15 Apr 2021 | 08:24 AM UTC
Vietnam: Authorities continue to enforce COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of April 15 /update 25
Vietnam continues to enforce COVID-19 measures nationwide as of April 15. Stricter rules in some areas. International travel curbs in place.
Event
Officials continue to enforce restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 nationwide as of April 15. Passengers on public transport throughout Vietnam are required to wear facemasks. Long-distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure. Additionally, in most locations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, all persons must wear facemasks when in public; violators may face fines of up to VND 300,000 (USD 13).
Stricter rules remain in place in some localities with high COVID-19 activity. Nonessential businesses like entertainment venues are still banned in parts of Hai Duong Province, where a recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases is under control but remains a risk. Schools and food establishments in Hai Duong have resumed on-site activities with health protocols, like frequently sanitizing the facilities and checking body temperatures, as of April 15. Other localities may implement similar localized controls, particularly if officials discover new COVID-19 outbreaks.
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 entering 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 all 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.
