With the flurry of the Corona Virus, many travelers and nomads (including myself) are either stuck outside of our home countries or faced with the tough decision of entering a more heated crisis in our home country or enduring through an oncoming crisis in our present country.

This guide will be updated daily and aims to provide essential info on Corona Virus cases, situation management, and visa issues for the countries in Southeast Asia commonly visited by travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads. The aim of this guide is to share the information necessary for us to understand the situation in the country we’ve decided to stay in, safe opportunities to move between countries within reason, and information to navigate visa issues across Southeast Asia and in other destinations common for Southeast Asia travelers.

The information in this guide will be updated daily for the duration of the pandemic, with credible info from government reporting and firsthand accounts by travelers.

If you have information that contradicts or adds to anything here, please share the information with me at [email protected] and check back routinely for updates.

CONTENTS

Yesterday I was given 48 hours by my travel insurance company to make a decision – take an evacuation flight out of Bali by March 20, or risk staying on Bali for the duration of the pandemic and left with the responsibility of getting out on my own dime if things got too bad. I spent half a day pouring through stats, information on visas in Southeast Asia, and the reports of other digital nomads and ex-pats before coming to the conclusion and staying in Indonesia to ride out the pandemic. To save others the headache, I’m updating this Indonesia and Bali Coronavirus guide on a daily basis with stats tracking, visa information changes, and important updates.

In the communications with other nomads, I realized that something similar was necessary for the cluster of digital nomads riding things out in SE Asia. This info guide is that – a daily updated tracker for cases, visa information, and warnings gathered from various government, ministry of health, information sites, and anecdotes from travelers, ex-pats and nomads. This guide will be updated on a daily basis throughout the pandemic to help all of the travelers still here in SE Asia navigate the crisis.

If you have any corrections, updates, or information to add, please comment or email me at [email protected].

Good luck, and stay safe everyone

ESSENTIAL COVID-19 CORONA VIRUS INFO

70%+ Alcohol, Chlorine, and bleach kill COVID-19 (Source: CDC COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfecting Guidelines)

Vinegar, essential oils, and alcohol below 60% concentration do not kill COVID-19 (Source: Johns Hopkins University Hospital COVID-19 Myths)

Disposable masks commonly worn in Asia do not protect against COVID-19 transmission via sneeze, cough, or general airborne transmission – but they do prevent you from touching your face (Course: WHO advice on using masks during corona virus)

N-95 masks do protect against airborne transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses but are unnecessary for the normal population unless traveling by airplane or coming into contact with infected individuals (Soruce: CDC, WHO)

Moderate exercise (not intense exercise) before viral respiratory infection or after infection but before symptom onset is shown to increase immune system response and reduce mortality rates in viral respiratory infection victims (Source: NIH)

CURRENT WORLD COVID-19 STATS

Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths (24hrs) Active Cases 304,622 +29,025 13,000 +1,613 196,829

Last Updated: March 22, 200 | Source: Worldometer

SE ASIA COVID 19 TRACKER

Country/Location Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths (24hrs) Indonesia 369 60 32 +7 – Bali 5 0 1 0 Vietnam 91 6 0 0 Thailand 322 1 0 0 Cambodia 51 +14 0 0 Laos ?** ?** ?** ?** Myanmar ?** ?** ?** ?** Philippines 230 +13 18 +1 Singapore 385 +40 0 0 Malaysia 1030 +130 3 +1 Sri Lanka 73 +13 0 0

**No COVID-19 reporting yet

VISA RUN AND DEPARTURE INFO QUICK UPDATES

Here are the statuses of the common and nearby visa run locations. Click each to jump to a full overview section.

WHERE TO FLY THROUGH WHEN DEPARTING SOUTHEAST ASIA FOR GOOD

If you are required to leave Southeast Asia for your home country, consider flights that connect through the UAE and Turkey. At current these are the international travel hubs that show the least instances of CoronaVirus and Deaths ( 113 for UAE and 119 for Turkey as of March 19)

By avoiding the other major travel hubs (Japan, China, Taiwan, the UK), you’ll avoid the 14 mandatory quarantine and higher risk associated with passing through the airports

INDONESIA

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 1 (No Alert) for Indonesia, Level 2 Global Health Advisory (Source: CDC Travel Health Notices for Indonesia)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 2 for Indonesia (Exercise Increased Caution); Level 4 Global Health Advisory (Reconsider Travel) (Source: US State Department Travel for Indonesia)

Date Cases New Cases (24 hrs) Deaths New Deaths Active Cases Mar 21 450 +81 38 +6 392 Mar 20 369 +60 32 +7 320 Mar 19 309 +82 25 +6 269 Mar 18 227 +55 19 +12 197 Mar 17 172 +38 7 +2 156

As of March 20, 2020, the Indonesian government has authorized emergency visas for travelers/ex-pats on the island that are unable to leave or make visa runs. Contact your visa agent to arrange an emergency visa (Click to see full emergency visa message from the Indonesian Government)

30 Day Visa waiver: Suspended beginning March 20

beginning March 20 Visa on Arrival (30+30 Days): Suspended beginning March 20 for 30 days

beginning March 20 for 30 days Social Visa (6 Months): Still attainable , but only in advance and only from outside of Indonesia

, but only in advance and only from outside of Indonesia Multiple Entry/Business Visa (1 year, leaving every 60 Days): Still attainable, but only in advance and only from outside of Indonesia

(Click here to jump to translations of full, visa information messages from the Indo government)

EMERGENCY VISAS IN INDONESIA

(Last updated March 19, 2020)

Indonesian law does have a statue for emergency visas – the Justice and Human Rights Ministerial Decree no. 27, 2014, which allows for a “Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa” (Emergency Stay Permit) for humanitarian reasons and natural disasters.

Update: As of March 20, 2020, the Indonesian government has authorized emergency visas allowing travelers and ex-pats currently on the island to get an extension stamp without leaving the island or doing a visa run. (Source: March 21 Indonesian Ministry of Immigration Message on Suspension of Visa Free Entry and Visa on Arrival, and Authorization of Forced Stay Permits)

(Click here to jump to the March 20 Emergency Visa Regulation Message from the Indo Govt.)

How to arrange an Indonesia Emergency Stay Permit (Emergency Visa Extension)

The Indonesian Immigration Ministry has announced that ALL foreigners may apply for an Emergency Stay Permit (Emergency Indonesian Visa Extension) and the process to apply will be easy to follow.

To apply for an Indonesian Emergency Stay Permit visit the Immigration office (located here) and you will be guided through the process.

(Click for link to PDF of Indonesia Foreign Ministry announcement of COVID-19 visa extension measures)

Source: Indonesian Government COVID-19 Watch Page

BALI

For Corona virus tracking and general information for Bali, please visa the Bali COVID-19 Info for Expats and Travelers page

VIETNAM

Vietnam is doing an excellent job of tracking, quarantining, and reporting COVID-19 cases (visible here, at the Vietnam MOH homepage) but will likely restrict incoming travel soon, and may soon require medical screening and 14-day mandatory quarantine of incoming travelers.

Mar 20 Update: Vietnam has suspended the issuance of any visas to foreigners as of March 18 for a period of 30 days (Source: Firsthand accounts by travelers in the country; The Vietnam Briefing)

Though being in Vietnam appears less risky based on the numbers (as of March 18, 2020), travelers from Europe, the US, and throughout Southeast Asia stand a high chance of being quarantined, if admitted. At the moment, no Vietnamese visas are being issued.

Vietnam is claiming to test thousands of samples per day to clear the populace and is vigilantly quarantining with over 1,000 travelers from China and 500 “close contacts” currently under quarantine (source: Vietnam MOH).

According to the US Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam will soon take the following measures against COVID-19 affecting travelers

All travelers still allowed to enter Vietnam must undergo a health check and mandatory 14-day quarantine

(Sources: Vietnam Ministry of Health Home Page, US DOS Vietnam Advisories for COVID-19)

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions (Source: CDC Vietnam Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Vietnam Travel Page)

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths Active Cases March 21 91 +6 0 0 74 March 20 85 +10 0 0 69 March 19 75 +9 0 0 59

Source: Vietnamese Ministry of Health; Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

THAILAND

Thailand is still currently a viable option in Southeast Asia with life proceeding as normal, given normal precautions. No specific health advisories have been issued for Thailand

Widespread quarantine is not in effect, and travelers from at-risk countries (“countries of local transmission”) are advised (but not required) to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Travelers from “disease infected countries” require proof of health for entry.

Any individuals displaying symptoms will be quarantined on arrival

Track updates from the Thai Department of Disease Control at the Thai DDC COVID-19 page

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions (Source: CDC Thailand Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Thailand Travel Page)

Travelers from “disease infected zones” according to the Thai department of disease control are required to submit specific documents outlined here prior to entry including health certification (no evidence of COVID-19 in last 48 hours, no signs of sickness in last 14 days), and health insurance covering $100,000 USD.

Thai defined “disease infected zones” include China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran as of March 18, 2020

Travelers from “Countries of local transmission” will be screened on arrival and any travelers displaying symptoms will be quarantined at a local hospital.

All travelers are advised to self-quarantine for no less than 14 days upon arrival

Thai defined “Countries of local transmission” include France, Spain, USA, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain, Germany.

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths Active Cases March 21 322 +50 1 0 279 March 20 272 60 1 0 229 March 19 212 +35 1 0 170

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

CAMBODIA

As of March 14, Cambodia has a 30-day suspension in effect prohibiting entry of travelers “traveling from” the United Staes, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Beware that though the restriction is against those “traveling from” it has been extended to passport and nationality in some instances.

Note: Travelers have reported that Cambodian borders (air, land, and sea) are closed all foreigners, and no new visas are being issued, though official government channels don’t confirm this. Tourists coming from cruise ships have been refused entry.

Though reported cases are low in Cambodia, the medical system, including staff and facilities, is reported to be overtaxed an unable to provide an adequate level of care for severe COVID-19 cases. Be wary of riding out the COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia

From the US State Department website on the situation in Cambodia:

“Medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a limited number of internationally-run clinics and hospitals that can provide basic medical care and stabilization, however, they are severely taxed by the current COVID-19 crisis. Medical care outside of these two cities is almost non-existent. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications, but the quality of locally obtained medications can vary greatly. You should be wary of purchasing local medication. Counterfeit medication is readily available, often indiscernible from authentic medication, and potentially lethal.”

“Provincial healthcare facilities may be underdeveloped and lacking the resources to provide an expected level of care. For instance, provincial hospitals in Cambodia expect family members to provide admitted patients with bed linens, meals, and supportive hygiene care.”

“Quarantine policies in Cambodia are not well-established and may be unpredictable. Travelers traveling or residing in Cambodia who are required to observe a public health quarantine may experience austere, unsanitary, or ad-hoc conditions.”

Source: US Embassy in Cambodia COVID-19 information page

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practiced enhanced precautions (Source: CDC Travel Cambodia Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise normal precautions (Source: US State Department Cambodia Travel page)

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths Active Cases March 21 51 +14 0 0 50 March 20 37 2 0 0 36 March 19 35 +2 0 0 34

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

LAOS

“On March 17, the Government of Laos declared that individuals not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms entering Laos from a country without a common border with Laos but with more than 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are required to undertake 14 days of self-quarantine after entering Laos.”

“Lao authorities will send all entrants exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms to a Vientiane hospital for treatment.”

Laos has stopped issuing visas to Chinese passport holders and entry via the Laos – China land border is no longer authorized.

Travelers from all other countries are authorized travel and can apply for e-Visas, but travelers from countries with confirmed cases may be asked to self-quarantine.

Bear in mind that the medical infrastructure in Laos is inadequate for the level of COVID-19 epidemic being experienced in other places, so if you do spend your time in Laos, beware of the risk if the virus begins to spread quickly

As of March 15, Laos still claimed to be COVID-19 free.

(Source: US State Department COVID-19 Health Advisory for Laos)

Current CDC Level Alert: No Alert (Source: CDC Laos Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Laos Travel Page)

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths Active Cases

(No Data Reported for Laos as of March 19, 2020)

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

MYANMAR

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practiced enhanced precautions (Source: CDC Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 2, Exercise increased caution (Source: US State Department Travel page)

COVID-19 Cases in Myanmar

At current, Myanmar officially reports no cases of individuals that have tested positive for Corona Virus. However, the government reports having tested only 300 out of the population of 54 million. Additionally, there have been at least 4 individuals exhibiting symptoms of Corona Virus that have died in quarantine. (Source: Strait Times)

All travelers from countries experiencing a high number of COVID-19 cases will be required to quarantine on arrival in a Burmese government hospital for at least 14 days. Myanmar has also suspended the e-visa and visa on arrival programs. (Source: US Embassy in Yangon)

Give the lack of information and reliable reporting on the Corona Virus situation in Myanmar and the lack of medical infrastructure, travel to Myanmar is not advised until the close of this crisis.

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths Active Cases March 21 **

PHILIPPINES

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 2, Practiced enhanced precautions (Source: CDC Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution (Source: US State Department Travel page)

International travel to and from the Philippines is currently restricted and lockdowns/quarantines are occurring on an island by island/ province by province basis.

From a traveler in the Philippines:

“About a week ago they segregated and sectioning off the country in to sections. [They] Stopped most ferries from going.. basically gave people a few days warning.. and now it’s basically whatever island you’re on, big or small.. you’re stuck there for as long as this goes on. I know a few islands that have no airport and no ferries.. so yes.. you’re stuck.”

(March 23, 2020)

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths Active Cases March 21 380 +73 25 +6 340 March 20 307 +77 19 +1 275

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

SINGAPORE

(Update: Mar 20, 2020) Singapore has executed an “effective immediately” entry ban of any non-residents or travelers transiting through Singapore.

A traveler and her husband (source of the latest info) were due to stay for a short period but were denied boarding by Air Asia due to the new, effective immediately regulations. The pair also witnessed other travelers with connecting flights through Singapore denied boarding

All non-residents should avoid travel to or through Singapore until the pandemic passes. (Last Updated March 20, 2020, Source: Firsthand account by traveler)

For travelers in Southeast Asia, Singapore is no longer a viable destination or visa run, as incoming travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of origin.

From March 20 onward, all incoming travelers to Singapore are required to self-quarantine for 14 days (Stay at Home Notice) on arrival providing proof of where they will stay for 14 days.

Travelers who have traveled through the following countries in the last 14 days will be refused entry

– France, Germany, Italy, Spain (with effect from 15 Mar 2020, 2359h)

– Iran, northern Italy, Republic of Korea (with effect from 4 Mar 2020, 2359h)

– Daegu city or Cheongdo county, Republic of Korea (with effect from 26 Feb 2020, 2359h)

– Mainland China (with effect from 1 Feb 2020)

(Source: Singapore MOH COVID-19 update page)

Follow updates for the Singapore airport and coronavirus at the Singapore Airport COVID-19 Advisory page and updates from the Singapore Ministry of Health COVID-19 page

Current CDC Level Alert: Warning Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions (Source: CDC)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) (Source: US State Department Singapore Travel Page)

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths (24hrs) Active Cases March 21 385 +40 0 0 254 March 20 345 32 0 0 221 March 19 313 47 0 0 199

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

MALAYSIA

Malaysia is currently not a viable visa run or travel destination at current as there is a full ban on foreign tourists and visitors and a full lockdown is in effect across the country.

Malaysia is currently under travel lockdown, starting March 18 to March 31.

There is currently a ban on all foreign tourists and visitors

All businesses and houses of worship are closed, with the exception of supermarkets, markets, minimarkets, and convenience stores (Source: Strait Times)

All government and private operations will be closed, with the exception of essential services

Find updates at the Malaysian COVID-19 update page

Current CDC Level Alert: Warning Level 3, Avoid Non-Essential Travel (Mar 3, 2020) (Source: CDC Malaysia Travel Site)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (Source: US State Department Malaysia Travel Page)

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths (24hrs) Active Cases March 21 1030 +130 3 +1 940 March 20 900 +110 2 0 823 March 19 790 +117 2 0 728

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

SINGAPORE

(Update: Mar 20, 2020) Singapore has executed an “effective immediately” entry ban of any non-residents or travelers transiting through Singapore.

A traveler and her husband (source of the latest info) were due to stay for a short period but were denied boarding by Air Asia due to the new, effective immediately regulations. The pair also witnessed other travelers with connecting flights through Singapore denied boarding

All non-residents should avoid travel to or through Singapore until the pandemic passes. (Last Updated March 20, 2020, Source: Firsthand account by traveler)

For travelers in Southeast Asia, Singapore is no longer a viable destination or visa run, as incoming travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of origin.

From March 20 onward, all incoming travelers to Singapore are required to self-quarantine for 14 days (Stay at Home Notice) on arrival providing proof of where they will stay for 14 days.

Travelers who have traveled through the following countries in the last 14 days will be refused entry

– France, Germany, Italy, Spain (with effect from 15 Mar 2020, 2359h)

– Iran, northern Italy, Republic of Korea (with effect from 4 Mar 2020, 2359h)

– Daegu city or Cheongdo county, Republic of Korea (with effect from 26 Feb 2020, 2359h)

– Mainland China (with effect from 1 Feb 2020)

(Source: Singapore MOH COVID-19 update page)

Follow updates for the Singapore airport and coronavirus at the Singapore Airport COVID-19 Advisory page and updates from the Singapore Ministry of Health COVID-19 page

Current CDC Level Alert: Warning Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions (Source: CDC)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) (Source: US State Department Singapore Travel Page)

Date Cases New Cases (24hrs) Deaths New Deaths (24hrs) Active Cases March 21 385 +40 0 0 254 March 20 345 32 0 0 221 March 19 313 47 0 0 199

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

SRI LANKA

As of March 21, the borders to Sri Lanka are closed to new foreigners entering. Foreigners/travelers that arrived recently are being “asked” by local authorities (town police) to remain in their town of arrival and at their declared hotel for 2 weeks of observation. Reports on the drop-ins by police to check on travelers have stated the police have been cordial, friendly and generally professional, still allowing travelers under observation to go to the beach as long as they remain in town and limit their movements.

According to the US Embassy in Colombo:

“On March 17, 2020, the government of Sri Lanka announced that all international airports in Sri Lanka will be closed to arriving international commercial passenger flights from 19 March to 25 March 2020.”

“According to Sri Lankan authorities, during this period, aircraft departures, passenger connections, and transits to other flights will be permitted. Flights arriving without passengers for the purpose of picking up departing passengers will also be permitted.”

(Source: US State Department COVID-19 Health Advisory for Sri Lanka)

Current CDC Level Alert: No Alert, but beware of Dengue outbreak (Source: CDC Sri Lanka Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution (Source: US State Department Sri Lanka Travel Page)

Date Cases Increase in Cases (Last 24 hrs) Deaths Increase In Deaths Active Cases March 21 73 +13 0 0 70 March 20 60 9 0 0 57 March 19 51 0 0 0 48

Source: Worldometer COVID-19 Stats Tracking

JAPAN

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 3 – Avoid Nonessential Travel (Source: CDC Japan Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution due to COVID-19 (Source: US State Department Japan Travel Page)

Date Cases Increase in Cases (Last 24 hrs) Deaths Increase In Deaths Active Cases March 21 1,054 +47 36 +1 803 March 20 1,007 35

SOUTH KOREA

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 3 – Avoid Nonessential Travel (Source: CDC South Korea Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 3, Reconsider travel due to COVID-19 (Source: US State Department South Korea Travel Page)

Date Cases Increase in Cases (Last 24 hrs) Deaths Increase In Deaths Active Cases March 21 8,897 +98 104 +2 5,884 March 20 8,799 +147 102 +8 6,085

CHINA

Current CDC Level Alert: Level 3 – Avoid Nonessential Travel (Source: CDC China Travel Page)

Current US State Department Level Alert: Level 4, DO NOT TRAVEL (Source: US State Department China Travel Page)

From the US State Department website:

“Do not travel to China due to the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance notice. Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China.”

Date Cases Increase in Cases (Last 24 hrs) Deaths Increase In Deaths Active Cases March 21 81,054 +46 3,261 +6 5,353 March 20 81,008 +41 3,255 +7 6,013

COVID-19 FAQ

Can COVID-19 Corona Virus spread via water and saltwater? Can I still get in the ocean?

Quick answer: We don’t know

Long answer: The virus can definitely travel via freshwater and saltwater, though dilution of the virus from a cough or saliva into a larger body of water (like the ocean) may reduce risks. Chlorine, commonly used in recreational swimming pools, does kill the virus but other factors in the environment (contact of swimmers, contact with surfaces outside of the pool) can maintain a high risk of transmission. Scientists hypothesize that if the virus is dispersed in seawater (heavily lowering concentration) it lowers the risk of contraction, but this is a hypothesis, there is no firm evidence to support it, and the efficacy of this hypothesis depends on the concentration of infected people in the water. In short, we don’t know if COVID-19 can be transmitted via seawater at beaches yet. — This article on Surfline has the best information so far although it is still inconclusive.

COVID-19 RUMORS TO BUST

Rumor: Gargling with saltwater or alcohol kills COVID-19

Truth: Once the virus in contact with mucous/cells in the respiratory pathways, the virus begins reproducing and the individual is infected and the virus must run its course – until a COVID-19 antivirus/vaccination is developed (Source: Johns Hopkins University Hospital)

Rumor: Vinegar and certain essential oils kill COVID-19