Vietnam: Officials ease additional COVID-19 restrictions in Hanoi Oct. 14 /update 8

Event

Authorities have relaxed additional COVID-19 restrictions in Hanoi as of Oct. 14. Public transport, including bus and taxi services, may operate at 50 percent capacity. Food establishments may offer dine-in services at 50 percent capacity but some venues like bars must remain closed. Customers must submit an electronic health declaration. Businesses can resume normal operations but must adhere to health protocols. Museums and parks may reopen with at most 10 people in each group of visitors. Hotels can operate at 50 percent capacity.

Officials will resume intercity bus services between Hanoi and Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Son La, and Quang Ninh. Hanoi has also resumed air travel with Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang. Authorities have lifted centralized quarantine requirements for passengers arriving on domestic flights; arrivals must be fully vaccinated, have a negative COVID-19 test result, and isolate at home for 7-14 days. Rail services between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, as well as Hanoi and Hai Phong, may resume. Passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before departure and make a health declaration. Residents returning from high-risk or very high-risk areas must monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests.

Officials likely continue to enforce other restrictions. Public gatherings are limited to 10 people. Residents must observe a 2-meter (7-feet) social distancing rule in public. Meetings of more than 20 people are prohibited, though authorities allow approved events to take place at up to 50 percent of a venue's capacity. Shopping malls, retail establishments, and business activities on e-commerce platforms may operate. Stores and companies providing essential goods and services like markets, banking, and logistics can open. Motorbike delivery services may operate from 09:00-22:00 but drivers must have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, make daily health declarations, and comply with health protocols. Schools remain closed. Authorities have lifted permit requirements to travel within Hanoi.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security to ensure compliance with restrictions. Lingering business and transport disruptions may continue across Hanoi.

Advice

Follow all official health and safety measures. Remain polite and cooperative if questioned by security personnel. Ensure contingency plans account for additional disruptive controls or further extensions of current restrictions. Postpone travel if affected by restrictions. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Confirm flight status before checking out of accommodation and departing for the airport. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings at all ports of entry. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.