In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has imposed several travel restrictions on those entering the country. As of October 22, 2021, Vietnam had confirmed 877,537 cases of COVID-19 with 21,487 deaths, though 798,124 of the patients, had recovered.
Those planning to travel to Vietnam should be aware of the latest restrictions currently in place:
- Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners since March 22, 2020, until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measure does not apply to diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers.
- From November 21, travelling to Phu Quoc island is allowed via charter flight, traveller has to take full package tour, there is no quarantine required
- 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.
- Vietnam has temporarily recognized COVID-19 vaccine passport or certificates from 72 countries including China, the US, UK, UAE, Thailand, India, South Korea, Singapore, Italy, Germany, France, Cambodia, and Canada among others to facilitate the entry of foreign arrivals who are fully vaccinated.
- Vietnam’s Immigration Department announced automatic visa extensions until October 31, 2021, for foreigners that entered the country on visa waiver programmes, e-visas, or tourist visas since March 1. The measure applies to those who entered Vietnam since March 1, allowing them to leave the country without any penalty or paperwork until October 31, 2021.
- Domestic flights resumed on October 1 under a four-phase plan. Flights resumed with localities that have relaxed pandemic prevention and control measures.
- Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City relaxed social distancing measures on September 21 and October 1 respectively to help recover the economy with pandemic prevention controls. Residents Ho Chi Minh City must receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and obtain a QR code through the mandated health apps for movement within the city.