A lot has happened since COVID-19 emerged at the end of 2019, with nearly every country in the world having been touched by the virus. But as of fall 2021, more places are figuring out ways to safely reopen their borders to tourists once again, including countries throughout Asia.
Most recently, Singapore announced that vaccinated Americans would be able to visit once again as tourists, if they follow a few simple guidelines. Likewise, Thailand has announced plans to widely reopen to travelers on November 1, and certain provinces in Vietnam have plans to start pilot programs welcoming tourists again ahead of the country-wide reopening in June 2022.
Still, some countries remain closed off entirely. Japan, for instance, is still largely closed to travelers without special exemptions. The Maldives, on the other hand, began welcoming travelers over a year ago, in July 2020.
Travelers entering countries with open borders should expect to do everything from submitting a health questionnaire to taking a pre-departure coronavirus test, undergoing more testing on arrival, and potentially quarantining in a government-approved facility.
Read on for our extensive regional breakdown, designed to help you navigate the various travel restrictions and reopening statuses throughout Asia. This intel on more than 20 countries will be updated regularly.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
East Asia
China, the original epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, began reopening in 2020. As of December 2020, U.S. citizens who have valid residence permits and visas may enter mainland China if they present two pre-departure test results: a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test (taken within 72 hours of departure) and an IgM antibody test. Travelers must submit results to the Chinese Embassy to obtain a green health code or health declaration form for entry (more details here). Upon arrival, U.S. travelers must complete a 14-day quarantine, and additional health screening is also in place at China's airports. The American Embassy in China notes on their website that while domestic travel restrictions have eased, local rules vary greatly and change rapidly. All international arrivals, they say, should be prepared to complete quarantine at a government-selected facility or hotel at their own expense, even if they have a residence in China.