Countries around the world are opening up to tourism, and while some in Asia have been a little slower than others, many are beginning to open up and remove pandemic-related travel restrictions.
Travellers can eat their way through Thailand, which has lifted all COVID-19-related travel restrictions, relax on the beautiful beaches of Indonesia or the Maldives, step into history in Vietnam and even explore the bustling cities of Japan, which is welcoming independent travellers in October.
But while many countries continue to ease restrictions, some have introduced strict testing and contact tracing measures for tourists.
These are the countries in Asia that welcome American travellers, and the rules visitors need to know before they go.
About Bangladesh
Bangladesh welcomes American travellers, according to the US Embassy in Bangladesh. Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from pre-arrival testing, while unvaccinated travellers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of departure. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from testing.
All travellers must complete a passenger health declaration form within three days of arrival in the country.
Bhutan
Bhutan has opened to tourists without quarantine and does not require proof of vaccination to visit, according to the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Travellers aged 12 and over may be subject to random PCR testing on arrival.
Bhutan levies a daily tourism tax of $200, which it calls the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), to fund social programmes, infrastructure and environmental protection.
Brunei
This small Southeast Asian country welcomes travellers and does not require them to be vaccinated or tested prior to arrival, according to the government.
Travellers must show proof of travel medical insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage of at least BND $20,000 (approximately USD $14,042).
For Cambodia
Cambodia welcomes both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers without requiring pre-travel testing, according to the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia. The country has also reopened its visa-on-arrival programme.
Unvaccinated travellers must undergo a rapid antigen test upon arrival, which costs US$5, according to the government.
CHINA
Most of China remains closed to tourism, but Hong Kong recently lifted its mandatory 3-day hotel quarantine and relaxed testing requirements, now requiring travellers to be vaccinated and undergo a rapid antigen test 24 hours before departure, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Travellers must also undergo PCR testing on the 2nd, 4th and 6th days after arrival and rapid antigen testing daily for seven days.
n lieu of the hotel quarantine, travelers must self monitor for symptoms for three days. They will be able to go outside during this time but restricted from certain places like bars and restaurants.
India
India started allowing regularly scheduled international commercial flights to resume flying to the country in March. All travelers to India must show either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their trip, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Travelers must also complete a self-declaration form online before traveling.
Laos
Laos has opened to tourists and allows both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, according to the International Air Transport Association destination tracker. Vaccinated travellers are exempt from testing, while unvaccinated travellers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. Travellers under 12 years of age are exempt.
The Maldives
The Maldives welcomes travellers from all over the world, including the US, and the government does not require visitors to be tested prior to arrival. All arriving and departing passengers must complete a traveller’s declaration form within 96 hours of their flight.
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar allows travellers to enter the country on commercial flights, according to the US Embassy in Burma. Travellers must have either proof of vaccination and proof of a negative rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival, or proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival if the traveller is unvaccinated. Children under 12 years of age are exempt.
Travellers must also purchase COVID-19 medical insurance from Myanma Insurance.
Mongolia
According to the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia, travellers may enter Mongolia without pre-arrival testing or quarantine measures, regardless of vaccination status. Travellers must complete a medical declaration form upon arrival at border checkpoints.
About Nepal
Nepal welcomes travellers and offers visas on arrival regardless of vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy in Nepal. Arriving travellers must provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR or NAAT test within 72 hours of departure.