November Travel Update – Asia

As the pandemic travel updates have stopped in the European areas due to Spain finally easing their requirements, I will be writing about entry requirements for the rest of the world. Picking and choosing where as per personal interest and requested entry requirements.

China:

• China remains unchanged and is still pursuing a ‘zero COVID’ policy, and maintains strict entry rules for travelers.
• Travelers to China face 10 days of hotel quarantine at their own expense.
• However, the restrictions might eventually ease (allegedly)

Hong Kong:

• On 11 October, these requirements were dropped and the cap on daily arrivals lifted. Tourists no longer need a visa to enter the country.
• From Monday 26 October, travelers arriving in Hong Kong no longer have to go into mandatory hotel quarantine.
• The requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight to the city were also dropped.

Japan:

If you are triple vaccinated

If you are triple vaccinated with two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna vaccines (or one of Johnson & Johnson) and an additional booster shot from Pfizer or Moderna* then you do not require a negative PCR test before flying. Valid certificates must be shown to prove vaccination with three doses of any of the COVID-19 vaccines.

*Note that AstraZeneca is not accepted as a valid booster.

If you are not triple vaccinated

There is no requirement to be vaccinated in order to enter Japan, however if you cannot prove you are triple-vaccinated with two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna vaccines (or one of Johnson & Johnson) and an additional booster shot from Pfizer or Moderna, then you must take a PCR test within 72 hours before your flight and show a negative certificate in the approved format.

*Note that AstraZeneca is not accepted as a valid booster.

Proof of vaccination status

You can use the UK COVID Pass to demonstrate your vaccination record to the Japanese authorities. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccination status. Residents in Japan should obtain a letter from the city or ward office before travelling.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year – Proof of prior infection does not afford exemptions. You must follow the rules and regulations outlined above.

Taiwan:

• Taiwan has fully re-opened to foreign tourists after more than two years of strict COVID-19 border restrictions.
• Visitors to the self-ruled island are no longer required to quarantine upon entry, or to take any PCR tests.
• Instead, they will need to test negative on a rapid antigen test on arrival, and monitor their health for a week.

Love and Hugs

Tillyah