After two years of waiting, international travel is gradually reopening. Now, more and more Asian countries are open for tourism without quarantine. It is time to plan a "post-COVID" Asian trip. Here are some of the best and most searched Asian countries opening up:
| Asian Country | Current Status | Quarantine |
Vaccination
Needed |
Pre-Departure Test | On-Arrival Test |
Insurance
Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Fully open | No | Not required | No | No | No |
| Vietnam | Fully open | No | Not required | No | No | No |
| Cambodia | Fully open | No | Not required | No | No | No |
| India | Fully open | No | Not required | No | No | No |
| Nepal | Fully open | No | Not required | No (if vaccinated) | No | No |
| Laos | Fully open | No | Not required | No (if vaccinated) | No | No |
| Myanmar | Fully open | No | Not required | No (if vaccinated) | Yes | Yes |
| Indonesia | Fully open | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Singapore | Fully open | No | Not required | No (if vaccinated) | No | No |
| Philippines | Fully open | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Sri-Lanka | Fully open | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Japan | Fully open | No | Not required | No (if vaccinated) | No | No |
| South Korea | Fully open | No | Not required | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bhutan | Expected to open in September | No | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| China | Inbound travel still closed | / | / | / | / | / |
1. Thailand
Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand is the most popular destination after the reopening of Asian countries because of its increasingly relaxed requirements, rich tourism charms, and convenient visa policy, especially for European and American travelers.
From October 1, 2022, Thailand has lifted all COVID-related entry requirements . That means you can travel to Thailand without any restrictions, as it did before the pandemic. Just contact us if you are planning a trip to Thailand.
>>> How to Plan a Thailand Trip — 7 Easy Steps
>>> How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
Thailand Visa Requirements
Thailand offers visa-free access to 56 countries/regions, including Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, the USA, and the UK.
If your country is not on the visa-free countries list, you can apply online here .
Thailand also has Visas on Arrival (VOA), which apply to certain countries like China, India, and Romania.
Recommended Thailand Tours
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 15-Day Myanmar, Thailand and Bali Honeymoon
- 10-Day Classic Thailand Tour
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2. Vietnam
Not to be outdone, Vietnam , one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations, also fully opened for international travelers without quarantine.
From May 15, Vietnam lifted all entry restrictions. Testing and vaccine certification are no longer required.
Vietnam Visa Requirements
Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
Visitors from 22 countries may enter visa free, including the UK, France, Italy, and Germany.
If you're from America, Canada, Australia, or about 80 other countries not on the list for visa-free entry, the most convenient way to enter is to apply for an e-visa online .
If your country is not in the list for visa exemptions or e-visas, you will need to apply for a Visa Approval Letter in order to obtain a visa on arrival or a visa via a Vietnamese Embassy.
Recommended Vietnam Tours
- 12-Day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- 10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta
Extending reading: How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers): from 2 Weeks to 2 Months
3. Cambodia
Cambodia lifted all COVID-related entry restrictions in October, 2022. You do not need to show vaccination records or negative test results. The mysterious and splendid Angkor Wat is waiting for you!
Cambodia Visa Requirements
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
With the exception of some Asian countries, like Singapore and the Philippines, people from other countries need to apply for a visa. You can apply for a visa on arrival (valid for 30 days and costs US$30) or an e-visa .
Recommended Cambodia Tours
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Tour
- 28-Day Grand Indochina Tour
>>> How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia
4. India
India has canceled all entry requirements from November 22, 2022. You can travel to India without any COVID restrictions, as it did before the pandemic.
>>> How to Plan a Trip to India 2023/2024
India Visa Requirements
Taj Mahal
India only offers visa-free access to certain countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. Travelers from other countries/regions need to apply for a tourist e-visa. >>> Latest Asia Visas, Southeast Asia Visas Requirements
Recommended India Tours
5. Nepal
From March 14, 2022, Nepal has eased its entry requirements. All international visitors can go to Nepal whether they are vaccinated or not.
- For fully-vaccinated travelers, a vaccination certificate is required.
- For non-vaccinated travelers, a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel is required.
>>> How to Plan an India and Nepal Trip 2023
Nepal Visa Requirements
Kathmandu
Travelers need a visa to enter Nepal, however, Nepal makes getting a tourist visa quite simple by offering a visa on arrival option.
You can get a visa on arrival by providing vaccination certificate or present a negative PCR test result. >>> How to apply for a Visa for Nepal
6. Laos
Laos has announced a full reopening with no testing and no travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers. Everything else, including visas and entry procedures, has returned to pre-COVID norms.
- For fully-vaccinated travelers, a vaccination certificate is required.
- For non-vaccinated travelers, a negative ATK test result within 48 hours of departure is required.
>>> How to Plan a Trip to Laos
Laos Visa Requirements
Wat Xieng Thong
Laos' visa-free policy mostly applies to Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore.
Other countries can apply an e-visa or visa on arrival.
Recommended Laos Tours
7. Myanmar
Myanmar announced its full reopening in October 2022 with no testing and no travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers.
You will need:
- A vaccination certificate or a negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours of travel
- A RDT test on arrival
- COVID-19 insurance provided by Myanmar Insurance
Myanmar Visa Requirements
Shwedagon Pagoda
Except for a few Southeast Asian countries, Myanmar requires a visa to enter. The easiest way to get a Myanmar visa is via its online e-visa system .
Travelers entering Myanmar are required to register your information (passport, flight information, etc.) at the Immigration Office 14 days in advance.
Recommended Myanmar Tours
8. Indonesia
Indonesia updated its entry requirements on July 17, 2022:
- If you have completed your booster shot, there is no need for pre-departure testing.
- If you have completed two shots, you should show a ngative rapid antigen test within 24 hours or a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours.
- If you only have completed one shot, you should show a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours.
- If you cannot be vaccinated for a specific reason, you should show a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours and a doctor's certificate from a government hospital.
Indonesia Visa Requirements
Bali
All EU citizens, US citizens, and citizens of most other nations can visit Indonesia without a visa for up to 30 days.
Recommended Bali Tours
- 12-Day Romantic Bali & Java Honeymoon
- 8-Day Private Authentic Bali Discovery Tour
- 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery
9. Singapore
Singapore cancelled all COVID-19 testing for fully-vaccinated travelers, bringing the country almost back to its pre-pandemic status.
For unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated travelers, pre-departure test within 48 hours is needed.
All the travelers need to submit the SG Arrival Card with an electronic Health Declaration before aarival.
Singapore Visa Requirements
Merlion Park
Most visitors (EU, UK, US, Australia, Norway, South Korea, and Switzerland citizens) can enter Singapore without a visa and are granted 30–90 days visa-free entry, depending on their nationality.
10. Philippines
At present, the Philippines has one of the easiest and most convenient entry procedures in Asia. You will only need:
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
Philippines Visa Requirements
Citizens of most nationalities do not need a visa to enter the Philippines, and this is inclusive of all citizens of EU countries, the US, Australia, Russia, and South American countries.
11. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka announced that fully-vaccinated visitors don't need pre-departure COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen tests from March 1, 2022. The entry requirements include:
- Vaccination certificate
- Insurance covering COVID-19 costs of at least US$50,000
Sri Lanka Visa Requirements
Sri Lanka
Most visitors to Sri Lanka need to apply for a visa. The easiest way is to get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online . ETA holders will be issued a 30-day short-visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
12. Japan
Japan now fully reopened to all the international travelers. A three-shot vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result before departure within 72 hours is required. Now you can visit Japan with or without a guide.
Japan Visa Requirements
Kyoto
Japan has restored the visa-waiver system since October 11th, 2022 . If your country is in the list of Exemption of Japan Visa like Australia , Canada , USA , UK and almost all European nations , you can visit Japan without applying for a visa in advance.
Feel free to contact us to plan your dream travel.
Recommended Japan Tours
13. South Korea
South Korea announced that travelers, whether vaccinated or not, don't need to quarantine from June 8. The entry requirements still include:
- A negative RT-PCR test result within 48 hours before departure
- RT-PCR test within 24 hours after arrival
South Korea Visa Requirements
Gyeongbok Palace
Passport holders from 96 countries/regions, including Canada, European Union citizens, the USA, the UK, Singapore, and Japan, enjoy visa exemption when visiting South Korea, but need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online .
14. Bhutan
Bumthang
Bhutan plans to fully open its doors to international travelers from September 2022, without quarantine. But currently, it still requires a 5-day quarantine for travelers.
Recommended Bhutan Tours
15. China
The Great Wall
China is still closed to inbound tourism. Hong Kong has reopened to international travelers, but quarantine is required. Check out more on our China Travel Restrictions 2022, When Will China Open Its Borders?
Restart Your Travel with Us
It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe during your visit, and we will respect and do our best to accommodate any requests or decisions you make regarding your travels. Contact us to plan your trip when you are ready. All our tours are fully customizable. Here are some popular itineraries:
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (up to 14 days before departure)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
