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Southeast Asia is opening up - here's what you need to know


Holidays are back on the cards now that Asia's beach destinations are opening up.


Southeast Asia is looking forward to a busy summer thanks to easing travel restrictions in many destinations making a holiday an achievable goal.


According to The World Travel & Tourism Council, travel to the Asia Pacific region shows “impressive signs of improvement” as destinations gradually reopen their borders.

In recent months, countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore have all significantly relaxed their inbound travel restrictions. Even Hong Kong, labouring under the strictest travel regulations in the world, is beginning to ease up.


If you’re hoping to book a holiday, these are the latest travel requirements.


Cambodia

Testing

Testing requirements were dropped in March for fully vaccinated travellers. However, visitors are encouraged to ‘rapid test’ voluntarily during their visit.

Vaccination

Proof of full vaccination is required; seven days of quarantine still stands for unvaccinated arrivals.

Passports

Travellers must hold a valid passport with a minimum six months validity.

Visas

Travellers must have a visa; a tourist visa can be applied for online or can be obtained on arrival and is valid for 30 days.

Insurance

Visitors must have travel insurance with a minimum cover of US$50,000.

Children

Children aged 17 and under can follow the entrance requirements as for fully vaccinated arrivals.


Indonesia

Testing

Travellers must show a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.

Vaccination

Proof of full vaccination is required.

Passports

Travellers must hold a valid passport with a minimum six months validity.

Visas

Travellers must have a visa; a tourist visa for most nationalities can be obtained online or on arrival and is valid for 30 days with an option to extend.

Insurance

Travellers must have health insurance with US$25,000 coverage that includes Covid-19 and medevac.

Children

Children under five years are exempt from Covid vaccination requirements. Children under 17 who have not been vaccinated must provide proof of policy that children cannot be vaccinated in their home country.


Malaysia (from May 1)

Testing

Testing will no longer be required from May 1. However, visitors are encouraged to ‘rapid test’ during their visit.

Vaccination

Proof of full vaccination is required.

Passports

Travellers must hold a valid passport with a minimum six months validity.

Visas

Visas are not required for certain nationalities. Check with your local government before departure.

Insurance

Travel insurance will no longer be mandatory after May 1.

Children

Along with fully vaccinated adults, all children under the age of 12 can follow the new 'no test' rules.


Philippines

Testing

Travellers must have proof of a PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure or a laboratory-based antigen test taken within 24 hours of travel.

Vaccination

Proof of full vaccination is required.

Passports

Travellers must hold a valid passport with a minimum six months validity.

Visas

Visas are not required for certain nationalities as long as travellers are fully vaccinated and have the relevant paperwork. Check with your local government before departure.

Insurance

All travellers must have insurance with a minimum cover of US$35,000.

Children

Children under 12 years travelling with fully vaccinated parents are exempt from vaccination requirements. Children aged three and under are exempt from testing requirements.


Thailand (from May 1)

Testing

Testing will no longer be required from May 1. However, visitors are encouraged to ‘rapid test’ during their visit.

Vaccination

Proof of full vaccination is required.

Passports

Travellers must hold a valid passport with a minimum six months validity.

Visas

The Thailand Pass registration scheme remains in place. Applications under the new rules can be made from April 29.

Insurance

All travellers must have insurance with a minimum cover of US$10,000.

Children

Children aged 17 and under and travelling with their fully vaccinated parents do not need to show proof of vaccination.


Vietnam

Testing

Travellers must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure or a laboratory-based antigen test within 24 hours of departure.

Vaccination

Entry requirements are the same for all arrivals, regardless of vaccination status.

Passports

Travellers must hold a valid passport with a minimum six months validity.

Visas

Tourists to Vietnam can apply for a tourist visa online. Visa waivers are available for 13 countries allowing visits for up to 15 days.

Insurance

All travellers must have insurance with a minimum cover of US$10,000.

Children

Children under two years are exempt from testing requirements.


All information correct at time of going to press. Always double-check entrance requirements before you book a trip as rules can change quickly.

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