22 Sep 2021 | 08:52 AM UTC
Vietnam: Officials continue to enforce COVID-19 measures as of Sept. 22 /update 37
Vietnam continues to enforce COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 22. Travel restrictions and varying domestic rules in place.
Event
Officials in Vietnam continue to enforce COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 22.
Authorities have lifted zoning measures and are implementing eased restrictions under Directive 15 in Hanoi as of Sept. 22. Officials have lifted internal checkpoints and permit requirements to travel within Hanoi. Public gatherings are limited to 10 people. Offices and government agencies may resume on-site operations at up to 50 percent capacity. Some nonessential businesses like hairdressers and shopping malls may resume operations. However, authorities advise the residents to leave their homes only for essential reasons like purchasing groceries and visiting a doctor. Hanoi continues to maintain entry and exit rules with 23 checkpoints around the city's borders; individuals traveling from areas under social distancing orders must obtain approval to enter Hanoi. Public transport remains suspended.
Strict social distancing measures under Directive 16 continue in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 30 but with some eased restrictions in place. Residents must continue to remain at home unless for essential reasons. An 18:00-06:00 nightly curfew remains in effect. Local authorities are allowing some businesses, like telecommunications and maintenance companies, to resume operations 06:00-21:00. All other nonessential businesses and public transport remain suspended. Restaurants may provide delivery takeaway services 06:00-18:00. Inter-district delivery services may operate from 06:00-21:00. Eased restrictions are in place in some districts where caseloads are down, such as 7, Can Gio, and Cu Chi. A trial “green pass” scheme is in effect in these districts for fully vaccinated individuals – pass holders may participate in certain activities, like domestic travel and public events, without restrictions. Residents in these districts may leave their homes once a week to purchase groceries. Authorities allow green pass holders in Tan Phu and Tan Phong wards, District 7, to exercise outdoors from Sept. 21.
Authorities are implementing eased measures under Directive 15 in Da Nang and some southern provinces like Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An, and Tien Giang as of Sept. 22. Areas are classified as one of three zones - green, yellow, or red - in order of increasing transmission risk. Officials are implementing eased restrictions and movement controls in designated green zones with low COVID-19 activity; more businesses may also reopen in such areas. Authorities may further ease measures if COVID-19 activity decreases.
Other nationwide restrictions remain. Authorities may require individuals who have contacted known COVID-19 cases to quarantine in centralized facilities for 21 days. Long-distance domestic travelers must complete health declaration forms before departure. Facemasks are mandatory in public; violators may face fines of up to VND 300,000. Authorities allow up to two flights between Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) daily. Domestic travelers must provide negative COVID-19 test results.
Travel Restrictions
Most foreigners remain banned from entering Vietnam. Exceptions exist 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 arrivals in Quang Ninh Province may undergo a shorter seven-day quarantine period; however, they must test negative for the virus 72 hours before arrival and monitor their health for another seven days after the initial centralized quarantine. Individuals who have been infected with COVID-19 and have a certificate proving that they have recovered from the virus within six months may have their quarantine period reduced. 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.
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. Exceptions are in place for people who are transporting goods into Vietnam. It is unclear whether there are other exemptions, including for returning citizens.
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.
