3 Asian countries still have Covid-19 entry requirements in August 2023 - here are which ones
- While most countries in Asia have now dropped Covid-19 entry requirements, mainland China, Myanmar and Iran are holding out – here are their respective rules
- Some countries that have dropped measures still require travellers to submit a health declaration form upon arrival, such as the Philippines
It has been more than three years since the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and most of the world has rebounded from complete lockdowns to restriction-free travel.
But while most countries have dropped mandates for proof of vaccination and negative test results, there are still a number that have Covid-19 entry requirements in effect.
Three of those are in Asia (at the time of writing), so be sure to pay close attention to their respective rules if you’re planning on visiting.
1. Mainland China
Although quarantine and vaccine requirements have been lifted for visitors to mainland China, all arrivals are still required to take either a PCR or RAT test 48 hours before their flight.
They then have to declare a negative test result by filling in the Health Declaration Form on the China Customs website, through the China Customs app, or via China Customs’ WeChat account.
Airlines will no longer check for negative test results, but customs officials may conduct inspections. Those who enter with an abnormal health declaration, fever, or other Covid-19 symptoms may be required to undergo further testing and medical investigation.
2. Myanmar
Upon arriving in Myanmar, travellers will be expected to show printed copies of a vaccination certificate that indicates full vaccination 14 days before arrival (with a vaccine recognised by the country’s Ministry of Health), or the negative result of a PCR test taken 48 hours before arrival.
Children under the age of 12 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result if they are travelling with fully vaccinated guardians.
Travellers must also show a printed copy of active travel insurance that covers Covid-19. If they are not able to present a relevant document, they must purchase health insurance from Myanma Insurance.
Upon arrival at the airport, travellers are subject to a thermal screening. If they are found to have symptoms such as fever, they will be required to undergo a Covid-19 test and may be isolated under quarantine protocols at their own expense if the test indicates that they are positive for the virus.
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Additionally, airlines and airport authorities will provide travellers with a health declaration form that they must complete.
3. Iran
Travellers to Iran over the age of 12 are required to be fully vaccinated, and must show a vaccination certificate in English upon arrival.
If a passenger is unvaccinated, has received only one dose of a two-shot vaccine, or it has been less than 14 days since their second dose, then they must present a negative result taken from a PCR test administered within 72 hours before departure to Iran.
Children under 12 are not required to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result.
Travellers may also be subject to a Covid-19 test upon arrival and quarantine protocols at their own expense.
Do note that some countries still require travellers to submit a health declaration form upon arrival. One of these is the Philippines, which dropped all vaccination and Covid-19 test requirements on July 22, although many government websites have not been updated to reflect the change.
All travellers to the Philippines are required to register for an eTravel pass online within 72 hours before arrival in the country.
Some airports and ports around the world continue to have thermal screening in place, and customs officials may require you to take a Covid-19 test if you exhibit symptoms.
