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WHEN the COVID-19 pandemic has entered its third year, many countries have begun to relax tourist entry rules into their countries. Several countries in Asia have also done the same. They make travel easing so that the economy does not stop. Interestingly, there are several countries that have also removed the mandatory PCR policy for incoming foreign tourists.
7 Countries in Asia Relax Entry Rules for Foreign Tourists:
1. Philippines
The Philippines is one of the countries that has lifted the entry ban for foreign tourists from more than 150 countries, since February 10, 2022. Now foreign tourists are no longer required to undergo quarantine in places that have been determined by the government upon arrival in the Philippines.
However, they must have been vaccinated against full-dose COVID-19 and have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to arrival. For those who intend to travel or just vacation in an Asian country, the Philippines can be the right choice.
Tourists enjoy the beautiful beaches of the island of Boracay while enjoying a vacation in the Philippines, April 25, 2018. Boracay Island, located north of the Panay Islands, is a favorite tourist destination for tourists from within and outside the Philippines.
2. Malaysia
Now Indonesian tourists and foreign tourists no longer need to carry out PCR tests and quarantine to enter Malaysia. The PCR test is only valid for those of you who have not been fully vaccinated. You are required to have proof of full dose vaccination (2 doses) and/or booster with vaccines approved by the Malaysian Government at least 14 days prior to departure. Twins Tower in Kuala Lumpur is ready to welcome you on vacation.
3. Cambodia
The Cambodian government has exempted or relaxed entry rules for foreign tourists since November 15, 2021. Cambodia has waived quarantine obligations for all tourists who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Travelers who have fully vaccinated only need to undergo a rapid test and wait for the results at their accommodation. If the test result is negative, then tourists are allowed to travel in the country. However, tourists who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 still have to undergo quarantine for 14 days.
A few monks in the courtyard of Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Initially Angkor Wat was dedicated to venerating Vishnu, but in the late 13th century it was converted from a Hindu temple to a Theravada Buddhist temple.
4. Singapore
Singapore is one of the favorite countries for Indonesian tourists to vacation. In addition to its close proximity to Indonesia, Singapore has many exciting destinations to visit. Interestingly, for Indonesian citizens who have been fully vaccinated, there is no need to run a PCR test when they want to vacation in Singapore. However, you must fill out your SG Arrival Card maximum 3 days before departure.
5. Vietnamese
Starting March 15, 2022, Vietnam will open its borders to foreign tourists from various countries. If you want to visit, you must have a negative COVID-19 test result before departure and have received a COVID-19 vaccination within the last six months, or at least 14 days before entering Vietnam.
Upon arrival, tourists must also undergo quarantine on the first day, and have medical coverage for the journey of up to US$10,000, or around IDR143 million. For foreign tourists who have not been vaccinated, they are still allowed to enter Vietnam. However, they are required to undergo quarantine for seven days at the hotel and carry out PCR tests on the first and seventh days.
6. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the countries in Asia that has established an easing of the COCID-19 prevention rules, by no longer requiring visitors to undergo quarantine upon arrival. Passengers also no longer need to show the results of the PCR test upon their arrival.
The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of continuing to adhere to the guidelines of the national plan for immunization, including getting a booster dose. Then, apply procedures to verify health status on the Tawakkalna application to enter public facilities, activities, events, planes and public transportation.
7. South Korea
South Korea has decided to stop their usual program of massive coronavirus testing and infection tracing. Previously, South Korea was praised for continuing to carry out tests and tracing COVID-19 cases strictly in order to prevent widespread transmission. However, this policy is considered inappropriate to deal with the Omicron variant that is increasingly spreading in the country.
The South Korean government is no longer focused on suppressing the increase in the number of COVID-19 but is more focused on providing care for vulnerable groups and the elderly. South Korea will also prioritize COVID-19 testing for people 60 years and over. [sources/photo special]
