Where can you go?

AUSTRALIA
Border to reopen to fully vaccinated tourists from February 21, marking an end to some of the world’s longest and most stringent pandemic travel restrictions. This comes after the government abandoned its longstanding Covid-zero policy and a track-and-trace system collapsed under a wave of Omicron cases.

Restrictions on travel within the country will remain with Western Australia closed to non-residents.

Two doses at least 14 days apart of specified vaccines including Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty and Sinovac are required before departure to Australia

A negative Covid-19 PCR test result is required for travelling to, or transiting through, Australia unless travelling on a quarantine-free flight from New Zealand with evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Travellers also required to complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before departure.

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CHINA
No tourism and quarantine required for other travellers. Exemptions are in place for the Beijing Winter Olympics and foreign nationals with visas issued for vital economic, trade, scientific or technological activities.

Passengers are subject to medical screening and quarantine for 14 days at the first point of entry.

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HONG KONG
Quarantine requirement for arriving travellers has been reduced from 21 to 14 days. A wave of Omicron has resulted in tougher citywide restrictions including daytime dining limited to two per table and the closure of bars and restaurants at 6pm. No tourism; only Hong Kong residents are allowed entry.

Travellers who have visited the UK (or seven other designated countries) within the past 21 days are not permitted to enter Hong Kong or transit through Hong Kong International Airport.

Travellers are advised to check the Hong Kong government coronavirus website for further details.

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INDONESIA
Quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers is being shortened to five days.

Plans have also been made for Bali to gradually reopen to vaccinated tourists under a “Warm Up Vacation” package operated with select hotels, which will have wings reserved for quarantine guests with pools, gyms, and in some cases beach access. These travellers will not be required to stay inside their rooms for five days but can use a specific area of the properties.

Hotel employees, who interact with the “Warm Up Vacation” guests, must live in the property and not be allowed to leave the premises.

Certified hotels so far include:
Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua
Westin Resort Nusa Dua
Griya Santrian, Sanur
Viceroy, Ubud
Royal Tulip,  Jimbaran

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JAPAN
Partially open for foreign travellers, but not tourists. Foreign nationals who do not have existing resident status are not permitted to enter Japan for any purpose, other than in exceptional circumstances.
Authorities plan to reduce quarantine from ten to seven days.

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MACAU
Partially open to arrivals who are residents of mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan unless they have travelled beyond Greater China in the previous 21 days. Covid-19 negative certificates are required to enter.

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MALAYSIA
In the latest development, National Recovery Council chairman Muhyiddin Yassin told a press conference on February 8 that it agreed to a full reopening of the borders by March 1 without the need for mandatory quarantine, Channel News Asia reported.

Muhyiddin said this decision meant that the process of economic recovery could be hastened.

“This means tourists can visit, investors can come in. The number of tourists will increase, and the tourism industry can recover.

“The aviation industry can recover … and shops that depend on tourists will have increased business. We believe this decision is a good one but at the same time we have to make sure that the SOPs are adhered to,” he said.

Muhyiddin said the borders would be open to all countries.

“The Minister of Health said the Omicron variant is present all over the world and in the community, so we can’t choose [to open borders to selected countries],” he said.

The island of Langkawi has already reopened under an international travel bubble if tourists are fully vaccinated.

Border closures have raised concern in Malaysia’s conference industry with overseas interest in World Congress of Nephrology later said to be waning due to the restrictions. This has led to call from MYCEB and suppliers association Maceos for borders to be reopened for international business events.

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SINGAPORE
Partially open to foreign arrivals and tourists.

Vaccinated Traveller Lanes (VTL) have been set up for air arrivals who are required to conduct their own rapid anti-gen tests each day of their stay in Singapore.

Passengers entering and transiting through Singapore must have a negative Covid test taken a minimum of two days before the day of departure to Singapore.

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SOUTH KOREA
Partially open to foreign nationals such as those resident in the country, but not tourists; quarantine required

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SRI LANKA

Partially open to foreign arrivals and tourists; quarantine required. Covid travel insurance is now mandatory for all visitors.

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TAIWAN
Open for tourism with restrictions; partially open to foreign visitors; Quarantine required.

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THAILAND
The Test & Go scheme is being restarted for fully vaccinated tourists to enter while the Sandbox Scheme aimed at reviving tourism in Phuket continues. Arfrivals must undergo RT-PCR testing at a government-designated facility. The test will be free of charge.

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VIETNAM

Plans have been announced to reopen for fully vaccinated tourists towards the end of March. Until that happens, Vietnam is partially open to foreigners but closed for tourism and quarantine is currently required.