Vietnam Reopening in 2022 - Travel Updates and Regulations

Vietnam is one of the Asian countries that impose the tightest travel restrictions, especially on international tourists, ever since the dawn of the pandemic. Thankfully, the border will soon no longer be closed. From hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, and attractions in Vietnam to the local residents, everyone is collaborating to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Though wearing masks, social distancing, temperature monitoring, and medical declaration are all required, Vietnam reopening in 2022 will provide you with fresh vacation experiences.

Social distancing and wearing masks in public are still the norm

The number of passengers on public transportation is also limted to ensure social distancing. For example: only 1 passenger is allowed on a 4-seater taxi

Similar to every other country, Vietnam is still facing the detrimental effect of the Delta strain, with the danger of the newest Omicron variant looming large. However, due to the effective mass vaccination scheme and contact tracing, Vietnam has somewhat put the community infections under control, albeit thousands of cases are found daily. Up to now, no Omicron-related has been detected in Vietnam yet.

The Government’s Scheme on Promoting Tourism for Vietnam Reopening in 2022

Flights resumption: the Vietnamese government has resumed flights between Vietnam and international destinations which are positively safe from COVID-19, including Tokyo (Japan), Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (South Korea), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Vientiane (Laos), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Beijing/Guangzhou (China) and San Francisco or Los Angeles (the United States).

Timeline of Vietnam Reopening in 2022

Vietnam's Immigration Department announced automatic visa extensions until December 31, 2021 for foreigners who entered the country on visa waiver programs, electronic visas, or tourist visas on or after March 1, 2020. The policy is applicable to those who entered Vietnam after March 1, 2020, and allows them to exit the country without punishment or documentation until December 31, 2021.

Vietnam intends to accept fully vaccinated foreign tourists in three phases beginning in November 2021 at designated destinations, including Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.

The second phase would begin in January 2022 with an addition of locations after evaluating the results of the first phase, and a full reopening is expected in June or July 2022.

Note: as of now, all entries into Vietnam comply with specific regulations (which will be elaborated below) and must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aside from obtaining a Vietnam visa.

Requirements for International Tourists regarding Vietnam Reopening in 2022

Here is the checklist for entering Vietnam that international tourists need to follow:

• A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 recognized by the Vietnamese authorities. With the 2nd dose, make sure that you have been vaccinated from 14 days to one year before boarding the plane.
• In case you have recovered from COVID, the time between entry date and hospital discharge must not exceed 6 months, and a certification of recovery is required.
• A negative result for coronavirus from the RT-PCR/RT-LAMP test within 72 hours is required before departure. The test must be done and recognized by an authorized hospital, but some airports also offer testing before flying.
• Passengers will be required to participate in approved package tours organized by specified travel agents. The excursions will include flights, testing processes, and accommodations at approved resorts and hotels. Guests must agree to adhere to their tour groups' schedules and avoid unnecessary contact with others.
• Medical or travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability at US$ 50,000 (more than 1 billion VND).

Get insurance details for your trip below:

• Download the app PC-COVID, fill in your vaccination status and medical declaration. This app can act like a traveling pass or a vaccination passport within Vietnam.
• As of now, not every international tourist can enter Vietnam. To be eligible to enter, you must be a skilled worker or a high-level manager and obtain confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vietnam.

A paper-based certificate showing full vaccination against COVID-19

A phone-based certificate showing full vaccination against COVID-19

The PC-Covid App is compatible on Android and iOS

Quarantine Requirements When TravelingVietnam | Vietnam Reopening in 2022

• For fully vaccinated and tested-negative passengers, you'll only need to quarantine at a hotel or a company's facility for 3 days and then self-monitor your health later on. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will have to quarantine for 7 days.
• All entries will have to be tested for COVID-19 on the first and the seventh day of the quarantine period (starting from the entrance date). The first test may employ either quick antigen testing or RT-PCR tests, but the second test would apply RT-PCR tests.
• Hotels might charge extra if you choose to stay there for your quarantine, and only designated hotels can accept guests for quarantine purposes, see more about Quarantine Hotels in Vietnam. Foreign nationals are also expected to pay for medical treatment on their own.
• Vietnam's transport ministry is also considering measures to eliminate quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers, guaranteeing the viability of restarting regular international flights. Rather than quarantine, the ministry recommends pre- and post-arrival testing.

Places to Explore for Vietnam Reopening in 2022

Vietnam reopening in 2022 offers many places to revive your travel experience after such a long time stuck at home. Designated regions and tourism facilities in Hoi An, Khanh Hoa, Phu Quoc, Quang Ninh, and Da Nang are welcoming foreign tourists within the package tourism programs.

Immerse yourself in the bustling street in Hoi An again

Hordes of tourists visit Phu Quoc every year

Get ready to pay a visit to one of the world’s most beautiful bridges in Da Nang

Spend your vacation in Quang Ninh - a large province along the north-eastern coast of Vietnam

Conclusion on Vietnam Reopening in 2022

Since the unprecedented breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Vietnam has ceased receiving overseas visitors. Consider how you may assist Vietnam's tourism business, and how Vietnam reopening in 2022 will restore your feeling of adventure!