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  • 11 November 2021
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Border updates: Indian Ocean to Asia

Arguably the best place to be during a pandemic is on a yacht at sea. We look at the latest developments from the Indian Ocean to Asia.

Written by Clare Wray

IN THE POST-COVID world, the protocols and procedures for superyachts cruising the world will undoubtedly change and adapt to medical advice, political will and technological advancement.

GSR will keep speaking with government authorities, captains and shore agents to keep our collective finger on the pulse of what superyachts should expect when on the Great Southern Route.

We will publish information as it comes to hand, however, we strongly recommend always checking with your preferred shore support agent as changes can be rapid and hard for us to verify.

Following are the latest updates from the Indian Ocean to Asia.

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Hong Kong at sunset.

Vietnam

11 November 2021

“From 20 November 2021, international tourists can holiday within the Phu Quoc City (Kien Giang Province), Khanh Hoa Province, Quang Nam Province, Da Nang City and Quang Ninh Province without quarantine based on the following criteria:

  • No movement between the areas.
  • A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 (not applicable to children under 12 years old travelling with parents) no later than 12 months & sooner than 14 days or having a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 no later than 6 months.
  • A certificate negative results for COVID by PCR test within 72 hours before departure
  • Medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability of $50,000.
  • Book a tour package from a travel agency (if to be a tourist).

“From January 2022, the permissible quarantine-free locations will expand and movement between areas will be allowed after seven days spent in the initial destination.  All other requirements will remain.”

National Administration of Tourism (More detail)

Cambodia

4 October 2021

“After many months of closed border, Cambodia finally ready to be reopening to international tourist on 30th November 2021. The Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia has released 3 notices with regards to the Reopening for Vaccinated Tourists, Procedures for Reopening for Vaccinated Tourists.

30 November 2021 – Preah Sihanouk City and Koh Rong City of Preah Sihanouk province, and Dara Sakor tourist resort in Koh Kong province.
January 2022 – Siem Reap province.

The process includes

Submit to a rapid Covid-19 antigen test upon arrival at the airport. If the test result is negative, visitors will enjoy free movement within designated Safe and Green Destinations.

Foreign tourists visiting under this program can apply for tourism visa type T at the Cambodian Embassy or Consular Office in their respective countries or apply for an E-Visa.”

Ministry of Tourism

Indonesia

3 November 2021

“Indonesia cuts quarantine period for foreign visitors to three days from the earlier reported five days. The Indonesian government has decided to reduce the mandatory quarantine period for international travellers, both Indonesian citizens and foreigners, from five to three days, for those arriving in Jarkata.

“This rule applies to international travellers who have met the requirements, including being fully vaccinated and negative for COVID-19 PCR test results since their departure, after arriving in Indonesia, and at the end of the quarantine period.”

Thomas Taatjes, Shore Support Agent

13 October 2021

“Now foreign visitors can Quarantine in a hotel for five days. The international arrival points are Jakarta, Bali and Manado by air; and for those arriving by sea, arrival may be at any international port.

“Foreigners who apply for a Visa must have a full and completed vaccination against COVID-19 and must quarantine as stated above. Indonesia will now allow foreign tourists to start returning to the popular resort island of Bali.

“For yachts arriving, the crew can Quarantine onboard on the dock at arrival for 5 nights. PCR tests will be conducted 2 times; on arrival and at the end on the 4th day.  Unfortunately, time spent at sea is not counted towards quarantine.

“Crew flying in to join yacht must quarantine for 5 nights at a hotel of their choice. Many options and budgets are available. Arrival PCR test will be done and on the 4th day.

“Guests must also follow quarantine procedures yet can quarantine onboard by special arrangement. Still, all foreigners arriving in Indonesia need visas and need to be fully vaccinated.”

Thomas Taatjes, Shore Support Agent

20 September 2021

“In the last few days, Indonesia has opened its international borders to foreigners again, with visa applications ‘open’.

“Foreigners who apply for the visa must have a full and completed vaccination against COVID-19 and will have to do 7 nights/8 days quarantine in a hotel if arriving by air or onboard the vessel if arriving into a seaport.”

Yacht Support Agent, Thomas Taatjes 

17 September 2021

“Indonesia has lifted border restrictions and so will allow e-visa holders entry. This is good news as vessel crew and owners qualify for those.  So, we can now get yachts in, crew and guests too, following the implemented quarantine requirements.

“Borders aren’t completely open, but technically, another visa option is available to allow holders to enter the country this week that wasn’t last week.”

Shore Support Agent Andy Shorten

25 August 2021

“The Indonesian e-visa B211A has been temporarily withdrawn until at least 30 August 2021.”

Yacht Support Agent

More Details

15 April 2021

“Indonesia is now open and welcoming yachts. It’s official – visas are now open to all nationalities, as long as they fit some of the requirements. The visas are mainly for business travel but they are also open for yachts and their crew.

“Port Quarantine restrictions widely vary from port to port and are still in flux. Yachts and their crew can enter with these visas and crew can also fly in. The maximum quarantine is five nights onboard for yachts arriving and five nights at a hotel for fly in crew joining the vessel.

“…it is relatively straight forward and relatively easy to enter, especially when compared to other Asian countries.”

Captain Thomas Taatjes of Asia Pacific Superyachts.

Read more

Andaman & Nicobar Islands (India)

15 October 2021

“Foreign nationals intending to visit India for Tourism are allowed to enter into India on e-Tourist Visa/ Tourist Visa through chartered flights (for group tourism) from October 15, 2021 and as individual tourist from November 15, 2021.”

Mr R Rathnam, Shore Support Agent (More Detail)

Thailand

8 October 2021

“New regulations for flying into Phuket will make it easier for crew changes and the eventual reopening of Thailand scheduled to take place on 1st November.

“The Thai government’s aim is to allow all vaccinated crew/ guests to fly into Thailand without the need for Quarantine. Yacht check-in is also scheduled to get easier.

“Thailand will waive its mandatory quarantine requirement in Bangkok and nine regions from Nov. 1 to vaccinated arrivals, authorities have said.”

Gordon Fernandes, Shore Support Agent

27 June 2021

“Phuket will reopen on July 1 and three islands in Surat Thani – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao – on July 15.

Superyacht passengers seeking to visit Phuket will be required to enter Phuket through three designated piers –  Ao Chalong, Rassada and Ao Po.  These three will be checkpoints for screening travellers’ arrivals and departures via water transport.  On departure, Foreign travellers can leave Phuket by yacht at five yacht piers — Yacht Haven Marina, Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket, Royal Phuket Marina and Marina Ao Chalong — but they must inform the officials at least six hours before departure.

Those who wish to enter Phuket must have received two jabs of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 15 days before travel, or must have recovered from COVID-19 at least 90 days before travel, and return a negative PCR test. Also, they must use a tracking application.”

APS Phuket

18 May 2021

“As of 1 May, 2021, all arriving yachts must undertake 15 days quarantine on board (16 days / 15 nights) and must use an approved agent for the quarantine check in process. Owners are now permitted to fly into Thailand and quarantine on their yachts.

“Before arriving at a Thai port you require a Certificate of Entry (CoE). This must be applied for around two weeks in advance, with another three days needed by the Consulate for approval after your documents are completed.

“The Special Tourist Visa (STV), re-introduced for yachts arriving in Phuket until 30th October 2021, is the favored Visa by Captains and Owner as you are granted 90 days in Thailand on arrival with the option to extend up to 270 days.

“All crew must have health insurance for at least 100,000 US dollars and cover COVID-19.

“Vessels must operate their Automatic Identification System (AIS) at all times in order to be able to track the vessel’s position from the country of origin to Thailand and during quarantine at the anchorage point. The quarantine locations are in Pattaya and in Phuket.

“All aboard must wear “smart wristbands” to track their location and health while observing their mandatory 15-day quarantine and undergo three separate Covid-19 RT-PCR tests: prior to or on arrival, mid-way through quarantine, and at the completion of the quarantine period.”

Jojo Tanyuta Singmanee, APS Phuket

15 April 2021

“Thailand has announced its major plans to reboot tourism and is now welcoming foreign-flagged yachts to a reduced quarantine, with more reductions to come soon.

“Quarantine reductions began when the Thai cabinet approved a progress plan starting April 1, 2021, with quarantine for visitors cut from 14 days to 10 days for all arrivals (with exception of visitors from some African countries).”

Jojo Tanyuta Singmanee, APS Phuket

Hong Kong

22 January 2021

“Hong Kong is going through the fourth wave and restrictions have tightened. Inbound visitors must complete a 21-day quarantine in a designated hotel and return a negative COVID test. It is expected that these measures will last till Chinese New Year in mid-February. Vaccines were due in February but there have been delays.”

ICOMIA Representative Lawrence Chow via Superyacht Australia

Safe harbour in Hong Kong

Maldives

20 April 2021

“From April 20, 2021 the PCR Test Negative result is not required for the tourists visiting the Maldives that have taken two doses of the recommended vaccine two weeks before departing to the Maldives.

“Clearance will be issued electronically. The crew is not caterorised as tourists therefore, Immigration is issuing 90-day visas on arrival (in place of 30-day visas which are issued for tourists).

“Yacht crew can go ashore at resorts and some islands after showing negative PCR test results.  However, it is not permitted to visit all islands but there are some inhabited islands which crew is allowed to go. During the pandemic, your agent has to arrange permission from the island council in advance if crew request to go there.

“Rules continue to be in a state of flux, thus it is important to contact your agent for the latest before departing for the Maldives.”

Shore Support Agent Mohamed Hameed APS Maldives

 

Welcome return

Philippines

17 December 2020

“The Philippines remains closed to foreigners.”

Shore Support Agent Miguel Antonio Ramirez de Arellano

 

Previous article

Islands in the mist

Next article

A COVID-19 trans-Tasman

Previous article

Islands in the mist

Next article

A COVID-19 trans-Tasman

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