Last Updated
Vietnam will remove its Covid-19 restrictions on international flights beginning February 15th. The government-run media reported that flights “will return to a pre-pandemic level”. The country imposed incredibly tight border restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic that has decimated its tourism industry.
Previously, Vietnam resumed regular flights with the U.S., Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Russia, the UK, France, and Germany…but the number of flights was limited according to the requirements of the National Committee for COVID-19.
Here are some flights from the U.S. and Canada to Vietnam that are available now:
- New York to Ho Chi Minh on Turkish Airlines – $846 Roundtrip
- San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh on United/ANA – $1009 Roundtrip
- Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh on ANA – $714 Roundtrip
- Chicago to Ho Chi Minh on United/ANA – $720 Roundtrip
- Toronto to Ho Chi Minh on Cathay Pacific – $848 Roundtrip
- Vancouver to Ho Chi Minh on Cathay Pacific – $694 Roundtrip
These flights all include one stopover. As of now, there are no direct flights between the US and Vietnam but we can expect that to change as the country reopens. Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines plan to offer non-stop service from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco, beginning this year.
While this increase in flights is a step away from pandemic era restrictions, travelers will need to keep in mind the entry requirements of Vietnam.
As of now, Americans can only enter Vietnam with a valid Vietnamese resident card, visa, or visa exemption certificate. Airline passengers aged 2 and above arriving in Vietnam from abroad must provide a negative Real-time PCR SARS-CoV-2 test taken within 72 hours of entering the country. According to the U.S. Embassy website.
After a two-year closure, plans are being finalized for Vietnam to fully reopen to international tourism by this April
The country’s tourism sector, along with much of Asia’s, was hurt badly by COVID travel restrictions. Much of the region hasn’t been open for tourism since the very beginning of the pandemic and it’s estimated that tourism in southeast Asian countries lost a combined 1.6 million jobs in the hospitality sector.
Vietnam Won’t be the first Asian country to reopen its borders for tourism.
Thailand plans to have tourism back in full swing by this spring, and the Philippines has fully reopened their borders for tourism after two years of being shut.
With this in mind, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has stated ”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.”
The entry requirements for Vietnam’s reopening plan are:
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
Vietnam is currently experiencing a surge in COVID cases
most likely due to the Omicron variant. There is currently a mask mandate in place, with a non-compliance fine of $13. Restaurants are operational but could be shut down on short notice due to a COVID cluster. Schools are expected to reopen this month, and most people will be returning to their workplaces.
As of February 14, 2022, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 2,510,860 cases of COVID-19. However, 2,226,754 of the affected patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. Vietnam has also recorded 38,946 deaths due to the pandemic. About 95% of the country is fully vaccinated.
If you’re looking for some things to do and see in Vietnam, make sure to read: Top 5 Awesome Destinations To Visit In Vietnam For 2022
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022
Vietnam To Further Loosen Entry Requirements For Tourism Reopening
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
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.
Christian
Wednesday 16th of February 2022
I’d rather stay away from Vietnam or any other country that have the slightest entry requirements.
Phare Circus Siem Reap
Tuesday 15th of February 2022
It's worth noting that another country in the region, Cambodia, has been fully open to vaccinated tourists with negative COVID tests, no quarantine, since mid-November 2021. Cambodia has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. Flights to Phnom Penh on several global carriers and to Siem Reap currently on Singapore Air. Tourist visa obtainable online in advance.
Trucker Supporter
Monday 14th of February 2022
Vietnam had 3/4 month lockdowns with military in the streets. People literally starved because they couldn't get food in red zones. This was not long ago. Think twice before supporting this place or getting stuck there. Vietnam even shut down airports multiple times within the last 2 years jailing people inside the country with no option to leave. Vietnam also forced expats to give up their blood and do forced PCR tests otherwise they threatened the police would knock on your door. You have been warned, much safer places to go.