Can I Travel to Vietnam Now?

VIETNAM'S CURRENT SITUATION

(Last update: February 2022)

From December 2021, Vietnam has seen an emergence of the Omicron variant in Ho Chi Minh City. Since then, the number of infected cases has gradually increased. Hanoi is currently the hardest-hit region with almost 3,000 cases detected daily. Hundreds and possibly thousands of new cases are recorded daily in other areas as well (See the latest updated stats here). Fortunately, thanks to the effective mass vaccination scheme as well as the government's relentless effort in containing the spread of community infections, life in Vietnam is slowly yet surely adapting to the "new normal".

Most businesses are permitted to operate normally, which includes indoor dining, bars and clubs, etc. Wearing masks is still widely expected in public areas. As proof of vaccination, the app PC-COVID will serve as a yellow card (for those who's got one shot of the vaccine) or a green card (for those who's got both vaccine shots). Some public places might require these proofs before they can let you enter.

To learn in detail about what guidelines your city is applying, we'd advise you to keep a lookout on local news such as tuoitrenews.vn or e.vnexpress.net

Directive 15, 16, and 19 are the main guidelines of the government to tackle the pandemic, with Directive 16 being the most extreme. Note that the regulations may have some minor changes according to the severity of the situation

See also Vietnam Travel COVID-19 Updates for more information

In terms of traveling into the country, international flights for tourists traveling into Vietnam are expected to resume from January 2022 and a full-scale reopening for vaccinated travelers is expected to be accelerated from March 2022. Land borders: borders with China, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Vientiane, Phnompenh, San Francisco/Los Angeles are open from January 1st, 2022.

Upon entering Vietnam, travelers need to be able to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result done within 72 hours upon their arrival, and health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment. See more on Vietnam Reopening in 2022.

All entries into Vietnam from abroad are subjected to a 3 to 7 day quarantine period, either done at a hotel and get tested for COVID-19 at least 3 times upon completing the quarantine. Quarantine is not required for short-term visits (staying in Vietnam less than 14 days), but visitors must follow a strict protocol as well as undergoing testing and health surveillance. Read more on COVID-19 Testing and Treatment in Vietnam.

Vietnam is also carrying out mass testing and vaccination plan. In terms of the COVID vaccine, the authority is prioritizing inoculation for priority groups (frontline workers, medical staff, reporters, etc.). The available vaccines in Vietnam are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, VeroCell, etc.

COVID-19 IN VIETNAM: WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE

There can be a fine of up to VND 3 million if caught not wearing masks in public

If you're traveling to Vietnam, you'd need to prepare carefully not only for health and hygiene reasons but also for the required legal documents to enter the country. Vietnam has mandated certain rules and restrictions in public to prevent community infections, such as avoiding large public gatherings and wearing masks in public. See below for more information regarding COVID-19 rules in restrictions in Vietnam:

• Vietnam COVID-19 Regulations
• Checklist for Entering Vietnam COVID-19
• Traveling to Vietnam for Work during COVID-19
• Traveling out of Vietnam during COVID-19
• Vietnam International and Domestic Flights COVID-19 Updates
• Safety Practices to Travel Vietnam during COVID-19

The “automatic stay extension” for foreign nationals will be discontinued starting from 15th January 2022

HOTELS IN VIETNAM CERTIFIED AS QUARANTINE FACILITIES:

Le Meriden Saigon Hotel

When traveling to Vietnam, you'll have options whether to quarantine in a government facility or self-quarantine in a hotel. A majority of first-class hotels in Vietnam are certified as quarantine centers for foreigner travelers coming to Vietnam, though the cost would be higher than the standard quarantine centers, the quality service makes the price all worth it and the experience will be nothing less of a short leisure vacation instead of feeling like an extended isolation period. Some recommended hotels are:

• The Reverie Saigon: Check prices and availability
• Hotel Des Arts Saigon: Check prices and availability
• Norfolk Hotel Saigon: Check prices and availability
• Hyatt Regency West Hanoi Hotel: Check prices and availability
• Silk Path Hotel Hanoi: Check prices and availability
• Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: Check prices and availability

 Look for more hotels in Vietnam below:

TRAVELING VIETNAM DURING COVID-19

Ironically, this is the golden opportunity to travel in Vietnam due to multiple discounts and promotions to attract more travelers, and there are much less crowded in famous places of attraction

Leisure traveling has been put to a halt, as well as other forms of entertainment. Outdoor exercising is also banned. Before we can go back to enjoy exploring the peaceful Vietnam we love, everyone needs to practice the government protocols earnestly. 

• Vietnam Public Activities and Festivals Closures
• Vietnam Travel Trends during COVID-19
• Safe Outdoor Activities in Vietnam during COVID-19
• Top Domestic Travel Plans in Vietnam during COVID-19
• Tours You Can Take in Vietnam during COVID-19
• Backpacking in Vietnam during COVID-19
• Staycation in Vietnam during COVID-19

For more useful information about traveling to Vietnam, check out our travel guides - authentically written by locals.

HOW VIETNAM IS DEALING WITH COVID-19

• How Ho Chi Minh is Dealing with COVID-19
• How Hanoi is Dealing with COVID-19
• How Da Nang is Dealing with COVID-19

For more information about the COVID-19 in Vietnam, please visit the official Ministry of Health's website and the WHO's official updates.