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

Last update: October 2021

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?

Since May 2021, Vietnam is facing a new emergence of the Delta variant of COVID and Ho Chi Minh is the hardest-hit region, making up more than 60% of the total cases nationwide (you can see the latest data here). Thankfully, the situation has improved significantly, from up to 12,000 new cases of infected patients recorded every day nationwide to around 4,000 - 5,000 cases daily. Social distancing measures are greatly relaxed due to the mass vaccination plan, and the majority of businesses are allowed to operate again.

In terms of traveling, domestic flights are planned to resume from October 2021, taxis and buses in Ho Chi Minh City are also allowed to operate with limited passengers each ride. Indoor dining is not yet a reality, but takeaway food and delivery are more than welcomed. 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 is expected to resume as soon as June 2021:

• 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). 
• Wet markets are allowed to operate in certain areas with a low risk.
• Land borders: borders with China, Cambodia, and Laos are currently closed, except for importing and exporting goods. 
• Flights, trains, and public transportation between and within provinces and cities are slowly coming back, albeit with limited passengers. 
• The required mandatory quarantine has been extended from 14 days to 21 days. Some places may impose a 28-day quarantine period. If you're fully vaccinated with 2 shots, the quarantine is shortened to 7 days, followed by an additional 7 days of self-monitoring at home.
• 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 still suspended in general, except for diplomats, professional workers and managers.

In short, look out 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.

Currently, entry to Vietnam from all foreign nationals is suspended, including those who have had visas or visa exemptions. However, diplomats or foreigners on official business can enter, even though they must go through a health checkup and a 14-day quarantine. New visas for other purposes won’t be issued.

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

For visitors who are already in Vietnam:

• Visitors staying in Vietnam since March 1st, 2020 are allowed to have an automatic extension till October 31st, 2021 without charge, provided that they have proofs to have been stuck in Vietnam since and must acquire a letter from the embassy.
• Travelers who’ve entered Vietnam before March 1st should have an official letter to prove that you couldn’t depart for objective reasons from either the embassy or consulate. With that, you may be considered for extensions.
• Those that have been in quarantine or recovered from COVID-19 are eligible for the visa extension as well. Note that the certification documents must be shown to immigration officials when you leave the country.
• Remember to ask your accommodations to help you declare your stay to the local police. Furthermore, you must fill in this online health declaration form.
• 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 BlueZone to know if you've come in contact with any suspicious case of COVID-19

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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