Advice for UK Education Institutions on Covid-19 impact in East Asia 

Summary 

At the British Council, the health and safety of all our visitors, staff and the communities in which we operate is our top priority. We support and cooperate with all local government agencies to put all necessary measures in place to ensure the continued well-being of all with whom we engage in the course of our operations.    

This post is to keep UK institutions updated on disruptions across the East Asia region caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.  

For travel advice, please refer to FCO updates, and we would encourage institutions who are considering travelling to sign up for alerts - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also strongly encourage visiting local government health websites to stay abreast of the prevailing health advisory and precautionary measures in any country.  

For IELTS test arrangements as a result of Novel Coronavirus precautions, please see: https://www.ielts.org/news/2020/changes-to-ielts-test-arrangements-in-some-locations-due-to-novel-coronavirus.  

We are monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Please find current information by country/territory as per below:  

Key Updates 

Hong Kong: HK revamped the certificate of vaccination records for international recognition. 

Japan: Japanese government has lifted the coronavirus state of emergency in all regions. 

Malaysia: Higher education institutions have started to re-open in stages from 15 October. 

Myanmar: Schools are scheduled to be reopened in November 2021.   

South Korea: Korean government unveiled a roadmap on 25 October for a gradual return to normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

China 

Updated 27 October

Overview

By 26 October, there are 59 newly confirmed cases with 9 imported ones. Within mainland China there are 2 high risk and 16 medium risk areas:

High Risk: 2 

Beijing: 1 

Inner Mongolia: 1 

Medium Risk: 16 

Inner Mongolia: 6 

Guizhou: 2 

Gansu: 5 

Ningxia: 3 

Education Sector

On 25 October, Ministry of Education released the guidance on pandemic prevention and work plan for autumn and winter, some highlights as below:   

• All levels of education institutions shall keep regular and strict prevention measures including: strengthen the campus entrance management and identity check, regular health code and body temperature check, regular check for students and staff’s health condition and travel monitoring, reduce travel across different areas 

• Strict management of large-scale events, strengthen the review and approval of the off-line events, encourage online format. For offline events, ensure the organizer’s responsibility and mange the scale and event duration. 

• Strengthen the sanitation work in the campus, coordinate the prevention and control of infectious diseases in autumn and winter. Strengthen the cleaning and disinfection of classrooms, dormitories, canteens, toilets, libraries and other key places and public facilities in the campus. 

Domestic travel

• Regular pandemic prevention and control measures in the public space and transportation- wearing masks, green health code check    

• People are not encouraged to travel to medium / high risk areas    

• If travellers are from medium/high risk areas, they shall comply with local prevention & control policy to go through test and quarantine etc.  (for people travel from high-risk area to shanghai, they shall take 14 days quarantine in designated place + 2 covid tests. People from medium risk area shall take home quarantine + 2 tests; people from high-risk to medium risk areas to Guangzhou should take 14 days quarantine) 

International entry

• Beijing – 14 +7 +7 (14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 home quarantine + 7 days monitoring)    

• Guangzhou – 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 days home-based quarantine   

• Shanghai – 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 days community- based health monitoring (6 tests)    

Sources: 

http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqfkdt/202110/df77de158be3469bbbe3578e59a036ff.shtml  

http://www.moe.gov.cn/jyb_xwfb/gzdt_gzdt/s5987/202110/t20211026_575247.html  

http://www.moe.gov.cn/jyb_xwfb/gzdt_gzdt/s5987/202108/t20210820_552773.html  

 

Hong Kong  

Updated 25 October

Despite Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong remain very low, the government still adheres to strict quarantine regime even as other countries in the region start to reopen.  

Currently, only fully vaccinated HK residents travelling from the UK, or other “high-risk” and “medium-risk” countries are allowed to enter the city. They will also not be able to shorten the quarantine period despite holding a positive result proof of a recognised serology antibody test conducted within the past three months.  

Meanwhile, given increasingly infectious numbers of Delta variant cases, as of 20 August, Bangladesh, Cambodia, France, Greece, Iran, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the US are listed as “high-risk”.  

In addition to non-HK residents, those who aren’t fully vaccinated but travel from “medium risk” countries will not be permitted to board flights for Hong Kong. 

Sources: 

• Points to Note for Quarantine for Inbound Travellers https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html  

• Hong Kong lists 15 more countries as high-risk over Delta variant surge, quarantine tightened: https://hongkongfp.com/2021/08/16/covid-19-hong-kong-lists-15-more-countries-as-high-risk-over-delta-variant-surge-quarantine-tightened/ 

HK revamped the certificate of vaccination records for international recognition 

In line with the new quarantine requirements imposed by the UK on 04 October, starting from 29 September, the new Hong Kong Covid-19 vaccination certificate will include the information on birthday, sex of vaccine recipients, as well as vaccine manufacturer. 

Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/180706/Birthday-and-sex-included-on-new-vaccination-record 

Education

Education Bureau relaxed the prerequisite for resumption of full-day classes  
In mid-September, the Education Bureau lowered the criteria for schools to resume full-day classes, as it accepts students who receive only one vaccine jab as fully vaccinated. However, teachers are still required to take two doses of Covid-19 vaccinations. Previously, schools can resume full day face-to-face classes after 70 percent of their teachers and students have received two doses of vaccines.  

Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/180359/One-jab-enough-for-resuming-full-day-classes  

Local educators urged the government to take caution on school closures 

Education professionals have urged the government to take a cautious approach and assess the situation on the ground before moving to close or relocate schools amid an expected decrease in the number of pupils. 

According to local news, a decrease of 5.9 percent in primary school enrolment and 3.8 percent in secondary schools compared to last year were reported. It cited movement into and out of Hong Kong as one factor, as well as pupils moving to private, international, and direct subsidy scheme schools. 

A local education policy watchdog also warmed a decline in the number of pupils around 2,000 had seen the closure of many primary schools, leading to problems in accommodating a rising number of pupils in recent years. Government officials should keep staffing at current levels for three years before reviewing the situation further. 

Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1615319-20211015.htm 

British Council operations     

In line with the HK government’s new social-distancing rules, The British Council will be closed to the general public. For the most up-to-date information on our services, please visit our website: www.britishcouncil.hk/en/covid-19 . We are of course happy to hold meetings with the UK Education sector by means of online calls.  

Travel restrictions in summary

• Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry into HK    

• Transit flight services at Hong Kong International Airport resumed from 01 June 2020  

• Residents and valid visa holders travelling from outside of China (excluding very high-risk places specified otherwise) must supply a negative Covid-19 test result 72 hours prior to flight departure time and a confirmation letter of hotel reservation for 21-day self-quarantine before boarding for HK.  

• In light with the spike of infection cases in Taiwan, as of 16 May, travellers who stayed in Taiwan over the past 14 days require to comply with the same rules as passengers travelling from outside of China. Non-HK residents will be denied for entry.  

Sources:   

• https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html     

• Centre for Health Protection (CHP), HKSAR  

• Government further tightens quarantine and testing arrangements for persons arriving from Taiwan  

Macau

• Macao government also lowered the age limit for Pfizer/BionTech vaccine to 12. 

Source: https://macaonews.org/covid-19/macao-to-lower-biontech-jab-age-limit-to-12/  

  

Indonesia

Updated 25 October

Indonesia has announced relaxations for movement and access for select activities and sectors. 

The relaxations include partial reopening of restaurants, shopping malls and places of worship in some areas. Places of worship and restaurants will be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity while shopping malls will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity for specific locations. Since a peak of new infections of Covid-19 in Indonesia on 15 July, new cases have fallen across different regions.   

Education

Jakarta is now allowed to re-open limited face-to-face classes at schools. Based on the instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, face-to-face learning must be carried out at a maximum of 50 percent of the total capacity. This also applies to all educational institutions from primary education to the university level across the capital. 

Sources: 

https://en.tempo.co/read/1498002/level-3-ppkm-jakarta-allowed-to-reopen-limited-face-to-face-classes  

https://en.tempo.co/read/1511496/indonesia-reopens-schools-luhut-worries-if-future-generations-uneducated 

The Ministry of Education has announced different protocol requirements for the resumption of face to face teaching/learning. These vary for schools, boarding schools, madrasas, higher education institutions and practical work for students across different regions. 

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1498494/govt-allows-limited-face-to-face-learning-protocols-in-ppkm-level-1-3-areas 

Travel

There are three VFS facilities in Indonesia at Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali.   

VFS Jakarta is currently open for business on Mon, Wed and Fri (except for public holidays) from 08.00 – 15.00 (WIB)  

VFS Bali is currently open for business on Mon and Fri (except for public holidays) from 08.00 – 13.00 (WITA)  

VFS Surabaya is currently open for business on Tue and Thu (except for public holidays) from 08.00 – 14:00 (WIB) 

Source: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/idn/en/gbr/attend-centre  

The Indonesian government issued new regulations on air travel during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The latest issuance regulates passengers taking flights from or to airports in Java and Bali. 

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1520441/indonesia-issues-new-air-travel-regulations 

Indonesia will gradually re-open parts of the country where COVID-19 vaccination rates are above 70 percent. Earlier in October, Indonesia re-opened its tourist island Bali for some international travellers, including those from China, New Zealand, and Japan, among others. 

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2021/10/25/indonesia-to-gradually-reopen-regions-with-high-vaccination-rates-jokowi-says.html  

Public events

Select relaxations have been announced as different regions move to different levels of the mobility restrictions (PPKM). The facilities that are now allowed to operate are open to the fully vaccinated and are mostly allowed to operate at reduced capacity and under strict measures and SOPs. 

Indoor and outdoor sports centres in Jakarta were allowed to re-open at reduced capacity and health protocol SOPs. This was announced after the province’s public activities restrictions (PPKM) status improved to level 2. With tis resumption of sports activities, the sports centres would again host training sessions for the  national and regional teams. 

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1520725/jakarta-allows-sports-centers-to-reopen-for-sports-activities 

As of 22 October, the government has decided to open 15 Green Open Spaces (RTH) for the public. Several parks are now open for the public. Entry is allowed for the fully vaccinated. The parks have a limit of allowing 25% of the park’s capacity for visitors, while following SOPs and health protocols. 

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1520152/ppkm-level-2-parks-in-jakarta-ready-to-open 

Restaurants and cafes are now open for dine-in and allowed to operate at 50 percent of their total capacity.  

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1503283/ppkm-jakarta-govt-relaxes-rules-on-restaurants-dine-in-time-limit 

British Council Activity

British Council staff continue to work from home. 

 

Japan

Updated 25 October

Latest news

• Japanese government has lifted the coronavirus state of emergency in all regions, with the nationwide daily Covid-19 cases standing below 200 for the first time since July 6, 2020.  

• Japan starts issuing vaccine passports. A vaccine passport certifies that holders are fully vaccinated, ensuring they are exempt from self-isolation requirements or are subject only to relaxed measures upon arrival at a number of foreign destinations. 

Schools and Universities 

• The Ministry of Education (MEXT) has continued to announce that all the students who were planning to go study abroad should align to the safety information of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and recommended to refrain from going to the level 3 countries and also to the countries or regions where the government has announced that people have been infected with the mutated virus. The Japanese Universities are making their decision aligned to this Government’s announcement.  

• MEXT has continued to encourage elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools to continue to provide educational activities, including school events and club activities, as much as possible in consideration of the situation of infection in the region.  For universities and other institutions, they should take appropriate measures to ensure both the prevention of infection and the availability of learning opportunities through the face to face classes and online classes.  

British Council Activities

Considering the government announcement, all the universities are still postponing the onsite exchange programs and it is difficult for the students to realize their plan to study abroad. On the other hand, we have been receiving some request from Japanese Universities. We will conduct one webinar for Miya International school later this month.

 

Malaysia  

Updated 25 October

Government Response

Malaysia’s daily new cases dropped to below 5000 for the first time since June. Almost 95% of the adult population is now vaccinated and vaccination drives for students and children are underway. The health minister announced that with this steady improvement, Malaysia will soon be able to enter the endemic stage. 

Sources: 

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/10/25/malaysias-covid-19-cases-drop-below-5000-for-first-time-since-june/2015829 

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/10/739053/944pc-malaysias-adult-population-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/10/11/covid-19-situation-improving-malaysia-ready-to-enter-endemic-phase-says-health-dg 

As the pandemic situation continues to improve, different Malaysian states move into the more relaxed Phases 3 and 4 as part of the National Recovery Plan (NRP). Klang Valley and Melaka are now in Phase 4, while Kelantan Perak, Penang and Kedah are now at Phase 3. 

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/10/736899/klang-valley-melaka-enter-phase-4-nrp-monday-five-other-states-move-phase  

The measures to contain the spike in daily increase of Covid-19 infections remain in place and include strict monitoring and random checks to ensure compliance with SOPs. The relaxations and access to most places has beeneased for the fully vaccinated.  

Education

Higher education institutions have started to re-open in stages from 15 October. This involves all students who are fully vaccinated across all phases of the National recovery Plan. Malaysian schools started re-opening in stages since 4 October, however, with reduced capacity and students attending classes in rotation.  

Sources: 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/09/14/higher-education-institutions-to-reopen-in-stages-from-oct-15-says-noraini 

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/schools-in-several-malaysian-states-to-reopen-on-oct-3-at-50-per-cent-capacity 

Travel

Interstate travel is now allowed for fully vaccinated Malaysians, though the government advises strong caution and adherence to strict SOPs for movement. 

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-to-resume-interstate-travel-reopen-international-borders-from-oct-11 

Fully vaccinated Malaysians are now allowed to travel overseas, without having to apply for the MyTravelPass from the Immigration Department. There are requirements for tests and quarantine in place for travellers. Malaysia could open for international tourists by November, starting with travellers from Singapore. 

The government has announced plans to open Langkawi for international tourists as an international tourism travel bubble from mid-November. This is with strict measures in place, requiring travellers to visit the island only through travel agents registered with the government.  

Sources: 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/10/10/international-borders-reopened-but-not-for-tourism-says-pm 

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/21/malaysia-minister-on-travel-with-singapore-reopening-to-tourists.html 

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/10/25/langkawi-international-tourism-travel-bubble-opens-to-all-countries-says-mi/2015907 

The VFS Global Visa Application Centres at Kuala Lumpur are operating and processing visas for students and travellers to UK. 

Source: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/mys/en/gbr/attend-centre 

British Council Activities

British Council staff continue to work mostly from home.     

 

Singapore 

Updated 26 October

Singapore has implemented several updates to the management protocols for Covid-19, as the country transitions towards an endemic situation. However, as infection numbers continue to increase, tightened restrictions remain in place for dining out and group sizes until 21 November.  

Current protocols include differentiated safe management measures for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals.  

Source: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19-phase-advisory 

Vaccinations  

The National vaccination programme is progressing well, with 84% of the population fully vaccinated. Regular testing is also being implemented in schools and workplaces, and Antigen Rapid test (ART) kits are being distributed to all households, workplaces and primary schools. Vaccination-differentiated measures have been implemented. Sinovac has been added to the National vaccination programme. Booster shots are being administered to seniors and immuno-compromised individuals, and the coverage has now been expanded to include those aged 30 years and above. 

Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/files/MOH_News%20Release%2023%20Oct%202021.pdf

Travel advisory   

Border controls now include differentiated measures for travellers from countries/regions that have controlled the pandemic well and have also vaccinated large parts of their population. These are premised on a traveller’s 14-day travel history prior to their entry into Singapore. Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) have been established with 11 countries, including the UK. 

Source: https://www.gov.sg/article/adjusting-border-measures-and-extending-vaccinated-travel-lanes 

Travel for studies

For international students, Student Pass Holder Lane (STPL) regulations apply. These health control requirements (including pre-departure tests, quarantine measures upon arrival in Singapore, further testing in-country, and contact tracing measures) would also be stated as conditions of entry approval where relevant.  

Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/overview 

For students, the governmental advisory continues to allow travel for studies for students pursuing academic studies or professional qualifications overseas, for courses or examinations which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution. Students enrolled in local educational institutions may travel overseas to complete a compulsory course component or examination that cannot be completed locally. Students below the age of 18 may be accompanied by an adult. Mature students may travel overseas with their dependents who will be residing with them for the duration of their studies.   

The autonomous universities have announced the resumption of their overseas (outbound) student programmes for fully vaccinated students, to Sweden, China, Australia and the UK. These had been suspended by the Ministry of Education since March 2020. Student exchange programmes are slated to begin from January 2022 onwards.  

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/overseas-student-programmes-by-spore-universities-to-resume-as-early

The Ministry of Health in Singapore provides a regularly updated status report on the daily Covid-19 situation at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19       

 

Myanmar

Updated on 25 October

Covid 19 Updates 

Myanmar has recently gone through a very challenging third wave of Covid 19.  The number of positive case numbers and fatalities from the disease were tremendously high at the end of July/ early August. However, it has now subsided, with a positivity rate of only 6.2% being reported on 19 Oct 2021 compared to the rate of 19.76% at the end of August. There continues to be cases, 893 new Covid-19 cases and 28 death were reported on 20 Oct 2021 which significantly decreased from nearly 120 deaths in August 2021. COVID-19 vaccines are being given to those in priority groups in regions and states for the prevention and control of the disease. Many townships across the country are still officially under “Stay at home” orders, including in Yangon, where 22 townships continue to be under these restrictions.  

Situation in Myanmar 

The situation in Myanmar has been closely monitored since February 2021. Security incidents remain frequent and the situation is tense. Our teams continue to operate among tight security measures in addition to maintaining Covid 19 restrictions, all of which are strictly maintained. The Curfew of 22:00-04:00 is still in effect in some regions, including Yangon region, while a five-person gathering limit also continues, in line with national regulations. Long “public holidays” which were in place from mid-July due to the third wave of Covid-19 have been lifted.  

Travel  

• Entry to Myanmar for all visitors has been suspended until 31 Oct 2021. Visas are temporarily suspended with very few exceptions. Travel Advice can also be found on the FCDO travel advice pages.  

• The VFS Visa application centre in Yangon resumed their services on 27 Sept 2021 and Myanmar came off the ‘red list’ for travellers returning to the UK on 4 Oct 2021. UKVI can now process visit visa applications, which had been on hold due to red list restrictions. 

• Only Relief flights and Special flights into and out of the country are available. Direct flights are still limited. Flight bookings and trip preparations should be considered carefully and in consultation with travel agencies as well as close monitoring of travel restrictions and entry requirements for the destination. https://www.myanmaronlinevisa.com/entry-restrictions/ 

Schools, universities and public events   

• Public schools and Higher Education Institutions are currently closed due to the Covid-19 control measures. 

• Plan are in place for administering vaccines for registered students over the age of 12 in states and regions. 

• Schools are scheduled to be reopened in November 2021.  

• People are advised to stay at home as much as possible. Facemasks are mandatory in public places.  

• Large public events are currently closed in line with “Stay at Home” restrictions. 

British Council’s activities  

Staff at the British Council are still working from home with a possibility of working in the office for agreed and approved purposes and in line with agreed processes. Staff who plan to visit the office regularly are required to take a Lateral Flow test once a week for Covid 19 control and monitoring. 

Staff based in Myanmar have been asked to complete special training on how to remain safe in conflict situations; they have been advised to avoid crowds and not to travel around their cities unnecessarily.  

IELTS on Computer and Pearson Edexcel International A Levels (IALs) have just resumed in Oct 2021 for the first time in over a year, ensuring Covid-19 precautions and security requirements of current situation in Myanmar are adhered to. English classes of our Teaching Centre for young learners and adults are being delivered online.  

For more information, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.org.mm/ 

Meanwhile, mental health support measures have been adopted in Myanmar. These includes the selection of fours Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs), who have recently completed their training.  They are available to support staff in times of the Covid-19 pandemic and the overall security situation in Myanmar.  

 

South Korea 

Updated on 26 October

The Korean government unveiled a roadmap on 25 October for a gradual return to normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the roadmap, most coronavirus restrictions, such as nighttime curfews on cafes, restaurants and other multi-use facilities, will be phased out starting from November as the country's vaccination rate surpassed the key milestone of 70 percent. 

According to the first draft of the three-stage "living with COVID-19" scheme, the government will lift most pandemic restrictions on business hours and capacity, and increase incentives for the fully vaccinated, though some quarantine measures, including an indoor mask-wearing rule, will remain in place. Cafes, restaurants and other multiuse facilities will be allowed to operate around the clock, and private gatherings of up to 10 people, regardless of vaccination, will be possible until the second phase, with the ceiling to be completely removed under the third phase. The government will also introduce the "vaccine pass" system, which requires a vaccination certificate or a negative test result for entry into multiuse and high-risk facilities. 
 
The Ministry of Education announced that in-person classes will be expanded in phases during the second semester. 

According to the ministry, kindergartners and first and second graders will be able to attend in-person classes regardless of which social distancing level the health authorities designate. 

At Level 3, three-quarters of elementary school students between grades three and six, two-thirds of middle school students and half of first- and second-year high school students can go to their classrooms. 

At Level 4, the most restrictive level, which is currently in place for the Greater Seoul area, only first and second graders in elementary school, a third of middle school students and half of first- and second-year high school students will be able to attend face-to-face classes. 

Sources:  

KCDC (Korean government’s official website for Covid-19) 

KBR (http://www.koreabiomed.com) 

http://www.koreaherald.com/

 

Taiwan

Updated 27 October

• Taiwan’s cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the total number of confirmed cases at 16,380, and 847 deaths since the pandemic began at the end of December 2019, according to the Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC) (source). 

• To keep social distancing of 1.5M and to wear the masks when entering to restaurant and public transportations are requested by the CDC. For information on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Taiwan, please visit the Taiwan Centres for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.tw/En  

Most public large events like exhibition or show are currently closed or if open but various events and activities are requested to wearing the masks, and some still maintain temperature measures and alcohol spraying when entering the venue. 

Schools and Universities

• Taiwan mulls shortened quarantine during Lunar New Year 
  Health Minister and CECC head Chen Shih-chung said the center is considering either shortening quarantine or allowing people to quarantine at home during the Lunar New Year early next year. At a press briefing following a meeting of the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee in the Legislative Yuan on Thursday (21 October), Chen said the outbreak in Taiwan has been controlled. He said the goal now is to allow people to return with "peace of mind" during the next Lunar New Year holiday. 

• Taiwan considers loosening COVID restrictions Nov. 2 
  Restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are likely to be loosened further beginning Nov. 2, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Saturday (Oct. 23). After a major outbreak in May and June, the number of daily local infections has dwindled to single figures, with just imported cases in recent days. As a result, the CECC has gradually lifted restrictions, first allowing eating indoors and visiting movie theaters, and more recently scrapping mask mandates for hiking and outdoor athletics. 

Travel Restrictions in summary

• All foreign nationals except for those who hold Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs), documents proving they are in Taiwan for diplomatic or official purposes or to fulfil business contracts, or special entry permits are prohibited from entering Taiwan. 

• For the latest updates on Taiwan’s entry requirements, please monitor the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs website. 

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En 

https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/index.html 

https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html 

British Council Activities              

British Council staff work mostly from home, all classes at the Teaching Centre are now moving to online course, IELTS exams continue running followed by the country’s regulations. 

  

Thailand 

Updated 22 October

• From 1 November 2021, fully vaccinated tourists and returning residents from approved countries, including the UK, can enter Thailand by air with no quarantine requirements. Upon arrival, they must wait for their RT-PCR test at their hotel for one night or until they know their Covid test result. More information: https://www.tatnews.org/2021/10/quarantine-free-thailand-reopening-for-vaccinated-tourists-from-1-november-2021/  

• The VFS Visa Application Centres in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are open, operating on reduced hours, with physical distancing measures in place. More information: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/gbr  

Schools, universities and public events

• Schools have opened since 14 June but onsite teaching is not allowed for schools in maximum and strict controlled areas. From 1 November, more schools are expected to be open for onsite teaching. 

• The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation announced on 1 September that universities may adopt onsite teaching and activities with Covid-19 control measures as necessary and appropriate.   

• Wearing a mask when leaving home is compulsory.   

British Council’s operation

Our teaching centres offer online English courses for adults and young learners, and will continue to do so until the government lifts the classroom learning ban.   

Examination schedule is subject to change as appropriate with necessary measures in place.    

For more information please visit https://www.britishcouncil.or.th/en/about/notice      

The International Education Services Team is still in operation and will be able to help give advice and respond to queries from UK institutions, agents, and stakeholders.    

 

 Vietnam  

Updated: 25 October

Since the new wave on April 27, Vietnam has registered 852,987 community transmissions in 62 cities and provinces. HCMC led the daily tally with 1,131 cases, followed by Dong Nai with 586 and Binh Duong with 533. 

As Vietnam has switched from the zero-Covid strategy to living with it, the country has issued a set criteria to define localities' risk level, including infection tally and vaccination rate, based on which travel and economic activities, among others, can be resumed. 

The capital city of Hanoi allowed restaurants and coffee shops to serve on-site services again starting 6 a.m. Thursday, with the establishments allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. 

For now, Covid-19 has been placed under relative control. In former coronavirus hotspots like Ho Chi Minh City or Binh Duong, the number of new infections and deaths have also dropped dramatically, though they are "at a high level" still. 

Vietnam currently accepts Covid-19 vaccine passports from 72 countries and territories, and is discussing the issue with 80 others. 

Under current rules, even those with vaccine passports have to undergo centralized quarantine for seven days. 

Travel restrictions:  

• In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has imposed several travel restrictions on those entering the country.  

• Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners since March 22, 2020, until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measure will not apply to diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers. 

• Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines resumed some international flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with South Korea, Japan, and Australia from April 3, and Ho Chi Minh City with the UK, Germany and Thailand also, as announced on July 12. Low-cost carrier VietJet has also resumed services including to Taiwan and Thailand. However, only repatriated approved Vietnamese citizens and approved foreign experts will be allowed to enter Vietnam.  

• From October 21, Vietnam’s Transport Ministry scrapped the full vaccination requirement for domestic air passengers. However, passengers from high-risk areas or locked-down areas would still need a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to their flights. Passengers from other areas would need one of the following, such as a negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate. 

Schools, universities and public events 

Students in Hanoi are expected to resume school in November 2021. 

Schools in HCMC would reopen en-masse starting January 2022. 

British Council’s operation:

Our English classes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are being delivered online.  

Exams services in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are resumed and required to operate at 50 percent capacity at each test venue.  

Sources:

Vietnam cuts quarantine time for vaccinated entrants, 4 Aug 

Vietnam accepts vaccine passports from 72 countries, territories, 21 Oct 

 

Contact: BCEducationServices@britishcouncil.org