{"id":118253,"date":"2022-01-07T11:43:17","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T10:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.voyages-d-affaires.com\/?p=118253"},"modified":"2022-02-08T11:15:22","modified_gmt":"2022-02-08T10:15:22","slug":"pandemic-laos-indonesia-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.voyages-d-affaires.com\/en\/pandemic-laos-indonesia-thailand","title":{"rendered":"Laos opens up, Indonesia closes and Thailand takes a back seat"},"content":{"rendered":"

We generally know the reluctance of Asian countries to deal with health hazards<\/a>. The omicron variant is rapidly devastating the few countries reopening in the last quarter of 2021. With the notable exception of Laos<\/strong>which once again allows foreign visitors.<\/p>\n

Laos opens after 22 months of closure<\/span><\/h3>\n

The good news comes from Laos<\/strong>. Probably because the country has just inaugurated its first railway line<\/strong><\/a> - and at high speed - with China, the authorities have reopened their borders to foreign visitors<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Phase 1, introduced on 1 January, allows nationals of 30 countries (including France, Belgium and Switzerland) to travel to \"green tourism\" zones.<\/strong>. These include the capital Vientiane, the major towns of Pakse and Savannakhet, and the historic capital Luang Prabang.<\/p>\n

Other provinces and nationalities will follow in a second phase in April and a third in July. Only fully vaccinated visitors may enter Laos. <\/strong>They must produce a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old and have insurance cover of $50,000.<\/p>\n

\"Indonesia<\/a>
Hopes dashed for French visitors to Jakarta (Photo: LC)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lockdown in Indonesia for French nationals<\/span><\/h3>\n

On the other hand, things are getting more complicated for travellers to Indonesia<\/strong>. The immense archipelago had reopened the islands of Bali and Bintan<\/strong> (opposite Singapore) to international travellers at the end of October<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n