The Vietnamese government’s Directive 16 on maximum social distancing expired on April 22 and has not been extended further.
Beginning April 23, all cities and provinces are expected to implement less strict social distancing efforts in compliance with Directive 15, and the local authorities are given permission to decide which businesses are allowed to open.
Related: Vietnam’s HCMC and Hanoi stop social distancing, start living with the pandemic
Hanoi’s districts Me Linh and Thuong Tin, and Ha Giang’s town Dong Van, as well as some areas with recently confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, continue to be quarantined. If you live in an area that is put under quarantine by the Vietnamese government, please comply with the quarantine requirements. You may contact your hotels, landlords, employers, or travel agents if you have further questions about this issue. Vietnamese media report that Quang Ninh will keep strict social distancing requirements until at least April 30.
Vietnam’s immigration offices reopens from April 23. U.S. all foreigners with visas that expired during closure will not be considered overstays.
For those wishing to depart Vietnam, international flights are presently very limited. Additional information regarding flights departing Vietnam can be found here.
Japan Airlines
Website: https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/
Phone: +84 028 3842 3362 (HCMC)
Phone: +84 024 3787 2020 (Hanoi)
All Nippon Airways
Website: https://www.ana.co.jp/ja/us/
Phone: +84 028 3821 9612 (HCMC)
Phone: +84 024 3926 2808 (Hanoi)
Korean Air
Website: https://www.koreanair.com/global/en.html
Phone: +84(28)3824 2878-80 (HCMC)
Phone: +84 024 3934 7247 (Hanoi)
Asiana Airlines
Website: https://flyasiana.com/C/VN/EN/index
Phone: +84 028 3822 2665 (HCMC)
Phone: +84 024 3771 4094 (Hanoi)
Phone: +84 024 3771 1374 (Hanoi)
Any travelers experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus — fever, cough and difficulty breathing — or those concerned they may have been exposed to the virus should call Vietnam’s health hotline right away: 19003228 (Vietnamese language only – if necessary, please try to have a Vietnamese speaker help connect you with the operator of this hotline).
The Vietnamese government announced that all people in Vietnam must wear face masks in public places such as supermarkets, bus stations, airports, and on all means of public transport. All foreigners should be aware that they may be denied entry, fined, or detained if they do not have a mask. All travelers on domestic and international flights must wear face masks during the flight and while at the airport.
Hanoi continues to suspend all bars, karaoke lounges, restaurants, video game centers, street vendors with large gatherings, and all cultural and sport activities with big crowds. Ho Chi Minh City and other localities are expected to take a similar approach on which businesses they decide may be open. Please continue to monitor this page for further updates.
From April 23, domestic airline and railway transportation has been allowed to ease restrictions. More daily flights and trains within Vietnam are now available. Please visit their websites or contact your ticketing agencies if you have further questions.
Hanoi has now allowed normal operation of passenger buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. However, Ho Chi Minh City is still suspending the operation of passenger buses, taxis, and most ride-hailing services (except food delivery), except for official purposes or duties deemed essential from April 23 until further notice. Other provinces may also take similar measures on an inconsistent basis. We advise U.S. citizens to check with their hotels, landlords, tourist agents, or transportation providers directly and plan far in advance to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.
Also read: All passenger transport services in HCMC remain suspended
Per Vietnamese media, Da Nang announced that from April 23, travelers arriving from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will no longer be required to spend 14 days in centralized quarantine.
Many of Vietnam’s tourist destinations and hotels have announced temporary closures. If you are planning to visit a specific location, please call in advance to confirm businesses are open and that any prior reservations are still valid.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Education is planning to reopen schools nationwide by June 15, with schools in several localities, including Ho Chi Minh City, to be reopened as early as May.
Compiled by Vietnam Insider and the U.S. Embassy