updates regarding COVID-19

Below are additional resources and FAQs regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as they specifically relate to Diethelm Travel, our destinations, clients and guests.

This page will be updated with new information and announcements as necessary.

If you have any questions or require more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at sales@diethelmtravel.com .

Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Stay in Thailand

Travel Traffic Light

Access our “ Travel Traffic Light ” anytime online which is an at-a-glance listing of international border updates, visa and travel regulations, and country operations:

Summary of Temporary Hotel Closure

For summary information of temporary hotel closure across 13 countries in Asia, please click HERE or see the details below:

Bhutan

9 June 2020 , 10:00 hours

Travel restrictions in Bhutan

From the Tourism Council of Bhutan, the tourist ban implemented on 6 March 2020 will continue until further notice. The restriction applies to all tourists regardless of nationality.

Travelers who were planning to visit Bhutan in March must postpone their trip until later this year.

Email bhutan@diethelmtravel.bt for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Cambodia

18 December 2020 , 14:00 hours

Travel restrictions in Cambodia

The Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to impose, in addition to the recent travel measures of the Ministry of Health of Cambodia, the following temporary entry restriction into the Kingdom of Cambodia, until further notice:

It is not possible to obtain visa on arrival, visa will have to be obtained before entry. To apply for a visa prior to arrival the following must be documented
Provide a negative Covid 19 test not older than 72 hours (easy too as most of the countries provide drive-in testing or testing are done at hospital and clinics).
Purchase a health insurance package for Covid-19 treatment before arrival, with a cost of USD90 and is valid for 20 days. This insurance package can be purchased from FORTE Insurance Company that can be reached through; https://www.forteinsurance.com/covid-19-insurance/ (in some places it is mentioned that it is enough for you to provide documentation of a private insurance covering at least $ 50,000. We do not recommend this as we have heard passengers denied boarding without the Forte insurance.)
Upon arrival you must take another Covid test. If the test is negative you will be transported to your designated hotel for a 14 day quarantine. If your test is positive you will be transported to the hospital for further treatment and only be released once you have been cured of Covid.
All travelers are requested to deposit 2000US $ on arrival in cash or by credit card to cover all expenses, ea. tests, accommodation, transport to the center and food. Quarantine facilities have been arranged at hotels around Phnom Penh and it is not possible to book hotels in advance. These costs will be deducted from your deposit. If on the 13th day your test is negative you’ll be able to get the balance from your deposit refunded at the bank.

Email dt_cambodia@kh.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

China

25 May 2020 , 10:00 hours

Situation updates in China

Things are beginning to open up and return to normal across the country. Many open spaces, natural sights, public cultural sites and low-risk areas nationwide have reopened. Some museums, such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum, have reopened with new virus protection procedures. Hotels and restaurants are also gradually opening up, while many provinces are planning to open schools beginning as early as the end of March.

Starting 15 March, travel agencies have been allowed to organize trips for local tourists within their province.

Any travelers entering China from COVID-19 areas need to self-quarantine at home or in designated place for 14 days.

While in public, all people must wear a face mask and access to public places requires disinfection and registration.

China has decided to temporarily close the borders for foreigners with a valid visa or residence permit from 28 March. Entry with diplomatic passports, official, honorary or C visas is still possible. Foreigners wishing to enter China for economic, scientific, technological and humanitarian purposes should still apply for visas at Chinese embassies and consulates.

Email reservation@cn.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Hong Kong

29 December 2020 , 16:00 hours

Transiting through Hong Kong

Transit requirements

Passengers will be able to transit through Hong Kong if:

Their itinerary is contained in a single booking;
They meet the entry requirements of their final destination;
They have their baggage checked through to the final destination;
They have been issued their onward boarding pass (es) from their origin; and
The connection time between flights is within 24 hours.

Transit restrictions

From 15 August until further notice, passengers starting their journey in the Chinese mainland will be able to transit Hong Kong International Airport provided they meet the above requirements
Transiting to destinations in the Chinese mainland remains unavailable
Hong Kong International Airport Skypier Sea-to-Air ferry service (Greater Bay Area to Hong Kong) will gradually resume from 28 October 2020, but Air-to-Sea ferry service will remain suspended

Entering Hong Kong

Mandatory COVID-19 testing

All passengers arriving into Hong Kong will be required to undergo a medical test for COVID-19 prior to clearing immigration and baggage collection

The test, which involves providing a combined nasal and throat swab sample, will be conducted by medical professionals at the Department of Health Temporary Specimen Collection Center at Midfield Concourse. Passengers will receive directions and assistance after disembarking the aircraft. All passengers will be required to wait for their test results. Visit Arrival in Hong Kong for more information https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/covid-19/arriving-in-hkg.html

Immigration and quarantine requirements

Entry restrictions

Only residents with the following documents will be permitted to enter Hong Kong:

Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or Hong Kong Identity Card that:

bears the “asterisk” or “A” or “R” codes
bears the “C” code (provided that it is accompanied by a valid work visa or study visa)
bears the “U” code (Note: this type of HKID is subject to approval from Hong Kong Immigration prior to acceptance at check-in)
Hong Kong SAR passport or British National (Overseas) passport (with right of abode in Hong Kong)
Hong Kong Document of Identity
Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry into Hong Kong
Entry restriction exemptions

The following passengers are exempt from the entry restrictions:

Passengers traveling from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan or Macao, and have not been to any other country / region in the past 14 days
Diplomatic / official passport holders (subject to prevailing visa requirements)
The spouse and children of Hong Kong residents
Local government personnel performing official duties
Personnel approved by the Hong Kong SAR government to carry out anti-epidemic work
Passengers holding a new entry visa to work, study, establish or join in any business, or to take up residence in Hong Kong
Passengers falling into one of the exemption categories above must still possess a travel document that would allow them to stay in Hong Kong for a minimum of 14 days, in order to meet the compulsory quarantine requirements. Otherwise entry will be refused.

Quarantine measures

The latest compulsory quarantine requirements for all passengers can be found on the Hong Kong SAR Government’s COVID-19 website: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel-faq.html#FAQ1

Additional requirements for entering Hong Kong

Passengers who have visited any destination outside China

Passengers who have visited any destination outside China in the past 21 days, must provide a room confirmation at one of the designated hotelshttps: //www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel.html (effective 21 December 2020), in English or Chinese for not less than 14 nights, starting on the day of arrival in Hong Kong.

Passengers who have been in or transited through the United Kingdom or South Africa

Any passengers who have been in the United Kingdom or South Africa for more than two hours in the past 21 days will not be permitted to enter Hong Kong.
Any passengers who have transited through the United Kingdom or South Africa for less than two hours, and are eligible to enter Hong Kong, may continue to do so – provided they meet the below requirements for passengers coming from high risk countries. In such cases, passengers will be required to show proof of a hotel reservation at a designated hotel for 21 nights, starting on the day of arrival in Hong Kong.

Additional requirements for passengers coming from ‘high risk’ countries

Passengers who are ending their journey in Hong Kong and have visited or transited through Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada (effective 25 December 2020), Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States or Ukraine in the 21 days prior to arriving will be required to show the following documents.

Test report

A test report issued by a laboratory or healthcare institution that contains the passenger’s name identical to that in his / her valid travel document to show that:

they have undertaken a nucleic acid test for COVID-19;
the sample for the test was taken within 72 hours of the scheduled time of departure of the flight to Hong Kong; and
the result of the test for COVID-19 was negative

The test report must be written in either English or Chinese and can be presented in paper or electronic format If the test report above is not in English or Chinese or does not contain all the above mentioned information, it is acceptable to present a written confirmation, in English or Chinese, issued by the laboratory or healthcare institution that contains the following information:

the name of the passenger (this must be identical to the name in his / her valid travel document);
they underwent a nucleic acid test for COVID-19,
the sample for the test was taken within 72 hours before the scheduled time of departure of the flight to Hong Kong; and
the result of the test for COVID-19 was negative.

This written confirmation must be presented with the test report.

For passengers traveling from the United Kingdom

The NHS (National Health Service) test report does not meet the Hong Kong entry requirements and will not be accepted

Please note that if there is a schedule change or flight cancellation, passengers are responsible for ensuring that their COVID-19 test meets the 72-hour requirement based on the new flight departure time.

Documentary proof

Documentary proof (in English or Chinese) to show that the laboratory or healthcare institution is ISO 15189 accredited or is recognized or approved by the relevant authority of the government of the place in which the laboratory or healthcare institution is located.

This can be in the form of a copy of ‘Certificate of Accreditation’, ‘Certificate of Compliance’, or information printed out from an official government website.

Please note that documentary proof is required even if the test report from the laboratory or healthcare institution contains an ISO accreditation reference.

Hotel reservation confirmation

A reservation confirmation at one of the designated hotels https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/designated-hotel.html (effective 21 December 2020) in Hong Kong for no less than 14 nights starting on the day of your arrival in Hong Kong.

Please note:

This confirmation can be either printed or shown in a digital format and must be written in English or Chinese.
Accommodation is required for all passengers coming from these countries / regions. Passengers who have a home or residential address in Hong Kong are also required to undergo 14-days of quarantine at a hotel.
The booking must be at one of the designated hotels (effective 21 December 2020).

To meet these new requirements, all passengers will be asked the following upon check-in:

That you have not been in the United Kingdom for more than two hours in the past 14 days
To complete and sign a declaration regarding your travel history over the past 14 days. We will ask if you have visited or transited through Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada (effective 25 December 2020), Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom or the United States. If you answer yes, you will be required to show us the documentation mentioned above.
To demonstrate to us that you have completed the Hong Kong Department of Health online health declaration by showing us the resulting QR code. This can be in a printed or digital format.

Passengers who are unable to meet these requirements will not be accepted for travel.

Email operation@hk.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Laos

27 May 2020 , 13:00 hours

Situation updates in Laos

Life in Laos is getting back to normal. However, many businesses remain closed or are operating limited hours. Restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, massage parlors and spas, fresh markets, beauty salons, barbershops, shopping centers and malls, and tourism sites, are permitted to open but prevention measures and guidelines issued by the taskforce must be strictly implemented. Limited domestic flights are now operating. International borders remain closed until further notice.

Email info@la.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Malaysia

1 January 2021, 21:00 hours

Recovery Movement Control Order in Malaysia

On the 28th August 2020, our Prime Minister had made an announcement regarding Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in a televised speech announced the extension of the RMCO which was initially supposed to end Aug 31.

The Prime Minister said based on the latest development, Malaysia has been able to successfully control the spread of Covid-19 infections, but sporadic outbreaks continued to occur.

Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) is now extended for another three months with the end date of 31st March 2021.

The entire country remains under a “Recovery Movement Control Order” (RMCO) through March 31, 2021. Additionally, certain states and districts with higher prevalence of COVID-19 are subject to Conditional Movement Control Orders (CMCOs) or Enhanced Movement Control Orders ( EMCOs). The Government of Malaysia announced an extension of the CMCO in effect in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah, most of Selangor, as well as some parts of Penang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Perak. The CMCO will remain in effect until January 14.

Sabah and Sarawak

Additional entry requirements apply for travel to the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, which have local autonomy over immigration at domestic and international ports of entry. For detailed requirements on traveling to SABAH or SARAWAK please contact the local immigration authorities directly.

The following restrictions will continue to be enforced in areas subject to a CMCO:

Schools, higher education institutions, training institutes, kindergartens, public parks and recreational centers will be closed. The only exception is for childcare centers for young children, which may apply for special permission to reopen;

Mosques and other non-Muslim places of worship may operate on a limited basis subject to numerical caps;

Sports, recreational, social and cultural activities may operate on a limited basis and may be subject to numerical caps;

Entertainment centers and nightclubs will not be allowed to operate.

As of December 7, police authorization is no longer required for travel in or out of CMCO (Conditioned Movement Control Order) districts.

Police authorization is still required for travel to or from EMCO (Enhanced Movement Control Order) districts.

Please refer to Malaysian government guidance on which districts are currently subject to an EMCO.

The government is also looking at green-zone destinations, instead of just countries, as part of its consideration for a travel bubble to boost the nation’s tourism industry.

It goes by different names, such as travel bubble, travel corridors and air bridges, but essentially means the same thing – to lift the ban on border closures.

The bubble or corridors denote a safe or protected perimeter between two travel destinations, countries or states already declared green zones and ready to receive tourists, which is expected to help the tourism sector recover.

We will continue to keep you well informed on the next development.

Meanwhile, please rest assured that myself and all colleagues in Diethelm Malaysia are here to support whenever the needs arise.

For more information and update, please visit: https://www.pmo.gov.my/2020/03/movement-control-order-faq-info/

Email inbound@my.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Maldives

19 April 2021 , 10:00 hours

A Further Ease of Travel Restriction

We are happy to let you know that the Maldives continues to have a positive approach in handling worldly crises and has announced further ease in the arrival restrictions for tourists.

Please be informed that as of 20 April, all travellers to Maldives (including tourists) who have completed their two doses of Covid-19 vaccination (recognized by WHO) 2 weeks prior to travel are now exempted from the pre-arrival Negative PCR requirement and do not require to undergo or observe the travel quarantine on arrival to the Maldives.

Complete detail of the circular is attached and we would advise that it is reviewed and if you or your service teams have any questions please let us know.

An Updated Resort Development Report

Please find an updated resort development report that indicates approximate dates of new openings and changes in what was reported previously. We now understand that Grand Melia has withdrawn from the resort project it had planned, similarly, Hurasveli too has temporarily suspended construction. You may find the complete details in the attached report please review and let me know if you have any questions.

Destination Arrivals

Finally attached you will find the arrival figures up to 21 March, while another report that reflects the arrivals up to 17 April. Please review and let me know if you have any questions.

Additionally, I would like to inform you that the Maldives tourism board has taken the bold step to revise the tourism target increasing it to 1.5 Million tourists for 2021. It is felt that once the four key source markets open up (China, UK, Italy & Germany) the destination shall surpass the increased target.

The destination continues to run with a healthy influx of tourists and we are all thankful for your support.

Email carmen.k@mv.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Myanmar

1 February 2021 , 11:00 hours

Myanmar Government extended measures to deal with the coronavirus outbreak including the restrictions on movement and a night curfew. A ban on international commercial air traffic and the temporary entry restrictions for travelers from all countries will be extended until further notice .

All government and private schools, universities and entertainment centers are still closed. Supermarkets are opened. Restaurants, excluding under the stay-home measure, are allowed to reopen according to the ministry’s instruction.
Some private offices are still closed, while most switch to working from home or partially.
All the temporary lockdown measures are extended until further notice .

Email leisure@mm.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Philippines

23 Dec 2020 , 12:00 hours

While the Philippines is studying the possibility of reopening its borders to foreign visitors from other countries with low to medium coronavirus transmission, some top destinations in the country such as Boracay, Bohol, El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Baguio, Ilocos and others has gradually opened their doors to domestic leisure travelers with limitations and minimum health standards to be observed. While non-essential outbound travel was allowed in early part of October 2020, the recent lifting of the ban for non-essential travel allows Filipinos to plan leisure trips abroad following guidelines and procedures set by the government.

From December 1 to 31, all areas in the Philippines are still under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) except for the following places that are under General Community Quarantine (GCQ):

Areas under GCQ:

LUZON
- Batangas
- Metro Manila
VISAYAS
- Tacloban city
- Iloilo City
MINDANAO
- Davao city
- Davao del Norte
- Iligan City
- South Lanao

* Modified General Community Quarantine – refers to the transition phase between GCQ and the New Normal, when the following temporary measures are relaxed and become less necessary: limiting movement and transportation, the regulation of operating industries, and the presence of uniformed personnel to enforce community quarantine protocols.

** New Normal – refers to the emerging behaviors, situations, and minimum public health standards that will be institutionalized in common or routine practices and remain even after the pandemic while the disease is not totally eradicated through means such as widespread immunization. These include actions that will become second nature to the general public as well as policies such as bans on large gatherings that will continue to remain in force.

Balikbayans (Returning Filipino Citizens) or former Filipino citizens are now allowed to enter the Philippines starting December 7, 2020. See list below to know who are qualified:

Filipino citizens’ foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are traveling with them
Former Filipino citizens, including their spouses and children, regardless of age, who are traveling with them

The entry of these persons shall be subject to the following conditions:

They are allowed visa-free entry under Executive Order No. 408, s. 1960.
They have a pre-booked quarantine facility.
They have a pre-booked COVID-19 testing at a laboratory operating at the airport.
They are subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

The following are allowed to travel and enter the Philippines:

Filipino nationals
Non-Filipino / Foreign spouse and children or children with special needs5 of a Filipino national
Non-Filipino / Foreign parent of a minor Filipino child (17 years old and below) or a child with special needs (regardless of age)
Former Filipinos ( Balikbayan Program), Dual Citizens
Spouse / Children of Former Filipino Nationals ( Balikbayan Program)
Accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents
Non-Filipino / Foreign seafarers with 9 (c) visa
Non-Filipino / Foreign nationals with an eligible long-term visa

Please see this file for further details of the guidelines. The aforementioned measures shall be subject to daily monitoring and reassessment by the Inter Agency Task Force.

Email sales@ph.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Singapore

20 April 2021 , 09:00 hours

Further to my 8^th March update, the Singapore Government is facilitating more set-ups to enable travel to Singapore for business travellers and also to ease the anxiety of travel to all visitors as we prepare for the imminent reopening of international borders.

Connect@Changi – more detailed information for business travellers who wants to have a in-person meeting. This is designed for Singapore and international travellers to conduct business meetings and engagements. At Connect@Changi, they have an All-in-one business stay package;

The experience begins from a seamless arrival once you touch down at Changi Airport to your stay with Connect@Changi using the App to make the booking with a one-stop e-concierge.

Accommodation with stylish interiors.
Arrival and departure transfer from Changi Airport
COVID-19 diagnostic tests during stay
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) provided
One-stop e-Concierge services via mobile app
https://connectatchangi.sg/

Safe Travel Concierge– Singapore wants to ease the anxiety of air travel, with the launch of an online Safe Travel Concierge (STC) by Changi Airport Group to all visitors. The STC roll-out follows a successful trial during the Singapore’s first hybrid trade show, TravelRevive, back in November.

For inbound global business visitors, this means being able to plan air travel into Singapore including booking an on-arrival Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, while also crosschecking all other pre-travel requirements for a safe and smooth entry into Singapore.

The steps are simple.

Changi Airport’s STC is the latest in a string of digital health passports that have been launched in recent months including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass specifically targeting travellers in and out of Singapore.

In fact, from 1 May onwards, the IATA Travel Pass will also be accepted at Changi Airport, allowing travellers to store pre-flight Covid-19 test results, and present the digital pass at Singapore’s immigration checkpoint. We hope that the joint efforts will make IATA’s partnership with the government of Singapore a model for others to follow. More than 20 airlines have announced trials of the IATA Travel Pass. Travellers to Singapore intending to use the pass are advised to check with the airline they are travelling with for eligibility to use the IATA Travel Pass.

As digital health certificates may soon be the new necessity in air travel, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has also indicated plans to explore “other solutions that can provide similarly secure and verifiable means of sharing health certificates for safe international travel.

For more information on travel to Singapore, please visit this website: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/

Email: enquiry@sg.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help in adjusting bookings.

Until my next update, please take care and stay safe and I look forward to a good year of recovery ahead with you !

Sri Lanka

16 April 2021, 19:45 hours

Revised Travel Entry Measures and ‘things you need to know’ before visiting Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka reopened its airports (Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport) for international travelers from January 21, 2021.

Please note below the revised protocol regarding travel to Sri Lanka, issued by the Health Ministry on 06 April 2021.
Prior to boarding travellers are required to:

1. Have a negative PCR test done 96 hours before boarding the flight.
2. A Hotel booking in a Safe & Secure Level 1 hotel/s for the duration of stay (24-48 hours for vaccinated and 14 days for not vaccinated. Allowed to move within Level 1 hotels and use all facilities of the hotel.
3. Pre-paid for COVID Insurance of USD 12 when making the Hotel Booking.
4. Pre-paid PCR tests when making hotel bookings (40 USD per test): If vaccinated: 1 PCR test on arrival, If not vaccinated: 2 PCR tests on arrival and exit PCR.
• Children below 2 years are exempted from PCR testing.
• Children between 2-12 years,
~Vaccinated route – undergo only on-arrival PCR
~ Not-vaccinated route – undergo only exit PCR
5. Airport transfers should be arranged by Certified Safe & Secure travel agent or another certified secondary party.

Protocol for Vaccinated Travellers

•Travellers who have completed the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccination and arriving after two weeks of
completion of vaccination will be considered ‘vaccinated’.
• Any vaccination accepted by the country of origin is acceptable under the vaccinated route.
• Children below 12 years are permitted to accompany their parents/guardians who are fully vaccinated.
¢ Children 2 years and above are required to do one PCR test (On arrival)
¢ Children below 2 years are exempted from PCR tests. However, if the parents/guardians develop symptoms or result in positive PCR test reports, children will undergo PCR tests.

At the airport produce the following;
a. Negative COVID-19 PCR report (in English) taken 96 hours before the flight.
b. Original copy of the vaccination certificate (in English).
c. Completed Health Declaration Form.

Stay at a Certified Safe & Secure Level 1 hotel until the on-arrival PCR test is performed (for 24-48 hours). Travellers are permitted to use all the facilities of the Certified Safe & Secure Level 1 hotels.

On receipt of a negative PCR test report, travellers are permitted to leave the bio-bubble. The respective Level 1 hotel doctor will issue a discharge document upon verifying the status of vaccination and PCR test results.

Protocol for Travellers who are not vaccinated

• Travellers who have not completed the COVID 19 vaccination or arrive in Sri Lanka less than two weeks of vaccination or accompany children above 12 years who are not vaccinated are considered Not-Vaccinated.
• Under this route children below 12 years are exempted from on-arrival PCR testing. However, children between 2 to 12 years will undergo an ‘Exit PCR’ testing.
• Children below 2 years are exempted from PCR testing. However, if the parents/guardians develop symptoms or result in positive PCR test reports children will undergo PCR tests.

At the airport produce the following;
a. Negative COVID-19 PCR report (in English) taken 96 hours before the flight.
b. Completed Health Declaration Form.

Stay at a Certified Safe & Secure Level 1 hotel/s for up to the first 14 days of the visit and undergo an on-arrival PCR test. Travellers are allowed to stay at any number of Certified Safe & Secure Level 1 hotels and are permitted to use all facilities of the hotel. Travellers are also allowed to visit approved tourist sites in a bio bubble.

Perform the second PCR;
a. If the stay is more than 14 days – perform PCR on 11-14th day of arrival. Upon negative results for both PCRs, travellers are allowed to leave the bio-bubble and the respective Level 1 hotel doctor will issue a discharge document upon verifying the PCR test results.
b. If the stay is between 5-14 days – perform the PCR depending on the date of departure (i.e. 24-48 hours before departure).
c. If the stay is less than 5 days – no exit PCR required.

These guidelines will be reviewed by the relevant authorities depending on the COVID-19 status in the country and global situation, wherein such an event we will keep you updated no sooner the verified news is received.
———————————————————————————————————————————

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) together with the Ministry of Health has laid out safety protocols and for your ease of understanding of all this information, the Tourism officials have segregated these under multiple headings under ‘things you need to know’, prior to making plans to visit Sri Lanka.

The headings containing hyperlinks will easily direct you to the documents comprising important information (note: this information gets updated frequently).

Sri Lanka received the Safe Travel Stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council, reflective of the sound protocol implemented by Sri Lanka Tourism. One such protocol was awarding the ‘Safe and Secure Certification’ for Tourism service providers, which Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka was able to obtain, after completing a thorough assessment of the safety initiatives established by us, as a responsible DMC.

Email sales@lk.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Thailand

8 December 2020 , 14:00 hours

Diethelm Travel Thailand obtains ” Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA” certification

With our extended connections with a wide range of hotels in Thailand makes us proud to announce that we have hand-selected a list of exclusive Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) packages to welcome you for your next best stay in Thailand.

Our newly created ASQ Package page ( asq.diethelmtravel.com ) allows you to filter hotels that is best suitable for your budget, room sizes, location and more, at your finger tips. It also provides you with travel choices after your stay ends with an extensive local destination offers such as city tours, cultural tours, or food tours. Whether stay in the city of angels like Bangkok or get a glimpse of the overlooking sunrises and sunsets in Pattaya, we offer each experience tailored to your needs resulting in an unforgettable Journey of a Lifetime.

Upon arrival to being dropped off, not only hygienic, safe, convenient and comfortable but special services have also been carefully included into our operations that we can include to enhance your experience from the minute you arrive until the completion of your journey in Thailand.

Please remember that everything we do, we do for you. Contact us at sales@th.diethelmtravel.com for hassle-free r eservation of your best hotel and tour packages so we could see each other soon or simply and securely book & pay online at asq.diethelmtravel.com .

Email sales@th.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

Vietnam

19 October 2020 , 13:30 hours

Since the start of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Vietnam has closely monitored the situation and installed a series of proactive, comprehensive measures to combat the spread of the virus within the country and prepare its public health facilities.

The large majority of COVID-19 patients have recovered and were released from the hospital. Vietnam has not had any new community transmission cases since 2 September 2020. The latest confirmed cases involve people who arrived in Vietnam with COVID-19 and were sent directly to quarantine and isolated for treatment.

The reason why Vietnam has managed to keep patients from death’s door is down to a three-pronged government strategy. Firstly, temperature screening and testing started in February. These measures are now mandatory for everyone entering major cities and some provinces by land too, and for everyone entering a government building or hospital. The second prong of Vietnam’s approach was quarantined for suspected cases from epidemic areas or have had direct contact with returnees from epidemic areas and lockdowns whole cities and specific areas in a city. Thirdly, it was the Vietnamese government’s constant communications widely to citizens about the seriousness of the coronavirus and the launch of online management and administration center for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.

The Vietnamese government continues to suspend entry into Vietnam to all foreigners. There are limited exemptions for diplomatic, official duty, and special cases, including experts, business managers and foreign investors.

Recently Vietnam has decided to summarize commercial air routes to specific airports (Guangzhou, Taiwan, Seoul, Tokyo, Phnom Penh and Vientiane), only Vietnamese nationals and individuals in the aforementioned exempted categories and their family members may enter Vietnam. Individuals in these categories will have to present a certificate of negative COVID-19 RT-PCR testing report issued within the three days prior to departure. For detailed information about flight frequency and designated quarantine sites, please see the Vietnamese government’s website here .

Email sales@vn.diethelmtravel.com for more information or help adjusting bookings.

FAQs

Q: What is Diethelm Travel’s refund policy regarding booking changes or cancellations due to COVID-19?

A: We understand that traveling during this time is unpredictable and want to give you and your clients peace of mind when planning future journeys.

Book any Diethelm Travel product now until the end of October 2021 with the option to cancel for a full refund – no questions asked – for travel through 31 December 2021.

Cancel up to 15 days prior to travel – FREE
Cancel 14 or less prior to travel – regular charges are applied

Note: Some flights and select hotels / products with limited capacity may be exempt as well as travel during peak periods.

Q: Who can I contact at Diethelm Travel for more information regarding travel updates, booking changes or new developments?

A: If you’re already in contact with one of our country-specific sales representatives, please feel free to reach out to them directly.

For all other questions, general inquiries or questions about our new booking and cancellation policy, please contact sales@diethelmtravel.com .

Q: What health and safety precautions are Diethelm Travel taking?

A: The safety of our guests and employees across Asia is always our number one priority. In addition to our already stringent health and safety procedures, our enhanced health & hygiene protocols can be found HERE .

Q: What should travelers do to protect themselves while traveling?

A: At this time, we recommend that travelers take general, common-sense precautions to minimize their risk. (They are smart practices any time when traveling!)

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Avoid touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Use your elbow or a tissue to cover your cough or sneeze. Immediately throw the tissue away and wash hands.
Wear a face mask if you feel unwell or have a cough. (In Asia, wearing a face mask is in public is common but not necessary if you are healthy, according to WHO.)
Clean and disinfect with an alcohol-based disinfectant frequently touched objects and surfaces such as phones, computers or armrests.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you start to feel unwell, seek medical assistance, stay away from public areas and do not travel.

Q: Where can I find trusted information regarding COVID-19?

A: We recommend the following international organizations:

Q: Where can I find more country-specific information regarding travel restrictions, country policies or on-the-ground updates?

A: Information, policies and procedures are changing daily. It is best to regularly check countries’ official government websites and tourism board websites for the latest information. We will also be emailing relevant important information and updating this page as necessary.