As international travel resumes, several popular destinations are still off-limits to tourists

During the recent Easter holiday, social media was flooded with photos of joyful travelers, many embarking on their first international trips since the pandemic began.

Ski trips in Switzerland. Beach vacations in Thailand. The long-awaited family getaway to Disney World.

In fact, with so many people now traveling, experts are already forecasting a summer of travel turmoil as the industry struggles to keep up with reduced capacity and a shortage of workers.

‘A recovery that’s anything but smooth’

A quick look at the UNWTO’s Destination Tracker shows that most tourism-dependent destinations have eased quarantine measures and are once again welcoming visitors. However, some still require certain conditions, such as negative Covid-19 tests on arrival, pre-departure testing, or mandatory quarantine if tests are positive.

While many of the world’s popular destinations have reopened, a few still remain off-limits to leisure travelers, regardless of their willingness to test, get vaccinated, or quarantine.

The majority of these places are in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are starting to see early signs of recovery, with countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and Cambodia easing their restrictions and moving towards recovery,” says Liz Ortiguera, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which represents 650 member organizations, including government tourism boards, travel agencies, and airports.

“However, several major markets in the region remain essentially closed to international travelers. The recovery across the region is highly uneven.”

Japan loosens entry restrictions, but tourists are still excluded

Those eager to explore Tokyo’s famous fish markets will have to hold off a little longer before they can indulge in sushi.

Japan has started to ease its rigid entry requirements – the daily cap on new arrivals has been increased to 10,000 starting April 10, 2022 – though this still does not extend to leisure travelers.

Currently, citizens, residents, students, researchers, family members of residents, and approved business travelers can enter the country. Some may be required to quarantine depending on their point of departure.

So, when will Japan welcome holidaymakers? This topic came up during a press briefing by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 8, but no specific timeline was shared.

"We will need to make informed decisions based on the current infection trends and international travel movements," he stated. "The timeline for reopening has yet to be determined."

China struggles to control new outbreaks

There has been much discussion on how the global tourism industry won't fully recover until Chinese citizens are once again able to travel internationally.

According to the China Tourism Academy, outbound tourism from China reached 155 million people in 2019, making it the world's largest source of international travelers.

Currently, Chinese citizens are strongly advised against traveling abroad, and those who do return must undergo a mandatory quarantine of at least two weeks, sometimes even longer.

But what about foreign travelers who are willing to undergo quarantine in exchange for a vacation?

Those hoping to fulfill their dream of walking along the Great Wall will need to hold off for now. At this time, foreign visitors are not allowed to enter China for leisure purposes.

Back in October 2021, the head of China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention mentioned that the country might reopen its borders once more than 85% of its population is vaccinated, which was expected by early 2022.

Although that vaccination goal has been achieved, China remains firmly committed to its zero-Covid approach, struggling with outbreaks in several cities. This makes it unlikely that international tourists will be welcomed anytime soon.

Macao remains cautious about reopening, while Hong Kong slightly relaxes its restrictions.

Bad news for those eager to try their luck at the tables in Asia’s top gambling hotspot and savor some Macanese cuisine. There’s been no indication that Macao will reopen its borders to international tourists anytime soon.

Tourists are still barred from entering the special administrative region, except for those from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Even those who are allowed entry must undergo a two-week quarantine, unless arriving from certain Chinese cities.

A mid-April government release indicated that business travelers and students from outside mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong may be allowed to enter soon, though specifics are still scarce.

Hong Kong has announced that starting May 1, non-residents will be allowed to enter for the first time in over two years. However, while tourism will technically be possible, visitors will face a mandatory 7-day quarantine, and frequent flight cancellations remain a concern.

No clear reopening timeline for Taiwan.

Taiwan, known for its vibrant culinary scene, has been gradually easing its travel restrictions over the past two months.

Since March 7, foreign business travelers have been permitted to visit the island. Starting April 12, foreign relatives and residents with a valid alien resident certificate can also apply for entry.

Other newly welcomed travelers include those holding work or study visas, individuals coming for investment or business, and visitors entering on humanitarian grounds.

All of these travelers are required to undergo a 10-day quarantine, either at a hotel or at home.

However, leisure tourists are still not allowed to enter.

With more destinations reopening, Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Chen Shih-chung, stated in February that the island needed to consider relaxing travel restrictions to avoid falling behind in economic development.

Chen also mentioned that while no specific date has been set for reopening, the current restrictions would be eased further, and non-business travelers could be allowed entry if the virus spread remains controlled.

Several Pacific islands are still off limits to travelers.

A report titled “Asia’s Travel-Ready Index 2022,” published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) last week, highlights that island nations like Vanuatu and Fiji are among the most reliant on tourism in the region.

Fiji, which relies on tourism for 40% of its economy, reopened in late 2021. It ranks at the top of the EIU's travel-readiness index, which evaluates three key factors influencing international travelers: vaccination rates, ease of travel, and quarantine rules upon return to their home country.

Other Pacific islands that have reopened to tourists include Tahiti, Palau, and the Cook Islands.

However, several destinations in this region, such as Samoa, Vanuatu, the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands, remain closed to vacationers.

PATA CEO Ortiguera points out that each destination's situation is unique, and it must assess its readiness and timing to reconnect with the outside world, balancing public health concerns with economic recovery.

“To borrow an analogy from a recent WHO briefing – each nation must navigate its own path down the mountain as it recovers from the pandemic’s impact,” she says.

“Looking at Singapore as a case study, the country effectively controlled Covid transmission and is now charting a successful path to reopening. I’m confident that the measures they implemented have created a solid foundation for long-term recovery,”