HCMC wants international air services restarted to get foreign tourists

In a proposal they submitted to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Wednesday, city authorities said the Covid-19 pandemic is basically under control with high vaccination rates, and with the healthcare system now experienced in handling unexpected surges, local media reported.

There are 61 hotels used as paid quarantine facilities with over 6,000 beds and six military-run isolation facilities with over 2,300 beds.

Earlier the city had also asked the government to allow in foreign tourists without the mandatory quarantine as part of its efforts to revive economic and tourism activities.

Its high vaccination rate and shift from a zero-virus strategy to living with the pandemic have enabled the city to lift most restrictions since early October and resume economic activities.

It received over 8.6 million foreign visitors in 2019, or nearly half the country’s total foreign arrivals.

On Tuesday the Ministry of Transport too recommended the resumption of regular international air services from December 15, starting with nine destinations: San Francisco or Los Angeles (the U.S.), Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Vientiane (Laos), Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), and Taipei (Taiwan).

Vietnam grounded international flights in March last year, allowing only its nationals, foreign experts, investors, and highly-skilled workers to enter.

It finally reopened its doors to foreign tourists last month.

Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, and Kien Giang provinces and Da Nang City now allow in foreign tourists with vaccine passports.