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Restrictions Ease For Superyachts in SE Asian Destinations
April has seen an easing of restrictions for superyachts in a number of Southeast Asia’s prominent cruising destinations. Thailand, Indonesia, and most recently the Maldives have all become more accessible for Owners planning their next superyacht escape.
On 20th April, Asia Pacific Superyachts announced a further lifting of restrictions in the Maldives, with negative PCR test not required for visitors who have had two doses of recommended vaccine before departure. Yacht crew and sailors are free to go ashore and visit the resorts and islands around the Maldives, as the country benefits from an early opening to visiting superyachts.
“Maldives entrance formalities and restrictions are very easy to comply with and there has been a lot of demand and enquiries, especially when compared to other competitive markets and countries,” said Mohamed Hameed of Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives.
“Also benefitting yachts is a substantial reduction in fees to enter the Maldives, a decision made in April of 2020. This has helped to make the Maldives not only a superyacht favourite, but the reduced fee also provides a viable stopover for all yachts crossing the Indian Ocean as well as a convenient stop-over for yachts bound for either the Red Sea or en route via the Cape of Good Hope.”
April also saw the opening of Indonesia to yachts, with visas now available to all nationalities. While mainly available for business travel, visas are also open for yachts and their crew. Indonesia provides a great destination for post-pandemic cruising, with plenty of cruising opportunities for those with an appetite for adventure.
“Indonesia is now open and it is relatively straight-forward and easy to enter, especially when compared to other Asian countries,” reports Captain Thomas Taatjes of APS.
Thailand has also benefitted from a boost in tourism thanks to a reduced quarantine period. Owners are able to fly in and quarantine on their superyachts, with an extended temporary entry exemption confirmed by the Thai Customs Department.
“Thailand has announced its major plans to reboot tourism and is now welcoming foreign flagged yachts to a reduced quarantine, with more reductions to come soon,” confirmed Gordon Fernandes and Tanyuta Singhmanee, co-owners of APS.
"Maldives entrance formalities and restrictions are very easy to comply with "
"Maldives entrance formalities and restrictions are very easy to comply with "
Mohamed Hameed, Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives