Vietnam: Authorities to resume regular international commercial flights with some destinations from Jan. 1 /update 42

Event

Vietnam will resume regular commercial flights with several destinations from Jan. 1. The countries include Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the US. Authorities have yet to announce details on flight schedules and entry measures. Officials may include additional destinations in the coming weeks as authorities seek to gradually resume international flights. The government continues to suspend flights to and from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as of Dec. 13 due to COVID-19 variant concerns.

Domestic Measures
Authorities continue to enforce COVID-19 curbs as of Dec. 13. 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 may modify rules according to their specific situation. Officials in Hanoi allow public transport and food establishments to operate with capacity limits. Ho Chi Minh continues to suspend entertainment venues like bars, spas, and karaoke clubs.

The government allows some domestic flights, including on routes connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Fully vaccinated passengers from high-risk areas like Ho Chi Minh City must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before entry and self-monitor their health for seven days. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure, self-isolate for seven days after arrival, and comply with testing requirements. 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 necessary 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
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 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. 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 make a medical declaration along with planned accommodations 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 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)