10/03/2022
SOUTHEAST ASIA UPDATE
As the world reopens to travel, with vaccinations widespread and illness from infections on the decrease, Southeast Asia is opening back up. Here is an update on three of our favorite countries: Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
The rules are constantly changing, from week to week and sometimes day by day. There are also the airlines' requirements as well as your home country that you will re-enter after international travel. Included in the list of requirement documents will be vaccine records and a negative PCR test for COVID19 as well as required insurance and authorized quarantine hotel facility booking confirmation if required. This update is very general and it is recommended that you thoroughly research the requirements of the country you will be visiting. Don't worry if any of this looks discouraging as it is pretty straightforward. The travel and tourism industry is doing as much as they can to make things smooth and welcome travelers.
Thailand, Land of Smiles
Introduced in late 2021, the Thailand Pass is available online and essentially serves as a visa exemption for tourists. It requires the traveler to provide vaccination record, a negative PCR test, a recognized insurance policy and a booking for one night upon arrival in a SHA+ hotel with a package that includes airport transfer, a PCR test and meals delivered to your room while your test result is being processed. There has been a gradual reduction in the number of quarantine days over the past year (originally 14 days), with a Day 5 quarantine (for retesting) dropped at the end of February. There is an anticipation that all quanantines will be dropped in the coming months as neighboring countries including Malaysia and Cambodia have already done so.
Vietnam, Timeless Charm
There has been big news in the past few weeks about Vietnam opening back up. Just a couple of days quarantine in a limited number of hotels will incur additional costs but this is likely to be relaxed by the second half of 2022. The situation is fluid and hassle-free travel is expected this fall.
Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder
Entry rules are currently very relaxed with no quarantine, a rapid test at the airport and you are free to go. Insurance is recommended but not required. Visa upon arrival is not yet available but an online eVisa is easy to get.
Thanks for checking in. There will be more info to share in the coming weeks and months. Please drop a comment so I know you are out there.
The Public Health Ministry’s plan to make Covid-19 endemic in Thailand by July 1 has been given the green light.
