Welcome to the latest travel updates and alerts for Vietnam! Whether you’re planning a trip or already in the country, staying informed about the current situation is crucial. In this article, we’ll provide you with essential information, what visitors can expect, recent updates, and details about COVID-19 testing and vaccines in Vietnam.
Essential Information
As of March 15th, 2020, Vietnam has closed its international borders to visitors. Unfortunately, as of February 2021, the country is still not open to foreign visitors, with a few exceptions. These exceptions include diplomats, essential workers, top managers, and experts of businesses in Vietnam.
If you fall into one of the exceptional categories mentioned above, you must have a sponsor entity in Vietnam to fulfill all the necessary documents and procedures. You need to submit these documents to the Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to obtain an Entry Authorization Letter. The processing time for this letter is usually three working days. It’s important to note that all visitors arriving via the international air route will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine at a state-approved facility.
There are a limited number of inbound flights arriving weekly in Vietnam. For the latest updates, we recommend contacting Vietnam’s embassy in your local country. Outbound flights are still available.
What Can Visitors Expect
To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, masks are mandatory whenever you are in public spaces. Additionally, different restrictions are in place across Vietnam, depending on the COVID-19 situation.
In Hanoi, religious centers, cafes, sidewalk eateries, bars, and karaoke establishments are closed until further notice. In Ho Chi Minh City, religious gatherings of more than 20 people are not allowed, and non-essential businesses, including fitness centers, wedding halls, spas, massage centers, beer restaurants, nightclubs, and cinemas, are closed.
On the other hand, in Hue and Danang, no restrictions currently apply. In some cities and provinces, schools are closed and replaced by virtual learning experiences.
Recent Updates
Due to a recent outbreak in late January, Vietnam has implemented stricter border control and regional lockdowns based on the severity of the COVID-19 situation. Currently, Hai Duong province is under lockdown as most of the COVID-19 cases are concentrated there. Other provinces, including Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Gia Lai, Quang Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi, are taking pre-emptive measures.
As of February 21st, Vietnam has recorded over 2,300 COVID-19 cases (including both imported and local transmission) and 35 deaths. It’s worth noting that Vietnam is among the 50 countries and territories with the lowest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, according to Worldometers.
Flights from the UK and South Africa are temporarily suspended until further notice.
COVID-19 Testing & Vaccine in Vietnam
Getting tested for COVID-19 in Vietnam is possible. The cost of a PCR or antigen test ranges from $30 to $120, depending on the medical center.
In Hanoi, you can get tested at Medlatec or Hanoi French Hospital. If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Ho Chi Minh City CDC or FV Hospital for testing.
On the vaccine front, Vietnam has approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use. However, vaccines are not yet publicly available upon request.
Stay updated by visiting Rừng Cúc Phương, your one-stop resource for all the latest travel alerts and updates for Vietnam.
(Latest update: February 21st, 2021)
