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Vietnam Update – Info for travelers on covid – 19 in Vietnam

Since the start of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Vietnam has closely monitored the situation and installed a series of proactive, comprehensive measures to combat the spread of the virus within the country and prepare its public health facilities. Past experience with other epidemics places Vietnam in a strong position to protect its population as well as visitors passing through.

Travelers in Vietnam may have questions about the spread of the virus in Vietnam, as well as which policies are in place in Vietnam. Below is a full overview of the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam as it relates to travelers.

Current snapshot of COVID-19 situation in Vietnam

Vietnam welcomes international tourists and returning Vietnamese who meet the following conditions:

1/ Present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, with the last dose at least 14 days and not more than 1 year prior to date of entry. Or present a certificate of recovery from COVID-19. The time between hospital discharge and entry date must not exceed 6 months.

2/ Present a negative result from an RT-PCR/RT-LAMP-method test administered within 72 hours before boarding (from the time of test).

3/ Have medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment, with minimum liability at $50,000. This is typically about USD 40. Contact your travel agent.

4/ Present booking with an approved package tour program of a travel agency.

Latest COVID-19 figures

Screening centers and health hotlines

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or are concerned that you may have been exposed, call Vietnam’s health hotline 1900 3228 immediately.

Vietnam has appointed 180 authorized testing facilities to carry out testing and diagnosis of COVID-19. See the full list.

Visa policies for travelers to Vietnam

Vietnam’s E-visa is valid for up to 30 days, single entry. Apply online here.

24 countries are exempted from the visa requirement due to diplomatic agreements.
80 countries can use the E-visa.

E-Visa processing is currently 3 days from receipt of documents and payment.

Health requirements

For Fully vaccinated: If traveling independently, you will only need 3 days self-isolate at your own accommodation, and conduct PCR tests on day 1 and day 3. If you test positive, you will be quarantined consistent with Government rules. If negative, you are still required to continue to self-monitor for 7 days while enjoying your destination.

For no proof of full vaccination: you will need to self-isolate for 7 days at your own accommodation, and conduct PCR tests on day 1 and day 7. If you test positive, you will be quarantined consistent with Government rules. If negative, please continue to self-monitor for 14 days after your isolation period.

These are based on guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

Latest international flight routes to Vietnam

We are working hard to reopen international flight routes. Please check back for updates.

Flights from the following Asian and US cities begin within January 2022: Beijing/Guangzhou, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, San Francisco/Los Angeles.

All flights operate from Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City – CMC) airports. Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Van Don (Quang Ninh, or Ha Long Bay), and Cam Ranh (Khanh Noa, or Nha Trang) airports are expected to be available by late January.

Vaccine certificates consisted

You will need a vaccine certificate and/or recovery documentation to enter the country. We currently accept vaccine certificates and/or recovery documentation from 78 countries (according to the Consular Department). Please check back for updates.

Asia Pacific: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Republic of Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, Commonwealth of Australia.

Europe/Middle East/Africa: Algeria, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Slovakia, Republic of South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Republic of Zimbabwe.

North America: Canada, United States.

South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico.

Start planning your Vietnam trip today:

Book a package tour
- Select and register to participate in travel programs of appointed travel agencies. The program must provide:
  - Flight information
  - Accommodation
  - Tour services
  - Itinerary
It’s important that you work with an appointed travel agency for your visa (if needed) and your safety, convenience and paperwork during your trip. Your local travel agent in your country is probably affiliated with one or more of these agencies and can coordinate for you.

Independent travelers are welcome as well. Please carefully note the travel requirements (documents, mobile app updating, and PCR tests) before, during and after your stay, including 3 days of self-isolation in your chosen accommodation. Be prepared to follow them, and keep your health declarations and documents handy at all times.
Insurance requirement:
- Purchase medical/travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum of $50,000 cover. This typically costs about USD 40.
Visa issuance: Visa application through travel agencies
- Travelers provide travel agencies with required documents.
- Travel agencies process visa applications as per regulations. Visas are issued at diplomatic missions of Vietnam overseas, or at border gates, depending on the requests of the travel agencies.
- Visiting relatives outside the five destinations (only for those who registered for a 7+ days tour): To visit relatives outside the five destinations, you must secure a written registration with the organizing unit. They will notify the local authorities of the area you are visiting, to coordinate health monitoring and reporting.
Passport Validation:
- Passport must have at least 6 months validity.
Vaccine Certificate:
- Your vaccination certificate should be recognized by a competent authority in Vietnam and should show your most recent dose at least 14 days and not more than 12 months before entry. Alternatively, show a COVID-19 recovery certificate issued within 6 months before entry. (Children under age 12 may not present a certificate, but must travel with a parent or guardian with a valid certificate.)
Pre-Test Before Departure for Vietnam:
- If you show symptoms, your travel agency will advise you not to travel to Vietnam.
- Conduct an RT-PCR/RT-LAMP test within 72 hours before boarding. All passengers, including children above age 2, should be prepared to present negative test results to airline and immigration authorities upon request.
- Children under age 2 are not required to present a test result but must travel with a parent or guardian who presents a negative result.

Health Declaration & required health apps

You can complete the government-required Health Declaration form before coming to the airport. Follow the instructions at http://tokhaiyte.vn or via the Vietnam Health Declaration App (available on App Store and Google Play).

During your stay in Vietnam, you will be required to download and use two applications: PC-COVID (from Apple Store or Android Market) and IGOVN (an App by the Ministry of Public Security). All Vietnamese are required to use these apps as well.

Health checks on arrival

All travelers entering Vietnam must submit the Health Declarations on arrival. This form can be filled out electronically at airports and border crossings, or submitted online on the day of entry into Vietnam. Travelers are legally responsible for ensuring the information is true and accurate. All visitors will need to comply with official health procedures when in Vietnam.

Your travel agency will support and guide you in preparing your health documents.
Health screening and temperature checkpoint at the international airport of entry are required for all entering/returning travelers.
Carry out immigration procedures at the international airport as per regulations.
As a visitor, you must:
- Self-monitor your health.
- Comply with the Ministry of Health’s 5K message: khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (sanitizing), khoang cach (social distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings), and khai bao y te (health declarations).
- Comply with the infection prevention and control measures as prescribed.
- Immediately notify health authorities of health abnormalities such as cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, body aches, fatigue, chills, decrease or loss of taste and smell.

All travelers are required to undergo health screening at the international airport of entry, and:
- Proceed through the temperature checkpoint.
- Install the IGOVN and PC-COVID application
- Use the above Applications during your stay in Vietnam.
Carry out immigration procedures at the international airport as per regulations.
Travel agencies should support and guide travelers while preparing their entry documents.
Tourists must
- Self-monitoring of health.
- Comply with the Ministry of Health’s 5K message: khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings), and khai bao y te (health declarations).
- Comply with the infection prevention and control measures as prescribed.
- Immediately notify the health authorities at the airport if you have any health abnormalities such as cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, body aches, fatigue, chills, decrease or loss of taste and smell.

Health checks on departure

Domestic travel: Travelers are required to:

Conduct self-tests for COVID-19 under the supervision of medical staff on the 7th day of the tour. After receiving a negative test result for COVID-19, tourists can continue to join the tour program to other destinations welcoming international tourists.
Comply with the Ministry of Health’s 5K message: khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings), and khai bao y te (health declarations).

International travel: These follow the guidelines and procedures published by the country you are returning to.

Procedure while participating in a tour package

Day 0-1	Travel agencies arrange transportation to your hotel. Once there, you are required to self-test for COVID-19 under the supervision of the accommodation’s medical staff or staff who have been trained in COVID-19 testing safety. The test results will be kept by the accommodation’s staff as per regulations. If the test result is positive, you will be taken to a qualified medical facility. Treatment costs will be covered by your required health insurance.
Day 1-7	All tour activities are provided by tourism service providers accredited by the local authorities. Please self-monitor your health. If you show symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, body aches – fatigue – chills, loss or loss of taste or smell) or test positive for COVID- 19 during self-testing, you must immediately notify your hotel’s medical staff. All activities of travelers and service providers must comply with the Ministry of Health’s 5K message, and infection prevention and control measures as per regulations by health authorities. Accommodation facilities will arrange rapid test kits for hotel rooms. Travelers are advised to self-test every 2-3 days and notify the accommodation facility of the results for follow-up according to regulations. Travelers who register for a tour package of under 7 days: return to their home countries according to the guidelines and procedures published by the respective countries.
Day 7+	Travelers who register for a tour package of over 7 days: conduct self-tests for COVID-19 under the supervision of medical staff on day 7 of the tour. After receiving a negative result, tourists can continue to participate in the tour program of the travel agency to other destinations that are allowed to welcome international tourists. If you wish to visit relatives at locations outside the five destinations, you must secure a written registration from your travel agency. They will notify the local authorities of the destination to coordinate required health monitoring during your visit. Travelers can leave the country on commercial flights or licensed charter flights. Travelers must fully comply with each local authority’s safety measures.

Health and safety precautions for travelers

Visitors in Vietnam are encouraged to take sensible precautions against COVID-19 during their trips.

The World Health Organization outlines these basic practices to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

Avoid traveling if you have a fever and cough. If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, alert health care services and share with them your recent travel history.
Maintain social distancing. Stay a meter or more away from others, especially those who are sneezing or coughing, or have fever.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer to spray your hands as often as you like.
Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of dirty tissues immediately and wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid contact with live animals. Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch live animals or animal products in markets.
Eat only well-cooked food. Make sure your meals especially animal proteins and dairy products are thoroughly cooked and prepared in a sanitary environment.
Discard single-use masks. If you choose to wear a single-use mask, ensure it covers your nose and mouth, avoid touching the mask, and wash your hands after removing it.

“Any travelers experiencing symptoms of the virus − fever, cough and difficulty breathing − should immediately call Vietnam’s health hotline: 1900 3228.

Alex Duy

Golf tour operator in Vietnam offers luxury golf tour packages to Southeast Asia countries: Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Southeast Asia countries.