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

17 January 2022, 09:00 hours

Travel restrictions in Cambodia

Cambodia is open for quarantine free travel for all vaccinated people. Upon arrival you will take a rapid test and if tested negative you may proceed directly to your hotel or place of residence.

For all travelers the below requirements and regulations are in place:

• It is not possible to obtain a visa on arrival, visa will have to be obtained before entry. On the following link you can apply for an e-visa: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
• Provide a negative Covid 19 PCR test not older than 72 hours.
• Provide proof of vaccination
• Have a valid travel insurance with a 50.000$ coverage. 
• Upon arrival you must take a rapid test. If the test is negative you will be free to leave the airport. 

Life in Cambodia is back to what we can consider the new normal. Almost all businesses are back to normal operations and life has resumed with proper social distancing measures. Mask are required in super markets and stores but do not need to be worn in bars and restaurants once you have entered. 

We recommend that you check your travel insurance and make sure it covers expenses if you should test positive on a rapid test on arrival. If this is not certain, then we would recommend you to purchase a Forte Covid insurance which will cover all expenses during a quarantine.  https://www.forteinsurance.com/covid-19-insurance/

Our experience so far is that the airport procedure is very straight forward. Waiting lines can be long if more flights arrive at the same time, but fast track is possible. 

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

01 Sep 2021  , 16:00 hours

Immigration 

Currently opened only to Hong Kong residence and certain category of visitors from Mainland China, Taiwan and Macao SAR (subject to quarantine) For reference please refer to the following links for updated status:

https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/COVID19.page 

https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/covid-19/hong-kong-travel-restrictions.html

Quarantine measures 

For reference please refer to the following links for updated status:

https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/COVID19.page

https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html

Laos

31 October 2021  , 09:00 hours 

Situation updates in Laos

T he lockdown in Laos will continue until November 15, 2021. 

Restrictions in Areas with Community Spread of Covid-19

Massage parlors, beauty salons, barbershops, night markets, food gardens and tourist attractions must remain closed.

Individuals are prohibited from entering or exiting areas with community spread of Covid-19 except those with prior authorization from the Covid Taskforce or relevant authorities.

Indoor and outdoor fitness centers or stadiums must close, while outdoor exercise in public areas with a community spread of Covid-19 (red zones) is also prohibited.

All parties, gatherings, and social events are prohibited at any location. Meetings and conferences or other gatherings with more than 20 persons are prohibited.

Road traffic across Vientiane Capital and any province with community spread of Covid-19 is prohibited from 22:00 until 5:00, except for freight transportation vehicles, emergency vehicles, and vehicles of the Covid Taskforce or government officials undertaking their work.

Schools and educational institutions at every level are to remain closed.

Ministries, equivalent organizations, and businesses in Vientiane Capital and other provinces should ensure employees rotate personnel or work from home using electronic means. Those in at-risk groups including unvaccinated persons and pregnant women should work from home.

Eased Measures

Shopping malls, retail shops, supermarkets, minimarts, and fresh markets that comply with Covid-19 prevention measures may remain open. Covid-19 prevention measures must be fully implemented including temperature checks, wearing facemasks, and ensuring social distancing of at least one meter. All such retailers and market venues must strictly close by 8pm.

Barbershops and beauty salons that are not in red zones may resume operations, with Covid-19 prevention measures including social distancing strictly followed at all times. Employees and customers must have received two doses of vaccine before they may receive services, and such businesses must close at 7pm.

Massage parlors, beauty salons, and barbershops, may open in localities without community spread of Covid-19, however, service providers and patrons must be fully vaccinated, strictly implement infection Covid-19 prevention measures, and may open no later than 8pm.

Restaurants and cafes in localities without community spread may continue to provide dine-in services, however, tables must be organized at least one meter apart, while service of alcohol is prohibited. Restaurants must strictly comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures. Restaurants in areas with outbreaks of Covid-19 May provide takeaway services only.

Travel within localities that have not experienced an outbreak may continue as usual

Foreigners who reside in Laos or have been in Laos for some time will be allowed to travel under the same conditions as Lao citizens.

Indoor and outdoor fitness centers and stadiums in provinces without community spread may continue operations, however, such businesses may not serve alcohol at their premises and must comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.

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

Malaysia

11 November 2021, 12:47 hours

MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL RECOVERY PLAN (NRP) AND PHASE UPDATES.

As of 08 November, there are NO STATES listed under Phase 1 & 2, and only Kelantan & Sarawak listed in Phase 3 while Sabah, Perlis, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Pahang, Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Melaka & Negeri Sembilan are under Phase 4 of the Malaysia National Recovery Plan (NRP).

Fully Vaccinated Definition

Under the National Recovery Plan SOP, an individual is only considered fully-vaccinated if they meet these requirements:

• For vaccines that require two doses(like the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines), the individual must exceed 14 days after receiving the second dose.
• For vaccines that require only one dose(like the Johnson & Johnson and CanSino vaccines), the individual must exceed 28 days after receiving the second dose.

For individuals who cannot be vaccinated on medical reasons, they must produce a medical report that has been verified by a registered medical practitioner.

Overseas Travellers in Phase 4 Areas

Malaysian citizens or foreigners who have homes in Malaysia (including PR and Malaysia My Second Home participants) arriving from overseas, are ALLOWED to undergo mandatory quarantine at home if they are fully vaccinated, on accepting a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) subject to these conditions:
– Show proof of a valid negative RT-PCR test taken within 3 days prior to departure
– Have a valid and complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate (depending on the type of vaccine).
– Have no symptoms during the health screening conducted at the International entry point.
– Have suitable accommodations to undergo quarantine

Individuals who arrive from overseas and are not fully vaccinated, or have not been vaccinated, must undergo mandatory quarantine in a KKM-approved quarantine centre.

The mandatory quarantine for overseas travellers is 7 days at home (if appropriate) or quarantine station for fully-vaccinated individuals, and 10 days in a quarantine station for individuals who are not fully-vaccinated.

Travellers must conduct a self-assessment using the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) in the MySejahtera app, every day until the end of the quarantine period (7 or 10 days after arrival).

Travellers must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR screening test on arrival.

Monitoring for Close Contacts

07 days’ home quarantine for fully-vaccinated individuals.

10 days’ home quarantine for individuals who are not fully-vaccinated. 

Travel Restrictions in Phase 4 Areas

As of 11 October 2021;

• Interstate travel is only ALLOWED for FULLY-VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS, by showing their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card.
• Fully-vaccinated individuals are allowed to bring children 18 years and younger, subject to general health protocols.
• Interstate travel is FORBIDDEN in Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO / PKPD) areas.
• Interstate travel by workers are subject to worker’s pass or employer’s confirmation letter.
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated may travel for funeral and emergencies, after getting permission from the police.
• All vehicles, whether driven by individuals, for transportation of goods or public transport, are allowed to travel at full capacity.
• Airports, ports and logistic sector are ALLOWEDto operate 24 hours.

General Health Protocol in Phase 4 Areas

• Licence holders and premise owners must provide MySejahtera QR code and a manual logbook to register customers.
• Hand sanitiser must be provided at the entrance, and customers must use it before entering.
• The use of MySejahtera is mandatory is areas with good Internet connectivity. The use of logbook is only allowed in areas with no Internet connectivity, or other reasonable excuse.
• Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers and workers check in using MySejahtera. or the manual logbook if there’s no Internet connectivity.
• Employers, employees, customers and visitors are required to check in using MySejahtera or write their names and phone numbers legibly in the logbook (if there is no Internet connectivity).
• In shopping malls, customers only need to scan their body temperatures ONCE at the mall entry point. It is not necessary to scan their body temperature at every premise in the mall.
• Those with body temperatures exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius are NOT ALLOWED to enter.
• Malls and premise owners must ensure that only customers with Low Risk or Casual Contact Low Risk in MySejahtera are allowed to enter.
• Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers must maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre entering or leaving their premises.
• Individuals 18 years and below are not encouraged to be in public places and facilities.
• Premise owners and business licence holders must restrict the number of customers within their premises to ensure at least 1 metre physical distancing.
• Every premise must publicly display the limit of customers allowed inside at any one time. The use of a numbered queue system is encouraged to control the number of customers.
• All building owners must provide QR Codes for each floor / level.
• It is MANDATORY for employees, suppliers and customers to properly wear face masks while within the premise.
• There must be good VENTILATION at the premise according to ventilation and indoor air quality guidelines issued by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP).
• It is MANDATORY to wear a face mask, especially in crowded public areas, EXCEPT in these places or situations :
  a) hotel room or paid accommodation, alone or with your own family
  b) Personal working space
  c) Sporting activities and outdoor recreation
  d) Personal vehicle, alone or with your own family
  e) Indoor or outdoor public areas, when there are no other individuals
  f) While eating or drinking in public areas, when there are no other individuals (except in restaurants or other food & beverage premises)

For more updates on NRP and phase status, please visit; https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/31194

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

Maldives

2 May 2021  , 10:00 hours 

Travel requirement updates

Please know that amid the increasing infection rates from around the world the Maldives has reversed its recent policy and now state that all arriving tourists and permit holders are required to present a negative PCR test where samples were taken no later than 96 hours from arrival. 

The announcement was made by the Health Protection Authority and will be in effect from 3 May 2021 onwards.

The rule shall be strictly enforced and also applies to those who have completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.

The order is to be kept in place until further notice by the health authorities in the nation.

Additional to the above also know that restrictions have been imposed that Indian Nationals will not be allowed to stay in guest houses or any locally inhabited islands until further notice. The official communique’s for the latest information could be found at https://www.tourism.gov.mv/en/circulars

As the situation continues to evolve and change, we shall continue to monitor and update you accordingly.

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

Myanmar

 31 October 2021  , 11:00 hours 

Myanmar Government extended measures to deal with the risk of the spread of coronavirus. 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.

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

Philippines

13 December 2021 , 12:30 hours

The Philippines originally planned to allow the entry of fully vaccinated foreigners to the country from December 1 to 15 but opted to halt it amid the growing threat of the mutated Omicron coronavirus variant.

Effective December 3, 2021, the testing and quarantine protocols for all arriving passengers coming from “Green and Yellow” list countries / territories / jurisdictions in all ports of entry in the Philippines shall be as follows:

• Fully vaccinated individuals are required to have a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hrs prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, they shall undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Upon release of a negative RT-PCR test, they may be discharged from facility quarantine. After which, they are enjoined to self-monitor up to the 14th day from the date of arrival.
• Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated shall be required a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, they are to undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test done on the 7th day, with the date of arrival being the first day. Upon the release of a negative RT-PCR test, individuals shall be required to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day from the date of arrival.
• The testing and protocols of minors shall follow the testing and quarantine protocol of the parent/guardian travelling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status and country of origin.
• Passengers who have already arrive and are currently undergoing quarantine, shall continue with the testing and quarantine protocols in place at the time of their arrival.
• All passengers, whether Filipinos or foreigners, merely transiting through a non-Green List countries / territories / jurisdictions shall not be deemed as having come from or having been to said countries / territories / jurisdictions if they stayed in the airport the whole time and were not cleared for entry into such countries / territories / jurisdictions by its immigration authorities.

For more information you click this link

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

Singapore

3 November 2021  , 14:00 hours 

In the latest announcement made on 23rd October 2021, Singapore will be preparing for safe resumption of activities by building strong foundation in the stabilisation phase.

First, we will consolidate our capabilities in safeguarding the health of anyone who might become infected in Singapore. This entails ensuring that everyone is familiar and comfortable with being places on Home Recovery Programme (HRP), and ensuring that our onboarding and medical support for those who enter HRP are primed optimally. This also entails beefing up hospital capacity, including augmenting intensive care unit (ICU) beds and expanding healthcare manpower to care for those need more medical attention. Private hospitals have also been prepared to help ease the patient load on public hospitals and ensure timely delivery of care to all patients, COVID-19 and non-COVID.

Second, we will expand the Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) by requiring all onsite workers to be fully vaccinated, or minimally to be tested regularly.

Third, Singapore has introduced the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) to allow fully vaccinated travellers to enter Singapore without the need for quarantine. This scheme has been extended to 10 countries such as Brunei, Germany, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and United States. From 08 November 2021, Australia and Switzerland will be added to the list and South Korea on 15 November 2021.

• All VTL travellers must take two COVID-19 PCR tests:
• A pre-departure test within 48 hours before departing to Singapore and obtain a negative test result; and
• An on-arrival test at Changi Airport and remain self-isolated until their test result is confirmed to be negative. Children aged 2 years and below in the calendar year are not required to undergo these tests.

• Travellers must have been fully vaccinated and present their proof of vaccination issued in any VTL country or Singapore, regardless of which VTL country the traveller departs from.

• Travellers who are travelling to Singapore under the VTL must travel into Singapore on designated VTL flights. They may transit via another VTL country to take a designated VTL flight into Singapore.

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 our next update, please take care and stay safe!

Sri Lanka

17 December 2021 , 16:00 hours 

Please see below updated travel regulations for travel in Sri Lanka indicated in Bold/ Italics.

Travellers (12 years and above) to carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test report and the original vaccination card (if applicable) in English, done within 72 hours prior to embarkation.

Visit www.visitsrilanka.gov.lk to pay for COVID 19 Local Insurance Cover which will be MANDATORY From 1st January 2022.

If not-fully-vaccinated or accompanied by not-vaccinated children of 12-18 years, pay for PCR tests at USD 40 per test.
Pre-infected Travellers (during past 3 months) to produce the above or a Rapid Antigen Report (in English) 48 hours prior to embarkation.
Procedure after formalities at the Airport

Vaccinated (departed 14 days after complete vaccination)

1. Free to travel to the community WITHOUT any other tests or quarantine stays.
2. Children of 12-18 years if departed 14 days after obtaining at least a single dose of Pfizer Vaccine, will be considered ‘Fully Vaccinated’.

Unvaccinated Children of Vaccinated Parents

1. Up to 12 Years: No further tests are needed.
2. 12 – 18 Years: Day 1 PCR to be done at a Lab in Katunayake or Level 1 Safe & Secure Hotel before being allowed to go to the community.

Unvaccinated/ Partially Vaccinated

1. Arrival PCR Test and undergo a 7-day bio-bubble travel in Level 1 Safe & Secure Hotels.
2. Pre confirmed booking up to 8 days at a Level 1 Safe & Secure Hotel.
3. Exit PCR Test/ RAT and be released to the community.

Unvaccinated Children of Unvaccinated/ Partially Vaccinated Parents

1. Up to 12 Years: No tests are needed
2. 12-18 Years: Protocol same as ‘Unvaccinated/ Partially Vaccinated’ Parents.

Pre-infected travellers (within the past 6 months) and arriving with a single dose of vaccine taken 2 weeks after recovery.

1. If arriving 14 days post-vaccination, the above protocol for ‘vaccinated’ will apply.
2. If not fully vaccinated, should arrive after obtaining a single dose of Astra Zeneca/ Pfizer BioNTech/ Moderna Vaccine, Johnson & Johnson, Sputnik Light & etc.
3. If 14 days have not passed post-vaccination, protocols under ‘partially vaccinated’ will apply.
4. Unvaccinated children, up to 18 years will be free to move to the community with their parents.
5. Pre-infected and fully vaccinated travellers (within the past 3 months) could present a negative COVID-19 RAT done within 48 hours instead of a PCR test report.

*For travellers departed within less than two weeks after completion of recommended doses of vaccination, protocols under ‘unvaccinated/ partially vaccinated’ will be applied until they complete Day 14 post-vaccination.

This will be revised depending on the COVID-19 situation in the country and globally.

We will keep you posted on further updates as we receive them. Should you require further clarification, please get in touch with your Account Manager.

_______________________________________________________________________________
(source: https://srilanka.travel/helloagain/documents/Health_Protocols_for_Arrival__to_Sri_Lanka.pdf ).

Before applying for visa ensure you have the following.

1. Obtaining a COVID-19 local travel insurance cover for USD 12 for a policy of USD 50,000 for a period of one month is mandatory.

• Pay for PCR tests (USD 40 per PCR test) depending on the number of days of stay.

________________________________________________________________________________

COVID-19 Situation Update in Sri Lanka (as at 4 May 2021)

As a precautionary measure to curb the recent spike in COVID positive numbers locally, the Government together with the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka are imposing lockdowns in selected areas in the country. 

As a result, planned excursions or travel to any of these cities will be subject to change without prior notice and substituted with other suitable travel plans. However, in any case, these changes will be communicated to the relevant partners to keep you updated at all times.

Kindly contact your Account Manager should you need any clarification on the above and we will keep you posted on the latest developments if any.

______________________________________________________________________________
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 on the website https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/ will easily direct you to the documents comprising important information (note: this information gets updated frequently).

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

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

25 October 2021 , 18:00 hours 

Quarantine-Free Thailand: Guidelines and Requirements for Accepting International Visitors Starting 1st November 2021

Quarantine Free Travel

1. For fully vaccinated guests arriving by air from the approved countries . The current list includes the following: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland , Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, USA, and Hong Kong.
2. Certificate of Vaccination (fully vaccinated travellers from 12 years old and above)
   • For those fully vaccinated, proof includes a Certificate of Vaccination with a vaccine approved by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) (see  here ) or the World Health Organization (WHO) (see  here ) no less than 14 days before their travel date.
   • Travelers under 12 years of age, traveling with their parents or guardians, are exempt from this vaccination requirement, but must have a Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before traveling .
3. Certificate of Entry (COE) . A proof of registration for entry to Thailand via specified platform:  https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/                                                                                                                   Important: From 1 November 2021 onwards, the website https://coethailand.mfa.go.th will close all COE requests . Those wishing to travel to Thailand who are scheduled to arrive in Thailand from 2 November 2021 onwards, can register in the Thailand Pass online system to travel to Thailand at https://tp.consular.go.th. Those registered in the new system will receive a Thailand Pass QR Code to display to the airline and screening officers at the immigration checkpoint. For those who have received the COE previously, can use the COE that has already been received.                                       
4. Medical Certificate with RT-PCR lab result  indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before traveling.
5. Insurance policy  with coverage clearly identified as no less than US $ 50,000.
6. Booking confirmation  for at least 1-night stay at SHA + hotel within 2 hours of the airport they arrived in.
7. Travelers must proceed directly by the approved airport transfer to the pre-arranged COVID-19 test center, or the reserved accommodation and undergo the required RT-PCR COVID-19.
8. If testing negative for COVID-19, travelers can go anywhere in Thailand.

‘Blue Zone’ Destinations

Thailand continues to welcome fully vaccinated visitors (from 12 years old and above) from countries not on the list under relaxed requirements.

• Travelers are welcome to choose from the following 17 ‘Blue Zone’ destinations, up from current 4 ‘Sandbox’ destinations, for their first 7-night mandatory stay within the destination before being able to move on to other parts of Thailand.
  • Bangkok
  • Krabi
  • Chon Buri (Banglamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Ko Si Chang, and Sattahip – Na Jomtien and Bang Sarey)
  • Chiang Mai (Mueang, Doi Tao, Mae Rim, and Mae Taeng,)
  • Trat (Ko Chang)
  • Buri Ram (Mueang)
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin and Nong Kae)
  • Phang-nga
  • Phetchaburi (Cha-Am)
  • Phuket
  • Ranong (Ko Phayam)
  • Rayong (Ko Samet)
  • Loei (Chiang Khan)
  • Samut Prakan (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
  • Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao)
  • Nong Khai (Mueang, Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, and Tha Bo)
  • Udon Thani (Mueang, Ban Dung, Kumphawapi, Na Yung, Nong Han, and Prachaksinlapakhom)

• The two required COVID-19 tests have been revised to using the RT-PCR method for the first test upon arrival in Thailand, and the ATK method at the designated test centers for the second test, which takes place on Day 6-7.

• The required health insurance coverage associated with being infected with COVID-19 is reduced to US $ 50,000 (down from US $ 100,000).

• Thai or foreigner nationals who have not been fully vaccinated may enter Thailand, but will have to undergo mandatory quarantine in the Alternative Quarantine (AQ) accommodation.

* Note: For Sandbox Program, guests must arrive through the international airports at Suvarnabumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, U-Tapao, and Buriram.

For more information or any questions, please contact Victor Mogilev, our Group Director of Sales, at  victor.m@diethelmtravel.com  or Miguel Mendez Reus, our General Manager of Diethelm Travel Thailand, at  miguel.reus@th.diethelmtravel.com .

Vietnam

5 November 2021 , 18:00 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 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.

Foreign tourists can visit Vietnam from November following a three phases approved program:

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:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)

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.