Vietnam: Authorities ease entry restrictions for international travelers as of March 16 /update 49

Event

Vietnam authorities have relaxed COVID-19 entry restrictions for international travelers as of March 16. Officials only require arrivals to provide either a negative PCR test obtained within 72 hours before departure or a negative RAT test obtained within 24 hours before departure. Passengers no longer need to undergo quarantine upon arrival. International arrivals must also complete a health declaration before entry and download the PC-COVID mobile application during their visit. The government has resumed pre-pandemic visa issuance policies for international travelers. Authorities are also allowing foreigners from 13 countries, including some European countries and South Korea and Japan, to enter Vietnam without a visa; travelers may enter the country for up to 15 days, regardless of their passport type and purpose of visit.

Domestic Measures
Facemasks remain mandatory in public; violators may face fines of up to VND 300,000. 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. Authorities classify approximately 369 communes and wards nationwide as Level 4 areas; there are no Level 4 areas in Hanoi. Officials have closed nightlife venues, restricted participation at weddings and funerals and cultural events, and limited personal service businesses to 25-percent capacity in these locations.

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
Vietnamese officials have relaxed most entry restrictions for international travelers as of March 16. The government has resumed normal visa issuance policies. Entrants must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken before departure. Authorities allow visa-free travel to Vietnam for up to 15 days from 13 locations. International commercial flights have resumed. Authorities are not requiring entrants to undergo quarantine. Officials may reimpose tighter travel restrictions if further COVID-19 outbreaks occur.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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. Confirm all travel arrangements within Vietnam. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.