25 Mar 2021 | 05:59 PM UTC
Vietnam: Some localized COVID-19 controls remain in effect; international travel restrictions continue as of March 26 /update 24
Some localized COVID-19 controls remain in force in Vietnam as of March 26. International travel restrictions continue.
Event
Officials in parts of northern Vietnam are continuing localized gathering and business restrictions, though such measures have been lifted in most locations amid decreased COVID-19 activity. As of March 26, the strictest controls remain in effect in parts of Hai Duong Province, where recent COVID-19 cases have been discovered. Restrictions on nonessential travel, business operations, and gatherings continue in some parts of Hai Duong Province. Authorities in most other locations have lifted business and gathering restrictions, though some social distancing measures remain in place. Additional localized transport, business, and gathering controls may be imposed at the local or provincial level in the coming days and weeks if officials discover new COVID-19 outbreaks.
Passengers on public transport throughout Vietnam are required to wear facemasks. Long-distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure. Additionally, in most locations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, all persons 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 entering the country. Authorities may 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. Charter 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 all flights from South Africa and the UK due to new COVID-19 variants in those two countries. Officials require people who can still enter Vietnam to test negative for COVID-19 within five days before the travel date.
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.
