WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Before departing for your destination (or even choosing a location), you should check the requirements for entry into the country – and your re-entry home. These can change regularly, but you can usually find the most relevant up-to-date information on government websites. Airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines have also created Covid-19 information hubs, which allow visitors to see the travel restrictions in place in each country on their network.
DO I NEED TO TAKE A TEST?
Many countries require proof of a negative Covid-19 test for entry, even if you have been vaccinated. Check whether you need to take a PCR test, which can take 24 to 48 hours to receive results, or if the country will accept the more rapid antigen (lateral flow) test, which can be completed at home and gives a result within 30 minutes. You will also need to make sure that you take the test in the right timeframe, which ranges from 24 to 72 hours depending on the destination. To make matters more complicated, this timeframe can apply to ‘pre-departure’ or ‘pre-arrival/landing’. You must also check if you need to take a test to return home after your trip. If this is the case, plan ahead, find and book an appointment with Covid-19 testing providers at your destination. If you are only required to take a lateral flow test, then you can buy a rapid antigen test and carry it in your hand luggage.
WILL I NEED TO QUARANTINE?
The requirement for quarantine varies greatly around the world. In Asia-Pacific, strict quarantine requirements have tended to be enforced blanketly, though openings are starting to emerge (read our overview of Asia-Pacific relaxing entry requirements on page 24). In other places, quarantine requirements are dependent on the numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country of departure, with exemptions for those who are fully vaccinated, have recently recovered from the virus, or can show proof of a negative PCR test.
Some countries will demand that you self-isolate in a government-approved hotel, while others will allow home-isolation. If you do have to quarantine in a hotel, you will need to arrange and book your quarantine package ahead of time. Ensure there is availability on the dates you require before booking your flight.
DO I NEED TO DOWNLOAD A VACCINE PASSPORT?
Various countries and bodies have begun to implement forms of electronic health passes to help streamline required steps, such as checking vaccinated status. Typically, there is a downloadable app (with printed hard copies available) and the use of QR codes to link to healt
