Foreign tourists entering Vietnam can travel freely after isolating for one day only

Foreign tourists visit the Temple of Literature in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

According to the plan for Vietnam to reopen international tourism from 15/03/ 2022, the Ministry of Health proposed regulations allowing international visitors to enter and travel freely in Vietnam in case they meet all of these following requirements:

• Having a negative COVID-19 tests;
• Fully vaccinated and hold a Covid Vaccine Certificate; or Certificate of Recovering from Covid;
• Isolate for one day upon entry.

The resumption of the tourism industry under new normal should be based on the evaluation of the COVID-19 outbreak level in every region. Destinations are expected to provide accommodation, sightseeing and entertainment services for tourists, while simultaneously, these areas need to prepare a contingency plan to cope with conceivable COVID-19 developments during the reopening process to ensure outright wellbeing for visitors and the local citizens.

Travelers over 12 years old inclusive entering Vietnam must hold a certificate proving that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 received at least 14 days but no more than six months before the date of arrival; or they must hold a certificate proving that they have recovered from COVID-19 within six months upon the entry date.

Travelers must have a negative RT-PCR/RT-LAMP test result within 72 hours of arrival, supported by authorities of the region where the tests were conducted.

Visitors should make medical declarations and have to install the Vietnam COVID-19 app (PC-COVID) during their stay in Vietnam.

At the border gates, visitors with symptoms of suspected COVID-19 infections (coughing, fever, runny rose, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste and smell, etc.) should report to the health authorities at the border gate for appropriate health measures.

International tourists are required to self-isolate in their accommodation for the first 24 hours after entry, then have a COVID-19 test. In the first 72 hours after entry, tourists are recommended to not leave their accommodation, in case they want to travel immediately, they will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result every day before going out.

During the first 3 days after entry, tourists have to take 2 COVID-19 tests – one on the first day and another on the third day. If results return negative both times, they can travel freely but still need to self-monitor their health for the following seven days and comply with pandemic prevention measures.

Tourists under 12 years old may enter Vietnam along with their parents/relatives without the need for COVID-19 vaccination certificates. Children under 2 years old don’t need to take COVID-19 tests and can participate in activities outside their accommodation along with their parents and relatives.

High-risk people such as those aged 65 years or older, pregnant women, people with underlying medical conditions but not requiring constant monitoring and treatment at medical facilities, should limit travel until new recommendations and strictly comply with COVID-19 vaccination rules before entering Vietnam.

Travelers must follow the 5K message during the movement from the border gate to the place of accommodation. In emergency cases where a rest stop is needed, safety measures must be taken to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.