1) United States of America
To the land of the brave, and home of the free! America has dropped all its quarantine rules which means you are free to travel to the country with no worries, provided you’re fully vaccinated. Have at it with some scenic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, hike at the Yellowstone National Park, or feel like a celebrity and watch in awe at famous names pasted on marble tiles at the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR Test Result OR Negative RTK Test Result 24 hours before departure.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Contact health officials based on the state you are in for information on testing sites.
- You must isolate for 5 days. You’ll be released after the 5th day if you do not show anymore symptoms.
- Quarantine hotels vary in rates from RM470.
2) Aruba
…Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya..
Okay, okay. Yes, Aruba is a country, not just a mention in The Beach Boys “Kokomo”. Plus, it’s a country that Malaysians can visit with no quarantine! Sun, sea and surf await you in the island country!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR or RTK results 24 hours before departure.
- Provide your details and vaccination certification on their ED Card Immigration form.
- Must purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance at least 3 days before departure.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Contact the Department of Public Health, or get the hotel staff to assist you on it.
- Quarantine in your accommodation for 5 days.
- Hotel quarantine costs vary on where you stay.
3) The Bahamas
Also part of the lyrics of that famous song, the country is not only all about that, though. Visit the town centre of Nassau and see it’s historical sights, while you enjoy island-based activities across the country!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR Test Result OR Negative RTK Test result 3 days before departure.
- Must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa 2 days before departure
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- You are required to proceed to a testing site for further tests.
- You must isolate for 5 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
4) Dominican Republic
Touted as one of the best all-rounder holiday destinations of the Caribbean, there are actually quite a number of things to do in this country. Go whale watching, have a look at how chocolate and coffee are made, and if you’re into these “classy” things, try your hand at rolling your own cigar. Probably one of the lesser known countries in our travel lists, but it’s open to visit if you have been fully vaccinated!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- It is not necessary to do a PCR/RTK test prior to departure. However if you choose to do so, do it 3 days before your flight.
- You will be subjected to a random COVID19 breath test on arrival if you have not done any tests before departure.
- Negative PCR Test Result OR Negative RTK Test Result 24 hours before departure.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Call *462 (Dominican Republic’s COVID19 Hotline) to report your case and further instructions.
- Contact and inform your hotel staff.
- Isolate based on the instructions given.
5) Mexico
Not all of Mexico is just from Coco the movie, okay? Wanna know more? You’re now free to do so without the need to quarantine when you get there! Regardless of vaccination status, visitors are allowed to enter the country. So head on over to try the original tacos, and its other assortment of street food, music, and Mayan landmarks!
Requirements:
- Must fill in a Health Declaration form prior to entering Mexico.
- Must print an Official Entry Tourist Card prior to your departure.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Report your symptoms to the hotel staff or COVID19 assistance centres, listed here.
- You must isolate for 5 to 10 days, depending on advice given by local health authorities.
- Some hotels have quarantine packages, which vary in rates, from as low as USD$5 (RM21). Some hotels also offer their isolation accommodation for free.
6) Maldives
It’s only fair if you think that you need an extra dose of Vitamin Sea, and Maldives would be the perfect spot to travel to. FYI, they actually opened their borders to travellers since 15th July 2020. Now that we get to travel, take this time to explore its islands, or just stay in one for the period of your stay.
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR Test Result 4 days before departure .
- Must fill up a Traveller Health Declaration (IMUGA) form 2 days before departure, submitted electronically.
- Must have proof of purchase of hotel accommodation.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Report your status to hotel staff.
- Alternatively, you can call the Health Protection Agency at 1676
- Quarantine in your hotel for 7 days.
- Hotel quarantine packages are available, and can start from as low as USD$350 (RM1,467) per night.
7) Iceland
Now, if you’re thinking of something a little more adventurous, why not try Iceland? Regardless of vaccination status, tourists are welcome to Iceland with no restrictions. So get ready to experience interesting weather, soak in the Blue Lagoon hot springs, and if you’re lucky, marvel at the Northern Lights on display.
Requirements:
- No restrictions as of 25th February 2022.
- Must have a valid VISA.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Book a symptom test online or via their hotline. The test is free of charge to all.
- It’s highly recommended to isolate for 5 days. If symptoms persist, continue isolation for 2 more days.
- You’ll need to speak to your hotel management on whether they can accommodate you. If not, you’ll be transferred to a quarantine hotel.
- Quarantine hotels vary in rates, and tourists are expected to pay for the length of their stay. You can find the list of quarantine hotels here.
8) United Kingdom
Fancy a cup of tea, love? The UK has dropped all quarantine rules for those who are fully vaccinated, so no tests needed before departure or on arrival. Unless you’re from a country in their red list (there’s currently none), get ready to embrace the British weather, catch a football game, or just dunk biscuits in tea at a cafe overlooking the London Bridge!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- IF you’re not fully vaccinated, negative PCR test 2 days before departure and 1 PCR test on arrival.
- Must fill up a passenger locator form 3 days before departure.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Inform your hotel staff of your status and for assistance.
- You can book an appointment for a COVID test here, if necessary.
- For the fully vaccinated, it’s highly encouraged to self isolate for 5 days. You’re released from self isolation if the RTK test is negative on the 5th day.
- For the partially/non-vaccinated, mandatory quarantine for at least 10 days. If the test is negative on both Day 6 and Day 7, you’re released from quarantine.
- Sanctioned UK quarantine hotel fees are maximum £2,285 (RM12,734) per person for the length of the stay.
- If you have to extend your quarantine, you’ll not be charged any additional amount.
9) France
The home of the city of love, people! Unleash your inner romantic, enjoy fine dining and wine in the countryside. Catch the magnificent views of the country’s landmarks, conveniently placed in Paris. Just like the UK, they have dropped the quarantine rules for the fully vaccinated. You’d have to pay for the PCR/RTK tests if you choose to take them, though.
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received)
- If you’re not fully vaccinated, you must have a negative PCR test 3 days before departure or a negative RTK test 2 days before departure.
- Malaysia is under the “orange category” in France. You must fill up a eOS-Passager form 3 days before departure.
- Apply for the pass vaccinal, or vaccine pass (you need the ToursAntiCovid app for this).
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Inform your hotel staff of your status and for assistance.
- If you need to look for a COVID testing site, you can visit here to find the nearest one from your hotel.
- For the fully vaccinated, you must self isolate for 7 days. If the test is negative on Day 5, isolation is over.
- For the partially/non-vaccinated, self isolate for 10 days. If the test is negative on Day 7, you’re released from quarantine.
- Quarantine packages are available at hotels and fees vary.
10) Spain
Since you’re on an European excursion, why not drop by Spain, where beautiful coastal landscapes, great food and colourful culture await? Here’s an added plus point, if you travel to Andalucia, the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Galicia or the Murcia regions, your hotel can provide you with travel insurance which also covers COVID-19 related expenses!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR Test result 3 days OR negative RTK test result 24 hours before departure.
- Must fill up a Health Declaration form to obtain QR code for travel
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Report your status to the hotel staff for assistance.
- Report your status to regional healthcare authorities. They’ll book you for a PCR test.
- You must be isolated for 7 days.
- Quarantine packages are available at hotels and fees vary.
- Some regions in Spain also offer travel insurance when you book with a hotel to assist with coverage of your extended stay.
11) Germany
As of 3rd March 2022, Germany has announced that there will be no “high-risk countries” in their list anymore, which means you can travel quarantine free! Take your time to look at the views of the country’s gothic buildings while snacking on that currywurst you have been seeing on the travel videos!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR Test result 2 days before arrival.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Contact your local health authorities. Isolate and wait for further instructions.
- Should you be required to undergo further testing (i.e PCR test), wait on the advice of your local health authorities’ “infection visiting hours”.
- You must isolate yourself for 10 days. If your test comes back negative on Day 7, you’re released from quarantine.
- Extended stay costs depend on the hotels you are staying in.
12) United Arab Emirates
It’s time to go somewhere exotic (well, in a modern way), and marvel at the skyscrapers that colour the land of the United Arab Emirates! Mingle around with a diverse group of people from different nationalities while you’re there as well (please practice social distancing and hygiene measures while you do this, yea!)
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received) to be exempted from RTK/PCR testing prior to departure.
- Random PCR testing will be done upon arrival.
- Download the Al Hosn app to keep in contact with local health authorities.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Contact hotel staff for assistance.
- Report your status to Department of Health Abu Dhabi or Dubai Health Authority at 800 342 (can be done via WhatsApp).
- You must quarantine for 7 days.
13) Singapore
Our neighbours have opened the border for us and it’s made a lot easier thanks to the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL), where we’re free to travel to Singapore without the need to quarantine. Set your eyes on the beautiful Jewel Changi Airport or enjoy a night out at Marina Bay Sands, minus the hassle!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR or RTK Test Result (must be done within 2 days before departure).
- Register for a Vaccinated Travel Pass 3 to 60 days prior to departure.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Report your status to your hotel staff for assistance.
- Alternatively, you can request for a Telemedicine consult for further information and instructions.
- Stay Home Notice/Quarantine Hotel for a 7 to 10 day duration.
- Hotel costs range from SGD $200 (RM616) to SGD $2,000 (RM6,170), excluding the final day PCR test.
14) Thailand
Ah, to be able to absorb the sights and sounds of Bangkok, or enjoy the beaches that Thailand has to offer once again. Ooh, plus their great food (sorry Malaysians). You can travel to certain parts of Thailand under their Test and Go program, where no quarantine is required after passing the initial test.
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR Test Result 3 days before departure and on arrival.
- Must apply for a Thailand Pass 60 days prior to departure.
- Must have booked a room at any Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) or Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel for the 1st day (you can choose to stay there for the length of your stay too).
- Self-administered RTK test on 5th Day (if your length of stay is longer than 5 days).
- Must have travel insurance with minimum coverage of USD $20,000 (RM83,540).
- Download the MorChana app.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Inform your hotel staff of your status for assistance.
- Contact the National Health Security Office at 1330 or via LINE at @nhso
- Quarantine in SHA or AQ hotels for 10 days.
- Hotels have quarantine packages ranging from THB38,000 (RM4,874) to THB220,000 (RM28,217).
15) Vietnam
Vietnam is preparing to reopen its borders come 15th March 2022! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city alongside its famous roadside coffee stalls, or feel like you’re being carried at the Golden Bridge of Da Nang! While you still have to serve a 1 day quarantine, you’ll be out right after to have your fill of pho, banh mi and all that the country has to offer!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR test result 3 days before departure.
- Must quarantine for 1 day on arrival.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Report your status to the hotel staff for assistance.
- Call the Ministry of Health hotline at 1900 0995 to report your symptoms and await further instruction.
- Quarantine at your accommodation for 7 days.
- Hotels have quarantine packages ranging from VND550,000 (RM101) to VND2,500,000 (RM457).
16) Australia
Known as one of the countries with the stricter border controls, Australia (apart from the Western Australia region, including Perth), is now open to travellers quarantine free! Get ready to enjoy the stunning views of the Sydney Opera House, life in bustling metropolitan cities, and surf-worthy beaches!
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- Negative PCR Test Result 3 days before departure OR Negative RTK Test Result 24 hours before departure .
- Must fill up a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) form 3 days before departure.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Report your status to your hotel staff for assistance.
- Report your status and await further instructions from state/territory authorities. The list of hotlines can be found here.
- Quarantine/isolate in your hotel for 7 days.
- Costs range depending on the state/territory you are travelling in, ranging from a maximum of AUS$1,500 (RM4,561) to AUS$3,000 (RM9,123).
17) India
Incredible India! The country has recently relaxed international travel rules, dropping tests prior and on arrival to the country. It’s time for you to absorb the liveliness of its main cities, appreciate the view of the Taj Mahal, or travel around India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Requirements:
- Must be fully vaccinated (booster shot received).
- It is not necessary to show a negative PCR/RTK test.
- Must fill up the Air Suvidha Declaration form before departure.
- Must download the Aarogya Setu app when in India.
- Must monitor health for at least 14 days during your time in India.
SOP to follow if you’re COVID positive:
- Report your results to your hotel staff for further assistance.
- Report your status to India’s national helpline number at 1075
- Quarantine/isolate in your hotel for 7 days.
- Costs vary based on hotels. Quarantine hotels are available, you can find the rates here.
Most importantly, travel safely during the pandemic!
Source: Bloomberg
Now, you can look forward to your dream destinations from the list above, but always remember that at any point in time, s#!t can happen to you. That and with the fact that COVID-19 is still around.
While it is not encouraged to travel just yet with the cases still at a high level, if you do need to travel, you can now do so. Just make sure you’re protected by travel insurance that can cater to you in case unfortunate events happen. Certain providers like AXA Smart Travel, Etiqa TripCare, and AIG actually have coverage for accidents, theft, and COVID-19 related expenses for up to RM350,000!
Oh, and one tip: apply for RHB personal loan to fully enjoy your vacation without having to worry about money! Click here or the image below.
Off you go, then. While you are there, don’t forget to always follow the SOPs that have been set, practice the 3Ws (Wash your hands, Wear a mask, and Warn close ones if you show symptoms), avoid the 3Cs (Crowded places, confined space and close conversations) and stay safe!
Don’t forget to share with us your thoughts and other countries you can travel to on our Facebook comments section!
*The above article is intended for informational purposes only. Loanstreet accepts no responsibility for loss that may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.
ALSO READ:
Travel on a Budget: Langkawi Vacation Under RM700/pax for 3D2N
Are You The YOLO, The WORRIER or The CHEAPSKATE Kind of Traveller? Take This Quiz!
