Summary of changes in Vietnam's policies in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic that could affect tourists

The Covid-19 boom has spread to 165 countries and territories. In Vietnam, more than two-thirds of cases are people from abroad. Therefore, the Vietnamese government has tightened visa and entry policies to limit the spread.

Temporarily stop issuing new visas to all foreigners for a period of 30 days starting from 00:00 on 18/3/2020.

The restriction applies to arrivals from all countries and territories, except for cases of visa exemption or visa exemption certificates for Vietnamese people and relatives, some other special cases (such as experts, managers enterprises, skilled workers ...) upon entry must have a certificate not positive for the virus causing COVID-19 issued by the competent authority of the host country and this certificate is approved by Vietnam.

The above-mentioned measures do not apply to people on entry for diplomatic or official purposes.

Centralized quarantine for people coming from the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asian

Those coming from the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asian nations will be sent to medical camps for centralized quarantine for 14 days. The rest will be quarantined at home or other places of accommodation under supervision by local authorities.

Suspended entry

Vietnam has already suspended entry for people coming from or through China, South Korea, Iran and Italy.

Most recently, Vietnam has suspend entry for visitors who have been to countries in Schengen border-free area, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland within 14 days prior to the expected date for arrival in Vietnam. Visa on arrival status is also temporarily suspended. The above mentioned Decisions shall be valid and effect within 30 days, from 12AM March 15th.

This rule does not apply for entries due to artificial and official purposes, but health check is required on entry. Suitable anti-pandemic methods according to Vietnam regulations shall be applied on site and at the accommodation.

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 on the day of entry into Vietnam. Travellers are legally responsible to ensure the information is true and accurate.

Online medical declarations can be filed here.

Those with symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and those who have visited countries with more than 500 cases of COVID-19 or more than 50 new cases per day, are required to undertake medical examinations, and may be placed in 14-day quarantine before being allowed to enter Vietnam. All foreign travellers will need to comply with official health procedures when in Vietnam.

Tourism areas not accepting visitors at this time:

- Phu Quoc island.
- Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Cat Ba Island.
- Tourism sites in Ninh Binh including the Trang An Eco-tourism Complex.
- The Hoi An Ancient Town has suspended sales of tickets to the UNESCO Heritage Site, as well as its pedestrian-only hours in the Old Town until the end of March 2020.
- All tourist destinations in Phu Yen.
- Ly Son Island, Cham Islands, Con Dao.
- Several areas in Sapa and Hanoi have been zoned off and blockaded.

Visitors need to cancel their plans to visit these places until they reopen.

All must wear face masks

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 on flights, in airport terminals, and in crowded public places such as supermarkets, bus stations, and public transport vehicles.

Pay attention to the people you have been in contact with

In order to minimize 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 14-day quarantine .

Flights identified with COVID-19 infection:
- SQ 176 of Singapore Airlines from Singapore to Noi Bai on March 15, 2020; - Vietjet Air's VJ 826 from Malaysia to Noi Bai on March 4, 2020
- TK162 of Turkey Airlines from Istanbul to Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, 2020;
- QH 1521 of Bamboo Airways from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc on March 9, 2020;
- QH 1524 of Bamboo Airways from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City on March 13, 2020;
- SU 290 of Aeroflot originating from Moscow on 12/3 to Hanoi on 13/3/2020;
- QR 970 of Qatar Airways from Doha to Hanoi on 10/3/2020.
- Emirates Airlines flight EK 392 from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City on March 12, 2020;
- Eva Air Flight BR 395 from Taiwan to Ho Chi Minh City on March 16, 2020.
- Thai Airways TG 917 flight from London to Bangkok on March 15, 2020 and connecting to Vietnam.

Travelers 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 will strictly monitor the pandemic situation, cooperate closely with other nations, organizations and international partners to adjust anti-pandemic methods on time to prevent Covid-19 community spread.