Borders shut down fast in the face of the pandemic, but some have have now started to loosen. If you're looking for a holiday in Asia Pacific, the Indian Ocean or the Middle East, these are your options.
Bali
The island is officially due to reopen to international tourism on September 11. Domestic tourism restarted on July 31 and whether the island reopens to overseas guests depends on transmission remaining low between now and September.
Indonesia is reporting 121,226 cases and 5,593 deaths.
Dubai
The emirate opened on July 7 to international tourists. All visitors must have valid health insurance with coronavirus cover. A test is conducted on arrival and those that test positive must isolate for 14 days in a government facility at their own expense. Tourists with a negative result will be exempted from the 14-day quarantine.
The United Arab Emirates is reporting 62,061 cases and 356 deaths.
French Polynesia
Tahiti, Bora Bora and other islands opened to tourists on July 15. From this date, travellers from any country were able to enter French Polynesia. Tourists must be able to show a negative covid test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of travel insurance, a completed sanitary entry form and proof of accommodation.
French Polynesia is reporting 64 cases and zero deaths.
Jordan
The Middle Eastern kingdom opened on August 4 to a regularly updated ‘safe’ list of countries. Arrivals must have spent the 14 days prior to arrival in one of the designated ‘safe’ countries, hold a negative covid test taken within 72 hours of departure and have completed (and paid for) the online health declaration. A second test is taken on arrival and travellers cannot leave the airport until they have received a negative result.
Jordan is reporting 1,232 cases and 11 deaths.
Malaysia
The Asian country opened to medical tourists on July 1. It is looking to reopen to all tourists after August 31. Medical tourists must register with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, download the MySejahtera app and undergo a covid test prior to arrival in Malaysia. A second test will be conducted on arrival. Travellers will be expected to check directly into their hospital or clinic from the airport.
Malaysia is reporting 9,063 cases and 125 deaths.
Maldives
The tourist-dependent country reopened to private jets and yachts on June 1. From July 15, international flights resumed and the Maldives reopened to all tourists from any country. A health declaration must be completed prior to arrival and all passengers must undergo thermal screening. Some resorts have introduced their own virus regulations, check before you book.
Maldives is reporting 4,680 cases and 19 deaths.
Mauritius
The popular Indian Ocean destination of Mauritius will open its borders in phases. The first phase will allow for the repatriation of stranded Mauritians while protecting the country from a second wave. The second phase will include the opening to international tourists. No date has been provided.
Mauritius is reporting 344 cases and ten deaths.
Nepal
Nepal plans to reopen on August 17, just before the autumn trekking season gets underway. Entrance requirements are being finalised, but it looks like travellers will have to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Nepal is reporting 22,214 cases and 70 deaths.
Seychelles
The Seychelles reopened on August 1. Passengers from medium risk countries will require a PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, while low risk countries must have proof of an antigen test, also taken within 72 hours of travel. Visitors must also complete a health check form, hold valid travel insurance with medical coverage and have proof of accommodation in an establishment approved by the Public Health Authority.
Seychelles is reporting 126 cases and zero deaths.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was hoping for an August 15 reopening but rising numbers of infections mean this date has now been shelved. No new date has been provided.
Sri Lanka is reporting 2,839 cases and 11 deaths.
Thailand
Authorities are currently discussing reopening possibilities for the fourth quarter of 2020 but nothing has yet been agreed on.
Thailand is reporting 3,345 cases and 58 deaths.
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