Vietnam’s Prime Minister demanded two weeks ago that the country reopen for international arrivals by the end of March or no later than April (read more here). International flight restrictions have been removed today (read more here).
Many cabinet members support a proposal to reopen Vietnam for vaccinated or recovered international travelers with one night quarantine from March 15, 2022.
Visitors would need to have an antigen test performed within 24 hours of departure and travel insurance with a minimum limit of $20,000. They would be released from the quarantine after a negative test. There would be no need to book a “package” like what has been the case with the limited tourists currently allowed in.
Vietnam also plans to reinstate the visa exemption policies with 13 countries and separate one with 88.
The visa exemption for a stay for 15 days is in place with Russia, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belarus. In addition, Visa-on-arrival has been in place with many other nationalities.
Excerpt from VN Express:
Several ministries have voiced support for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s proposal to fully reopen international tourism and lift all travel restrictions from March 15.
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 spend one-day quarantine in their hotel or accommodation facility until they furnish a negative Covid test result and would continue monitoring their health for 14 days as per health ministry protocol.
Conclusion
It seems likely that Vietnam is reopening this March unless there are last-minute roadblocks to this plan. It would be great if there were no other pre-departure requirements than a negative antigen test. Also, it likely won’t take a day to get a negative test in Vietnam, after which you would be free to roam.
The less red tape there is, the more likely tourists are to return.
