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Which Asian countries are fully open for travel?
These popular Asian destinations are fully open to travel with no vaccine or testing restrictions in 2023.
Although more than 150 countries around the world have lifted all entry requirements for travelers related to Covid, there are still several holdouts in Asia.
The region is the slowest to open to normal tourism in the world. In 2023, however, more and more destinations are open without restrictions.
These are some of the most popular Asian countries without any entry requirements for travelers. Note that this is not an exhaustive list and is intended to highlight popular destinations that have reopened.
For the latest information on travel restrictions for any country, consult the US State Department website.
1) Thailand
Thailand has no vaccine or testing requirements in place, nor does the country have a mask mandate (except on public transport, but it is not enforced or followed.)
This popular Southeast Asian destination, known for its incredible beaches, made headlines earlier this month when it proposed bringing back the vaccination requirement for all travelers.
However, this was rescinded just days later due to widespread backlash, and Thailand continues to remain off limits.
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2) Cambodia
Cambodia is another Southeast Asian nation that has removed all entry requirements related to Covid, including vaccines and tests. This beautiful country is best known for its Angkor Wat temple complex.
All travelers, vaccinated and unvaccinated, are welcome without the need to present a negative Covid test.
In addition, the mask-wearing mandate in Cambodia has been lifted.
3) Malaysia
Malaysia, home to gorgeous beaches, stunning rainforests and the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur, is another country in Asia that has completely returned to normal.
This nation no longer has any vaccine or testing requirements for travelers, returning to normal tourism and making it easier to visit.
Malaysia also dropped its indoor mask mandate last fall.
4) South Korea
South Korea joins that list after finally ditching its indoor mask mandate nearly three years after they were first instituted.
For several months, travelers have been welcome to South Korea regardless of vaccination status and without any additional testing requirements. However, with the indoor mask mandate still in place and near-full compliance, many travelers have chosen to avoid this country in favor of most countries around the world that no longer wear masks.
While it remains to be seen whether voluntary mask wearing will remain high in South Korea as it has in Japan, it is no longer mandatory for travelers to wear masks in that destination.
5) Vietnam
Vietnam is another country in Asia that has lifted all entry requirements and is back to normal.
Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the country, which is known for its diverse landscapes such as Ha Long Bay, beautiful beaches, historic cities and delicious food.
While carry mandates are still technically in place in some indoor locations, they are generally not enforced.
Countries that still have restrictions
While a number of countries in Asia have lifted all restrictions, many other popular destinations still have restrictions on travelers.
Some countries that still have Covid-related restrictions include:
- Japan: A negative Covid test is required for unvaccinated passengers, there is no official mask mandate, but voluntary mask wearing is still over 95% nationwide
- Indonesia: Open to vaccinated passengers only
- Philippines: A negative Covid test is required for unvaccinated passengers
- Hong Kong: A negative Covid test is required for all travellers, the mandatory mask is still in place
- Laos: There are no vaccine or testing requirements, but the mask mandate is still in place and widely enforced
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com