Vietnam welcomes international visitors from November

International visitors can enter Vietnam under controlled circumstances since November

On November 5, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued temporary guidance on the pilot of welcoming international tourists to Vietnam. In the first phase from November 2021, Vietnam will pilot welcoming international arrivals through charter flights and international trade in selected areas and tourism service establishments in Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang, as well as in Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, and Quang Ninh provinces, and in Danang.

In the second phase starting from January 2022, Vietnam will expand the pilot programme to welcome more international tourists through charter flights and regular international trade. Travellers can participate in tourism programmes featuring destinations in the five localities in the first phase after they have completed the seven-day tour programme at the first destination.

In the third phase, Vietnam will fully reopen to the international tourism market. The starting time of the third phase will be based on the developments of the pandemic and on the results of the first two phases.

Travellers must show proof of full vaccination recognised by competent authorities in Vietnam. The second or first dose (for one-dose vaccines) must be taken at least 14 days and no more than 12 months before the departure time. Travellers can also show COVID-19 recovery certificates or equivalent documents issued by a competent authority in the country of treatment and recognised by Vietnam. The time from recovery to departure must not exceed six months.

They also need to obtain negative test results for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method within 72 hours before departure, and have it certified by the competent authority of the country conducting the test (from the time of sampling).

The pilot also requests travellers to have medical or travel insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 with a minimum liability of $50,000 as well as participate in a package tour of a travel agency.

All entrants shall have to be tested for COVID-19 on the first day. On the seventh day, travellers will take another test if they intend to stay longer in Vietnam. If negative, they can visit other localities that are allowed to welcome international tourists under the tour programme.