From today, 1 April, three popular tourist destinations in Asia – Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – are easing their entry requirements for international visitors.
Starting today (1 April) Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are making it easier for travelers to enter for tourism purposes.
And, the news will certainly be welcomed by those looking to explore all that these truly fascinating – and culturally-filled – nations have to offer.
Let’s take a closer look at how each of these three hugely popular tourist hotspots are now making it easier for travelers to enter.
Malaysia
Having reported just a few weeks ago that Malaysia had announced it would finally reopen its borders for tourists from 1 April, it is actually now happening – with the nation once again beginning to welcome visitors through its doors.
Whether you are looking to experience some island life by visiting the likes of Langkawi – or wanting to get up, close and personal with the tallest twin towers on the planet – Malaysia definitely offers something for everyone.
For fully vaccinated travelers, entry to Malaysia is now possible by adhering to the following entry requirements:
- present proof of full vaccination – having received a ‘full dose’ of one of the following vaccines: CanSinoBio; Janssen; AstraZeneca; Moderna; Pfizer; Sinopharm; Sinovac; or Sputnik V
- show a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate – travelers must have taken the test no more than 48 hours before their departure
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival – which is at the expense of all travelers
- obtain travel insurance – which includes coverage of up to MYR 84,200 (US$20,000) for any Covid-19 medical expenses
- download the MySejahtera mobile application – and complete the pre-departure form on the app before arriving into Malaysia.
For visitors heading to the state of Sarawak, there is an additional requirement to complete an eHealth declaration form.
Those that have recently been infected with Covid-19 are exempt from having to present a negative PCR test result on arrival if they have a recovery certificate that has been issued no less than 11 days before departure – or no more than 60 days prior to arrival.
Travelers that are unvaccinated – or not fully vaccinated – are also able to enter Malaysia, however, they will need to undergo quarantine at their own expense, as well as adhere to the same entry requirements as listed above for fully vaccinated visitors.
Singapore
Just last week we reported that Singapore was simplifying its entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers – and now the news rules have come into effect.
You can check out how to be considered fully vaccinated by clicking here.
Here are the new entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers wanting to visit Singapore:
- show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19
- present a negative Covid-19 PCR or Antigen-Rapid test result – with your test needing to be taken no longer than 48 hours prior to your arrival
- obtain Covid-19 travel insurance – which includes coverage of Covid-19 medical expenses and has a minimum coverage of $30,000 Singaporean dollars
- complete an online healthcare declaration form.
At this present time if you are not fully vaccinated you are unable to enter Singapore for tourism purposes – and must therefore have an ‘exceptional reason’ to be granted permission for entry.
Only unvaccinated citizens of the country – along with those who have a permanent residency in Singapore – are allowed entry, with a requirement for both to undergo 7-day quarantine and Covid-19 testing.
Thailand
Thailand is now allowing fully vaccinated travelers – from all nations – to enter the country without the need to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test.
For those that have received their full vaccination, entry to the country is now possible by:
- registering for a Thailand Pass – which must be obtained before departure
- showing proof of your full vaccination against Covid-19 or valid proof of recovery from Covid
- booking a ‘Test & Go’ SHA Extra+ or Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel
- undertaking a Covid-19 PCR test at your SHA Extra+ or AQ hotel, as well as self-testing yourself with an ATK test (provided by your hotel) on day 5 after your arrival
- Obtaining travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000.
Individuals that are under the age of 18 – but are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult – do not need to show proof of vaccination.
Instead of opting for Thailand’s ‘Test & Go’ program, fully vaccinated travelers can instead choose to enter the country using one of the nation’s ‘Sandbox’ options.
If you are unvaccinated you are able to enter Thailand for tourism purposes – however – you will be required to adhere to the following entry requirements:
- register for a Thailand Pass – which must be obtained before departure
- book 5 nights at an AQ hotel – which has been reduced from 10 nights
- undertake a Covid-19 PCR test on day 1 of your arrival – and undergo another PCR test on day 5
- install an ‘alert’ application onto your mobile device – and have it turned on at all times as a Covid-19 precautionary measure.
