19 Feb 2021 | 05:14 PM UTC
Vietnam: Officials maintain localized COVID-19-related business and gathering controls as of Feb. 20; international travel restrictions continue /update 22
Localized COVID-19 business and gathering controls remain in force in Vietnam as of Feb. 20; international travel restrictions continue.
Event
Officials in parts of Vietnam are continuing localized gathering and business restrictions in response to COVID-19 activity. As of Feb. 22, the strictest controls are in effect in Hai Duong Province, where all nonessential movement and gatherings are banned through at least March 2. Nonessential travel to and from Quang Ninh Province is suspended. Authorities in other locations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have closed some types of nonessential businesses. Officials in multiple provinces and municipalities have suspended in-person classes at schools and banned large public gatherings. Additional transport, business, and gathering controls may be imposed at the local or provincial level in the coming days and weeks.
Passengers on public transport throughout Vietnam are required to wear facemasks. Long-distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure. Officials in some areas have closed tourist sites. Precautions at tourism sites that are operating typically include requirements that visitors and employees wear facemasks, maintain physical distancing, and clean their hands regularly. Additionally, in most locations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, people must wear facemasks when in public; violators may face fines of VND 100,000-300,000 (USD 4-13).
Travel Restrictions
Most foreigners remain banned from entering Vietnam. Exceptions are in place for foreign experts, investors, managers, skilled workers, and resident diplomats, among others. All passengers must quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon entry into the country. Authorities may make limited exceptions for special diplomatic cases; it is unclear whether exemptions are also in place for individuals entering Vietnam under bilateral travel arrangements.
Inbound commercial flights remain suspended until further notice. Charter flights may operate on a case-by-case basis to transport Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals who are allowed to enter the country. Authorities have banned flights from South Africa and the UK due to new COVID-19 variants in those two countries. Officials require people who can still enter Vietnam to test negative for COVID-19 within five days before the travel date.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Confirm all travel arrangements within Vietnam. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
