When can I visit south-east Asia? Latest advice as Thailand announces its reopening plan

South-east Asia is reassuringly absent from the UK's 'red list' of countries from which travel is banned – but does that mean the outlook for holidays is rosy? Unfortunately not, for the most part.

All Asian nations currently have their own strict travel restrictions in place. Some impose outright bans on holidaymakers, while others have adopted mandatory quarantine schemes so draconian (Vietnam's lasts 21 days) that their borders are closed in all-but name.

And logistically, there are complications too: many flights to Asia connect in the UAE and Qatar – both of which have now been added to the red list, the latter with just three days' notice. This means that direct flights are banned, and returning Britons must isolate in hotel quarantine. There are alternative airports to transit though, yes, but complications are rife.

Here, we delve into the details of three popular south-east Asia holiday destinations – and find out, when might holidays be back on the cards?

When can I travel to Thailand?

The Thai borders are currently open, though all visitors must apply for permission to travel – via the Royal Thai Government’s online platform.

Even with that secured, you will need to complete a mandatory quarantine: a scheme which has deterred the vast majority of travellers, placing pressure on a tourism industry that accounts for around 20 per cent of the national economy. All travellers to Thailand, including all British nationals, are required to complete a 14-day quarantine at a State Quarantine or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility. Those who test positive for Covid-19, even if asymptomatic, must see out their quarantine in hospital – along with all other people in their travelling group. Travellers must remain in quarantine for 14 days, even if they subsequently test negative.

However, there is cause for hope. Thailand is to begin easing quarantine requirements for vaccinated visitors this summer: the country-wide quarantine requirement will be reduced to 10 days from April 1, with a further reduction in the summer. Then, Phuket will be the first part of Thailand to welcome international travellers. July 1 will see the island reopen to tourists who have been fully inoculated. They will be transported from the airport to their hotel and will then be tested for Covid-19. If they test negative, they will be permitted to travel around Phuket. After a week, they will be allowed to travel elsewhere in the country.

From October, Phuket, Krabi, Phangnga, Koh Samui, Chonburi (Pattaya) and Chiang Mai will also reopen to vaccinated travellers (without a quarantine requirement). Again, visitors will be required to stay in their port of entry for seven days before travelling elsewhere in the country. Thailand is prioritising vaccinating 70 per cent of Phuket residents before tourism can resume.

All visitors to Thailand must secure an entry visa, and should also download the government-approved tracking app for use throughout their stay.

When can I travel to Vietnam?

Vietnam has suspended entry visas for all foreign nationals, except for certain workers and a small number of diplomats on official business. Land borders are closed, and flight transits are prohibited.

All arrivals must quarantine for 21 days, in government-approved facilities, hotels or hospital – though the UK Government warns that 'Most [quarantine centres] do not meet Public Health England standards'.

Holidays remain strictly off-limits – but hopefully not for too much longer. Tourism experts in Vietnam have stated that the country could start welcoming vaccinated foreign visitors from July.

In early March, Nguyen Huu Tho, chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VTA), said that Vietnam has been one of the most successful countries in containing Covid-19 outbreaks, creating good conditions for the tourism industry to open up to international markets.

"Vietnam should prepare to receive international visitors from July to help the heavily-hit tourism industry recover as 95 percent of inbound travel firms have suspended operation," announced Tho during a meeting on March 3 to discuss the future of tourism in Vietnam.

"Promoting domestic tourism could bring in revenue but cannot save the tourism industry. The roadmap to opening up the international market is the only solution."

When can I travel to Indonesia?

All non-Indonesian travellers are currently prohibited from entering the country, although there are exceptions to the ban for some diplomats, workers and holders of residency cards. If you do meet the criteria, pre-arrival PCR tests are mandatory, and quarantine must be completed in an approved hotel – for a (relatively modest) five days, unless you test positive.

Tourism visits are prohibited, but holiday hotspot Bali – by far the nation's most popular destination – could offer an olive branch. According to local media reports, the island is preparing to designate a 'Green Zone', promising minimal risk of Covid-19 within its confines.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced the plans on March 1, stating: "both domestic and international travelers will be only allowed to visit these Covid-19 free areas". The details of the plans remain scarce, however the island's government is prioritising tourism and hospitality workers for the vaccine, rolling out 'drive-thru' clinics to quicken the uptake.

Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno has said that Bali's reopening will happen gradually over the coming months, telling local press: “I think it’s time for us to start reopening our border one step at a time for international visitors, with strict prevention protocols in place.”