Officials in Indonesia said on Saturday that they are exploring a quarantine waiver for foreign tourists to Bali starting next week, while Malaysia announced the relaxation of restrictions on travellers from Thailand and Cambodia.
To manage COVID-19 outbreaks and prevent new varieties, Indonesia and Malaysia have implemented of Asia’s tightest entry procedures, although the restrictions have harmed their tourism businesses.
The Indonesian waiver for travellers who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus is still being debated, but President Joko Widodo is expected to make a decision on Monday, according to a representative for the coordinating maritime affairs and investment ministry.
Under the updated guidelines, travellers from 23 countries, including Australia, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, will be eligible for a visa on arrival.
The quarantine waiver idea was also verified by Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini of Bali’s government tourism office to media, although she stated the final decision would be made by the central government.
From March 15, vaccinated arrivals from Cambodia and Thailand will be exempt from quarantine. Kuala Lumpur has several daily flights to Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Phuket Island.
Malaysia has waived quarantine for Singapore visitors so far, while Indonesia has given entrance to travellers from specific countries to Bali since October and has gradually lowered quarantine time to three days.
The Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand have all agreed to waive quarantine in exchange for covid testing before to departure and upon arrival.
