25 Oct 2021 | 01:44 PM UTC
Vietnam: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Oct. 25 /update 39
Vietnam continuing to implement COVID-19 measures as of Oct. 25. Officials allowing more domestic flights.
Event
Officials are continuing to enforce COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Oct. 25. Authorities are classifying areas by risk level according to a four-tiered system. Level 1 (low-risk) areas have almost no restrictions on commerce and transport. Level 2 (medium-risk) limits gatherings, operation of religious sites, some types of transport and requires some facilities to operate with restrictions. Level 3 (high-risk) may restrict or suspend road, waterway, and sea transport as well as gatherings. Religious establishments, hotels, sports activities, and establishments, such as museums and cinemas, may operate but with restrictions. Level 4 (very high-risk) entails much of the same as Level 3 but also restricts restaurant operations. Despite each level entailing different severities of restrictions, individual locations may modify measures according to their specific situation.
As of Oct. 25, several locations, including Hanoi, are classified as Level 1. While authorities have eased many measures in Hanoi, some restrictions remain in effect. Public transport must operate 50-percent capacity. Hotels may operate at 50-percent capacity, and public gatherings are capped at 10 people. Both Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are classified as Level 2 areas. Ho Chi Minh City authorities allow at least partially vaccinated residents to leave their homes and travel around the city. Many commercial establishments, such as shopping malls and financial and legal institutions, may open; however, other establishments such as bars, spas, and cinemas remain closed. Da Nang officials allow markets, hotels, and public transport to operate. Interprovincial bus services remain suspended, and some entertainment facilities, such as bars and casinos, remain closed. Officials in An Giang, a Level 2 location, reportedly encourage residents to stay at home 20:00-05:00 due to rising COVID-19 cases. Officials will likely modify the classifications in various areas based on disease activity.
The government is allowing more domestic flights in the country. Officials are allowing six flights to travel on routes connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Several airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), have resumed flights. Authorities may increase the number of daily domestic flights from Nov. 15. Passengers from high-risk areas and Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before entry. Arrivals from other areas must either provide a negative test obtained within 72 hours before arrival, proof that they have been fully vaccinated between 14 days and 12 months prior, or show a document proving that they recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months.
Authorities may require individuals who have contacted known COVID-19 cases to quarantine in centralized facilities for 14 days. A negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test result may be required for interprovincial travel. 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. Authorities allow up to two flights daily between Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). 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. Most passengers must quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon arrival and undergo two COVID-19 tests. Fully vaccinated arrivals 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 also have their quarantine period reduced to seven days. 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. Authorities allow international flights to six international destinations, including Guangzhou, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, and Vientiane.
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.
