ASEAN – Hong Kong will reduce the required hotel quarantine for passenger flight crews from seven to three days, while cargo crews will be excused, in a small step toward easing the city’s coronavirus restrictions, which have transformed it into one of the world’s most secluded locations. The measures, which take effect in May, would provide “much-needed survival space” for …

Malaysia – Following the reopening of Malaysia’s borders after two years due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani stated the situation at all entry points at the country’s borders is under control, with no unusual occurrences reported. He said that the police had enough officers on duty at border crossings to guarantee …

Malaysia – In light of the reopening of Malaysia’s borders on April 1, the government has imposed a minimum insurance coverage (for Covid-19 and traveling) of US$20,000 (RM84,090) for all visitors who are coming to Malaysia. Regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stated that this applies to all foreigners who will be entering Malaysia on short-term …

Thailand – Thailand is working closely with necessary authorities to restore all land border entry points with Malaysia by May 1 in order to enhance its tourist business, particularly in the southern regions. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said his ministry will recommend to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) that additional access points between the two …

Malaysia – On February 20, DAP announced it supports the National Recovery Council’s (NRC) recommendation to restore international borders on March 1 in order to assist the country’s economic recovery and create new employment possibilities. Lim Guan Eng, the party’s secretary-general, said that the party is prepared to set aside political differences in order to satisfy the NRC’s demand, which …

JAKARTA – The Indonesian government is preparing measures such as electronic visa system and special counters at the airports for the proposed “reciprocal green lane” with Singapore. According to Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly, the measures are being discussed following discussions on a “reciprocal green lane” to allow essential travel. The minister added that immigration officials would …

The rising number of patients infected with Covid-19 has forced local authorities to continue closing off its borders for tourists until the end of 2020, no exact date has been appointed. Before, it was reported that Bali has re-opened beaches, temples and other tourist spots for domestic traveler at the end of July and had planned to invite foreign tourists …

Thailand’s government has announced it plans to create “travel bubbles” through bilateral agreements designed to keep Covid-19 in check when Thailand reopens its borders. “Once the covid-19 situation improves, we’ll allow travel between countries. However only countries that we have an agreement with,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told a briefing in Bangkok. Also adding no such pacts have reached cabinet as …

The Interior Ministry has ordered most border provinces to leave only one international checkpoint open as the country tries to block arrivals to contain the coronavirus outbreak that has caused a sharp jump in cases this week. Key checkpoints to temporary shut are the first Thai-Mayanmar Friendship Bridge in Tak, which will be closed until further notice. The Phu Nam …

The government will extend the requirement of medical certificates and health insurance from Sunday to cover all visitors to the country regardless of nationalities to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Thailand reported 60 new coronavirus cases, the biggest daily jump in the number of cases so far to take its total infections to 272, the Public Health Ministry said …