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East Asia was one of the first regions to be hit by COVID-19 and has some of the strictest COVID-19 policies in place, but that is changing.
The era of COVID-19 has not been the most favorable for travellers, but there is plenty of momentum to end travel-killing restrictions over the past few years. East Asia was one of the first regions to be hit by COVID-19 and has some of the most stringent COVID-19 policies in the world. In 2022, this is finally starting to change.
Southeast Asia is a region that began easing restrictions this year, but in the second half of the year, the more northerly countries of East Asia also began easing policies. Taiwan, one of the latest supporters of zero outbreaks, is quickly doing its best to allow tourism. Japan is taking the first steps, while Indonesia and Malaysia opened up earlier in the year with a growing influx of tourists. Here is a brief overview of the East Asian destinations that will be ready to travel in autumn 2022.
Taiwan’s Central Command Center for Epidemic Prevention recently issued an announcement stating that Taiwan is planning to resume the visa waiver program for citizens of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, European countries and diplomatic allies from September 12, 2022.
The range of reasons why travelers are allowed to visit Taiwan has also expanded. The list now includes business trips, exhibition visits, study trips, international exchanges, family visits, travel and social events.
If travelers still do not meet the criteria to enter Taiwan, they can try to apply for a special entry permit.
First, proof of vaccination must be provided, and Taiwan still has a cap on the number of people allowed to enter (as of this writing, this may change soon).
To avoid running into issues with this restriction, travelers should contact the local Taiwanese representative in their country to confirm that they have the ability to enter the country. It should also be noted that Taiwan has not lifted the three-day quarantine requirement upon entry.
Of course, adhering to the rules for visiting a country is still critical as the rules are constantly changing.
The Japanese government is currently allowing group travel as a way to allow some travel in an attempt to control the virus by controlling groups.
However, with COVID-19 already in the country, pressure from the private sector is mounting, and with the fall of the yen, it looks more and more like Japan will start lifting its restrictions.
Restrictions that are likely to be lifted soon are the 50,000-person-per-day entry limit, solo visitor restrictions, and visa requirements for short-term visitors from countries that were previously eligible for exemptions.
As of Wednesday, September 7 this year, Japan’s entry restrictions and requirements include a daily limit of 50,000 people, and travelers must be part of a travel group of seven or more.
The requirement for PCR testing for vaccinated travelers has been abolished (Japan considers three vaccine doses to be fully vaccinated).
The two-year period of strict border controls in Malaysia has ended as the second quarter of this year began on April 1st.
For now, travelers can enter Malaysia quite easily and no longer need to apply for MyTravelPass.
Malaysia is one of many Southeast Asian countries entering the epidemic phase, which means the government believes the virus poses no more threat to its population than any common disease.
The vaccination rate in the country is 64% and after seeing the economy slow down in 2021, Malaysia hopes to bounce back through tourism.
Malaysia’s diplomatic allies, including the Americans, will no longer need to obtain visas in advance to enter the country.
Leisure trips are allowed if they stay in the country for less than 90 days.
However, it should be noted that travelers are still required to carry their passport with them basically everywhere they plan to travel within the country, especially including from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia (on the island of Borneo) and between travels in Sabah and Sarawak. , both in Borneo.
Since this year, Indonesia has started to open tourism. Indonesia once again welcomed foreign tourists to its shores this January.
No nationality is currently barred from entering the country, but potential travelers will need to apply for a visa if they plan to stay in the country as a tourist for more than 30 days.
This early opening allows popular tourist destinations like Bali to help revitalize the country’s economy.
Apart from the need to obtain a visa for stays over 30 days, travelers need to confirm a few things before traveling to Indonesia. So, here is a list of three things travelers should check before they travel.