With the vaccine rollout in different stages and at different speeds across the world, we do see the end in sight. Asia are starting to get some positive signs, with some countries easing restrictions and looking at travel bubbles. Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have all been in the news recently with plans to open up the borders in the coming months, the tour operator Golfasian informed in a press release.
Thailand has just announced a three phased plan that started in April easing travel restrictions for vaccinated tourists. Phuket will lead the opening and start welcoming vaccinated tourists in July without quarantine. Five other provinces will follow in October.
Vaccinated travelers to Phuket and other destinations from April 1 are eligible for a reduced quarantine of seven days. Golf Quarantine was also launched in March and available for golfers arriving from 55 counties in five golf resorts for an eleven day golf quarantine.
For some, this winter may have been the longest lay-off from golf in many years due to the in-ability to travel. The long lay-off has reminded many to appreciate the freedom to travel and thinking of a holiday destination when the seasons turn again.
Golf course conditions around the region are better than usual, like in Siam Country Club Old Course (pictured above.) Courses are quieter and the pace of play flows a bit better.
Travel Updates as per April 7th
Thailand
| Thailand announced that borders will be open to international travelers with shorter quarantine requirements starting on April 1, 2021On 19 March 2021, the Committee of the Centre for COVID-19 situation Administration released the plan on relaxing measures for inbound travel to Thailand in 3 phases. Phase 1 – reduction of quarantine, Phase 2 – Phuket – no quarantine, Phase 3 – Five other provinces in Thailand will not require quarantine. Read More |
Vietnam
| Vietnam has gained preliminary promising achievements in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Most businesses have resumed operation nationwide. Viet Nam will receive at least 4.1 million doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine Oxford-AstraZeneca under the COVAX facility. A total 1.2 million doses are scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2021 and over 2.9 million doses in the second quarter.Vietnamese authorities proposed allowing vaccinated foreign passengers into the country from September without requiring centralized quarantine. At a recent government meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc instructed related government agencies to plan for gradually reopening of borders. Read More |
Malaysia
| Malaysia remains closed to international tourists and has extended its Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) until 31 August 2021. Unfortunately, due to the increase in cases in some parts of Malaysia, the country is operating under moderate travel and business restrictions known as Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO). Virtually all social, educational, religious and business activities are permitted with strict precautionary and sanitation measures in place. Interstate and domestic travel is being discouraged to prevent further spread of COVID. Read More |
Indonesia
| The Indonesian government has confirmed plans to open the country’s borders to international travellers in the middle of the year. Bali is scheduled to reopen in July 2021, starting with three popular destinations: Sanur, Ubud and Nusa Dua. Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno has also confirmed tourism sites in Batam and Bintan will reopen on 21 April, as part of a travel corridor arrangement with Singapore. There are talks to extend this to other countries in August 2021.In preparation for the arrival of foreign tourists in Bali, the central government rolled out intensive vaccination programmes in each of the three locations. Read More |
