Vietnam is expected to open to all international visitors on March 15, the government has announced.
On Jan. 24, the country resumed flights with Russia, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
For now, the rest of the allowed arrivals must undergo quarantine. It could last from 10 to 21 days, depending on the zone they are heading to.
Vietnam Opening Tourism – Latest Updates
March 5 – Vietnam tourism representatives worried about new strict entry restrictions
Vietnam will reopen to international travelers on March 15. The new bundle of “inconsistent” restrictions has the sector concerned about its ability to attract overseas visitors.
After landing in Vietnam, foreign tourists must stay in quarantine for 72 hours, with the first 24 hours being obligatory.
During this period, they will be tested for Covid twice on the first and third days after arrival.
Those who need to leave after one day must undergo three tests instead of two, in addition to the negative PCR test that must be submitted 72 hours before prior to arrival in Vietnam.
“The country has lifted all barriers for domestic tourists during the new normal period, so why are we not treating foreign and domestic tourists alike?” said Nguyen Tien Dat, general director of Hanoi-based tour operator AZA Travel
February 19 – Vietnam eyes reopening the country on March 15
The tourism ministry believes the government would be able to fully reopen Vietnam borders to international tourists on March 15, three months ahead of schedule.
Arrivals will have to be fully vaccinated. Visitors must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure as well as a rapid antigen test within the next 24 hours of arrival.
Foreign nationals will also need to purchase insurance that covers COVID-19 for no less than $10,000. More entry requirements may be announced in the coming weeks as the new guidelines is complete.
February 7 – Vietnam will reopen to all international tourists between March and April
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said last week that Vietnam must be ready to restart tourism in a safe between the end of March and the end of April.
Travelers must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or have recovered from the infection. A negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival is required, as well as medical insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment with a minimum of $50,000 in coverage.
The entry restrictions for unvaccinated travelers will be announced over the next few days.
The government began admitting international tourists in under a vaccine passport scheme back in November. In total, 8,500 foreign visitors had arrived in Vietnam thus far.
Read our full post: Vietnam Gears Up For Full Tourism Reopening in March
What is open in Vietnam at the moment?
Ho Chi Minh City authorities have allowed bars, movie theaters, and other venues to reopen in low-risk areas from November 16.
Motorbike ride-hailing services are also allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Services in high-risk areas are still prohibited from resuming.
What is the current COVID-19 situation in Vietnam?
As of March 5, the country has reported 4,059,262 positive cases and 40,644 deaths.
Travelers in Vietnam
Vietnam’s borders have been closed to tourists, since March 22, 2020. Only Vietnamese nationals and those conducting either official or essential business were allowed into the country.
All those arriving were required to undergo testing and a 14-day quarantine.
While no new tourist visas are being issued right now to Vietnam, the country has extended temporary residence to those foreigners who entered the country after March 1st, 2020. The government has been extending this permission to stay every few months.
These visitors must fill out an online medical declaration and provide the location where they are residing.
Foreigners are expected to follow the same rules as local residents. They will be fined if they fail to wear a mask in public or follow other rules.
Vietnam attracts tourism from all around the world
Dating back to 2000 BC, Vietnam has one of the most ancient cultures in South East Asia. Since then, it’s been influenced by the Chinese as well as Khmer, Indians and of course the French, who colonized the country.
One area in which the French influence can still be seen is the country’s coffee culture. This makes it unique in a region more known for tea.
The cuisine is also unique and delicious. From refreshing soups to French inspired sandwiches and exquisite tropical fruits.
There are also beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains, and budget accommodations. The people are generally friendly. One way to experience the local culture is to shop in the roadside markets. Here visitors will not only find delicious food, they will also be able to shop for local crafts.
Guided tours can take visitors through a variety of natural wonders. In the north, there are many lakes and limestone caves.
In Central Vietnam, visitors enjoy touring the red and white sand dunes. In the southern part of the country, the Mekong Delta provides a look at an ancient lifestyle with its houseboats and river people. It is also rich in biodiversity – 10,000 new species have been found here.
Vietnam is an interesting and beautiful country in Southeast Asia. While it is currently undergoing another resurgence of the coronavirus, given how quickly the government got things under control, there is hope that the country will be able to open for tourists soon.
When it does, it would be a great place to visit with its stunning natural beauty, ancient culture and delicious food and coffee.