Vietnam fast-tracks its reopening to mid-March
The Southeast Asian favourite will welcome back fully vaccinated international travellers from 15 March, three months earlier than anticipated. Here’s what you need to know…
Vietnam’s government has approved the country’s tourist board’s plans to welcome back international travellers from the middle of next month.
From March 15, fully vaccinated overseas visitors will be able to return as the country fully reopens for the first time since the pandemic began, and three months earlier than originally suggested.
“The approval is in accordance with the government’s new responses to the pandemic, which are adapting safely and flexibly and controlling the virus effectively,” a government statement announced on Wednesday.
Vietnam will welcome back international tourists from 15 March (Shutterstock)
Like most countries, those who arrive will need to be fully vaccinated. Testing will be strict, with a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before departure to the country, and a rapid antigen test also required less than 24 hours after arrival. Visitors will still have to quarantine for one day as they await their negative test result, and then they’ll be free to explore the country.
International travellers will also need a good coronavirus-inclusive insurance package, with cover up to $10,000. More entry requirements may be announced in the coming weeks as plans are finalised.
The reopening comes after Vietnam lifted flight restrictions at the beginning of the year, restoring the frequency to pre-pandemic levels.
This is positive news for Vietnam’s tourism industry, after receiving only 157,000 visitors last year compared to nearly 19 million back in 2019.
