The Southeast Asian countries of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are among the latest nations to relax their COVID-19 entry requirements, making it easier for international tourists to visit.
Beginning April 1, vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to submit a negative test result in order to gain entry into Thailand. The additional testing rules, however, which require visitors to take an RT-PCR test upon arrival in Thailand as well as another rapid antigen test on day five, will remain in place.
Likewise, as of March 17, vaccinated travelers visiting Cambodia may do so without having to test or quarantine. Thanks to updated requirements, visitors will no longer need to take an RT-PCR test before arriving in the country. Cambodia has also eliminated the need for a rapid antigen test upon arrival. Unvaccinated tourists must still quarantine for 14 days after they arrive.
Neighboring Vietnam, who recently began allowing international tourists to visit again, has also dropped its quarantine requirement altogether. As of March 16, travelers entering the country must bring a negative COVID-19 test result from either a rapid antigen test taken within the 24 hours prior to their departure, or a PCR or LAMP COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to their departure.
Additional requirements include the use of Vietnam’s PC-COVID mobile app, health insurance covering a minimum of $10,000 worth of medical costs, and a health declaration that must be made prior to arrival. While there had been previous mentions of a mandatory vaccine requirement, as of now there is not one is place.
Having experienced major losses due to the halt of tourism during the global pandemic, these Southeast Asian countries are eager to restore their tourism sectors and boost their economies.
According to the Johns Hopkins’ Coronavirus Resource Center, over 80% of the populations of both Vietnam and Cambodia have been fully vaccinated. In Thailand, more than 70% of the population has received COVID-19 vaccines.
Related: Costa Rica And Belize Ease Entry Requirements For International Tourists