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Vietnam To Further Loosen Entry Requirements For Tourism Reopening

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After a two-year closure, plans are being finalized for Vietnam to fully reopen to international tourism by this April.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism sent a proposal to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh this week that the country should reopen by March 31 rather than waiting until May. The pitch is that an earlier reopening will boost international arrivals by Vietnam’s high tourist season, and help those in the travel industry which have been struggling over the past two years.

people riding motorbikes down Bui Vien street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The ministry stated that, ”If the country is slow in reopening, it would lose its opportunity to attract foreign tourists as many regional countries have already restarted their international tourism.”

According to reports in this local paper, the Prime Minister released a statement on Thursday saying that Vietnam can reopen when certain groups of the population have received their booster shots and suitable immigration control policies are in place.

Woman with backpack sits on boat among karst mountains in Tam Coc, North of Vietnam.
Vietnam To Further Loosen Entry Requirements For Tourism Reopening

Plans Include Extending Eligibility Of ‘Green Zones’ And More Freedom Of Movement

The plans submitted by the Ministry include extending the eligibility of the regions currently allowed to welcome foreign tourists, also known as “green zones”, given that the locals have received their third Covid shot and any potential outbreaks in the regions are contained. 

The regions of Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Dinh were the first regions in the country to welcome foreign visitors since locking down in early 2020 but tourism is yet to come back full swing.

Vietnam is currently in the second phase of reopening, which is scheduled to end on March 30. 

ailway through the narrow street Trần Phúv

There have been updates throughout 2021 on the news of Vietnam’s reopening, and it’s been a gradual process.

In November, the popular tourist destination of Hoi An in central Vietnam had a soft reopening, welcoming 29 tourists in total. According to reports, just over 8,500 international tourists have since visited Vietnam, including travelers from the UK, US, Russia, Singapore and South Korea. Local reports state that almost half of the international arrivals were overseas Vietnamese visiting family.

traditional lanterns hanging in Hoi An old town, Vietnam. Turquoise doors and yellow panels in the background
Vietnam To Further Loosen Entry Requirements For Tourism Reopening: Hoi An Ancient Town

Vietnam’s Airline Industry Prepared To Ramp Up Flights In 2022

In addition, local airlines and travel firms, including Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, recently sent a petition to the Vietnamese government to put forth a full reopening plan by early February.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has already restarted certain international flight routes to Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways are also set to begin flight services to the UK, Germany and Australia in the coming weeks. 

Vietnam’s Entry Restrictions For Travelers: What We Know So Far

Here are the entry requirements for Vietnam’s reopening:

  • Show proof of full vaccination (at least 14 days before entry)
    OR
  • Proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the previous 6 months
  • Negative PCR test result from 72 hours of travel
  • Travel medical insurance with coverage of at least $50,000 USD
  • Separate requirements will apply for partially vaccinated individuals and children (news to follow)

The plan is also to allow more freedom of movement around the tourist areas, allow local businesses to engage with international tourists (restaurants, travel agencies, hotels, etc) and testing stations available on-site at hotels for both domestic and international travelers.

vietnam street food mask
Vietnam's Reopening 2022: All You Need To Know

Vietnam's Vaccination Rate – Latest Data

According to Reuters data, Vietnam has administered over 180,000,000 doses of the Covid vaccine. This means that approximately 95% of the country's entire population has been fully vaccinated (two doses).

Cases are currently at 72% of its peak, with over 14,000 new infections reported each day. The highest daily reported average was on January 11, 2022.

Read More:

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.


P

Monday 7th of February 2022

I miss Vietnam badly, but since I prefer not to have my meals delivered through police or military blockade, I think I will stick to countries which did not completely overreact or act like China during the past two years.

Andre

Saturday 5th of February 2022

I wouldn't go to a country unless they are fully open with no internal restrictions. A PCR test or proof of vaccination are fine, but there are enough countries where you can go without having to restrict yourself what you can do there, and if certain countries don't understand that, they will just lose the tourists.

Bryan

Saturday 5th of February 2022

@Andre, I agree. I love Vietnam, but any restrictions are a hard pass.

James

Saturday 5th of February 2022

Proof of recovery accepted. And also unvaccinated allowed. Will go there if that's the case.

BB

Sunday 6th of February 2022

@James,

I was reading it as you had to be fully vaccinated or recovered. Still think they have a ban on unvaccinated but maybe I read it wrong.