Countries in Asia are in the beginning stages of reopening their borders for tourism.
Asia has had some of the strictest border restrictions and closures since the Covid-19 pandemic began. While Europe has moved forward with reopening borders, countries in Asia are proceeding with a much more cautious approach to inbound travel.
Here is everything you need to know about traveling to each country in Asia and their current reopening plans. Make sure to bookmark this page as we will keep it updated with the most recent news. If you have questions, comment at the bottom and we will do our best to answer you.
Countries in Asia Reopening Their Borders For Tourism
Cambodia
As of May 20th, 2020 Cambodia, dropped its travel ban.
It will still be very difficult to enter as Cambodia has suspended e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs until further notice – and has also suspended tourist-related services as of June 10.
They have also added these additional very strict requirements.
Entry Requirements for the allowed countries:
- $2000.00 US Deposit to cover potential expenses related to Covid-19
- COVID-19 negative medical certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel
- Purchase a local health insurance package for COVID-19 treatment for $90, valid for 20 days from Forte Insurance Company.
- Upon arrival in Cambodia, health authorities require all travelers to undergo a COVID-19 test and wait to receive the laboratory results. Some travelers have reported waiting 24 hours in stark conditions while test results were processed.
- Travelers will have to self-isolate for 14-days at their home under supervision of local authorities.
- Another COVID-19 test will be required on the 13th day of self-isolation
See the complete guide to Cambodia’s Covid-19 Entry Requirements
China
As of August 10th, 2020, China will slowly begin reopening its borders and will now allow entry for select travelers from a list of European countries.
Prior to the new announcement, the only foreign nationals allowed to travel to China were those for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergent humanitarian needs.
Select business travelers are also being permitted entry to some Chinese cities that are coming from South Korea and Singapore.
Now, the Chinese government is allowing for the following people to apply for a visa to visit China:
- Those who hold valid residence permits
- Those who hold valid work permits
- Those who hold permits for family reunion and personal matters
Travelers may apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in the below countries.
See the complete list of European countries that can apply for a visa to visit China
Indonesia (Bali)
Update:
The reopening of Bali to foreign tourists could be delayed until the end of 2020
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan has stated that the reopening of Bali could be delayed until the end of 2020.
Originally, the Governor of Bali announced that the island will be reopening its borders for international tourism on September 11th, 2020.
Entry Requirements: All tourists arriving in Bali will be required to bring a negative Covid-19 test, otherwise they will be tested upon arrival at their own expense.
Countries Allowed: Has not been announced
The Indonesian government has not announced any other details on reopening the borders at this time.
Read more Information on Bali Reopening For Tourism
Japan
Since being closed to foreigners since March, Japan is currently in the process of preparing their international phased reopening plan and have publicized the countries they want to first lift restrictions for.
According to the Japanese government, they are planning to first reopen borders to:
- Singapore
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- China
- Malaysia
First, Japan intends to reopen to business travelers, investors and other essential visitors from the above countries, then allowing in students, and finally general tourists.
Entry Requirements:
All arrivals will be subject to a 14-day quarantine.
However, the Japanese government has stated that travelers who obtain a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival, and agree to have another test done upon arrival, can circumvent the 14-day quarantine, providing both tests are negative.
Read more information on Japan Reopening for Tourism
Malaysia
As of July 22nd, Malaysia is making exceptions for certain type of tourists to enter the country.
Malaysia had their borders closed to international tourism since March, and the current border closure isn’t set to expire until August 31st, but there are now a few ways that select tourists can enter.
Malaysia is now allowing medical tourists to enter the country, as of July 1. It’s a great way to slowly restart a portion of the tourism sector, and at the same time allow tourists in that will be directly investing into the country.
The government has agreed to allow patients from designated green zone countries to enter Malaysia for treatment. As of July 21, the current green zone countries are:
- Brunei
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
Read all of the information on Malaysia reopening for tourism
Maldives
Maldives reopened its borders for international tourism on July 15th, 2020 and international flights resumed.
Maldives has opened for all countries without restrictions or covid-19 entry requirements.
There is no testing or quarantine upon arrival in the Maldives
Read all of the details on Maldives reopening for tourism
Nepal
Nepal will be reopening its borders for international tourism on September 1st,2020 as the blanket ban ends and international flights resume.
The Nepalese government made the surprise announcement that all international and domestic flights would resume on August 17 but has since been rescheduled for September 1st.. The move comes just before the start of the autumn trekking season from September to November, which typically draws a third of the 1.2 million overseas tourists who visit Nepal on an annual basis.
From September, travelers arriving in Nepal must carry a health certificate proving they are free of Covid-19, but authorities haven’t yet given details on whether they will only accept PCR tests or the time limit on when the test was performed.
See more information on Nepal Reopening For Tourism
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has decided to delay reopening the country to foreigners for at least two weeks until the middle of August at the earliest.
Originally, Sri Lanka officially set a reopening for tourism date on August 1, 2020 – allowing all countries and nations to visit.
You can find the latest information on Sri Lanka reopening here
Singapore
Singapore and Malaysia are planning to resume essential business and official travel between the two countries.
The neighbors are also putting in place travel arrangements for their residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work the foreign ministries said in a joint statement.
They hope to launch the exchanges on Aug. 10, they said, adding that they had also agreed to develop other schemes for cross-border movements, including for daily commutes by workers.
Thailand
Thailand began reopening its borders to select foreign tourists on July 1, 2020.
Travelers Allowed:
- Businessmen
- Skilled workers
- Those with Thai family
- Those seeking Thai health services
Read all the details on Thailand Reopening for Tourism
Update Aug 23: The government announced a plan to reopen Phuket to international tourists on October 1.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan officially reopened for tourism on June 15th, 2020.
Uzbekistan is so committed to reviving tourism that it guarantees ‘safe travel’ and will compensate tourists $3,000 if they catch COVID-19
Arriving tourists will fall into three categories:
The “green” countries – with a stable sanitary and epidemiological situation. People who have been in Japan, China, South Korea, and Israel for the past 14 days will not be subject to quarantines.
The “yellow” countries – people who have been in the European Union, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore for the past 14 days will be subjected to home quarantine for 14 days.
The “red” countries – people arriving from the UAE, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and other CIS countries will be quarantined in special institutions of Uzbekistan for 14 days.
This article will be updated as countries reopen in Asia so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often!
