02 Dec 2021 | 05:34 AM UTC
Vietnam: Authorities suspend flights with several African countries as of Dec. 2 due to new COVID-19 variant /update 41
Authorities suspend flights with several African countries as of Dec. 2 due to new COVID-19 variant. Domestic rules remain in effect.
Event
Vietnam has suspended flights from several African countries as of Dec. 2 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant. The affected countries include Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Officials are also monitoring travelers arriving from countries with reported cases of the new COVID-19 variant. Authorities may amend restrictions on short notice in the coming weeks as new cases of the COVID-19 variant emerge in other locations.
International Travel Restrictions
Authorities require most other entrants to quarantine at centralized facilities for 14 days upon arrival and undergo two COVID-19 tests. Exemptions are in place for tourists who meet specific criteria for some locations, including Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ninh; it is unclear whether exceptions are also in effect for business travelers, among others. Fully vaccinated arrivals 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 also have their quarantine period reduced to seven days. Inbound travelers must obtain a health certificate within 36 hours before 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. Authorities allow flights to some international destinations, including Guangzhou, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, and Vientiane.
Domestic Restrictions
Authorities continue to enforce COVID-19 curbs as of Dec. 2. Officials continue to classify areas by risk level according to a four-tiered system. Level 1 (low-risk) areas have almost no commerce and transport curbs. Level 2 (medium-risk) localities limit gatherings, some types of transport, and operations at religious sites and other public facilities. Level 3 (high-risk) areas may restrict or suspend gatherings and road, waterway, and sea transport. Level 4 (very high-risk) localities restrict transport and restaurant operations. Local governments may modify rules according to their specific situation. Officials in Hanoi allow public transport and hotels to operate with capacity limits; public gatherings are capped at 10 people. Ho Chi Minh continues to suspend entertainment venues like bars, spas, and karaoke clubs. Some southern provinces, like Bac Lieu, Bac Ninh, Binh Thuan, Lam Dong, Nghe An, Tay Ninh, Quang Tri, and Vinh Long have tighter restrictions due to an increase in COVID-19 cases; measures like suspensions on non-essential gatherings and businesses are in place.
The government allows some domestic flights, including on routes connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Fully vaccinated passengers from high-risk areas like Ho Chi Minh City must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before entry and self-monitor their health for seven days. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure, self-isolate for seven days after arrival, and comply with testing requirements. Arrivals from other locations must either provide a negative test obtained within 72 hours before arrival, proof that they have been fully vaccinated between 14 days and 12 months prior, or show a document proving that they recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months.
Authorities may require individuals who have contacted known COVID-19 cases to quarantine in centralized facilities for 14 days. A negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test result may be necessary for interprovincial travel. 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.
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.
