Updated October 20, 2020

Which Asian Countries Will Reopen Borders in 2020?

Coronavirus has forced everyone to freeze their travel plans and wait until we can book flights and hotels again. But if the situation in Europe is covered in detail by our recent blog post, what about the East? Visafoto has collected the latest data.

Cambodia

Cambodian borders began reopening in late May. Upon arrival all visitors must undergo a COVID-19 test. At the same time each visitor must pay $2000 as a "coronavirus deposit".

While waiting for the results, travellers will be accomodated in special facilities. This is what the deposit money will do: €4 for transfer to the hotel, €89 for the test, €27 for the night and meals at the hotel. Those who have a negative result will get the rest of the money back.

In addition, all travelers must purchase a local health insurance package for any potential treatment at a cost of $90 and valid for 20 days.

China

Since August 11, Chinese authorities announced that citizens from 36 European countries will be allowed to enter the country provided they have a Chinese residence permit. All arriving in China must submit a negative COVID-19 test, which must be passed within five days before boarding. All travelers entering China will be checked on arrival and undergo a 14-day quarantine. Local quarantine requirements may vary significantly from city to city and rules may change very quickly.Some Chinese cities and provinces, including Beijing, also require quarantine for all domestic travelers, regardless of nationality.

India

International flights to and from India will remain suspended until at least September 30, 2020. All land borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal in East and Northeast India are closed to the movement of people except returning Indian citizens.

Indonesia

Entry is allowed to Indonesian citizens, passengers with temporary residence permit (ITAS) or permanent residence permit (ITAP), passengers with diplomatic or service visa, humanitarian workers.

Visitors must have a medical certificate confirming a negative result of the PCR test COVID-19.

Japan

Only citizens and residents of Japan, as well as their close relatives, may enter the country.

Malaysia

The travel restrictions for all foreign nationals, with very few exceptions, were extended until further notice.

Malaysian Health Minister Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said opening the borders is the last thing the country will do.

Nepal

All international flights were canceled until further notice.

Philippines

The Philippines will not open its borders to international visitors until the second half of 2021 and plans to gradually reactivate domestic tourism in October

Singapore

Singapore's borders are now reopening gradually to allow safe travel in limited numbers. If you have extenuating circumstances that require you to enter Singapore, you will only be allowed to enter if you have been issued a "SafeTravel Pass". For more information, see the SafeTravel portal application.

South Korea

Although the country is open to foreigners, they face mandatory quarantine at their own expense for 14 days in a facility appointed by the government.

Sri-Lanka

At present, all non-citizens and residents of Sri Lanka are banned from entering the country.

Taiwan

Taiwan plans to ease restrictions on entry for some countries soon and will announce rules relating to quarantine requirements. They are also considering opening Taoyuan International Airport for transit passengers.

Thailand

Thailand preliminarily opens its borders for foreigners after October 31.

Thailand will issue special tourist visas for long-term visits to the country for at least 90 days, but subject to a 14-day quarantine. The list of countries whose citizens will be allowed to enter is not yet known.