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Covid 19 Travel Updates

While Covid-19 has spread across the globe, the impact is mostly stable to date in Asia as the virus and intensive security measures were set from Day 1 but with the numerous travel restrictions set within our destinations regular updates are of need to remain upfront of news.

The travel industry is working as a whole with ASEV Travel making sure to crosscheck all information and valid sources to ensure to provide accurate information to all. 

All our operations offices are continuing to work as usual for any information you could require

ASEV Travel has and will continuously follow up on the COVID-19 virus within our destinations of operations  and suggests to follow strict safety guidelines (FAQ with WHO Travel Advice).

Health actions taken by ASEV - Post Covid-19

To ensure traveller’s safety, ASEV is committed to establish hygiene procedures, for the trips that will occur after the COVID-19 crisis:


  • GUIDES ARE TRAINED ABOUT HYGIENE AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES.
  • ONLY HOTELS THAT IMPLEMENT PROTECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST THE COVID - 19 ARE SELECTED.
  • ONLY RESTAURANTS THAT IMPLEMENT PROTECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST THE COVID - 19 ARE SELECTED.
  • MODIFICATION OF ITINERARY AND VISITS TO PROMOTE SOCIAL DISTANCING.
  • HAND SANITIZERS AT DISPOSITION.
  • MASKS AT DISPOSITION.

Action taken by gouvernement on Covid - 19 crisis

-Updated on the 21st Feb 2022-

 THAILAND

General Travel News:  

  • Vaccine information: Thailand has administered at least 102,681,943 doses of COVID vaccines so far, about 73.7% of the country’s population.
  • Flights: Foreign travelers can still enter Thailand through its Phuket sandbox program.
  • Restrictions:  The Thailand Government has decided to further measures as below:

Suspension of all visa exemptions and visa on arrival facilities.

Type of actions

Thailand

General government action
  • Thailand is aiming to treat Covid-19 as endemic in 2022 by resuming normal activities, increasing immunization through booster shots, and reducing hospitalizations.
  • Officials are considering implementing new disease prevention measures against Omicron such as a ban on alcohol sales in restaurants and limiting large gatherings.

Transport companies actions (Air & land)
  • Travelers entering through the Phuket sandbox program are required to spend the first week on the island before traveling to other parts of the country. 

 

VIETNAM

  • Vaccine information: The Vietnamese Health Ministry has issued its vaccination rollout plan, including the 16 priority groups, for the 2021-2022 period with an overall goal of reaching herd immunity by early 2022. As of December 2021, a total of 168,865,244 doses have arrived in Vietnam. The country is expected to obtain 150 million Covid-19 vaccine doses from foreign and domestic sources by 2022, said the Ministry of Health. Vaccines will be prioritized for citizens in areas with outbreaks.
  • Flights: The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed the resumption of normal operations on all domestic routes from the beginning of 2022. According to the proposal submitted to the Ministry of Transport, the number of two-way flights on Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi – Da Nang, and HCM City – Da Nang routes will be increased up to 20 per day per route. Meanwhile, the number of two-way flights on other routes will be no more than nine flight per day per route.
  • Visa: the re-introduction of unilateral visa exemption for stays of less than 15 days in Vietnam for visitors from 13 countries, including France, is being seriously considered from 15 March 2022.
  • Requirements: the government is putting in place the following measures for visitors arriving in Vietnam.

Type of actions

Vietnam

General government actions
  • Travelers of over 12 years old (adults) has to have a full vaccination certificate OR a COVID recovery certification.
  • Possess a medical insurance covering any costs incurred by COVID on site up to USD 10.00 per person.
  • Acquire a negative (rapid) test within 24 hours of arrival in Vietnam from the place of residence (hotel or home).
  • Anyone entering Vietnam should self-quarantine in their place of residence (hotel or home) for one full day BEFORE providing a negative (rapid) test to the authorities.
  • Monitor their own health for 14 days and report any symptoms to the authorities.
  • Travelers are asked to keep a safe distance from each other and to avoid mass gatherings. Barrier should be respected. 

 

CAMBODIA

  • Vaccine information: Cambodia has administered at least 30,472,330 doses of COVID vaccines so far, about 92.4% of the country’s population, averaged about 47,066 doses administered each day.
  • Flights: The best way to arrive in Cambodia is with Singapore airline other companies offer trips through Bangkok as now Bangkok have connexion flights with Cambodia. Singapore Airline offer direct flights from Singapore to Siem Reap. 
  • Restrictions:  The Cambodia Government has decided to further measures as below:

Visas on arrival are suspended but it is possible to have an e-visa

Type of actions

Cambodia

General Government actions
  • The public is directed to wear masks, use hand sanitizers and practice social distancing.
  • Shops, restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets, banks and other commercial areas must require customers to wear masks, use hand sanitizer, and engage in social distancing.
  • Private meetings or gathering are ordered not to exceed 50 people.  
  • All businesses are ordered to check for COVID-19 vaccination cards of their customers before permitting them to enter their business locations.

Transport companies action

Air & land 
  • All travelers to Cambodia who have been physically present or have transited Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Angola and Zambia within 14 days will be subject to a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival.  Travelers in this category will be required to adhere to an additional seven day quarantine at the traveler’s expense.
  • No quarantine required at arrival
  • Upon arrival: Present a negative PCR test done 72 hours before arrival
  • Rapid test mandatory at the airport upon arrival. Wait for the result (20 – 40 minutes) then go.

 

MYANMAR

  • Vaccine information: Myanmar has administered at least 31,859,036 doses of COVID vaccines so far, about 29.5% of the country’s population.
  • Flights: Myanmar further extends suspension of int'l commercial flights until end of January
  • Restrictions:  The Myanmar Government has decided to further measures as below:

Suspension of all visa exemptions and visa on arrival facilities.

Type of actions

Myanmar

General government action
  • It is compulsory for all individuals to wear a face mask when going out in public.
  • Reduced capacity on public transport.
  • Stay-at-home orders in Yangon.
  • Social gatherings limited and events canceled
  • Strict guidelines for hospitality

Transport companies action (Air & land)
  • Myanmar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the extension of entry restrictions for all travelers to the end of January.
  • The issuance of all types of visas and visa exemption services will also be suspended with very few exceptions.
  • Foreigners with compelling reasons to travel must get entry permission from the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • To enter Myanmar for essential reasons, foreigners must:
    • Be granted access to by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    • Arrive at Yangon, Mandalay, or Nay Pyi Taw International Airports
    • Present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, issued at most 72 hours before departure
    • Undergo temperature checks on arrival
    • Airline crew a subjected to quarantine until their next flight.

 

LAOS

  • Vaccine information: The Lao Ministry of Health Lao PDR received a new shipment of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the start of 2022, which is a donation by the United States through the COVAX Facility - a partnership co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organization (WHO), with UNICEF as a key delivery partner. The government is also hoping to receive financial assistance from members of the public and other donors. The country aims to have 80 percent of its population vaccinated by the end of 2022.
  • Flights: The Lao government is urgently rolling out COVID-19 preventive measures as the country is to welcome foreign tourists again starting January 1, 2022. Tourists from 17 countries, including Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia, are eligible to enter Laos with travel visa if they are fully vaccinated. They will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.
  • Restrictions:  The Laos Government has decided to further measures as below:

Land border restrictions remain in place, except for cargo transport.

Type of actions

Laos

General government action
  • Lao Government asked localities to serious follow pandemic prevention and control measures and prepare for provisional funding to buy vaccines and necessary medical supplies.
  • Public transportation in Laos is operating.
  • Restaurants, cafes and bars in Laos are open under social distancing restrictions. In high-risk areas, restaurants, cafes and bars are closed.
  • Most non-essential businesses and attractions in Laos are open, under social distancing and capacity requirements.
  • Night clubs, karaoke bars, gyms and sports facilities are closed. In high-risk areas, non-essential businesses and attractions are closed.
  • Wearing face masks is required in all public places.

Transport companies action (Air & land)
  • The Wattay international airport has been ready to welcome the first foreign visitors after a long time of border closure triggered by the ongoing pandemic.
  • Vaccinated arrivals from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, United States, Canada, and Australia can enter under the "Travel Green Zone Plan". They will have to show health insurance and a negative test upon arrival.
  • Anyone arriving to Laos will be required to quarantine for 14 days in a designated location, and wear a tracking device during that time. Arrivals from the "Travel Green Zone Plan" will need to quarantine until getting test results.

 

  • Thailand is aiming to treat Covid-19 as endemic in 2022 by resuming normal activities, increasing immunization through booster shots, and reducing hospitalizations.

Officials are considering implementing new disease prevention measures against Omicron such as a ban on alcohol sales in restaurants and limiting large gatherings.

FAQ's:

  • Is it safe to travel to Southeast Asia?

- All tourism authorities have reacted efficiently as soon as the virus was made known of to limit risks
- Local authorities also issue public announcements informing about general safety measures
- ASEV Travel has managed at the best of abilities the repatriation of guests and worked on the postponing of current travels for the smoothest of outcomes

  • How is safety managed by ASEV Travel?

- Travelers are advised to frequently wash their hands and wear a health mask in public if preferred. It is recommended for travelers to bring along masks with them as stocks may be low in some countries. Assistance is given to travelers on the ground if they require any mask purchases. Sanitary gel recommended to be brought along by travelers
- All emergency numbers are running at all times and our teams remain available for any support 

  • How is ASEV preparing the future?

- We are eager to look forward to the future and give all postponed projects or new ones to come a great impulse. All teams are at work and well preparing for the second part of the year activities. Time is ideal for new production and innovative tours!
- We would like to thank in advance tour operators and agents in the trust they will give to SE Asia and the potential of the region to rebound.