14 Feb 2022 | 06:23 AM UTC
Vietnam: Authorities to permit additional international flights nationwide from Feb. 15 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity /update 47
Officials in Vietnam to resume full international commercial flights from Feb. 15. Domestic, COVID-19 measures remain in effect.
Event
Authorities in Vietnam will permit all international commercial flights, regardless of origin, starting Feb. 15 amid reduced COVID-19 activity. However, flight disruptions will probably continue on some routes due to reduced demand.
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 transportation. Level 4 (very high-risk) localities restrict transport and restaurant operations. Local governments have the discretion to modify rules as per the local situation. There are no very high- or high-risk areas in the country as of Feb. 14. Facemasks remain mandatory in public; violators may face fines of up to VND 300,000.
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 an extended period at a designated facility. Long-distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure.
Domestic flights are operational or some routes, including those connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Officials do not require passengers traveling from areas under Level 1-3 restrictions to provide a vaccination certificate or negative COVID test. Passengers traveling from Level 4 areas must provide either a negative PCR or rapid antigen test obtained within 72 hours before departure. Travelers must also complete medical declarations and download the PC-COVID app.
International Travel Restrictions
Vietnamese officials permit entry for citizens and residents, diplomats, business and investor travelers, overseas Vietnamese with specific visas, designated skilled labor, travelers with a visa exemption certificate, and people entering on approved tour packages. Most other foreigners remain banned. Fully vaccinated arrivals must provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry, and a health declaration.
Vaccinated entrants must quarantine at their residence or accommodation for three days, only leaving quarantine after testing negative on the third day. Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for seven days with testing on days three and seven. Travelers arriving in Vietnam on business for fewer than 14 days are exempt from quarantine.
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.
