31 Aug 2021 | 11:30 AM UTC
Vietnam: Officials enforcing COVID-19 measures, especially in southern areas, as of Aug. 31 /update 35
Vietnam continuing to enforce COVID-19 restrictions, especially in some southern areas, as of Aug. 31. Limited domestic flights operational.
Event
Officials are continuing to enforce enhanced COVID-19 restrictions, especially in southern areas, as of Aug. 31.
Until further notice, authorities are implementing controls on nonessential activity and movement in Da Nang through Sept. 5, Hanoi through Sept. 6, and Ho Chi Minh City. Government authorities have extended enhanced social distancing measures in An Giang, Ben Tre, Binh Duong, Dong Thap, Ken Giang, Long An, Ninh Kieu, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long provinces. Officials are enacting social distancing restrictions in Ken Giang through Sept. 1, Vinh Long through Sept. 4, and Dong Thap, as well as several provinces and cities in An Giang through Sept. 5. Social distancing measures are enforced in Ninh Kieu's Can Tho city through Sept. 8.
Enhanced measures are in effect in Ben Tre and Tra Vinh through Sept. 10 and Tay Ninh through Sept. 12. Officials are enforcing tighter measures in several areas of Long An, including Kien Tuong town, Moc Hoa, Thanh Hoa, and Vinh Hung, through Sept. 6. Measures are also in effect in other areas, including Duc Hoa, Can Giuoc, Thu Thua, and Tan An City through Sept. 13. Social distancing measures have also been extended in Binh Duong’s Di An and Thuan An cities, as well as Tan Uyen through Sept. 15. Tien Giang authorities have extended restrictions in multiple areas, including My Tho City as well as Chau Thanh and Go Cong Dong districts through Sept. 15. Authorities may expand and extend measures in the coming days if COVID-19 activity escalates.
Other nationwide restrictions remain. Authorities require individuals who have contacted known COVID-19 cases to quarantine in centralized facilities for 21 days. Long-distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure. Facemasks are mandatory in public; violators may face fines of up to VND 300,000.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has advised domestic airlines to stop selling tickets for domestic flights until further notice. The CAAV especially asked airlines to minimize flights from high-risk areas to Hanoi. Authorities allow up to two flights between Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) daily. Domestic travelers must provide negative COVID-19 test results.
Travel Restrictions
Most foreigners remain banned from entering Vietnam. Exceptions exist for foreign experts, investors, managers, skilled workers, and resident diplomats, among others. Most passengers must quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon arrival. Fully vaccinated passengers may undergo a shorter seven-day quarantine period; however, they must test negative for the virus 72 hours before arrival and monitor their health for another seven days after the initial centralized quarantine. Individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 and have a certificate proving that they have recovered from the virus within six months may have their quarantine period reduced. Inbound travelers must obtain a health certificate within 36 hours of departing for Vietnam and provide evidence that they received the last vaccine dose between two weeks and one year before the trip. It is unclear if the policy covers returning citizens. Officials may adjust the policy in the coming days and weeks, depending on the local and international COVID-19 situation.
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 permitted to enter the country. Officials require such arrivals to test negative for COVID-19 within five days before the travel date.
Officials have banned the entry of people with travel history within the past 21 days to Cambodia, India, Laos, and Thailand due to COVID-19 concerns. Authorities 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.
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.
