Foreigners at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on March 15. (Photo: VNA)

Foreigners entering by air must produce a negative test result for the SARS-CoV-2 virus 72 hours before departure if the RT-PCR/RT-LAMP method is used, or within 24 hours if the rapid antigen test method is used. The results must then be certified by the competent authorities of the country performing the test.

A similar policy also applies to people entering by land and waterways.

In the event that a visitor has no a negative test result, a rapid test must be performed within the first 24 hours from their time of entry. If the test proves to be negative, then the visitor will be permitted to leave their accommodation. If the test comes back positive, they must immediately report to local health authorities for further instructions on timely handling.

Children under the age of two are allowed to enter without any test and can participate in outdoor activities with their parents and relatives.

Visitors must make medical declarations at the border and they must also use the medical declaration application (PC-COVID) during their stay in the country.

Vietnam officially reopened its borders to international tourism on March 15. However, travel firms were worried that it would be difficult for the country to attract foreign visitors unless COVID-19 regulations, including those on medical isolation and testing, were reviewed and revised.

Travel firms argued that it is unfair if vaccinated foreign visitors are required to undergo medical isolation at their place of accommodation for a certain period of time, particularly while vaccinated domestic travelers are allowed to travel freely without any obstacles.

During a meeting held with foreign ambassadors and various representatives of travel businesses in Hanoi on March 15, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam affirmed that foreign visitors would be treated the same as domestic visitors upon arrival.

He also requested that relevant ministries and agencies continue to receive opinions from domestic firms and localities regarding the reopening policy, including expanding visa-free markets, removing restrictions on electronic visas, and extending visitors’ stay.

Foreign and local visitors are equally treated: Gov’t official

A senior government official affirms Vietnam will reopen its borders to international tourism in a safe and effective manner and without discrimination.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (centre) and other officials at the meeting on March 15. (Photo: VNA)

All foreign visitors travelling by air will be treated the same as domestic holidaymakers upon arriving in Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam told a meeting in Hanoi on March 15 amidst travel businesses’ concerns about medical control measures, including quarantine and testing policy.

He also said there will be separate regulations for visitors travelling by road and waterway, as they have a longer travel time, so some more safety regulations are needed.

The Deputy PM revealed that Vietnam will soon resume pre-pandemic visa policy to attract tourists and help revitalize tourism services.

Vietnam fully reopened its borders to international tourism on March 15 after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The government the same day issued a resolution allowing visa exemption for citizens from 13 countries.

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam noted that Vietnam’s economic recovery is getting back on track and the reopening of the international tourism market will drive the recovery process.

He requested that relevant ministries and agencies continue to receive opinions from businesses and localities regarding the reopening policy, including expanding visa-free markets, removing restrictions on electronic visas and extending visitors’ stay.

Source: VOV/VNA

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