Top travel destinations open to vaccinated Hongkongers

From June 10, Japan is now open for tourists and areas designated as ‘blue’ countries like Hong Kong will be able to enter through package tour bookings. Quarantine and arrival testing has been eliminated for Hongkongers, and Covid-19 vaccine is not required. But we still need to apply for a visa, which may take time to process. If you’re planning to go on a solo sojourn, unfortunately, independent tourists cannot enter yet. Aside from booking small package tours with a complete itinerary for the whole duration of the tour, a negative PCR test must be submitted 72 hours before departing for Japan. Upon arrival, tourists will be required to fill in a questionnaire with their travel details, and then you can enter without quarantining or doing a PCR test. 

For more information about entry, visit this link.

South Korea, the country that brought BTS, Parasite, and Squid Game to the world, is finally open for tourists. From April 1, double-jabbed travellers are already able to enter the country quarantine-free. International visitors must register their vaccine status on the Q-CODE website before arriving in Korea. Tourists will also need to provide a negative PCR test certificate taken within 48 hours prior to departure or a rapid antigen test certificate issued 24 hours before boarding. 

*As of July 1, Hong Kong passport holders and BNO holders will be allowed to enter Korea visa-free. 

For more information about entry requirements, visit visitkorea.or.kr 

You can now plan your Eat, Pray, Love Bali experience. Aside from not requiring quarantine, from May 18, travellers are no longer required to take a PCR test before departing to Bali. Other requirements for entry include acquiring a Visit Visa B211A and mandatory medical insurance with coverage for Covid-19 related expenses. Visitors must also download the e-HAC (Electronic Health Awareness Card/ Peduli Lindungi app on their phone and fill in the E-CD (electronic custom declaration) upon arrival.

For more information, visit this link. 

Despite the surge of Covid-19 infections, the Philippines reopened its borders to foreign tourists on February 10. From May 30, travellers from visa-free countries like Hong Kong can enter the country as long as they apply for the One Health Pass 24 hours before departure, present proof of vaccination (negative RT-PCR test results before departure are no longer required for vaccinated travellers), and outbound tickets to their country of origin or next country of destination. Travel insurance for Covid-19 treatment is no longer required but highly encouraged. Inbound travellers are no longer required to undergo facility-based quarantine but must self-monitor for any Covid-19 symptoms for seven days of arrival. 

For more information about the Philippines' travel restrictions, visit this link. Visit the Philippines' tourism website to learn more about the best travel destinations in the country. 

Since April, Malaysia has reopened its borders and allowed quarantine-free travel and tourism after being shut for two years. Vaccinated travellers are able to visit Malaysia's beautiful white-sand beaches and lush rainforests. From May, fully-vaccinated travellers are no longer required to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival Covid-19 tests and booking a Travel insurance is no longer a prerequisite. Travellers need to download the My Sejahtera app before departing and fill in the Health Declaration form, as well as provide vaccination records on the app five days before departing. 

For updates, visit the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board's official site. 

Whether you’re going for their luscious beaches, mouthwatering cuisine or vibrant nightlife, Thailand has eased their entry requirements. From June 1, entry requirements include an approved Thailand Pass, US$10,000 travel insurance policy, and proof of vaccination. Upon arrival, tourists must undergo a body temperature check and present the required documents to the Immigration/Health Control officers. Once cleared, you’re free to travel as you desire around the country. 

For more details, visit this link. 

Vietnam has fully reopened its borders to international tourism. Travellers can enter without quarantine and proof of a negative PCR test. Requirements to enter the country include applying for a tourist e-visa and purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage minimum of US$10,000. Once you arrive, you have to download the country’s PC-Covid mobile app, available in Apple or Google Play, which you will need when entering establishments in the vicinity. 

For more updates and the latest information, visit this link.

As of April 1, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide a negative PCR test, Vaccinated Travel Pass or travel insurance, but they will need to apply for a visa application to enter Singapore. Currently, travellers only need to provide vaccination proof and upload it onto the Vaccination Check Portal, download the TraceTogether app and register. Three days before departure, submit the SG arrival card and e-health declaration via the official and free e-service on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. 

For more details, visit this link.

Known for its turquoise blue seawater, the Maldives is an irresistible destination to go for a romantic vacation. If you're dreaming of that ultimate island getaway, Maldives is a great option. The country reopened borders to all travellers from all countries on July 15, 2020, and the requirements here are simple compared to other destinations. Aside from being issued a tourist visa upon arrival, the country does not require proof of vaccination and quarantine, but travellers must bring proof of a negative PCR test taken 96 hours before the scheduled departure time from the first port of embarkation and book their stay at a government recognised resort, hotel or guesthouse. A 30-day free tourist visa on arrival is available for Hong Kong citizens. 

For more information, visit the official government website. 

From pristine beaches to ancient ruins, tropical Sri Lanka is one of those exotic places that should be on your travel wish list. The country opened its borders to foreign travellers on June 1, 2021, and ​​Hong Kong citizens can choose to apply for an e-visa online or apply for a Sri Lanka visa on arrival. Fully vaccinated travellers must present their vaccination record when arriving, and quarantine is not required. When travelling to tourist sites, you must purchase tickets in order to enter. Purchasing a Covid-19 insurance is no longer mandatory, but is suggested for medical safety while visiting Sri Lanka. 

For more information, visit this link. 

Cambodia, home of the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, opened their borders for vaccinated travellers on November 15, 2021, without the need for quarantine and the requirements for entry are simple. Travellers only need to apply for an e-visa, present their vaccination records. Covid-19 tests before and after arrival are no longer required for vaccinated travellers. 

For more information, visit this link.

When it comes to proximity to HK, look no further than Macao. Hongkongers can enter the territory provided they have not travelled to any foreign country within 21 days of arrival, but a 14-day quarantine is still mandatory. Other requirements include a vaccination certificate, a negative result for Covid-19 nucleic acid (within 24 hours), and quarantine bookings must be made at designated hotels.  

For more information and the latest Covid-19 restrictions in Macao, visit gcs.gov.mo and Macao's tourism website. If you need recommendations and inspiration for your next Macao trip, check out our Macao guide.