18 Jul 2021 | 01:29 PM UTC
Vietnam: Officials tightening COVID-19 measures in southern areas through at least Aug. 1 /update 32
Vietnam enhances COVID-19 restrictions on nonessential activity in southern areas through at least Aug. 1. Varying domestic rules in place.
Event
Authorities plan to tighten COVID-19 restrictions in southern provinces through at least Aug. 1. Officials will require all nonessential establishments, including businesses and restaurants, to close. Public gatherings of more than two people will be banned and public transport services must operate at limited capacity. People will be advised to only leave home for essential reasons. The measures will impact An Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Binh Phuoc, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Long An, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long provinces. The measures will also be enforced in Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities will also enhance ongoing restrictions on nonessential commercial activity in Hanoi from July 19 until further notice. All nonessential services will be prohibited, and public transport services to and from high-risk provinces will be suspended. Officials will recommend residents only leave their homes for essential reasons. Authorities may expand or extend measures if COVID-19 increases.
Officials continue to enforce restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 nationwide. Authorities require individuals who have contacted known COVID-19 cases to quarantine in centralized facilities for 21 days. Passengers on public transport must 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 up to VND 300,000. Authorities in multiple areas have continued to suspend in-person classes in schools.
Varying localized measures are in effect in parts of Vietnam. Da Nang officials have closed beaches and suspended sports activities; mass gatherings remain banned. Similar business and gathering controls are active in other areas as local officials modify measures according to COVID-19 activity in the area.
Additionally, officials in areas with high COVID-19 activity typically enforce localized entry and exit rules in the affected locations. The areas include Ben Luc, Can Duoc, Can Giuoc, and Duc Hoa districts and Tan An city in Long An Province. Exceptions are usually in place for people seeking medical care and transport workers, among others.
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. Most passengers must quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon arrival. Fully vaccinated foreigners entering Quang Ninh Province may undergo a shortened seven-day quarantine at a designated facility; the measure is in effect through at least July 31. Inbound travelers must obtain a health certificate within 36 hours of departing for Vietnam and provide evidence that they received the last vaccine dose between two weeks and one year before the trip. It is unclear if the policy covers returning citizens. Officials may adjust the policy in the coming days and weeks, depending on the local and international COVID-19 situation.
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 allowed to enter the country. Officials require permitted arrivals to test negative for COVID-19 within five days before the travel date.
Officials have banned the entry of people with travel history within the past 21 days to Cambodia, India, Laos, and Thailand due to COVID-19 concerns. Authorities said exceptions are in place for people who are transporting goods into Vietnam. It is unclear whether there are other exemptions, including for returning citizens; the Vietnamese embassy in Laos has reportedly encouraged Vietnamese nationals there to refrain from returning to the country.
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.
