Which Asian Countries Are Fully Open For Travel?
These popular Asian destinations are fully open for travel without vaccine or testing restrictions in 2023.
Although more than 150 countries around the world have dropped all Covid-related entry requirements for travelers, there are still several holdouts in Asia.
The region has been the slowest in the world to reopen for normal tourism. However, in 2023, more and more destinations are open without restrictions.
These are some of the most popular Asian countries without any entry requirements for travelers. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list and is meant to highlight popular destinations that have reopened.
For the latest information on travel restrictions for any country, consult the U.S. Department of State website.
1) Thailand
Thailand does not have any vaccine or testing requirements in place, nor does the country have a mask mandate (except on public transportation, but it is not enforced or followed.)
This popular destination in Southeast Asia, known for its amazing beaches, made headlines earlier this month when it proposed bringing back a vaccination requirement for all travelers.
However, this was scrapped just days later due to widespread backlash, and Thailand continues to remain restriction-free.
2) Cambodia
Cambodia is another Southeast Asian nation that has dropped all Covid-related entry requirements, including vaccines and testing. This beautiful country is best known for its Angkor Wat temple complex.
All travelers, vaccinated and unvaccinated, are welcome without needing to present a negative Covid test.
Additionally, the mask mandate in Cambodia has been lifted.
3) Malaysia
Malaysia, home to gorgeous beaches, stunning rainforests, and a vibrant capital Kuala Lumpur, is another country in Asia that is fully back to normal.
This nation no longer has vaccine or testing requirements in place for travelers, returning to normal tourism and making it easy to visit.
Malaysia also dropped its indoor mask mandate last fall.
4) South Korea
South Korea joins this list after finally dropping its indoor mask mandate nearly three years after it was first created.
For several months, travelers have been welcome in South Korea regardless of vaccination status and without any additional testing requirements. However, with an indoor mask mandate still in place and near-total compliance, many travelers chose to avoid this country in favor of the majority of countries around the world that no longer wear masks.
While it remains to be seen whether voluntary mask-wearing will remain high in South Korea as it has in Japan, it is no longer compulsory for travelers to wear masks in this destination.
5) Vietnam
Vietnam is another country in Asia that has dropped all entry requirements and returned to normal.
Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the country, which is known for its diverse landscapes like Ha Long Bay, beautiful beaches, historic cities, and delicious food.
While mask mandates are still technically in effect in some indoor places, it is typically not enforced.
Countries That Still Have Restrictions
While a number of countries in Asia have dropped all restrictions, many other popular destinations still have restrictions in place for travelers.
Some countries that still have Covid-related restrictions include:
- Japan: Negative Covid test required for unvaccinated travelers, no formal mask mandate, but voluntarily mask-wearing is still above 95% throughout the country
- Indonesia: Only open to vaccinated travelers
- Philippines: Negative Covid test required for unvaccinated travelers
- Hong Kong: Negative Covid test required for all travelers, mask mandate still in effect
- Laos: No vaccine or testing requirements, but a mask mandate is still in place and widely followed
