A hugely popular part of the world for both backpackers and luxury holidaymakers alike, Southeast Asia has struggled over the past couple of years as its once-strict entry requirements decimated the levels of tourism that the region had grown accustomed to.
Today however, the situation is markedly different from how it was at the start of the pandemic, with various entry restrictions being lifted across Southeast Asia on an almost weekly basis.
Now, travel to Southeast Asia is now more accessible than it has been at any other point over the last two years, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers alike, with many of these changes just happening in May.
Here’s a look at the most recent changes to the entry requirements of various Southeast Asian nations, plus an overview of the current entry restrictions and requirements that travelers should know for other countries in the region.
Malaysia
Malaysia is another Southeast Asian country that is set to make several changes to its entry requirements from May 1st. From May 1st, Malaysia will:
- Remove both pre-departure and on-arrival Covid-19 test requirements for vaccinated travelers
- Remove all social distancing requirements
- Remove its outdoor mask mandate
- Remove the Covid-19 insurance requirement
- Remove the need to check-in to premises with the MySejahtera app
Travelers who are not fully vaccinated will be required to take an RT-PCR test two days before departure and a supervised RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival, as well as quarantine for five days. Nightclubs are set to be able to reopen from May 15th.
Thailand
Thailand’s entry requirements have changed a lot over the past few months, and next month will see them face their most significant easing yet. From May 1st:
- Vaccinated travelers will no longer need to take a test upon arrival
- Vaccinated travelers will not need to pre-book a hotel for their first night
- The mandatory travel insurance coverage amount will be lowered to $10,000 for all travelers
From May 1st, unvaccinated travelers face two options.
Those who do not take a test before departure will be required to register for a Thailand Pass with a 5-day quarantine hotel booking. After these five days of quarantine, they will need to take a PCR test on Day 5 in order to be able to leave.
Alternatively, those who upload proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system will be allowed to enter and move freely – like vaccinated travelers.
All travelers must still apply for the Thailand Pass in order to be able to enter the country.
Singapore
Just this week, Singapore altered its entry restrictions so that fully vaccinated travelers will no longer need to undergo any Covid-19 testing to enter Singapore. With on-arrival testing already removed, that means travelers can now enter Singapore completely test-free. That means that the only requirements remaining for travelers visiting Singapore are:
- show proof of their vaccination status – which can be verified online prior to traveling
- complete an online SG Arrival Card prior to departure
- download the TraceTogether application
- purchase travel insurance which covers any Covid-19 medical expenses.
Unvaccinated travelers are currently unable to enter Singapore.
Cambodia
Cambodia removed its testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers in March, meaning that vaccinated travelers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can now enter without any Covid-19 testing or quarantine requirements. Easy!
Whilst unvaccinated travelers may still enter, they will need to quarantine for 7 days upon arrival into the country – with the location designated by the Cambodian Ministry of Health – and must undergo a Covid-19 PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers must prove they hold $2000 in cash to cover any quarantine expenses.
Bali
Travelers to Bali above the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated. A PCR test must be taken 48 hours before departure, as well as upon arrival into Bali. Mandatory insurance is required, along with a return ticket and, of course, the correct visa type where necessary. Fully-vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine.
Want to know what it’s currently like to visit Bali right now? One of our writers entered a few days ago and is giving readers an on-the-ground glimpse.
Vietnam
Vietnam boasts some of the easiest entry requirements in Southeast Asia. The country does not require visitors to present a Covid-19 vaccine certificate, or certificate showing proof of recovery when entering the country. In order to enter, travelers must either:
- take a Covid-19 RT-PCR or RT-LAMP test no more than three days (72 hours) prior to departure, OR;
- take a Covid-19 rapid antigen test no more than one day (24 hours) prior to departure.
Travelers must also purchase health insurance that covers Covid-19 medical expenses.
Philippines
To enter the Philippines, travelers must take either an RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of departing from their country of origin or a laboratory-administered antigen/ART test taken 24 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Travelers must also fill out the e-Health Declaration Card online and register for the health pass, as well as have travel insurance with a minimum coverage amount of U.S.$35,000. Travelers must also be vaccinated against Covid-19, with valid proof of vaccination.
