With a continually evolving situation it is impossible at this time to predict when tours might return to normal, but we are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to resume tours as soon as it is safe to do so. We will deal with tours in turn making final decisions as late as two months before departure, so if your tour is still several months in the future don’t worry, we are monitoring events and will keep you informed at the appropriate time.
We would like to reaffirm that all bookings with Birdtour Asia Limited are fully protected, you can be assured that when booking with us your money is fully protected allowing you to plan ahead with peace of mind. Should the tour be cancelled you will be entitled to a full refund, or a change to a replacement tour should you prefer.
Below is a list of 'birding' countries in Asia, and what the current restrictions are*, to give you a feel for what is possible in the coming months, for those visiting for tourism (most of the countries are allowing those with long term and business visas entry). It should be noted that Asian countries are generally not giving long-term forecasts, so we will continually monitor and update the situation throughout of region, in addition to communicating updates by email to those with forthcoming bookings. With tourism such a major financial driver for many countries we expect them to open up as good as they are able.
*as of 12th January 2022
Now open for fully-vaccinated foreign tourists. Visitors must produce a negative PCR test within 72 hours of first flight departure, obtain a visa beforehand and complete the necessary health declaration forms.
Now open for fully-vaccinated foreign tourists. Visitors must produce a negative PCR test within 72 hours of first flight departure, complete the necessary health declaration forms, and take a rapid antigen test on arrival. E-visas are also available as before.
Not yet open for general tourism.
Tourist visas are available and fully vaccinated tourists will be allowed quarantine-free entry many countries, including US. However, most EU passport holders are currently required to complete 1-week 'home' quarantine but this is expected to change imminently. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1761795
This is a dynamic situation as the country opens up so expect sudden changes, as there is plenty of confusion at present. E-visas are available for most nationalities with the exception of the UK, due their reciprocal protocol.
Please note: as of 30 November, India has increased their 'at risk' countries to include UK and many other European and African countries, requiring all arrivals from these countries to 'hotel quarantine' for 7 days, with additional PCR Covid testing.
*as of 11th January ALL international visitors must undertake 7 night hotel quarantine.
Not yet open for general tourism without quarantine.
Not yet open for general tourism.
Not yet open for general tourism.
Not yet open for general tourism.
Not yet open for general tourism, though announcement expected imminently.
Not to open for general tourism.
Not yet open for general tourism.
Not yet open for general tourism.
Now open for fully-vaccinated foreign tourists. Visitors must produce a negative PCR test within 72 hours of first flight departure, appropriate travel insurance, a completed international travel form, and hotel booking. Information can be found here regarding the government press release.
Quarantine-free entry starting 14th October 2021 for fully vaccinated tourists from 'Green' list countries including New Zealand, Taiwan, Hungary, Poland and mainland China. No entry yet from the US, UK or other European countries and many Philippine provinces still have travel restrictions in place.
Russia has lifted restrictions for international travel from a number of countries, including UK though excluding US and much of the rest of Europe for fully vaccinated tourists. You are required to obtain and present a negative PCR-method COVID-19 test certificate dated less than 72 hours before travel, and no quarantine is required.
Fully-vaccinated tourists from several countries, including UK, US and many EU countries can now enter South Korea. You must obtain a K-ETA and a negative PCR covid test within 72 hours of flight departure to be able to enter the country.
Now open for fully vaccinated tourists, with minor protocols to adhere to. This includes a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of first flight departure. As a part of obtaining the tourist visa, a $12 mandatory insurance is required, that will cover most of the expenses for Covid-19 infected travelers at private care centres. Please see https://srilanka.travel/helloagain/ for full details.
Fully vaccinated foreigners from several countries, including UK and US and several European countries are able to arrive in Singapore without any quarantine measures in place. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-58856794
Fully vaccinated tourists arriving from a large number of countries including UK, US, Australia and most EU countries are allowed to enter via air without having to quarantine pending a negative PCR covid test both pre- and post- flight bar the first night in country while they await confirmation of the on-arrival PCR test. Once confirmed negative then free to enjoy the country.
For full details on the process and obtaining a 'Thailand Pass', see the government announcement here: https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/thailand-pass-faqs
For those not from the designated countries, others can arrive but must undergo 8 days mandatory quarantine. Details can be viewed here.
*note, from 20th December the 'Thailand Pass' scheme has been suspended pending review, meaning entry only possible via 7 night 'AQ hotel quarantine' and through the Phuket Sandbox scheme.
Open for fully vaccinated tourists from several countries. Only a negative PCR covid test, within 72 hours of flight departure is required.
Not yet open for general tourism.