03 May 2021 | 03:29 PM UTC
Vietnam: Authorities enact stricter business and gathering restrictions in major cities as of May 3 /update 26
Vietnam enacting tightened business and gathering restrictions in major cities as of May 3. International travel curbs in place.
Event
Officials have enacted tightened business and gathering controls in major cities from late May 3 in response to increased domestic COVID-19 activity. Authorities in multiple areas, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have ordered the closure of several classes of nonessential businesses, including street food stalls, bars, and theatres. In-person classes in schools are suspended in Hanoi from May 4. Officials have imposed similar controls in other areas with recent COVID-19 cases, including the provinces of Ha Nam, Hung Yen, Yen Bai, and Vinh Phuc. Officials are likely to introduce new localized gathering controls at short notice in the coming days. Nationwide restrictions, including controls on transport, are possible.
Officials continue to enforce other restrictions throughout Vietnam. Passengers on public transport throughout the country 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).
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.
