Asian countries are starting to open their borders to international tourists after the Covid pandemic.
Singapore was one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to abandon its so-called “zero Covid" strategy, adding eight new countries including the US and the UK to its vaccinated and quarantine-free travel lanes. From October 19, tourists from a total of 11 countries can enter Singapore without quarantine.
Singapore has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with more than 80% of its population fully vaccinated, according to Johns Hopkins data.
'Zero Covid’, which involves closed borders, quarantine mandates and strict lockdowns, is no longer pursued by Malaysia. The government made an official statement ending domestic and international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated people from October 11. The decision came after the country said it reached its target fully inoculating 90% of its adult population.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob stated that the country should learn to live with the pandemic, "We have to train ourselves to live with Covid, because Covid may not be eliminated fully." He also reassured his people that Malaysia would not impose severe lockdowns again even if cases rise.
India is slowly allowing foreign tourists to enter the country as Covid-19 cases and deaths have been declining. Starting on October 15, passengers arriving on chartered flights to India can enter the country. Other arrivals will be permitted from November 15, if passengers comply with strict Covid-19 prevention protocols.
