Vietnam: Officials tightened quarantine protocols for arrivals as of Jan. 21 /update 20

Event

Vietnam has tightened quarantine rules for arrivals to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 21. All passengers, including incoming foreign experts and flight crew, must quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon entry into Vietnam. Officials said authorities would make limited exceptions for special diplomatic cases; it is unclear whether exemptions are also in place for individuals entering Vietnam under bilateral travel arrangements. The policy comes ahead of the Lunar New Year (known locally as Tet) holidays.

The central government is allowing public transport to operate nationwide with precautions in place. Safeguards include requiring passengers to wear facemasks, complete health declaration forms before the trips, and frequently sanitize their hands. However, areas with COVID-19 activity may implement additional transport restrictions, such as reduced operating hours or vehicle capacity.

Parts of Vietnam continue to maintain some restrictions. Tourism activities are ongoing in various areas with safeguards. Precautions in tourism sites typically require visitors and workers to wear facemasks, maintain physical distancing, and clean their hands regularly. Additionally, in various locations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, people have to wear facemasks when in public; violators may face fines of VND 100,000-300,000 (USD 4-13). Central and local officials may reintroduce or implement additional controls if local COVID-19 activity increases.

Travel Restrictions
Foreigners remain banned from entering Vietnam, except foreign experts, investors, managers, skilled workers, and resident diplomats, among others. While short-term trips to Vietnam for leisure purposes remain banned, officials have started to reissue electronic visas to foreign nationals from 80 locations, including Australia, mainland China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, the UK, and the US.

Inbound commercial flights remain suspended until further notice. Chartered flights may operate on a case-by-case basis to transport Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals who are allowed to enter the country. However, authorities have banned flights from South Africa and the UK, due to new COVID-19 variants from the two countries. Additionally, the government is limiting inbound repatriation flights through mid-February ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. Officials require people who can still enter Vietnam to test negative for COVID-19 within five days before the travel date.

Authorities have bilateral arrangements with some countries to allow reciprocal travel for business purposes. Business travelers from Japan and South Korea can enter Vietnam with protocols, such as testing negative for COVID-19 before the trips and adhering to a pre-agreed itinerary while in Vietnam.

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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)