Whether you’re dipping your toes in the turquoise sea on Phu Quoc Island, or taking on the challenge of ascending Yen Tu Mountain, Vietnam has something for everyone. Its landscapes retain their breathtaking beauty despite the unforeseen COVID-19 outbreak. If you plan to visit Vietnam, the following Vietnam Travel safety tips during COVID-19 will help you fully appreciate this country’s immense charm.
Vietnam Travel Updates and Restrictions
- From January 1, 2022, flights between Vietnam and international destinations are expected to resume.
- Requirements for travelers: a negative PCR test for COVID-19 72 hours before your trip, and a certificate of vaccination or certificate of recovery for more than 6 months are required for your trip. If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll need to sign up for travel insurance worth at least USD 50,000 and have your Vietnam visa approved before entering.
- Three-phase plan: Vietnam allows fully vaccinated international tourists on packaged tours beginning on 20th November 2022 at specific destinations such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and other places. Further locations will be added to the list with a full reopening in June 2022, based on the contemporary COVID-19 situation.
- Vietnam has recognized COVID-19 vaccine passport (Vaccinated Travel Past – VTP) or certificates from 72 countries/territories, including China, Thailand, India, South Korea, Singapore, and other nations.
See more at Complete Checklist for entering Vietnam post-COVID-19 Lockdown
- Domestic flights have resumed with localities that have mild COVID-19 situations and appropriate control measures.
- Those who are departing from Tan Son Nhat or Can Tho airports, or those who have been to Level 4 or lockdown area: Must include a negative test (RT-PCR or rapid antigen test) within 72 hours before the flight.
Passengers are required to fill in the Vietnam Health Declaration before departure
What to Consider Before Traveling to or within Vietnam during COVID-19
Local regulations and restrictions
Keep in mind that the rules can change rapidly depending on the COVID-19 situation (the outbreak level, the presence of variants). Remember to check back for updates on Vietnam travel safety tips during COVID-19 as your trip gets closer.
Additionally, make sure to follow a quarantine mandate on your trip if required. Most of the time, if you’re coming from a highly infected area, you might need to self-quarantine for 3 – 7 days before being able to venture outside.
A summary of COVID-19 prevention
Almost every public place you visit is likely to request proof of vaccinations and medical declaration. You might need to download the PC-Covid app to show your vaccination status, or they will ask you to declare your health status via an online form.
Anyone suffering signs of the virus, such as fever, coughing, or trouble breathing, should contact Vietnam’s health hotline: 19003228
Are you protected enough to travel?
International and domestic travelers in Vietnam must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and it is recommended to wait two weeks after getting your second dose to travel since it takes time to build protection after getting vaccinated.
Are you living with someone more likely to get sick? They are the people who have a weak immune system or background disease. If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the virus to them.
Are you more likely to get sick? Traveling during COVID-19 can be a great health risk if you have underlying health conditions.
Prices and availability
During the time when traveling resources in scarce and as the holiday season is nearing, the cost of transportation and accommodation might increase. Do book your vacation in advance, make sure that the providers follow the COVID-19 safety protocols. You might also need to include the cost for testing (ranging from VND 300,000 to VND 5 million depending on the type of test and where you’re doing the test), insurance, and/or quarantine if required.
Essential items to pack
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer (60% at least alcohol)
- Disinfectant wipes for surfaces
- Quick testing kits
Vietnam Travel Safety Tips during COVID-19 on Your Trip
Aside from the recommended practices such as wearing masks in public, social distancing, washing your hands regularly, and declaring health status, we’d recommend the following tips to protect yourself on the trip.
Prioritize private accommodation and transportation: Most public transportation in Vietnam limits the number of passengers to ensure social distancing. For example, only one passenger is allowed on a 4-seater taxi. Therefore, if you have from 2 people on your trip, you can consider renting a car in Vietnam for the most comfort and safety. Moreover, instead of hotels, you might also want to look at private villas, cabins, or condos to avoid sharing spaces with crowds of people.
Bring a testing kit: Pack 1 or 2 COVID rapid testing kits to monitor your health on the trip in case you’re experiencing some early COVID symptoms.
Staying Safe in Public Transportation – Vietnam Travel Safety Tips during COVID-19
Air Travel
The Vietnamese Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has boosted the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment at the screening checkpoints, including bins. They have also changed the screening process to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus:
- To be able to fly, passengers must provide your ID card and COVID-19 vaccination certificate/COVID-19 recovery certificate and a negative coronavirus test done within 72 hours before boarding.
- Automated temperature scanners and hand sanitizers are placed at some airports such as Noi Bai. If your temperature exceeds 37,5 degrees celsius, flight attendants will re-check your temperature after five minutes. If it remains the same or you have any COVID-19 symptoms, you won’t be able to board the flight.
- You can bring hand sanitizer (spray, gel, liquid) onto the plane, with no more than 100ml, and they must be placed in a transparent zip bag.
Bring along your protective equipment to protect yourself from COVID-19
Car and Bus Travel
- If you are traveling across cities/regions, there might be checkpoints to check your vaccination status and complete health declaration.
- Prepare food and water to limit your stops at restaurants and grocery stores. If you want to pick up a meal on the road, choose restaurants that offer takeaways service.
- For buses, trains, or taxis, follow the safety advice for visitors to Vietnam during COVID-19 mentioned above to protect yourself during travel. If you’re using a ride-hailing service, pay attention to the limit number of passengers and don’t sit next to the driver.
How to Stay Safe in Hotels or Vacation Rentals – Vietnam Travel Safety Tips during COVID-19
Whether you are vaccinated or not, disinfect frequently-touch items, including doorknobs, light switches, counters, tables, desks, phones, remote controls, and faucets once you’ve arrived. Before using, wash plates, glasses, cups, and silverware (except for prewrapped plastic goods).
If you’re looking for a quarantine hotel in Vietnam, check carefully if it’s a designated and authorised one for quarantining purposes.
Vietnam Covid Vaccine Passport
Vietnam Government has announced that they would recognize the following eight vaccines approved for Use by WHO:
- Moderna (mRNA-1273)
- Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2)
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
- Oxford/AstraZeneca (AZD1222)
- Serum Institute of India – Covishield (Oxford/AstraZeneca formulation)
- Bharat Biotech/Covaxin
- Sinopharm (Vero Cells)
- Sinovac
Everyone must have their vaccination records registered on the government’s online vaccination portal, then install the PC-Covid application on their mobile phone. The green pass is given for anyone who has been fully vaccinated (2 injections). It is required in some public places before you can enter the buildings. Be aware of these Vietnam Travel Safety Tips during COVID-19 to travel more easily.
Note that you need to have the PC-Covid app as proof of the full vaccinations
Final Thoughts on the Vietnam Travel Safety Tips during COVID-19
Before boarding, be sure to include our travel advice during COVID-19 in your plan. Thus, after months of suspension, you may fully enjoy your holiday in Vietnam!