COVID-related restrictions can change at anytime. Here are the latest policies for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

Thailand

Officially Thai borders are open and international travelers from all countries can visit under the Special Tourist Visa scheme. However international flights are still limited and a compulsory 14-day quarantine is required upon entry. After completing the 14-day quarantine and testing negative for COVID-19,  STV holders are free to travel around Thailand, with a mobile tracking application to keep track of their in-country destinations. STV holders are not allowed to change or convert the STV into any other type of visa during the duration of their stay in Thailand.

Vietnam

To staunch the spread of COVID-19, Vietnam is only allowing entry to those who are traveling for official or diplomatic purposes. And, those people must undergo medical checks and a 21-day quarantine, at their expense, upon arrival in Vietnam.

Laos

Lao Airlines has opened some international routes, including flights twice weekly on its Vientiane to Kunming, China route. Flights from Laos to Vietnam are expected to start operating again soon. The government has also announced that medical certificates are not always required for outbound travel from Laos (an official notice is expected soon). The U.S. has added Laos to its list of “very low risk” destinations for COVID-19.

Myanmar

Foreigners are not allowed to enter via overland borders until further notice. All international river cruises have also been banned from entering Myanmar until further notice. All domestic flights have been cancelled until end of May. It’s unknown whether these policies are only due to COVID-19 or whether the policies have also been impacted by the recent military takeover.

Cambodia

Cambodia has lifted the no-entry restrictions on visitors from France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain and the United States. All foreign visitors who wish to enter Cambodia will need to have a visa before arrival in the country. Visitors will also have to obtain a medical certificate from a competent health authority, within 72 hours of their date of travel. The certificate must state that the traveler does not have COVID-19. Proof of insurance is also required and the policy must include a minimum of $50,000 in medical coverage. All foreigners arriving in Cambodia will now be subject to a COVID-19 test at a facility near the airport and whether the test is negative or positive, a 14-day quarantine is required.  There is currently a $2,000 mandatory deposit required for all arrivals. This is intended to cover any COVID-related expenses, though we expect this to be a temporary measure.

Marianita Manio
February 17, 2021