Vietnam: Authorities allow entry for fully vaccinated international tourists as of Nov. 16 /update 40

Event

Officials are allowing entry for fully vaccinated international tourists without quarantine requirements, in stages, as of Nov. 16. The travelers must also test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure, be part of organized tours, and visit only authorized locations. As of Nov. 16, locations that accept international tourists include Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ninh.

Authorities continue to enforce COVID-19 curbs as of Nov. 16. Officials continue to classify areas by risk level according to a four-tiered system. Level 1 (low-risk) areas, which include Hanoi, have almost no commerce and transport curbs. Level 2 (medium-risk) localities, which include Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, limit gatherings, some types of transport, and operations at religious sites and other public facilities. Level 3 (high-risk) areas may restrict or suspend road, waterway, and sea transport, as well as gatherings. Level 4 (very high-risk) localities restrict transport and restaurant operations. Local governments may modify rules according to their specific situation. Officials in Hanoi limit public transport and hotels to 50-percent capacity and cap public gatherings at 10 people. Da Nang continues to suspend interprovincial bus services and entertainment facilities.

The government allows more domestic flights, including on routes connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Passengers from high-risk areas, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before entry. Arrivals from other locations 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.

Travel Restrictions
Authorities require most other entrants to quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon arrival and undergo two COVID-19 tests. Exemptions are in place for tourists who meet specific criteria; it is unclear whether exceptions are also in effect for business travelers, among others. 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 before 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. Authorities allow international flights to some 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)