Traveling in Vietnam during COVID-19: What You Must Know

Last update: February 2022

After being homebound for such a long time, a holiday to a sunkissed beach or another distinct culture in Vietnam sounds like an enchanting invitation. Vietnam has been proven to show promising efforts to control the pandemic, and with massive subsidization and promotions to boost domestic travel, traveling in Vietnam is more affordable than ever.

Take notes of all the necessary information for traveling in Vietnam during COVID-19 in our article below.

Traveling in Vietnam during COVID-19: Safe or Unsafe?

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".

In terms of traveling, Vietnam expects to fully reopen from 15 March 2022. Visitors coming to Vietnam will only have to go through one day of quarantine, as long as they are tested negative for COVID-19 before the departure and upon arrival in the country.

Most business activities throughout Vietnam are allowed to resume, including indoor dining, bars and pubs. Wearing masks are required in most indoor public places. Other than that, you might also need to scan a QR code to declare your health status and record your traveling history. For places that are or might be going under lockdown, if you're having a hard time shopping for your necessities, check out How to Buy Groceries Online in Vietnam.

Most Vietnamese wears masks voluntarily in public places

Thanks to the recent recovery, traveling in Vietnam is expected to resume as soon as mid-March 2022:

• To prevent further outbreaks after the lockdown measures have been lifted, people are required to be vaccinated in order to go outside in public or to be able to return to work. The app PC-Covid serves as proof of vaccination, it represents a yellow card (if you've had one shot of the vaccine) or a green card (if you've had both of the shots). Getting a booster shot is also encouraged.
• Land borders: borders with China, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Vientiane, Phnompenh, San Francisco/Los Angeles are open from January 1st, 2022.
• Flights, trains, and public transportation between and within provinces and cities are slowly coming back, with more ease on the passenger number's limit
• The required mandatory quarantine for visitors coming from abroad has been shortened to only one day. Arrivals with negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test results would only need to self-quarantine at home or their places of accommodation and it is advisable to monitor your health occasionally during your trip
• Individuals may face a fine from VND 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 if caught not wearing proper masks in public; a fine up to 2,000,000 for going outside without a valid reason. See What Masks You Should Wear in Vietnam.
• International flights to Vietnam are slowly opening to international tourists, along with diplomats, professional workers and managers. Foreign nationals from China, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Vientiane, Phnompenh, San Francisco/Los Angeles, Paris, Frankfurt, London, Sydney, Melbourne (Australia), and Moscow are the first nationals to be welcomed to Vietnam.

In short, lookout for the next trip within the country very soon. In terms of Vietnam opening the borders for foreign tourists, there 

Read more: Most Common Recreational Activities after the Pandemic

Traveling in Vietnam during COVID-19 is limited, but not impossible

Must-take Measures for Travelling in Vietnam during COVID-19

a. Obtaining a Vietnam Visa

There are three ways to obtain a visa to Vietnam: application at the Immigration Office, E-visa, or visa on arrival.

See more details on Obtaining a Vietnamese Visa.

Even though international visitors are gradually allowed to come to Vietnam, the paperwork process can be a little bureaucratic so make sure to plan for your visa and other required documents well advance your departure.

Remember to contact a visa agent or your embassy/consulate for further information on visa policies

For visitors who are already in Vietnam:

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

• To get more information, contact Vietnam’s Immigration Department (024 3938 7320).

b. Staying Healthy in Vietnam during COVID-19:

It’s always good to be alert all the time, even if the situation is under control. Here are some recommendations from our team for staying healthy when you’re traveling in Vietnam during COVID-19:

• Complete the mandatory health checkup upon arrival and before leaving the country.
• Bring your medical essentials: your daily medicines/supplements, common medication (for a cold, a headache, or motion sickness), a letter from your doctor listing your current health conditions and/or prescriptions.
• Beware of the symptoms of COVID-19. If you’re unsure, go to one of the 30 screening centers throughout Vietnam for a test.
• If you feel under the weather, go to an international hospital in Vietnam for better assistance for foreigners and remember to wear a mask at all times.
• Check and follow the local authority's guidelines and directives strictly.
• Avoid crowded places and try to keep a safe distance of 1 or 2 meters away from strangers.
• Download an app called PC-Covid App to record your health declarations as well as travel history

Read more on How to Stay Healthy during Quarantine in Vietnam and What to Do If You Get Sick in Vietnam.

c. Emergency Contacts in Vietnam

In case of emergency, always keep these emergency contacts in Vietnam on your phone. The number for ambulances is 115.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been in places that might expose you to the virus, contact 1900 3228 (Vietnam’s health hotline).

Here’s a list of foreign embassies in Vietnam should you need further assistance.

Top Destinations for Travelling in Vietnam during COVID-19

Even as the situation is under control, it is still advisable to choose non-touristy places for traveling in Vietnam after COVID-19. To avoid the crowd, opt for a more thrilling experience by exploring these lesser-known destinations throughout Vietnam:

a. Staycation in Vietnam during COVID-19:

Isn't this article made for travel ideas? Why do I have to stay inside?

As we've mentioned earlier, there are attractive promotion programs to boost domestic tourism and a host of luxury hotels, as a result, are offering great discounts on their room and service prices. In case you don't have plenty of time in your hands for a holiday escape, treat yourself with an extravagant experience at Top Deluxe Hotels in Vietnam, or search for attractive offers at your dream hotels below:

b. Sapa

Get adventurous in Sapa, home to Fansipan - Indochina’s highest peak

Although Sapa is famous for being one of the most popular travel destinations in Vietnam, you don't have to be afraid of drowning in massive tourist crowds. Many ethnic villages or exclusive resorts in Sapa are awaiting for you to enjoy some quality social-distancing time.

c. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is the more peaceful, yet not less awe-inspiring, version of Phong Nha - Ke Bang

d. Moc Chau

Visit Moc Chau’s luscious tea plantations and learn about the ethnic minorities’ way of life

e. Con Dao

Con Dao is rich in history and in azure seas that immediately says summer

Get discounted tickets to travel to more amazing places in Vietnam:

Our Thoughts on Travelling in Vietnam during COVID-19

Even though being able to stretch your legs is fun, traveling in Vietnam during COVID-19, as with traveling anywhere else, requires you to be extra careful and mindful about others’ and your own well-being. To get the safest trip, always stay updated on the COVID-19 situation and related policies, and follow WHO’s advice and the local government’s directives strictly. We hope that this article has helped you to have an enjoyable trip to Vietnam!

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