through the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia.

Cambodia travel requirements

All vaccinated travelers need to demonstrate their vaccination status on arrival.

Unvaccinated visitors must present a PCR COVID-19 test taken at least 72 hours before arriving in Cambodia. A deposit of $US2,000 in cash is required to cover the costs of further tests and quarantine (any unused funds will be returned).

All foreign travelers must have health insurance with a minimum coverage of US$50,000. The insurance must cover COVID-19 treatments, quarantine, and hospitalization.

Transit through Cambodia

Transit via Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Cambodia is permitted for most foreign nationals. If you don’t have a boarding pass for a connecting flight, you should contact the transit security check before proceeding to the gate.

Quarantine rules

Fully vaccinated visitors are not required to quarantine on arrival.

Unvaccinated visitors must undergo 7 days quarantine at a government-designated hotel or Alternative State Quarantine hotel. There is a mandatory Covid test on the first day and the last day of quarantine.

China entry regulations

All travelers must apply for an official permit or a visa with the Chinese consulate in their native country. They also must prove to have a compelling reason for traveling (for example humanitarian needs). For a visa, a physical application needs to be sent by mail to the consulate. The total fee is around $150 ( A$205) and must be paid by money order or check.

A PCR test took 48 hours before boarding is required. The test report along with and letter of commitment on COVID-19 vaccination should be submitted on the China Health Declaration Certificate website.

Quarantine rules

Travelers entering Mainland China must undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival and a 21-days quarantine at their own cost. To be released from the quarantine travelers must agree to a variety of invasive COVID-19 tests.

When China will open its borders for tourism?

The Chinese government announced that the realistic date to lift border restrictions would be in the second half of 2022. However, the country will only reopen after meeting a number of requirements.

Fiji entry restrictions

All vaccinated visitors are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) in order to enter the country and must take an additional test 48 hours after arriving. Travelers can be accompanied by their unvaccinated children.

There is also a minimum 3-night accommodation booking requirement (at a Care Fiji Commitment certified property).

Fiji quarantine rules

Foreign visitors arriving from Travel Partner countries can enjoy Fiji quarantine-free. Those who travel from non-Travel Partner countries are required to stay at a Managed Hotel Quarantine Facility for 10 days.

Hong Kong travel regulations

Anyone who arrives in Hong Kong from overseas has to comply with three basic requirements:

• Present prior to boarding a negative result proof of PCR test (taken within 48 hours before the departure).
• Present confirmation of a reservation at a designated quarantine hotel.
• Undergo a PCR test on arrival in Hong Kong, and wait for its results.

Quarantine measures

Hong Kong has some of the world’s strictest quarantine policies. All arriving passengers are required to undergo a PCR test for COVID-19 prior to clearing immigration and baggage collection. There is a compulsory 7-14 days quarantine for both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors at home, hotel, or other accommodation.

Please note that violating the quarantine requirements is considered a criminal offense in Hong Kong, and offenders can face a heavy fine or/and imprisonment.

When will Hong Kong open its borders to tourists?

Though the authorities have announced that Hong Kong will open its borders to international travelers in mid-2022, the exact date has not been announced yet.

Recently Hong Kong put even more countries on its high-risk list that require a longer hotel quarantine. It strongly follows the “Zero Covid” policy and will not reopen its border until Covid is kept at bay.

Quarantine rules

Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to undergo quarantine.

All arrivals are screened. Anyone showing symptoms will be taken to a medical facility for a 14 days quarantine. An exemption from institutional quarantine may be considered if a negative RT-PCR test result has been conducted within 96 hours prior to departure.

Indonesia entry requirements

Starting July 6, 2021, all foreign travelers entering Indonesia have to be fully vaccinated. The proof of vaccination (a vaccination record card in physical or digital form) must be presented prior to departure to Indonesia and on arrival. Also, all travelers are required to have a negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours of their departure.

Upon arrival, passengers will go through a health screening process by checking body temperature. Anyone above 37.5°C will be required to undergo a PCR test.

Visas

Foreigners from nine ASEAN countries can enter Indonesia visa-free: Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Visa-on-arrival (VoA) has been fully resumed on 28th April 2022 for passport holders from 60 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, and US. To obtain a VoA, a foreigner must present a valid passport with at least 6 months left before expiry, and a return ticket to continue their journey to another country. VoA costs 500,000 IDR (~35 USD / ~45 AUD / ~32 EUR) and it allows for one extension of 30 days (also at the cost of 500,000 IDR).

Alternatively, any foreign nationals can apply for a single-entry visa B211A that allows staying in the country for 2 months and can be extended 4 times with 30-days extensions. It can be used by anyone who wishes to stay in Indonesia for tourism or social purposes. The best way to obtain a single-entry visa is to use an agent in Indonesia (cost around 6mln IDR or 410 USD / 540 AUD). For more information read the official guide (PDF, Bahasa Indonesia) or visit e-visa section of the Indonesian immigration website.

Holders of the Indonesia Temporary Residence Card (KITAS) and Indonesia Permanent Residence Card (KITAP) are allowed to enter the country.

Visas

Under directions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa restrictions have been introduced, including cancellation of already-issued visas and suspension of visa-free entry.

Transit through Japan

Transit via Narita International Airport is allowed, as long as the connecting flight is on the same calendar day. Upon arrival at the airport, you do not need to submit any documents and pass sanitary checks.

Quarantine rules

All passengers entering Japan are required to submit proof of a negative test result for COVID-19. Upon arrival, they are asked to quarantine for 3 days and are required to test negative on the final day of that period. Fully vaccinated visitors who depart from countries with low infection levels do not need to quarantine at all.

Japan reopening date

The most likely date for the reopening of Japan’s borders to general tourism is autumn 2022 as the country will host the Tourism Expo Japan 2022 in September. The general expectation is that quarantine-free travel will be possible for vaccinated travelers.

In the meantime, the ‘test tourism’ program began in May in the form of limited package tours. It is planned as a way of gathering information prior to full reopening. Triple-vaccinated travelers from the United States, Australia, Thailand and Singapore will be allowed to take part in the tours, and they will be strictly planned in conjunction with travel agencies and accompanied at all times by tour guides.

Visas

All tourist visas, visas on arrival, and visa exemptions remain suspended until further notice. However, authorities may grant entry permission for foreigners in some cases – after submitting an application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Starting January 2022 under the Green Tourism Plan, foreign visitors from some countries can apply for a pass by filling out an eVisa online form.

Laos entry requirements

All travel must be approved in advance. Foreigners must register for a QR code at laogreenpass.gov.la and then obtain a letter of permission from the appropriate ministry or the consular department. Arriving visitors must present a negative Covid test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure, and complete a health declaration form.

To enter any tourist site located in the green zone, visitors must show a Covid vaccination certificate.

Health insurance with medical expense coverage of 10,000 USD or more is required (a suitable policy is available for purchase on arrival).

Laos quarantine rules

Upon arrival in Laos, a PCR test must be taken by all passengers. A visitor can only travel to the “green tourism zone” if the test result is negative.

All entrants will be subject to a 7-day quarantine – two days at a designated facility or hotel (at their own expense) and 5 days at home or location of their choice. A tracking device needs to be worn during that time.

Laos reopening date

The vaccination program has accelerated recently in Laos, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism introduced the “Lao Travel Green Zone” program to revive tourism from January 2022. Vientiane, Vangvieng, and Luang Prabang are designated as green zones that fully vaccinated foreign travelers are permitted to visit.

Malaysia entry requirements

All arrivals can now enter Malaysia, regardless of their vaccination status. However, visitors who are not fully vaccinated need to present a PCR test taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure. Upon arrival, they also must undergo an RTK-Ag test and observe a 5-day quarantine. The cost of quarantine (which includes screening test, transport, accommodation, meals, etc) is to be borne by travelers and fully paid prior to their arrival in Malaysia via the MySafeTravel system or the MyQR phone app,

Fully vaccinated visitors are not required to undergo quarantine.

Health insurance is also no longer necessary to enter Malaysia.

Transit in Malaysia

Transiting through Malaysia is allowed, and you can transit via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) as long as you remain airside (for a maximum of 24 hours). Transit that requires passage through immigration (to collect bags, or to move between the two airport terminals – KLIA and KLIA2) is not possible.

Entry restrictions

There is no quarantining mandated upon arrival in the Maldives. However, travelers will have to follow some procedures to enter the country:

• Present a PCR test with a negative result (taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure)
• Present a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility
• Fill in an HDF (Traveller Health Declaration form).
• Wear face masks in all indoor public spaces

Visas

A free 30-day tourist visa is issued upon arrival.

Quarantine rules

Upon arrival into the Maldives, travelers presenting symptoms of COVID-19 will be subject to PCR test at their cost and in case of positive result transported to quarantine facilities to isolate for 14 days. Tourists who do not show COVID-19 symptoms are not required to quarantine on arrival.

Safety

On 1 February 2021, a violent political coup took place in Myanmar with deadly clashes across the country. The country’s military declared a state of emergency and assumed control. Following the coup, the security situation in the country has worsened, and there are active conflicts between armed groups.

Most governments currently advise against all but essential travel to Myanmar, stating that foreign visitors are at risk of being arbitrarily detained or arrested.

Myanmar entry restrictions

Only fully vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter the country. After arrival, they have to undergo a week-long quarantine with two PCR tests.

Visas

Issuance of tourist entry visas and visas on arrival (VoA) has resumed.

Vaccinated travelers can get a visa on arrival if they can present proof of vaccination.

Non-vaccinated travelers can get visas on arrival if they can present a negative PCR test completed no more than 72 hours before the departure.

Foreign tourists may also apply for a visa at the Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions in their respective countries. Contact the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for current information.

Nepal entry requirements

All tourists entering Nepal must present the following documents:

1. A passport with at least 6 months validity.
2. Proof of travel insurance that covers (among others) health, immediate crisis, or rescue for the duration of the trip.
3. Evidence of your hotel booking.

Nepal quarantine rules

Quarantine is no longer required for travelers regardless of their vaccine status.

If you are symptomatic on arrival, you may be subject to testing. If you test positive, you will be required to quarantine in Government-provided facilities at your own expense.

Quarantine rules

Mandatory standard operating procedures have been put in place where 14-day quarantine is compulsory upon arrival. Passengers are legally required to obtain a Managed Isolation Allocation system voucher confirming their place in a managed isolation facility before boarding a flight.

Starting May 1, 2022 visitors from visa-waiver countries and holders of a valid visitor visa will not need to self-isolate or undergo a quarantine.

New Zealand opening date

New Zealand started easing some of its tough border restrictions in February 2022. It will fully reopen its international borders on July 31, 2022.

Here’s the travel situation in some popular Pacific Islands:

French Polynesia

On May 1 French Polynesia has reopened its borders to travelers who have been in the US for at least 30 days prior to departure. Vaccinated travelers are required to include an official certificate of vaccination. All travelers are required to supply negative PCR test results. Non-vaccinated travelers will be required to quarantine for 10 days (regardless of test results), while vaccinated visitors will be allowed to bypass it.

Cook Islands

This South Pacific nation made up of 15 islands scattered over a vast area of the Pacific Ocean has reported 0 (zero) COVID-19 cases. Starting 17 May, New Zealanders can enjoy the stunning beaches of the Cook Islands by using a new travel bubble that allows quarantine-free visits. Passenger arrivals from other countries to the Cook Islands are still suspended.

Fiji

Scroll up for more details.

New Caledonia

New Caledonia will remain closed for tourism at least until 31 December 2021. Foreign nationals who are not residents of New Caledonia are not allowed to enter the country.

Niue

The island of Niue is closed to international tourism. Only repatriating Niue residents and essential services people are permitted entry. All arriving passengers must undergo a 14-days quarantine at government-appointed accommodation. Niue is discussing a two-way travel bubble with New Zealand. At the moment it only works one way: you can travel from Niue to New Zealand quarantine-free.

Samoa

Still largely untouched by mass tourism, Samoa remains free of COVID-19 (zero cases). Unfortunately, the current State of Emergency requires that all international borders remain closed until further notice. There is a possibility though that by the end of 2021, Samoa is will join the Trans-Tasmanian travel bubble with New Zealand and Australia.

Tonga

At the moment, Tonga keeps its borders closed for tourism. Only Tongan citizens and permanent residents can enter the island at this time (14-day self-isolation is required). The plans to establish a travel bubble with New Zealand have been delayed.

Vanuatu

Currently, entry into Vanuatu is suspended, and only limited exemptions can be made. All arriving passengers 18 years or older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and should expect extra health screening measures plus a 14-days mandatory quarantine.

Entry restrictions

To visit PNG you must be fully vaccinated, have written exemption from the National Pandemic Controller, and present evidence of a negative PCR test result taken a maximum of 7 days before boarding.

To apply for an exemption to enter PNG you should email the National Control Centre Travel Desk ([email protected]) and attach the following documents:

• International Air Passenger Travel Form (I-APTF)
• a letter to the National Pandemic Controller, stating your reason for travel
• if applicable, your work permit details or/and resident permit details
• copy of your passport biodata page
• copy of your visa for Papua New Guinea
• copy of your reservation at a designated hotel for quarantine

To enter Papua New Guinea, you’ll need:

• evidence of your vaccination
• approved exemption from National Control Centre Travel Desk
• negative COVID-19 test
• proof of reservation at one of the designated quarantine hotels
• online electronic health declaration form

Quarantine rules

Starting 15th January 2021 all arriving passengers need to quarantine at a designated hotel for 14-days. No physical visits or interaction with friends, family or any other people are allowed during the quarantine.

Papua New Guinea reopening date

Papua New Guinea will open its borders to tourism no earlier than Q1 2022.

Philippines travel requirements

Nationals from 150 countries can enjoy visa-free short visits for up to 21 days.

All foreign visitors arriving in the Philippines must present:

• Proof of vaccination
• PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure, or laboratory-based antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure.
• Completed the Electronic Case Information Form (e-CIF).

Kids under 18 are exempt from vaccination requirements.

The Department of Tourism provides an official Facebook page where travelers can ask questions and clarify any concerns.

Philippines quarantine regulations

Foreign travelers are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative prior to arrival.

Unvaccinated visitors are allowed to enter the Philippines but they have to quarantine in a government facility. If the PCR test taken on the fifth day is negative, they will be able to move to home quarantine for another 14 days.

Singapore entry requirements

Travelers who are not fully vaccinated are generally not allowed to enter Singapore – with a few exceptions, such as compassionate reasons. Except for the pre-departure PCR/ART test, passengers from this group are still required to undergo a 7-day stay-home notice (at the declared place of accommodation) and take a PCR test after their isolation period. Additionally, they are also required to present health insurance (minimum coverage of S$30,000 / ~$22,500 / ~A$29,100) for their COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalization costs.

Passengers from restricted countries, regardless of their vaccination status, must present a pre-departure PCR test, undergo a 7-day stay-home notice, and take a PCR test after their isolation period. Currently, all countries are under the general travel category (none is considered the restricted category) – however, this may change in the incoming months. Singapore reserves the right to reclassify any country’s category in the event of new virus variants emerging with a “potentially significant” risk to public health.

Please note that travelers who are not fully vaccinated, including residents and long-term pass holders, will also be responsible for COVID-19 treatment costs. The same goes for those who travel to countries and regions under the restricted category if they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of their return to Singapore (regardless of their vaccination status).

South Korea visa-free entry (K-ETA)

In May 2021, South Korea launched a pilot project for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-free entry for foreign nationals. It will be followed by full implementation from September 2021.

Currently, only citizens of the 21 visa-exempt countries will be able to apply for an ETA to South Korea: US, UK, Mexico, Nicaragua, Dominican Federation, Barbados, Venezuela, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Malta, Ireland, Guyana, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Andorra, Albania, Slovenia, Guam, New Caledonia, and Palau.

Travelers are required to apply for the ETA through the government K-ETA online portal at least 24 hours before boarding their flight. Once approved, the ETA will be valid for 2 years. It will permit multiple short stays in South Korea for purposes of tourism, family visits, or conducting business activities.

Quarantine measures

All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea by air are required to provide a printed negative COVID-19 test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Also, health screening and health questionnaire are mandatory for visitors from all countries.

14-day quarantine rules apply to all international passengers entering Korea. Foreign travelers must present a Self-Isolation Exemption Certificate issued by the Embassy of Korea or, alternatively, must agree to quarantine at a government facility at a cost of KRW1,400,000 (A$ 1750 / $1150).

All visitors must install the self-quarantine safety protection mobile app.

No quarantine for vaccinated travelers

Starting 2 July 2021, visitors who have been vaccinated overseas against COVID-19 are exempted from the mandatory 14 days quarantine upon arrival in South Korea. To be qualified for the exemption, travelers have to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before entering the country. They still need to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test result though.

When South Korea will open its borders?

With the introduction of the new K-ETA policy, South Korea opens its borders to 21 countries in September 2021.

As the worldwide situation regarding COVID-19 eases, visitors from around 90 other countries for which visa-free entry is currently suspended, will become eligible for the K-ETA. The South Korean government has announced plans to include the European Union countries in the K-ETA program from 2022.

Sri Lanka travel requirements

To enter Sri Lanka all foreign passengers are required to:

• Apply online for a tourist visa
• Present COVID 19 PCR test with a negative result (taken within 72 hours before the departure) or Rapid Antigen Test taken (48 hours before)
• Purchase health insurance from People’s Insurance with at least one month cover of $50,000
• Complete Health Declaration Form (online)
• Upload the relevant documents (vaccination record, COVID 19 test result, etc.) and obtain a QR code

Additionally, visitors who are not fully vaccinated:

• Must reserve a certified quarantine hotel
• Must undergo COVID-19 PCR test on arrival

There is no on-arrival PCR test for vaccinated travelers. They are also allowed to make their own arrangements for accommodation, airport transfers, and local transportation.

Sri Lanka quarantine rules

Fully vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter the country without undergoing quarantine.

Travelers who haven’t been fully vaccinated will have to go first through ‘the protection’ of the Tourism Bio Bubble – stay at a quarantine hotel for a duration of 7 days. It is not a strict quarantine as guests are allowed to leave their rooms and use hotel facilities like pools, gyms, and restaurants. An exit PCR/Rapid Antigen test will be performed on day 7.

Travel requirements

All passengers arriving or transiting in Taiwan are required to present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 2 days of boarding their flight to Taiwan. There will be another test upon arrival at the airport.

Quarantine rules

Recently the quarantine measures have been tightened for all passengers eligible to enter Taiwan. There are multiple COVID-19 tests required. Travelers who visited a high-risk country in the last 14 days must quarantine in government facilities, paid for by Taiwan. Those who travel from other countries will be directed to a quarantine hotel or a government facility at their own expense.

Passengers who have been fully vaccinated must undergo 7-day mandatory quarantine at either a quarantine hotel or a designated quarantine facility, followed by a 7-day quarantine at their residential property.

When will Taiwan reopen to tourism?

The exact date when Taiwan will allow tourists to visit the country remains unknown. According to travel industry experts, the quick spread of the Covid Delta variant, shortage of vaccines, and low numbers of vaccinated citizens will be the reasons for Taiwan to be among the last destinations in Asia to welcome foreign travelers again.

Thailand entry regulations

All arriving visitors are required to undergo two COVID PCR tests – one upon entry and another on the fifth day (reduced to a self-administered Antigen Rapid Test from 7 March 2022).

As part of the Test & Go quarantine-free scheme, travelers must also book day 1 and day 5 stays at a Safety & Health Administration (SHA) approved hotel (the package includes an RT-PCR test).

Travel insurance that covers at least USD$50,000 (~A$68,000) in COVID-19 related medical/treatment expenses and hospitalization costs is also required.

Tourist visas

Two types of new visas have been introduced:

• Long-stay Special Tourist Visa (STV). Allows staying for up to 90 days, which can be extended twice, each time for another 90 days (9 months of total stay length). The issuance of visa costs 2,000 THB (~66 USD / ~83 AUD), and the same fee applies for every extension.
• Regular 60-day Tourist Visa (TR). Allows staying for up to 60 days. Cost: 1,900 THB (~63 USD / ~80 AUD).

Both visas require a Certificate of Entry (COE), which can be granted after applying online on the official Thai Government website.

The following entry requirements must be met to apply for COE:

• Both visa and COE must be approved by the Thai embassy/consulate in the traveler’s home country
• A copy of a recent bank statement with a minimum balance of $700 per person and $1,500 per family.
• Health insurance that covers COVID-19, and minimum medical coverage of $50,000 USD.
• An agreement to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival (at traveler’s own expense) and proof of Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) reservation.

Furthermore, for an STV visa, the visitor must present proof of payment for 90 days of accommodation in Thailand.

Thailand quarantine details

Vaccinated travelers arriving in Thailand are released from the compulsory quarantine.

UAE entry restrictions

Passengers arriving on tourist visas must register their vaccination status on the government’s health app.

Passengers arriving from the high-risk countries must present a printed negative result of a PCR test issued within 48 hours and are required to undergo another testing at the airport. Passengers traveling from other countries must present a negative result of a PCR test done less than 72 hours before departure.

A valid health insurance cover is required.

The transit passengers are not required to present the PCR test certificate unless it is required at their final destination.

Quarantine rules in UAE

Vaccinated passengers and unvaccinated passengers arriving from ‘green’ countries do not have to quarantine themselves.

Passengers who are required to undergo a PCR test at the airport will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine if the result is positive. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from ‘red’ countries will be quarantined for 10 days.

Is UAE open to tourism?

The United Arab Emirates reopened to international tourism in October 2021. The compulsory quarantine has been lifted for vaccinated travelers.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE destinations are now safe to travel to. When visiting the country, you are obliged to follow standard health guidelines though – to ensure your own safety and that of others.

Vietnam entry requirements

All foreign tourists entering Vietnam are required to:

• Present Vietnam’s e-visa (for countries not included in visa exemption program) – available online.
• Present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, with the last dose taken not more than 1 year prior to the date of entry.
• Present a negative result from a PCR/LAMP test administered within 72 hours before boarding.
• Have medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment, with a minimum liability of $50,000.
• Present booking with an approved package tour program of a travel agency.

Quarantine measures

All travelers entering Vietnam must comply with the quarantine regulations:

• Fully vaccinated travelers: 3 days of self-isolation at their own accommodation. PCR tests will be conducted on day 1 and day 3.
• Unvaccinated travelers: 7 days of self-isolation at their own accommodation. PCR tests will be conducted on day 1 and day 7.

When Vietnam will open for tourists?

Vietnam starts reopening the country to international tourism in October 2021. At the moment there is a pilot plan that allows fully vaccinated foreign travelers to visit some of the popular local destinations.

Vietnam’s tourism ministry has already proposed a full reopening of the country and a lifting of nearly all travel restrictions from March 15, 2022. The proposal includes a 1-day quarantine requirement for visitors plus negative Covid-19 tests before departure and on arrival.