Updates on Vietnam International and Domestic Flights during COVID-19

June 2021's update: Due to the current surge of COVID cases in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh's international airports have suspended international flights. Ho Chi Minh, in particular, is limiting domestic flights.

As one of the countries that have taken stringent measures to prevent the Coronavirus community outbreak, it is little to no surprise that international flights in Vietnam have yet to resume until further notice. Get in the know of the latest updates on Vietnam flights during COVID-19 to prepare for your trips timely.

Safety Guidelines when Taking Vietnam Flights during COVID-19

• Prioritize online check-in or via phone to physical contact as well as saving time
• Maintain 6-feet (2-meter) distance from other people, and avoid contact with anyone who is sick
• Limit touching surfaces such as handrails, elevator buttons, etc.
• Wear a face mask at all times
• Avoid touching your face
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer
• During transit, try to stay within the airport only
• Complete health declaration and quarantine as required

Most airlines reduced passenger seats to practice social distancing on flights

Other Best Practices for Protecting Yourself during COVID-19 

Commercial International Vietnam Flights during COVID-19

Vietnam is resuming flights connecting with some Asian countries and having plans for flights with the US.

Vietnam Airlines has opened flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with South Korea, Japan, and Australia. Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways are looking to reopen direct flights with the US.

The budget carrier Vietjet Air has reopened flights with South Korea, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan.

The airline reopening aims to carry Vietnamese who would like to study abroad or go on overseas business trips, as well as foreign expats wanting to return home. However, regarding inbound flights into Vietnam, only people carrying Vietnamese passports can enter. Foreign tourists are not allowed to come to Vietnam yet. Foreign nationals allowed to enter Vietnam at the moment are diplomats, officials, and experts. As for the skilled employees who are allowed to fly to Vietnam, there is a lengthy process of acquiring the work permit, visa, and COVID testing results upon your trip to Vietnam.

People coming to Vietnam must go under a quarantine period and pay for the quarantine and medical costs themselves.

Land borders: borders with China, Cambodia, and Laos are currently closed, except for importing and exporting goods.  

More screening points and quarantine centers to be set up to accommodate more passengers coming to Vietnam

On the bright side, the government is discussing a plan to welcome vaccinated foreign tourists to Vietnam by September 2021. Passengers will have to commit to a 14-day quarantine period unless they are vaccinated and are able to show certificates of having vaccinated and a negative COVID test. The plan also depends on the national scheme of mass vaccination expecting to happen in August.

Repatriation Vietnam Flights during COVID-19

Vietnam has been working hard to bring Vietnamese stranded abroad back home, and now there are more flights to help foreign nationals return to their home countries. It is worth noticing that these flights are not abundant. It depends on each country’s policy on taking their citizens home, so you may want to contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Vietnam in advance for more information or to register and secure a ticket. In addition, check with the airlines if they’re eligible to operate and for any changes regarding flying timetables, seats, etc., and pay attention to any transit requirements in transit countries.

Vietnam takes extra careful measures for repatriation flights

Domestic Vietnam Flights during COVID-19

With the new Delta variants found in Vietnam, domestic flights are greatly limited, especially if you're flying from Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, if you must fly out to another city, make sure that the airline is allowed to operate the flights to prevent unnecessary cancellations, as well as completing the health declarations as required and complying with the COVID-19's guidelines of the government.

Temperature checking is sometimes required to board on planes

What to do When Your Flights Got Canceled (Vietnam Flights during COVID-19 Updates)

During this unsettling time of the pandemic, flight cancelations or changing timetables are inevitable. Here are some notes you should take into considerations should you require refunding, rerouting, or rebooking your tickets. Note that the procedure may vary according to each airline’s policy and where you’re traveling to.

Before booking your tickets:

• Check whether the airline is eligible for flying or is flying during the pandemic
• Check whether the transit countries allow transit flights
• Check the airline’s cancelation policy carefully (conditions, additional fares, refund policy, etc.)
• Check whether your passport is valid and a visa can be issued.
• Do a COVID-19 test, arrange the quarantine facilities, and plan your testing appointments
• Make a few copies of your documents and paperwork

See more Useful Tips for Booking Flights to Vietnam

• It is recommended not to book last-minute tickets during this special time, and always check the flight details (dates and timings, restrictions, and requirements) at least 2 weeks prior to your trip.

When your flights got canceled:

• Contact the airlines immediately about your case. Generally, airlines will refund with Travel Vouchers.
• Be mindful of whether your tickets are issued before or after March 31st, 2020 (when Vietnam closed down international borders). There will be some differences between the post lockdown period versus now.
• Your travel insurance can be a great port of call in this situation. See below for quotes and conditions for travel insurance in Vietnam.

It is recommended to fly with major airlines for a better refund policy

More on Essential Information for Traveling Vietnam during COVID-19

Final Takes on Vietnam International and Domestic Flights during COVID-19 Updates

Even though the limitations of flights and international cause some inconveniences for both tourists yearning to explore Vietnam and professionals needing to get back to work, it is the strict measures and restrictions that keep the virus outbreak in Vietnam under control. Stay informed, stay safe, and we will keep you updated with the latest news of Vietnam international flights.

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