NEW COVID-19 TOURISM POLICIES IN VIETNAM

In response to a spate of new cases of COVID-19, Vietnam is stepping up its measures to stop the virus from entering and spreading within the country. 

Foreigners in the country will need to follow the instructions and regulations of the Vietnam Ministry of Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Below is an outline of new policies related to travel, as well as the health precautions Vietnam is requiring of all locals and foreigners.

Visa exemptions and temporary bans

From March 22, 2020 until further notice, Vietnam has temporarily suspended entry for all foreign nationals. Vietnam will not be issuing visas or allowing entry to any travellers at this time, including those who already hold visas or visa exemptions. Only Vietnamese nationals, foreigners on diplomatic or official business, and highly skilled workers allowed to enter the country at this time. From Feb. 1, 2021 until further notice, anyone entering Vietnam must undergo medical checks and 21-day quarantine upon arrival.

All foreigners who entered Vietnam after March 1, 2020 on visa exemptions, e-visas or tourism visas will be given automatic stay extensions at no charge until May 30, 2021. Travellers still in the country must declare their temporary residence to local police, through their landlords or hotels, and must complete Vietnam's online health declaration here.

Visitors who entered the country before March 1, 2020 may be considered for the extension, provided they can show an official letter from their embassy or consulate stating they were unable to leave the country due to objective reasons (letter must also be translated to Vietnamese). Foreigners who have undergone quarantine or treatment for COVID-19 in Vietnam are also eligible for the extension and should bring their certification documents to immigrations when leaving Vietnam. 

For questions about the new policy, please call Vietnam's Immigration Department at  (0084) 24 3938 7320.

Those who have entered Vietnam for business, visiting relatives, or purposes other than travel should contact a visa agent to address their visa concerns.

Health checks on arrival

All travellers entering Vietnam need to submit mandatory health declarations on arrival. This form can be filled out electronically at airports and border crossings or submitted online here on the day of entry into Vietnam. Travellers are legally responsible to ensure the information is true and accurate. All foreigners will need to comply with official health procedures when in Vietnam.

In an effort to stop the spread of the virus, Vietnam's Ministry of Health has ordered all Vietnamese and foreigners in the country to wear face masks in public places. Those found not wearing masks or not disposing of masks properly will be fined.

Quarantine regulations in Vietnam

In order to minimise the risk of contagion, Vietnam is isolating individuals who have come into close contact with others carrying the COVID-19 disease. If you have any contact -- such as the sharing of flights, vehicles, or hotels -- with others who have tested positive for COVID-19 while in Vietnam, you can expect to be tested for the virus and placed in 21-day quarantine.

Vietnam observes several levels of quarantine: 

1. Self-quarantine in homes or hotels with regular check-ups by local health authorities, 
2. Quarantine in health establishments for those showing symptoms of the virus, as well as those who have tested positive for COVID-10 and those in close contact with them, 
3. Quarantine in non-medical establishments for those returning from high-risk areas, and
4. Closed-off communities for areas with high numbers of confirmed infections.
    

Temporary closure of tourism sites

Within the country, Vietnamese health officials have temporarily isolated several locations that are deemed high-risk, or those that have been recently visited by travellers with confirmed cases of the virus. Tourism sites across the country are also setting aside closure days to disinfect their premises. From April 23, tourism attractions in the country are allowed to reopen but must ensure safety measures are in place for all visitors. 

Screening centres and health hotlines

Travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 or those concerned they may have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus should call Vietnam’s health hotline: 1900 3228

Vietnam has appointed 30 screening centres nationwide to carry out testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 disease, as well as 45 quick response teams to assist health facilities in the processing and treatment of COVID-19 patients. For the full list of screening centres, please see this link.

Credit: vietnam.travel