Vietnam fully reopened to travelers on March 15 well ahead of the original June timeline.
The country imposed one of the world’s strictest border controls at the onset of the pandemic since March 2020. Vietnam allowed foreign tourists to visit designated spots through a vaccine passport program starting in November 2021, but this is the first time the country has fully reopened to unrestricted travel.
Although the country is allowing earlier entry, it’s not fully flinging open the doors. Here are things you should know before traveling to Vietnam as foreign tourists
Upon arrival, you must present:
1. Negative Covid-19 test result per passenger:
- Travelers entering via air: Present a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (except children under 2 years old) using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method within 72 hours before entry into Vietnam. Or have a negative rapid test result within 24 hours before departure, certified by the competent authority of the country where the test is performed.
- Travelers entering via land, rail and sea routes: Present negative test result as mentioned in section above. In case not presenting proof of a negative test result for SARS-CoV-2 as specified above, entrants are required to undergo a SARS-CoV-2 test at the border gate before entry (using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2). Upon receiving a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result, they are allowed to enter and join tour activities. If the RT – PCR test result returns positive, they must follow strictly the regulations of the health authority.
- Children under 2 years old are not required to be tested for SARS-CoV-2. Having not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or having never been infected with SARS-CoV-2 before, they are allowed to enter and to join outdoor activities with their parents and relatives.
2. Proof of valid medical/travel insurance covering Covid-19 treatment. Minimum cover USD10,000 (Link to info).
Downloaded PC-Covid mobile app (Apple/Google Play) which must be presented to enter all VN establishments.
VISA EXEMPT
Visitors from the following countries may enter visa free, and stay for the indicated number of days.
ASIA
Brunei, Myanmar – 14 days
Japan, South Korea (ROK) – 15 days
The Philippines – 21 days
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand – 30 days.
EUROPE
Belarus, Denmark, Italy, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom – 15 days.
To stay beyond this number of days, you may apply for a visa extension upon your arrival in Vietnam.
VISA REQUIRED
Simply apply online for your tourist E-visa, valid for 30 days. E-visa fee is USD 25, processing time is 3 working days. You will receive your code by email to print your visa.
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 323 authorized testing facilities to carry out testing and diagnosis of COVID-19. See the full list here.
Health requirements
Incoming travelers need to follow the below guideline from the Ministry of Health:
No requirement for quarantine.
Negative Covid-19 test result per passenger:
- Travelers entering via air: Present a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (except children under 2 years old) using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method within 72 hours before entry into Vietnam. Or have a negative rapid test result within 24 hours before departure, certified by the competent authority of the country where the test is performed.
- Travelers entering via land, rail and sea routes: Present negative test result as mentioned in section above. In case not presenting proof of a negative test result for SARS-CoV-2 as specified above, entrants are required to undergo a SARS-CoV-2 test at the border gate before entry (using RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2). Upon receiving a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result, they are allowed to enter and join tour activities. If the RT – PCR test result returns positive, they must follow strictly the regulations of the health authority.
- Children under 2 years old are not required to be tested for SARS-CoV-2. Having not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or having never been infected with SARS-CoV-2 before, they are allowed to enter and to join outdoor activities with their parents and relatives.
Before departure health declaration on tokhaiyte.vn at the border gate.
Install PC-COVID App on mobile smart phone for health declaration in Vietnam.
Within 10 days from the date of entry: self-monitor your health, if you have symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; pain, headache; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; respiratory inflammation…) must immediately notify the nearest medical facility for instructions.
These are based on guidelines from the Ministry of Health.
Click here to know more about How to Apply for Vietnam’s e-Visa:
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 departure
Domestic travel: Travelers are required to:
- During 10 days from the date of entry, tourists are requested to continue to self-monitor health. If having signs and symptoms of SARS-COV-2, must immediately notify the nearest medical facility.
- 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).
- Currently, domestic flights restrictions have been reduced until the new update. However, please notice that all requirements might have resulted in changes requirements of the different destinations.
International travel: These follow the guidelines and procedures published by the country you are returning to.
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.
The information above is compiled by Vietnam National Tourism Administration. Guidelines may change at any time based on conditions, as determined by the Vietnam government.