Far East travel prospects

Far East travel prospects

Author
Discussion

Mark V GTD

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

123 months

Monday 20th July 2020
quotequote all
Anyone care to speculate on the possibility of even being allowed in to any country over there (without quarantine) in the next month or so?

I have a ticket with Etihad which can be changed to any destination in that zone (so presume I could go to Bangkok, Singapore, KL, Manila etc) but
I have to take it before September 30th in line with their current ticketing arrangements.

cs174

1,148 posts

219 months

Monday 20th July 2020
quotequote all
You can visit Indonesia as long as you've passed a recent CV-19 test done and certified. That makes Bali an option.

Mark V GTD

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

123 months

Monday 20th July 2020
quotequote all
Thanks for that information :-)

smifffymoto

4,527 posts

204 months

Monday 20th July 2020
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I heard Thailand was opening up at the end of the 3rd quarter ready for the busy period up until Christmas.

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
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Singapore Malaysia border opening this week to citizens working in the other country, but you need to stay for a couple of weeks, no daily commuting. No sign of the border opening with Thailand, or for non citizens, Malaysia open to work permit holders, 2 weeks self paid isolation in airport hotel, Bali has high infection rate, my daughter has a factory there, she got covid last week, recovered quickly, but it suggest, to me, that covid is in the tourist more expensive areas, she doesn't live in cramped conditions. No sign of any borders opening to western travelers before September at earliest.
I was affered a job in Vietnam two weeks ago, with government support, two weeks isolation in a government establishment, didn't take it.

GT03ROB

13,210 posts

220 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
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I think if the current upward trend in cases in Spain continues then it is very possible that many tourist destinations may stay closed or at least impose greater restrictions.

There are countries that are in this for the long haul. The borders here have officially been closed since March. There is talk that they may not open now until next year. They are working a new process to let people in that requires approval from a government commission, however this will be very tightly restricted. Even those with valid work permits may not be allowed in.

Mark V GTD

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

123 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
quotequote all
GT03ROB said:
The borders here have officially been closed since March.
Sorry - where are you located?

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
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Malaysia just announced that they are withdrawing the option to quarantine at home for returning citizens, back to having to do two weeks at your cost in government approved facility, Far East border control is getting stricter not easier, certainly don't book anything basses on assumption borders will open for Christmas, there are some amazing deals available locally, hard Rock 75% off, so just book uf and when you have definite information.

Kit352

154 posts

69 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
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While I wanted to return to Asia for my usual christmas vacation I gave pretty much given up on any country being open or stable by then. Most places seem more likely to tighten border controls or just not allow tourists in until next year. I had my eyes set on Thailand this year but I really think they will not be ready by the time christmas rolls around.
I have started eyeing africa now. Tanzania in particular which is fully open. Warm climate and friendly people. It's not really cheap like most of Asia though, in fact it's actually quite expensive.

SlackBladder

2,579 posts

202 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
quotequote all
cs174 said:
You can visit Indonesia as long as you've passed a recent CV-19 test done and certified. That makes Bali an option.
Are you sure? Please provide a link and I'll be on my way.

cs174

1,148 posts

219 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
quotequote all
SlackBladder said:
cs174 said:
You can visit Indonesia as long as you've passed a recent CV-19 test done and certified. That makes Bali an option.
Are you sure? Please provide a link and I'll be on my way.
My mates Indonesian wife went back to Jakarta a couple of weeks ago. My mate (British) and the two kids are flying to Jakarta tomorrow, he's just been getting their coronavirus tests done and certified to avoid the 14 day quarantine in an airport hotel or having to pay off the local immigration.

I'll see if I can get a link, my missus was looking at one last night.

cs174

1,148 posts

219 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
quotequote all
Sorry, my mate has a KITAP so isnt classed as a foreigner and the kids have dual nationality. I believe a Indonesia is still closed to foreigners. Apologies for the confusion.

SlackBladder

2,579 posts

202 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
quotequote all
cs174 said:
Sorry, my mate has a KITAP so isnt classed as a foreigner and the kids have dual nationality. I believe a Indonesia is still closed to foreigners. Apologies for the confusion.
No problem, I thought as much.
Exactly the same situation in the Philippines, hence why I'm stuck here.

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020
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Indonesia is open to Indonesian, not foreigners, my daughter caught covid in Bali last week and she has largely confined herself to her house and the factory she opwns, I would not go as a tourist. I live in a 4 star hotel in Malaysia its just opened up to domestic tourists, sever restrictions on pool etc, I'd think twice before I spent my money on what will be a very limited holiday

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020
quotequote all
Indonesia is open to Indonesian, not foreigners, my daughter caught covid in Bali last week and she has largely confined herself to her house and the factory she opwns, I would not go as a tourist. I live in a 4 star hotel in Malaysia its just opened up to domestic tourists, sever restrictions on pool etc, I'd think twice before I spent my money on what will be a very limited holiday

GT03ROB

13,210 posts

220 months

Wednesday 22nd July 2020
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Mark V GTD said:
GT03ROB said:
The borders here have officially been closed since March.
Sorry - where are you located?
Sorry Kazakh.... I was using it to illustrate how many countries will be very tightly controlling entries even into next year, rather than suggesting it may impact your travels!! Not many want to come here!

Mark V GTD

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

123 months

Thursday 23rd July 2020
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Thanks for all the great info chaps - although it’s all rather depressing. Will there even be any airlines left in business to to take us to these faraway places if they stay off limits until next year?

jontysafe

2,351 posts

177 months

Thursday 23rd July 2020
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I'm in Dubai, flight booked to Bangkok 3rd September back home on 9th.
Hasnt been cancelled by airline yet.

Really need to get out but not holding much hope.

Mark V GTD

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

123 months

Friday 24th July 2020
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Fingers crossed for you!

Mark V GTD

Original Poster:

2,194 posts

123 months

Monday 3rd August 2020
quotequote all
Latest news is Etihad and Emirates now require a negative COVID-19 test to be carried out within 96 hours of flying with them.