Asia

Thailand will lift entry ban for African countries as of 11 January with two options when entering Thailand. Travel will be allowed into Thailand under either the Sandbox initiative, covering travel into Phuket/Krabi/Phang-Na/Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, Ko Tao). Or under the Alternative quarantine option, whereby travellers can enter at any point in Thailand, however, must undergo government quarantine for minimum of 7 days before moving on. Under the Sandbox initiative travellers must arrive direct at Phuket Airport with no BKK transits allowed. All travellers must be fully vaccinated, not applicable to children under 18 traveling with vaccinated parents. Further detailed requirements in terms of testing and stay apply.

From 8 January - 21 January, passengers who have been in eight countries including Australia for more than two hours in the past 21 days, will not be permitted to board a flight to Hong Kong. This measure will be effective for 14 days, subject to review. The eight countries are Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. For entry prior to 8 January, you’ll be subject to 21 days of compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel on arrival, followed by seven days of self-monitoring. You’ll also need to take several compulsory COVID-19 tests.

A new Russian government ruling on COVID cancels all earlier exceptions for diplomatic passport holders, travellers on business visas, and some other categories of visitors from Hong Kong and nine African nations – Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Eswatini, and South Africa. The highest number of those infected with the Omicron variant has been detected in South Africa. The new strain has since been recorded in over 50 countries.

Japan has suspended the entry of all non-resident foreign nationals. You are unable to enter Japan unless you're a Japanese citizen or permanent resident with a re-entry permit. This entry ban applies to travellers who have already obtained a visa in the past. The quarantine period for all international arrivals is 14-days, even if you're fully vaccinated.

Australia is now listed as a ‘high risk place’. If you're travelling from Australia, you can't enter Hong Kong unless you're a fully vaccinated Hong Kong resident. You also can't enter Hong Kong if you have been in Australia for more than 2 hours on the day of boarding or during the 21 days before that day. Fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents or a fully vaccinated Foreign Domestic Helpers with a valid employment visa can arrive into Hong Kong however they will be required to hotel quarantine for 21 days.