What you need to know about COVID-19 restrictions in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong
It’s the end of September 2022, and many countries and city-states, including Hong Kong (HK), have adjusted or intend to reduce their COVID-19 preventative measures, which is amazing news for the residents of HK and expats who are itching to travel abroad again.
So far, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia are the latest places to revise their rules for inbound travelers. Read on as this Pacific Prime Hong Kong article provides what you need to know about their current COVID-19 restrictions and what to expect as a visitor or expat from the SAR.
Japan
After more than 2 years of COVID-19 restrictions, Japan will finally relax its preventative measures from October 1st, 2022, by allowing travelers and expats to visit the country without obtaining a visa or going through a travel agency.
What to do before your travels to Japan?
The daily cap on arrivals will be lifted, so you won’t have to worry about being turned down when planning your trip. But you must do the following as part of your travel plans to Japan:
- Complete the requested information on the MySoS app or website, and sign a written pledge to follow Japan’s rules on self-isolation and ongoing COVID-19 measures. Afterward, the app will generate a QR code for you to show at check-in and on arrival in Japan.
- Prepare documents showing that you have been fully (triple) vaccinated with an approved vaccine or have a PCR test showing a negative result taken no more than 72 hours before your departure from Hong Kong.
- Consider securing either a travel insurance (short-term health insurance plan) or an international health insurance plan. Both plans should suffice, but it is best to speak to an insurance broker like Pacific Prime to get impartial advice on what’s right for you.
Note: Hong Kong belongs to the blue list of countries and locations that travelers do not need to test on arrival, enter quarantine or follow other measures. More information can be found here.
Further reading: Japan health insurance
What can you expect on arrival in Japan?
As a visitor or expat who has met all the requirements above, you’ll be able to travel freely in Japan while abiding by local rules as signed above. October will also be a great time to travel to Japan, as autumn foliage begins to glow and the cooler weather offers a better travel experience.
Moreover, the Japanese yen fell to its lowest against the greenback (US dollar), so your trip will be more affordable. You’ll be able to afford more gifts and souvenirs for friends and family back in Hong Kong!
Thailand
The Land of Smiles has been on Hong Kongers’ wish list of countries to head to for a long time, and things are looking easier for visitors and expats. From October 1st, 2022, you’ll no longer need to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results. Additionally, you’ll no longer need to apply for the Thailand Pass – an online registration platform to submit COVID-19-related documents.
If you are wondering about visas, the Thai government recently extended the duration of stay to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries entitled to visa exemption, including Hong Kong. As for insurance coverage, we encourage you to secure suitable travel insurance or an international health insurance plan to cover not only COVID-19 but also other unforeseen medical emergencies.
For more insights and details on health insurance in Hong Kong and Thailand, and other regions across the globe, download our FREE State of Health Insurance Report 2021 – 2022.
Further reading: Thailand health insurance
What can you expect on arrival in Thailand?
The country is keen on welcoming tourists and travelers from around the globe. Arriving from Hong Kong, you’ll find the country is fully open with minimal restrictions. Hotels, resorts, and tourist destinations are functioning as normal.
Don’t be surprised to see many local Thais are still wearing masks outdoors and indoors (except at restaurants, clubs, bars, and pubs), but this is voluntary. However, if you travel on public transport or in a public venue, you are expected to wear a face mask. Otherwise, as the country enters the winter season from October onwards, you’ll enjoy the full delight of tropical beaches down south or a breath of fresh air on top of the mountains up north.
Singapore
Currently, the city-state allows fully vaccinated travelers and children under 12 to enter without pre- or post-arrival COVID-19 testing, and there is no need to follow quarantine requirements in Singapore. Like Thailand, face masks are not required indoors, except in healthcare facilities, on public transport, and onboard certain airlines and sea ferries.
For unvaccinated individuals – aged 13 or older – you’ll also be able to enter the Lion City, provided that you show proof of a negative COVID-19 test 48 hours before arrival in Singapore. All visitors must download the TraceTogether app to confirm vaccination status, allowing you to submit your electronic health declaration form at least three days before arrival.
Most importantly, you will need to secure travel insurance to cover the whole duration of your trip. If you have an international health insurance plan, check how or which hospitals to visit in case you require medical attention.
Further reading: Singapore health insurance
What can you expect on arrival in Singapore?
Like most locations in the region, Singapore has pretty much returned to ‘almost normal’ life with free public social gatherings and events, as well as little to no travel tests. There are no more social distancing or limits, and residents, tourists, and expats are free to go about their everyday plans and activities.
However, you can still expect to wear masks in nearly all indoor settings. Food and beverage outlets no longer need to ask for your vaccination status either. While nightlife businesses, including clubs and karaoke establishments, are also open to visitors looking to celebrate and have fun during their stay in Singapore.
Malaysia
Malaysia has kept its requirements lean and simple, unlike all the countries and locations mentioned above. All travelers heading into the country can enter regardless of their vaccination status. On top, you won’t have to do any pre-departure or post-arrival COVID-19 tests, and there’s no need to use the country’s contact tracing app, MySejahtera.
Interestingly, you do not need to wear masks indoors at all. But you should remain cautious of others and test yourself if you feel that you’ve developed symptoms. If you are out in public, wearing masks on public transport and medical facilities is mandatory.
What can you expect on arrival in Malaysia?
With restrictions lowered and the country open with welcoming arms, you can plan to visit many of Malaysia’s best tourist attractions, including:
- Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
- Perhentian Islands
- Batu Caves, Selangor
- Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
- Langkawi cable car
Be sure to plan carefully as many travelers are expected to visit Malaysia and travel to these destinations. It’s also wise to consider having suitable insurance cover with emergency evacuation should you require medical assistance.
Emergency evacuation coverage normally comes with standard international health insurance plans, but you should check with one of our insurance experts. They can help you with all your health insurance inquiries and factor in your requirements and budget for the best plans.
Further reading:
Hong Kong
Last but not least, from September 26th, 2022, inbound travelers, including Hong Kong residents and expats, can enter the SAR without needing to isolate themselves in a designated quarantine hotel. The latest measures to control and prevent new cases of COVID-19 include:
- Undergoing a PCR test upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport and receiving an amber QR code for a negative test result in the LeaveHomeSafe contact tracing app.
- Heading home or to a hotel via a preferred means of transportation, including public transport, and staying there for 3 days. You’ll be able to leave your residence or place of stay but may be restricted from entering certain premises under the Vaccine Pass Scheme, such as restaurants and bars.
- You are expected to take four PCR tests within the first week of arrival. These are conducted on the day you arrive, day 0, and again on days 2, 4, and 6.
- If your day 2 test results return negative, your app will issue a blue QR code after the 3rd day, which removes all the restrictions added under the amber code.
- Lastly, you won’t need to present a negative PCR test result 48 hours before boarding a flight to Hong Kong. Instead, you just need to show a negative result from a rapid flow test within 24 hours before the flight.
A kind reminder to put your health first
No matter your plans, whether it’s to go abroad or to stay in Hong Kong, it’s essential that you put your health first and plan for the worst-case scenario.
At Pacific Prime Hong Kong, we continue to provide the latest updates and assurances from the world of health insurance so locals and expats know the situation around them. With over 20 years of experience, our experts are on hand to listen to your plans and needs and offer 100% unbiased advice when choosing the right health insurance plan, whether for you or your loved ones.
Contact us today for a FREE plan comparison for the best international health insurance, short-term travel insurance, and Hong Kong family health insurance.
His expert view and wealth of knowledge on insurance can also be found in his blogs for China, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
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