Since the inception of the infamous COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has been at the forefront of combating the spread of the virus within its borders. Because of its proactiveness, Vietnam was able to quickly contain the virus from where it was detected inside the country. Vietnam has also taken measures to prevent external sources of the virus from entering. This resulted in a swift travel restriction for those planning to travel to Vietnam. Below is an overview of the Vietnam travel COVID-19 regulations and restrictions.
Requirements for Entering Vietnam
- Vietnam expects to commence reopening the border to all international visitors starting from 15 March 2022
- The required quarantine period for international arrivals has been reduced to only one day as long as they can provide negative test results for COVID before departure and upon arrival in Vietnam.
- A negative test done within 72 hours prior to the arrival is also mandatory. If you have got COVID, you need to show a certification that proves you have recovered for at least 6 months to be eligible to enter.
Domestic flights have been fully resumed in October 2021. Public transportation within and across regions has come back with unlimited passengers each ride.
Vietnam’s Official Guidelines on Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
Currently, Vietnam has imposed 3 decrees, including Decree 15, 16, and 19, regulating public measures to prevent further outbreaks of the virus within the country. Decree 19 is considered most relaxed with some entertainment services allowed, while Decree 16 is the most serious with strict social distancing practices. Which decree is applied depends on the severity of the outbreak, and some changes might be added to cater to specific situations. Currently (as of February 2022), social distancing is pretty relaxed almost everywhere as the majority of new cases are quickly detected and safely quarantined. Vietnam has recorded some Omicron cases, mostly in Ho Chi Minh City, since December 2021.
Some main guidelines to look out for:
- Indoor dining such as restaurants, as well as bars and pubs, have completely open to welcome guests.
- You no longer need to show proof of vaccination when going outside to the public, but you might need to scan a QR code to declare your health status and record your travel history.
Vietnam Travel COVID-19 Regulations: Violations to Look out for
Vietnam is very strict with the rules to prevent the uncontrollable outbreak of the virus, so much so, if you happen to break one of the rules, it can result in a fine or even legal punishment. Here are the major regulations to keep in mind:
- Up to VND 3 million Dong fine for not wearing a mask in public or not practicing social distancing. The severity of how this rule is applied depends on the current pandemic situation of the province/city.
- Up to VND 5 – 7 million Dong fine for not disposing used masks in proper places. For example, used masks should be discarded in trash bins, not on the sidewalk.
- Up to VND 20 million Dong fine for covering up or not giving testimonies of your medical condition or travel history when required.
- Up to VND 20 million Dong fine for individuals and VND 40 million for organizations for not following lockdown orders in public places.
- Up to VND 30 million Dong fine for not complying with medical check-up/medical monitor orders.
- Up to VND 20 million Dong fine for not completing the required quarantine orders/escaping quarantine camps. If your action leads to infection of other people, the fine can be as much as VND 100 million.
- A fine from VND 15 million – 200 million Dong and 7 years in prison (depending on the severity) for spreading fake news about the pandemic.
- Up to 7 years in prison for hampering the authorities’ work by using violence or threatening to use violence.
- A VND 100 million fine or up to 12 years in prison for business owners/managers whose business still opens despite lockdown regulations.
Visas for Travelers to Vietnam during COVID-19
From January 1, 2022, the Vietnamese government has allowed the restart of international flights between Vietnam and nine destinations. San Francisco or Los Angeles, Singapore, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Beijing or Guangzhou, Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei are among these cities.
The “automatic stay extension” for foreign nationals will be discontinued starting from 15th January 2022.
Vietnam has cut the centralized quarantine period for fully vaccinated foreign arrivals to only 1 day starting from 15 March 2022.
If foreign nationals wish to eventually leave Vietnam, documentation such as certified documentation that they have been treated for COVID-19 and/or are virus-free will be important to present to immigration officials to travel outside of the country.
Vietnam Immigration Department building
For more information about the new policy: (024) 39387320 – Vietnam Immigration Department.
Individuals who have traveled to Vietnam for work or business-related reasoning are encouraged to contact their visa agent to situate any visa concerns before their visa is close to the expiration date.
Read more on COVID-19 Testing and Treatment in Vietnam
Flights Changes Related to Vietnam Travel COVID-19 Regulations
Since the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Vietnam has been pretty relaxed, trains, buses, and other public transportation are fully allowed to operate again. In Hanoi, since the number of infected cases is on the rise (as of February 2022), people are still highly aware of public transportation and comply with 5K rules when heading out to the public.
Health Medical Check
Online health declaration form
Vietnam has made it a requirement that all travelers entering Vietnam must submit a health declaration form along with complying with a COVID-19 medical check upon arrival. Travelers can fill out the form at the airport or prepare it in advance through this weblink. Travelers are legally responsible for ensuring that all information on the form is true and accurate.
During your trip, some public facilities might require visitors to declare their health status on the PC-Covid App.
Quarantine Regulations In Vietnam
The line for a quarantine health check at an airport in Hanoi
A quarantine center in Vietnam
Upon arrival, if a traveler is tested positive for COVID-19, Vietnam has the right to isolate them along with all who were in close contact for a 14 to 21-day quarantine period. Typically, if the traveler is from an inbound flight, the whole flight will go into quarantine. Local health authorities will be regularly visiting hotels or sites of quarantine for check-ups until the quarantine period has passed. For visitors that are fully vaccinated and are tested negative, they are only subject to a 1 day self-quarantine.
See Quarantine Hotels in Vietnam.
If an individual who is in quarantine is tested negative before their quarantine time window is up, they will still need to complete the rest of their quarantine period. If an individual continues to show positive signs of COVID-19, then their mandatory quarantine will be extended depending on their symptoms.
Preventative Measures of Vietnam Travel COVID-19 Regulations
Vietnamese citizens in a queue to get tested for COVID-19
The Vietnamese government has taken the pandemic extremely seriously and enforced strict regulations to keep the number of cases to as few as possible. The government quickly formed the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to communicate with the public. The committee took action in launching an educational campaign throughout the country with an equal focus on its online presence.
A makeshift COVID-19 test station
Following the government, many private businesses in tourism and accommodations have implemented preventative measures to ensure the safety of their staff and customers, such as wearing masks and using hand sanitizers.
Health And Safety Precautions For Travelers In Vietnam
Safety poster promoting uniting against COVID-19
Travelers in Vietnam during this pandemic should be vigilant in monitoring restrictions and regulations by the national and local authorities. Also, basic precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the virus should be practiced as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Avoid traveling if you have a fever or difficulty breathing.
- Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (preferably with a tissue).
- Maintain social distancing.
- Thoroughly wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid contact with live animals.
- Avoid eating raw/undercooked animal products (only eat thoroughly cooked meat).
- Discard disposable masks after a full day of use (or if exposed to a highly unsanitized environment).
Summary On Vietnam Travel COVID-19 Regulations
The hope is to welcome all tourists back into the country within the near foreseeable future. As the situation with COVID-19 develops, the Vietnamese government will continue to be prepared to respond appropriately to ensure that the people within its borders are safe from the pandemic.. Starting with a steady return of domestic travelers within Vietnam, the next step would be to allow international visitors to enter the country when appropriate.