Coronavirus – COVID-19 News & Update in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia & Laos

The Coronavirus or Covid-19 is one of the World’s most serious pandemics throughout recorded history. 215 countries all over the world have suffered from this epidemic with nearly 24,651,000 cases and over 836,000 deaths. Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos are all Chinese neighboring countries where people, economies, and lifestyles are extremely damaged. Vietnam local tour operator will provide information in this article.

Updated on 28/08/2020

Coronavirus (Covid-19) News & Update in Vietnam

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Cases, Deaths & Recovery

Vietnam is recognized as the most successful country world in controlling and preventing this pandemic.

Entry Conditions in Vietnam

From March 22, 2020, Vietnam has been suspending entry at all national borders for all nationalities until further declarations. The native, overseas students or diplomatic travelers are permitted to enter but they will be sent to medical camps for centralized quarantine for 2 weeks.

On June 16, 2020, the Vietnamese government proclaimed that no commercial flights to this country will be permitted before the 16^th of September 2020 except for foreign passengers who require entry for diplomatic reasons, official duties, or highly skilled workers. They will also be required to complete the compulsory 14-day quarantine.

Health Check

The authority in Vietnam has required everyone to wear face masks in all crowded places and public areas. Religious gatherings, celebrations, and all sporting and cultural activities are banned or postponed. The order of social distancing was released in April as a strong action to stop the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. After 3 months without community transmission, everything seems to become its normal condition before the Coronavirus epidemic.

Tourist Attractions News & Update

Coronavirus (Covid-19) News & Update in Thailand

Health Check & Entry Condition in Thailand

From July 01, 2020, 11 groups of foreigners (see details) are allowed to enter Thailand. Travelers will be tested for Covid-19 prior to travel and on arrival in Thailand, where they will be required to undergo the compulsory 14-day quarantine. Tourists are still not considered for entry at this time. On the 23^rd of July, The government in Thailand has set August 31 as the end of the emergency decree (State of Emergency). Airports are still opened and Thai authorities are not blocking foreigners leaving for the time being.

The Resumption of Domestic Flights in Thailand

Foreign visitors whose visas expired on 26 March 2020 or thereafter will be granted automatic visa extensions until 31 July 2020 without having an application for an extension.

Tourist Attractions in Thailand Update

Most events and festivals have been canceled or postponed. The famous Songkran festival’s compensation dates will be from July 25 to July 28. Businesses to be reopened on July 01 include pubs, bars, and entertainment venues.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) News & Update in Cambodia

Entry Conditions in Cambodia

On the 20th of May, 2020, foreign travelers from France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain & the USA will be able to visit Cambodia. Requirements mentioned below are applied to all nationalities entering Cambodia:

• A deposit of 3,000 USD must be made by each traveler on entry to Cambodia.
• COVID-19 test with a negative result within 72 hours prior to travel.
• Proof of insurance with 50,000 USD in medical coverage
• Visa on Arrivals and E-visa is not currently available. Travelers are required to apply for visas at Cambodian Consulates or Embassies outside Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Cambodia, all travelers must undergo a COVID-19 test and remain into government facility until laboratory results are found, which may include an overnight stay.

• If one tests positive for COVID-19: People will be required to compulsory quarantine for 14 days at a facility designated by the Cambodia Government (at their own expense).
• If all travelers test negative: People have to self-isolate for 14-days at their home under the supervision of local authorities. Health authorities will then oversee another COVID-19 test on the 14th day of self-isolation.

Health Check

Health screening and temperature checks are performed at all airports. For urgent travel during the suspension period, all foreigners are now required to obtain a visa in advance. Repatriation flight for French citizens: please contact the email address [email protected] and send a copy of your Cambodian visa and your contact details for further information.

Hotel & Accommodations Update

Various events & festivals have been canceled or postponed. Various spas, bars, restaurants, and entertainment businesses have been closed until further notice. Please contact us if you have any specific inquiries about festivals, events, shows, or attractions.

Tourist Attractions Update

Most of the events and festivals in Cambodia have been canceled or postponed. Spas, bars, restaurants, and entertainment businesses have been also closed until further notice. Please contact us if you have any specific inquiries about festivals, events, shows, or attractions.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) News & Update in Laos

Entry Conditions in Laos

On the 20^th of March, 2020, total suspension of visas (including tourist visa, visa on arrival, e-visa) at every entry point, along with the closure of all traditional checkpoints has been released except for diplomats, the staff of international organizations, business people, experts, and authorized foreign labor. All international and inter-provincial as well as traditional borders must remain closed to all people. Savannakhet International Airport has been temporarily closed until further declaration.

Health Check in Laos

Health screening and temperature checks are performed at all airports and public areas. On the first of July 2020, all sporting events, casinos are allowed to resume operations. Social gatherings, weddings, parties, and traditional festivals may now be held. Entertainment venues including karaoke bars, nightclubs, and internet cafes are still closed until further declaration.

Tourist Attractions Update

Various events and festivals in Laos have been canceled or postponed. Please contact us if you have any specific inquiries about festivals, events, or shows.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) News & Update in Myanmar

Entry Conditions in Myanmar

On the 28^th of June, 2020, the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the temporary suspension of Visa on Arrival and E-visa for all countries will be extended to the 31^st of July 2020. International flight restrictions to and from Yangon International Airport have been further extended to the 31^st of July, 2020.

On the 28^th of May, 2020, the Central Committee on Prevention, Control & Treatment on Covid-19 of Myanmar announced the regulations for foreign nationals traveling to Myanmar to follow if they are granted an entry visa (once applications are available as follows:

• Foreigners will have to fulfill a 21-day quarantine in their respective country before flying, another one-week facility quarantine after arriving in Myanmar, and finally one more week of home quarantine in Myanmar, before being cleared to work in the country.
• Foreigners will also need to provide evidence they are free from Covid-19 infection (medical certification provided by a doctor or hospital).
• Foreigners have completed the one week home quarantine before flying is also required, however it is unclear what type of proof would be requested.

Land Border Closure (until further declaration)

• Tamu-Moreh border gates (Myanmar – India)
• Tachileik – Myawaddy – Kawthaung - Htee Khee border gates (Myanmar – Thailand)
• Myanmar – Bangladesh border gates
• Myanmar – China border gates
• Myanmar – Laos border gates

Health Check in Myanmar

Health screening and temperature checks are performed at all airports and public areas. A national curfew has been imposed for residents of these regions below from 10 pm to 4 am. Exceptions are made for medical and essential matters. The government has cut the night-time curfew by two hours for all states and regions including Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw from 12 am to 4 am.

Domestic travelers are required to carry a recommendation letter of their residency from respective ward administrations when going around Myanmar, except to Yangon Region. Regional and state governments have stated that a recommendation will be required for locals while foreigners and returnees will need a letter from their companies and quarantine centers, respectively. The gatherings of more than 5 persons are not permitted. Face masks must be worn in public areas.

Tourist Attractions in Myanmar Updated

Special Notes

• Bring hand sanitizing gel
• Carefully wash hands during the day with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Use sanitizing gel if soap and water are not available
• Try to avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Refrain from drinking water from unknown sources