Vietnam to facilitate procedures for foreign entrants

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has agreed in principle to simplify administrative procedures for those entering Vietnam, the Government Office announced Tuesday.

Accordingly, foreigners that are not tourists can enter Vietnam without having to apply for approval from the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities.

However, those who want to visit Vietnam for tourism purposes will have to continue following all regulations applied to international tourists.

Before the government gives the green light, anyone that wants to enter Vietnam must prepare a list of papers including approvals from the People’s Committee and the Department of Immigration, proof of vaccination, PCR test results and a health insurance certificate for quarantine.

In many cases, it could take weeks to prepare all the papers.

For foreigners that still need to obtain a visa, the People’s Committee in cities and provinces should create favorable conditions in case they need to enter Vietnam to work, study, or do charity work.

Vietnam partially reopened regular commercial flights on nine international routes on Jan. 1 to China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and the U.S.

Once arriving in Vietnam, fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 will have to self-isolate, either at home, hotels or other facilities, for three days. They will be tested on the third day. If results are negative, they will be required to monitor their health for the next 11 days, free to move about, but required to avoid large gatherings or crowded places.

Arrivals who are not fully vaccinated will be self-isolated for seven days, then be tested on the 3rd and 7th days.

Arrivals must pay for their PRC tests.