Entry Policies Due to Covid-19 for Asia
Asia has been in the spotlight throughout the pandemic, primarily due to the first detected case in Wuhan, China. Asia is a vast continent, and so the outbreak has affected each country very differently. Cases have been reported in every country in the region, with the exception of North Korea and Turkmenistan.
India, Indonesia, Iran, and Turkey have had some of the highest case numbers in the region and the world and are still struggling to contain the spread of the virus to this day. Other countries, such as Bhutan, Singapore, and Vietnam, restricted travel very early on in 2020, and this has helped to minimize the impact of COVID-19 in these areas.
Due to the number of different countries you could visit in Asia, you'll find travel restrictions and requirements vary dramatically. While some countries are fully open to visitors already, others are restricted to just residents or neighboring countries.
Many people who visit Asia are required to transit through another country in the region to reach their final destination. If this is the case for you when planning a trip this year, ensure this is something that's possible at this current time to avoid a delay in your journey.
As a result of the attention Asia received early on in the pandemic, they are very strict regarding the entry of tourists to their countries. If you are planning a trip, ensure you follow the requirements for the individual country you are visiting. These may include a hotel quarantine, COVID-19 negative test, medical screenings, and a health declaration.
On top of that, you'll need to ensure you have a valid visa for traveling, as many of the countries have suspended issuing visas during the pandemic for tourism purposes. As with anywhere in the world, the safety and health of local citizens is the number one priority for each country's government.
By following the rules as you enter Asia, you'll look after the health of both yourself and anyone you interact with on your trip.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan already admits international travelers but suspends processing of all routine visas for both immigrants and non-immigrants.
Armenia
Travelers must present a medical certificate attesting to a negative COVID-19 PCR result issued within 72 hours prior to arrival and undergo medical screening.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has extended the suspension of commercial flights, except for private, special and charter flights.
Bahrain
Bahrain has restricted entry of all travelers except citizens, residents, military personnel, and travelers with a valid prior permission letter (PPG).
Bhutan
Bhutan has closed its borders.
Brunei
Brunei has restricted entry to all foreign nationals except those with special permits.
Cambodia
Cambodia has suspended all visa waivers, visas-on-arrival, and e-visas.
China
China has restricted the entry of all foreigners except Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passport holders.
East Timor
East Timor has restricted entry for all travelers except East Timorese citizens and residents.
Georgia
All unvaccinated travelers must present a medical certificate showing a negative COVID-19 PCR result issued within 72 hours prior to arrival and either be isolated for eight days or undergo a PCR (at their expense) within three days of arrival in Georgia.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong has sustended the entry of all foreigners who have been in areas other than China, Taiwan, or Macau within the last 14 days.
India
India has reinstated the eVisa for Medical, Business, and Conferences. The Tourist eVisa remains suspended.
Indonesia
Indonesia has restricted entry to all foreign nationals, resident aliens, and foreigners with visas.
Iran
Iran has reopened borders but has suspended the issuance of tourist visas.
Iraq
Iraq has reopened airports.
Israel
Israel has restricted entry to all foreign nationals. Due to a ban on inbound flights, Ben-Gurion Airport closes for all flights, both inbound and outbound.
Japan
Japan allows entry to foreign nationals moving to Japan to study, work or join family members. All travelers must have proof of negative COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours prior to flight departure.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has resumed flights from China, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey. However, only certain categories of travelers will be able to board those flights.
Kuwait
Kuwait has restricted entry to all travelers except Kuwaiti citizens, their immediate family members, Kuwaiti residents, and domestic workers accompanied by a Kuwaiti national.
Lebanon
Lebanon has reopened airports with limited capacity. From April 12, 2021, Lebanon establishes curfew from 19:00 to 05:00 during the month of Ramadan.
Maldives
Travelers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure from their country of origin.
Mongolia
Mongolia has restricted entry to all travelers who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of Mongolia; foreign nationals traveling on a short-stay visa (business (type B), diplomatic (type D) or official (type A)) issued on or after October 8. Travelers must present a medical proof of a negative a negative COVID-19 PCR result issued within 72 hours prior to arrival and undergo testing and quarantine upon arrival.
Myanmar
Myanmar (Burma) has suspended all flights into the country until at least May 31, except for relief, medical evacuation flights, and those authorized by the Department of Civil Aviation.
North Korea
North Korea has restricted entry of all travelers who are tourists.
Oman
Oman has suspended all commercial flights except humanitarian and repatriation flights.
Palestine State
Palestine has no entry restrictions but has begun quarantining all travelers arriving from abroad.
Philippines
Philippine borders are open only to Filipino nationals returning with their spouses and children, Indian nationals on temporary resident visas, Chinese nationals on permanent resident visas who are spouses of Filipino nationals, and foreign nationals on some types of visas.
Qatar
Qatar has restricted entry to all foreigners. Travelers must be screened upon arrival. Having to quarantine depends on travelers country of origin.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has suspended the entry to all travelers except citizens and residents, GCC residents, and holders of valid visas issued by Saudi Arabia.
Singapore
Singapore has restricted the entry of all foreigners except those with prior government approval.
Syria
Syria has reopened the airport.
Taiwan
Taiwan has begun reopening its borders to foreign nationals, who must apply for a special entry permit before traveling.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan has resumed some commercial flight routes, including flights from China, Turkey, and UAE. Travelers must carry a medical proof of a negative result for COVID-19 in a PCR test issued within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan has suspended all flights to the country.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has relaxed entry requirements for tourists and residents. Different entry and quarantine requirements may apply in each emirate.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has allows international flights for certain categories of travelers arriving from countries considered stable in terms of epidemiological situation. All international travelers must provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours prior to entry into Uzbekistan.
Yemen
Yemen has suspended all international flights.