The Easter holidays are fast approaching, and although there are an increasing number of countries easing travel rules for Europeans, some holiday hotspots continue to have restrictions in place.
Popular destinations such as Bali and Thailand are reopening to holidaymakers, while others such as Japan and Malaysia continue to keep their borders closed.
Still, there are more holiday options on offer; for example, Vietnam is due to reopen three months earlier than planned, while India recently ditched most Covid rules for vaccinated Brits.
We take a look at travel rules for holiday spots including Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and more below…
Bali
Indonesia has changed its rules for foreign visitors from 23 countries – including the UK. Vaccinated Brits will no longer be required to quarantine, provided they have completed a course of vaccination including a booster jab.
However, they will still need to meet other requirements such as having proof of a paid hotel booking and insurance which covers Covid.
Travellers will also need to take a PCR test on arrival and self-isolate until a negative result is confirmed, after which they are free to move around. There is also a second test to be taken on day three.
Vietnam
Currently, Vietnam has suspended visa waivers and the entry of foreign nationals, although it is open to handful of tourists provided they are on government-approved group tours.
However the country’s authorities have approved a proposal to lift border restrictions from March 15, marking the first time it will reopen fully to holidaymakers since March 2020.
Initially it will reopen to fully vaccinated tourists, which means having completed a vaccine course within 12 months before the date of entry, and least 14 days before travel.
Those who can show proof of recovery from Covid will also be able to visit.
All travellers will also be required to take Covid tests before their flight which can be either a PCR test within 72 hours of travel, or an antigen test within 24 hours.
Thailand
Fully vaccinated Brits can apply to visit Thailand via the Test and Go or Sandbox schemes. These schemes allow you to visit Thailand without needing to quarantine.
You’ll also need to take a PCR no more than 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand, and meet other entry requirements such as having proof of travel insurance that covers Covid, and evidence of pre-paid accommodation for at least one night.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers will need to apply through the Alternative Quarantine scheme which includes a quarantine of at least seven days with further PCR testing.
Sri Lanka
Regardless of vaccination status, all travellers must also fill out an online form before travel, and meet requirements for mandatory Covid-19 travel insurance.
Travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid will no longer be required to take a pre-travel PCR or antigen test. Visitors with proof of recent Covid recovery will also be exempt from testing.
Unvaccinated children aged 11 years and under are allowed to travel with fully vaccinated parents. If a child under the age of 18 has received one dose of a vaccine at least 14 days before travel, they will be considered ‘fully vaccinated’.
Unvaccinated arrivals can visit Sri Lanka but need proof of a negative test result. This can be either a PCR test within 72 hours of travel, or an antigen test within 48 hours.
Once in Sri Lanka, you’ll need to stay in a Tourism Bio Bubble for at least seven days and take a Covid test – a negative result means you’ll be able to use your hotel facilities and visit approved tourist sites.
India
Fully vaccinated UK travellers can visit without a PCR test or quarantine. They will still need to fill out a pre-travel form, show proof of vaccination, and undergo ’14-day self monitoring’.
UK arrivals who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will still need to show proof of a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours before arrival, and will also be exempt from quarantine.
However it’s worth noting that the Foreign Office says: “Scheduled international flights remain suspended. A limited number of flights are currently operating between India and the UK under a bilateral agreement but these arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.”
Malaysia
Entry to Malaysia is prohibited for most British nationals, regardless of their Covid vaccination status. Visiting Malaysia for tourism purposes is also not permitted.
Cambodia
You’ll need to apply for a tourist visa in order to enter Cambodia as a visitor.
All travellers need proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Cambodia.
Fully vaccinated arrivals will be asked to take a lateral flow test at the airport. If another passenger on your flight tests positive you may be required to quarantine at your hotel/accommodation for five days.
Unvaccinated travellers or those who have not been fully vaccinated will be required to do a PCR test on arrival. They must then quarantine for 14 days.
Japan
Japan is reopening its borders to foreign nationals visiting for reasons such as business or students, but not currently for tourism purposes. The country requires any arrivals to have taken a Covid test within 72 hours before departure, and depending on vaccination status travellers may be required to quarantine for seven days.
Laos
No visas are being issued to people travelling from a country with cases of Covid 19, which includes the UK. However there are a handful of exemptions for foreign nationals who have an essential reason to visit or are needed for specific essential projects.
- Travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the latest Foreign Office travel advice for a destination before booking or going on a trip abroad.
