March 17

Southeast Asian countries are easing coronavirus travel restrictions to prop up their economies.

Vietnam has reopened its borders to all international travelers, including tourists. It has also resumed its visa exemption policy for citizens from 13 countries, including Japan.

From Wednesday, people arriving in Vietnam are not required to self-quarantine if they can present negative test results.

Many people heading to Vietnam could be seen at an airport in Singapore, where airline staff were handing out gifts to passengers.

Indonesia on March 8 shortened the required quarantine period upon arrival to 24 hours for travelers who have received two or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Indonesian government is considering scrapping quarantine for vaccinated travelers from April 1. It will make a decision after evaluating the situation in some resort islands, including Bali, where travelers are already allowed to enter quarantine-free.

The Malaysian government also plans to scrap quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers, starting April 1.

Thailand and Cambodia have already stopped requiring quarantine for international travelers who are fully vaccinated.

NHK