Vietnam to resume int'l tourism from March 15
The Government on February 16 agreed to reopen inbound and outbound tourism from March 15 under new normal conditions.
A directive by Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to announce a detailed reopening plan to be applied nationwide.
The ministry was also asked to work with the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs to make a proposal on visa issuance policy.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung emphasised that the reopening of tourism under new normal conditions must be based on Vietnam's reality, and refer to the experience of some countries in the region and around the world.
Accordingly, the pilot programme for welcoming international tourists, which was implemented from November 2021 to February 10, has had positive results. Nearly 9,000 international tourists were welcomed while safety was ensured, leaving a good impression on them.
Regarding the issuance of entry visa, Vietnam has exempted visas unilaterally for 13 countries and bilaterally for 88 countries and territories.
However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 since 2020 and the developments of the pandemic in other countries, the Government has decided to stop the visa exemption mechanism.Ministries and agencies have proposed the Government resume the visa issuance for international tourists including electronic visa, unilateral and bilateral visa exemption as from March 15.
There’s no need for international tourists to register with their tour operators when arriving in Vietnam but they will be required to meet the Ministry of Health (MoH)’s regulations.
All tourists aged from 12 and above are required to furnish a certificate stating they have been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid and show a negative rapid antigen test result obtained within 24 hours at their accommodation facilities after arrival.
International visitors arriving in the country by air would self isolate in their hotel or accommodation facility for one day until they furnish a negative Covid test result and would continue monitoring their health for 14 days as per health ministry protocol.
