17 Aug 2021 | 10:16 AM UTC
Vietnam: Officials imposing COVID-19 measures, especially in southern areas, as of Aug. 17 /update 34
Vietnam continues to enforce COVID-19 restrictions, especially in southern areas, as of Aug. 17. Varying domestic rules in place.
Event
Officials continue to enforce enhanced COVID-19 restrictions in several locations, including Ho Chi Minh City, as of Aug. 17. Authorities are implementing measures in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 15; an 18:00-06:00 nightly curfew and restrictions on nonessential activity are in effect. Limitations on nonessential activity are also in effect in Khahn Hoa Province through Aug. 19, as well as Hanoi and Da Nang through Aug. 23. Officials have also extended social distancing measures in several localities, including An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Trie, Ca Mau Can Tho, Long An, Phu Yan, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang, and Vinh Long. Restrictions vary in these locations, with some areas, including Tien Giang and Vinh Long, imposing an 18:00-06:00 nightly curfew. Areas under enhanced restrictions will likely continue to ban public gatherings of more than two people; the measures will not likely apply to essential facilities such as government offices. Public transport services will likely continue to experience disruptions as measures continue. Authorities may expand or extend measures if COVID-19 cases increase.
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.
Many domestic flights are suspended or operating at a reduced frequency. Several airlines, including Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, and Pacific Airlines, have suspended most regular flights since July 26, while Vietnam Airlines operates two daily flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Flights to southern provinces continue at a reduced frequency.
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. 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.
