Our hearts go out to you amid the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It cannot be overstated how difficult this time is for the global community, for the industry that is grinding to a halt, for your clients, for your companies, and for each of us as individuals. We will look back upon this period as a defining time for our era. The travel industry is experiencing the greatest reduction in business in our lifetimes.
Please see specific information about the member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion below: Cambodia. PR China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam.
To learn about government policies to provide aid and assistance to businesses in the respective countries, please click HERE.
View the COVID-19 Travel Situation infographics in the Mekong Region HERE
Travel around the world continues to be affected by the novel corona virus.
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office would like to inform its partners on the latest developments around COVID-19. We are constantly gathering updates on the measures taken by the different destination countries to stop the spreading of COVID-19.
The outbreak of the corona virus has hit some destinations particularly hard, as a stark decline in Chinese Outbound tourists, and a general fear of traveling, especially to some destinations in Asia. While nobody can predict when things turn back to normal, or if we need to adapt to a new reality in travel, destinations can do a few things during this time, instead of solely focusing on declining numbers and fear:
Diversify Source Markets: We have seen many destinations have relied dangerously on the Chinese market. And when it comes to the Chinese market, many destinations have focused on easy to capture, but less profitable mass tour groups, that showed nice growth numbers. Diversifying should be one of the biggest lessons from the coronavirus, and even within China, there are multiple market segments that drive more yield and sustainability. Develop a robust Feeder Market Channel Strategy vs the usual market segmentation channel strategy. Focus on your short-haul feeder-markets and especially on your drive-in feeder markets. Why? People will continue to travel, especially on short-haul and shorter stay trips.
Develop Sustainability Strategies and Programs: Now is also a good time to step back and look at developing more robust and scalable digital platforms, reduce single-use plastic and food waste, and revamp your product and distribution strategies. Implementing sustainability strategies sometimes is not always top priority, especially when business is good and the hectic of the day to day operations makes implementation challenging. Many of these programs can result in financial benefits in the long-term, in addition to saving the planet.
Leverage Industry Association and Partnerships: For destinations in the Mekong Region, taking advantage of the free or low-cost programs of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. Also, organizations like the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has various services in the region, as well as other travel industry associations. This is a way to collaborate as judging from the past SARS outbreak, individual destination campaigns are unlikely to be very effective with long-haul travelers, even if the destinations are virus-free. North American and European travelers will be hesitant to return to Asia until it is completely safe. Now is the time to collaborate to work together in restoring confidence and rebuilding business. This cannot be done alone in silos but has to be done in partnership as a united industry.
Assess risks and prepare solutions to potential challenges in advance. Destinations have to assess potential risks and prepare for potential emergency cases in advance. This does not only apply for cases such as COVID-19 or natural disasters. It can also be responses to over-crowding of destinations or environmental emergencies. Destinations have to take long-term look and opportunities and challenges and prepare in advance. We are working with destinations to support them in their strategies and align them throughout the region.
As many destinations have relied on the Chinese outbound market, the effect has resulted in a drastic decline in tourism numbers.
Recommended Resources
GMS COUNTRY UPDATES
Please see below for updates about travel requirements in each of our six GMS member countries:
Official Tourism Department Website
Last updated on December 6:
Cambodia on December 5 removed its ban on travellers from 10 African countries after a nearly one-week suspension due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on November 26:
Singapore will extend vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs) to six more countries next month.
From Dec 14, travellers from Thailand may enter Singapore under the quarantine-free VTL.
Travellers from Cambodia, Fiji, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Turkey can do so from Dec 16. Read more
Last updated on November 18:
Cambodia has authorized the reopening of visits to museums, cinemas and theatres in provinces throughout the country, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. Read more
Last updated on November 18:
The Ministry of Tourism Cambodia recently launched the implementation of health and tourism safety measures for travelers entering Cambodia in the context of “A New Normal”. More details 1 / More details 2
Last updated on November 15:
The Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia has issued an announcement on permission for fully vaccinated tourists and travellers entering the Kingdom of Cambodia without Quarantine. See the announcement here
Last updated on November 14:
Cambodia will stop requiring quarantine for travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 starting on Monday 15.
Travellers will have to show their negative test 72 hours prior to travel and have two vaccine doses. Those who are unvaccinated will be quarantined for 14 days. Read more
Last updated on November 13:
The Royal Government has allowed all other gatherings, in addition to wedding and religious ceremonies, without limiting the number of participants. However, KTVs and Nightclubs are still prohibited. Read more
Last updated on November 5:
Bangkok Airways will resume international flights on the Bangkok -Phnom Penh route starting 1 December. Read more
Last updated on November 3:
karaoke parlours – or KTVs – and entertainment businesses including bars and discotheques will remain shut as the establishments are deemed places of high risk for Covid-19 transmission.
The municipal hall also extended the suspension of all occupations and business activities deemed as posing high risk of transmission for 14 days through November 11. Read more
Last updated on November 2:
Malaysia Airlines is restarting its direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh on Friday November 19. Read more
Last updated on November 2:
Bangkok Airways has announced it will resume flights between the Thai capital and Phnom Penh from December 1 with subject to government approval. Read more
Last updated on October 29:
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has now permitted museums, cinemas and concert halls in Phnom Penh to reopen from October 30 onwards if they follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the ministry and other preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health. More details
Last updated on October 26:
Cambodia will be reopening to international visitors beginning with Preah Sihanouk City and Koh Rong City of Preah Sihanouk province, and Dara Sakor region in Koh Kong province from 30 November 2021 onward.
This will be followed by the reopening of Siem Reap province in January 2022. The reopening is being implemented within the framework of vaccinated tourism program which allows international visitors to enjoy a quarantine-free stay and visit in Safe and Green Destinations for up to 5 days. Read more
Last updated on October 26:
Cambodia will reopen to welcome vaccinated tourists in three stages:
- Stage 1 (restart): The program to welcome back international tourist will be piloted at the end of November 2021, starting with Preah Sihanouk City, Koh Rong City of Preah Sihanouk Province, and Dara Sakor region in Koh Kong province, to be followed by Siem Reap ANGKOR in January 2022.
- Stage 2 (reopening by regions): Following the success of the pilot program in Stage 1, international tourists will be welcomed to visit other safe areas in the country.
- Stage 3 (full reopening): The country will be fully reopened for all vaccinated tourists. More details
Last updated on October 24:
Cambodia has lifted the temporary flights ban from Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.
The lifting is effective from 23rd of October and the ban lasted almost 15 months. Read more
Last updated on October 20:
Cambodia has recently launched the Implementation of Health Measures and Quarantine in Cambodia for travelers entering Cambodia in accordance with the new normal context as follows:
– High-level international delegation and senior government officials returning from overseas missions (quarantine period decided by the Royal Government)
– Passengers who are civil servants returning from official missions abroad (3-day quarantine)
– Foreign diplomats and International Organization officers (3-day quarantine)
– Foreign tourists who are (investors, business people, experts with guarantee or invitation) (3 -day quarantine)
– General passenger who is Cambodian or foreigner (7- day quarantine)
– All type of passenger who have not vaccinated Covid-19 vaccine or not fully vaccinated (14-day period)
Last updated on September 23:
Phnom Penh Capital Administration issued a decision to continue administrative measures and suspend ‘high-risk’ activities in Phnom Penh for another 14 days.
All gatherings for all kinds of alcohol are prohibited
All kinds of club business, such as karaoke, bar, discos, beer garden and casinos
Resorts, museums, playgrounds and parks
Massage parlours and saunas
Cinemas, art theaters, gyms and sports centers of all kinds.
Last updated on September 17:
The Siem Reap Provincial Administration has issued a decision to determine parts of Siem Reap city as ‘red’ and ‘yellow’ zones to temporarily prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The zones will be implemented for 7 days from 13:00 on September 17 to September 23, 2021. Read more
Last updated on September 15:
Schools in many provinces and cities of Cambodia officially reopened on September 15 after nearly six months of closure due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Read more
Last updated on September 12:
Siem Reap province has been issued a decision to close for a week in an effort to eradicate COVID-19 transmission in the community. Read more
Last updated on September 9:
The Phnom Penh Capital Administration has decided to continue administrative measures and suspend ‘high-risk’ activities for another 14 days.
The restrictions will continue until 23 September 2021.
Restrictions include:
– Public and private educational institutions that do not yet have a policy to reopen
– All kinds of club businesses, such as karaoke, bar, disco, beer garden and casino
– Resorts, museums, playgrounds and parks
– Massage, sauna and all kinds of business
– Cinemas, art theaters, gyms and sports centers of all kinds.
Last updated on August 26:
Phnom Penh City Hall extended administrative measures suspending business activities designated as a high risk of spreading Covid-19, as well as public gatherings for 14 days from August 27 to September 9. Read more
Last updated on August 20:
Four provinces have decided to extend the measures for another week in a bid to contain the highly contagious coronavirus Delta variant.
The provinces – Kampong Cham, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Svay Rieng – will continue to enforce the measures through August 26.
“The 9pm-3am curfew will remain in place. All travels are banned except out of necessity or in emergency or with permission from authorities. More details
Last updated on August 18:
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has announced that Cambodia is to be added to it’s ‘High Risk’ or ‘Group A’ list, effective from 0.00am on 20 August 2021. Read more
Last updated on August 11:
Phnom Penh has extended the citywide curfew and other restrictions.
A curfew is imposed, temporarily suspending all traffic and business activities between 22.00 and 3.00 hours for seven days from zero on August 13, 2021 to August 19, 2021.
The activities, occupations or businesses at high risk of spreading COVID-19 are temporarily suspended for 14 (fourteen) days from zero on the 13th. August 2021 until August 26, 2021’
These activities are listed as
* Schools, including both public and private vocational training schools
* All kinds of clubs, including karaoke, bars, discos, beer gardens and casinos
* Resorts, museums, playgrounds and parks
* Massage, sauna and all kinds of business
* All kinds of shops and liquor stores
* Cinemas, art theaters, gyms and all kinds of sports centers.
Last updated on August 6:
Cambodia has decided to lift travel ban on inbound Indian passengers and those who travel through India as the Covid-19 situation there has subsided.
The decision will take effect at the onset of August 7. More details
Last updated on July 30:
The Angkor Archaeological Park decided to temporarily close the temples to visitors for two weeks amid Covid-19 fears. Read more
Last updated on July 29:
The government has decided to lock down eight provinces bordering Thailand for two weeks in a bid to prevent the coronavirus Delta variant from spreading further while also imposing a nationwide curfew from 9 pm to 3am for 14 days.
Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces would be locked down from July 29 through August 12. Read more
Last updated on July 23:
The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has decided to extend the suspension of all businesses and occupations deemed as posing high risk of Covid-19 transmission for another two weeks through August 6. Read more
Last updated on July 17:
The Siem Reap Provincial Administration has decided to extend its nighttime curfew for another two weeks through July 24 to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Travel and non-essential business activities are banned from 8pm-4am. Read more
Last updated on July 14:
The Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to temporarily suspend entry and exit through the Cambodian-Vietnamese border of skilled workers, technicians, employees of Vietnamese companies for one month from July 18, 2021. Read more
Last updated on July 9:
The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has decided to suspend all occupations and businesses deemed as posing high risk of Covid-19 transmission for another two weeks through July 23.
All gatherings with more than 15 people are also banned, except among family members in the same home, at funerals permitted by the authorities, or among health workers who collect specimens for Covid-19 testing, and providers of emergency services. Read more
Last updated on July 2:
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its new Delta variant including temporarily closing border gates to Vietnam and Thailand. Read more
Last updated on June 27:
The curfew in Siem Reap has been extended until July 10 and may likely be extended further if new case detection does not show marked decreases. Read more
Last updated on June 26:
The Chinese embassy in Cambodia issued an “urgent notice” requiring travellers to China from Cambodia to quarantine for 14 days, including the flight day, in airline-designated hotels. Read more
Last updated on June 21:
The Siem Reap Provincial Administration has introduced a self-registration app for travellers entering and passing through the province to facilitate Covid-19 contact tracing.
All travellers entering the province must complete registration at the provincial border or checkpoint. Read more
Last updated on June 20:
Phnom Penh municipal administration has issued a directive stressing that the continuation of the decision on June 8, 2021 on the designation of some areas of Chom Chao 3 village of Sangkat Chom Chao 2 and some areas of Trapaing Po, Prey Pring Khang Choeung 2, Chumpou Voan 2 villages of Sangkat Chom Chao 3 in Khan Pursenchey as “Orange” zones will remain effective until further notice. Read more
Last updated on June 18:
The Ministry of Education yesterday said that all schools will remain closed and children will continue with their online classes. Read more
Last updated on June 13:
The Siem Reap Provincial Administration has launched a temporary administrative measure (curfew and some additional bans) from 22:00 on June 13, 2021 for a duration of 14 days. Read more
Last updated on June 10:
The Siem Reap Provincial Administration designated Kampong Khleang commune, Sot Nikum district as a Red Zone. Kork Thlok Krahorm commune in Chi Kreng district was declared as a Dark Yellow zone while Kampong Kdei commune, Chi Kreng district, was designated as Yellow Zone. Read more
Last updated on June 4:
The Siem Reap Provincial Administration on June 4 announced the end of a nighttime curfew and other restrictive measures imposed in April to curb the spread of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on June 3:
Phnom Penh City Hall has banned a gathering of more than 15 people and temporarily suspended occupations or business activities that have a high risk of spreading Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on May 30:
Kandal province has designate as reintroduced coloured zoning to denote Covid-19 infections.
The Red Zone includes:
- Parts of Peam Reang Leu village from the northern border to Peam Reang Leu International School of Peam Reang Leu village,
- Peam Reang commune, Leuk Dek district.
- Loeung Tum area from Phum Thmey Primary School to the southern border of Prek Ta Tuon village. Read more
Last updated on May 22:
Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng announced late on May 21 that the 8pm-3am curfew in yellow zone and the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks will be lifted at the onset of May 22.
Businesses including cafes, restaurants and markets can let customers sit and eat inside their venues as normal but must implement health measures by requiring all customers to scan the “Stop Covid” QR code before entering. Read more
Last updated on May 21:
Kandal province’s Takmao town has gone one step further by lifting all covid-19 administrative measures – including coloured zones – from May 20.
The Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration also intends to lift its Covid-19 administrative measures in Sisophon town beginning May 22.
InPhnom Penh, the municipal administration has decided to reopen all state-run markets. Improvised markets, such as those near hospitals, factories or residential areas, will remain closed until further notice. Read more
Last updated on May 17:
Phnom Penh will reduce the size of areas designated as red zones to the household level and reclassify orange zones to yellow, according to the municipal administration.
The decision was made on May 17 at a virtual meeting led by municipal governor Khuong Sreng with relevant authorities. Read more
Last updated on May 12:
The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration will retain through May 19 the capital’s three-colour-coded system that determines to what extent coronavirus restrictions are placed on parts of the city. Read more
Last updated on May 11:
The Kampong Speu provincial authorities extended for another week the suspension of business activities in certain areas to contain the spread of Covid-19.
According to a directive on May 10, the administrative measures will be extended through May 17. Restaurants and food stalls are banned from receiving customers between 8pm and 3am, but these establishments could make deliveries. Read more
Last updated on May 8:
Siem Reap Provincial Administration announced today that it has decided to extend the curfew for another two weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the province.
According to the administration, due to the fact the number of cases in the province has not decreased, it will continue to implement curfew until May 21. Read more
Last updated on May 7:
Prime Minister Hun Sen has instructed provincial authorities to refrain from imposing a mandatory 14-day quarantine for people entering their territories. The measure, he said, should only apply to those suspected of carrying Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on May 7:
Preah Sihanouk province on May 6 unveiled a three-colour-coded system that will determine to what extent coronavirus restrictions are placed on parts of the province. Read more
Last updated on May 6:
Cambodia ended today a blanket coronavirus lockdown in Phnom Penh after three weeks, as busy traffic returned to some streets of the capital, though authorities retained tighter curbs in some districts where infections have surged. Read more
Last updated on May 5:
The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration issued a set of detailed guidelines for the seven days to May 12 after the capital emerges from lockdown at the onset of May 6. Read more
Last updated on April 30:
Inbound airline passengers from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap into the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk will now be required to undergo 14-day quarantine, according to a decision signed by governor Kuoch Chamroeun on April 29. Read more
Last updated on April 29:
As the modified lockdown measures take effect on April 29, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has issued a directive that explains which businesses can operate in yellow and dark yellow zones. Read more
Last updated on April 28:
Battambang provincial authorities on April 22 temporarily opened 11 markets that had previously been ordered shut from April 21-29. Authorities also announced that individuals entering the province are required to test for Covid-19 or quarantine. Read more
Last updated on April 27:
The Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to temporarily ban all Indian nationalities and foreigners from India or transited in India within three weeks of their travel schedules before entering Cambodia by air, land or water. Read more
Last updated on April 26:
The government on April 26 announced an extension of lockdown in Phnom Penh and adjacent Takmao town in Kandal province for another seven days – or longer if residents do not comply with Covid-19 preventive measures and the community outbreak does not subside – until May 5. Read more
Last updated on April 24:
Cambodia closed all markets in the capital Phnom Penh today to contain a surge in coronavirus infections and thousands of families pleaded to the government for food as a two-week lockdown continued. Read more
Last updated on April 23:
Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuch Chamroeun has decided to place the country’s main coastal tourist attraction in lockdown for two weeks to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Sihanoukville is put in lockdown for 14 days, effective April 23 midnight through May 6. Read more
Last updated on April 22:
Two provinces – Kampong Cham and Siem Reap – have announced the extension of the administrative measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 for another 14 days. This also includes the ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks.
The suspension is effective April 21 through May 5 at locations such as resorts, restaurants, cafes, mobile stalls, marts, and public malls. Read more
Last updated on April 18:
The Ministry of Tourism announced the continued closing tourism resort across the country for the next 8 days until April 28, 2021 to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on April 16:
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training singled out 11 types of business that are permitted to operate during the lockdown of Phnom Penh and Takmao town, which run through April 28. Read more
Last updated on April 14:
The government has decided to place Phnom Penh in lockdown for two weeks, effective April 14 midnight through April 28, as Cambodia continues to grapple with the ongoing community outbreak of Covid-19, which has seen no sign of subsiding. Read more
Last updated on April 13:
Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Khuong Sreng has extended the 8pm-5am curfew for another two weeks in a bid to contain the ongoing community outbreak of Covid-19. The curfew will now last through April 28. Read more
Last updated on April 10:
Siem Reap Provincial Administration announced today that the provincial administration has decided to impose a curfew to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus in Siem Reap province, which will be two weeks from April 10-23, 2021. Read more
Last updated on April 10:
Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng late on April 9 placed parts of three districts in two-week lockdown as Covid-19 cases in the areas soar to an alarming level. The lockdown will last through April 23. Read more
Last updated on April 8:
Cambodia is shutting its most popular tourist destination, the centuries-old Angkor temple complex, to visitors for two weeks to help curb the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Read more
Last updated on April 5:
Kampong Chhnang provincial governor Chhour Chandoeun has issued a guideline for COVID-19 prevention measures, saying that anyone who enters the province will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine and get tested for COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on March 27:
The Ministry of Tourism issued eight regulations for the management of tourists in tourism-related businesses, services and resorts for the whole country during the upcoming Khmer New Year holiday (April 14 to 16). Read more
Last updated on March 25:
Siem Reap provincial authorities have ordered all drivers and travelers passing through or entering the province to fill out information forms and QR Code scanning amid the community outbreak. Read more
Last updated on March 22:
Mondulkiri province enforces 14 days’ quarantine for external visitors and travellers. Read more
Last updated on March 13:
The Governor of Prey Veng province has issued a decision to temporarily suspend traffic in and out of four communes in Peam Po District, Prey Veng Province. Read more
Last updated on March 9:
Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered the immediate suspension of all gatherings in view of the severe spread of COVID-19 cases. Read more
Last updated on March 4:
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration has announced a temporary travel ban to and from the province, except for ambulances and trucks transporting goods. Read more
Last updated on March 1:
The Ministry of Tourism has temporarily banned all gym activities in Phnom Penh and provinces in the light of worsening COVID-19 outbreaks. Read more
Last updated on February 26:
Sports activities across Phnom Penh and several other provinces were suspended or cancelled after the Cambodian government imposed another ban in light of the worsening health situation. Read more
Last updated on February 23:
The government has ordered all museums, cinemas and theatres in Phnom Penh capital and Kandal province to be shut down for two weeks to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Read more
Last updated on February 21:
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) has set up a QR Code “Stop Covid” in an attempt to provide additional measures to increase the efficiency and speed of prevention and control of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Read more
Last updated on February 21:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the E-Type Visa, aimed at short term travellers to Cambodia, is now available online.
The E-Type Visa is single entry only and valid for 30 days stay in Cambodia. Once issued it has a 3-month validity. Read more
Last updated on January 23:
A Ministry of Health official confirmed today that travellers who have already been vaccinated against COVID-19 must still undergo quarantine when they enter Cambodia. Read more
Last updated on December 31:
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona has informed that museum and other performance art or theatre will open again starting on Friday, January 1. Read more
Last updated on December 30:
Cinemas in Cambodia have announced that they will finally re-open on January 1. Read more
Last updated on December 28:
Cambodia’s Ministry of Health has lifted its restrictions on restaurants and shops.
All restaurants and shops can now operate as normal but must strictly adhere to the guidelines given by the ministry so as to protect their patrons from COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on December 28:
Private educational institutions have been allowed to reopen from December 29 while the 2020-2021 academic year for public schools will resume on January 11, according to a notice from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
All schools are required to continue implementing health safety measures. Read more
Last updated on December 16:
Tourists on expired visas have been granted an automatic extension. Read more
Last updated on December 5:
The last updated on the implementation of health measures and quarantine for all travellers entering Cambodia, effective from 12 December 2020. Read more
Last updated on December 3:
The Ministry of Tourism has instructed all local tourism-related businesses to implement additional preventive measures, including the prohibition of mass gatherings at local resorts, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 following the “November 28 community incident”. Read more
Last updated on November 30:
All foreign and Cambodian arrivals must quarantine in designated government quarantine centres and will no longer be allowed to self-quarantine at home. Read more
Last updated on November 19:
The PM has called an end of the “November 3 event”, and cinemas and museums can reopen and weddings can take place once more. Read more
Last updated on November 19:
Public and private schools would be reopened from November 23 as well as the National Olympic Stadium. Read more
Last updated on November 16:
From 18 Nov, foreign arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the European Union and the US who have a sponsor must have a negative certificate within 72 hours of their departure, and have a test upon arrival. They must isolate in a hotel until the results are released, then will be permitted to leave after giving a planned schedule.
Diplomats must also provide a certificate stating they are free of COVID-19 within 72 hours of their departure, have a test on arrival, and wait at least 24 hours at a hotel or quarantine for their results. Those foreigners who arrive without sponsorship must now stay in a government-designated hotel for a 2-week mandatory quarantine and are not permitted to quarantine at home. Read more
Last updated on November 13:
Cambodia has been added to the UK government’s travel corridor list. Read more
Last updated on November 7:
Cambodian authorities wanted to boost repeat and quality tourism and investors at one and the same time by offering long-term visas to groups such as retirees, business people and those with families in the country.
Special Tourist Policy (STP) would be introduced to boost tourism and investment by next year. Read more
Last updated on September 15:
The Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia has said that Cambodia Angkor Air will resume regular flights from September 15.
The resumption of its operations currently is in line with the growing demand of domestic tourists facilitated by Cambodia being able to contain the spread of domestic COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on August 22:
Japan and Cambodia agreed Saturday to reopen borders for expatriates, starting possibly from early September, on condition they observe a 14-day self-quarantine period and take other precautions against the novel coronavirus.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi agreed on the policy with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during their meeting in Phnom Penh, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Read more
Last updated on August 4:
Announcement of the Ministry of Health on Revision of Entry Requirements for Foreign Travelers to Cambodia as of August 4. Read more
Last updated on July 27:
The government is temporarily suspending flights from Malaysia and Indonesia from August 1 until their infection rates decline. Read more
Last updated on July 14:
Japan is planning to resume business flights with 10 more Asian countries, including Cambodia. The destinations are where the pandemic is under control and what are known as travel bubbles or air bridges that proliferate in Asia. Read more
Last updated on July 6:
The latest announcement from Cambodia that all travellers wishing to enter Cambodia should take note that Cambodia has suspended all visa exemptions, visa on arrival, tourist visas and e-visas. For more information, please read more here.
Last updated on July 3:
Cambodia has announced that all casinos in the country will be allowed to resume operations, but only with gambling and slot machines. Read more
Last updated on June 29:
Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) has cancelled the USD3,000 deposit for Covid-19 related costs and USD50,000 medical insurance requirements for Cambodian nationals who are holding foreign passports with a Visa K entry permit.
The update to the entry requirements came into force at all of the country’s airports on 26 June. The two requirements on the cash or credit card deposit and insurance cover remain in place for all non-Cambodian travellers. Read more
Last updated on June 24:
The government yesterday informed Vietnam regarding its decision to lift the ban on cross-border movement via borders shared with the country but said prevention guidelines remain in place to mitigate risks of coronavirus transmission. Read more
Last updated on June 16:
The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) of the Kingdom of Cambodia presents its compliment to all local airlines of Cambodia, foreign airlines, and commercial private jets operating into and out of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk International Airports and would like to update the latter on the pricing policy for COVID-19. Read more
Upon their arrival in Cambodia, all foreign nationals must provide proof of Health Insurance Documents with a minimum medical coverage of not less than USD 50,000 and must make deposits, by cash or credit card, of USD 3,000. Read more
Last updated on June 11:
The government has decided to charge all foreign visitors for lab testing, medical treatment and accommodation under health measures to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 (C-19) transmission in the country.
Under the Kingdom’s health measures, all travelers, both Cambodians and foreigners, who travel to Cambodia will be transferred from airports to waiting centres where COVID-19 swab tests are done. They are required to remain at the centres until the test results are released.
“Upon arrival, all foreign passengers are required to deposit $3,000 at the airport to pay for the virus prevention services,” Read more
Last updated on June 10:
Cambodia has required foreigners to pay for COVID-19 lab test, quarantine and treatment services, Economy and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth said in a letter dated Monday and released to the media on Tuesday.
Under the kingdom’s health measures, all travelers, both Cambodians and foreigners, who travel to Cambodia will be transferred from airports to waiting centers for COVID-19 lab tests and they are required to wait for the test results at those centers. Read more
Last updated on June 8:
Hotels and international flights forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia are expected to reopen this month. Clais Chenda, President of Cambodia Hotel Association, said that some hotel owners confirm they will resume operations shortly and international flights are expected to commence from mid-June, as the local disease situation is seemingly calm. Read more
Last updated on June 6:
Hotels and international flights forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia are expected to reopen this month.
Clais Chenda, President of Cambodia Hotel Association, said that some hotel owners confirm they will resume operations shortly and international flights are expected to commence from mid-June, as the local disease situation is seemingly calm. Read more
Last updated on June 5:
Covid-19 measures are strict at Cambodia’s airports. To gain access to the country travellers need to present a health certificate issued within 72-hours of travel that confirms the traveller is Covid-19 free and they must show health and immigration officials proof of medical insurance cover valued at USD50,000. Read more
Last updated on May 25:
Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng confirmed that measures to prevent Covid-19 from being imported from abroad had been tightened, and all passengers arriving at airports would now be quarantined.
Bun Heng was quoted by Fresh News as saying: “It is not only the flights from South Korea. All passengers who return to Cambodia have to be quarantined for 14 days and tested for Covid-19 to prevent spreading the virus. Read more
Last updated on May 21:
The Ministry of Health issued a declaration allowing foreign nationals from six countries (Iran, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the United States) to re-enter Cambodia. Read more
Last updated on Apr 28:
The Ministry of Interior’s General Department of Immigration (GDI) announced that it would not grant visa extensions to foreigners staying in Cambodia if their names are not listed on the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS) by July 1. Read more
Last updated on Apr 6:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced tourists holding Visa T and arriving in the Kingdom after January 1 will be allowed to prolong. Read more
Last updated on March 30:
The government of Cambodia has announced the following measures effective from 23h59, 30th of March:
- Suspension of visa exemption policy and issuance of tourist visa, e-visa and visa on arrival to any foreigner for a period of one month.
- Any foreigner wishing to travel to the Kingdom of Cambodia must obtain a prior visa from Cambodian missions abroad. He/She must provide a medical certificate, issued by the competent health authorities of his/her country no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel, certifying that he/she is not tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus (covid-19). In addition, he/she must provide proof of his/her insurance policy that shows minimum medical coverage during his/her intended stay in Cambodia in the amount of not less than fifty thousand US Dollars.
- The requirements for a medical certificate and insurance do not apply to any foreigner holding diplomatic visa (Visa A) or official visa (Visa B) of Cambodia.
- Upon entry into the Kingdom of Cambodia, any foreigner will be subject to health risk assessment and screened by competent government officers before he/she is allowed to enter into the country. He/She will be subject to a mandatory isolation, quarantine or any other measures for the prevention and containment of this virus as prescribed by the Ministry of Health of Cambodia.
- All the above-mentioned travel restrictions are temporary and will be reviewed regularly by the Royal Government of Cambodia based on the evolution of the global situation as related to this virus. Source
Last updated on March 20:
Passengers arriving from France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain or USA are not allowed to enter Cambodia. – This does not apply to nationals and residents of Cambodia. Nationals and residents of Cambodia, diplomats and officials of foreign embassies and international organizations and their family members who have a Diplomatic Visa Type A and Official Visa Type B who live or have been in France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain or USA in the past 14 days will be quarantine for 14 days. – This does not apply to airline crew. Source
Other nationalities can technically still arrive however given the introduction of quarantine measures in which travellers can get caught up, we advise nationalities other than the 5 above to POSTPONE any travel to CAMBODIA until 31 March 2020.
Last updates on temporary closure for 18th of March
Phnom Penh
The National Museum is closed until further notice.
The S21 Toul Sleng Museum is closed until further notice.
The Killing Fields are closed until further notice.
Wat Phnom is closed until further notice.
The Royal Palace is closed until further notice.
The Silver Pagoda is closed until further notice.
The Angkor National Museum is closed until further notice.
There are no travel restrictions issued by the Cambodian government. Officials perform temperature screenings on arriving travelers at international airports.
The General Department of Waterway And Maritime Transport, and Ports of Cambodia has announced that from the 13th Mar 2020 until future notice, all international tourist cruises are not allowed to enter Cambodia.
The Cambodian government has announced a temporary entry stop for Italian, German, Spanish, French and American citizens for a period of 30 days starting from Tuesday the 17th of March till 16th April 2020.
Official Tourism Department Website
Entry restrictions for Mainland China vary depending on departure location. All travellers are strongly advised to check with a local Chinese embassy or consulate in each jurisdiction they intend to pass through in order to confirm all testing and document verification requirements.
As of July 2021, Yunnan and Xishuangbanna provinces — which both have borders with Myanmar — are subject to heightened controls, including multiple vehicle checkpoints and special permits required to enter cities like Ruili and Puer. Read more
Last updated on December 19:
Following health checks on arrival, people will then need to enter quarantine for at least 14 days. At some points of entry children, 14 and over will be required to quarantine alone irrespective of whether they test positive or negative for COVID.
You will be separated from your child if one of you tests positive for coronavirus. Non-residents may be charged for their care.
Quarantine is usually spent at either a centralised government hotel (with costs covered by the traveller) or your home. Quarantine requirements can change at short notice and may differ from province to province. Read more
Last updated on October 27:
Ruili in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province updated the city-leaving policy at the press briefing on Tuesday. Dividing the whole city into three areas: red (high risk), yellow (middle risk) and green (low risk), Ruili said people in the green and yellow areas, if not for illness, bereavement and official business factors, can leave the city after respectively a 7-day and a 14-day self-funded quarantine. Read more
Last updated on October 8:
The Chinese authorities have suspended all direct flights from the UK. This measure will be subject to review but no date has been announced. Restrictions on travel to China from other countries, and the necessary requirements, may be different. Foreign including British nationals travelling to China from a third country should follow the directions on the website of the local Chinese Embassies or consulate for requirements from that country. More details
Last updated on September 15:
Quarantine requirement at government-designated site.
Following health checks on arrival, people will then need to enter quarantine for at least 14 days. At some points of entry children, 14 and over will be required to quarantine alone irrespective of whether they test positive or negative for COVID.
You will be separated from your child if one of you tests positive for coronavirus. Non-residents may be charged for their care.
Quarantine is usually spent at either a centralised government hotel (with costs covered by the traveller) or your home. Quarantine requirements can change at short notice and may differ from province to province. Read more
Last updated on August 10:
Beijing has announced a series of measures imposing travel restrictions on people travelling from medium-risk or high-risk areas to combat the recent outbreak of the COVID outbreak.Local personnel in the counties (cities, districts, and autonomous banners) where the medium-risk or high-risk areas are located are temporarily not allowed to enter Beijing until the whole region is labeled a low-risk area.
Beijing Daxing International Airport has suspended flights from 15 cities, including Yangzhou, Nanjing, and Zhangjiajie, etc. Read more
Last updated on August 4:
China has imposed massive travel restrictions, including temporary closure of airports and travel alerts for citizens to other places across the country, to contain the spread of the Delta variant.
All 31 provincial-level regions in the Chinese mainland have urged citizens not to go to medium and high-risk areas for COVID-19 or leave the provinces where they live unless it is necessary.
The Chinese capital has suspended 13 pairs of trains to Nanjing and Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province, Zhengzhou in Henan Province and Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province.
All flights at the airports in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu, and Yangzhou have been suspended. Nine long-distance bus stations in Nanjing and public bus services in Yangzhou were also suspended. More details
Last updated on July 1:
From July 1, 2021, persons seeking to depart certain locations in Guangdong Province for a destination outside Guangdong Province (including other locations in Mainland China) may be required to obtain proof of a negative result for COVID-19 issued no more than 48 hours prior to departure using a nucleic acid test.
This policy is in addition to any other requirements in force at the destination location. More details
Last updated on June 22:
China plans to keep pandemic border restrictions in place for at least another year amid fears over the emergence of new variants and a calendar of sensitive events.
The provisional timeline for the second half of 2022 was set during a meeting of China’s cabinet, or State Council, in mid-May. Read more
Last updated on June 17:
Beijing has partially reopened air travel allowing international flights from 8 countries; Canada, Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, Greece, Denmark, Austria, Sweden. The only passengers permitted to board the flights will be citizens of the country of the flight’s origin or Chinese citizens. Source
Last updated on June 7:
As of June 7, authorities in mainland China continue to enforce a number of restrictions, including tight international travel controls, amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
Domestically, the government continues to classify locations across the country based on their levels of disease activity, with the following risk designations in place:
Low risk: Locations with no new confirmed COVID-19 cases and no confirmed cases within 14 consecutive days
Medium risk: Areas where COVID-19 activity does not exceed 50 cases within 14 days, or more than 50 cases have occurred but not within 14 days; no clusters reported within two weeks
High risk: Places where new confirmed COVID-19 cases surpass 50 and a cluster has been reported within 14 day
Last updated on June 6:
From June 7, 2021, all persons seeking to depart Guangdong Province for any destination (including other locations in Mainland China) must carry proof of a negative result for COVID-19 issued no more than 48 hours prior to departure using a nucleic acid test. This policy is in addition to any other requirements in force at the destination location. Source
Last updated on May 18:
All inbound passengers arriving in Beijing are required to receive nucleic acid tests and undergo 14 -day centralized quarantine by bearing the relevant fees themselves.
After the centralized quarantine, passengers are required to quarantine themselves for further 7 days at home or the quarantine hotel and carry out the self-health monitoring for 7 days afterwards. Read more
Last updated on May 4:
Last updated on April 30:
Authorities lower risk levels in more areas of Ruili, Yunnan Province, as of April 30 amid reduced COVID-19 activity. Read more
Last updated on April 9:
Authorities maintaining restrictions in Ruili, Yunnan Province, as of April 9 amid COVID-19 activity. Read more
Last updated on March 15:
Restrictions were eased for a select number of travelers from 23 countries. Those coming for work or for humanitarian reasons — such as reuniting with family — can apply for visas, as can holders of the APEC Business Travel Card.
Residents may also return. All categories, however, must have been vaccinated with Chinese-made vaccines at least 15 days earlier. Read more
Last updated on March 10:
China has launched a digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate for its citizens planning cross-border travels, joining other countries issuing similar documents as they seek ways to reopen their economies. Read more
Last updated on February 28:
China has tightened its travel restrictions by ordering passengers from certain countries travelling to China to spend two weeks in quarantine before boarding flights.
Passengers have also been warned they must take direct flights to get the health code they need to enter the country, and if there are no direct flights must only make one connection en route. Read more
Last updated on January 11:
Travel during Chinese Spring Festival is not advised in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council, a task force which coordinates China’s anti-epidemic response, issued several recommendations to help ensure people stay safe during the holiday period. Read more
Last updated on December 24:
Chinese government suspends all flights to and from the U.K. because of new COVID-19 strain as well as China Southern suspends direct flights between China and the U.K. Read more
Last updated on December 1:
From December 1, 2020, all persons (including Chinese nationals) traveling from abroad to destinations in Mainland China must have proof of dual negative results for COVID-19 using both a nucleic acid test and a serological test for IgM antibodies. Both tests must be performed no more than 48 hours prior to departure and results must be submitted for approval to a local Chinese embassy or consulate. Read more
Last updated on November 27:
A completed “Exit/Entry Health Declaration Form” must be presented upon arrival. The form can be obtained before departure at health.customsapp.com.
For more information about the entry restriction, visit here
Last updated on November 5:
From November 5, 2020, foreign nationals holding valid residence permits for work, personal affairs, or family reunions many once again enter Mainland China.
This policy does not apply to persons traveling from certain countries/regions, including Bangladesh, Belgium, Ethiopia, France, India, Italy, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Read more
Last updated on October 22:
China will continue to suspend outbound group tours and ban travel agencies from allowing inbound tours due to the risk of a resurgence in coronavirus cases this winter.
The country’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism made the announcement in a notice published on its website on Wednesday. Read more
Last updated on October 12:
Domestic travellers to, from Shanghai face mandatory 14-day quarantine amid COVID-19 concerns. Read more
Last updated on September 28:
Government officials announced that effective 28 September, foreign travellers with valid residency permits for work (Visa Z), personal affairs or family reunification (Visa Q1) may now enter the country. Read more
Last updated on September 15:
The illegal border crossing from Myanmar to China of six people prompted at least eight prefectures and 25 counties that border Myanmar in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province to enter “wartime status,” including the city of Ruili, which is now under lockdown. All people living in the residential compound were given nucleic acid tests, and so far all 1,185 tested came back negative, authorities revealed at a Monday news conference. A total of 190 close contacts have been tracked and quarantined.
The entire city of Ruili will be put under lockdown for at least a week, and all residents in the city will be given nucleic acid tests. Read more
Last updated on September 4:
China has announced that Beijing will be reopening to international flights from 8 countries ending 5 months of lock-down in the Chinese capital. The Civil Aviation Administration of China said that it would reopen to the countries based on their low rate of COVID-19.
The international flights begin today and will only be permitted to land in Beijing.
The following countries will be permitted to fly into Beijing, China.
- Canada
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Pakistan
- Greece
- Denmark
- Austria
- Sweden
Last updated on August 14:
From Saturday, August 15, it will be possible to transit to connecting international flights at Hongkong airport. Read more
Last updated on July 23:
All travellers coming into China — Chinese and foreign — are now required to show a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 5 days of boarding their flight.
It is #mandatory to show a ‘green code’ on your phone when traveling by plane, train or subway or when entering certain places. You can get the code through Alipay (see ‘health code’ option in the picture below), or by scanning the QR code you can find at posted at airports, subway stations etc. Read more
Last updated on July 14:
Travel agencies in China have been given permission to resume group tours that cross provincial borders, following a period of suspension due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a circular on Tuesday.
However, group tours are still prohibited in those areas with middle and high COVID-19 risk levels, said the circular. Overseas group tours are still banned.
The limit on the number of visitors allowed in tourist attractions will be set at 50 percent of the maximum capacity, according to the circular, an increase on the previous limit of 30 percent. Read more
Last updated on June 16:
More info about the measures taken in each province with regards to travellers from Beijing or high-risk areas is provided here
Last updated on June 15:
Quarantine and Covid-19 tests may be imposed on travellers coming to Kunming from outbreak areas elsewhere in China. Green health code is mandatory in order to enter Kunming without further measures. Read more
Last updated on June 3:
Please check it out here for some re-opening policy updates for China including restaurants, hotels, and related tourism businesses.
Last updated on June 1:
China will soon relax its border controls for Singapore and several countries, allowing certain categories of people to travel to some cities.
Chinese state media on Wednesday (May 27) reported that the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) will let domestic and foreign airlines apply for “green channels” for chartered flights to airports in the mainland.
Last updated on May 21:
International flight restrictions expected to continue until October according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced Tuesday 19 May.
Last updated on May 19:
The aviation regulator is requiring extra ventilation and sterilisation of airplanes and airports. Passengers are required to fill out an electronic health declaration before boarding and are asked to sit apart from each other onboard if possible. Temperature checks are required for every passenger and workers like cabin crew and security officers are offered protective gear. Passengers need to wear a mask throughout the flight.
Last updated on May 1:
Last updated on March 28:
Last updated on March 25:
Effective 00:00 local time 28 March 2020, passengers are not allowed to transit or enter China (People’s Rep.).
– This does not apply to nationals of China (People’s Rep.).
– This does not apply to passengers with a diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visa.
– This does not apply to passengers with a visa issued after 28 March 2020.
- All passengers arriving at PEK will have a PCR test and be quarantined at the designated location in Beijing for 14 days.
- Passengers who live in or have been in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.), Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain , Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom or USA in the past 14 days arriving at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) must undergo 14-day quarantine at home or in designated places for medical observation.
- Passengers who have not been in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Korea (Rep.), Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain , Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom or USA in the past 14 days arriving at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) must undergo a Nucleic Acid Testing.
- Passengers who live in or have been in France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Spain or USA in the past 14 days arriving at Guangzhou (CAN) or Shenzhen (SZX) must undergo 14-day quarantine at home or in designated places for medical observation. All passengers arriving at SZX will have a PCR test.
- All passengers arriving at XMN will be quarantined for medical observation at the designated hotels for 14 days on their own expenses.
– This does not apply to passengers under 18 years old, passengers above 70 years old, pregnant women and passengers suffering from illness. They must apply for permission to undergo a 14-day quarantine at home. Source
In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits still valid to the time of this announcement, effective from 0 0:00 am. 28 march 2020. Entry by foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards will be suspended as well. Policies including port visas, 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, Hainan 30-day visa-free policy, 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai Port, Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong or Macao SAR, and Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries will also be temporarily suspended. Entry with diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates. Entry by foreign nationals with visas issued after this announcement will not be affected. Read more
China has banned outbound tourist groups and individuals.
Authorities have introduced preventative measures across China, including temperature checks at transport hubs and other locations; quarantine arrangements for travel between different parts of the country; and restrictions on travel between and within cities.
Many tourist attractions are closed, in addition to other public and private entities such as schools and businesses.
Official Tourism Department Website
Last updated on December 17:
Laos has officially announced it will reopen for tourism on 1 January 2022.
According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the reopening will be implemented in three phases.
The first phase will be from 1 January to 30 March 2022, the second phase from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022, and the third phase from 1 July 2022 onward. Read more
Last updated on December 10:
The government has approved a plan for “green tourism areas” with a view to reopening specific areas of the country to tourists next month.
Under the scheme, Lao and foreign visitors who wish to travel to green tourism zones must have had two doses of a Covid vaccine less than 14 days prior to travel. More details
Last updated on November 26:
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) decided to allow travellers to enter Thailand by sea and land, in addition to current access by air. The north-eastern province of Nong Khai, bordering the Lao PDR, will be the first overland entry point to reopen on December 24th. Read more
Last updated on November 25:
Authorities in Khammuan province are reopening tourist sites and making improvements to visitor facilities in readiness for visitors when the Lao Thiao Lao (Lao Visit Laos) tourism campaign resumes next year. Read more
Last updated on November 17:
Savannakhet has reopened for vaccinated domestic travelers. Read more
Last updated on November 17:
Champasak Province is now open again for vaccinated domestic travelers. Read more
Last updated on November 14:
The Government of Laos has extended Covid-19 restriction measures indefinitely but has eased several measures, including allowing in-person classes at schools, effective from November 15 onwards. Read more
Last updated on November 11:
Lao Airlines will reopen flights on 19 Nov. Read more
Last updated on October 31:
The Government of Laos has extended Covid-19 restriction measures but has included provisions for the reopening of schools.
The Prime Minister’s Office has issued a notice ordering Covid-19 restriction measures to continue for another 15 days across Laos until 14 November. Read more
Last updated on October 30:
Luang Prabang Relaxes Lockdown Measures.
Covid-19 vaccinations will continue across the city, while only four police checkpoints will remain in place to prevent entry into or exit of the city. These will be placed at Ban Phonexay, Ban Kok Ngiew, the central ferry pier, and Ban Sangkhalok (KM4).
Red zone villages will remain closed, with residents prohibited from entering or exiting. Red zones will be monitored 24 hours a day.
Authorities will continue to strictly inspect and monitor laborers smuggled in from other provinces, foreign countries, and individuals from areas of risk. Read more
Last updated on October 15:
The Government of Laos has extended Covid-19 restriction measures for another 15 days until 30 October.
Tourist and visitor visas will not be issued to foreigners, however diplomatic personnel, employees of international organizations, experts, and investors with an urgent requirement to enter the country will be granted entry but must comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures issued by the government. Read more
Last updated on October 7:
The city of Luang Prabang has gone into full lockdown as the province sees a growing number of cases of Covid-19.
A notice issued by the Mayor of Luang Prabang City, Viengthong Hatsachanh, issued today, orders the city to go into full lockdown from 12 pm today until 21 October. Read more
Last updated on September 30:
The Government of Laos has announced an extension of Covid-19 restriction measures for a further two weeks.
Vaccinations and testing, and quarantine are to continue, with borders and checkpoints remaining closed.
Tourist and visitor visas will not be issued to foreigners, however diplomatic personnel, employees of international organizations, experts, and investors with an urgent requirement to enter the country will be granted entry but must comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures issued by the government. Read more
Last updated on September 21:
Xieng Khouang Province has gone into lockdown following the spread of Covid-19.
Under the order, travel into and out of Xieng Khouang Province is prohibited, with private and public schools closed, and meetings and conferences prohibited.
All types of gatherings and festivals are prohibited in the province during the lockdown period, while hospitals have been instructed to prepare for an influx of cases of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on September 19:
New Lockdown Measures for Vientiane Capital has been confirmed. New lockdown measures to commence from 12pm of September 19. More details
Last updated on September 17:
Vientiane Capital has issued a notice restricting interprovincial travel, with those entering the capital from certain provinces now required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
According to a notice issued by the Vientiane Capital Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, travel to Vientiane Capital from provinces with severe outbreaks including Champasack, Savannakhet, Khammouane, and Bokeo is prohibited without prior authorization, and those who are permitted to travel will be required to quarantine for two weeks. More details
Last updated on September 16:
The Government of Laos has extended Covid-19 restrictions and prevention measures for another 15 days as community spread continues, particularly in southern provinces until 30 Sep, with entertainment venues and tourist sites in areas with community transmission to remain closed. All schools across the country are to remain closed.
Tourist and visitor visas will not be issued to foreigners, however diplomatic personnel, employees of international organizations, experts, and investors with an urgent requirement to enter the country will be granted entry but must comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures issued by the government. Read more
Last updated on September 2:
The government has extended Covid-19 restrictions and prevention measures for a further 15 days, with some stricter measures now in place as community spread raises concern.
The notice is in force from Tuesday until 15 September. Read more
Last updated on August 31:
Vientiane Capital has issued an urgent order increasing Covid-19 restrictions and imposing a curfew in the nation’s capital from August 31.
Under the order, new restrictions and prohibitions will remain in place until the situation can be controlled.
Residents in red zones across Vientiane Capital are prohibited from entering other provinces, while those in red zones of other provinces are be prohibited from entering Vientiane Capital, except for those authorized by the Covid Taskforce.
Parties and gatherings of all kinds are strictly prohibited at all locations, and those who violate this instruction will be placed in a state quarantine center or quarantine hotel, and will be fined, and will be required to pay for all damages caused by their behavior. Read more
Last updated on August 19:
Laos has extended Covid restriction measures until 2 September after confirming a further 284 cases of Covid-19.
Under the extended lockdown measures, authorities will continue the vaccination program, monitor border areas and continue scans and temperature checks at all border checkpoints, as well as expanding quarantine centers and field hospitals in areas with large numbers of returning migrant workers. Read more
Last updated on August 13:
The Attapeu provincial government announced that it would impose lockdown in the entire whole province after the first case of infection was recorded. Read more
Last updated on August 6:
Laos has increased the quarantine period for those entering state quarantine centers from 14 days to 28 days following cases of community spread by those leaving quarantine.
Those returning to Laos and entering state quarantine centers will now be required to quarantine for 14 days at the state level and enter a further 14 days quarantine at a district level quarantine center.
The total quarantine period will therefore be 28 days for those in quarantine centers. Read more
Last updated on August 3:
Laos has extended Covid restriction measures until 18 August.
Under the extended lockdown measures, authorities will continue to monitor border areas and continue scans and temperature checks at all border checkpoints, as well as expanding quarantine centers and field hospitals in areas with large numbers of returning migrant workers.
Contact tracing and coordination between local authorities and health officials, as well as testing and vaccinations, will continue.
Pubs and bars, karaoke bars, entertainment venues, cinemas, snooker halls, spas, and internet cafes are to remain closed across the country. Read more
Last updated on July 31:
Sangthong District in Vientiane Capital has locked down certain villages following the community spread of Covid-19.
According to a notice issued by the Sangthong District Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Samphana and Kengmor villages have been designated as red zones. Read more
Last updated on July 20:
The surge in imported cases of Covid-19 has prompted the government to extend the virus control measures outlined in Prime Ministerial Order No. 15 for another 15 days until August 3.
Indoor and outdoor sports facilities in Vientiane and provinces where is no ongoing virus outbreak may reopen, but must be legally registered businesses. Sports centres must not serve alcohol and must comply with all virus prevention measures.
Massage parlours and spas in Vientiane and provinces where there is no ongoing virus outbreak may also reopen but managers and staff must have had two doses of a Covid vaccine and services must end at 8pm. Read more
Last updated on July 7:
Champasack Province locks down after new community spread of Covid-19. The notice states that lockdown measures throughout the province will be in force from today until 20 July. Read more
Last updated on July 5:
The Lao National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has announced that people living in Laos will be required to install the LaoKYC app on their smartphone and check in with a QR Code as part of new contact tracing regulations. Read more
Last updated on July 4:
Laos has extended lockdown measures until 19 July after confirming a further 32 cases of Covid-19 today. Read more
Last updated on June 25:
Lao Airlines has reverted to its original plan by re-announcing flights between Vientiane Capital and Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, and Xieng Khouang provinces. Read more
Last updated on June 21:
Covid-19 Lockdown Measures Eased in Luang Prabang. Historical and natural tourism sites, night markets, saunas, swimming pools, and tourism activities may resume, but Covid prevention measures must be strictly followed, and it is expressly forbidden to serve any alcoholic beverages at these places. Read more
Last updated on June 19:
Laos has extended its lockdown of Covid-19 prevention measures across the country for a further 15 days as the community spread of Covid-19 in the nation’s capital continues.
Under the extended lockdown measures, contact tracing and coordination between local authorities and health officials, as well as testing and vaccinations will continue.
Pubs and bars, karaoke bars, entertainment venues, snooker halls, massage parlours, spas, and internet cafes are to remain closed. Read more
Last updated on June 18:
All people entering Laos, even those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, still have to follow preventive measures and quarantine for 14 days, announced the country’s Ministry of Health. Read more
Last updated on June 15:
Last updated on June 4:
The Prime Minister’s Office has issued a notice regarding the gradual easing of certain lockdown measures in Laos.
The notice, effective from 5-19 June, outlines a gradual loosening of lockdown measures, with certain strict measures to remain in place.
The notice outlines certain Covid-19 prevention measures that are to remain in place, such as the continuation of contact tracing and coordination between local authorities and health officials, as well as testing and vaccinations.
Pubs and bars, food gardens, karaoke bars, entertainment venues, snooker halls, massage parlors, beauty parlors, spas, tourist sites, and internet cafes are to remain closed. Read more
Last updated on May 28:
Authorities have changed their tune on outdoor exercise, with a new notice issued by the Ministry of Education and Sports now allowing people to undertake an outdoor exercise in public parks during the lockdown period. Read more
Last updated on May 25:
Champasack, Savannakhet, and Khammouane provinces have eased certain Covid-19 measures.
An order issued by the Governor of Champasack states that checkpoints set up along roadsides in villages are to be removed, while some primary and upper secondary school classes will resume, as well as vocational training centers and universities. Read more
Last updated on May 20:
The Ministry of Health has issued a notice detailing how villages in Laos are to be divided into three color-coded zones in accordance with Covid-19 infection severity. Read more
Last updated on May 20:
Laos has extended its lockdown across the country for a further 15 days as Covid-19 continues to spread in the country.
The lockdown order, Prime Ministerial Order 15/PM, would be extended until midnight, 4 June.
Additional measures are to include the closure of beauty parlors, hairdressers and barbershops, casinos, and gaming venues. Read more
Last updated on May 14:
The Luang Prabang Taskforce has issued a notice to the 11 District Governors that people are not allowed to travel into the province.
For those that must enter the province, they must take a PCR test 72 hours before travelling, then get another PCR test when they enter the province, as well as quarantining in a state quarantine center for 14 days. Source
Last updated on May 9:
The government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days until May 20. Read more
Last updated on May 1:
All 18 Lao provinces are under lockdown until May 5. The country to date has logged 821 cases, with 773 of them being reported from the start of April. Read more
Last updated on April 25:
Luang Prabang has gone into lockdown along with nine other provinces as Laos experiences its second wave of Covid-19.
A notice issued by the Governor of Luang Prabang, Khamkhan Chanthavysouk, issued yesterday evening orders the province to go into lockdown until 5 May. Read more
Last updated on April 22:
The Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a notice ordering the closure of schools following an outbreak of Covid-19 in Vientiane Capital.
The notice states that all public and private educational facilities from preschools through to universities will be closed across Vientiane Capital following a surge in Covid-19 cases. Read more
Last updated on April 21:
The Prime Minister of Laos has ordered a 14-day lockdown for Vientiane Capital in the wake of a surge of coronavirus cases, while other provinces are urged to consider intensifying prevention measures.
The nation’s capital announced over twenty new cases of Covid-19 today following an outbreak believed to have begun during the Lao New Year holiday period. Read more
Last updated on April 14:
Vientiane Capital has avoided going into full lockdown, however, recent covid prevention measures will still apply, according to a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday evening.
The notice states that while the capital will not go into lockdown, the Covid prevention measures outlined in previous notices issued by various ministries over the last few days will remain in effect. Read more
Last updated on April 13:
The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism ordered the closure of entertainment venues and banned weddings and large events from April 14-30. Read more
Last updated on March 26:
The Lao Prime Minister’s Office has issued a notice to all sectors across the country, instructing them to celebrate the New Year (Bunpimay) in the traditional way but without public gatherings.
All public events are banned over the Lao New Year holiday from April 14-16 as part of the government’s continuing measures to keep COVID-19 in check, according to the notice. Read more
Last updated on March 22:
Authorities have updated the fee structure for Covid-19 testing in Laos for both Lao citizens and foreigners, with tests ranging from LAK 50,000 to LAK 650,000.
According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Friday, the fee for Covid-19 testing in Laos has been adjusted in accordance with income and other factors. Read more
Last updated on February 26:
Laos has extended its Covid-19 prevention measures and now requires travellers entering the country to purchase Covid insurance.
Foreign citizens entering Laos must purchase Covid-19 insurance, as well as wearing a health tracking device.
Foreign individuals or the organization responsible for their employment or stay in Laos will be responsible for the payment of Covid-19 insurance, quarantine hotel, Covid testing, and the health tracking device rental. Read more
Last updated on February 4:
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a notice temporarily suspending all humanitarian and charter flights. Read more
Last updated on January 22:
Lao authorities have placed the northwestern Bokeo province’s Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, a casino entertainment district that caters mainly to Chinese tourists, under a two-week lockdown after a Chinese worker tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on January 12:
According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, authorities have issued temporary lockdown measures across Ton Pheung District and the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The lockdown along Ton Phueng district commenced today and will remain in effect until 25 January. Read more
Last updated on December 29:
Lao Airlines is suspending all charter flights to and from other countries to reduce the risk of a second wave of Covid-19 triggered by inbound travellers. Read more
Last updated on December 4:
Laos locks down Ton Pheung District following imported Covid cases. According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control this morning, authorities have issued temporary lockdown measures across Ton Pheung district to prevent the spread of Covid 19. Read more
Last updated on November 30:
Laos has extended its Covid-19 prevention measures until 31 December, including the suspension of charter flights once again.
According to a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, authorities have agreed in principle to suspend charter flights with countries that are experiencing an outbreak of Covid-19.
The Lao government will allow humanitarian flights under strict consideration, however, passengers will not be allowed to transit through countries with Covid-19 outbreaks, according to the notice. Read more
Last updated on November 13:
Laos has been added to the UK government’s travel corridor list. Read more
Last updated on November 2:
Laos has extended its Covid-19 prevention measures until 31 December, however, some measures, including a ban on bars and karaoke venues, will be eased.
According to a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, authorities have agreed in principle to allow entertainment venues, such as karaoke bars and nightclubs, to reopen. Read more
Last updated on October 26:
Laos is expected to launch a fast-track immigration program this week that will allow Chinese nationals to enter the country with shorter quarantine times.
Vice-Chairman of the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Phouthone Meuangpak, said on Wednesday that several new measures will be employed to facilitate travel for Chinese nationals while continuing to ensure protection against the coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on October 15:
China and Laos discussed a fast-track immigration policy, allowing Chinese tourists certain privileges, particularly for diplomatic, technical and essential workers, during a trip from the Chinese Foreign Minister to Laos. Read more
Last updated on October 15:
The National TaskForce has set new quarantine measures for travelers arriving from countries free of Covid-19, allowing some to self-isolate at home.
According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control yesterday, returning residents who test negative will be allowed to complete their quarantine in their homes or at their place of employment instead of the previous requirement for a 14-day quarantine in a designated quarantine center or hotel. Read more
Last updated on October 12:
The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has issued a notice ordering continuing strict compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures.
The notice stresses that all entertainment venues are to remain closed and contained reminders of the rules in relation to weddings, festivals, and tour operators. There are also instructions on organizing festivals, weddings and social or cultural events which involve measures to ensure the virus does not resurface, including the use of hygienic practices and checking people’s temperature, while participants are required to use hand sanitizer and wear face masks. Read more
Last updated on October 5:
International scheduled flights are suspended until 31 October. Read more
Last updated on October 2:
The government has decided in principle to allow visits to Laos by tour groups from countries where there is no community outbreak of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on August 24:
Japan and Laos agreed Sunday to allow expatriates to resume travelling as early as September, provided they stay home for 14 days after entering their respective countries as part of measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on July 31:
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued this procedural advisory on the steps required for seeking authorization for entry and exit of the Lao PDR during the implementation of measures to prevent, control, and respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on July 16:
The government of Laos has chosen to keep its borders closed to foreign visitors, with testing and medical certification required before travellers can exit the country to ensure it remains free of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on July 1:
A new government notice issued yesterday allows for the further easing of certain restrictions and Covid-19 prevention measures.
Under the notice, a ban on sporting competitions has been lifted, however, organizers are to ensure stadiums do not become overcrowded.
Strict Covid-19 prevention guidelines issued by the national taskforce must remain in place at all sporting events, such as social distancing measures and provision of face masks and hand gel.
Casinos will be allowed to resume operations, according to the notice, but must also comply with covid prevention measures.
Social gatherings, weddings, parties, and traditional festivals may now be held, however, organizers must follow strict guidelines laid out by the national taskforce.
Meanwhile, entertainment venues including karaoke bars, nightclubs, and internet cafes will remain closed in order to prevent a second wave of the Covid-19 virus appearing in Laos.
Also off-limits are traditional border crossings, which will remain closed with the exception of freight transportation.
International borders are open for Lao citizens and foreigners with proper authorization to enter or exit Laos, while freight transportation will continue as normal. Read more
Last updated on June 24:
Laos has decided to keep its border checkpoint with Cambodia closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Stung Treng Provincial Governor Mom Saroeun was quoted in the Khmer Times as saying that he had been informed by authorities in Laos that the country had elected to keep its sole border checkpoint with Cambodia closed.
“Currently, our international checkpoint will remain closed. Laos has not decided to reopen its border checkpoint and we also haven’t received any instruction from the government to open ours,” Read more
Last updated on June 4:
Laos has announced an easing of entry and exit rules effective 1 June. Details were announced by the Secretariat of the National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Health.
Lao nationals in foreign countries who wish to return to Laos are required to register with a Lao PDR embassy or consulate in the country of their residence to determine how their return can be facilitated.
People who already have a valid entry visa can now use it to enter Laos. Those who do not have one should apply for a visa from a Lao embassy or consulate in their country of origin to begin the process of approval to visit the country.
All incoming foreigners must be tested for Covid-19 and obtain a certificate indicating they have tested negative for the virus. This must be issued in the country from which they have departed and presented to authorities at the Lao border.
The certificate must have been issued no less than 72 hours before the start of their journey. Upon arrival at the Lao border, all visitors need to have their temperature checked and fill in a health declaration form.
Last updated on May 29:
The Prime Minister’s Office has released a notice detailing updated lockdown measures, slowly allowing more sectors to reopen as the country transitions toward the new normal.
The Ministry of Education and Sports and the education sector, in general, have been informed that schools and colleges may begin to resume certain classes, commencing 2 June.
Preschools and kindergartens, as well as primary school levels 1 to 4, and secondary school levels 1,2 3, 5, and 6 may resume classes. Final year classes at vocational schools, teacher training colleges, and universities may resume classes, as well as training sessions or short courses.
Other classes and levels may resume classes beginning 15 June but must continue social distancing of at least one meter and abide by other measures as outlined by the National Taskforce. Read more
Last updated on May 15:
Laos has announced it will resume domestic flights, begin to reopen schools, and ease other lockdown restrictions starting 18 May.
The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control announced at a press conference held today nine measures that will be eased, and four restrictions that will remain in place, effective from 18 May. Read more
Last updated on May 8:
The ban on flights to Laos continues with no end date in sight as far as government announcements go. Lao Airlines, owned by the government, confirmed this week it had suspended plans to resume domestic flights 8 May. Travel professionals in the country hoped the return of domestic flights would help reboot confidence. Read more
Last updated on May 3:
The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism has released guidelines for operators of restaurants, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses in line with new regulations prescribed by the Prime Minister’s Office that are to enter into effect from 4-17 May. Read more
Last updated on April 17:
The Lao government has extended the period of suspending the Lao eVisa service to 3rd May 2020. Read more
Last updated on April 15:
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has moved to prolong Prime Ministerial Order 06/PM, effectively extending the lockdown period for Laos until 3 May. Read more
Last updated on April 2:
Government Orders Temporary Closure of All Private Hospitals in Laos.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has ordered the closure of all private hospitals and clinics in the country.
A MOH notice dated 1 April mandated the immediate suspension of operations for all private hospitals, clinics, and treatment centers. The notice, signed by the Director-General of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Department Dr. Khampua Soudthisombat, is to take effect immediately. Read more
Last updated on April 1:
The Laotian government has suspended the issuing of new visas and visa-on-arrival services. All persons (including Lao nationals) arriving in Laos are required to strictly follow the rules and regulations set-forth by the Ministry of Health to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Foreign nationals are required to self-isolate for 14 days following arrival in Laos. Read more
Last updated on March 30:
The Government of Laos has announced that the country will be on lockdown from the 1st until the 19th of April.
All people are confined to their houses. You are only allowed to go outside to buy food and essentials, visit hospitals or clinics. An exception is made for the staff of organizations that are allowed to continue to work from their office.
The festivities for the traditional Lao New Year have been cancelled. Source
Last updated on March 20:
The government of Laos has announced that travellers who are unable to leave Laos because of the COVID-19 outbreak, can extend their tourist visa at the provincial immigration offices.
The fee would be the same as for a regular extension, and the process would take 24 hours. Source
Last updated on March 19:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic presents its compliments to all Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations accredited to the Lao PDR and has the honour to inform the latter that in response to the latest developments in the COVID-19 outbreak around the world, the Lao PDR will further implement the visa measures, beyond those already in place, to reduce the risk of importation of the virus to the Lao PDR as follows:
1. Suspend issuing visa on arrivals for all nationals
2. Suspend issuing Tourist Visa at Lao Diplomatic Mission Overseas
3. Suspend issuing eVisa
4. Suspend practicing of visa exemption for nationals of ASEAN countries and nationals of countries that signed agreement on visa exemption both unilateral and bilateral with the Lao PDR ( excluding holders of diplomatic and official passports)
5. Issue visas for visitors who intended to visit the Lao PDR with non tourist purposes only. Visitors will have to submit requisite information on their health and related documents to the Lao diplomatic missions in the country they are resident for approval before the intended date of travel. Visitors who arrive in the Lao PDR without the necessary approval will be denied entry into the country. Application form on health declaration will be available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs“ ”
The above mentioned measures will enter into force from 00 hour of 20th March 2020, PM to 00 hour of 20th April 2020, PM.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic avails itself of this opportunity to renew to all Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations accredited to the Lao PDR in Vientiane the assurances of its highest consideration. Source
Lao PDR has suspended flights to China. There are no official restrictions for travellers entering Laos.
Lao PDR has sealed off Golden Triangle roads at the borders with China and Myanmar.
Official Tourism Department Website
Last updated on November 13:
Myanmar’s Health Ministry also had already announced lifting stay-at-home order in 17 more townships as fewer daily Covid-19 infections were detected.
The stay-at-home order will be removed in two townships of Yangon region and 15 townships of Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Ayeyarwady and Tanintharyi regions as well as Mon state starting Friday 12. Read more
Last updated on November 4:
Antigen RDT (Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test) is required for DOMESTIC air travel in Myanmar within 36 hours of departure. Read more
Last updated on November 3:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that it will extend the COVID-19 entry restrictions for travellers in the country until 30 November.
The suspension will be applied to the entry of all travellers, the issuance of all types of visas and visa exemptions services until the end of this month. Read more
Last updated on October 28:
Sagaing Region Tourism Committee has greenlighted 58 hotels, motels and guesthouses and 40 of them are open for the guests in strict compliance to the health protocols, according to the regional tourism committee. Read more
Last updated on October 27:
Myanmar lifts stay-at-home order in 44 townships. Read more
Last updated on August 26:
Myanmar International Airlines continues with its scheduled relief flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in September. Read more
Last updated on August 1:
The Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 has announced that Myanmar has extended the restriction on entry of travellers until 31 August to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on July 19:
Authorities in Myanmar have extended COVID-19 restrictions until July 31, 2021. The restrictions affect international travel, movement, and social gatherings across Myanmar.
Foreigners can currently only enter Myanmar for essential, approved purposes. The issuance of Myanmar visas for Indian citizens, and all other nationalities, have been suspended since March 2020. Read more
Last updated on July 15:
Myanmar will impose a nationwide lockdown next week, while also expanding the number of public holidays during the week from two to five, in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19 amid a surge in infections and deaths in the country. Read more
Last updated on July 9:
Myanmar authority has closed all schools amid increasing numbers of COVID-19 death. Read more
Last updated on July 8:
Myanmar authorities announced stay-at-home measures in parts of commercial capital Yangon on Wednesday (Jul 7), as the country reported its highest daily coronavirus caseload in months.
A ban on more than one person leaving home for non-medical reasons will apply to 10 Yangon townships. Read more
Last updated on July 1:
The international flight ban has been extended for one more month. Read more
Last updated on June 14:
Myanmar Airways International says it will reintroduce some international flights in July, mostly semi-commercial repatriation or relief flights to Kuala Lumpur, Seoul-Incheon, Bangkok and Dubai. Read more
Last updated on June 5:
Chin State in northwestern Myanmar has been locked down for four townships in the state due to the COVID-19 spike. Read more
Last updated on May 31:
Myanmar has extended the suspension period of international commercial flights to the end of June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on May 28:
Following the report of COVID-19 cases, local airlines announced the suspension of domestic flight schedules from May 29 to June 8, 2021, according to the agents. Read more
Last updated on February 28:
Myanmar’s precautionary measures against COVID-19, including the suspension of visa on arrival and e-visas as well as the ban on international flights, has been extended until 31 Mar. Read more
Last updated on February 1:
Last updated on February 1:
Myanmar has further extended COVID-19 preventive measures until February 28 to prevent the spread of the virus. Read more
Last updated on January 7:
The State-run Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) has extended the suspension of its international flights to Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hong Kong until January 31. Read more
Last updated on January 2:
Myanmar’s government has recently banned the entry of travellers from the UK and Northern Ireland, effective from 31 December 2020. Read more
Last updated on December 31:
Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 30 decided to extend temporary entry restrictions for all visitors to the end of January.
The extension will also be applied to the temporary suspension of all types of visas and visa exemption services. Read more
Also, no International flights to any international airport in Myanmar until January 31. Read more
Last updated on December 13:
Domestic airlines in Myanmar will be permitted to resume operations on December 16. Read more
Last updated on December 13:
The Myanmar government has further extended COVID-19 preventive measures in the country to December 31. Read more
Last updated on December 5:
The ban on international flights has been extended until the end of December. Read more
Last updated on November 28:
The Myanmar government has further extended the country’s COVID-19 preventive measures until December 15 as the number of cases continues to increase in the country. Read more
Last updated on November 20:
The Myanmar government has asked its residents to stay at home and avoid gatherings during the cooler weather period after the country started to see a spike in cases after the general election. Read more
Last updated on November 19:
Myanmar’s State Counselor’s Office says the government is considering relaxing many COVID-19 restrictions, including stay-at-home orders, to ease the impact on the country’s economy.
The committee discussed relaxing stay-at-home orders, depending on COVID-19 rates in each township, resuming domestic flights and other travel within the country. Read more
Last updated on November 16:
Mandalay has extended its COVID-19 restrictions until end Nov, including 21-day quarantine for those returning from other countries and townships with high levels of transmission, and obligatory face mask-wearing outside of the home. Read more
Last updated on October 27:
No entry for foreign nationals through Myanmar land borders until November 30. Read more
Last updated on October 27:
The Government of Myanmar has suspended all international commercial passenger flights from any of its airports until 30 November. It will then review the situation. New tourist visa applications are currently suspended. At present Myanmar authorities can offer business visas to foreign nationals with a compelling case. Read more
Last updated on October 4:
All visa issuances suspended. All international flights are suspended until 31 Oct. 14-day quarantine for those who enter the country. Domestic flights suspended until 31 Oct. Read more
Last updated on September 28:
Myanmar has delayed the reintroduction of international commercial passenger flights once more this time until 31 October as the country struggles to combat Covid-19 outbreaks. Read more
Last updated on September 1:
The government imposed stay-at-home orders for seven Yangon townships starting from 8am of September 2, as the number of the cases in the city and beyond edges towards 1,000.
The townships under the restrictions are Thingangyun, Insein, North Okkalapa, Thaketa, Hlaing, Pazundaung and Mingaladon, the Ministry of Health and Sports announced. Read more
Last updated on August 24:
The Japanese and Myanmar foreign ministers agreed Monday to reopen borders for expatriates and other long-term residents as soon as early September, relaxing travel restrictions that were imposed to stem the spread of the new coronavirus pandemic. Read more
Last updated on July 31:
No entry for foreign nationals through Myanmar land borders as well as suspension of the e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs for visitors of all countries until August 31. Read more
Last updated on July 29:
An International commercial flight suspension to Myanmar has been extended to August 31. Read more
Last updated on July 13:
Myanmar’s airports might not open to international commercial flights until October according to National Tourism Development Central Committee’s vice-president Henry Van Thio.
Based on a report in the Irrawaddy, an online news channel, the travel industry will have to wait until October at the earliest to start recovery. Read more
Last updated on July 6:
The Myanmar government announced on 1st July 2020 that the last township stay at home restriction has been lifted which means within Myanmar – people can travel without any restrictions on movements yet flights arrivals are restricted till 31st July 2020. Read more
Last updated on June 30:
Myanmar’s tourism is in a holding pattern as authorities extend the ban on foreigners entering the country until at least 31 July and continue to suspend international flights. Read more
Last updated on June 16:
The ban on international flights in and out of Myanmar has been extended to 30 June the country’s Department of Aviation announced 12 June.
Myanmar closed its airports to international commercial flights in March and extended the ban most recently to 15 June. Reliable sources in government say it is now very likely that international flights will get the green light 1 July. Read more
Last updated on June 5:
A total of 663 hotels, about one-third of the hotels in Myanmar, reopened across regions and states so far after temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an official from the Hotels and Tourism Ministry told Xinhua late Thursday.
“There are 2,053 hotels operating in the country and one-third of them have reopened after getting health and safety inspection passes by the authorities concerned as of May 29,” said Deputy Director General U Aung Aye Han of the ministry.
As of May 29, Yangon region topped the list with 284 re-operating hotels, followed by Shan state with 94 hotels while hotels in Mandalay region, Chin and Kachin states have not been reopened. Read more
Last updated on June 4:
Myanmar has extended its suspension of all travel visas until 15 June. The announcement extends the suspension of all visas including visa exemptions that were introduced in mid-March under a ruling that was due to expire 31 May.
The entry ban covers e-visas, visa-on-arrival and includes all nationalities that eligible for visa-free travel to Myanmar. Read more
Last updated on June 1:
Myanmar National Airlines continues its suspension of international routes for the time being, but according to the airline’s booking system, it may resume some international flights as early as mid-June.
According to a recent schedule update, MNA has filed plans to resume international flights from Yangon to Hong Kong and Singapore possibly as early as 17 June.
Last updated on May 29:
The Department of Civil Aviation has announced the further extension of the effective period of temporary measures through international air travel up to 15 June 2020 23:59 Hours MST. Read more
Last updated on May 26:
Myanmar tour companies are preparing to organise tours again and awaiting government guidelines to ensure a safe reopening of their businesses. Also, some international airlines have announced the resumption of flights to Yangon starting on June 1. Read more
Last updated on May 5:
In order to keep the fight against the COVID-19 virus going, Myanma Railway (MR) will be extending suspension of train schedules until May 15th.
The MR had suspended running of some passenger trains from April 10 to April 30th.
However, the 11/12 up and down Yangon-Mandalay trains, 41/42 up and down Mandalay-Myitkyina mail trains, 89/90 up and down Yangon-Mawlamyine trains and 63/64 up and down Yangon-Pyay trains are being operated regularly. Read more
Last updated on April 24:
The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has Issued Circular 6 (on 11 April 2020) to Inform all airlines operating International air services to and from Myanmar that the Ministry of Health and Sports has extended the effective period or its Temporary Measures to prevent Importation of COVID-19 to Myanmar through air travel dated 29 March 2020, up to 30 April 2020 2359 Hours Myanmar Standard Time (MST).
In order to continue to contain effectively the spread of COVID-19 in Myanmar, the National Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment or COVID-19 has decided to further extend the effective period of the aforementioned Temporary Measures Up to 15 May 2020 2359 Hours MST. Read more
Last updated on April 11:
The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Ministry of Health and Sports:
Extension of Effective Period of Temporary Measures to Prevent Importation of COVID-19 to Myanmar through Air Travel
- The Ministry of Health and Sports, with the approval of the National Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19, has put in place on 29 March 2020 Temporary Measures to Prevent Importation of COVID-19 to Myanmar through Air Travel effective from 30 March 2020 2359 Hours MST up to 13 April 2020 2359 Hours MST.
- A review of the Temporary Measures was carried out and it was found that most of the COVID-19 confirmed cases in Myanmar were imported through air travel prior to the introduction of the Temporary Measures or through local transmission of close contacts with these imported cases. Therefore, the Temporary Measures have proved to be effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Myanmar.
- In order to contain effectively the spread of COVID-19 in Myanmar during the early stage of the outbreak and to gain more time to implement effective preparedness and response measures, the Ministry of Health and Sports, with the approval of the National Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19, is extending the effective period of the Temporary Measures to Prevent Importation of COVID-19 to Myanmar through Air Travel up to 30 April 2020 2359 Hours MST
From April 11 to May 15, 2020, all persons (including Myanmar nationals) arriving from abroad must undergo a 21-day quarantine at a designated facility followed by 7 days of self-isolation at home. All international flights are suspended. Read more
Last updated on March 30:
Starting March 30, 2020 at 11:59 P.M., the government will no longer allow international commercial passenger flights to land at any airport in Burma. This suspension will last until May 15, 2020. All landing permissions previously granted are suspended. Exceptions apply to “relief flights, all-cargo flights, medical evacuation flights and special flights specifically approved by the Department of Civil Aviation.” Read more
Last updated on March 29:
Announcement on Temporary suspension of all types of visas for foreign nationals from all countries visiting Myanmar
- With a view to further strengthening measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has decided to adopt the following entry visa restrictions for visitors from all countries with effect from 29 March 2020, 0001 hours (Myanmar standard time). These temporary measures will be in force till 30 April 2020:
(a) Suspension of the issuance of all types of visa (including social visit visa) to all foreign nationals, except diplomats accredited to Myanmar, United Nations officials resident in Myanmar and crew of ships and aircraft operating to and from Myanmar.
(b) Suspension of visa exemption granted to all foreign nationals on the basis of bilateral arrangements, including those from ASEAN member countries, except those holding diplomatic and official passport.
(c) All diplomats accredited to Myanmar and United Nations officials resident in Myanmar may obtain entry visas through respective Myanmar Missions abroad. They shall be required to provide certification of the absence of COVID-19 infection issued by a recognized laboratory no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel and before boarding any aircraft destined for Myanmar. They shall be subject to home quarantine for 14 days on their arrival in Myanmar.
(d) Crew of ships or aircraft operating to and from Myanmar may also obtain entry visa through respective Myanmar Missions abroad. They shall be required to follow the latest guidelines and directives issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communication of the Republic of Union of Myanmar.
- Foreign nationals who are required to visit Myanmar on urgent official mission or for a compelling reason may contact the nearest Myanmar Missions abroad for possible exception on certain entry restrictions from the authorities concerned of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
Last updated on March 25:
Additional Precautionary Restrictions for travellers from all countries visiting Myanmar
- With a view to preventing importation and spread of COVID-19, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is obliged to take additional precautionary measures to control and limit the risk that travellers from all countries may pose to the populations in Myanmar.
- The following additional temporary restrictive measures will take effect for incoming travellers from all countries starting from 25 March 2020, 0000 hours (Myanmar standard time) –
2.1 All incoming Myanmar nationals from any country will be subject to a 14-day facility quarantine on their arrival in Myanmar.
2.2 All foreign nationals travelling to Myanmar are required to present laboratory evidence of absence of CoVii)-i9 infection issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel before boarding any airline destined for Myanmar. They will be subject to a 14-day facility quarantine on their arrival in Myanmar.
2.3 All diplomats accredited to Myanmar and United Nations officials working in Myanmar are also required to present laboratory evidence of absence of COVID-19 infection issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel before boarding any airline destined for Myanmar. They will be subject to home quarantine for 14 days on their arrival in Myanmar.
This notification shall supersede the precautionary measures announced earlier.
Last updated on March 24:
Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shut all border checkpoints to foreign visitors. The temporary closure remains in place until further notice. Read more
- All visa issuances are suspended until 30 April 2020.
- Nationals of China (People’s Rep.) are not allowed to transit Myanmar without a visa.
Effective 25 March 2020:
Passengers will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival.
Passengers must have a lab test proving they are free from Coronavirus (COVID-19). This does not apply to nationals of Myanmar. Source
Last updated on March 18:
The government of Myanmar has announced that all entertainment venues such as KTV, movie theaters, night clubs, spas, and massage parlours are closed until further notice. Source
Latest updated on March 16:
- The Myanmar government is preparing to quarantine or turn away tourists from Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Iran, the countries that have been hit the worst by COVID-19, according to the Union of Myanmar Travel Association on Sunday (March 15).
- The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has ordered the closure of all preschools and nurseries starting March 16 until the end of April as part of the efforts to protect people from COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Central Bank of Myanmar announced March 13 that the implementation of a 0.5 percent cut in interest rates will start on Monday (March 16), instead of April 1 as originally planned.
- The Myanmar Rice Federation announced on March 13 it will ensure a steady supply of grains in the local market to support demand. It also said the public need not worry about rice shortages as Myanmar has sufficient reserves. Dealers will continue distributing rice at normal prices. Read more
Latest updated on March 15:
The government of Myanmar has issued a 14 days quarantine on arrival for citizens of the following nations AND for travellers having visited these countries: China, Italy, Iran, S-Korea, Spain, Germany, France. We advise ALL travellers to POSTPONE any travel to MYANMAR EFFECTIVE today Sunday 15th March until 31 March 2020. We will keep you updated if travel to Myanmar and vis policies are able after this date. Source
Travellers from outbreak regions are asked to report to the Airport Quarantine Desk to fill in a medical report form. Upon arrival at the point of entry Travellers are subject to primary fever screening. Temperature checks are also set up at hotels and shopping malls.
No restrictions have been put in place for tourist attractions.
Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended visas-on-arrival for Chinese travelers to Myanmar. Read more
Official Tourism Department Website
Last updated on December 7:
Thailand has been removed from Germany’s list of high-risk nations. Under the new regulations, travellers from Thailand no longer need to register or quarantine upon arriving in Germany. Read more
Last updated on December 1:
Thailand’s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha confirmed the Cabinet’s decision to maintain the RT-PCR COVID-19 testing for international arrivals under the Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) entry scheme, reversing the plan to change to an ATK method. Read more
Last updated on December 1:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update that the Royal Thai Government has decided to extend the Emergency Decree nationwide for two more months until 31 January, 2022. Read more
Last updated on November 28:
Thailand will ban travellers from eight southern African countries where a new Covid-19 strain was found. Read more
Last updated on November 26:
Thailand will no longer have a curfew starting next month after lifting the nighttime ban being enforced in the last remaining six provinces as part of the measures to revitalise the economy and tourism sector.
The country will also allow travellers to enter the country by land and sea, change the Covid-19 testing method for air travellers and allow tourists to visit more provinces. Read more
Last updated on November 26:
No provinces will be under a mandated nightly curfew starting December 1. The CCSA approved new zoning today, reclassifying several provinces on its colour-coded zoning scale based on Covid-19 infection rates and reopening measures. Under the revised zoning, there are no provinces classified as “dark red” with stay-at-home orders. Read more
Last updated on November 26:
Singapore will extend vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs) to six more countries next month, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced on Friday (Nov 26).
From Dec 14, travellers from Thailand may enter Singapore under the quarantine-free VTL. Read more
Last updated on November 26:
The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) has approved a plan to replace RT-PCR tests with antigen testing for visitors travelling from 63 eligible countries and territories who are allowed to enter Thailand without the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Read more
Last updated on November 16:
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) resolved to ease more restrictions on restaurants serving alcoholic beverages under the “Thai Stop Covid Plus” certification campaign, in addition to the previous certification of the SHA (Safety and Health Administration) granted by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Starting from November 16, restaurants with the newly approved “Thai Stop Covid Plus” certificate, authorized by the Department of Health, will be allowed to serve alcoholic beverages until 9 pm. Read more
Last updated on November 16:
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has planned to reopen the Maya Bay on January 1, 2022. Read more
Last updated on November 12:
The number of dark-red zoned provinces of maximum and strict Covid-19 control will be reduced from seven to six from Nov 16, with the 11pm-3am curfew in these provinces extended to Nov 30.
The reopening of entertainment venues, pubs, bars and karaoke shops has been postponed from Dec 1, as previously planned, to Jan 16. Read more
Last updated on November 8:
‘Thailand Pass’ approval period cut from 7 days to 3 days. Read more
Last updated on November 2:
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is asking hotels and tourism-related operators to register for the Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certificate, saying the campaign can help bolster confidence among tourists and the public regarding health safety.
The BMA lifted a ban on alcohol consumption in restaurants on November 1, allowing SHA-certified restaurants to resume dine-in services with the sales of alcoholic drinks permitted until 9 p.m., but restaurants must strictly comply with all preventive measures. Read more
Last updated on October 31:
Thailand has added the number of countries to the Test & Go scheme, expanding it to 63. More details
Last updated on October 29:
Restaurants in Bangkok will be allowed to sell alcohol starting on Monday, as the capital has been designated a “blue” tourist zone with fewer Covid restrictions, alongside Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket. Read more
Last updated on October 28:
From 1 Nov, fully vaccinated international travellers, including returning Thai nationals and foreigners, can enter Thailand without quarantine under “Test & Go” if they are travelling from 46 designated countries. Requirements include:
- Travel by air – must have stayed at least 21 days in the approved countries/ territories (returning Thais/ foreigners exempt from this
- Fully vaccinated – travellers under 12 years old do not need to be fully vaccinated, but must travel with their parents
- RT-PCR test within 72 hours of arrival
- Confirmed booking for one night stay at SHA+, Alternative Quarantine or Alternative Hotel Quarantine accommodation, and 1 RT-PCR test
- Insurance policy of minimum $50,000 USD
- Certificate of Entry or Thailand Pass (from 1 Nov) Read more
Last updated on October 28:
From 1 Nov, fully vaccinated travellers from any country will be enter Thailand to 17 “Blue Zone” sandbox destinations.
Requirements include:
- Travellers must stay 7 days in the destination before being able to travel to other parts of Thailand
- Arrive by air
- Vaccination certificate
- RT-PCR test within 72 hours of arrival
- Confirmed booked for SHA+ hotel and RT-PCR test
- Insurance policy of minimum $50,000 USD
- Certificate of Entry or Thailand Pass (from 1 Nov) More details
Last updated on October 28:
From 1 Nov, travellers can undergo the “Happy Quarantine” program, which allows entry into Thailand nationwide. Requirements include:
- Travellers accepted from any country
- Fully vaccinated travellers must undergo a 7-day quarantine
- Unvaccinated/ partially vaccinated a 10-day quarantine for arrivals by air and sea, 14-day for those arriving by land
- RT-PCR test within 72 hours of arrival
- Confirmed payment for Alternative Quarantine accommodation
- Insurance policy of minimum $50,000 USD
- Certificate of Entry or Thailand Pass (from 1 Nov)
- Travellers must transfer to their AQ accommodation by a pre-arranged airport transfer More details
Last updated on October 22:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update that the night-time curfew currently in place in Bangkok and the designated areas in Chon Buri, Rayong, and Samut Prakan will be lifted from 23.00 Hrs. on 31 October, 2021. Read more
Last updated on October 22:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to confirm that Thailand is all set to welcome fully vaccinated foreign visitors, including returning Thais and foreign residents, from the approved countries to enter the Kingdom by air with no quarantine requirements from 1 November, 2021.
Last updated on October 16:
The government announce to relax more COVID-19 controls in the dark-red zone provinces, which include the Thai capital, the Bangkok Communicable Disease Committee has also lifted restrictions effective from 16-31 October, 2021.
Restaurants and eateries, cinemas, theatres, shopping malls, sport stadiums, and public parks can now resume normal opening hours, but no later than 22.00 Hrs.
Convenience stores, fresh markets, and flea markets can open for all types of goods up until 22.00 Hrs. All 24-hour shops must close nightly from 22.00-03.00 Hrs. Read more
Last updated on October 12:
Thailand to lift quarantine for vaccinated visitors from low-risk countries from November.
In the initial phase, Thailand will allow fully vaccinated travellers from at least 10 low-risk countries, including China, Germany, Singapore, the UK and USA. The list will be expanded from 1 December, and further enhanced to a very extensive list from 1 January. Read more
Last updated on October 8:
From 11 October 2021, people who travel to Great Britain from Thailand and have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with doses from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, will be able to visit the UK without quarantine. Read more
Last updated on October 1:
The quarantine time for fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Thailand, including pilot reopening destinations through the Alternative Quarantine (AQ) system, will be reduced from 14 to 7 days, starting from 1 October 2021. Read more
Last updated on September 27:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to report that during today’s meeting, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved a four-phase timeline for the country’s reopening plan to revitalise the nationwide tourism industry. More details
Last updated on September 25:
Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) decided on Thursday to extend the state of emergency for another two months and to postpone the reopening of the country from October 1st to November 1st. Read more
Last updated on September 24:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on Phuket’s relaxation of the COVID-19 controls and domestic travel screening effective from 1 October, 2021.
Fully vaccinated international visitors under the Phuket Sandbox and 7+7 Extension programmes can still enter and exit Phuket per the existing rules and regulations. While in Phuket, those travelling to the extension areas or taking day trip cruise excursions or shore trips along with a boat driver, guide, and crew are allowed to re-enter Phuket provided that they meet the vaccination requirements and undergo a weekly COVID-19 rapid antigen test. More details
Last updated on September 23:
India, along with another seven countries, is now listed as a low-risk country that is allowed to travel to Thailand under the “Phuket Sandbox” project, effective from Wednesday, September 22nd.
Tourists from Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Oman, Jordan, Peru, and the Maldives and also welcomed to participate in the Phuket Sandbox, following the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on September 22nd. Read more
Last updated on September 13:
Thailand’s Phuket province has tightened measures to contain COVID-19 after a new cluster emerged at the main branch of the ‘Super Cheap’ department store on Saturday.
Phuket Governor Narong Woonsiew has announced elevated measures, including business closures and activity prohibition orders. The preventive measures, effective from September 15th to 28th, include the prohibition of activities with more than 100 participants and alcohol consumption in public areas. Game zones and theme parks in department stores, malls, community malls and similar types of businesses are to close. Read more
Last updated on September 11:
The designation of dark red and orange zones will remain the same until 30 Sep, whilst the curfew in dark red zones will be maintained.
The ministry has also agreed to adjust the 9pm–4am curfew hours according to the needs of each zone, but curfew hours in “dark red” zones, including Bangkok, should be maintained for now. Read more
Last updated on September 7:
Phuket will add new measures for domestic travellers who want to enter the island – they must now present evidence of an accommodation booking paid in advance, as well as pre-registration on gophuget.com
The new measures, which will be enforced from September 8 to 14, stipulate that those who wish to enter the island for sightseeing must present evidence of hotel or similar accommodation booking with payment made in advance. Read more
Last updated on September 6:
Starting Oct 1, only those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a negative antigen test result will be allowed to dine-in at restaurants and seek out services deemed a high risk for virus transmission in “dark red” provinces, where maximum Covid-19 restrictions apply. Read more
Last updated on September 3:
Domestic travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to enter Phuket starting on September 8. Read more
Last updated on August 30:
COVID-19 restrictions in the 29 dark-red zone provinces eased from Wednesday, 1 September, 2021, until further notice.
The following services and venues are allowed to resume operations.
- Restaurants and eateries, including those inside shopping malls or similar venues, are allowed to resume dine-in services up until 20.00 Hrs. without the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Seating for dine-in customers shall be limited at 50% for air-conditioned restaurants and at 75% for the open-air ones.
- Hair and beauty salons.
- Health massage shops and health spa shops are allowed to reopen only for foot massage services.
- Markets can open up until 20.00 Hrs.
- Shopping malls, shopping centres, community malls, or similar establishments can resume normal operations until 20.00 Hrs., with limitations on the following venues and services:
- Aesthetic clinics, medical clinics for beauty services, and cosmetic clinics are allowed to accept customers with an advance appointment.
- Hair and beauty salons are allowed to accept customers with an advance appointment for a one-hour service per customer.
- Health massage shops and health spa shops are allowed to open only for foot massage services with an advance appointment.
- Tutorial schools, cinemas, water parks and amusement parks, swimming pools, fitness centres, and gaming centres, as well as banquet and meeting activities are to remain closed.
- Public parks, sports fields, sports complexes, and outdoor swimming pools can open up until 20.00 Hrs. and organise competitions without audiences.
- Educational institutions of all types.
More details here
Last updated on August 28:
Domestic air travel will resume in Covid-19 dark-red zones with some requirements, starting on Sept 1, after restrictions in the areas were eased, according to Airports of Thailand. Read more
Last updated on August 28:
The government has eased Covid-19 restrictions on certain businesses and activities, including restaurants, shopping malls, beauty salons, massage shops and parks, starting September 1. Read more
Last updated on August 27:
The British government added Thailand and Montenegro to its travel “red list”, with foreigners banned from travelling to England from those countries, and nationals required to quarantine. Read more
Last updated on August 20:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) provided the latest additional information regarding some changes to air and road travel, following the just announced extension of the COVID-19 control measures for domestic travel to Phuket through to the end of August. More details
Last updated on August 19:
The “Phuket Sandbox 7+7 Extension” programme enables fully vaccinated international travellers to reduce the mandatory stay in Phuket from 14 to 7 days, after which another 7 nights can be spent in any of the extension areas in Krabi. More details
Last updated on August 16:
The order outlining disease control restrictions and the colour-coded provincial zoning based on Covid-19 infection rates has been extended until August 31 and a slight revision has been made to the order. More details
Last updated on August 16:
Phuket, which is implementing the Phuket sandbox model, is extending Covid restrictions until the end of this month due to rising numbers of new locally transmitted Covid-19 cases.
The restrictions, which include sealing off the island to outsiders, take effect on Tuesday and run to Aug 31. Read more
Last updated on August 15:
Phuket has extended its restrictions until the end of August, including the sealing off of the island to outsiders, with some exceptions, due to continuing high numbers of new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases. More details
Last updated on August 13:
The Philippines will extend a ban on travellers from Thailand and nine other countries to the end of August because of concerns posed by the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on August 12:
The Sandbox Express Bus set up last week to transport Phuket Sandbox travellers to their exit flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport will be discontinued after August 16. Read more
Last updated on August 10:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide additional information on our recent update regarding domestic travel in Thailand in August 2021, including Thai Smile Airways’ specially-arranged flight from Phuket to Bangkok for ‘Phuket Sandbox’ passengers.
Currently, some transportation services – by air, bus, train, and boat – have been affected, either by rescheduling or suspension, following the Royal Thai Government’s latest COVID-19 control measures that include the expansion of the lockdown in 29 dark-red zone provinces, from 3-31 August, 2021. More details
Last updated on August 3:
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced the latest Order of the Temporary Closure of Premises (No. 39) that continues the measures in the previous Orders No. 32 and No. 34-38 and is adjusted to comply with the Royal Thai Government’s Directive No. 28 to expand lockdown in 29 dark-red zone provinces, which include Bangkok, from 3-31 August, 2021. More details
Last updated on August 3:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) provided an update on domestic travel in Thailand by air, bus, train, and boat, following the Royal Thai Government’s latest measures that include the expansion of the lockdown in 29 dark-red zone provinces, from 3-31 August, 2021. More details
Last updated on August 2:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) provided an update on the expansion of the COVID-19 restrictions announced for the Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or dark-red zone provinces, which will be effective from tomorrow (Tuesday, 3 August, 2021) until the end of the month.
Dark-red zone has been expanded from 13 to 29 provinces following the continued surge in cases. Read more
Last updated on August 1:
The government has extended lockdown measures for two more weeks from Tuesday, with another 16 provinces added to the dark red zone of maximum restrictions to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
The CCSA will evaluate the situation again on Aug 18.
The Covid-19 task force eased restrictions for restaurants in the dark red zones, allowing them to prepare take-home orders, but dining in is still banned.
Other restrictions include the closure of all stores in shopping malls at 8pm except for retailers deemed essential, such as supermarkets, chemists and those selling medical and communications equipment. No public transport is available from 9pm-4am. Read more
Last updated on August 1:
Bangkok Airways cut nearly all of their domestic flights, extending their flight suspension until August 11. More details
Last updated on July 30:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) provided an update on Phuket’s newest round of COVID-19 control measures, including the upgraded screening measures for domestic travel into the island and the tightened rules for business and activities prone to the spread of disease.
This Order takes effect from 3 to 16 August, 2021. Read more
Last updated on July 25:
The visa-free treatment of tourists from Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines and Russia will be extended for another year, from Aug. 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan announced Tuesday. Read more
Last updated on July 25:
More domestic flights to and from Phuket returned yesterday (July 24) as Bangkok Airways confirmed it was resuming its Phuket-Samui route while Nok Air reopened its Phuket-U-Tapao route. Read more
Last updated on July 24:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update that the Thai Cabinet agreed to extend the Emergency Decree nationwide for two more months until 30 September, 2021.
The two-month extension takes effect from 1 August – 30 September, 2021. Read more
Last updated on July 24:
Tourists visiting Phuket will be allowed to extend their stay under new and revised requirements, approved in principle by the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) at its meeting on 22 July, 2021.
The proposal seeks to allow tourists visiting under the Phuket Sandbox programme to extend their trip on a 7+7 basis. That is, they could stay in Phuket for 7 days and then visit another of the pilot destinations in which Thailand is reopening to tourism for at least 7 days, effective from 1 August, 2021. Read more
Last updated on July 24:
The Governor of Surat Thani Province signed the provincial order yesterday in an attempt to preempt the possibility of Covid-19 outbreaks on the islands as the Samui Plus reopening gets underway, especially with Covid-19 spreading in record numbers across the rest of the country. The measures hope to keep infected travellers out and keep the people inside, residents and tourists, safe.
Arrivals from orange zones will have some leniency, and just need to follow isolation measures on first arriving. Those coming from other zones will face full quarantine if they are untested and unvaccinated. For red zones under strict control, a 7-day quarantine will apply. Self-isolation can be substituted for people who are vaccinated and have negative RT-PCR or rapid antigen tests for Covid-19. Those coming from the maximum control dark red zones have similar conditions but must quarantine for 14 days if untested and unvaccinated. Read more
Last updated on July 23:
The Philippines will ban travellers coming from Malaysia and Thailand, as well as tighten restrictions in the Manila area, in a bid to prevent the spread of the contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus, the presidential spokesperson said on Friday. Read more
Last updated on July 23:
Thailand’s already locked down capital shut parks and the few remaining public places available to residents on Friday (Jul 23), as the country registered a new high of coronavirus infections. Read more
Last updated on July 21:
All interprovincial buses to and from Phuket have been suspended as the chief of national bus service operator Transport Co Ltd (BorKorSor) has ordered a “temporary suspension” of all bus services throughout the country for two weeks.
The “temporary suspension” will be in effect until Aug 2. Read more
Last updated on July 21:
Chiang Mai Communicable Disease Committee ordered the closure of pubs, bars and other entertainment venues, effective today after the number of Covid-19 cases had increased.
The order also applies to karaoke shops, massage parlours, bowling alleys, billiards halls, game and internet cafes. Read more
Last updated on July 21:
The ban on domestic passenger flights to or from 13 dark-red zones of maximum and strict Covid-19 control took effect on Wednesday.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand announced the indefinite ban on Sunday. It is expected to remain in force for at least 14 days, to Aug 3. Read more
Last updated on July 20:
The cabinet on extended the state of emergency nationwide for two months, until the end of September, to cope with the local Covid-19 situation.
Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said extension was from Aug 1 to Sept 30, as proposed by the National Security Council. Read more
Last updated on July 20:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on the COVID-19 control measures for Bangkok that are in place from today to 2 August, 2021.
The closure order remains in place for
- Entertainment businesses and venues; such as, pubs, bars, karaoke, massage parlours, and bath venues.
- Water parks and theme parks.
- Children’s playgrounds and stations of all types.
- Botanic gardens, museums, learning centres, historical sites, national parks, public libraries, art galleries, zoos, and similar venues.
- Snooker and billiard venues.
- Game stations, and games and Internet shops.
- Fighting cock/bull/fish venues, horse racetracks, and racetracks of all types.
- Children’s nurseries and elderly care facilities (except regular overnight care services).
- Boxing stadiums, boxing gyms, and martial art gyms.
- Banquet and similar venues.
- Buddha amulet stalls and centres.
- Preschool nurseries and kindergartens.
- Beauty clinics, and tattoo and piercing services.
- Fitness centres.
- Healthcare venues, including spas and traditional Thai massage shops.
- Ice-skating rinks, and bowling alleys or similar venues.
- Dance and ballet schools.
- Construction sites.
Last updated on July 19:
Phuket officials have ramped up COVID-19 protection measures with a new order mandating that all domestic arrivals from anywhere in the country must present evidence that they have tested negative for COVID-19 in order to be allowed into the province.
The new order is marked to come into effect on July 20. Read more
Last updated on July 19:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) provided an update on interprovincial air, bus, and boat travel within Thailand following the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions for the Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or ‘dark-red zone’ provinces effective for 14 days from Wednesday, 21 July, 2021.
Details can be view here
Last updated on July 18:
The government is to extend the existing curfew and other tight restrictions in Greater Bangkok and four southern border provinces to at least Aug 2.
The curfew from 9pm-4am and other restrictions have been in force since last Monday in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom, as well as the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala.
The restrictions include the closure of all stores in shopping malls at 8pm except for retailers deemed essential, such as supermarkets, chemists and those selling medical and communications equipment. A ban on dine-in eateries continues, while restaurants, wet markets and convenience stores must close from 8pm-4am. No public transport is available from 9pm-4am. Read more
Last updated on July 18:
Starting from 21 July, domestic airlines are not allowed to fly passengers in or out of the dark red zones. This includes Bangkok. Exceptions are Sandbox and Samui+ flights, medical flights and emergency landing. Other routes can only fly at 50% capacity. Read more
Last updated on July 16:
The EU has removed Thailand from its green list of countries. Decisions on inclusion or removal from the list are based on the pandemic situation, vaccination progress, how intensive testing is and the EU’s judgement of how reliable a country’s data is. Read more
Last updated on July 15:
Thai Airways continues suspension of multiple services until 30-Sep-2021. More details
Last updated on July 15:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the launch of the Samui Plus programme, under which Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao can be visited by fully vaccinated international tourists with no quarantine requirements.
More information can be found here
Last updated on July 13:
The Thai Cabinet has approved, for the 13th time, an extension of the Emergency Decree from August 1st until at least the end of September. Read more
Last updated on July 12:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update concerning interprovincial air, bus, train, and boat travel within Thailand, in light of the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions for Bangkok and the five surrounding provinces effective for 14 days from 12 July until 25 July, 2021. More details, please visit here
Last updated on July 10:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions announced for Bangkok and the five surrounding provinces – Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon, which will be effective for 14 days starting from Monday, 12 July until Sunday, 25 July, 2021.
People are asked to remain at home between 21.00-04.00 Hrs. and only to go out if necessary. This is in place in Bangkok, and the five surrounding provinces – Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon – as well as four Southern Thai provinces – Songkhla, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat.
Specifically for Bangkok, and the five surrounding provinces, the latest restrictions and measures include:
- As much as possible, government agencies are asked to have their employees work from home, while private companies are encouraged to apply a similar measure.
- Take-away services are only allowed up until 20.00 Hrs. at restaurants and eateries, including those in shopping malls, hotels, convenience stores, and street vendors.
- Department stores, shopping malls, and community malls are allowed to open until 20.00 Hrs., and only for supermarkets, food and beverage outlets, banks and financial counters, pharmacies, phone and telecommunication shops, and vaccination centres.
- Convenience stores, flea markets, night markets and shopping streets are allowed to open up until 20.00 Hrs, and must close nightly from 20.00-04.00 Hrs.
Last updated on July 10:
Thai AirAsia has suspended all domestic flights from July 12 to 31, saying it is cooperating with authorities to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on July 9:
Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued infographics providing information on the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programmes, for travellers heading Thailand’s way. More details here
Last updated on July 1:
Measures to enter Thailand for Thais and non-Thai nationals on the reopening of Thailand, starting from Phuket as the pilot destination from today. More details
Last updated on June 29:
The cabinet on Tuesday cancelled the July 27 special holiday announced earlier to boost domestic tourism. Read more
Last updated on June 27:
The new measures, which will be implemented for 30 days from Monday, include a ban on restaurant dine-ins in Bangkok and five surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Praka, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom, according to a document published in the Royal Gazette on Saturday night.
Shopping malls in Bangkok and the five provinces must be closed by 9pm, and parties or celebrations, or activities involving a gathering of more than 20 people will be banned for the same duration. Read more
Last updated on June 26:
Buri Ram has taken preventives measure in preparation for the possible arrival of workers from Bangkok and its vicinities, following the closure of construction worker housing there, by mandating that all arrivals will be subject to 14-days of local quarantine. Read more
Last updated on June 26:
The Phuket Tourist Association will set up 7 COVID-19 test centers across Phuket Island to facilitate tourists while traveling to the province. Read more
Last updated on June 26:
Phuket officials have issued a comprehensive provincial order including all the key requirements and conditions for international tourists entering the province from July 1. These include:
• Applicable for international or Thai travellers
• Must arrive from low-medium risk countries
• Need a Certificate of Entry into Thailand
• Must be vaccinated with 2 doses at least 14 days prior to travel. Children under 6 can travel with their parents
• Negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure
• Insurance policy of $100,000 USD and above which covers COVID-19 expenses
• Undergo 3 RT-PCR tests: on arrival (tourist to stay in hotel room 1 night for results), day 6-7 at the hotel or an assigned lab, and ay 12-13
• Must stay at a SHA Plus hotel for 14 nights before being allowed to travel outside of Phuket
• Travellers can visit Phuket and use services which have been SHA Plus certified
• Install the Thailand Plus and MorChana apps
• An operations centre has been established to monitor travel
Last updated on June 25:
All construction workers’ camps in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces will be locked down for one month starting from Monday, along with sites of coronavirus clusters in the four southernmost provinces. Read more
Last updated on June 25:
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha says there will not be a Bangkok lockdown but under the present circumstances will resort to limited lockdowns at sites where there are cluster infections. Read more
Last updated on June 23:
The “Phuket Sandbox” and “Samui Plus” travel schemes were approved by the Thai Cabinet, allowing the islands to reopen to travellers who are vaccinated against Covid-19. Phuket is set to reopen on July 1 while the trio of islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, is set to reopen on July 15. Read more
Last updated on June 21:
According to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), there will no longer be free, state provided quarantine for international arrivals in Thailand by air and sea from July 1st. Read more
Last updated on June 18:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday defined Bangkok and the three adjoining provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan as dark red zones of maximum and strict Covid-19 control.
Dark red zones can hold activities involving no more than 50 people. Air-conditioned restaurants can serve dining-in customers to a maximum 50% of capacity and remain open until 11pm. Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises remains prohibited.
In dark red zones, department stores and shopping centres can open until 9pm. Outdoors sports fields and well ventilated sports facilities can open without spectators. Schools remain closed. Read more
Last updated on June 18:
Germany will reopen its borders later this month to non-EU nationals who have been vaccinated against Covid-19.
The ministry said unrestricted entry are allowed for residents of Singapore, Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand.
But travellers will have to have been completely vaccinated at least 14 days prior to their arrival with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency. Source
Last updated on June 18:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to confirm Thailand’s readiness to reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine requirements, starting with the “Phuket Sandbox” model from 1 July, Surat Thani – Samui Plus from 15 July, followed by other destinations, including Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Buri Ram in the following months. Read more
Last updated on June 16:
Foreign nationals with the non-immigrant O-A visa, sometimes known as a retirement visa, will in the future have to prove they have insurance coverage of at least US$100,000 (three million baht) against Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on June 13:
From Monday, public parks, botanical gardens, museums, archaeological sites, beauty clinics, foot massage, manicure and tattoo parlours in Bangkok can reopen as usual. Read more
Last updated on June 13:
Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has confirmed that Phuket will be the first destination in Thailand to reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists without quarantine requirements from 1 July, 2021, under the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ project. Read more
Last updated on June 11:
Students will opt for online learning when the new term opens in Bangkok and in provinces with the highest rates of Covid-19 infections, said the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Read more
Last updated on June 7:
Last updated on June 3:
Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways have both announced flights resuming in July. Etihad Airways will start back up flights from the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi on July 1, while Emirates Airlines will resume flights from Dubai on July 2. Read more
Last updated on June 2:
Anyone flying into Phuket must have received at least one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine or full doses of other brands according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Read more
Last updated on May 31:
COVID-19 restrictions in place in Bangkok will be extended until 14 June, 2021.
This followed the urgent guideline from the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), instructing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to extend the Order of Temporary Closure of Premises (No. 29) for 14 more days. Read more
Last updated on May 30:
Thai Cabinet agreed to extend the Emergency Decree nationwide for two more months until 31 July, 2021.
The two-month extension takes effect from 1 June – 31 July, 2021. Read more
Last updated on May 21:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Friday extended the closure of schools in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan to control Covid-19.
The Education Ministry’s plans to start the new school term on June 14. Read more
Last updated on May 19:
To control the spread of Covid-19 in Bangkok, where more than 28,000 people have tested positive for the virus in the latest wave of infections, the closure order in the capital has been extended a second time, now set to be in place until May 31.
While many entertainment and recreation businesses and venues are ordered to remain closed, some restrictions have been relaxed. Restaurants can now offer dine-in services, but only until 9pm. Restaurants can still offer takeaway services until 11pm. Read more
Last updated on May 16:
Everyone flying to Phuket must either have been fully vaccinated or have been tested for COVID19 by either RT-PCR method or Antigen Rapid Test. The test has to be done no longer than 72 hours before departure. Source
Last updated on May 16:
The Royal Thai Government announced the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Effective from 17 May, 2021, until further notice, the relaxation covers adjusted COVID-19 zoning areas in Thailand. Find out more
Last updated on May 8:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to inform travellers that Bangkok’s temporary closure order has been extended for one more week, or until 17 May, 2021. The order was previously in place from 26 April – 9 May, 2021.
Meanwhile, the mask mandate requiring everyone in Bangkok to ‘always correctly and properly wear sanitary or fabric face masks outside their residence or accommodation remains in place until further notice. Violators are liable to a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht. Read more
Last updated on April 30:
Thailand reinstates 14-day quarantine, strengthens COVID-19 restrictions nationwide
Effective from 1 May 2021, the latest restrictions are to curb the new spread of COVID-19 infections, as the country is pressing ahead with the vaccination programme. Read more
Last updated on April 29:
Updated Restrictions to contain the new wave of COVID-19 transmission. More info
Last updated on April 29:
The Fine Arts Department has issued an order closing all historical and ancient sites under its jurisdiction from April 26-May 9, to help contain the current surge of Covid-19 infections. Read more
Last updated on April 29:
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has extended the order for the current COVID prevention measures to remain in effect until May 12. Read more
Last updated on April 29:
Dine-in services will be banned in Bangkok for 14 days, starting May 1 according to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. Read more
Last updated on April 28:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to inform travellers that a number of provinces across Thailand have been applying night-time restrictions, urging everyone to avoid going out at night unless utmost necessary, effective from now until further notice. Read more
Last updated on April 28:
Last updated on April 27:
The Education Ministry has decided to delay the opening of the new school term to June 1 over rising Covid-19 concerns. Read more
Last updated on April 26:
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will be limiting in-person meetings and gatherings to 20 people or less for the next two weeks.
Effective until May 9, the limitations apply to all events, with film or television shootings, religious ceremonies, or family meetings with more than 20 participants. Read more
Last updated on April 25:
Thailand has temporarily suspended issuing Certificate of Entry documents to foreign travellers coming from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In addition, any of those people already here in ASQ, must strictly stay in their rooms for the full 14 days of their quarantine. Source
Last updated on April 25:
31 types of business venues and gatherings deemed high-risk for spreading COVID-19 have been ordered closed or to adjust operating hours for two weeks from 26 April to 9 May, 2021.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) also announces that mask wearing is compulsory, and everyone must wear a mask at all times when at both indoor and outdoor public spaces. Read more
Last updated on April 24:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the following updates to travellers regarding the early closing hours of shopping malls and shops in the 18 red-zone provinces as announced by the Thai Retailers Association and the Thai Shopping Centres Association.
From 25 April to 2 May, 2021, all shopping malls and department stores will adjust their regular operating times to 11.00-20.00 Hrs.
Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and restaurants in shopping centers which will open until 21.00 Hrs.
All convenience marts, including those that normally open 24/7, will open from 05.00-22.00 Hrs.
Mask wearing is now compulsory in several Thai provinces. So do wear a mask at all times when both indoor and outdoor public spaces, or face a fine up to 20,000 Baht. Read more
Last updated on April 23:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand would like to update travellers with the lists of attractions and activities that are temporarily closed at Thai national parks nationwide as part of the country’s strengthened measures to contain new wave of COVID-19 infections. Read more
Last updated on April 23:
Last updated on April 19:
Last updated on April 19:
Last updated on April 17:
All entertainment outlets in Bangkok, including pubs, karaoke bars and massage parlours, which have already been closed for more than a week, will remain closed for at least the next fortnight. Read more
Last updated on April 16:
Last updated on April 16:
New Regulations to curb COVID-19 Nationwide Measures: – Public urge to work from home, reduce travelling and more details here
Last updated on April 16:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the following updates for travellers regarding the temporary closure of tourist attractions in different locations in Thailand, as part of the nationwide effort to curb the spread of the recent community transmission of COVID-19.
A full list can be found here
Last updated on April 13:
The CAAT’s latest announcement maintains that airlines must continue to follow the health and safety regulations during the current resurgence of local transmission.
Effective from 13 April 2021, the guidelines include. Read more
Last updated on April 13:
Thailand has approved a list of eight Covid-19 vaccine-makers, including Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and Pfizer Inc., for foreign visitors seeking to shorten a mandatory quarantine on arrival.
Visitors to Thailand will need to upload copies of the vaccination certificates on the website of the nation’s Foreign Ministry prior to arrival to reduce the quarantine period to seven days. Those without vaccinations will still need to undergo 10 days of isolation and visitors from countries including South Africa will be subject to two-week quarantine. Read more
Last updated on April 12:
The following Policies for foreign travelers to enter the Kingdom of Thailand had been updated as of 1 April 2021.
Updated Guidelines for a Thai Visa or to Enter Thailand can be found here
Last updated on April 8:
All entertainment places in 41 provinces, including Bangkok, will be ordered to shut their doors for at least two weeks, as COVID-19 cases continue to surge. Read more
Last updated on April 5:
Thailand approved 7-day quarantine for incoming travellers who have received full doses of the vaccine.
The new scheme started on 1 April as part of the country’s four-phase reopening rules. More details
Last updated on April 1:
Last updated on March 31:
Interprovincial transportation has resumed new normal operations in line with the nationwide public health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 updated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Read more
Last updated on March 31:
Published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 30 March, 2021, Thai Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha signed the announcement on the eleventh consecutive extension of the state of emergency for two more months after it expires on 31 March, 2021.
The two-month extension takes effect from 1 April – 31 May, 2021.
The announcement cited several risk factors, including the fact that Thailand continues to detect new COVID-19 infections in various areas, especially local markets and communities. Read more
Last updated on March 31:
Last updated on March 31:
Last updated on March 28:
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has announced the names of 11 countries that have been deemed to be carrying new Covid-19 mutations. Any people arriving from these countries will still be required to do the full 14 day quarantine quarantine when they arrive in Thailand. From 1 April the quarantine period will be reduced, but with some restrictions remaining. Read more
Last updated on March 27:
Foreign tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to visit six tourism provinces beginning next month.
Those who have been inoculated must still be quarantined. However, the mandatory isolation period has been reduced from 14 to seven days for them.
In July, Phuket will be the first province to waive the quarantine requirement for foreign visitors who have been vaccinated, as part of the government’s plan to reopen the country. Read more
Last updated on March 26:
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Friday resumed train services, running through Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi in line with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Read more
Last updated on March 24:
CCSA allowed the resumption of inter-provincial public transport to and from Samut Sakhon. Travellers were allowed to stop off in the former Covid-19 epicentre province instead of only passing through it. Read more
Last updated on March 24:
Bangkok announced three strict measures to control Covid-19 during the Songkran festival from April 10-15. Violators may be imprisoned for up to two years or fined up to Bt40,000 or both. Read more
Last updated on March 22:
Thailand has shortened the quarantine period for arrivals to 10 days from 14, effective next month.
Starting April 1, both Thais and foreigners coming to Thailand will be isolated for 10 days, according to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
During the period, they will be tested for Covid-19 twice — one during day 3 to day 5 and the other on day 9 or day 10. Read more
Last updated on March 19:
According to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), the CCSA ruled that large gatherings, water splashing, concerts and parties are not allowed.
Last updated on March 14:
Thailand is expected to begin signing vaccine passport deals with other countries next month.
Director-General of the Department of Disease Control Opas Karnkawinpong on Saturday announced that Thailand was planning to enter into bilateral agreements on vaccine passports with low-incidence countries which had begun vaccinating their people against Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on March 12:
Thailand plans to welcome visitors from April 1 with shorter quarantine periods. The visitors who completed their COVID-19 vaccination would be quarantined at their hotels for seven days instead of 14 days. Read more
Last updated on March 11:
The Cabinet has agreed to allow flights from India to land in Surat Thani’s Samui Island, Krabi Airport and Chonburi’s U-Tapao Airport in addition to the current set up in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Read more
Last updated on March 11:
Thailand will be fully reopened by October and all Covid-19 restrictions lifted, if all sectors continue to cooperate with the government in its containment efforts, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) hinted on Wednesday. Read more
Last updated on March 6:
The Royal Gazette, Thailand’s official news post for announcing new laws and regulations, announced an official ban on protests, assemblies, and mass gatherings late last night in Bangkok and five other provinces.
Thai Government officials claim the ban on protests is not political but is designed to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus and protect the health of all residents. Read more
Last updated on March 5:
The annual Songkran festival will be allowed to go ahead next month to stimulate tourism and the economy, but celebrations must comply with disease control measures. Read more
Last updated on March 3:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Thailand is now allowing international passengers to transit at Thai airports from 1 March, 2021, thus bringing the types of aircraft or flights allowed to enter the kingdom to nine in total. Read more
Last updated on March 2:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that following the Royal Thai Government’s decision to further ease COVID-19 control measures, interprovincial transportation has resumed new normal operations while some routes remain suspended in some areas considered at higher risk. including domestic air travel, land travel, and water travel. Read more
Last updated on February 24:
Transit flights are now being allowed through Suvarnabhumi airport, but travellers would be confined to a specific area at the airport terminal.
Transit passengers would not have to go through COVID-19 screening. They would be required to wear face masks, sanitize their hands and observe social distancing, while their stay at the airport would be limited at 12 hours. Read more
Last updated on February 23:
The government has adjusted the classification of formerly five areas to currently four areas in line with the improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the country.
The surveillance (green) areas now increase from 35 to 54 provinces, the high surveillance (yellow) areas decrease from 17 to 14 provinces, and the controlled (orange) areas down from 20 to eight provinces, while Samut Sakhon remains the maximum controlled (dark red) area. For more information
Last updated on February 14:
The Royal Thai Government has approved the extension of the Emergency Decree nationwide until 28 February, 2021, as part of the strengthened measures nationwide to contain the local transmission. Read more
Last updated on February 1:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide a summary of the entry and exit rules at each of the country’s 77 provinces as of 1 February 2021. Read more
Last updated on January 31:
Visa Emergency Extension extended to May 30 this year for stranded tourists according to an order signed by the Immigration Bureau last week. The order empowers local officers to grant a 60-day visa extension from January 29 up to May 30. Read more
Last updated on January 30:
According to Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved new criteria and colour coding for provinces as the situation has improved in some areas. More information
Last updated on January 29:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will allow sports tournaments and beauty contests this year but disease control measures will be applied, including 14-day quarantine.
However, cornavirus controls will apply, including distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, tracing and 14-day quarantine for participants from other countries. Read more
Last updated on January 29:
Hotels and attractions in Chonburi and Pattaya have been closed until further notice according to Chonburi Gov. Pakkaratorn Tianchai on Thursday. Read more
Last updated on January 25:
The State Railway of Thailand has suspended 57 additional train services from 26 January 2021.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also provided the latest update regarding interprovincial travel in any transportation modes. Read more
Last updated on January 21:
The Communicable Disease Committee gives greenlight to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) proposal to ease restrictions on 13 businesses and recreational activities starting on January 22. Read more
Last updated on January 20:
Foreigners with Thai residency whose re-entry visas require their return to Thailand within one year from March 26 last year will be allowed to stay abroad until further notice. Read more
Last updated on January 16:
According to the Royal Gazette, the Immigration law for Section 12 (4) and Section 44 (2) has been changed to include the need for the foreigners to have a COVID19 test done in order to stay in Thailand. Read more
Last updated on January 9:
People who travel to and from five provinces hit the hardest by re-emerging Covid-91 to have official documents stating their necessities.
The five provinces are Samut Sakhon, Rayong, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat, part of the red zone where maximum control is in place, according to a new order by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration published in the Royal Gazette. Read more
Last updated on January 7:
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has issued a provincial order making it illegal to not wear a face mask in a public area. The penalty for breach of the order is a fine of up to B20,000 or may even include a jail term. Read more
Last updated on January 7:
U-Tapao International Airport suspends flights until 31 January 2021. Read more
Last updated on January 5:
A Thai Cabinet committee today, January 5th, has agreed to approve another extension of the Emergency Decree nationwide today, January 5th, following the proposal from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) committee yesterday.
The decree is currently in use until January 15th and will officially be extended for another 45 days, from January 16th to February 28th. Read more
Last updated on January 5:
More than 10,000 public and private schools in the 28 provinces hit hardest by the resurgence of coronavirus outbreak have been ordered by the ministry to close until Jan 31. Read more
Last updated on January 5:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has summarised the COVID-19 control measures currently imposed across Thailand as of 5 January. Read more
Last updated on January 4:
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha overruled City Hall on Monday and decided Bangkok restaurants should be allowed to provide table service until 9 pm.
The BMA had said diners would be allowed table service from 6am-7pm, but no alcohol, with only takeaway service after 7pm. BMA spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang said this applied to shops serving all kinds of food, including bars and cafes, effective from Tuesday until the end of the month. Read more
Last updated on January 4:
Effective from 4 January 2021, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has declared 28 provinces as “highly controlled areas” following a surge in community transmission.
The strengthened restrictions, which are imposed across the highly controlled areas, are:
- Closure of educational institutions at all levels. Exceptions for the utilisation of educational areas are made for e-learning activities, emergency shelters, or government activities.
- Ban on any gatherings that would pose a risk of disease transmission; such as, meetings, seminars, banquets, or charity food donations (except ones organised by government agencies).
- Closure of at-risk venues, including entertainment businesses of all types; such as, pubs, bars, or karaoke.
- Limit the operating hours of businesses:
- Food outlets and restaurants must apply social distancing rules or consider providing only delivery or takeaway services;
- Alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed at food outlets or restaurants, though takeaway is allowed;
- Shopping malls, department stores, community malls, convention centres or exhibition halls, convenience marts, supermarkets or similar services can open per usual operating hours but must apply strict disease control measures.
- The Bangkok governor and provincial governors to impose specific disease control measures according to the level of risk.
- The public are encouraged to cancel or postpone interprovincial travel at this time, or must undergo strict screening measures, which may cause inconvenience.
- The private-sector organisations are encouraged to allow work from home options.
Last updated on December 30:
The Public Health Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday saying all arrivals to Thailand will have to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine even if they have been vaccinated. Read more
Last updated on December 30:
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Food and drinks served on board are prohibited. If utmost necessary, crews may consider offering drinking water to passengers in predetermined social distancing areas in the aircraft. Read more
Last updated on December 23:
With a wave of the administrative wand, Thailand’s 30-day visas are now 45-day visas.
The cabinet yesterday approved the addition of another 15 days to the usual month-long visas – two weeks of quarantine still required – for those coming to travel or do business. Read more
Last updated on December 19:
Samut Sakhon province has been put under a lockdown until 3 Jan, with movements in and out of the province banned and a curfew in place from 10pm – 5am, after 12 local infections grew to 548 following the testing of 1,192 people in the province. Read more
Last updated on December 18:
The government is easing travel restrictions for citizens from 56 countries to boost the country’s pandemic-hit tourism industry, though visitors will be required to undergo a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine. Read more
Last updated on December 16:
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) said on December 15 it is in the midst of designing new smart visa rules to attract more overseas talent to work in Thailand. Read more
Last updated on December 11:
The Interior Ministry will seek cabinet approval for a proposal to extend visa exemption for foreign tourists from 56 countries from 30 to 45 days in a bid to attract more tourist arrivals to revive the economy battered by Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on December 9:
Tourists from everywhere are now welcome to visit Thailand, irrespective of their countries’ Covid-19 situation, under a newly amended Special Tourist Visa (STV) long-stay programme.
However, these travellers still need to comply with Thailand’s 14-day mandatory quarantine. Read more
Last updated on December 5:
The Tourism Ministry has said that the government is looking at March/ April 2021 as the earliest start date for general tourism. However, Thailand will “continue with an opening to businessmen, technical experts, high-level workers and those in the medical field for now. 14-day quarantine will continue for now”. Read more
Last updated on November 28:
Thailand’s Prime Minster spoke clearly that only until a vaccine is approved, produced, and implemented would the country open to substantial tourism. Read more
Last updated on November 27:
A travel bubble between Thailand and Singapore will help to boost a “critically hit part” of the Thai economy while signalling that travel can return when conditions are right. Read more
Last updated on November 26:
The Royal Thai Government has approved the extension of the Emergency Decree nationwide through 15 January, 2021, to prevent a resurgence in coronavirus infections during the New Year’s peak travel period.
This latest extension is the eighth since the initial order in March and comes as Thailand has been gradually relaxing some of its virus measures over the past several months. The government has allowed businesses to fully reopen and some long-staying visitors to return on a special tourist visa (STV). Read more
Last updated on November 22:
Thailand reversed its decision on the controversial income requirement for the Special Tourist Visa (STV) following an online backlash, restoring hope to many eager travellers wishing to come to COVID-19 free Thailand. Read more
Last updated on November 19:
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved in principle the reduction of quarantine from 14 to 10 days. Read more
Last updated on November 18:
The government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the extension of the emergency decree for 45 days. The centre also approved in principle the reduction of the 14-day quarantine period. Read more
Last updated on November 13:
Thailand further relaxes visa requirements for Europe and Scandinavia.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand executive director for tourism products, Thapanee Kitaphaibool, foreigners may enter Thailand with the 60-day tourist visa, which can be extended to a 90-day stay. Read more
Last updated on November 2:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Thailand is now reopen to tourists and crews of foreign yachts, under the recently launched Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme.
Initially being made available to long-stay visitors to Thailand of all types – from tourists to business travellers, investors and others, under the conditions that they comply with Thailand’s strict public health rules, the STV is now being extended to tourists and crews of foreign yachts. Read more
Last updated on October 30:
Thailand announces “Smart Band” mandatory tracking device for foreign tourists who visit the country during Covid-19 pandemic. The “Smart Band” will be developed and initially applied to a limited group of incoming tourists traveling under Special Tourists Visa (STV) on November 1 onwards. Read more
Last updated on October 30:
All inbound tourists have to complete quarantine at alternative state quarantine (ASQ) facilities in Bangkok in the first stage of reopening, with direct flights to provinces still postponed, says the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Read more
Last updated on October 30:
Japan will lift its entry ban on foreign travellers from Thailand and eight other countries starting on Sunday. However, the country continues to suspend visa waiver agreements with other countries and limit the issuance of new visas. Read more
Last updated on October 29:
Pattaya city is planning to introduce its own “Pattaya Model” to attract foreign tourists, particularly Chinese and Russian tourists, to visit the city under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme. Read more
Last updated on October 26:
The Emergency Decree has been extended by another month from October 31st to the end of November. Read more
Last updated on October 26:
Last updated on October 23:
The European Union Council has finally published an update to its list of epidemiologically safe third-countries, the residents of which are permitted to enter the European Union, even for non-essential purposes as leisure and tourism.
As of October 22, the EU Council advises the Member States to gradually lift the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries:
- Australia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Uruguay
- China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity
Last updated on October 23:
The Chinese government’s ban on outbound tour groups will not affect those who apply for a special tourism visa (STV).
“Tourists who apply for STVs can continue their journeys despite those bans, as the order is restricted to tour groups only,” said Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister. Read more
Last updated on October 23:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to share the latest announcement from the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) that foreign visitors will be able to purchase compulsory COVID-19 insurance policy online prior to visiting the Kingdom.
TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said, “A medical insurance policy with at least USD $100,000 coverage or about 3.16 million Baht for possible COVID-19 treatment is among the official documents required from foreign visitors planning to visit Thailand during this challenging public health crisis. Read more
Last updated on October 17:
The Governor of Thailand’s Tak province, Pongrat Phiromrat, has ordered all 33 border checkpoints and natural crossings with Myanmar closed, for at least a week, after three relatives of an infected Myanmar couple, living in Mae Sot district, tested positive for COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on October 17:
Thailand is in talks with China to establish a quarantine-free travel corridor by January to rescue its ailing tourism industry.
The agreement with Beijing will be subject to the success of a limited reopening of the Thai tourism industry to foreign travellers this month. Read more
Last updated on October 12:
Last updated on September 29:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced that the government has extended the visa amnesty for foreigners stranded in Thailand to October 31 after it expired on September 26. Stranded foreigners who wish to stay in Thailand after October 31 must submit an application to an Immigration office by October 3. Read more
Last updated on September 28:
The Special Tourist Visa (STV) is set to be approved by a government committee on 28 Sep. Also, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday approved the extension of the emergency decree through Oct 31. Read more
Last updated on September 21:
Last updated on September 15:
Thailand’s Office of Insurance confirmed last week that it has set up a consortium of insurance companies offering Covid-19 insurance online as the country prepares to reopen its borders to travellers.
Once the country reopens all foreigners entering Thailand will need to buy Covid-19 insurance. But until the door reopens the scheme will make it easier for foreigners who are currently eligible to travel to Thailand to acquire the mandatory insurance cover online.
In addition to having insurance cover, travellers need to provide the nearest Thai embassy with a Fit to Fly Health Certificate and a negative RT-PCR swab test valid within 72 hours of the flight departing for Thailand. Read more
Last updated on September 15:
The cabinet on Tuesday agreed to allow in foreign tourists who agree to 14-day quarantine and stay for at least 90 days, to help the flagging economy.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said after the cabinet meeting that the government would issue special tourist visas for long-stay visitors. The most important condition would be a 14-day quarantine. Read more
Last updated on September 7:
Israel has granted Thailand “green country” status, allowing those coming from the kingdom to enter without having to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Israel included Thailand in the list on Aug 30 after being recognised as one of 21 countries which pose minimal risk of coronavirus contagion. Read more
Last updated on August 20:
Office of the National Security Council (NSC) has approved the extension of the state of emergency for another month. The state of emergency will be effective until the end of September. Read more
Last updated on August 13:
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced measures on relaxation. There are three main activities starting from 13 August 2020. Read more
Last updated on August 13:
The ban on international commercial flights will remain in force while the Covid-19 pandemic situation remains critical in many countries, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on Wednesday.
It is an indefinite ban, said CAAT director Chula Sukmanop and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) would monitor the global situation before deciding when the flights could resume. Read more
Last updated on August 10:
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday said its committee will discuss further easing of lockdown restrictions.
The easing of restrictions would include full resumption of school services, full service on passenger buses, sports competitions with spectators, the return of inflight food served in the plane, and the closing time of entertainment places at 2 a.m. Read more
Last updated on August 3:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) today issued the “Notification on Conditions for Aircraft Permission to Enter Thailand (No. 3)”, effective from tomorrow, 4 August, 2020.
The CAAT’s third revised notification adjusted its No. 2 announcement to be in line with the Royal Thai Government’s fourth extension of the Emergency Decree. The ban on international commercial aircraft remains in place. Read more
Last updated on August 1:
The Royal Thai Government has approved the extension of the Emergency Decree nationwide for another month, until 31 August, 2020.
According to the announcement published in the Royal Thai Gazette on 30 July, 2020, the fourth extension of the state of emergency is still needed to enable authorities to enforce measures on communicable disease control to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 infections and allow the public to return to daily life with the new normal. Read more
Last updated on July 24:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has issued the following guidelines on entering Thailand for non-Thai residents and travellers. Read more
Last updated on July 22:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has approved the entry of foreign business reps, specialists, diplomats, migrant workers, exhibitors, film crews, medical tourists and Thailand Elite card members.
This included 69,235 workers who already had work permits and visas and wanted to return to work in Thailand. Local employers planned to bring in another 42,168 workers who do not already have work permits or visas. They would be employed in the construction and food production sectors. Read more
Last updated on July 22:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Wednesday approved the extension of the state of emergency nationwide for another month until Aug 31.
CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said the extension was necessary because the novel coronavirus was still spreading worldwide and Thailand was allowing in foreign visitors and easing lockdowns on business and activities that pose high risks of disease transmission. Read more
Last updated on July 21:
Thai visa extension approved through September 26. The mandatory 90-day reporting requirement for foreign residents is also suspended, government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said. Read more
Last updated on July 17:
Foreign visitors still stranded in the kingdom by the Covid-19 pandemic will be allowed to apply for an extended short stay after their visas expire on July 31, the Immigration Bureau chief said on Friday.
Foreign tourists who are unable to leave Thailand would be given a grace period from Aug 1 to Sept 26 to apply to stay for a specified period, said Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang, the bureau commissioner. However, if they do not obtain extensions and are still in the country after Sept 26, they would face legal action and be blacklisted. Read more
Last updated on July 15:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand now says the proposed “travel bubble” scheme, which could have allowed limited numbers of tourist arrivals from designated “low risk” countries, may have to be “postponed indefinitely”, after its 3 target partners – China, Japan and South Korea – experienced new outbreaks of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on July 14:
The government has temporarily banned the entry of foreign diplomats and special business representatives after the young daughter of the Sudanese attache was found to be infected with the coronavirus after the family arrived from Khartoum. Read more
Last updated on July 8:
Travel bubbles are likely to be delayed after several countries eyed for the scheme have seen a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Read more
Last updated on July 2:
Thailand has made a public announcement regarding the Notification on Conditions for Aircraft Permission to Enter Thailand (No.2) Read more
Last updated on July 2:
A travel bubble plan for leisure travellers has been drafted with three phases for opening, starting with a mere 1,000 tourists per day across five provinces.
The number of international tourists is capped at 1,000 per day nationwide in the first phase without a 14-day quarantine and is expected to start in August. If any province’s capability to handle swab tests for the coronavirus rises, the government will allow a higher number based on that volume. Read more
Last updated on June 30:
Thailand will reopen checkpoints on the border with all neighboring states to resume cross-border cargo transport and trading from Wednesday (July 1), according to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.
CCSA decided on Monday to reopen a total of 37 checkpoints on the borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, so that cargoes can be transported and traders can be allowed to cross the border, said CCSA spokesman Thaweesilp Visanuyothin. Read more
Last updated on June 30:
The government on Tuesday declared July 27 as a substitute day off for the cancelled Thai New Year holidays, or Songkran.
Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said the decision was made by the Cabinet today. The festival, held annually and recognized as public holidays from April 13-15, was postponed this year due to the threats of the coronavirus infection.
Despite Songkran’s reputation as the water festival, there is no mention of any water fights, parades, and other related festivities to be held on the substitute Songkran day off. Large gatherings will likely remain banned throughout July under the Emergency Decree, which was extended for the third time today. Read more
Last updated on June 30:
The cabinet on Tuesday formally approved the extension of the emergency decree nationwide for another month, until July 31, as proposed by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.
With the fifth phase of the relaxing of restrictions beginning on Wednesday, powers under the executive decree for administration in emergency situations were still needed to control travel in and out of the country and support the tracking and quarantine of people suspected of being infected with the virus. Read more
Last updated on June 30:
Thailand will lift a ban on international flights on Wednesday, its aviation regulator said on Monday. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said the ban on international flights will be lifted on Wednesday under some conditions. Read more
Last updated on June 30:
The latest announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) that several groups of foreigners will be allowed entry into the kingdom from tomorrow, 1 July, 2020, onwards.
CAAT’s “Notification on Conditions for International Flight Permit to Thailand” dated yesterday, 29 June, 2020, referred to its previous notifications issued since 3 April, 2020, imposing a temporary ban on all international flights entering Thailand for the prevention and control of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID – 19) pandemic.
According to CAAT, as the present situation of COVID–19 in many foreign countries remains severe, it is necessary to impose measures to restrict the travel to Thailand in accordance with the screening capability of the competent officers or the communicable disease control officers in order to efficiently control and prevent the new epidemic in the Kingdom. Read more
Last updated on June 26:
There is no current timetable to reopen the main gateway with Cambodia, through Aranyaprathet, provincial governor Worapan Suwannut said. The governor said the province was not ready to open the gate to Poipet at Klong Luk border crossing in Aranyaprathet district, closed to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on June 25:
The first group of foreigners to be allowed to enter Thailand will comprise business representatives, skilled workers, experts, people with Thai families, teachers, students and patients who agree to quarantine, according to the government.
Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), on Wednesday elaborated on the government’s plan to allow foreign nationals back into the country. The plan was drafted by a sub-committee of CCSA. Read more
Last updated on June 20:
Thailand was removed from the list of risk areas for SARSCov2. Therefore, there is no more quarantine required in Germany upon arrival from Thailand. Read more
Last updated on June 17:
Airports of Thailand has updated the list of available airlines at its six airports nationwide. Please see the list here
Last updated on June 16:
Bangkok’s mass transit systems have resumed normal operations following the fourth phase for easing restrictions on businesses and activities, starting from 15 June.
All public transport systems nationwide are operating under strict measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including temperature screening practices, wearing masks, check-ins and check-outs with the Thai Chana platform, and social distancing. Read more
Last updated on June 14:
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has announced the restoration of normal bus services from June 15, after the government decided to lift the night curfew from Monday. The BMTA will run 3,000 buses, a total of 25,000 trips a day, to serve daily passengers expected to increase to 650,000, and will maintain Covid-19 prevention measures. Read more
Last updated on June 13:
The Royal Thai Government has approved the fourth phase for easing restrictions on businesses and activities, but kept the Emergency Decree in place to maintain controls on all entry – by air, water and land – because all recent new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases were people returning from other countries.
Published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 12 June, 2020, the fourth stage of relaxation of restrictions on business and other activities, effective from Monday, 15 June, 2020. Read more
Last updated on June 12:
Thailand to reopen national parks next month according to Varawut Silpa-archa, minister of environment and natural resources, said today.
Given the environmental concerns, not all park attractions will reopen immediately. Of the 127 slated to open their gates in July, 64 will open fully, while the other 63 will be partial. The remaining 28 national parks will remain closed until further notice. Read more
Last updated on June 11:
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced that it will resume interprovincial train services nationwide from 11 June with bookings already begun from 10 June, onwards.
“The resumption of service follows an earlier announcement on the first phase of services and will reduce the economic impact on the local people and society. Health and security measures will follow the rules of the World Health Organisation and according to the ongoing assessment of Thailand’s public health situation,” Read more
Last updated on June 10:
Bars, pubs, beer houses, karaoke bars, erotic massage parlours, and children’s ball pits will not be allowed to reopen in the next phase of reopenings, the government said on Wednesday.
The Phase 4 reopening measure, slated for late June or early July, will not include those establishments because they are considered “high-risk” of spreading the coronavirus, according to Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for the government’s COVID-19 crisis center. Read more
Last updated on June 9:
Thailand’s health department and public health ministry are recommending curbs on the number of visitors at popular tourist spots to avoid a second wave of Covid-19, as the government mulls the reopening of more attractions and businesses ahead of schedule.
Department of Health (DOH) director-general, Panpimol Wipulakorn, said that even though restrictions on domestic travel have been eased, travellers should continue to practise safety measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, and regular handwashing. Read more
Last updated on June 9:
The Transport Co., Ltd. has announced the resumption of inter-provincial bus services on the Southern routes from today, 9 June, following the government’s relaxations for public transport to travel across provinces during the night-time curfew hours (23.00 – 03.00 Hrs.). Read more
Last updated on June 8:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a list of additional airports that are allowed to resume operations from 00.01 Hrs. of 6 June, 2020.
Tak, Trat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Narathiwat, Pai, Phetchabun and Sukhothai are authorised to resume daily operations during 06.00 – 20.00 Hrs., or within a shorter timeframe as deemed appropriate. Read more
Last updated on June 3:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to provide a summary of Bangkok’s third phase of easing the COVID-19 control measures: what reopens and what remains closed, starting from Monday, 1 June, 2020.
For the period of 1-30 June, 2020, Bangkok has allowed the following businesses and activities to reopen:
- Restaurants and beverage shops, convenience stores, street stalls, food courts and cafeterias.
- Shopping malls, department stores and community malls can remain open until 21.00 Hrs.
- Exhibition and convention facilities and event halls.
- Meeting rooms in hotels or convention centres.
- Retailers and wholesalers, community shops, markets, floating markets, flea markets.
- Hypermarkets and wholesale markets.
- Beauty salons, hairdressers, and barbers with a time limit of not more than two hours for each customer and no waiting in the premises.
Last updated on June 2:
The latest list of provinces where now is opening for tourists with the protection measures. Please see here
Last updated on June 2:
Phuket airport to reopen to domestic flights on June 15. All passengers were advised to arrive at the airport one to two hours before scheduled departure, to allow time to go through health screening procedures. Read more
Last updated on June 1:
A long holiday in July is being considered to make up for the cancellation of Songkran festivities, if the Covid-19 situation allows it, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on Monday.
The government delayed the Thai new year festival holiday from April 13-15 until further notice due to fears large gatherings and the homecoming of revellers could exacerbate the virus outbreak. Read more
Last updated on May 30:
The Foreign Ministry has informed Thailand’s foreign chambers of commerce that foreigners who have work permits or permission from Thai government agencies will soon be allowed to enter the kingdom. Read more
Last updated on May 29:
The government has announced the third stage of the easing of the business and activity lockdown, effective from Monday. It allows restricted activities at schools, theatres, beauty parlours, fitness clubs, sports fields, recreational ponds, ballroom dancing venues, convention halls and zoos.
The curfew is also shortened to 11pm to 3am from June 1.
Last updated on May 29:
The government plans to completely lift the lockdown of all businesses and activities on July 1 across the country with preparations made in advance next month. This includes lifting inter-provincial travel restrictions as well as ending the emergency decree and curfew. Read more
Last updated on May 26:
The Royal Thai Government has decided to extend the Emergency Decree for one more month, until 30 June, 2020, to prevent a second wave of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections as seen recently in some other countries. Read more
Last updated on May 26:
The Tourism and Sports Ministry wants the Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to lift the domestic tourism lockdown starting in June.
Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said this Friday the ministry plans to talk with the CCSA about easing domestic tourism restrictions, such as allowing inter-provincial travel and hotel operations to resume in many provinces, in line with the third stage of Covid-19 restrictions.
If CCSA agrees with the scheme, domestic travel will start again on June 1, but within the same region for the first two weeks, before gradually allowing inter-regional travel. Read more
Last updated on May 25:
Thailand has extended its automatic visa extension for stranded foreigners up to 31 July the Immigration Bureau announced at the weekend.
The provision extends all categories of temporary visas automatically without fees and the need to show up at an Immigration Bureau office or present any documents. Read more
Last updated on May 22:
The government on Friday decided to extend the emergency decree for another month through June. Read more
Last updated on May 19:
The aviation regulator requires airlines to leave at least one seat empty between passengers, who are required to wear surgical masks onboard. No food and beverages will be served during flights and passengers are not allowed to eat or drink. In an event of an emergency, the cabin crew may provide water. Read more
Last updated on May 17:
The Transport Co., Ltd. has announced the resumption of inter-provincial bus services on the Northern, Northeastern and Eastern routes from 18 May, after more than a month of suspension due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Read more
Last updated on May 16:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has announced the extension of its temporary ban on all international passenger flights to Thailand from 1 June to 30 June 2020. Read more
Last updated on May 15:
Starting Sunday, malls and several other public venues will be allowed open, and the curfew pushed an hour back to 11 pm, the government announced Friday. Read more
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced the resumption of train services on 15 May, following a temporary suspension of some routes due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Read more
The Royal Gazette announced on May 15 that China, South Korea, Hong Kong an Macau would be delisted as they had shown their effectiveness in preventing and containing the coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on May 14:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) regarding the reopening of Phuket International Airport for domestic flights from 00.01 Hrs. of 16 May. Read more
Last updated on May 12:
The Department of Airports (DOA), which operates 22 provincial airports across Thailand, is reiterating via its Facebook Page: DepartmentOfAirports that 14 of its airports are in operations while either others remain close for this month.
For the period of 1-31 May, 2020, four airlines – Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet Air – have resumed domestic flight operations to DOA’s airports in Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Lampang, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Surat Thani, Tak’s Mae Sot, Trang, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani. Read more
Last updated on May 11:
The National Security Council (NSC) told the media on Monday that it is highly likely that the Thailand’s State of Emergency will end on May 31. Read more
Last updated on May 8:
Shopping malls and large retail outlets selling construction materials will be allowed to reopen as lockdown measures are eased further on May 17 if there is no surge in new infections.
China and South Korea will also be the first countries to be removed from a list of the government’s dangerous communicable disease zones.
The issues were discussed at a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday. Read more
Last updated on May 4:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update from the Airports of Thailand (AOT) regarding the resumption of domestic flights at its airports, following over a month of temporary flight suspensions by several airlines as part of the efforts to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
More airports have been given permission to operate special international flights between 7am and 7pm each day, according to a new order issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on Sunday.
After domestic flights resumed on Friday, most airports, except Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao, have remained closed to international flights.
Last updated on May 2:
According to the directives published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 1 May, 2020, the Bangkok Governor and Provincial Governors may consider easing measures for the reopening of businesses and activities under two categories – economics and daily life, and health and wellness activities.
For economic and daily life activities, businesses and activities that are allowed to reopen are sales of food and drinks in hotels, airports, train stations, bus stations, hospitals, restaurants and beverage shops, convenience stores, and street stalls. Pubs and bars can be reopened for takeaway only or under strict disease control. Sales of alcoholic drinks can resume for takeaway only.
Last updated on April 30:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update that the temporary closure of Phuket International Airport has been extended until 15 May, 2020.
The existing order by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) covers the period from 10-30 April, 2020.
According to the CAAT, its decision to extend the closure of Phuket International Airport for 15 more days is based on the proposal from Phuket Province citing new cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections are still being reported in the province on a daily basis. Read more
Last updated on April 29:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to provide the latest update that eight types of venues will be allowed to reopen after the closure order by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expires on 30 April, 2020.
According to the BMA, the exact reopening dates will be in line with the government’s announcement, which is expected to be made within today or tomorrow. The reopening of the eight types of venues will also follow the government’s strict health measures and guidelines as Thailand continues its efforts to limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The eight types of venues in Bangkok that will be allowed to reopen are:
- Restaurants, excluding those located in shopping malls or supermarkets.
- Markets and flea markets.
- Barbers and hairdressers.
- Health clinics, excluding weight-control services and cosmetic clinics.
- Golf courses and driving ranges.
- Sports facilities, but only for limited types of sports, including tennis and badminton courts, running tracks and other types of sports per the government’s announcement.
- Public and private parks.
- Pet grooming shops.
Last updated on April 28:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update that the Thai Cabinet today approved the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration’s (CCSA) proposal to extend the Emergency Decree for one more month, starting from 1 May, 2020. Read more
Last updated on April 27:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has extended its ban on all incoming passenger flights for the third time, covering the new period from 00.01 Hrs. of 1 May, 2020, until 23.59 Hrs. of 31 May, 2020. The ban was first imposed on 4 April, 2020. Read more
Last updated on April 27:
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday decided to extend the Emergency Decree to the end of May. Read more
Last updated on April 26:
Suvarnabhumi airport is set to resume its services on May 1 for domestic flights. Read more
Last updated on April 24:
Last updated on April 22:
The cabinet approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners for three more months on Tuesday. Foreigners whose visas had expired since March 26 will be permitted to stay until July 31 without having to apply for an extension. Read more
Last updated on April 20:
Bangkok has extended its alcohol sales ban until 30 April, 2020, according to Bangkok Governor Mr. Aswin Kwanmuang. The ban was previously from 10-20 April, 2020. Read more
Last updated on April 16:
Thai government officially announced a blanket extension for the country’s migrant labourers which will now be permitted to stay until November 30 this year and will be exempted from any sort of overstay penalty. Read more
Last updated on April 15:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has extended its inbound flight ban to April 30 except repatriation flights and some others for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) control. Read more
Last updated on April 14:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) updated the situation to the international and domestic tourists that Thailand remains on guard in its unprecedented effort to prevent and mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite a continuous drop in the daily rate of new Covid-19 cases. Read more
Last updated on April 13:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) updated and provide Summary of Thai provinces banning entry and alcohol sales.
Nationwide ban on alcohol sales
According to the Centre for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Ministry of Interior, all 77 provincial governors have issued orders banning alcohol sales temporarily to reduce the risk of infection and prevention of COVID-19.
Already in effect, the end dates for the temporary ban on alcohol sales vary depending on the rules and regulations of each province.
Ending on 15 April, 2020, are Bueng Kan, Krabi, Rayong, and Ranong.
Ending on 16 April, 2020, are Chiang Rai, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Phichit, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Sakon Nakhon, and Yala.
Ending on 17 April, 2020, are Amnat Charoen, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani, Uttaradit, and Yasothon.
Ending on 18 April, 2020, are Nakhon Ratchasima and Phetchabun.
Ending on 19 April, 2020, are Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Nan, Pathum Thani, Ratchaburi, Satun, Songkhla, and Trat.
Ending on 20 April, 2020, are Ang Thong, Bangkok, Chaiyaphum, Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Sawan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Phayao, Phrae, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Tak, and Uthai Thani. Read more
Thai provinces/cities that ban entry and exit:
Region | Province | Effective Date |
Central, East & West | Trat | 4 April, 2020, until further notice |
Pattaya, Chon Buri | 9 April, 2020, until further notice | |
South | Phuket | 30 March, 2020 – 30 April, 2020 |
Krabi | 4-30 April, 2020 | |
Phang Nga | 4 April, 2020, until further notice | |
Songkhla | 6-30 April, 2020 | |
Satun | 3-30 April, 2020 | |
Phatthalung | 5-16 April, 2020 | |
Pattani | 28 March, 2020, until further notice | |
Yala | 29 March, 2020, until further notice | |
Narathiwat | 29 March, 2020, until further notice | |
Trang | 10-30 April, 2020 | |
North | Tak | 2-16 April, 2020 |
Nan | 5-30 April, 2020 | |
Chiang Rai | 9-30 April, 2020 | |
Phrae | 10-17 April, 2020 | |
Northeast | Bueng Kan | 7-30 April, 2020 |
Roi Et | 10-17 April, 2020 | |
Nakhon Ratchasima *Suspension of inter-provincial bus services | 11 April, 2020, until further notice |
Last updated on April 8:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to inform foreigners in Thailand who have been affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that they will be granted automatic visa extensions. Read more
Last updated on April 6:
Thailand’s ban on all incoming passenger flights has been extended for the period from 00.01 Hrs. of 7 April, 2020, until 23.59 Hrs. of 18 April, 2020, from previously covering a three-day period from 00.01 Hrs. of 04 April, 2020, until 23.59 Hrs. of 06 April, 2020. Read more
Last updated on April 4:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update regarding the temporary ban on all incoming passenger flights into the country in an intensified attempt to curb the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Read more
Last updated on April 2:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand would like to provide the latest update that Thailand has imposed a nationwide nighttime curfew to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Read more
Last updated on March 30:
Bangkok
- All markets and malls will remain closed until the 30th of April.
Lampang
- Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is closed until further notice.
Phuket
- The government of Thailand has announced that Phuket City will be on lockdown until the 30th of April.
- Phuket Aquarium is closed until further notice. Source
Please see the latest link of all the temporary closures in Thailand here
Last updated on March 27:
The Office of International Cooperation, Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health has opened a dedicated hotline for foreigners in Thailand to inquire about COVID-19 related matters at +66 (0) 96 847 8209 or +66 (0) 92 726 0474, from 08.00 – 20.00 Hrs. Thailand local time.
DDC previously handled all inquiries from both Thais and foreigners via the main Hotline 1422. Read more
Last updated on March 26:
Please see Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) update on Summary of the Directives Issued under Thailand’s Emergency Decree here.
Last updated on March 24:
Thailand closes border checkpoints. Read more
Last updated on March 23:
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update that the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health has updated its list of ongoing local transmission areas regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), including affected areas reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Read more
Starting from the 22nd of March at 00 h 00, the following measures will be in effect in Thailand:
For foreign nationals:
- All passengers must be able to produce a Health Certificate certifying that they are not infected. This document must be issued within 72 hours of the departure time.
- All passengers must have health insurance for minimum medical coverage of 100 000 USD in Thailand and covers the treatment of COVID-19.
Thai Nationals returning to Thailand:
- All passengers must be able to produce a Health Certificate certifying that they are fit to fly.
- All passengers must have a letter issued by the Royal Thai Embassy, Thai Consular Office or Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom of Thailand certifying that the passenger is Thai National returning to Thailand. Read more
On March 20
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has upgraded its notification on the practical guidelines for airlines operating international flights to Thailand in its intensified effort to support Thailand’s nationwide surveillance measures to combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Issued on 19 March, 2020
effective from Sunday, 22 March, 2020, at 00.00 Hrs. Thailand local time onwards, the CAAT’s upgraded guidelines now require all airlines to check the required documentation from foreign travellers regardless of their flight origins.
Upon flight check-in, all foreign travellers must present a health certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel certifying that they pose no risk of being infected by the COVID–19. Each traveller must also present a health insurance policy with a minimum medical coverage of US$ 100,000 in Thailand of COVID-19. Read more
On March 18
The Government of Thailand has announced the following measures:
- Thai New Year, or Songkran, holidays and celebrations, from the 13th to the 15th of April, 2020, are postponed until further notice.
- 14-day closure of universities, international schools and tutorial schools, from the 18th to 31st of March, 2020.
- Temporary closure of Muay Thai stadiums, sports stadiums, horse race tracks, cinemas, pubs/bars, and entertainment venues in Bangkok and the vicinity until further notice.
- The hosting of events and activities which attract large crowds; such as, concerts, exhibitions and trade fairs, and religious, cultural and sports events, will be up to the discretion of each provincial governor and the local communicable disease control office.
For venues that need to remain open, including shopping venues, markets and office buildings, the government has asked for stricter surveillance measures. Operators of shops and restaurants are also asked to implement stricter screening and cleanliness. Source
On March 15, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide clarification on our recent update issued on 13 March, 2020, titled “Thailand temporarily suspends visas for 21 countries to contain COVID-19,” especially for passport holders of South Korea, Hong Kong SAR and Russia. Read more
Upon arrival at the point of entry travelers are subject to primary fever screening by thermo scanners and infrared thermometers and a questionnaire on their travel history and contact information. Travelers with no fever will receive a health beware card and be allowed to enter the country. Travelers with a body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius and who have COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated and transferred to a designated hospital for quarantine or treatment. Travelers who have been in contact or seated in the close vicinity of the suspected cases will be followed up for 14 days in accordance with the disease prevention and control standards.
Thailand has recently announced the visa on arrival cancellation for 18 countries and visa exemption of three countries including South Korea, Italy, and Hong Kong. Read more
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has stepped up its surveillance, prevention and control measures for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Don Mueang Airport. Aimed at ensuring health confidence among travellers, the enhanced measures at Don Mueang Airport include extra screening points with handheld thermometers at:
- Immigration’s passport control, International Departures, Level 3, International Passenger Terminal 1
- Security screening, Domestic Departures, Level 3, Domestic Passenger Terminal 2
- Entry screening, Domestic Arrivals, Level 1, Domestic Passenger Terminal 2
The extra screening points are in addition to the entry screening points at the International Arrivals, Level 1, International Passenger Terminal 1.
Due to the extra screening, travellers are advised to arrive at Don Mueang Airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure time.
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has stepped up its surveillance, prevention and control measures for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The enhanced measures include:
- 5 entry screening points with thermal scans and handheld thermometers
- 2 at the Arrival Concourse D.
- 3 at the Immigration’s passport control.
- 4 departure screening points with thermal scans and handheld thermometers
- 1 at the security screening, International Departures Zone 3.
- 1 at the Immigration’s passport control, Fast Track Lane, International Departures Zone 3.
- 1 at the Immigration’s passport control, Fast Track Lane, International Departures Zone 2.
- 1 at the Immigration’s passport control, International Departures Zone 1. Read more
Official Tourism Department Website
Last updated on December 19:
The People’s Committee of Hà Nội’s Hai Bà Trưng District has ordered the temporary halt to on-site dining at restaurants, outdoor exercise, and in-person study, from 12pm of December 19. Read more
Last updated on December 13:
The People’s Committee of Hà Nội’s Đống Đa District has ordered the temporary halting of on-site dining at restaurants, outdoor exercise, and in-person study, from 12pm December 13. Read more
Last updated on December 9:
People entering Việt Nam, who are fully vaccinated and have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, can self-quarantine at home instead of having to undergo mandatory centralised quarantine. Read more
Last updated on December 9:
Vietnam is accepting vaccine passports from 78 countries and territories, and it is part of a similar list in five countries.
“Vietnam has temporarily recognized vaccination certificates from 78 countries and territories. Read more
Last updated on December 8:
Authorities in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, home to popular tourist town Vung Tau, have allowed hotels, resorts and restaurants in low and medium Covid-risk areas to reopen. Read more
Last updated on December 6:
Hanoi will suspend or prohibit non-essential services based on the local Covid-19 risk level. Districts may restrict or suspend the operation of non-essential services including food and beverage establishments, events with large gatherings and other activities based on the Covid risk level in their communes and wards. Read more
Last updated on November 18:
Food and beverage establishments in HCMC can stay open another hour late and those in low and medium-risk areas can serve alcoholic drinks.
Dining venues can remain open until 10 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. as required earlier, while still maintaining Covid-19 prevention protocols, according to a city’s regulation issued Tuesday. The rule is applied on a trial phase until the end of this month. Read more
Last updated on November 15:
Bars, dance clubs, karaoke and massage parlors in the central Khanh Hoa Province are allowed to resume operations from Tuesday after more than six months of closure. Read more
Last updated on November 13:
The ancient town of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam is scheduled to reopen tourism activities at various destinations starting from November 15. Read more
Last updated on November 6:
Ministry launches temporary guidance on receiving international arrivals.
Last updated on November 5:
Vietnam plans to restart international commercial flights with 15 countries from January next year, eyeing a full resumption by July. Read more
Last updated on November 3:
International tourists with vaccine passports or those who have made a full recovery from COVID-19 can visit five destinations in Việt Nam starting from this month, without a quarantine mandate.
Five pilot destinations to receive foreign tourists include Phú Quốc City in Kiên Giang Province, Khánh Hòa, Quảng Nam, Quảng Ninh Provinces and the central city of Đà Nẵng. Read more
Last updated on October 27:
HCM City’s authorities on Wednesday issued its decision to allow in-person dining to resume from Thursday, after five months of closure and delivery-only operations due to the severe COVID-19 outbreak.
Restaurants, cafes, and other food and beverages places can cater for sit-in services again, but they must close at 9pm each day, the number of customers is capped at 50 per cent, and alcoholic drinks are still not allowed (except in wedding venues, or restaurants at hotels for tourists). Read more
Last updated on October 25:
Flights between Vân Đồn in the northern province of Quảng Ninh and HCM City will resume on Wednesday (October 27) after being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on October 25:
Flights between HCMC and Quang Ninh Province will resume Wednesday after being grounded for over five months. Read more
Last updated on October 24:
The Vietnamese government launched a road map to reopen Ho Chi Minh City to international travellers at the beginning of next year. The megacity and financial hub of Vietnam has a 3-stage plan for tourism recovery with strict Covid-19 safety measures in place.
The plan is designed to limit the risk of a major outbreak while still providing economic stimulus after the country’s travel industry has been essentially shuttered for the better part of two years. Ho Chi Minh City, along with the rest of Vietnam, has just begun to loosen Covid-19 restrictions after some of the strictest lockdowns in the world but will continue to enforce masking and social distancing among other safety measures. Read more
Last updated on October 20:
Travel companies in the southern central province of Binh Thuan has been permitted to welcome tourists from October 24. Read more
Last updated on October 17:
Ho Chi Minh City has officially reopened to welcome back tourists, with the local market set to play a key role in connecting localities whilst developing inter-regional routes and safe destinations under its tourism recovery roadmap. Read more
Last updated on October 16:
The central province of Quang Binh on October 15 welcomed the first tourists from another locality after a long hiatus triggered by the latest COVID-19 wave. Read more
Last updated on October 4:
The northeastern coastal province of Quang Ninh has identified that maintaining COVID-19-free zones, dubbed ‘green zones’, serves as a prerequisite condition for tourism and services recovery in the new normal.
In October, Quang Ninh will resume some tourism services serving only visitors from inside the province, while applying stringent preventive measures towards a pilot programme of welcoming tourists from other localities next month. Read more
Last updated on September 25:
The Transport Ministry is planning to resume domestic flights and train services in certain localities with relaxed coronavirus restrictions starting October. Read more
Last updated on September 23:
Ho Chi Minh City will gradually reopen economic activities in areas with less risk of COVID-19 infection after September 30. Read more
Last updated on September 21:
The northern province Quang Ninh has resumed intra-provincial tourism and entertainment activities but only for vaccinated residents. Read more
Last updated on September 21:
People in HCM City will be allowed to travel if they have received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks earlier or were infected and recovered from the disease. Read more
Last updated on September 21:
Hanoi’s authorities have allowed the reopening of some services in the city from 6am on September 21.
Stores providing essential goods and services are allowed to open, along with traditional markets, shopping centres, stores for stationery, textbooks, and other learning equipment, mechanics, electronics, and home appliances and in-door hairdressing salons. Read more
Last updated on September 20:
Hà Nội will remove travel permits for inner city commuters and not divide the city into three-coloured zones from September 21. Read more
Last updated on September 15:
Hà Nội on Wednesday allowed restaurants and food and drink establishments to reopen for delivery, starting 12:00 noon Thursday, but only in districts that have recorded no community COVID-19 cases since September 6.
The establishments are also required to close before 9pm every day. Read more
Last updated on September 13:
HCMC will continue imposing the tough Directive 16 through the second half of September, but ease the lockdown in some districts where the situation is stable. Read more
Last updated on September 10:
HCM City People’s Committee issued a new decision on COVID-19 prevention and control measures as the city continues to stay under the restrictive Directive 16.
The city will allow postal service providers, telecommunications, IT devices and equipment and office stationery vendors to reopen, also within the same time frame and also only for delivery orders. Read more
Last updated on September 9:
Vietnam’s Immigration Department announced automatic visa extensions until September 30, 2021, for foreigners that entered the country on visa waiver programmes, e-visas, or tourist visas since March 1. The measure applies to those who entered Vietnam since March 1, allowing them to leave the country without any penalty or paperwork until September 30, 2021. Read more
Last updated on September 7:
HCMC has decided to extend its tight social distancing rules until September 15. More details
Last updated on September 3:
Da Nang will switch to less stringent social distancing requirements from Sunday based on the level of risk in each area. Read more
Last updated on September 2:
Strict, social distancing measures will continue in Ha Noi after September 6, as authorities announce plans to introduce a new zonal system to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Areas designated red zones, deemed to be high risk locations, will continue restrictions and will apply tighter COVID-19 prevention measures when necessary. Read more
Last updated on August 26:
Hanoi mandates Covid-19 testing in locked down areas. To control the spread of the virus in the district’s clusters, the local authorities strictly monitored locked down areas, erected warning signs and absolutely forbid people from going to others’ homes. Read more
Last updated on August 25:
The central city of Da Nang will extend its order on halt to activities for 10 more days from 8am on August 26 to 8 am on September 5 in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on August 20:
Hà Nội’s authorities decided to extend the city’s social distancing order until 6am on September 6, 2021, amid new COVID-19 infections in the community and complicated developments in many other localities. More details
Last updated on August 15:
HCM City, the current COVID-19 epicentre of Việt Nam, will extend its strict social distancing measures for another month until September 15. More details
Last updated on August 14:
Da Nang and Nha Trang in central Vietnam have issued decisions banning people from leaving their homes for a week as a tougher restriction amid rising coronavirus infections. Read more
Last updated on August 11:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its travel warnings to include Vietnam in the group of high-risk countries due to rising infection numbers. Read more
Last updated on August 10:
Belgium, the Czech Republic and Malta have put Vietnam in their travel red list, which requires arrivals to undergo mandatory quarantine. Read more
Last updated on August 6:
The Ministry of Transport has agreed to suspend passenger flights to Buôn Ma Thuột from HCM City from August 8.
Special flights carrying medical staff and supplies will be considered for exemption. Read more
Last updated on August 6:
Hanoi authorities have decided to extend the capital’s ongoing Covid-19 social distancing order until August 22, starting from 6 a.m. on August 8. More details
Last updated on August 6:
“Pandemic-free green zones” have been set up across HCM City to ban strangers from entering safe residential areas and encourage locals to stay indoors.
Pandemic-free green zones are considered safe areas, with no cases or risk of infection. Read more
Last updated on August 6:
Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen provinces in central Vietnam have imposed and extended social distancing for another 10 days until August 15. Read more
Last updated on August 4:
Fully vaccinated people arriving in Vietnam will have to spend seven days in centralized quarantine and self monitor their health in following weeks. Read more
Last updated on July 31:
Đà Nẵng and Hội An ancient town will begin social distancing orders under the Prime Minister’s Directive 16 from 6pm on Saturday, strengthening drastic measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on July 31:
All 19 southern localities including HCMC will extend social distancing under Directive 16 for another 14 days.
The localities to impose extended social distancing besides HCMC are Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and 13 Mekong Delta localities Can Tho, Tien Giang, Long An, Vinh Long. Read more
Last updated on July 28:
Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet and Pacific Airlines have suspended all of their regular passenger flights, while Vietnam Airlines and the Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO) are still operating some air routes.
Regular flights will be suspended from July 26 to August 7. Read more
Last updated on July 27:
11 southern provinces have required residents not to go out between 6 p.m. and 5-6 a.m. the next day in an effort to curb Covid-19 spread.
The travel ban will be effective from Wednesday in the industrial provinces Binh Duong and Dong Nai that border HCMC. Read more
Last updated on July 26:
Authorities in central Quang Nam Province have imposed social distancing measures in Hoi An after new Covid-19 clusters.
Directive 16 has been implemented in Tan An and Thanh Ha wards. Read more
Last updated on July 25:
HCMC will ban people from going out between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next day starting from July 25. Read more
Last updated on July 24:
The Russian government has listed Vietnam among 48 countries and territories visitors. Read more
Last updated on July 24:
Hà Nội will apply strict social distancing measures across the city from 6am on Saturday July 24 to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest dispatch issued by local authorities on Friday evening. Read more
Last updated on July 24:
Two flights from HCMC to Hanoi were suspended Friday due to a lack of quarantine facilities for incoming passengers, with additional flights in the next two days cancelled. Read more
Last updated on July 23:
HCMC will tighten its coronavirus restrictions in the next two weeks, ramping them up in certain areas. Read more
Last updated on July 22:
Authorities in Da Nang have reinstated a ban on outdoor activities, non-essential business activities, and gatherings of over two individuals after the central Vietnamese city reported new local transmissions.
The prohibitions came into force from 12:00 pm on Thursday. Read more
Last updated on July 22:
Hanoi is set to quarantine all visitors from the 19 southern provinces and cities that are under social distancing. Read more
Last updated on July 18:
Chairman of the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh on July 18 ordered halting all non-essential services amid the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on July 18:
Authorities in Hà Nội have locked down several locations related to positive cases of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on July 18:
Hanoi has stopped public transportation to 37 Covid-hit provinces and cities, most of them in the south, starting Sunday July 18. Read more
Last updated on July 17:
An additional 16 southern provinces and cities will apply social distancing under Directive 16 from midnight on July 19. The strict measures to stamp out worsening outbreaks of COVID-19 will be in place for 14 days. More details
Last updated on July 15:
Da Nang suspends sport activities, closes hair salons over COVID-19 concerns from 12pm on July 15. Read more
Last updated on July 14:
The Ministry of Health on July 14 issued updated guidelines on the mandatory quarantine period and details of a pilot home quarantine scheme for people who came into direct contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
According to the guidelines, the time of medical quarantine is decreased from 21 days to 14 days for direct contacts (F1 cases) of confirmed COVID-19 patients (F0) and foreign arrivals, except for arrivals for business purposes with duration of stay shorter than 14 days, and other cases of entries in accordance with other regulations of the Immigration Department and the National Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. Read more
Last updated on July 14:
The Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to temporarily suspend entry and exit through the Cambodian-Vietnamese border of skilled workers, technicians, employees of Vietnamese companies for one month from July 18, 2021. Read more
Last updated on July 12:
Vietnam Airlines (VNA) has announced plans to restart international commercial flights starting July 15. More details
Last updated on July 12:
Vietnam started nationwide home quarantine program on July 12. More details
Last updated on July 12:
Hanoi will suspend all non-essential services, including restaurants (only takeaways accepted) and hair salons, as well as entertainment activities, physical exercises and large gatherings in parks, gardens and public locations from 0:00 on July 13. Read more
Last updated on July 11:
Vietnam will impose movement restrictions in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho for 14 days. Read more
Last updated on July 9:
Vietnam’s Immigration Department has extended the automatic stay provision for foreigners stranded in Vietnam until 31 July.
Foreigners who entered Vietnam on visa waivers, e-visas or tourist visas from 1 March 2020 are entitled to automatic stay extension until 31 July 2021. They can depart from Vietnam without having to apply for a stay extension. Read more
Last updated on July 9:
Authorities in Sri Lanka and Oman have decided to extend an entry ban for arrivals from Vietnam until further notice amid rising fears over the Delta variant of Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on July 9:
Air passengers are required to present a valid negative coronavirus test result before travelling from/to Ho Chi Minh City, according to a new directive by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) on intensifying COVID-19 response. Read more
Last updated on July 8:
All HCMC arrivals must self-isolate for seven days. They must restrict interaction with others after their self-isolation period, and not participate in events with large crowds. Read more
Last updated on July 8:
Hà Nội People’s Committee on Thursday announced the suspension of outdoor physical exercise and sports from 6pm the same day due to the complex developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on July 8:
The Ministry of Transport has approved the temporary suspension of flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc island city in Kien Giang province.
The suspension of flights beginning at 0:00 on July 8 until further notice. Read more
Last updated on July 7:
HCMC will impose its second 15-day citywide social distancing order starting Friday as the current epicenter seeks to curb the spread of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on July 6:
Quang Binh Province has started welcoming external visitors.
Visitors from outside Quang Binh, except areas under lockdown or social distancing restrictions are now allowed to enter the central province. They are required to submit medical declarations and monitor their health. Read more
Last updated on July 3:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has sent a document to the Transport Ministry proposing the suspension of flights to and from Tho Xuan airport in Thanh Hoa province, and flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Bai in Thua Thien-Hue province and between HCM City and Chu Lai in Quang Nam province.
Flights to and from Tho Xuan airport and HCM City-Phu Bai flights will be suspended from 0am on July 4, and those between Ho Chi Minh City and Chu Lai and vice versa from 12:00 am on July 5. Read more
Last updated on July 2:
The UAE has banned its citizens from traveling to 14 countries and territories including Vietnam. Read more
Last updated on July 1:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has issued a document on the suspension of Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh flights and vice versa, starting from 0:00 on July 2 until further notice. Read more
Last updated on July 1:
The northern Quang Ninh Province, which will implement the vaccine passport program this month, has begun trialing the use of tracking wristbands on visitors as a Covid-19 control measure. Read more
Last updated on June 29:
HCM City plans to extend its current social distancing period until further notice as part of its effort to curb the highly contagious Delta variant and the increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Read more
Last updated on June 26:
Vietnam’s northern province of Quang Ninh, home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, will reduce required quarantine times to seven days from 21 for vaccinated foreign travelers, and those who have recovered from Covid-19, in a July trial program. Read more
Last updated on June 26:
The northern province of Quảng Ninh has been selected as the location to pilot a seven-day quarantine policy for foreign arrivals that have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting this July. Read more
Last updated on June 25:
People in Hà Nội will be allowed to exercise outdoors and golf courses are to reopen starting June 26, as the COVID-19 outbreak is under control and no infections have been reported in the community in recent days. Read more
Last updated on June 25:
Authorities in Binh Dinh Province closed public beaches and only allowed takeaway services from June 25. Read more
Last updated on June 24:
Tuy Hoa City People’s Committee decided to social distance throughout the city according to the directive 15 from 15:00 today 24/6 after having 5 cases positive for COVID-19 and forecasting hundreds of F1 cases. Read more
Last updated on June 22:
With the COVID-19 situation under control in Hanoi, municipal authorities have approved the reopening of indoor dining and drinking venues along with hair salons, effective from 0:00 on June 22. Read more
Last updated on June 20:
The central city of Đà Nẵng has ordered closure of beaches and sit-in dining venues starting Sunday at noon due to a new COVID-19 outbreak.
The order – which asks that restaurants, eateries, cafes, and other eating and drinking establishments only serve take-away orders or online orders – will take effect on Sunday 12pm until further notice. Read more
Last updated on June 19:
HCMC will suspend traditional and ride-hailing taxi services, public buses and inter-provincial buses from Sunday as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on June 18:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) said it has just sent a document to regional airport authorities, airlines, and Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) about the adjustment period of mandatory concentrated quarantine from 14 to at least 21 days for air passengers entering the country from abroad. Read more
Last updated on June 17:
Hà Nội health authorities on Thursday said arrivals from HCM City would undergo COVID-19 screening tests for 4-5 days due to the severity of the outbreak in the southern city. Read more
Last updated on June 14:
Ho Chi Minh City will continue to apply city-wide social distancing in line with the Government’s Directive No. 15 until the end of June amid complicated developments of coronavirus outbreaks in the city. Read more
Last updated on June 13:
Quang Ninh province has allowed certain services and local tourism to resume operation since 12:00 on June 8. Read more
Last updated on June 10:
Danang loosened social distancing rules from June 9 as the city hasn’t registered any Covid-19 infection cases in the community for 21 days. Restaurants can work at half capacity. Beaches were also reopened from 4.30 am to 7.30 am and from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Bans were lifted for sports in which players can keep a distance from each other like tennis, golf, and walking. Read more
Last updated on June 9:
Da Nang authorities reopened the city’s public beaches and allowed restaurants and eateries to resume business on Wednesday after three weeks without new Covid-19 cases. Read more
Last updated on June 9:
Quang Ninh province has allowed certain services and local tourism to resume operation since 12:00 on June 8 after no new cases of COVID-19 community transmission were recorded here for one month to June 7. Read more
Last updated on June 8:
The central province of Hà Tĩnh has imposed social distancing regulations from noon on Tuesday after a health worker at the provincial general hospital tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more
Last updated on June 5:
The Ministry of Transport has just approved the Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control proposals by some provinces about the suspension of domestic flights linking Quang Ninh and Gia Lai provinces to Ho Chi Minh City from June 5 upon further announcement. Read more
Last updated on June 4:
The United Arab Emirates and Oman will prohibit the entry of visitors from Vietnam. Read more
Last updated on June 3:
The Ministry of Transport, on June 3, issued a document on suspending flights between the northern port city of Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City.
The suspension of flights will last until the COVID-19 situation is put under control. Read more
Last updated on June 2:
International flights to Hanoi and HCMC resumed on June 2. Read more
Last updated on June 1:
Vietnamese authorities have suspended entry into Vietnam by people from India, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos as a measure to contain the increasing COVID-19 spread. Read more
Last updated on June 1:
The Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi will stop welcoming passengers from abroad from June 1 amid rising COVID-19 infections in the capital.
According to an urgent dispatch sent by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to airlines and relevant agencies, the suspension will last until June 7. Read more
Last updated on May 31:
All visitors from HCMC will be quarantined on arrival in Binh Dinh, Gia Lai, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and Thua Thien Hue provinces. Read more
Last updated on May 30:
Ho Chi Minh City’s chairman has ordered social distancing measures to be imposed across the city for at least two weeks starting Monday, amid rising Covid-19 infections. Read more
Last updated on May 28:
Officials in Ho Chi Minh have ordered local travel companies to stop offering “vaccine tours” to the US, accusing operators of only selling 1-way tickets. Read more
Last updated on May 26:
Hanoi temporarily closes service establishments amid Covid-19.
From 12am of May 25, 2021, Hanoi temporarily closes service establishments amid Covid-19 in response to new developments of Covid-19. Source
Last updated on May 25:
Authorities in Quang Nam Province decided to reopen public beaches and allowed Hoi An to welcome tourists back. Read more
Last updated on May 22:
The HCM City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) has just announced that people coming from Quế Võ District in Bắc Ninh from May 12, and Công Lý Commune in Hà Nam Province from May 13 will be quarantined in public facilities. Read more
Last updated on May 21:
The northern province of Bắc Giang’s Department of Transport stopped all passenger transport in the province from midnight on Friday due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on May 20:
All passenger transportation services have been suspended in Bac Ninh starting Thursday. Read more
Last updated on May 18:
Bắc Giang and Bắc Ninh provinces have launched social distancing in several localities to stop the spread of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on May 17:
Da Nang has suspended cars and motorbikes from transporting passengers and delivery services. Read more
Last updated on May 14:
Da Nang has banned gatherings of more than five people in public and outside of offices and schools. Read more
Last updated on May 14:
Visitors with recent travel history to Vietnam will have to serve a 21-day stay-home notice at dedicated facilities. Read more
Last updated on May 13:
Vietnam has decided to temporarily suspend and restrict the entry of foreigners and overseas Vietnamese in order to focus on implementing pandemic prevention and control measures in the country, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang said. Read more
Last updated on May 13:
The Hanoi People’s Committee has ordered closing sports events, golf courses and training facilities as from 12:00 on May 13. Read more
Last updated on May 11:
Hanoi’s authorities on May 11 said they began banning gatherings of more than 10 people and suspend a certain number of food and beverage places amid rising coronavirus fears. Read more
Last updated on May 11:
The People’s Committee of Hoà Bình City, Hoà Bình Province, decided to apply social distancing for the whole city.
Under the decision issued on Sunday, all meetings or gatherings of more than 20 people in a room (excluding meetings with voters) are banned. Read more
Last updated on May 10:
All people returning from Đà Nẵng must make a health declaration and isolate at home upon arriving in Quảng Nam Province from Monday. Read more
Last updated on May 7:
HCMC has announced to ban public gatherings of more than 30 people and shut down gyms, buffet restaurants as ongoing Covid-19 community outbreak looms large.
Starting Friday, all activities gathering more than 30 people at once such as fairs or group exercises in public will be banned. Read more
Last updated on May 7:
The compulsory concentrated COVID-19 quarantine period in Vietnam has been officially extended to 21 days. Read more
Last updated on May 4:
Theaters, massage parlors, spas, and gyms in Hanoi will be shut starting Wednesday to cope with the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak. Read more
Last updated on May 3:
Da Nang would suspend gyms, festivals and sporting events starting Tuesday amid rising coronavirus concerns. Read more
Last updated on May 3:
The capital city of Hanoi will temporarily shut down relic and religious sites, sidewalk eateries and beverage outlets from 5pm on May 3, in an effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on May 1:
Ha Nam schools will be closed from May 3-9 after seven cases of Covid-19 were discovered in the province recently. Read more
Last updated on May 1:
The northern province of Ha Nam has imposed a lockdown on Dao Ly commune in its Ly Nhan district, the latest hotbed of COVID-19. Read more
Last updated on April 30:
All bars, discotheques and karaoke parlors in Ho Chi Minh City have been ordered closed from Friday evening. Read more
Last updated on April 30:
Hanoi authorities asked all bars, karaoke parlors, discotheques and game rooms to close from midnight April 30. Read more
Last updated on April 27:
Hà Nội’s authorities decided to halt festivals, close walking street areas, and limit unnecessary large gatherings in the capital city over coronavirus fears. Read more
Last updated on April 19:
Vietnam’s Immigration Department has announced that all foreigners who entered Vietnam after March 1 on visa exemptions, e-visas or tourism visas will be given automatic stay extensions at no charge until Apr. 30, 2021. Read more
Last updated on April 6:
Last updated on March 26:
Vietnam Airlines has resumed international commercial operations after a long hiatus, with its first flight arriving in Da Nang from Taiwan. Read more
Last updated on March 22:
Hanoi will allow bars, karaoke parlours and discos to resume their activities from 0:00 am on March 23, said Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Chu Xuan Dung at a meeting of the local steering board for COVID-19 prevention and control on March 22. Read more
Last updated on March 12:
The northern province of Quảng Ninh resumed the operation of inter-provincial coaches to areas free from the Covid-19 pandemic, except Hải Dương Province, and tourism activities on March 11, after 16 days without any new infections. Read more
Last updated on March 11:
The northern province of Quảng Ninh resumed the operation of inter-provincial coaches to areas free from the Covid-19 pandemic, except Hải Dương Province, and tourism activities on March 11, after 16 days without any new infections. Read more
Last updated on March 11:
Foreign passengers holding ‘vaccine passports’ should still undergo 14-day quarantine in the absence of information on the potential risk of infection following two-dose inoculation. Read more
Last updated on March 10:
Religious establishments, relic sites, and tourist attractions in Hanoi were re-opened on March 8 after being temporarily closed to contain COVID-19, with preventive measures in place. Read more
Last updated on March 9:
HCMC authorities have allowed some non-essential businesses like gyms, fitness centres, pubs, and beer clubs to reopen on Tuesday after the city went 26 days without Covid-19. Read more
Last updated on March 4:
Hai Phong city, which borders the current largest COVID-19 hotbed of Hai Duong, has allowed a number of public activities and services to resume as the COVID-19 situation in the locality shows signs of easing. Read more
Last updated on March 3:
Those entering Hanoi and HCMC from areas in Hai Duong experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks starting Wednesday must self-isolate for 14 days, the cities requested.
The Hanoi Health Department required people entering Hanoi from Hai Duong Town (the capital city of Hai Duong Province), Kim Mon Town, Kim Thanh and Cam Giang Districts to isolate themselves at home. Read more
Last updated on March 2:
The Ministry of Transport has decided to allow Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh reopen from 6:01am on March 3 after the COVID-19 pandemic has been put under control in the locality and the airport is safe to transport passengers. Read more
Last updated on March 2:
With the new wave of COVID-19 outbreak contained, the northern province of Quang Ninh officially reopened its tourism activities from 0:00 on March 2, starting with local tourists. Read more
Last updated on February 26:
The city authorities of HCM City have allowed the reopening of restaurants and other services starting from March 1.
However, services such as bars, pubs, beer clubs, sports facilities and gyms will remain closed until further notice.
Activities not included in these groups can reopen but must comply with COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control regulations. Read more
Last updated on February 24:
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are planning to reopen schools on March 1, according to the Ministry of Education and Training, after a two-week delay to the scheduled resumption when Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday end mid-February. Read more
Last updated on February 19:
The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) on Thursday required that all people who have arrived in the city from Hai Duong Province since February 3, Vietnam’s current COVID-19 epicentre, be sent to centralized quarantine facilities and tested for the novel coronavirus in order to prevent transmission. Read more
Last updated on February 9:
Vietnam’s Immigration Department has announced that all foreigners who entered Vietnam after March 1 on visa exemptions, e-visas or tourism visas will be given automatic stay extensions at no charge until Mar. 31, 2021. Read more
Last updated on February 4:
The fourteen-day quarantine will continue to be applied on foreign experts, investors, entrepreneurs, management officials and Vietnamese entering Vietnam from other countries, said Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang at the ministry’s regular press briefing held online on February 4. Read more
Last updated on February 1:
From February 1, 2021 until further notice, anyone entering Vietnam will need to undergo medical checks and 21-day quarantine upon arrival. Read more
Last updated on January 31:
The Lunar New Year holiday will begin a week earlier for over 2 million Hanoi students, from kindergartens to high schools, as a Covid-19 precaution.
The Hanoi People’s Committee agreed with the municipal education department’s proposal that the Tet school holiday will run from February 1 to 16, instead of starting on February 8, as originally planned. Read more
Last updated on January 29:
Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport has ordered the suspension of all passenger and cargo flights from and to the northern border province of Quang Ninh, where many COVID-19 cases were recently detected in the community.
All flights from and to COVID-19-hit Quang Ninh province have been suspended from 12 pm on January 28 until further notice. Read more
Last updated on January 28:
Hanoi’s Department of Transport on January 28 ordered the suspension of passenger transport by road between the capital city and the northern province of Quang Ninh where a new outbreak of COVID-19 has been detected. Read more
Last updated on January 28:
Covid-19 quarantine period involving new community outbreaks confirmed Thursday will be increased from 14 to 21 days. Read more
Last updated on January 20:
All foreign experts and flight crew entering Vietnam will have to compulsorily undergo a 14-day centralized quarantine as Covid-19 prevention measures are strengthened ahead of Tet.
A government directive has stopped all short-term and home quarantine provisions. Earlier, allowances were made for some foreign experts and flight crew to be quarantined for less than 14 days or to be self-isolated at home or other accommodations. Read more
Last updated on January 10:
Vietnam will limit flights bringing citizens home from now until the end of the Chinese New Year in mid-February to reduce coronavirus risks. Read more
Last updated on January 7:
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has ordered suspending flights carrying Vietnamese citizens home from countries and territories which report new variants of SARS-CoV-2 and see complicated pandemic developments, firstly the UK and South Africa. Read more
Last updated on January 6:
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has requested passengers on domestic flights to fill in compulsory health declaration within 24 hours before departure, given rising travel demand during the Lunar New Year festival 2021 and amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on December 17:
Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to resume 2-way commercial flights for business and official travel in 2021 and set up a “green lane” arrangement. Read more
Last updated on December 4:
Repatriation flights will continue to operate into Vietnam while voluntary commercial flights are on hold after the recent spate of locally acquired COVID-19 cases in HCM City as a result of a quarantine breach after three months virus-free. Read more
Last updated on December 2:
Domestic carriers will have to suspend international flights if flight crew members violate regulations on medical isolation and COVID-19 prevention. Read more
Last updated on December 2:
Vietnam and Laos have restarted commercial flights between the two countries, following months of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more
Last updated on December 1:
Vietnam has suspended international commercial flights. Read more
Last updated on October 31:
The Immigration Department will extend its visa waiver programme for another month, officials have announced.
Foreigners who entered Việt Nam from March 1 can have their temporary stay permits automatically extended until November 30. Read more
Last updated on October 29:
Passengers arriving into Vietnam will now be divided into 3 groups, each with different quarantine requirements:
1. Vietnamese citizens or family members of Vietnamese citizens – will undergo centralised quarantine for 14 days
2. Foreigners who are experts, investors, business managers, skilled workers and their family or international students and staying in Vietnam for more than 14 days – quarantined at registered hotels for 7 days, then if test negative on day 6, permitted to quarantine at their residential area for another 7 days
3. Foreign diplomats – quarantined at their houses or residential areas for 14 days. Foreign experts entering for less than 14 days – tested on first day of arrival, and once every 3 days after. Read more
Last updated on October 12:
Last updated on October 11:
The Governments of Vietnam and Japan are set to come to an agreement to allow businesspeople to resume travelling between the two countries for short work-related trips as early as this month. Read more
Last updated on October 6:
Danang’s Department of Tourism welcomed the first group of domestic tourists, 4 October, after more than a two-month tourism lockdown introduced in July to combat a Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. Read more
Last updated on September 14:
Foreigners who entered Vietnam on or after 1 March will have their temporary stay permits automatically extended until 30 September 30, according to an announcement by the country’s immigration authority earlier this month. Read more
Last updated on September 14:
The Vietnamese Prime Minister has agreed to re-open international commercial flights to six destinations overseas after the novel coronavirus pandemic was brought under control in these venues. On September 15, Vietnam is officially “reopening” the sky after nearly 6 months, the biggest concern is how to “open the door” safely and minimize the source of infection. Read more
Last updated on September 11:
Vietnam expects to resume commercial flights to Laos and Cambodia from 22 Sep. Passengers will need to have a negative certificate prior to departure, and will be tested on arrival twice. Foreign passengers will need to pay for all quarantine and testing, as well as install the app Bluezone. Read more
Last updated on September 6:
Vietnam Airlines will resume operations to and from Da Nang, Vietnam, on September 7th. The initial routes will be out to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two of the airline’s largest hubs, which provide connections across the world, though presently, flights are only restricted to domestic operations. Read more
Last updated on September 1:
Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority is working on a plan to resume international flights from Sept 15 with all passengers quarantined for 14 days upon arrival in the country, according to a post on the government’s website, which cited Dinh Viet Thang, director of the authority. Read more
Last updated on July 30:
Hanoi shuts bars, prohibits crowds after two diagnosed with Covid-19 on July 30. Read more
Last updated on July 27:
Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months. Read more
Last updated on July 14:
Vietnam has agreed to resume commercial flights to and from China after months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country’s ministry of transport said on Monday, noting the frequency and timing of flights was still being discussed. Read more
Last updated on June 24:
Vietnamese carriers’ plans to resume international flights next month will come to nought, given fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in Asia and other factors. “In this current situation, the reopening of international commercial flights from July 1 as planned by Vietnamese carriers in which passengers are not subject to the 14-day quarantine is unfeasible,” Read more
Last updated on June 24:
Only Vietnamese nationals, foreigners on diplomatic or official business, and highly skilled workers are currently allowed to travel to Vietnam, the official website Vietnam Tourism reported 23 June.
Active since 22 March the ban on tourist visits remains in place for all foreign nationals. No subsequent announcements have been made on officials channels on the planned timeline to reopen borders to international travel, and there have been no hints as to when embassies will resume the issue of tourist visas. Visa-on-arrival and visa-free travel have also been suspended indefinitely. Read more
Last updated on June 15:
Borders with China, Cambodia and Laos are currently closed except to tourists. The country has temporarily banned entry for all foreign nationals for all visa types including eVisa, visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival. There are a very small number of exceptions for diplomats on official business and certain high-skilled workers where permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Everyone allowed to enter Vietnam under the exemption will be required to undertake 14 days of quarantine and follow Vietnam’s Covid-19 protocols if tested positive. Source
Last updated on June 11:
Vietnam said on Thursday it is preparing to resume international flights to China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Laos in a bid to sustain growth, with the first flights set for early July. Read more
Last updated on June 9:
Vietnam plans to allow a resumption of flights to and from countries that have had no cases of coronavirus for 30 days, state media cited the prime minister as saying on Tuesday, with priority destinations including Japan, South Korea and Cambodia. Read more
Last updated on June 4:
Vietnam Airlines resumed its domestic routes at almost pre-COVID-19 levels transporting more than 500,000 commercial passengers since services restarted in late April. Read more
Last updated on May 29:
Vietnam will resume issuing e-visa for citizens from 80 countries starting 1 July according to a government resolution. Read more
Last updated on May 27:
The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) has also been tasked with proposing a specific time frame for resuming the flights on a bilateral basis to restore trade and investment activities and revive the tourism industry while ensuring strict maintenance of anti-pandemic measures.
The Transport Ministry has asked civil aviation authorities to submit plans by June 10 for reopening some international flight routes. Read more
Last updated on May 20:
Vietnam’s Immigration Department has announced that all foreigners who entered Vietnam after March 1 on visa exemptions, e-visas or tourism visas will be given automatic stay extensions at no charge until June 30, 2020. Travellers still in the country should declare their temporary residence to local police, through their landlords or hotels, and must complete Vietnam’s online health declaration.
Last updated on Apr 23:
Vietnam lifted its 22-day social distancing campaign on April 23. The government advises all citizens and foreigners to wash hands regularly, and maintain interpersonal distance of at least one metre. Gatherings of more than 20 people are banned, and masks must be worn when out in public.
Festivals, religious ceremonies, and sporting events are still suspended across the country. Facilities such as bars, beauty salons and massage parlours must remain closed until further notice. Most trades and services including hotels are allowed to resume. Flights, public transportation, inter-provincial transportation, monuments, tourism attractions, and government offices have reopened with safety measures in place.
Entry restrictions remain with only Vietnamese nationals, foreigners on diplomatic or official business, and highly skilled workers allowed to enter the country at this time. All persons entering Vietnam must undergo medical checks and 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Read more
Within the country, Vietnamese health officials have temporarily isolated several locations that are deemed high-risk, or those that have been recently visited by travellers with confirmed cases of the virus. Tourism sites across the country are also setting aside closure days to disinfect their premises.
As of April 23, tourism attractions in the country are allowed to reopen but must ensure safety measures are in place for all visitors.
Last updated on Apr 1:
All passenger flights to Vietnam on all airlines are suspended from April 1 to 15, 2020. Since February 1, all flights to and from mainland China on all airlines have been indefinitely suspended by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. Vietnam Airlines has announced it will suspend all of its two-way international flights from March 25 to April 30, 2020.
All inbound travellers coming to Vietnam will be required to submit a health declaration and undergo COVID-19 medical checks upon arrival. Travellers can fill out the health declaration at the airport or submit it in advance at this link.
Last updated on March 22:
From March 22 until further notice, Vietnam has temporarily suspended entry for all foreign nationals, as well as Vietnamese and their spouses and children holding visa exemption certificates. Vietnam will not be issuing visas or allowing entry to travellers at this time. Read more
Last updated on March 20:
Vietnam Airlines will temporarily suspend all international flights within its network until the estimated date of the 30th of April, 2020.
- Flights connecting Vietnam and China, Hongkong, Macau, South Korea, France, Russia, Malaysia, and Taiwan have been halted.
- Flights to and from Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar will be halted from the 21st of March.
- Flights to and from the UK and Japan will be temporarily suspended from the 23rd of March.
- Flights to Germany and Australia will be stopped from the 24th while those returning to Vietnam will be halted from the 25th of March. Read more
Last updated on March 18:
Vietnam Airlines has announced it will suspend its flights to France starting from the 17th of March until further notice. The national carrier added that their flights between Vietnam and Malaysia will be suspended from the 18th until the 31st of March because of the Malaysian government’s temporary border closure announcement.
The government of Vietnam has announced measures in the following provinces:
- Binh Thuan: all boats, all accommodations, all tourist sites, and all restaurants are closed until further notice.
- Ha Giang: all accommodations, all tourist sites, and all restaurants are closed until further notice.
- Dong Nai: all tourist sites, and all entertainment venues are closed until further notice.
Phu Quoc
- Aquatopia Water Park (Hon Thom) is closed until further notice. The Hon Thom cable car remains open.
Latest update on March 15: Starting at 12 PM Sunday, 15 March 2020 (for 30 days), no entry to visitors from the European Schengen Area and U.K, or visitors coming from these countries, is allowed. Visitors travelling through or coming from China, South Korea, and Iran will also be denied entry. Visa-on-arrival for all foreigners will not be possible.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has removed Vietnam from the list of destinations with risk of community spread.
Upon arrival at the point of entry travelers are subject to primary fever screening by thermo scanners and infrared thermometers and a questionnaire on their travel history and contact information. Travelers with no fever will receive a health beware card and be allowed to enter the country. Travelers with a body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius and who have COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated and transferred to a designated hospital for quarantine or treatment. Travelers who have been in contact or seated in the close vicinity of the suspected cases will be followed up for 14 days in accordance with the disease prevention and control standards.All flights to and from mainland China on all airlines have been indefinitely suspended by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. Flights connecting to Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan are operational with many airlines running reduced routes. Read more
Travelers arriving from as well as those who have transited through South Korea are required to submit medical declarations upon arrival in Vietnam, and may be placed in quarantine if showing symptoms of the virus.
Travelers who have transited through mainland China, and outbreak areas of South Korea within the past 14 days will be refused entry to Vietnam.
The Italian Embassy has confirmed that visitors from Italy and Iran will be placed under quarantine for 15 days, or will be asked to return to their port of departure. Italian citizens arriving from other countries are asked to fill in a form upon arrival and undergo a temperature check. Each case will be decided upon separately by the Vietnamese Immigration Police.
Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific have announced they will temporarily waive flight change and refund fees for passengers flying to or from Chinese cities until further notice.
Vietnam Airlines and Air Seoul have reduced flights between South Korea and Vietnam, while Bamboo Airways’ routes from Nha Trang and Đà Nẵng to Seoul are cancelled indefinitely from February 26.
Visitors from other affected countries may be subjected to restrictions at the discretion of the Vietnamese government.
The following events have been cancelled or postponed:
- Yen Tu Festival in Quang Ninh – Cancelled
- Tam Chuc Festival in Ha Nam – Cancelled
- Tran Temple Festival in Nam Dinh – Cancelled
- Huyen Tran Festival in Hue – Cancelled
- Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2020 – Cancelled
- Activities for Visit Vietnam Year 2020 in Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu – Postponed
- Huế Festival 2020 – Postponed to August 28, 2020
- Da Lat Sufferfest – Postponed
- Quang Binh Marathon – Postponed
- Techcombank Ha Noi Marathon – Postponed
- Sunrise Sprint – Postponed to May 3, 2020
- Vietnam’s inaugural Formula One Grand Prix is postponed. New dates will be announced later on this year.
- Da Lat Ultra Trail 2020 – Postponed to June 19-21, 2020
Pedestrian and walkig zones in Hue and Hanoi — common gathering places for locals and tourists — will be closed until the situation improves.
Source: Focus Asia, Forwardkeys, Dragon Trail, MTCO, National Tourism Department