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Despite initial concerns about Omicron, most of our locations have only seen a little increase in cases. Thailand has revived its popular Test & Go policy in light of this. In addition, Vietnam and Indonesia have stated their desire to reopen by the second quarter of this year. Asia’s reopening is progressing at a rapid pace.

1. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BOOKING IN 2022

2. COUNTRIES IN ASIA OPEN FOR TOURISM IN 2022

2.1. THAILAND

For immunized visitors, Thailand is totally available for travel without quarantine. Thailand is likely to eliminate the requirement for a PCR test on day 5 of Test & Go and cut the obligatory insurance coverage from $50,000 to $20,000, despite the fact that the announcement has not yet been made official. Read more about Thailand’s Reopening here. 

2.2. CAMBODIA

Cambodia is completely open to immunized visitors who do not require quarantine. Guests just require a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to travel, a negative RTK test upon arrival, and $50,000 in health insurance. They are free to travel across Cambodia after these prerequisites are met. In addition, regular international flights from Singapore and Thailand to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, have returned, making it easier for travelers to get there. Cambodia is now the most accessible country in Southeast Asia.

2.3. VIETNAM

Vietnam recently announced its intention to reopen the country to tourism on March 15, 2022. Although some elements, such as what the ‘new normal’ visa procedures will be like and what hotel transportation alternatives will be available, remain to be worked out, this is undoubtedly a positive trend that we expect to gain traction in the coming weeks. The following is a summary of the current details. Read more about Vietnam’s Reopening here. 

2.4. LAOS

Laos is now open for business as a tourist destination. Fully vaccinated travelers from 30 countries (mentioned below) can now enter Vientiane and explore the ‘Green Zones’ of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng after a 24-hour quarantine before moving on to the ‘Green Trails’ of Oudomxay, Xataboury, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane, and Champasak. More information is provided below..

2.5. SINGAPORE

Singapore began loosening measures on February 22nd, making it simpler to visit under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme. Travelers are no longer required to perform a PCR test upon arrival and can instead take a quick antigen test within 24 hours. On days 2 and 7, they will no longer require a quick antigen test. In the meanwhile, a departure test will be required, which can be a PCR or a quick antigen test done by a specialist. Finally, rather than 14 days, tourists can now enter Singapore after only 7 days in a VTL nation (see below).

2.6. MALAYSIA

With a ‘Sandbox-style’ admission mechanism called the Langkawi International Travel Bubble, Malaysia is open to fully vaccinated tourists from all nations (LITB). Guests who have been completely vaccinated and have had at least one booster shot only need to stay in Langkawi for 5 days before continuing their journey through Malaysia. Guests who have been fully vaccinated but have not yet gotten a booster must still stay in Langkawi for 7 days before venturing out. All arrivals are currently made by plane, either directly on Langkawi Island or via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Guests will be able to enter Malaysia through Kuala International Airport 2 from February 22, 2022. (KLIA 2).

2.7. INDONESIA

There has been a steady stream of good news for Indonesian tourism. International flights to Bali have resumed, and the quarantine period has been cut in half for tourists who are completely vaccinated and also have a booster, and to just 3 days/2 nights for guests who are fully vaccinated…

3. ASIAN COUNTRIES STILL CLOSE TO TOURISM

3.1. JAPAN

Japan remains inaccessible to tourists until further notice because of the Omicron strain, and reopening plans have been postponed. They are likely to revisit the situation in February. As more information becomes available, we will contact you.

3.2. MYANMAR

Myanmar has declared plans to reopen to vaccinated tourists in early 2022, though details are still scarce, and the country’s political instability complicates travel in its own right. The country’s turbulence, on the other hand, has virtually subsided. We keep in continuous communication with our on-the-ground workers, who have all been vaccinated.

If you have guests planning on visiting Asia before then, bear in mind that we allow bookings to be modified or canceled free of charge up to 14 days prior to arrival. So, if you’re planning a trip to Asia, feel free to schedule it now, especially if COVID is expected to have a mild or low impact.

We will continue updating this page as details arise. Please watch this space or reach out to our team with questions via: https://mettavoyage.com/contact-us/