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
China: China has rolled out staggered arrangements for school and university winter holidays over the Chinese New Year period to combat COVID-19.
Malaysia: The Malaysian government has extended the Recovery-Conditional Movement Control Order till March 2021.
Thailand: A large number of locally transmitted cases have been found in Thailand again. The Thai government advises against unnecessary travel within the country.
China
Updated 11 January
China has rolled out staggered arrangements for school and university winter holidays over the Chinese New Year period to combat COVID-19
Institutions nationwide should adjust their winter vacations in accordance with their local COVID-19 situation and arrange for students to leave schools in batches in an orderly manner, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Education on 3 January. Examples include:
Some universities in Beijing announced that their winter vacations would be extended and start earlier than usual this year.
Beijing’s primary and secondary schools will begin their winter break up to two weeks early due to the reported new local Covid-19 cases by the end of 2020. The winter vacation will start from 16 January for primary students, from 23 January for the first two years of junior secondary schools, and on the original planned date of 30 January for final year junior secondary students and all high school students. Schools are forbidden from offering any additional online classes or activities over the extended vacation period.
Schools and universities in Hebei’s capital Shijiazhuang have been closed due to virus outbreaks.
More broadly, China’s National Health Commission has advised people to stay in their city of work and reduce travel over the Chinese New Year holiday as a precautionary measure in facing the challenge of Covid-19, especially given recent outbreaks in Hebei and the approach of the Chinese New Year in February, which will see large people migrations across the country, an increasing number of people returning from abroad, as well as the increase of gatherings and imported cold chain goods. Students have been told to avoid unnecessary travel during the winter vacation and report their health conditions to the universities each day. Many places across the country, including university campuses, restaurants and shopping malls, continue to require people to prove their health status with nucleic acid test certificates or government health-code apps before entering.
Other related updates are:
China announced on 31 December that it had granted conditional marketing authorisation for its first self-developed COVID-19 vaccine. According to the officials of the National Healthcare Security Administration at a press conference, China will provide COVID-19 vaccines free of charge once they become available to the general public and people can receive inoculation on a voluntary and informed basis. Starting 15 December, China officially launched the COVID-19 vaccination programme for this winter-spring period targeting a number of key groups, including those engaged in the handling of imported cold-chain products, customs officers, medical workers and people working in public transport and fresh markets. More than 7.5 million doses have been inoculated among these key groups.
China will continue to suspend passenger flights from the UK, according to a news release by China's Civil Aviation Administration on 10 January afternoon. The administration temporarily suspended regular passenger flights between the UK and China on 28 December to help curb the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic from the UK. Airlines are required to offer services to passengers regarding ticket refunds and alterations due to the suspension.
Comment by British Council International Education Services
UK institutions working with Chinese partners or recruiting Chinese students should be aware of current study arrangements in the country. For TNE providers, close discussions with partners are encouraged to support preparations for reopening of campuses and continued delivery of short term solutions including online delivery where campuses remain closed.
Sources:
1. http://www.moe.gov.cn/jyb_xwfb/gzdt_gzdt/s5987/202012/t20201231_508387.html
2. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202101/10/WS5ffab406a31024ad0baa1918.html
3. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202101/07/WS5ff66a4ba31024ad0baa1071.html
4. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202012/30/WS5febb988a31024ad0ba9f6a4.html
Contact: IES.China@britishcouncil.org.cn
Hong Kong
Updated 11 January
Public Events and Social Distancing
In light of the fourth wave of Covid-19, the precautionary measures imposed by the Hong Kong government are as follows:
Public gatherings limited to two people max
Mandatory mask wearing in public places
Restaurants restricted to 2-per-table and to end dine-in at 18.00
Scheduled premises, including gyms & beauty parlours, are closed
Government leisure facilities, including beaches, swimming pools, libraries and museums, are closed.
Travel restrictions for passengers flying from the UK
On 25 December, travellers who have stayed in the UK for more than 2 hours in the past 21 days will not be allowed to board for Hong Kong. Currently, there is no inbound flight from the UK to HK operated in compliance with the HK government’s new policy until further notice. However, Cathay Pacific (i.e. the largest aircraft operator in HK) will provide limited services between 12 and 24 January for those who plan to return to the UK this month. Outbound flights to HK are suspended until 25 January.
Sources:
Local Schools
The EDB announced earlier this week that schools would, in the main, remain suspended until after Chinese New Year, but allowed for some restricted face-to-face classes for limited numbers at certain age groups over half-day periods starting from 11 January.
HKDSE Exam 2021
Hong Kong government has announced a decision to postpone next year’s Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examinations by one month. The written exams are now scheduled to take place between 23 April and 17 May 2021 with candidates to receive their results on 21 July. The decision has been made due to concerns from students and teachers about grade attainment due to the suspension of face-to-face classes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Oral tests for both English and Chinese language exams will be cancelled in order to minimise the risk of person to person infection. Other new changes such as school-based assessments for nine elective subjects (e.g. Chinese and English Literature, History) will be dropped and five subjects have been streamlined. A contingency plan was also revealed by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) should the situation worsen around the time of the new exam dates. If this were to happen, the exam dates would move to early June, with results being released on 31 August.
Source: HKDSE 2021: Written tests to be postponed to 23 April and oral tests to be cancelled,
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
NEW - 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.
Sources:
Macau
Updated 11 January
No major updates.
Contact: Anna Lee anna.lee@britishcouncil.org.hk or Karen Hsu karen.hsu@britishcouncil.org.hk
Indonesia
Updated 8 January
The government has announced stricter PSBB restrictions in Java and Bali from 11 to 25 Jan 2021.
The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced that the government will further limit public activities in Java and Bali to respond the resurgence of cases, recording its highest daily rise ever with over 8,000 cases on Wed, 6 January.
The new measures include remote working for 75% of workers, online learning, reduced capacity and operational hours for shops and malls, restaurants (25% dine in), public transportation and places of worship. The criteria announced to categorise locations for stricter restrictions include: a fatality rate above national average of 3%, a recovery rate below 82% and active cases above 14,2% and hospital filling above 70%.
Sources:
https://setkab.go.id/en/java-bali-to-be-under-psbb-next-week-as-covid-19-cases-rise/
https://en.tempo.co/read/1421031/java-bali-on-psbb-indonesia-restricts-7-public-activities
Education
With the rising number of infections, education institutions remain closed and all teaching and learning is online. State and private universities continue with classes either online or in person only based on government directives.
LPDP in Indonesia had announced two scholarship categories. Further announcements for remaining categories of LPDP are awaited. The announced scholarships included the PTUD scholarships intended for master’s and doctoral degrees at top ranking institutions. There are 15 international universities included in this list by LPDP, with two from the UK.
Source: https://www.lpdp.kemenkeu.go.id/api/Medias/f5c3d319-769c-47e6-b572-5185bc8406d5
Travel requirements
The Visa Application Centre in Jakarta is open from 16 September (in addition to the VACs at Bali and Surabaya). The VACs in Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya will operate under strict physical distancing measures and guidelines as per local authorities.
Source: https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/id/en/news/information-about-the-uk-vac-in-indonesia
Public events
Large scale public gatherings are not allowed.
British Council Activity
British Council staff continue to work from home.
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
Japan
Updated 11 January
Latest news
Across the country the cumulative totals now to 288,818 and the death toll as 3,850. We can see that the fourth wave is striking this country as it sets a daily record with more than 7,000 new COVID-19 cases including a new high of 2,447 in Tokyo.
The state of emergency declaration has been in place from January 8 until February 7 and applies to Tokyo and the three neighboring prefectures of Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa. The emergency includes a number of restrictions on daily life. The government has ordered companies to encourage their staff to work from home and reduce office populations by 70%. Residents of the affected areas are also urged to avoid non-essential outings, with restaurants ordered to close by 8 p.m. and sporting events have been instructed to limit the amount of spectators present. Despite the raft of new measures, schools will remain open and university entrance exams likely to go ahead as planned this month
Japan tightens its border control measures with stricter entry requirements for Japanese returnees and a fresh batch of entry procedures for business travelers from eligible countries. For detail, please refer to this website.
Public Events
In order to contain the spread of infections, some festivals and events have been cancelled or postponed. And theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, museums, and galleries have been temporarily closed.
The government maintain restrictions on attendance at events such as professional sports games until the end of February. The large-scale events (rock concerts, sporting events, etc.) should be limited to 50% or less including professional sport games. The maximum number of persons can exceed 5,000 but should not exceed 50% of the total number of persons permitted.
Stricter restrictions can be imposed by the prefectural governor, depending on the status of infection in the region. In addition, organizers of large-scale events (over 1,000 participants) should consult with each prefectural government in advance, and each prefectural government should make an appropriate decision on how to hold individual events, depending on the infection situation and the nature of the event
Schools and Universities
The Ministry of Education (MEXT) announced on 21st July 2020 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 out of the country. Most of the countries including UK, USA, Canada and even NZ are listed in Level 3, among the highest-ranking countries. The Japanese Universities are making their decision aligned to this Government’s announcement and all the official exchange programs are being pended. The official scholarships are also being pended and students who were to receive the government funded scholarships are kept waiting.
The above announcement was revised and has been tightened. The students had been recommended strongly not to go study abroad at this moment.
British Council Activities
Considering the government announcement, all the universities are postponing the exchange programs and it is very difficult for the students to realize their plan to study abroad so we are now trying to find out the appetite of Japanese Universities towards tasting lectures by UK universities as an opportunity for their students to do online study abroad experience.
Contact
Tomoko Kawakita, Head of Education, British Council Japan - tomoko.kawakita@britishcouncil.or.jp
Malaysia
Updated 8 January
Government Response
The Malaysian government has extended the recovery phase of the movement control order till end of March 2021. It was previously scheduled to end in December 2020. The number of infections on a daily basis is increasing at a fast pace and the highest in Malaysia was recorded at 3000 plus. Government officials are calling for more stringent targeted lockdowns to curtail and control the spread of new infections; further announcements are expected.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-extends-recovery-movement-control-order-to-mar-31
The government had earlier announced that visitors from countries with more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases will not be allowed to enter Malaysia – the list of countries announced includes UK.
Public Events
The restricted movement order remains in place for large-scale events. Health authorities in Malaysia have advised against organising major public events. There are strict measures and SOPs for visiting public places and include mandatory wearing of masks, temperature checks and contact tracing along with other measures.
Education
Education institutions in the CMCO impacted states remain closed and learning is to continue online. The Ministry of Education announced that all schools under the Ministry’s purview will re-open on 20 January despite the extension of the recovery movement control order till March.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/01/03/moe-schools-will-open-as-planned
The Malaysian government announced that international students are allowed to enter Malaysia as of 1 January 2021 and join their institutions except for students from the UK. This is due to the new Coronavirus strain cases in UK. Students entering Malaysia will have to undergo the mandatory quarantine and have evidence of an all clear covid-19 test three days prior to travel.
Travel Restrictions
The mandatory quarantine period for travellers coming into Malaysia is now reduced to 10 days.
British Council Activities
British Council staff are working from home during the Conditional Movement Control Order.
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
Singapore
Updated 7 January
Singapore had adopted a three-phased approach since emerging from the nation-wide circuit-breaker in June 2020. Phase One featured resumption of selected services and the staggered re-opening of schools. During Phase Two, all students attended daily face-to-face lessons and most businesses resumed, although working from home was strongly encouraged wherever possible.
Phase Three commenced on 28 December 2020, with further relaxation of restrictions. All safe management practices remain in place. Covid-19 testing and contact tracing will continue.
Source: https://www.gov.sg/article/moving-into-phase-3-of-re-opening-on-28-dec-2020
Vaccinations for healthcare workers started on 30 December 2020, while vaccinations for the elderly (starting with those aged 70 and above) will begin from February 2021. The government plans for all Singaporeans and long-term residents to be vaccinated by end-2021, for free.
Source: https://www.gov.sg/article/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine
Travel advisory
The Ministry of Health has assessed that there are several countries/regions where the virus situation is well under control and the risk of importation is low. Border measures have been updated accordingly with provisions for Air Travel Passes, Reciprocal Green Lanes and Periodic Commuting Arrangements.
Singapore has opened its borders to travellers from Australia (excluding NSW), Brunei, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan and Vietnam.
The first case of the new B117 strain of the coronavirus circulating in the UK was confirmed in Singapore on 23 December 2020. Two more potential cases were reported thereafter. Following this, border restrictions have been tightened - long-term pass holders from the UK are not allowed entry into or transit through Singapore with effect from 23 December 2020, until further notice.
Quarantine requirements remain in place for visitors from all other countries.
Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/files/SHN-and-swab-summary.pdf
Travel for studies
The advisory for students has been updated 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.
Source: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19
Educational institutions
The Ministry of Education has recommended the usage of TraceTogether (TT), whether in the form of TT tokens or with the use of smartphones with the TT app, to support existing contact tracing efforts.
TT-only SafeEntry will only be implemented in schools when all students have had a chance to collect a token, either as part of the national distribution exercise at a Community Centre in their respective constituency, or as part of a follow-on school distribution exercise.
To reinforce the need to use TraceTogether, TT-only SafeEntry will also be implemented in the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) - including the six autonomous universities and the five polytechnics - as part of a nation-wide effort to ensure high levels of usage of TT at public places. Each IHL will inform their students when TT-only SafeEntry is to begin on their individual campuses.
In the meantime, IHLs will continue to have strict safe management measures in place to ensure the well-being and safety of students and staff.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/faqs-covid-19-infection
Home-based learning
Schools will conduct home-based learning (HBL) for students for at least two days a month, starting from the third term of the 2021 academic year. This change will affect all secondary school and junior college students, with every secondary school student set to receive a personal learning device by the end of the year.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced plans to form a new college by merging two of its faculties: Arts and Social Sciences, and Science. The new interdisciplinary college, to be called the College of Humanities and Sciences, aims to equip students with market-relevant skills to thrive in the future economy. This move towards more interdisciplinary learning comes along with the Education Ministry's push in recent years for graduates to have core skills and knowledge, while remaining versatile and adaptable to future conditions. If current plans are approved, the new college could begin accepting students as soon as the next academic year which begins in August 2021.
This announcement complements earlier reports of interdisciplinary study options being made available to students in other Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) including the polytechnics. The move aims to stretch students’ versatility and boost graduate employability.
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
Contact: Saman Imtiaz, saman.imtiaz@britishcouncil.org.my
South Korea
Updated on 11 January
The country has enforced the Level 2.5 social distancing scheme in the greater Seoul area, the second highest in the country's five-tier scheme, and Level 2 rules in other regions since 8 December 2020. An average of 693 daily new cases was reported across the country over the past week. Health authorities extended the measures until 17 January 2021, and private gatherings of five or more people are banned across the nation during the extended period.
The country has reported 16 variant cases. The authorities extended the ban on passenger flights departing from Britain until 21 January. [1]
Most schools and kindergartens are currently on winter vacation while most universities have also finished their classes in 2020. They are now preparing to welcome new students in 2021, complying with the preventive measures against COVID-19.
Sources:
KCDC (Korean government’s official website for Covid-19)
[1] New virus cases at over 1-month low on fewer tests, infection slowdown, Yonhap News, 11 January 2021
Contact: Heather Eom sunhyun.eom@britishcouncil.org
Taiwan
Updated 8 January
Taiwan’s cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus upon 7 January leaving the total number of cases at 822 and 7 death 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
Taiwan announces eight public venues where mask-wearing is compulsory
Most public large events like exhibition or show are currently open but various events and activities are requested to wearing the masks, and some will still maintain temperature measures and alcohol spraying when entering the venue.
Schools and Universities
The Central Epidemic Command Center announced since March 2020 that students and teachers at senior and junior high schools as well as elementary schools around Taiwan. Ministry of Education announced international students travel opens to the low risk countries.
The Ministry of Education Allows the Return of Graduating Students from Outside 19 Countries/Regions to the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Study from July 22
For information on the MoE of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Taiwan, please visit the News Updates on Ministry of Education Taiwan website at https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html
National Secondary Education Examination is scheduled on 15 and 16 May https://www.edu.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=9E7AC85F1954DDA8&s=D4203AE6C3E7F1E2
Winter break for Secondary and below is 21 Jan to 17 Feb and for higher education is 18 Jan to 19 Feb.
Travel Restrictions in summary
China Airlines, EVA Air extend suspension of direct flights to London
China Airlines (CAL) and EVA Airways said Wednesday that their suspension of direct flights to London will continue through February, due to the escalation of the COVID-19 situation in the United Kingdom. The extension followed a decision in December 2020 by the two airlines to cancel all direct passenger and cargo flights between Taoyuan and London for the month of January.Taiwan reports 2 new imported cases of COVID-19
Taiwan confirmed two new imported cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday 5 Jan 2021, one each from Indonesia and the Philippines, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 819, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). One of the cases involved an Indonesian fishing worker in his 30s who arrived in Taiwan on 22 December 2020, to work and presented a certificate of a negative RT-PCR test done in the three days prior to boarding his flight to Taiwan.Taiwan to allow foreign nationals to apply for non-tourist entry
All eligible passengers entering Taiwan must undergo 14 days of home quarantine
Beginning on June 29, Taiwan allows foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan for reasons other than tourism to apply for a special entry permit with a Taiwan representative office overseas. British citizens in the UK may contact the Taipei Representative Office in London (TRO in London)
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.
Upon entry, Taiwan requires all foreign nationals to present an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three working days of boarding the flight to Taiwan and undergo a 14-day home quarantine period. The following visitors may be exempted from negative COVID-19 test: personnel on diplomatic or official business, migrant workers, students, those coming to Taiwan for emergency situations, and crew members on vessels arriving in Taiwan. More information can be found here.
Passengers are allowed to transit through the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport with the following restrictions: 1) flights from and to China are excluded; 2) transit passengers must fly with China Airlines, EVA Air, or Cathay Pacific and must fly with the same carrier in and out of Taiwan; 3) transit passengers must leave Taiwan within eight hours. More information can be found here.
Any traveller arriving from outside Taiwan and granted entry are subject to a 14-day home quarantine. They will be required to complete a health declaration form and accurately provide their travel and contact history.
Short-term business travellers may apply for a shortened period of home quarantine. More information can be found here.
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.
Taiwan announces basics of new virus prevention measures
Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Commands Center (CECC) said on Monday (16 November) that the new autumn and winter measures for the prevention of COVID-19 spread will focus on three areas, with more details to be announced on Wednesday. The three areas include requiring travellers to provide a certificate of negative COVID-19 test results three days prior to entering Taiwan, a compulsory mask mandate for some places, and rewarding hospitals for conducting COVID-19 tests on their patients.
Sources:
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202101060023
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202101060013
https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5691-aa1c3-2.html
https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/index.html
https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4034659
Thailand
Updated 11 January
Many new Covid-19 infection cases, including local transmissions, have been found since mid December 2020.
The Thai government has requested collaboration from all people to reduce unnecessary travel.
Schools, universities and public events
On 7 April 2020, with the approval from the cabinet, Ministry of Education announced schools in Thailand to defer the start of the first semester of academic year 2020 from 16 May to 1 July 2020. On 8 May, the Ministry announced that it plans for the first semester to be run on 1 July – 13 November 2020, and the second semester on 1 December 2020 – 9 April 2021. This will result in 17-day and 37-day school breaks, respectively.
On 2 January 2021, the Ministry of Education announced the temporary closure of public and private schools that are situated in the “maximum control zones” of 28 provinces. These schools should move their teaching and learning electronically or through distance-learning communication where possible from 4-31 January 2021. More information: https://moe360.blog/2021/01/02/closed-special-reason/?fbclid=IwAR3mbO8PiSTvJAqE98t-vgtEQaBmZQHWfEKNCSbxG0IKuB21I7NsQQtvhIU
According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation's recent announcement on 2 January 2021, universities are asked to deliver their teaching and learning online or blended.
Key information including the term dates of key universities are on the IES site https://education-services.britishcouncil.org/news/market-news/east-asia-covid-19-update-%E2%80%93-26-june-2020
British Council’s operation
In accordance with the Thai government, we are running interactive online classes for both young learners and adults in Bangkok starting from 5 – 31 January 2021. The teaching centre in Chiangmai is operating as normal until further notice.
The IELTS computer-delivered tests are running as normal 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.
Contact: Uraiwan Samolee, uraiwan.samolee@britishcouncil.or.th
Vietnam
Updated: 11 January
Vietnam has recorded 1,515 Covid-19 cases so far with 35 deaths. No community transmission has occurred for nearly a month.
Travel restrictions:
Vietnam will limit inbound flights from now until the Lunar New Year holiday as new variants of the novel coronavirus spread faster in many countries.
After the holiday, which falls February 10-16, the transport ministry will study the possibility of resuming international flights, but limitations will still continue.The Vietnamese PM has banned flights from countries and territories like the U.K. and South Africa that have recorded mutations of the new coronavirus.
British Council’s operation: our activities are open to normal.
Sources:
1. Foreign arrivals required to register accommodation upon booking flights to Vietnam, 17 Sep
2. Health ministry updates protocols for priority COVID-19 testing, 28 Sep
3. Foreigners to pay $63 minimum for Covid-19 tests, 22 Sep
4. A look at how foreign arrivals are quarantined in a Vietnam hotel, 7 Oct
5. PM orders suspension of flights from UK and South Africa due to new corona virus variants 6 Jan
6. Vietnam not considering international flight resumption, 4 Jan
7. Vietnam limits inbound flights until mid February, 10 Jan
Contact: Education Services Manager, Hien Le hien.le@britishcouncil.org.vn