In the battle over the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems that the Omicron variant no longer scares theAsia-Pacific. Lassitude after two years of complete closure that decimated the economies of countries heavily dependent on tourism, realism in the face of a pandemic that is gradually becoming endemic due to collective immunity. And then, probably, public opinion, which is becoming increasingly annoyed at being deprived of its freedoms...
Singapore, Cambodia, India and Thailand set the example
After Singapore and its travel corridors since October, Cambodia and India were among the very first countries in Asia to fully reopen their borders without quarantine. And this has been the case since last November.
La Thailandso dependent on tourism, has been characterised by waltz-hopping, changing the rules three times. But the latest change this time seems to be a solid one. The kingdom has decided to reactivate its "Test & Go" scheme on 1 February.. Travellers must therefore one day's quarantine in a hotel on arrival, pending a negative PCR test carried out on site. Then carry out a second test 5 days later under the same conditions.. These rules are likely to be further relaxed as other countries reopen their markets.
Upcoming openings in the Philippines and Vietnam
On 10 February, the The Philippines, for example, has decided to reopen its borders to some fifty countries.. Of which Belgium, France and Switzerland. According to the new criteria introduced by the health authorities, Travellers from these countries can come to the Philippines for 30 days. Provided they are fully vaccinated, have a PCR test 48 hours before departure, have a return ticket and proof of health insurance. up to 35,000 dollars. No quarantine is imposed.
Le Vietnam will also loosen its grip on international travellers. In a recent speech, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced that the the country would reopen in its entirety to foreign visitors, ideally at the end of March, at worst at the end of April. Progress in the campaign to roll out a third dose of the Covid vaccine to the entire population will be crucial.
According to local media reports, Visitors with a complete vaccination schedule will be able to enter the country. They must have undergone a PCR test less than 72 hours before arrival and be in possession of US$50,000$ in medical insurance..
Indonesia lags behind
Elsewhere in South East Asia, the greatest resistance has come from Indonesia. After being very reluctant to open its doors just a week ago, Malaysia experienced a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday 8 February. The Malaysian government has announced that the country will be open to all vaccinated travellers from 1 March. Two negative tests will be required before departure and on arrival in the country. Malaysia will thus officially end a two-year period of international isolation.
As for theIndonesiaSince 4 February, the island of Bali has been reopened to all travellers. But however, it imposes a five-day quarantine on fully vaccinated individuals and requires medical cover of $100,000. These conditions are therefore not very attractive. The government has evenprohibit passengers arriving from abroad from landing in Jakarta. The measure is temporary to deal with an outbreak of cases due to the omicron variant.
Australian U-turn
After months of insisting that Australia had no chance of reopening its borders before the second half of 2022, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made a remarkable U-turn. On 7 February, he announced the complete opening up of Australia after two years of hermetic isolation.…
After a slow start to its vaccination campaign, Australia can now boast that 80% of its population has been vaccinated. The government also acknowledges that pressure on the Australian health system is now unlikely. From 21 February, travellers who have been duly vaccinated will be able to enter the country. With the exception, however, of the State of Western Australia. The local government in Perth considers that the pandemic is still not under control. Western Australia will therefore remain barricaded, even banning travel to the rest of Australia except for emergencies...
La New Zealand has adopted a a more cautious attitude. The government has indicated that it will open its borders again. But the process will take six months with an opening to all foreign travellers in October. However, the from July (no exact date yet), visitors from visa-exempt countries will be able to enter New Zealand. Including French tourists...
North-East Asia remains hermetic
North-East Asia continues to put up resistance. Nor the Koreanor Taiwan currently have no plans to simplify their protocol for entering the country. As for the ChinaThe opening of borders is more a political calculation aimed at reducing external influences on Chinese society than a purely health-related consideration.
Le Japan is also plagued by doubts and hesitations. The country is talking about a possible reopening to travellers coming for essential or urgent reasons in the course of March. But without much conviction... Here again, more than the health situation, the opening of the borders depends on the Japanese psyche, in a strange mixture of nationalism and terror of viruses.
Travellers can certainly visit this part of Asia. But ihe is exposed to complicated procedures and painful quarantines that can last several weeks in total isolation. In most cases, it's probably not worth the effort.
(Updated 08/02/22)
