Vietnam: Authorities to permit inbound tourism from March 15 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity /update 48

Event

Authorities will lift the suspension of visa issuance and visa exemption policy for nationals of around 100 countries and allow inbound international tourism to resume from March 15 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. Inbound tourists will reportedly have to be fully vaccinated, present a negative result from either a rapid COVID-19 test taken within the last 24 hours or a PCR test taken within the past 72 hours, undergo a PCR test, and quarantine for one day at a designated facility upon arrival, and pay around USD 30 for an insurance fee. It is unclear whether returning Vietnamese citizens are also subject to quarantine upon arrival. Officials may amend the rules at short notice.

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. Officials classify 18 areas as Level 2 zones as of Feb. 25; the localities include Da Nang and Hai Phong cities and Bac Giang, Binh Phuoc, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Ha Tinh, Hau Giang, Hoa Binh, Hung Yen, Lam Dong, Quang Nam, Quang Tri, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien Hue, Vinh Long, Vinh Phuc, and Yen Bai provinces. All other areas are categorized as the least stringent Level 1 zones; there are no Level 3 or Level 4 (very high- or high-risk) areas in the country as of Feb. 25. 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 on 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
As of Feb. 25, 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. International commercial flights have resumed, though flight disruptions will probably continue on some routes due to reduced demand. 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.