Vietnam: Hanoi officials maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of March 14 /update 14

Event

Officials in Hanoi continue to enforce COVID-19 restrictions as of March 14. The local government has allowed cinemas, art venues, and motorbike taxi services to resume operating. Additional classes can restart their on-site activities at schools, with protocols like body temperature checks. Public transport vehicles and public facilities like shopping malls, retail establishments, and eateries can operate with precautions, such as seating capacity limits. Authorities will allow tourist sites to reopen from March 15. Officials will likely require people who test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts to quarantine at their residence for a period of time.

Authorities allow local bodies governing communes, wards, and townships to enforce varying measures in these areas depending on disease activity. Probable restrictions include limits on nonessential activities.

The government continues to encourage residents to limit travel to other localities outside of Hanoi. Authorities are enforcing varying requirements for domestic arrivals depending on their departure location. Officials do not require passengers traveling from areas under Level 1-3 (low-high risk) restrictions to provide a vaccination certificate or negative COVID test. Passengers traveling from Level 4 (very high-risk) 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.

Advice

Follow all official health and safety measures. Remain polite and cooperative if questioned by security personnel. Ensure contingency plans account for additional disruptive controls or further extensions of current restrictions. Postpone travel if affected by restrictions. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Confirm flight status before checking out of accommodation and departing for the airport. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings at all ports of entry. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.