01 Feb 2021 | 05:04 PM UTC
Vietnam: Officials imposing localized COVID-19-related business and gathering controls as of Feb. 2; international travel restrictions continue /update 21
Vietnam imposing localized COVID-19-related business and gathering controls as of Feb. 2; international travel restrictions continue.
Event
Officials in parts of Vietnam have imposed localized gathering and business restrictions in response to an outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the north of the country. As of Feb. 2, the strictest controls have been imposed in Chi Linh city, Hai Duong Province, where all nonessential movement and gatherings are set to remain banned through Feb. 19. Authorities have suspended public transport throughout Hai Duong Province and Quang Ninh Province and are requiring residents of the provinces to defer nonessential travel. Authorities in Hanoi have closed all bars and clubs in the city until further notice. Officials in multiple provinces and municipalities have suspended in-person classes at schools and banned nonessential public gatherings. Additional transport, business, and gathering controls measures may be imposed at the local or provincial level in the coming days and weeks.
Passengers on public transport throughout Vietnam are required to wear facemasks. Long-distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure. Officials in some areas have closed tourist sites. Precautions in operational tourism sites typically include requiring 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 must wear facemasks when in public; violators may face fines of VND 100,000-300,000 (USD 4-13).
Travel Restrictions
Most foreigners remain banned from entering Vietnam. Exceptions are in place for foreign experts, investors, managers, skilled workers, and resident diplomats, among others. All passengers 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.
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. 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 at least 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. Confirm all travel arrangements within Vietnam. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
