Vietnam: Authorities in Hanoi cancel plan to require international arrivals from locations with Omicron cases to quarantine as of Dec. 31 /update 45

Event

Officials in Hanoi have canceled a plan requiring international arrivals from locations with COVID-19 Omicron variant cases to quarantine at designated facilities as of Dec. 31. Reports attribute the cancelation to an intervention by the central government.

Domestic Measures
Officials continue to classify areas by risk level according to a four-tiered system. Level 1 (low-risk) areas have almost no commerce and transport curbs. Level 2 (medium-risk) localities limit gatherings, some types of transport, and operations at religious sites and other public facilities. Level 3 (high-risk) areas may restrict or suspend gatherings and road, waterway, and sea transport. Level 4 (very high-risk) localities restrict transport and restaurant operations. Local governments have the discretion to modify rules as per the local situation. Capacity limits for public transport and food establishments in Hanoi are in effect. Entertainment venues in Ho Chi Minh City remain suspended.

Domestic flights are operational or some routes, including those connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Officials may require fully vaccinated passengers from high-risk areas, such as Ho Chi Minh City, to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before entry. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure, self-isolate for seven days, and comply with testing requirements.

Authorities require fully vaccinated people who are contacts of known COVID-19 cases to self-isolate at home for seven days and undergo tests; individuals that are not fully vaccinated may need to quarantine for a longer period at a designated facility. Passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test result 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.

International Travel Restrictions
Fully vaccinated inbound international travelers who enter Vietnam through cities other than Hanoi must self-isolate at home or place of accommodation for three days from Jan. 1. Arrivals must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before entry, submit a health declaration, and install the PC-COVID app. Two PCR tests will be taken on days 1 and 3 of arrival. The eased measures also apply to travelers who have recently recovered from COVID-19. Travelers that are not fully vaccinated must quarantine at home or place of accommodation for seven days, with PCR tests on days 1 and 7.

Quarantine exemptions are in place for tourists who meet specific criteria for some locations, including Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ninh; tourists must self-administer a rapid antigen test upon arrival. It is unclear whether exceptions are also in effect for business travelers, among others.

Vietnam will resume regular commercial flights with several destinations, including Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the US, from Jan. 1; details on flight schedules and entry measures remain unclear. Flights to and from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe remain suspended.

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)