02 Jun 2021 | 06:25 AM UTC
Vietnam: Authorities reportedly suspend entry of people with recent travel history to Cambodia, India, Laos, and Thailand as of June 2 over COVID-19 /update 29
Vietnam reportedly bans entry of people with recent travel history to Cambodia, India, Laos, and Thailand as of June 2.
Event
Authorities have reportedly banned the entry of people with travel history within the past 21 days to Cambodia, India, Laos, and Thailand as of June 2 due to COVID-19 concerns. Officials said exceptions are in place for people who are transporting goods into Vietnam. It is unclear whether there are other exemptions, including for returning citizens; the Vietnamese embassy in Laos has reportedly encouraged Vietnamese nationals there to refrain from returning to the country.
Officials continue to enforce restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 nationwide. Authorities require individuals who have had contact with known COVID-19 cases to quarantine in centralized facilities for 21 days. Passengers on public transport must 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).
Authorities in some areas are maintaining tightened business and gathering controls in response to increased local COVID-19 activity. Ho Chi Minh City has closed nonessential businesses; suspended cultural, recreational, and sports activities in public venues; and capped gatherings at five people through June 14. Officials have also reduced domestic flights serving Ho Chi Minh City as of June 2. Officials in multiple areas have suspended in-person classes in schools. Hanoi has capped gatherings at 10 people. Da Nang's officials have suspended public transport vehicles with nine seats or less. Similar business and gathering controls are active in other areas, including Ha Nam, Hung Yen, Quang Ninh, Vinh Phuc, and Yen Bai provinces. Officials in other localities may introduce localized controls at short notice in the coming days.
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 21 days upon arrival.
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 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 permitted arrivals 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.
