We generally know the reluctance of Asian countries to deal with health hazards. The omicron variant is rapidly devastating the few countries reopening in the last quarter of 2021. With the notable exception of Laoswhich once again allows foreign visitors.
Laos opens after 22 months of closure
The good news comes from Laos. Probably because the country has just inaugurated its first railway line - and at high speed - with China, the authorities have reopened their borders to foreign visitors. The government of this small country, surrounded by its powerful neighbours China, Thailand and Vietnam, has presented a three-phase plan to open up its economy.
Phase 1, introduced on 1 January, allows nationals of 30 countries (including France, Belgium and Switzerland) to travel to "green tourism" zones.. These include the capital Vientiane, the major towns of Pakse and Savannakhet, and the historic capital Luang Prabang.
Other provinces and nationalities will follow in a second phase in April and a third in July. Only fully vaccinated visitors may enter Laos. They must produce a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old and have insurance cover of $50,000.
Lockdown in Indonesia for French nationals
On the other hand, things are getting more complicated for travellers to Indonesia. The immense archipelago had reopened the islands of Bali and Bintan (opposite Singapore) to international travellers at the end of October. However, in response to the upsurge in cases of covid worldwide, the country has gradually tightened restrictions, with the quarantine extended from 3 to 5 and now 7 days.
Since 7 January, the Indonesian authorities have imposed a total ban on all travellers from France.. This, of course, is due to the surge in positive cases of the omicron variant. France joins a number of African countries as well as Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom. There are some exceptions for travellers who have been "endorsed" by an official authority (ministry) or who are travelling as part of an official delegation. However, they will have to be quarantined for 10 days, a rather dissuasive protocol.. The measure is temporary, but no prospect of a review has been given...
Thailand between two fires
And there are Thailand, whose economy is so dependent on tourism (20% of pre-crisis GDP). At the end of December, however, the country decided to suspend its "Test & Go" programme. The omicron variant was to blame. This programme allowed vaccinated travellers to enter the country after a PCR test and an overnight quarantine.
On 7 January, the Thai government confirmed that it was continuing with this measure in view of the spread of the variant in the kingdom.. From one week to the next, the number of daily positive cases in the country rose from 3,000 to 7,500 on Friday 7 January. The mandatory 7-day quarantine for all vaccinated persons remains in force until further notice. Two PCR tests will be carried out during quarantine in a certified hotel room. This must be paid for in advance, as must the two tests.
On the other hand, travellers have more freedom of movement with a seven-day stay on Phuket Island with the Sandbox programme ("sandbox"). Once they have completed their stay on the island, travellers can move on to another destination. The "Sandbox" programme will be extended to the provinces of Krabi, Phang-Nga and Surat Thani from 11 January. (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao only). They are all located in the south of the kingdom.
